bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of coning and lubrication at flexspline cup and cam interface in conventional harmonic drives
Authors: Routh Bikash , Maiti Rathindranath , Ray Asok Kumar
Published: October 2017

Purpose

In a harmonic drive during assembly of its components like strain wave generating (SWG) cam, flexspline (FS) and circular spline, a gap is formed between the cam’s outer surface and the FS cup inner surface due to mismatching. This gap, which is known as “Coning”, plays a vital role in the flow of lubricant at that interface. This paper aims to analyse the coning phenomenon and the lubrication mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present investigation, the geometry of the coning gap and its variation with the SWG cam rotation are established. Essentially, the deflection of FS cup and deformation of SWG cam (bearing outer race) are derived to find the gap due to coning. Next, the hydrodynamic lubrication equation is solved to get pressure profiles for this gap under suitable boundary conditions assuming non-Newtonian lubrication.

Findings

Methods of estimating the coning gap and lubrication pressure profiles are established. Effects of non-Newtonian terms (coupling number and non-dimentionalized characteristic length) and SWG length (finite, long and short) on pressure profiles are also shown. All analyses are done in non-dimensionalized form.

Originality/value

Establishing the geometry of coning and non-Newtonian hydrodynamic lubrication aspects in the coning in the FS cup and SWG cam interface are the originality of the present investigation.
Micro-scratch behaviour of adsorbed film formed by aqueous copolymer lubricants with phosphate ester additive on Ti-coated surface
Authors: Lin Bingjing , Tieu A. Kiet , Zhu Hongtao , Kosasih Buyung , Novareza Oyong
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the adsorption behaviour and the adhesion strength of lubricant films formed by polypropylene oxide-polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide (PPO-PEO-PPO) with phosphate ester additive on Ti-coated surface and to identify the influence of molecular architecture and phosphate ester additive.

Design/methodology/approach

The thickness of the adsorbed PPO-PEO-PPO with phosphate ester lubricant films on Ti surfaces was measured by ellipsometry. The adhesion strength of the copolymer and the copolymer with phosphate ester lubricants was studied by the micro-scratch tests; the scratch tracks on the surfaces were observed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy.

Findings

The copolymer with a higher weight percentage of PPO not only formed a thicker film but also showed stronger adhesion and better lubrication performance. The added phosphate ester increased the film thickness and improved the tribological behaviour. The finding reveals that the adsorbed film thickness which depends on the PPO chain length and the presence of phosphate ester has a considerable effect on the scratch behaviour.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils the studies about adsorption behaviour and lubrication mechanism of this new lubricant which has not been adequately investigated on the metal surface.
Integral transform solution for the analysis of hydrodynamic lubrication of thrust bearings
Authors: Medeiros Nielson Veloso , Macêdo Emanuel Negrão , Magno Rui Nelson Otoni , Blanco Claudio José Cavalcante , Quaresma João Nazareno Nonato
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is related to an analysis of hydrodynamic lubrication of circular thrust bearings.

Design/methodology/approach

The modified Reynolds equation was treated to obtain a hybrid numerical-analytical solution through the generalized integral transform technique (GITT) for the problem.

Findings

Numerical results for the engineering parameters such as pressure field, load capacity and power consumption were thus produced as functions of the radial and circumferential directions. These parameters depend on the geometry of sector-shaped used: Rayleigh pad with 4, 8 and 16 steps. Comparing among them, on the numerical point of view, the Rayleigh pad geometry with N = 16 steps has a better satisfactory performance because it has a lower power consumption.

Originality/value

The present GITT results and those obtained by the finite volume method (FVM) from previous works in the literature were confronted to verify whether the results are consistent and to demonstrate the capacity of the GITT approach in handling thrust bearing problems.
Collaborative innovation capability in IT-enabled inter-firm collaboration
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhao Jing , Chi Maomao , Li Yajing
Published: October 2017

Purpose

With the increasingly collaborative nature of innovation and the expanding role of digital platforms on inter-firm collaboration, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of digital platforms on collaborative innovation capability (CIC) under conditions of two distinctive governance mechanisms. Furthermore, the competitive benefits of CIC at different levels of environmental uncertainty are examined to clarify the performance of collaborative innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is proposed based on dynamic capabilities theory, information technology (IT)-enabled organizational capability and governance mechanisms literature, and then validated by using partial least squares with data collected from 200 Chinese firms that engage in digital collaboration with their major channel distributors.

Findings

Empirical results show that the enabling effect of digital platforms capability on CIC is positively moderated by relational governance while negatively moderated by formal governance, and both governance mechanisms directly and positively influence CIC; the positive relationship between CIC and competitive performance is stronger for higher level of environmental uncertainty; and CIC is the key mediator converting digital platforms capability into competitive performance.

Originality/value

This study enriches the existing literatures in IT-innovation relationship by not only surfacing the interplay of digital platforms capability with two distinctive governance mechanisms in building CIC, but also clarifying the competitive benefits of CIC in an uncertain environment. Moreover, this study helps explain the controversial issue of the business value of IT capability by discovering the mediating role of CIC.
Sounding out d/Deafness: the experiences of d/Deaf prisoners
Authors: Kelly Laura Margaret
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the lived realities of d/Deaf prisoners in England and Wales, and to explore previous claims that they suffer disproportionately during their time in custody.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purposes of this study, a qualitative approach was taken. As part of this, 28 semi-structured interviews were carried out at seven adult male prisons in England with a sample of male hard of hearing/d/Deaf prisoners, and staff members who had worked with them. The interviews were recorded using a Dictaphone, and then transcribed as close to verbatim as possible. From this, the transcriptions were analysed using thematic analysis. In addition to interviews, observations were made at each establishment, and later recorded in a fieldwork journal.

Findings

Findings from the study showed that the way a d/Deaf person experiences prison depends strongly on the way in which they identify with their d/Deafness. However, it was also shown that there is little room for either deafness or Deafness in prison, with severely deaf and culturally and linguistically Deaf prisoners commonly experiencing the pains of imprisonment more severely than their hearing peers as a result of the Prison Service’s inability to accommodate such difference.

Originality/value

This study fused together the fields of Deaf Studies and Prison Studies in a way that had not been done before, considering d/Deafness in prison on both an audiological and cultural level. Moreover, excluding small-scale unpublished undergraduate dissertations, it was the first empirical study about d/Deaf prisoners in England and Wales to carry out face-to-face interviews with these prisoners. Finally, as the most in-depth research is yet to be carried out about these particular prisoners in England and Wales, a greater level of insight was provided than previously available.
Host effects on microbiota community assembly
Authors: Näpflin Kathrin , Schmid‐Hempel Paul
Published: October 2017

To what extent host‐associated microbiota assembly is driven by host selection or simply by happenstance remains an open question in microbiome research.

Here, we take a first step towards elucidating the relative importance of host selection on the establishing gut microbial community in an ecologically relevant organism.

We presented germ‐free bumblebee, Bombus terrestris, workers from 10 colonies with a “global” microbial species pool comprised of an equal mixture of the gut microbiota of all colonies.

By means of 16S amplicon sequencing, we found that overall microbiota community composition was generally shifted between pool‐exposed workers compared to workers that naturally acquired their gut microbiota, but that the specific composition of the established microbiota also depended on colony identity (e.g. genetic background).

Because the microbiota is protective against parasite infection in this system, variation in the filtering of a beneficial microbial community can have important consequences for host resistance and eventual co‐evolution with parasites.
Limited stand expansion by a long‐lived conifer at a leading northern range edge, despite available habitat
Authors: Krapek John , Buma Brian
Published: October 2017

In an era of rapid climate change, understanding the natural capacity of species' ranges to track shifting climatic niches is a critical research and conservation need. Because species do not move across the landscape through empty space, but instead have to migrate through existing biotic communities, basic dispersal ecology and biotic interactions are important considerations beyond simple climate niche tracking.

Yellow‐cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis), a long‐lived conifer of the North Pacific coastal temperate rainforest region, is thought to be undergoing a continued natural range expansion in southeast Alaska. At the same time, yellow‐cedar's trailing edge is approaching its leading edge in the region, due to climate‐induced root injury leading to widespread mortality over the past century. To examine the current dispersal capacity of yellow‐cedar at its leading range edge, and potential for the species' leading edge to stay ahead of its trailing edge, we characterized recent yellow‐cedar stand development near Juneau, Alaska, and surveyed the spread of yellow‐cedar seedlings just beyond existing stand boundaries.

Despite suitable habitat beyond stand edges, stand expansion appears limited in recent decades to centuries. Large quantities of seed are germinating within stands and just beyond boundaries, but seedlings are not developing to maturity. Furthermore,c. 100–200‐year‐old yellow‐cedar trees are located abruptly at stand boundaries, indicating stand expansion is in a period of stasis with a last pulse at the end of the Little Ice Age climate period.

Vegetative regeneration is common across stands and may be an adaptive strategy for this long‐lived tree to persist on the landscape until conditions are favourable for successful seedling recruitment, leading to an overall punctuated migration and colonization of new landscapes.

Synthesis. Species ranges do not always respond linearly to shifting climatic conditions. Instead, successful colonization of new habitat may be tied to episodic, threshold‐related landscape phenomena, dispersal ability, and competition with existing plant communities.
A two‐step evolutionary process establishes a non‐native vitamin B6 pathway in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Rosenberg Jonathan , Yeak KahYen C. , Commichau Fabian M.
Published: October 2017

Pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP), the most important form of vitamin B6 serves as a cofactor for many proteins. Two alternative pathways for de novo PLP biosynthesis are known: the short deoxy‐xylulose‐5‐phosphate (DXP)‐independent pathway, which is present in the Gram‐positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis and the longer DXP‐dependent pathway, which has been intensively studied in the Gram‐negative model bacterium Escherichia coli. Previous studies revealed that bacteria contain many promiscuous enzymes causing a so‐called ‘underground metabolism’, which can be important for the evolution of novel pathways. Here, we evaluated the potential of B. subtilis to use a truncated non‐native DXP‐dependent PLP pathway from E. coli for PLP synthesis. Adaptive laboratory evolution experiments revealed that two non‐native enzymes catalysing the last steps of the DXP‐dependent PLP pathway and two genomic alterations are sufficient to allow growth of vitamin B6 auxotrophic bacteria as rapid as the wild type. Thus, the existence of an underground metabolism in B. subtilis facilitates the generation of a pathway for synthesis of PLP using parts of a non‐native vitamin B6 pathway. The introduction of non‐native enzymes into a metabolic network and rewiring of native metabolism could be helpful to generate pathways that might be optimized for producing valuable substances.
Flow cytometric monitoring of bacterioplankton phenotypic diversity predicts high population‐specific feeding rates by invasive dreissenid mussels
Authors: Props Ruben , Schmidt Marian L. , Heyse Jasmine , Vanderploeg Henry A. , Boon Nico , Denef Vincent J.
Published: October 2017

Species invasion is an important disturbance to ecosystems worldwide, yet knowledge about the impacts of invasive species on bacterial communities remains sparse. Using a novel approach, we simultaneously detected phenotypic and derived taxonomic change in a natural bacterioplankton community when subjected to feeding pressure by quagga mussels, a widespread aquatic invasive species. We detected a significant decrease in diversity within 1 h of feeding and a total diversity loss of 11.6 ± 4.1% after 3 h. This loss of microbial diversity was caused by the selective removal of high nucleic acid populations (29 ± 5% after 3 h). We were able to track the community diversity at high temporal resolution by calculating phenotypic diversity estimates from flow cytometry (FCM) data of minute amounts of sample. Through parallel FCM and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing analysis of environments spanning a broad diversity range, we showed that the two approaches resulted in highly correlated diversity measures and captured the same seasonal and lake‐specific patterns in community composition. Based on our results, we predict that selective feeding by invasive dreissenid mussels directly impacts the microbial component of the carbon cycle, as it may drive bacterioplankton communities toward less diverse and potentially less productive states.
High school transition – an intervention that empowers children with special educational needs and improves school practice
Authors: Bunn Helena , Davis Debbie , Speed Emma
Published: October 2017

This article discusses the process and results of a junior school initiative from a local authority in the East of England, to ensure that vulnerable pupils in the school experience a successful transition to high school. The resulting project is the consequence of an inter‐organisational collaboration between the junior school, a secondary school and the local educational psychology service. The transition intervention, which is the first product of this project, was borne from the ideas of year 7 students with special educational needs, which were analysed and presented visually into a transition booklet, later used in the intervention with year 6 pupils. At the end of the intervention, the year 6 pupils provided feedback, which informed first changes in the intervention. Overall, the intervention was successful and because of the interest drawn, it was decided to extend the initiative to other schools with year 6 pupils.
Poor nutrition from first foods: A cross‐sectional study of complementary feeding of infants and young children in six remote Aboriginal communities across northern Australia
Authors: Leonard Dympna , Aquino Danielle , Hadgraft Nyssa , Thompson Fintan , Marley Julia V.
Published: October 2017

Aim

To describe the first foods of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants and young children who were recruited to a nutrition promotion and anaemia prevention program conducted from 2010 to 2012, in six remote communities across northern Australia.

Methods

Food records (24‐hour diet history, food variety checklist) were completed on recruitment by interview with a parent or carer. Cross‐sectional analysis assessed the proportion of participants consuming recommended and not‐recommended foods and drinks and meeting recommendations for meal frequency and dietary diversity.

Results

Of 245 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants aged 6–24 months, 227 (92.7%) had a recruitment food record. On the previous day, most (67.4%) had breastmilk, nearly all (98.2%) ate solid food, but only 13% ate fruit, 33% had neither fruit nor vegetables, and 25% had sweet drinks. Children living in smaller households (3–5 people) were more likely to meet the criteria for frequency of meals than those living in larger households of 12–31 people (93% vs 78%, P = 0.012 for trend over household size). Only 30% met the criteria for dietary diversity. Where information was available (n = 91), dietary diversity was adequate more often in ‘pay week’ compared to ‘not pay week’ (31.3% vs 9.3%, P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Support for current beneficial breast‐feeding practices and promotion of nutrient‐dense complementary foods, need to be embedded in initiatives for improved family food security. Good nutrition in early life can reduce the disparity in health, education and economic status between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
To pace or not to pace: a pilot study of four‐ and five‐gaited Icelandic horses homozygous for the DMRT3 ‘Gait Keeper’ mutation
Authors: Jäderkvist Fegraeus K. , Hirschberg I. , Árnason T. , Andersson L. , Velie B. D. , Andersson L. S. , Lindgren G.
Published: October 2017

The Icelandic horse is a breed known mainly for its ability to perform the ambling four‐beat gait ‘tölt’ and the lateral two‐beat gait pace. The natural ability of the breed to perform these alternative gaits is highly desired by breeders. Therefore, the discovery that a nonsense mutation (C>A) in the DMRT3 gene was the main genetic factor for horses' ability to perform gaits in addition to walk, trot and canter was of great interest. Although several studies have demonstrated that homozygosity for the DMRT3 mutation is important for the ability to pace, only about 70% of the homozygous mutant (AA) Icelandic horses are reported to pace. The aim of the study was to genetically compare four‐ and five‐gaited (i.e. horses with and without the ability to pace) AA Icelandic horses by performing a genome‐wide association (GWA) analysis. All horses (n = 55) were genotyped on the 670K Axiom Equine Genotyping Array, and a GWA analysis was performed using the genabel package in r. No SNP demonstrated genome‐wide significance, implying that the ability to pace goes beyond the presence of a single gene variant. Despite its limitations, the current study provides additional information regarding the genetic complexity of pacing ability in horses. However, to fully understand the genetic differences between four‐ and five‐gaited AA horses, additional studies with larger sample materials and consistent phenotyping are needed.
Use of D‐dimer measurement to guide anticoagulant treatment in recurrent pregnancy loss associated with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Bao Shi Hua , Sheng Shi Le , Liao Hong , Zhou Qian , Frempong Sophia Twum , Tu Wei Yan
Published: October 2017

Problem

To examine whether the level of plasma D‐dimer can guide anticoagulant treatment in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Methods

A total of 1096 RPL women with APS between 2012 and 2015 in a single‐center hospital were randomly divided into two groups (group A, 75 mg of low‐dose aspirin [LDA] daily; group B, 75 mg of LDA plus 4100 U of low molecular weight heparin [LMWH] subcutaneously daily); 1015 of the total successfully completed the trial. Plasma D‐dimer level and live birth rates were estimated.

Results

For APS women with an elevated D‐dimer level at baseline, higher live birth rates were reached in LDA plus LMWH group compared to LDA alone group (92.71% vs 61.68%, P < .0001); however, no significant differences were found between the two groups of women with a normal D‐dimer level (87.08% vs 83.76%, P = .48). Women with a normal D‐dimer level at all blood draw points had the highest live birth rates (92.88%), as compared with those with persistently abnormal D‐dimer at all blood draw points or increased D‐dimer level after treatment (P < .001).

Conclusion

The combination therapy with LDA and LMWH is not essential for all APS women, but has proven to be beneficial for women with an elevated D‐dimer level.
Revision gastric bypass after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band: a 10‐year experience at a public teaching hospital
Authors: Carroll James , Kwok Michael , Patel Bhavik , Hopkins George
Published: October 2017

Background

In Australia, there is limited access to public revisional bariatric procedures. However, the need for such procedures is rising. We investigated the safety and efficacy of band‐to‐bypass procedures in our experience at a public teaching hospital over a period of 10 years.

Methods

Using a prospectively maintained bariatric surgical database, we analysed 91 consecutive planned band‐to‐bypass procedures from 2007 to November 2016. All patients had prior laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands removed and formation of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass, in one or two stages. Primary outcomes were 30‐day complication rate and excess weight loss from 12 months. The impact of fellows as primary operators on these outcomes was assessed.

Results

Eighty‐two patients met the inclusion criteria. Seventy‐one (84.5%) were females. Mean age was 48.8 years (SD: 8.85). Immediate post‐operative complications included six (7.3%) patients with gastrojejunostomy leak, three of whom required conversion to laparotomy, with one mortality (1.22%). Fifty‐two patients had follow‐up of 1 year or more (median: 2.36, range: 1–9.24). Mean excess weight loss at the end of follow‐up was 52.79% (SD: 46.46). Twenty‐eight (34.14%) cases were performed primarily by a fellow under the guidance of an experienced bariatric surgeon, with equivalent results.

Conclusion

Revisional band‐to‐bypass in the public setting is an effective but complex procedure associated with morbidity. Some risk may be ameliorated by development of selection criteria to exclude certain high‐risk groups. We hope discussion amongst other bariatric groups will further refine this approach.
Editorial: optimising non‐invasive screening for advanced liver fibrosis in NAFLD
Authors: Khan R. S. , Newsome P. N.
Published: October 2017

This article is linked to Petta et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14219.
Editorial: the role of statins in the treatment of alcohol‐related cirrhosis
Authors: Hansi N. , Williams M. J.
Published: October 2017

This is linked to Bang et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14243 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14281.
Letter: the outcome of ulcerative colitis patients undergoing pouch surgery may be determined by pre‐surgical factors. Authors’ reply
Authors: Yanai H. , Ben‐Shachar S. , Mlynarsky L. , Godny L. , Leshno M. , Tulchinsky H. , Dotan I.
Published: October 2017

This article is linked to Ayubi and Safiri, and Yanai et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14255 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14205.
HBeAg levels at week 24 predict response to 8 years of tenofovir in HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Wong D. , Littlejohn M. , Yuen L. , Jackson K. , Mason H. , Bayliss J. , Rosenberg G. , Gaggar A. , Kitrinos K. , Subramanian M. , Marcellin P. , Buti M. , Janssen H. L. A. , Gane E. , Locarnini S. , Thompson A. , Revill P. A.
Published: October 2017

Background

Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion is a treatment endpoint for HBeAg‐positive CHB, and a necessary precursor to HBsAg loss. Biomarkers that predict serological outcomes would be useful.

Aim

To evaluate the utility of measuring HBeAg levels for predicting HBeAg seroconversion and HBsAg loss under long‐term tenofovir (TDF) therapy.

Methods

A total of 266 patients were enrolled into a phase III study of TDF vs adefovir (ADV) for 48 weeks in HBeAg‐positive patients, followed by open‐label TDF up to 384 weeks. Serum HBeAg levels were measured for subjects with samples available at both baseline and week 24 of treatment (n = 200). Analysis compared subjects who achieved HBeAg seroconversion by week 384 vs no HBeAg seroconversion.

Results

HBeAg seroconversion rate was 52% by week 384. Time to HBeAg seroconversion was 80 weeks (IQR: 36‐162). HBeAg decline at week 24 was associated with HBeAg seroconversion (1.63 vs 0.90 log10 PEIU/mL, P = .002). The optimal threshold for identifying HBeAg seroconversion was HBeAg decline ≥2.2 log10 PEIU/mL at week 24, with HBeAg seroconversion achieved by 76% of patients, compared to 44% if HBeAg decline <2.2 log10 (P < .0001). HBeAg decline ≥2.2 log10 PEIU/mL at week 24 was associated with HBsAg loss in genotype A or D patients (38% vs 15%, P = .03). Precore/basal core promotor variants were associated with lower baseline HBeAg levels, but not HBeAg seroconversion.

Conclusion

Decline in HBeAg levels by week 24 was associated with HBeAg seroconversion and HBsAg loss in HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B patients treated with long‐term TDF.
Ledipasvir and tenofovir drug interaction in human immunodeficiency virus–hepatitis C virus coinfected patients: Impact on tenofovir trough concentrations and renal safety
Authors: Solas Caroline , Bregigeon Sylvie , Faucher‐Zaegel Olivia , Quaranta Sylvie , Obry‐Roguet Véronique , Tamalet Catherine , Lacarelle Bruno , Poizot‐Martin Isabelle
Published: October 2017

We evaluate the impact of ledipasvir on both tenofovir plasma trough concentration and estimated glomerular renal function in human immunodeficiency virus–hepatitis C virus coinfected patients receiving a tenofovir‐based antiretroviral regimen and treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir. Twenty‐six patients [81% male, median age: 51 years; hepatitis C virus genotype 1(75%)/4(15%)] were included. Tenofovir trough concentration (interquartile range) increased from 78 ng ml–1 (53–110) at baseline to 141 ng ml–1 (72–176) at 1 month (P = 0.003). No significant difference on estimated glomerular renal function using both Cockroft–Gault and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formulae, respectively, [median (interquartile range)] was observed between baseline [101.3 ml min–1 (91.1–114.1); 95.6 ml min–1 (86.5–111.2)], 1 month [102.4 ml min–1 (89.8–112.9), P = 0.26; 92.5 ml min–1 (88.1–114.3), P = 0.27], end‐of‐treatment [96.5 ml min–1 (82.4–115.4), P = 0.39; 95.4 ml min–1 (84.2–105.4), P = 0.16] and 12 weeks after the end of treatment [100.5 ml min–1 (83.3–111.9), P = 0.24; 93.4 ml min–1 (82.2–103.5), P = 0.16]. Three patients progressed from chronic kidney disease stage 1 to stage 2 at 12 weeks post‐treatment. A significant increase in tenofovir exposure through P‐glycoprotein inhibition by ledipasvir was confirmed without significant impact on glomerular renal function in our population with normal renal function or mild renal impairment.
Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dynamics malfunction are linked in Pelizaeus‐Merzbacher disease
Authors: Ruiz Montserrat , Bégou Mélina , Launay Nathalie , Ranea‐Robles Pablo , Bianchi Patrizia , López‐Erauskin Jone , Morató Laia , Guilera Cristina , Petit Bérengère , Vaurs‐Barriere Catherine , Guéret‐Gonthier Céline , Bonnet‐Dupeyron Marie‐Noëlle , Fourcade Stéphane , Auwerx Johan , Boespflug‐Tanguy Odile , Pujol Aurora
Published: October 2017

Pelizaeus‐Merzbacher disease (PMD) is a fatal hypomyelinating disorder characterized by early impairment of motor development, nystagmus, choreoathetotic movements, ataxia and progressive spasticity. PMD is caused by variations in the proteolipid protein gene PLP1, which encodes the two major myelin proteins of the central nervous system, PLP and its spliced isoform DM20, in oligodendrocytes. Large duplications including the entire PLP1 gene are the most frequent causative mutation leading to the classical form of PMD. The Plp1 overexpressing mouse model (PLP‐tg66/66) develops a phenotype very similar to human PMD, with early and severe motor dysfunction and a dramatic decrease in lifespan. The sequence of cellular events that cause neurodegeneration and ultimately death is poorly understood. In this work, we analyzed patient‐derived fibroblasts and spinal cords of the PLP‐tg66/66 mouse model, and identified redox imbalance, with altered antioxidant defense and oxidative damage to several enzymes involved in ATP production, such as glycolytic enzymes, creatine kinase and mitochondrial proteins from the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. We also evidenced malfunction of the mitochondria compartment with increased ROS production and depolarization in PMD patient's fibroblasts, which was prevented by the antioxidant N‐acetyl‐cysteine. Finally, we uncovered an impairment of mitochondrial dynamics in patient's fibroblasts which may help explain the ultrastructural abnormalities of mitochondria morphology detected in spinal cords from PLP‐tg66/66 mice. Altogether, these results underscore the link between redox and metabolic homeostasis in myelin diseases, provide insight into the pathophysiology of PMD, and may bear implications for tailored pharmacological intervention.
Heterogeneous distribution of alectinib in neuroblastoma xenografts revealed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging: a pilot study
Authors: Ryu Shoraku , Hayashi Mitsuhiro , Aikawa Hiroaki , Okamoto Isamu , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Hamada Akinobu
Published: October 2017

Background and Purpose

The penetration of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor alectinib in neuroblastomas and the relationship between alectinib and ALK expression are unknown. The aim of this study was to perform a quantitative investigation of the inter‐ and intra‐tumoural distribution of alectinib in different neuroblastoma xenograft models using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization MS imaging (MALDI‐MSI).

Experimental Approach

The distribution of alectinib in NB1 (ALK amplification) and SK‐N‐FI (ALK wild‐type) xenograft tissues was analysed using MALDI‐MSI. The abundance of alectinib in tumours and intra‐tumoural areas was quantified using ion signal intensities from MALDI‐MSI after normalization by correlation with LC‐MS/MS.

Key Results

The distribution of alectinib was heterogeneous in neuroblastomas. The penetration of alectinib was not significantly different between ALK amplification and ALK wide‐type tissues using both LC‐MS/MS concentrations and MSI intensities. Normalization with an internal standard increased the quantitative property of MSI by adjusting for the ion suppression effect. The distribution of alectinib in different intra‐tumoural areas can alternatively be quantified from MS images by correlation with LC‐MS/MS.

Conclusion and Implications

The penetration of alectinib into tumour tissues may not be homogenous or influenced by ALK expression in the early period after single‐dose administration. MALDI‐MSI may prove to be a valuable pharmaceutical method for elucidating the mechanism of action of drugs by clarifying their microscopic distribution in heterogeneous tissues.
Multinationals’ profit response to tax differentials: Effect size and shifting channels
Authors: Heckemeyer Jost H. , Overesch Michael
Published: October 2017

This paper provides a quantitative review of the empirical literature on profit‐shifting behaviour of multinational firms. We synthesize the evidence from 27 studies and find a substantial response of profit measures to international tax rate differentials. Accounting for confounding factors by means of meta‐regressions, we predict a tax semi‐elasticity of subsidiary pre‐tax profits of about 0.8. Moreover, we disentangle the tax response by means of financial planning from the transfer pricing and licensing channel. Back‐of‐the‐envelope calculations suggest that transfer pricing and licensing are the dominant profit‐shifting channels.
Predictors of mental health problems in adolescents living with HIV in Namibia
Authors: Gentz Shelene G. , Calonge Romano Isabel , Martínez‐Arias Rosario , Ruiz‐Casares Mónica
Published: October 2017

Background

Little research in sub‐Saharan Africa has looked at factors that predict mental health problems in adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV). This study examines the psychological impact of HIV in adolescents in Namibia, including risk and protective factors associated with mental health.

Methods

Ninety‐nine fully disclosed ALHIV between the ages of 12 and 18 were interviewed at a State Hospital in Windhoek. A structured questionnaire assessed mental health, using the SDQ (Goodman, 1997), sociodemographic factors, poverty, social support, adherence and stigma.

Results

Mean age was 14.3 years, 52.5% were female and most were healthy. Twelve percent scored in the clinical range for total mental health difficulties and 22% for emotional symptoms. Poverty was associated with more total mental health difficulties, t(96) = −2.63, p = .010, and more emotional symptoms, t(96) = −3.45, p = .001, whereas better social support was a protective factor, particularly caregiver support (r = −.337, p = .001). Adherence problems, HIV‐related stigma and disclosing one's own HIV status to others were also associated with more total mental health difficulties. Poverty (β = −.231, p = .023) and stigma (β = .268, p = .009) were the best predictors for total mental health difficulties, whereas stigma (β = .314, p = .002) predicted emotional symptoms. Social support had a protective effect on peer problems (p = .001, β = −.349).

Conclusions

Several contextual factors associated with poorer mental health in ALHIV are identified.
Evaluation of medical and dental visits in New York City: Opportunities to identify persons with and at risk for diabetes mellitus in dental settings
Authors: Myers‐Wright Noreen , Lamster Ira B. , Jasek John P. , Chamany Shadi
Published: October 2017

Objective

The identification of persons with or at risk for chronic diseases is a new practice paradigm for oral healthcare. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease of particular importance to oral health providers. This study sought to understand healthcare utilization patterns that would support the introduction of this new practice paradigm.

Methods

The primary and oral healthcare utilization patterns of New York City (NYC) adults were assessed using data collected from the 2013 NYC Community Health Survey. We stratified healthcare utilization patterns by type of provider, insurance, DM diagnosis and DM modifiable risk factors.

Results

Of 6.4 million NYC adults, an estimated 676 000 (10.5%) reported a previous diagnosis of DM, and 3.9 million (69.5%) were identified with one or more modifiable risk factor for DM. Of these at risk individuals, 2.2 million (58.9%) received dental services in the past 12 months, and 545 000 (14.3%) did not see a primary care provider during the same period. Of the approximately 1.16 million adults without health insurance, an estimated 338 000 (26.2%) had a dental visit only.

Conclusion

Healthcare utilization patterns in this urban setting suggest that oral healthcare providers can support the identification of patients with and at risk for DM who may otherwise not have the opportunity for screening.
Rib‐reinforced Shell Structure
Authors: Li Wei , Zheng Anzong , You Lihua , Yang Xiaosong , Zhang Jianjun , Liu Ligang
Published: October 2017

Shell structures are extensively used in engineering due to their efficient load‐carrying capacity relative to material volume. However, large‐span shells require additional supporting structures to strengthen fragile regions. The problem of designing optimal stiffeners is therefore becoming a major challenge for shell applications. To address it, we propose a computational framework to design and optimize rib layout on arbitrary shell to improve the overall structural stiffness and mechanical performance. The essential of our method is to place ribs along the principal stress lines which reflect paths of material continuity and indicates trajectories of internal forces. Given a surface and user‐specified external loads, we perform a Finite Element Analysis. Using the resulting principal stress field, we generate a quad‐mesh whose edges align with this cross field. Then we extract an initial rib network from the quad‐mesh. After simplifying rib network by removing ribs with little contribution, we perform a rib flow optimization which allows ribs to swing on surface to further adjust rib distribution. Finally, we optimize rib cross‐section to maximally reduce material usage while achieving certain structural stiffness requirements. We demonstrate that our rib‐reinforced shell structures achieve good static performances. And experimental results by 3D printed objects show the effectiveness of our method.
Wednesday's Meeting Really Is on Friday: A Meta‐Analysis and Evaluation of Ambiguous Spatiotemporal Language
Authors: Stickles Elise , Lewis Tasha N.
Published: October 2017

Experimental work has shown that spatial experiences influence spatiotemporal metaphor use. In these studies, participants are asked a question that yields different responses depending on the metaphor participants use. It has been claimed that English speakers are equally likely to respond with either variant in the absence of priming. Related studies testing non‐spatial experiences demonstrate varied results with a wide range of primes. Here, the effects of eye movement and stimuli presentation modality on comprehension of this question are investigated in different formats. In addition, the results of prior reported controls are re‐analyzed in a meta‐analysis to verify reliable ambiguity of the test question. Results suggest that English speakers have a baseline preference for the Moving Ego metaphor variant, with a stronger preference in verbal rather than written presentation. The findings have implications both for (re)interpretation of prior studies' results and future study designs.
Follow‐up of 1887 patients receiving tumor necrosis‐alpha antagonists: Tuberculin skin test conversion and tuberculosis risk
Authors: Cagatay Tulin , Bingol Zuleyha , Kıyan Esen , Yegin Zeynep , Okumus Gulfer , Arseven Orhan , Erkan Feyza , Gulbaran Ziya , Erelel Mustafa , Ece Turhan , Cagatay Penbe , Kılıçaslan Zeki
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the characteristics of patients who developed tuberculosis while receiving tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) antagonists and the related factors with tuberculosis.

Methods

Patient's demographics, tuberculin skin test (TST), isoniazid prophylaxis and type of TNF‐α antagonist were recorded. TST conversion (≥5 mm increase) was evaluated for patients who had baseline and 1‐year TST.

Results

Files of 1887 patients who were receiving TNF‐α antagonists between August 2005 and June 2015 were evaluated. TST significantly increased at the end of 1 year (n = 748 baseline:7.36 ± 7.2 mm vs. 1 year:9.52 ± 7.5 mm, P < 0.001). One‐third of patients (31.2%) who had negative TST at baseline had positive TST at 1 year. Tuberculosis developed in 22 patients (1.16%). The annual incidence of tuberculosis was 423/100 000 patient‐year. TNF‐α antagonist indications were ankylosing spondylitis (n = 8), inflammatory bovel diseases (n = 7) and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 4). Ten (45.5%) patients received infliximab, six (27.3%) patients received etanercept and six (27.3%) patients received adalimumab. Nineteen (86.4%) patients were under isoniazid prophylaxis. Twelve patients had extrapulmonary tuberculosis (54.5%; four lymph node, three pleura, two periton, one pericarditis, one intestinal, one joint). Atypical mycobacterium was detected in one patient. Adalimumab treatment (9.5× increase), male sex (15.6× increase) and previous tuberculosis disease history (11.5× increase) were risk factors for active tuberculosis. Conversion of TST was not found related with tuberculosis.

Conclusions

Despite the high proportion of isoniazid prophylaxis, the incidence of tuberculosis in our patients receiving TNF‐α antagonist was higher than the literature. Adalimumab treatment, male sex and previous tuberculosis disease history were found as risk factors for tuberculosis.
Melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy: An enigmatic tumour with unique cytomorphological features
Authors: Kaur K. , Agarwal S. , Rajeshwari M. , Jain D. , Bhalla A. S. , Verma H.
Published: October 2017

This is a case of a melanotic neuro‐ectodermal tumor of infancy in a 5 month old infant diagnosed on cytopathology.
Perception of Special Needs Dentistry education and practice amongst Australian dental auxiliary students
Authors: Borromeo G. L. , Ahmad M. S. , Buckley S. , Bozanic M. , Cao A. , Al‐Dabbagh M. , Athale A.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The role of dental auxiliaries in collaborative care of patients with special needs is compelling. This study was undertaken to investigate the perceptions of Special Needs Dentistry (SND) education and practice amongst students enrolled in Australian programmes in dental auxiliary, namely dental hygiene, dental therapy and oral health therapy (DH/DT/OHT).

Materials and methods

All Australian institutions offering DH/DT/OHT programmes (n = 14) were invited to participate in a self‐administered questionnaire survey, conducted online, involving students across all academic years. Twelve institutions agreed to participate, but only five institutions were included in the final analysis, with a student response rate of 31.1%. Answers to open‐ended questions were coded and grouped for measurement of frequencies. Quantitative data were analysed via chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests (significance taken as P < .05).

Results

The majority of students could not define SND (87.0%) were not aware of the existence of this specialty (53.5%) and did not have clinical experience treating patients with special needs (68.9%). Nevertheless, they felt comfortable and positive about treating these patients independently. Most agreed that they should receive clinical and didactic education in SND, with many of them expressing interest in pursuing a specialty training in this field.

Conclusion

DH/DT/OHT students’ comfort levels, positive attitudes and supportiveness for SND suggested positive implications for these practitioners to partake in multidisciplinary management of patients with special needs, thus indicating the need for standardised training requirements and practice guidelines in this area of care.
Stoichiometric distribution models: ecological stoichiometry at the landscape extent
Authors: Leroux Shawn J. , Wal Eric Vander , Wiersma Yolanda F. , Charron Louis , Ebel Jonathan D. , Ellis Nichola M. , Hart Christopher , Kissler Emilie , Saunders Paul W. , Moudrá Lucie , Tanner Amy L. , Yalcin Semra
Published: October 2017

Human activities are altering the fundamental geography of biogeochemicals. Yet we lack an understanding of how the spatial patterns in organismal stoichiometry affect biogeochemical processes and the tools to predict the impacts of global changes on biogeochemical processes. In this contribution we develop stoichiometric distribution models (StDMs), which allow us to map spatial structure in resource elemental composition across a landscape and evaluate spatial responses of consumers. We parameterise StDMs for a consumer‐resource (moose‐white birch) system and demonstrate that we can develop predictive models of resource stoichiometry across a landscape and that such models could improve our predictions of consumer space use. With results from our study system application, we argue that explicit consideration of the spatial patterns in organismal elemental composition may uncover emergent individual, population, community and ecosystem properties that are not revealed at the local extents routinely used in ecological stoichiometry. We discuss perspectives for further developments and application of StDMs to advance three emerging frameworks for spatial ecosystem ecology in an era of global change; meta‐ecosystem theory, macroecological stoichiometry and remotely sensed biogeochemistry. Progress on these emerging frameworks will allow for the integration of ecological stoichiometry and individual space use and fitness.
Polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans levels in piglet liver with various diseases
Authors: Shin Jeoung Hwa , Ji Won Hyun , Chae Chanhee , Gorinstein Shela , Ahn Yun Gyong
Published: October 2017

This study deals with the levels of toxic polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxin and furan congeners (PCDD/Fs) in the livers of piglets affected by infectious diseases using isotope dilution high‐resolution gas chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). Seventeen toxic congeners in the liver samples infected with bacterial and viral diseases were compared. For porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) samples, the North American‐ and European‐type PRRS diseases were observed. This study shows that there are significantly different levels of PCDD/Fs, present, which vary according to the types of diseases as evidenced by our analysis of the piglet liver samples.
Comparing stated and realized preferences for shade‐grown vs. conventionally grown coffee
Authors: Klimas Christie A. , Webb Ellen
Published: October 2017

We used both stated preference and revealed preference data to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for shade‐grown coffee as compared with conventionally grown coffee. Stated preference data was collected using contingent valuation studies. Revealed preference data came from an experiment where all survey participants received a personally identifiable voucher redeemable for a free bakery item when the holder purchased a coffee. We compared estimates of mean and median WTP a price premium for shade‐grown coffee from stated preference data with similar estimates from revealed preference data. We used a logit model to evaluate the effect of explanatory variables (measures of environmental attitudes, personal norms for pro‐environmental behaviour and demographic variables) on respondents’ WTP a price premium for shade grown coffee. Model parameters were estimated using the maximum likelihood approach. Respondents with higher scores on measures of environmental attitudes and personal norms for pro‐environmental behaviour were, on average, willing to pay more for shade‐grown coffee. While this paper examined a specific case, purchase of shade‐grown coffee, our results confirmed that stated environmental concern was a good predictor of pro‐environmental behaviour. We found that mean and median WTP estimates from stated preference methods were higher, but not significantly different than mean and median WTP estimates from actual purchases, indicating convergent validity between stated and realized preference methods. The majority of individuals both stated WTP a price premium and purchased shade‐grown coffee at a price premium. We did, however notice some interesting behaviour at the individual level where stated preferences under‐predicted realized preferences at low price‐premia and over‐predicted realized preferences at high price premia.