bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mediating effect of organizational climate on the relationship between HRM practices and HR outcomes in the Libyan public sector
Authors: Al Damoe Fathi Mohamed , Hamid Kamal , Sharif Mohmad
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Despite the fact that previous studies have identified a possible mediator (organizational climate) in the HRM practices-HR outcomes link, the role of organizational climate as a mediator has, however, not been accorded the respect it deserves in the HRM practices-HR outcomes relationship. Moreover, studies on organizational climate are still scarce and have often focused on western organizations. The purpose of this paper, among others, is to examine the direct effect of HRM practices on the HR outcomes within the context of Libyan organizations. It further investigates whether organizational climate mediates the influence of HRM practices on the HR outcomes within the context of Libyan organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses multiple regression analysis on a sample of Libyan organizations.

Findings

Regarding the findings, first, the paper finds that organizations that adopt HRM practices, such as performance appraisal, compensation and rewards and HR planning achieve significant HR outcomes. The finding also indicates that recruitment and selection and training and development are not good predictors of HR outcomes in the organization. Finally, the study reveals that the influence of HRM practice dimensions such as performance appraisal, compensation and reward and HRP on organizational performance is mediated by the presence of organizational climate; on the other hand, organizational climate fails to mediate the influence of both recruitment and selection and training and development on the HR outcomes. This study suggests that not all HRM practices are influenced by organizational climate of the organizations in Libya, and this may be due to the present environmental situation in Libya.

Originality/value

The study is deemed as an initial attempt to investigate the mediating effect of organizational climate on the relationship between HRM practices and HR outcomes in the Libyan public organizations. This finding acts as a springboard for further research and a wake-up call to the organizations in Libya to evaluate the importance of organizational climate in achieving HR outcomes in a volatile environment.
Bio-inspired iron metal–carbon black based nano-electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Seyyedi Behnam
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce bio-inspired FeN4-S-C black nano-electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in an alkaline medium. The FeN4-S-C derived without pyrolysis of precursors in high temperature is recognized as a new electrocatalyst for the ORR in an alkaline electrolyte. For the proper design of bio-inspired nano-electrocatalyst for the ORR performance, chlorinated iron (II) phthalocyanine nanoparticles were used as templates for achieving the active sites in aqueous KOH by rotating disk electrode methods. The most active FeN4-S-C catalyst exhibited a remarkable ORR activity in the alkaline medium. The objectives of this paper are to investigate the possibility of nanoscale particles size (Ëœ5nm) of electrocatalyst, to achieve four-electron transfer mechanism and to exhibit much superior catalytic stability in measurements. This paper will shed light on bio-inspired FeN4-S-C materials for the ORR catalysis in alkaline fuel cells.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a new bio-inspired nano-electrocatalyst for the ORR, which has activity nearby platinum/carbon electrocatalyst. Chlorinated iron phthalocyanine nanoparticles have been used as FeN4 template, which is the key point for the ORR. Bio-inspired nano-electrocatalyst has been fabricated using chlorinated iron phthalocyanine, sodium sulphide and carbon black.

Findings

The particles’ size was 5 nm and electron transfer number was 4.

Research limitations/implications

The catalyst that is used in this method should be weighed carefully. In addition, the solvent should be a saturated solution of NaCl in water.

Practical implications

The method provides a simple and practical solution to improving the synthesis of iron-based catalyst for ORR.

Originality/value

The method for the synthesis of bio-inspired electrocatalyst was novel and can find numerous applications in industries, especially as ORR non-precious metal catalyst.
Real-time, ongoing employee feedback: the perk that actually retains
Authors: Heller Michael
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help leaders with their performance management explore how a simple ongoing feedback loop retains employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is set up in a “to-do, not to-do” format to give busy leaders a clear, black and white view on how this approach works.

Findings

The “simple” approach of having an ongoing feedback loop is hard for employers to get in the habit of doing, which is understandable. This paper shows them that implementation is not as hard as many anticipate.

Research limitations/implications

A lot of the “research” comes from daily experiences through practice. Studies have proven that leaders want to deliver more performance feedback to their employees; however, it’s the actual implementation we as leaders must learn to deliver in an effective manner.

Originality/value

This paper includes actual tried-and-true tactics for leaders to easily implement, and get the feel for how feedback works and the impact it makes on business. The hope is to help leaders in any industry to be able to transform the way they provide feedback.
Engaging employees: three critical roles for managers
Authors: Tucker Elissa
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to detail the roles that managers can play in engaging their direct reports.

Design/methodology/approach

APQC conducted an online survey of 252 participants – representing different generations, job levels and organizations of varying sizes and industries – about people challenges at work (i.e. instances where the action or inaction of other employees makes it more challenging for an individual to achieve his/her work goals).

Findings

Nearly all workers experience people challenges, which increase stress, reduce productivity and diminish job satisfaction. The top people challenges at work are change resistance, skills gaps and inadequate direction and information. People managers are best positioned to alleviate these challenges so that workers may have a more engaging and productive experience.

Originality/value

Employee engagement is a multiple-stakeholder process involving HR, leaders, managers and employees. This paper sheds light on the role of the manager in engaging employees. Whereas it is commonplace to acknowledge that managers are important to employee engagement, this paper actually spells out the specific actions managers can take to remove barriers to employee engagement.
Artificial light at night alters trophic interactions of intertidal invertebrates
Authors: Underwood Charlotte N. , Davies Thomas W. , Queirós Ana M.
Published: April 2017

Despite being globally widespread in coastal regions, the impacts of light pollution on intertidal ecosystems has received little attention. Intertidal species exhibit many night‐time‐dependent ecological strategies, including feeding, reproduction, orientation and predator avoidance, which are likely negatively affected by shifting light regimes, as has been observed in terrestrial and aquatic taxa.

Coastal lighting may shape intertidal communities through its influence on the nocturnal foraging activity of dogwhelks (Nucella lapillus), a widespread predatory mollusc that structures biodiversity in temperate rocky shores. In the laboratory, we investigated whether the basal and foraging activity of this predator was affected by exposure to night‐time lighting both in the presence and absence of olfactory predator cues (Carcinus maenas, common shore crab).

Assessments of dogwhelks’ behavioural responses to night‐time whiteLEDlighting were performed on individuals that had been acclimated to night‐time whiteLEDlighting conditions for 16 days and individuals that had not previously been exposed to artificial light at night.

Dogwhelks acclimated to night‐time lighting exhibited natural refuge‐seeking behaviour less often compared to control animals, but were more likely to respond to and handle prey irrespective of whether olfactory predator cues were present. These responses suggest night‐time lighting likely increased the energetic demand of dogwhelks through stress, encouraging foraging whenever food was available, regardless of potential danger. Contrastingly, whelks not acclimated under night‐time lighting were more likely to respond to the presence of prey under artificial light at night when olfactory predator cues were present, indicating an opportunistic shift towards the use of visual instead of olfactory cues in risk evaluation.

These results demonstrate that artificial night‐time lighting influences the behaviour of intertidal fauna such that the balance of interspecific interactions involved in community structuring may be affected.
The Necessity of Atheism: Making Sense of Secularisation
Authors: Brown Callum G.
Published: April 2017

Atheists and atheism have a negligible place in the historiography of secularisation. This is because, it is argued here, secularisation is something that is too often measured from religion and, in one influential narrative, has a strongly Christian character to its progress and its outcome. Taking Charles Taylor's A Secular Age (2007) as a foil, this article explores longstanding suppositions about the nature of the religious past. It explores on the one hand the persistence of the notion of the “enchanted world” of medieval Europe despite the accumulating evidence to the contrary, and on the other hand the conception of late‐modern secularity as veined through with concealed religiosity. Instead, the author posits that secularisation requires an appreciation of the possibility of atheism in all human periods, and quickly assesses some of the evidence, and then argues from oral history evidence that much can be learned from examining contemporary atheist life narratives about the diversity of forms this takes. The article proposes five foundational principles about atheism across the last 1,500 years.
Two Hour Evaluation and Referral Model for Shorter Turnaround Times in the emergency department
Authors: Burke John A , Greenslade Jaimi , Chabrowska Jadwiga , Greenslade Katherine , Jones Sally , Montana Jacqueline , Bell Anthony , O'Connor Alan
Published: April 2017

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the implementation of a novel ED model of care, which combines clinical streaming, team‐based assessment and early senior consultation to reduce length of stay.

Methods

A pre–post‐intervention study was used to compare ED performance following an extensive clinical redesign programme. Clinical teams and work sequences were reconfigured to promote the role of the staff specialist, with a focus on earlier decisions regarding disposition. Primary outcome measures were ED length of stay and National Emergency Access Target (NEAT) compliance. Secondary outcomes included referral and workup times, wait times by triage category, ambulance offload times, ward discharges and unit transfers within 24 h of admission, representation within 48 h, and Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) calls within 24 h of admission.

Results

Two seasonally matched 26 week intervals were compared with adjustment for demographics, triage category and arrival by ambulance. Overall, there was an 18.4% rise in NEAT performance (95% confidence interval (CI): 17.7–19.1) while ED length of stay decreased by a total of 86.8 min (95% CI: 83.6–90.1). Time series analysis did not suggest any preexisting trends to explain these results. The average time to referral decreased by 74.7 min (95% CI: 69.8–79.6) and waiting times decreased across all triage categories. Rates of MERT activation and unplanned representation were unchanged.

Conclusion

A facilitated team leader role for senior doctors can help to reduce length of stay by via early disposition, without significant risks to the patient.
Antimicrobial Effects of Quillaja saponaria Extract Against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and the Emerging Non‐O157 Shiga Toxin‐Producing E. coli
Authors: Sewlikar Snigdha , D'Souza Doris H.
Published: April 2017

Natural alternate methods to control the spread of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are important to prevent foodborne outbreaks. Quillaja saponaria aqueous bark extracts (QE), cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a natural flavorant, contain bioactive polyphenols, tannins, and tri‐terpenoid saponins with anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of commercial QE against E. coli O157:H7 and non‐O157 strains over 16 h at 37 °C and RT. Overnight cultures of 4 E. coli O157:H7 strains and 6 non‐O157 STECs in Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) were washed and resuspended in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2), and treated with QE and controls including citric acid (pH 3.75), sodium benzoate (0.1% w/w), acidified sodium benzoate (pH 3.75) or PBS for 6 h or 16 h. Recovered bacteria were enumerated after plating on Tryptic Soy Agar, from duplicate treatments, replicated thrice and the data were statistically analyzed. The 4 QE‐treated E. coli O157:H7 strains from initial ∼7.5 log CFU had remaining counts between 6.79 and 3.5 log CFU after 16 h at RT. QE‐treated non‐O157 STECs showed lower reductions with remaining counts ranging from 6.81 to 4.55 log CFU after 16 h at RT.  Incubation at 37 °C caused reduction to nondetectable levels within 1 h, without any significant reduction in controls. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed damaged cell membranes of treated bacteria after 1 h at 37 °C. QE shows potential to control the spread of STECs, and further research in model food systems is needed.
Food habits of the pale fox (Vulpes pallida) in Niger
Authors: Burruss Dylan , Matchano Alkabouss , Frey Jennifer K. , Andersen Mark , Sillero‐Zubiri Claudio
Published: April 2017

The pale fox (Vulpes pallida) is a small, little known African carnivore that is patchily distributed throughout the Sahel. We studied the food habits of pale foxes in the Termit and Tin Toumma National Nature Reserve in south‐eastern Niger by examining the frequency of occurrence and proportions of prey remains in scats (n = 398). Arthropods, primarily Coleoptera, Orthoptera and Scorpiones, were present in 91.8% of scats. Mammalian remains, primarily Gerbillus spp., were found in 5.6% of scats. Avian, squamate and plant material were rarely present. There was little evidence of seasonal variation in the frequency of occurrence or proportions of prey in the diet, confirming that pale foxes are primarily insectivorous.
CEO Tenure, Market Competition, and Sticky Pay‐without‐performance as the Extraction of Rents
Authors: Kim Jinbae , Yang Daecheon , Lee Minyoung
Published: April 2017

This study examines the undesirable impact of CEO tenure on downwardly sticky pay, and the moderating effect of higher market competition on the potential adhesive connection between CEO tenure and sticky pay. We find that CEO pay stickiness intensifies as CEO tenure increases. This suggests that entrenched executives extract greater levels of baseline rents through strong exclusivity. In contrast, we find that in firms with long‐tenured CEOs, higher levels of competition intensity alleviate CEO pay stickiness. These results imply that although long‐tenured CEOs tend to exert a powerful influence over the pay‐setting process, increased competition restrains CEOs’ rent‐seeking behavior.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Internal Control Effectiveness
Authors: Kim Young Sang , Kim Yura , Kim Hyun‐Dong
Published: April 2017

This study empirically examines whether corporate social responsible firms exhibit more effective internal control over financial reporting. Specifically, we investigate whether socially responsible firms apply business practices to ensure financial transparency and accountability for their stakeholders. Using various measures of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and a battery of robust regression analysis over the period from 2004 to 2012, we find that CSR firms are more likely to have effective internal control under Section 404 of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX). Our results are robust to the propensity matching of firm characteristics, considering various measures of CSR, and adjusting for several endogenous problems.
Does the ability to express different emotions predict different indices of physical health? A skill‐based study of physical symptoms and heart rate variability
Authors: Tuck Natalie L. , Adams Kathryn S. , Consedine Nathan S.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The outward expression of emotion has been frequently associated with better health outcomes, whereas suppressing emotion is thought to contribute to worse physical health. However, work has typically focused on trait expressive tendencies and the possibility that individual differences in the ability to express specific emotions may also be associated with health has not been widely tested.

Design

A cross‐sectional study of community dwelling adults.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐eight participants aged 18–88 years completed questionnaires assessing demographics and health status, before attending a testing session in which resting heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed. Participants then completed a performance‐based test of expressive regulatory skill in which they were instructed to enhance and suppress their emotional expressions while they watched film clips validated to elicit amusement, sadness, and anger. Participants rated subjective emotional experience before and after each clip, and their degree of expressivity was scored using FACS‐based Noldus FaceReader.

Results

Missing data resulted in a final sample size of 117. Linear regressions controlling for age, sex, diagnoses, and trait emotion revealed that greater ability to enhance sad expressions was associated with higher HRV while the ability to enhance expressions of joy was associated with lower symptom interference. In parallel models, the ability to flexibly regulate (both enhance and suppress) expressions of joy and sadness was also associated with lower symptom interference.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the ability to regulate expressions of both sadness and joy is associated with health indices even when controlling for trait affect and potential confounds. The present findings offer early evidence that individual differences in the ability to regulate the outward expression of emotion may be relevant to health and suggest that expressive regulatory skills offer a novel avenue for research and intervention.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject

The tendency to outwardly express felt emotion generally predicts better health, whereas expressive suppression typically predicts worse health outcomes. Most work has been based on trait assessments; however, the ability to regulate the expression of felt emotion can be objectively assessed using performance‐based tests. Prior work in mental health suggests that the ability to flexibly up‐ and downregulate the expression of emotion predicts better outcomes.

What does this study add

The first evidence that the ability to flexibly regulate expressions predicts indices of health.

Skill in both expressing and suppressing facial expressions predicts better reported health.

Skills with different emotions differentially predict symptom interference and cardiac vagal tone.
Neurosteroid biosynthesis down‐regulation and changes in GABAA receptor subunit composition: a biomarker axis in stress‐induced cognitive and emotional impairment
Authors: Locci Andrea , Pinna Graziano
Published: April 2017

By rapidly modulating neuronal excitability, neurosteroids regulate physiological processes, such as responses to stress and development. Excessive stress affects their biosynthesis and causes an imbalance in cognition and emotions. The progesterone derivative, allopregnanolone (Allo) enhances extrasynaptic and postsynaptic inhibition by directly binding at GABAA receptors, and thus, positively and allosterically modulates the function of GABA. Allo levels are decreased in stress‐induced psychiatric disorders, including depression and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and elevating Allo levels may be a valid therapeutic approach to counteract behavioural dysfunction. While benzodiazepines are inefficient, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) represent the first choice treatment for depression and PTSD. Their mechanisms to improve behaviour in preclinical studies include neurosteroidogenic effects at low non‐serotonergic doses. Unfortunately, half of PTSD and depressed patients are resistant to current prescribed ‘high’ dosage of these drugs that engage serotonergic mechanisms. Unveiling novel biomarkers to develop more efficient treatment strategies is in high demand. Stress‐induced down‐regulation of neurosteroid biosynthesis and changes in GABAA receptor subunit expression offer a putative biomarker axis to develop new PTSD treatments. The advantage of stimulating Allo biosynthesis relies on the variety of neurosteroidogenic receptors to be targeted, including TSPO and endocannabinoid receptors. Furthermore, stress favours a GABAA receptor subunit composition with higher sensitivity for Allo. The use of synthetic analogues of Allo is a valuable alternative. Pregnenolone or drugs that stimulate its levels increase Allo but also sulphated steroids, including pregnanolone sulphate which, by inhibiting NMDA tonic neurotransmission, provides neuroprotection and cognitive benefits. In this review, we describe current knowledge on the effects of stress on neurosteroid biosynthesis and GABAA receptor neurotransmission and summarize available pharmacological strategies that by enhancing neurosteroidogenesis are relevant for the treatment of SSRI‐resistant patients.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Pharmacology of Cognition: a Panacea for Neuropsychiatric Disease? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.19/issuetoc
The association of severe encephalopathy and question mark ear is highly suggestive of loss of MEF2C function
Authors: Gordon C.T. , Tessier A. , Demir Z. , Goldenberg A. , Oufadem M. , Voisin N. , Pingault V. , Bienvenu T. , Lyonnet S. , de Pontual L. , Amiel J.
Published: April 2017

Auriculocondylar syndrome and isolated question mark ear result from dysregulation of the endothelin 1‐endothelin receptor type A signaling pathway. Animal models have highlighted the role of the transcription factor MEF2C as an effector of this pathway. We report heterozygous MEF2C loss‐of‐function as a possible cause of question mark ear associated with intellectual deficiency.
Properties of NeoMTA Plus and MTA Plus cements for endodontics
Authors: Siboni F. , Taddei P. , Prati C. , Gandolfi M. G.
Published: April 2017

Aim

To test a novel calcium silicate cement mixed with a water‐based gel (NeoMTA Plus) with regard to chemical–physical properties and apatite‐forming ability.

Methodology

NeoMTA Plus (Avalon Biomed Inc. Bradenton, FL, USA; lot. 2014090301) and a commercial MTA‐based material with similar properties (MTA Plus, Prevest Denpro Limited, Jammu, India; lot. 41001) were tested for ion‐releasing ability, initial and final setting times, radiopacity, open and impervious porosity and apparent porosity, water sorption, weight loss, solubility, ability to nucleate calcium phosphates (CaP) after immersion in HBSS (Hank's Balanced Salt Solution) by ESEM‐EDX and micro‐Raman spectroscopy. The results were analysed statistically with the anova test (P  <  0.05).

Results

NeoMTA Plus had a prolonged setting time (315 min) and a satisfactory radiopacity (3.76 mm Al). Calcium and hydroxyl ion release was significantly greater and more prolonged in comparison with MTA Plus (P < 0.05). Both NeoMTA Plus and MTA Plus had high values of open porosity and solubility. ESEM‐EDX and micro‐Raman confirmed the ability to nucleate calcium phosphates on their surface after immersion in HBSS.

Conclusion

NeoMTA Plus is a new calcium silicate‐based cement for root filling with an adequate radiopacity and prolonged setting time. The ion release and CaP‐forming ability could increase stability of the root filling and promote endodontic and periodontal tissue regeneration, enhancing the bioactivity and biocompatibility of the material.
Wine authentication with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy: a feasibility study on variety, type of barrel wood and ageing time classification
Authors: Basalekou Marianthi , Pappas Christos , Tarantilis Petros , Kotseridis Yorgos , Kallithraka Stamatina
Published: April 2017

Wine aging in wooden barrels improves the final products’ sensory profile and increases the price. Among the different types of woods, the International Enological Codex of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) approves only the use of Oak and Chestnut, thus producing a need for fast and cost‐effective authentication methods. In this study Fourier Transform (FT)‐mid‐infrared (IR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics was employed to analyze and discriminate wines aged in barrels made from different type of wood species and in stainless steel tanks, over a period of 12 months. The wines used were made from four indigenous Greek grape varieties, two white and two red. A complete differentiation of the samples was achieved according to grape variety, the container type and the aging time based on two spectral regions (from 1800 to 1500 cm−1 and from 1300 to 900 cm−1) of their FT‐IR spectra.
Human adipose stromal cell therapy improves survival and reduces renal inflammation and capillary rarefaction in acute kidney injury
Authors: Collett Jason A. , Traktuev Dmitry O. , Mehrotra Purvi , Crone Allison , Merfeld‐Clauss Stephanie , March Keith L. , Basile David P.
Published: April 2017

Damage to endothelial cells contributes to acute kidney injury (AKI) by causing impaired perfusion, while the permanent loss of the capillary network following AKI has been suggested to promote chronic kidney disease. Therefore, strategies to protect renal vasculature may impact both short‐term recovery and long‐term functional preservation post‐AKI. Human adipose stromal cells (hASCs) possess pro‐angiogenic and anti‐inflammatory properties and therefore have been tested as a therapeutic agent to treat ischaemic conditions. This study evaluated hASC potential to facilitate recovery from AKI with specific attention to capillary preservation and inflammation. Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to bilateral ischaemia/reperfusion and allowed to recover for either two or seven days. At the time of reperfusion, hASCs or vehicle was injected into the suprarenal abdominal aorta. hASC‐treated rats had significantly greater survival compared to vehicle‐treated rats (88.7% versus 69.3%). hASC treatment showed hastened recovery as demonstrated by lower creatinine levels at 48 hrs, while tubular damage was significantly reduced at 48 hrs. hASC treatment resulted in a significant decrease in total T cell and Th17 cell infiltration into injured kidneys at 2 days post‐AKI, but an increase in accumulation of regulatory T cells. By day 7, hASC‐treated rats showed significantly attenuated capillary rarefaction in the cortex (15% versus 5%) and outer medulla (36% versus 18%) compared to vehicle‐treated rats as well as reduced accumulation of interstitial alpha‐smooth muscle actin‐positive myofibroblasts. These results suggest for the first time that hASCs improve recovery from I/R‐induced injury by mechanisms that contribute to decrease in inflammation and preservation of peritubular capillaries.
Titanium implant functionalization with phosphate‐containing polymers may favour in vivo osseointegration
Authors: Cardoso Marcio V. , de Rycker Judith , Chaudhari Amol , Coutinho Eduardo , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Van Meerbeek Bart , Mesquita Marcelo F. , da Silva Wander J. , Yoshihara Kumiko , Vandamme Katleen , Duyck Joke
Published: April 2017

Aim

Osseointegration of titanium implants is predictable, but can be improved via surface functionalization.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and twenty implants were installed in parietal bone of 12 domestic pigs and left to heal for 1 or 3 months. Five groups were defined according surface treatments: immersion in water (H2O), 10% polyphosphoric acid (PPA10), 1% phosphorylated pullulan (PPL1), 10% phosphorylated pullulan (PPL10) or 10% phosphorylated pullulan + 1 μg bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (PPL10 BMP). As primary outcome, implant osseointegration was evaluated by quantitative histology, namely peri‐implant bone formation (B/T in %) and bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC in %) for each healing period. The Wilcoxon signed‐rank test and Mann–Whitney U‐test with α = 0.05 were performed.

Results

PPL10 and PPA10 groups showed significantly higher B/T and BIC results than the control (H2O) group at 1‐month (p < .05). No significant difference was found between PPL1 and H2O or between PPL10 BMP and H2O, irrespective of healing time (1 or 3 months) or investigated parameter (B/T and BIC; p > .05). After 3 months, no experimental group showed a significant difference compared to the control group (H2O) for both investigated parameters (B/T and BIC; p > .05).

Conclusion

Functionalizing titanium implants with inorganic or organic phosphate‐containing polymers at 10 wt% concentration may stimulate peri‐implant bone formation and implant osseointegration at early healing times.
Peri‐implant bone density around implants of different lengths: A 3‐year follow‐up of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sahrmann Philipp , Schoen Patrizia , Naenni Nadja , Jung Ronald , Attin Thomas , Schmidlin Patrick R.
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Objectives

Short dental implants are frequently placed, however, little is known about the effect of the loading force regarding an enhanced crown‐to‐implant ratio. The aim of this study was therefore to assess bone density changes after a 3‐year period, on radiographs acquired from a randomized, controlled two‐centre clinical study comparing implants of 6 and 10 mm of length.

Materials and Methods

Three predefined areas were chosen on standardized X‐rays in order to assess grey‐scale values of the peri‐implant bone: One at the tip of the apex and two at half‐length on the mesial and distal sides of the implant. Radiographs at all follow‐up appointments had previously been calibrated using control fields in areas of constant density.

Results

Around short implants, peri‐implant bone displayed significantly higher differences in grey‐scale values (p = .031) after 3 years, indicating a higher degree of mineralization. This phenomenon was not observed around long implants.

Conclusions

A higher degree of mineralization around short implants was recorded. Whether this finding goes along with hampered bone adaptability, and accordingly, higher failure rates of short implants must be studied further in long‐term clinical trials.
Repair of large saddle defects of the mandibular ridge using dual growth factor release—An experimental pilot study in minipigs
Authors: Tröltzsch Markus , Klenke Alexander , Santander Petra , Kauffmann Philipp , Tröltzsch Matthias , Rau Anna , Brockmeyer Phillip , Schliephake Henning
Published: April 2017

Aim

To test the hypothesis that the addition of small amounts of rhVEGFto rhBMP2 in a polymer carrier can accomplish equivalent repair effect as a reduced dosage of rhBMP2 compared to rhBMP2 alone.

Materials and Methods

Defects were created bilaterally in the mandibles of 18 minipigs. In 12 test animals, defects were filled with 0.5 g particulatePDLLA/CaCO3 composite loaded with 400 μg rhBMP2/50 μg rhVEGF165 on one side and 800 μg rhBMP2 on the other. After 4 and 13 weeks, the animals were evaluated each for area of new bone formation (mm²) and bone density (area %).

Results

Area of newly formed bone was higher in defects with carriers loaded with 400 μg rhBMP2 50 µg VEGF165 than in defects with 800 μg rhBMP2 after 4 weeks (11.97 versus 7.97 mm²;p = 0.043) and 13 weeks (72.48 versus 62.2 mm²;p = .028). Defects filled with blank carrier exhibited less bone after 13 weeks (42.75 mm²;p = .039 and .020 respectively).

Conclusions

Delivery of rhBMP2 from a polymer carrier can improve repair of large saddle defects of the mandibular ridge. Addition of small amounts of rhVEGFcan increase bone formation and at the same time reduce the dosage of rhBMP2.
Low‐Income Childless Young Adults' Marriage and Fertility Frameworks
Authors: Rackin Heather M. , Gibson‐Davis Christina M.
Published: April 2017

The authors investigated how low‐income young adults without children understand marriage and fertility. Data come from the Becoming Partners and Parents Study (N = 69), a qualitative study of African American adults aged 18 to 22 in a mid‐size southern city. This is the first study to analyze young, low‐income, childless, and unmarried Black respondents' frameworks (i.e., internal understandings of the world) of marriage and fertility. In contrast to research conducted on parents, this research on childless adults indicated a narrative in which there were close connections between marriage and fertility and an economic bar adhered to both marriage and childbearing. Respondents also believed that childbearing was meaningful and provided purpose, but that it was morally questionable if the parent was not financially stable. The results suggest that prior findings related to meanings of family formation and childbearing for low‐income parents may not extend to those without children.
Outcome of three screening questions for temporomandibular disorders (3Q/TMD) on clinical decision‐making
Authors: Lövgren A. , Marklund S. , Visscher C. M. , Lobbezoo F. , Häggman‐Henrikson B. , Wänman A.
Published: April 2017

Patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) seem to go undetected and not adequately managed within dentistry. To identify these patients, three screening questions (3Q/TMD) have been introduced within dentistry in parts of Sweden. It is not known whether 3Q/TMD affects the clinical decision‐making for these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of 3Q/TMD on the clinical decision‐making and to analyse whether gender, age and the fee system the individual was assigned to were related to prescribed TMD treatment. This cohort study was carried out within the Public Dental Health service in Västerbotten, Sweden. As part of the routine dental check‐up, a health declaration including 3Q/TMD was completed. The study population was randomly selected based on their 3Q/TMD answers. In total, 300 individuals with an affirmative answer to any of the 3Q/TMD, and 500 individuals with all negative answers were selected. The 3Q/TMD includes questions on weekly jaw‐face‐temple pain (Q1), pain on function (Q2) and catching/locking of the jaw (Q3). The 3Q/TMD was analysed in relation to prescribed treatment assessed from dental records. There was significantly more treatment performed or recommended for 3Q‐positives (21·5%), compared to 3Q‐negatives (2·2%) (P < 0·001). The odds ratio for TMD‐related treatment for 3Q‐positives versus 3Q‐negatives was 12·1 (95% CI: 6·3–23·4). Although affirmative answers to the 3Q/TMD was related to TMD treatment, the majority of individuals with a screen positive still did not, according to dental records, receive assessment or treatment. Further studies are needed to better understand the clinical decision‐making process for patients with TMD.
Host range, mating type and population structure of Magnaporthe sp. of a single barley field in São Paulo state, Brazil
Authors: Urashima Alfredo Seiiti , Alves Augusto Freitas , Silva Flávio Nunes , Oliveira Danielle , Gazaffi Rodrigo
Published: April 2017

Brazil is blast disease hot spot because severe epidemics have occurred among wheat, triticale, rye, barley and oat crops. Although the first outbreak of barley blast appeared in 1998, little information is available. Therefore, this study aimed to examine host range, mating type composition and population structure of Magnaporthe sp. from a single barley field in São Paulo, Brazil. To examine pathogenicity, 25 Magnaporthe isolates were inoculated on five, three, two and two cultivars of barley, wheat, oat and rice, respectively, and one cultivar each of rye, corn, sorghum, triticale and certain weeds (Cenchrus echinatus, Setaria geniculata, Brachiaria plantaginea and Eleusine indica). Mating type distribution of 33 isolates was investigated by molecular tools. The genotypic divergence of 41 barley and five wheat isolates was investigated by 15 random amplified polymorphic DNA primers and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean. The host range of the barley blast pathogen included wheat, oat, rye and triticale but not rice and weeds. Sexual reproduction appeared to not be involved in the high genotypic diversity because only a single isolate, MAT1‐2, was identified. The majority of barley isolates clustered together with wheat blast, except for four, suggesting a different origin.
A comparison of UVb compact lamps in enabling cutaneous vitamin D synthesis in growing bearded dragons
Authors: Diehl J. J. E. , Baines F. M. , Heijboer A. C. , van Leeuwen J. P. , Kik M. , Hendriks W. H. , Oonincx D. G. A. B.
Published: April 2017

The effect of exposure to different UVb compact lamps on the vitamin D status of growing bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) was studied. Forty‐two newly hatched bearded dragons (<24 h old) were allocated to six treatment groups (n = 7 per group). Five groups were exposed to different UVb compact lamps for two hours per day, with a control group not exposed to UVb radiation. At 120 days of age, blood samples were obtained and concentrations of 25(OH)D3, Ca, P and uric acid were determined. In addition, plasma 25(OH)D3 concentration was determined in free‐living adult bearded dragons to provide a reference level. Only one treatment resulted in elevated levels of 25(OH)D3 compared to the control group (41.0 ± 12.85 vs. 2.0 ± 0.0 nmol/L). All UVb‐exposed groups had low 25(OH)D3 plasma levels compared to earlier studies on captive bearded dragons as well as in comparison with the free‐living adult bearded dragons (409 ± 56 nmol/L). Spectral analysis indicated that all treatment lamps emitted UVb wavelengths effective for some cutaneous vitamin D synthesis. None of these lamps, under this regime, appeared to have provided a sufficient UVb dose to enable synthesis of plasma 25(OH)D3 levels similar to those of free‐living bearded dragons in their native habitat.
Pharmacokinetics of firocoxib after intravenous administration of multiple consecutive doses in neonatal foals
Authors: Wilson K. E. , Davis J. L. , Crisman M. V. , Kvaternick V. , Zarabadipour C. , Cheramie H. , Hodgson D. R.
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of intravenous firocoxib in neonatal foals. Six healthy foals were administered 0.09 mg/kg firocoxib intravenously once a day for 7 days. Blood was collected for plasma firocoxib analysis using high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection at times 0 (day 1 of study only) and 0.08, 0.25, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16 and 24 hr on dose numbers 1, 5 and 7. Blood was also collected immediately prior to doses 3, 4, 5 and 7. Final samples were collected at 36, 48, 72 and 96 hr following the final dose. Noncompartmental analysis using the trapezoidal method with linear interpolation revealed a moderate half‐life (15.9 ± 9.1 hr) with a large volume of distribution at steady state (1.79 ± 0.57 L/kg) and a clearance (96.0 ± 59.2 ml h−1 kg−1) that was more rapid than that observed in adult horses.
Stomatal function, density and pattern, and CO2 assimilation in Arabidopsis thaliana tmm1 and sdd1‐1 mutants
Authors: Vráblová M. , Vrábl D. , Hronková M. , Kubásek J. , Šantrůček J.
Published: April 2017

Stomata modulate the exchange of water and CO2 between plant and atmosphere. Although stomatal density is known to affect CO2 diffusion into the leaf and thus photosynthetic rate, the effect of stomatal density and patterning on CO2 assimilation is not fully understood.

We used wild types Col‐0 and C24 and stomatal mutants sdd1‐1 and tmm1 of Arabidopsis thaliana, differing in stomatal density and pattern, to study the effects of these variations on both stomatal and mesophyll conductance and CO2 assimilation rate. Anatomical parameters of stomata, leaf temperature and carbon isotope discrimination were also assessed.

Our results indicate that increased stomatal density enhanced stomatal conductance in sdd1‐1 plants, with no effect on photosynthesis, due to both unchanged photosynthetic capacity and decreased mesophyll conductance. Clustering (abnormal patterning formed by clusters of two or more stomata) and a highly unequal distribution of stomata between the adaxial and abaxial leaf sides in tmm1 mutants also had no effect on photosynthesis.

Except at very high stomatal densities, stomatal conductance and water loss were proportional to stomatal density. Stomatal formation in clusters reduced stomatal dynamics and their operational range as well as the efficiency of CO2 transport.
The influence of delipidation on triglyceride and LIPIN1 of porcine embryos derived from parthenogenetic activation
Authors: Zeng Y , Wang C , Niu Y , Chi D , Xu M , Si L , Qu X , Li J
Published: April 2017

Contents

Proteins in the LIPIN family play key roles in lipid synthesis mainly on triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis, and they also act as transcriptional coactivators to regulate the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism with other nuclear factors. Hence, this study was designed to investigate LIPIN1 in pig oocytes and embryos by the delipidation. After delipidation, the content of lipids (LDs) and TAG in MII oocyte was significantly reduced; however, a similar increasing tendency of TAG was shown during embryos development. Subsequently, the expression of genes related to TAG biosynthesis including GPAT1, AGPAT1, AGPAT2, LIPIN1, DGAT and the nuclear factors interacted with LIPIN1 including PPARα and PPARγ was investigated. It is obvious that DGAT and GPAT1, and LIPIN1 increased significantly after delipidation at 1‐cell and 4‐cell stage, and the expression of PPARα and PPARγ also increased at 4‐cell stage. By immunofluorescence staining and Western blots, LIPIN1 was found to exhibit a dynamic localization pattern and gradually increase with the development of delipated embryo. In the early developmental stages (1‐, 2‐ and 4‐cell stages), it was distributed over the cortical layer. But at the blastocyst stage, a homogeneous distribution of LIPIN1 was observed in cytoplasm. At 2‐cell stage, the expression of PPARα decreased when LIPIN1 was interfered by small interfering RNA, but PPARγ has no significant difference. Therefore, in this study, we find after delipidation, the content of TAG and LIPIN1 will gradually increase during embryo development and nuclear factor PPARα and PPARγ can also be affected by delipidation. The interaction of LIPIN1 and PPARα exists in porcine embryo.
Coccidioidomycosis among persons undergoing lung transplantation in the coccidioidal endemic region
Authors: Chaudhary Sachin , Meinke Laura , Ateeli Huthayfa , Knox Kenneth S. , Raz Yuval , Ampel Neil M.
Published: April 2017

Background

Coccidioidomycosis, an endemic fungal infection, is more likely to be symptomatic and severe among those receiving allogeneic transplants. While several case series have been published for various transplanted organs, none has described the incidence and outcomes in those receiving lung transplants within the coccidioidal endemic region.

Methods

Patients receiving a heart‐lung, single‐lung, or bilateral‐lung transplantation at the University of Arizona between 1985 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Coccidioidomycosis occurred post transplantation in 11 (5.8%) of 189 patients. All but one patient was diagnosed with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis and only one had a history of prior coccidioidomycosis. Two patients received transplants from donors found to have coccidioidomycosis at the time of transplantation and one death was directly attributed to coccidioidomycosis. The risk of developing active coccidioidomycosis was significantly higher if the patient did not receive some type of antifungal therapy post transplantation (P<.001).

Conclusion

Within the coccidioidal endemic region, post‐transplantation coccidioidomycosis was a definable risk among lung transplant recipients. Use of antifungals appeared to reduce this incidence of disease. Almost all cases resulted in pulmonary disease, suggesting that the lung is the primary site of infection.
Long‐term plasticity of corticostriatal synapses is modulated by pathway‐specific co‐release of opioids through κ‐opioid receptors
Authors: Hawes Sarah L. , Salinas Armando G. , Lovinger David M. , Blackwell Kim T.
Published: April 2017

Key points

Both endogenous opioids and opiate drugs of abuse modulate learning of habitual and goal‐directed actions, and can also modify long‐term plasticity of corticostriatal synapses.

Striatal projection neurons of the direct pathway co‐release the opioid neuropeptide dynorphin which can inhibit dopamine release via κ‐opioid receptors.

Theta‐burst stimulation of corticostriatal fibres produces long‐term potentiation (LTP) in striatal projection neurons when measured using whole‐cell patch recording.

Optogenetic activation of direct pathway striatal projection neurons inhibits LTP while reducing dopamine release.

Because the endogenous release of opioids is activity dependent, this modulation of synaptic plasticity represents a negative feedback mechanism that may limit runaway enhancement of striatal neuron activity in response to drugs of abuse.

Synaptic plasticity in the striatum adjusts behaviour adaptively during skill learning, or maladaptively in the case of addiction. Just as dopamine plays a critical role in synaptic plasticity underlying normal skill learning and addiction, endogenous and exogenous opiates also modulate learning and addiction‐related striatal plasticity. Though the role of opioid receptors in long‐term depression in striatum has been characterized, their effect on long‐term potentiation (LTP) remains unknown. In particular, direct pathway (dopamine D1 receptor‐containing; D1R‐) spiny projection neurons (SPNs) co‐release the opioid neuropeptide dynorphin, which acts at presynaptic κ‐opioid receptors (KORs) on dopaminergic afferents and can negatively regulate dopamine release. Therefore, we evaluated the interaction of co‐released dynorphin and KOR on striatal LTP. We optogenetically facilitate the release of endogenous dynorphin from D1R‐SPNs in brain slice while using whole‐cell patch recording to measure changes in the synaptic response of SPNs following theta‐burst stimulation (TBS) of cortical afferents. Our results demonstrate that TBS evokes corticostriatal LTP, and that optogenetic activation of D1R‐SPNs during induction impairs LTP. Additional experiments demonstrate that optogenetic activation of D1R‐SPNs reduces stimulation‐evoked dopamine release and that bath application of a KOR antagonist provides full rescue of both LTP induction and dopamine release during optogenetic activation of D1R‐SPNs. These results suggest that an increase in the opioid neuropeptide dynorphin is responsible for reduced TBS LTP and illustrate a physiological phenomenon whereby heightened D1R‐SPN activity can regulate corticostriatal plasticity. Our findings have important implications for learning in addictive states marked by elevated direct pathway activation.