bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field-testing olfactory ability to understand human olfactory ecology
Authors: Hoover Kara C. , Botescu Denisa , Fedurek Piotr , Aarts Sophie , Berbesque J. Colette
Published: February 2018

Objectives

We know little about human olfactory ability in natural settings because current knowledge derives from lab-based studies using non-representative samples of convenience. The primary objective was to use a validated lab tool, the five-item odor identification test, to assess variation in olfactory ability in different environments.

Methods

Using the five-item test, we conducted two repeated measures experiments that assessed participant ability to correctly identify an odor source in different odor environments. We also examined consistency in odor labelling due to documented potential bias from idiosyncrasies in odor terms.

Results

We found no variation in olfactory ability due to environment, but this may be due to methodological biases. First, subjective bias results from idiosyncratic differences in participant labelling and researcher coding of answer correctness. Second, better ability to learn odors may provide an advantage to women. Third, reducing positive female learning bias by analyzing consistency in response (regardless of correct odor source identification) fails to assess functional olfactory ability. Functional olfactory ability (naming correct odor source) is significantly better in females, especially in food-rich odor environments.

Conclusions

Environment was not a significant factor in olfactory ability in this study but that result may be confounded by methodological biases. We not recommend odor identification as a field tool. Functional olfactory ability exhibits a sex-based pattern but consistency in recognizing the same odor does not. Food-rich odors may enhance olfactory ability in females. We discuss evolutionary and ecological implications of superior female functional olfactory ability relative to food foraging activity.
Qualitative research on AZ31 magnesium alloy aircraft brackets with a triangular rib produced by a new forging method
Authors: Dziubinska Anna , Gontarz Andrzej , Zagórski Ireneusz
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to report results of the qualitative assessment of AZ31 aircraft brackets with a triangular rib produced by a new forging method with respect to their structure and mechanical properties.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports the results of qualitative tests for AZ31 magnesium alloy aircraft brackets with a triangular rib produced by a new forging method. These ribbed parts were formed on a forging press equipped with three moving tools. The produced aircraft brackets were subjected to qualitative tests. Their cross-sectional microstructure was examined using the light-field technique. The mechanical properties of ribbed parts were determined in a static tensile test and by hardness measurements on the surface of the part. The following variables were determined: tensile strength Rm, yield strength R0.2, elongation A5 and hardness.

Findings

The results of qualitative tests provide significant information about produced aircraft brackets with a triangular rib, i.e. microstructure in three key regions of brackets and their mechanical properties.

Practical implications

The method will enable producing magnesium alloy aircraft brackets with a triangular rib. The application of the method for aircraft brackets developed by the authors of this paper will result in higher product quality and reduced production costs. The paper demonstrates the practical application of this technique by presenting a finished aircraft bracket and the results of complete qualitative tests.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the presentation of a new, innovative method for manufacturing aircraft brackets with a triangular rib. This method is unique on a global scale, and its assumptions have been granted patent protection.
Overview of green quad bubble business jet aerodynamic configuration design
Authors: Djojodihardjo Harijono
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibilities of introducing a number of visionary and pioneering ideas and upcoming enabling technologies for a conceptual and aerodynamic design of green business jet aircraft to meet various requirements within Green and N + 2 Aircraft framework, and at the same time, to meet the requirements of air transportation demand, economic growth and environmental conservation.

Design/methodology/approach

A synthesis of various aircraft design methodologies has been carried out through iterative optimization to arrive at the conceptually designed aircraft with novel concept with optimum performance within the subsonic flight regimes. Major ideas derived from D8 and other novel concepts are appropriately applied in the work, which starts with fuel efficient motivation, and followed by wing aerodynamics and other critical factors related to the design requirements and objectives.

Findings

Through a meticulous effort following the synthesized design methodologies in the conceptual design phase, a conceptual design of a quad-bubble business jets with a set of specifications that meet the green and N + 2 aircraft technology requirements and exhibit promising performances is proposed and assessed within recent aircraft technology development.

Research limitations/implications

The research work is limited to conceptual design and analytical work which should be followed by further iterative steps incorporating experiments and detailed structural and aerodynamic computations.

Practical implications

The conceptual design proposed can be utilized as a baseline for further practical step in an aircraft development project.

Social implications

The conceptual design proposed could be utilized for business and economic study for future air transportation system.

Originality/value

The work is original, incorporating review of state-of-the-art technology, environmental requirements and a synthesis of a novel product.
Nationality vs ethnic identity
Authors: Ching Frank
Published: February 2018

Purpose

As far as governments are concerned, it is the nationality of a person, usually reflected in a passport, that shows whether the government has a duty to protect that individual and whether the person owes obligations to the state. Hong Kong is unusual in that for many people there, passports are primarily seen as documents that offer safety and security. It is not unusual for people to possess two or more passports. The purpose of this paper is to examine attitudes toward passports on the part of Hong Kong people, formed by their unique experience.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes key documents, such as China’s Nationality Law and a little known document, “Explanations of Some Questions by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Concerning the Implementation of the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.” The paper also looks at the Loh case of August 2016, involving a Canadian man who wanted a Hong Kong passport for his 11-year-old Canadian-born son, and the Patrick Tse case, where Hong Kong tried to strip a teenager who possessed German nationality of his Hong Kong passport.

Findings

The convenience of travel to China with a Home Return Permit seems to outweigh any sense of loyalty to an adopted country in the west, or the realization that the use of a document identifying its holder as a Chinese national means that she/he would not have any consular protection. It is also ironical that the Hong Kong Government should maintain the difference between nationality and ethnicity at a time when the Chinese Government is doing the very opposite, playing down the status of nationality while magnifying the importance of so-called “Chinese blood.”

Originality/value

This paper examines a topic that has not been widely studied but is likely to become more important in the years to come as China’s impact on the rest of the world increases. The nationality status of ethnic Chinese will increasingly become an issue as the flow of travel between China and other countries rises and Chinese immigrants continue to take up foreign nationality. While this issue is of special importance to Hong Kong, its impact will extend to countries around the world, in fact, to wherever Chinese persons are to be found.
Linking demographic processes and foraging ecology in wandering albatross—Conservation implications
Authors: Weimerskirch Henri
Published: February 2018

Population dynamics and foraging ecology are two fields of the population ecology that are generally studied separately. Yet, foraging determines allocation processes and therefore demography. Studies on wandering albatrossesDiomedea exulansover the past 50 years have contributed to better understand the links between population dynamics and foraging ecology. This article reviews how these two facets of population ecology have been combined to better understand ecological processes, but also have contributed fundamentally for the conservation of this long‐lived threatened species.

Wandering albatross research has combined a 50‐year long‐term study of marked individuals with two decades of tracking studies that have been initiated on this species, favoured by its large size and tameness.

At all stages of their life history, the body mass of individuals plays a central role in allocation processes, in particular in influencing adult and juvenile survival, decisions to recruit into the population or to invest into provisioning the offspring or into maintenance.

Strong age‐related variations in demographic parameters are observed and are linked to age‐related differences in foraging distribution and efficiency. Marked sex‐specific differences in foraging distribution, foraging efficiency and changes in mass over lifetime are directly related to the strong sex‐specific investment in breeding and survival trajectories of the two sexes, with body mass playing a pivotal role especially in males.

Long‐term study has allowed determining the sex‐specific and age‐specific demographic causes of population decline, and the tracking studies have been able to derive where and how these impacts occur, in particular the role of long‐line fisheries.
The effect of corporate governance on firms’ decent work policies in Japan
Authors: Kubo Katsuyuki
Published: February 2018

It is often argued that globalization of financial markets leads to change in firms’ human resource practices and employees’ well‐being. To examine the effect of corporate governance on employees’ well‐being, we examine the determinants of firm policies on decent work. Decent work was proposed as a goal by the International Labour Organization, and includes such dimensions as ‘work in conditions of freedom’, ‘equity in work’ and ‘security in work’. We develop a scoring system for firms’ policies on decent work using data on 1258 of Japan's listed firms in 2015. Using this unique dataset, we examine the effect of foreign ownership and outside director ratio on these scores. There is a positive relationship between these corporate mechanisms and firms’ policies. It is suggested that decent work may be promoted by a change in corporate governance.
Sonocrystallization of Interesterified Soybean Oil: Effect of Saturation Level and Supercooling
Authors: Lee Juhee , Claro da Silva Roberta , Gibon Veronique , Martini Silvana
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supercooling and degree of saturation on lipid sonocrystallization under similar driving force of crystallization. Samples consisting of 100%, 50%, and 20% interesterified soybean oil (IESBO) diluted in high‐oleic sunflower oil (HOSFO) were crystallized with and without high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU). Two power levels were used by changing the amplitude of vibration of the tip (24 μm and 108 μm of tip amplitude). HIU operating at a frequency of 20 kHz was applied for 10 s. Sonication induced crystallization in the 100% IESBO sample and sonication power did not affect the results. A greater induction in crystallization was observed when higher power levels were used in the 50% IESBO sample, while no effect was observed in the crystallization kinetics of the 20% IESBO samples. Changes in the crystallization kinetics affected physical properties of the material, influencing elasticity. For example, sonication increased the elasticity of the 100% IESBO sample for both tip amplitudes from 435.9 ± 173.3 Pa to 72735.0 ± 9547.9 Pa for the nonsonicated and sonicated samples using 108 μm of amplitude, respectively. However, sonication only increased the elasticity in the 50% sample when used at the higher power level of 108 μm from 564.2 ± 175.2 Pa to 21774.0 ± 5694.9 Pa, and it did not affect the elasticity of the 20% IESBO samples. These results show that the level of saturation and the degree of supercooling affect sonication efficiency.

Practical Applications

High‐intensity ultrasound (HIU) has been used as a novel method for changing the crystallization behavior of fats. HIU can be used to improve the physical properties of trans‐free fats that are low in saturated fatty acids. Although recent studies have proven the effectiveness of this method to induce crystallization, the process must still be optimized to the industrial setting. All process parameters should be considered during the application of HIU, as they directly affect the final product. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of HIU and process conditions such as tip amplitude, degree of supercooling, and saturation level on the crystallization behavior of commercial interesterified soybean oil.
Axial and cellular heterogeneity in electrolyte transport pathways along the thick ascending limb
Authors: Dimke H. , Schnermann J.
Published: February 2018

The thick ascending limb (TAL) extends from the border of the inner medulla to the renal cortex, thus ascending through regions with wide differences in tissue solute and electrolyte concentrations. Structural and functional differences between TAL cells in the medulla (mTAL) and the cortex (cTAL) would therefore be useful to adapt TAL transport function to a changing external fluid composition. While mechanisms common to all TAL cells play a central role in the reclamation of about 25% of the NaCl filtered by the kidney, morphological features, Na+/ K+‐ATPase activity, NKCC2 splicing and phosphorylation do vary between segments and cells. The TAL contributes to K+ homeostasis and TAL cells with high or low basolateral K+ conductances have been identified which may be involved in K+ reabsorption and secretion respectively. Although transport rates for do not differ between mTAL and cTAL, divergent axial and cellular expression of H+ transport proteins in TAL have been documented. The reabsorption of the divalent cations Ca2+ and Mg2+ is highest in cTAL and paralleled by differences in divalent cation permeability and the expression of select claudins. Morphologically, two cell types with different cell surface phenotypes have been described that still need to be linked to specific functional characteristics. The unique external environment and its change along the longitudinal axis require an axial functional heterogeneity for the TAL to optimally participate in conserving electrolyte homeostasis. Despite substantial progress in understanding TAL function, there are still considerable knowledge gaps that are just beginning to become bridged.
Improving Medication Safety in Psychiatry – A Controlled Intervention Study of Nurse Involvement in Avoidance of Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions
Authors: Soerensen Ann L. , Lisby Marianne , Nielsen Lars P. , Poulsen Birgitte K. , Mainz Jan
Published: February 2018

The aim of this controlled, before‐and‐after study in the Department of Psychiatry in a university hospital in Denmark was to examine the potential effects and characteristics of nurses reviewing psychiatric patients’ medication records to identify potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs). The control group and the intervention group each consisted of two bed units chosen based on patients’ diagnoses and age categories. There were 396 patients (age ≥18 years) included in the study. Senior clinical pharmacology physicians performed medication reviews for all patients in the study; these medication reviews were considered gold standard. The intervention group: nurses were given a pharmacology course after which the nurses reviewed medication lists and subsequently conferred any identified PIPs with physicians. The control group: medication was reviewed as usual and nurses did not participate. Primary outcome measure was the potential difference in PIPs between the control group and the intervention group, analysed in two ways: (i) difference in mean number of PIPs and (ii) difference in number of patients exposed to ≥1 PIP, using regression analysis with an approximated difference‐in‐difference (DID) approach. Secondary outcome measure was characteristics of PIPs where physicians responded to nurse‐identified PIPs. The DID between intervention group and control group for mean number of PIPs per patient was −0.23 (−1.07 to 0.60), and for number of patients receiving ≥1 PIP, the odds ratio was 0.61 (0.25 to 1.46). Physicians changed most prescriptions in the category interaction between drugs. Nurses could not significantly reduce the prevalence of PIPs for psychiatric patients.
Emotional food cravings predicts poor short‐term weight loss following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Janse Van Vuuren Michéle A. , Strodl Esben , White Katherine M. , Lockie Philip D.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) incidence has increased worldwide. However, a proportion of patients achieve inadequate weight loss and some experience weight regain. Little is known of the influence of eating beliefs and behaviours in response to cravings on early weight loss trajectory. This study aimed to identify the post‐surgery eating cravings that predicted patients not achieving excess weight loss outcome (EWL) at 6–8 months post‐LSG.

Design

A total of 106 (80.7% female) participants who underwent LSG from four sites completed the questionnaires at 4–6 weeks post‐bariatric surgery and 6 months post‐LSG. Achieving <40% EWL at 6‐month follow‐up was included as the outcome variable, and the nine subscales of the Food Cravings Questionnaire‐Trait version (FCQ‐T) were included as potential predictors of that change.

Methods

Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between EWL and the nine subscales of the FCQ‐T (intentions to eat, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, lack of control, preoccupation with food, feelings of hunger, negative affect, emotions experienced before or during food cravings or eating, and guilty feelings).

Results

Participants lost an average 64% EWL (SD = 21% EWL) 6–8 months after LSG surgery. Results indicated the overall model was significant and, of the nine variables, the emotional food craving subscale (adjusted OR = 4.19, p = .018) predicted a failure to achieve EWL.

Conclusion

Emotional food cravings experienced 4–6 weeks following LSG may predict poor weight loss outcomes at 6 months.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide.

Bariatric surgery is currently the most viable and cost‐effective treatment for obesity and shows sustainability.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is now the most common procedure.

Not all patients achieve excess weight loss outcome (EWL) following LSG.

What does this study add?

Emotional food cravings contribute to weight loss outcomes at 6 months’ post‐LSG surgery.

Emotional food cravings may be a maladaptive coping mechanism that represents important area for early psychological intervention.
New clinicopathological associations and histoprognostic markers in ILAE types of hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Calderon‐Garcidueñas Ana Laura , Mathon Bertrand , Lévy Pierre , Bertrand Anne , Mokhtari Karima , Samson Véronique , Thuriès Valérie , Lambrecq Virginie , Nguyen‐Michel Vi‐Huong , Dupont Sophie , Adam Claude , Baulac Michel , Clémenceau Stéphane , Duyckaerts Charles , Navarro Vincent , Bielle Franck
Published: February 2018

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE‐HS) is a heterogeneous syndrome. Surgery results in seizure freedom for most pharmacoresistant patients, but the epileptic and cognitive prognosis remains variable. The 2013 International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) histopathological classification of hippocampal sclerosis (HS) has fostered research to understand MTLE‐HS heterogeneity. We investigated the associations between histopathological features (ILAE types, hypertrophic CA4 neurons, granule cell layer alterations, CD34 immunopositive cells) and clinical features (presurgical history, postsurgical outcome) in a monocentric series of 247 MTLE‐HS patients treated by surgery. NeuN, GFAP and CD34 immunostainings and a double independent pathological examination were performed. 186 samples were type 1, 47 type 2, 7 type 3 and 7 samples were gliosis only but no neuronal loss (noHS). In the type 1, hypertrophic CA4 neurons were associated with a worse postsurgical outcome and granule cell layer duplication was associated with generalized seizures and episodes of status epilepticus. In the type 2, granule cell layer duplication was associated with generalized seizures. CD34+ stellate cells were more frequent in the type 2, type 3 and in noHS. These cells had a Nestin and SOX2 positive, immature neural immunophenotype. Patients with nodules of CD34+ cells had more frequent dysmnesic auras. CD34+ stellate cells in scarce pattern were associated with higher ratio of normal MRI and of stereo‐electroencephalographic studies. CD34+ cells were associated with a trend for a better postsurgical outcome. Among CD34+ cases, we proposed a new entity of BRAF V600E positive HS and we described three hippocampal multinodular and vacuolating neuronal tumors. To conclude, our data identified new clinicopathological associations with ILAE types. They showed the prognostic value of CA4 hypertrophic neurons. They highlighted CD34+ stellate cells and BRAF V600E as biomarkers to further decipher MTLE‐HS heterogeneity.
Morphological trait matching shapes plant–frugivore networks across the Andes
Authors: Bender Irene M. A. , Kissling W. Daniel , Blendinger Pedro G. , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Hensen Isabell , Kühn Ingolf , Muñoz Marcia C. , Neuschulz Eike Lena , Nowak Larissa , Quitián Marta , Saavedra Francisco , Santillán Vinicio , Töpfer Till , Wiegand Thorsten , Dehling D. Matthias , Schleuning Matthias
Published: February 2018

Interactions between resource and consumer species are organized in ecological networks. Species interactions in these networks are influenced by the functional traits of the interacting partners, but the generality of trait‐based interaction rules and the relationship between functional traits and a species’ specialization on specific interaction partners are not yet understood. Here we combine data on eight interaction networks between fleshy‐fruited plants and frugivorous birds sampled across the tropical and subtropical Andean range. We test which combinations of morphological plant and animal traits determine trait matching between resource and consumer species in these networks. In addition, we test which of the morphological traits influence functional specialization of plant and bird species. In a meta‐analysis across network‐specific fourth‐corner analyses, we found that plant–animal trait pairs related to size matching (fruit size–beak size) and avian foraging behavior (plant height–wing shape and crop mass–body mass) were positively related in these networks. The degree of functional specialization on specific interaction partners was positively related to crop mass in plants and to the pointedness of the wing in birds. Our findings show that morphological trait matching between fleshy‐fruited plants and frugivorous birds is a general phenomenon in plant–frugivore networks across the Andes and that specific plant and bird traits can be used to approximate the degree of functional specialization. These insights into the generality of interaction rules are the base for predictions of species interactions in ecological networks, for instance in novel communities in the future, and can be applied to identify plant and animal species that fulfill specialized functional roles in ecological communities.
New‐onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) and febrile infection–related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES): State of the art and perspectives
Authors: Gaspard Nicolas , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Sculier Claudine , Loddenkemper Tobias , van Baalen Andreas , Lancrenon Judette , Emmery Michel , Specchio Nicola , Farias‐Moeller Raquel , Wong Nora , Nabbout Rima
Published: February 2018

We report the proceedings of the First International new‐onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) and febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) Symposium. To promote awareness of this condition and foster research efforts, we conveyed the First International new‐onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) and febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) Symposium. The conference was supported by The NORSE Institute (http://www.norseinstitute.org). This article summarizes the discussions that were held during the Symposium and presents our strategy to unravel the cause of these disorders and to improve patient care. The standardized definitions for these disorders that have been developed, are required to improve communication and facilitate the development of multicenter registries and biobanks. A distinction between childhood‐ and adult‐onset forms of the syndrome is not supported by strong scientific evidence and it is argued that both should be studied together. Although the pathophysiology remains elusive, nascent evidence suggests a role for a postinfectious cytokine‐mediated mechanism, which should be further investigated. It also appears important to develop tools for their early recognition and prompt treatment. Recent evidence suggests that specific electroencephalography (EEG) features might be helpful. The optimal treatment options remain to be determined; immune therapies are usually disappointing, but the ketogenic diet has proved effective in uncontrolled trials. NORSE and FIRES represent a very delicate clinical situation with specific communication issues between physicians and with patients and families. Standardized consensus definitions and a multidisciplinary multicenter strategy will help research efforts and improve clinical care for patients with NORSE and FIRES.
Adaptive deletion in resistance gene duplications in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Assogba Benoît S. , Alout Haoues , Koffi Alphonsine , Penetier Cédric , Djogbénou Luc S. , Makoundou Patrick , Weill Mylène , Labbé Pierrick
Published: February 2018

While gene copy‐number variations play major roles in long‐term evolution, their early dynamics remains largely unknown. However, examples of their role in short‐term adaptation are accumulating: identical repetitions of a locus (homogeneous duplications) can provide a quantitative advantage, while the association of differing alleles (heterogeneous duplications) allows carrying two functions simultaneously. Such duplications often result from rearrangements of sometimes relatively large chromosome fragments, and even when adaptive, they can be associated with deleterious side effects that should, however, be reduced by subsequent evolution. Here, we took advantage of the unique model provided by the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae s.l. to investigate the early evolution of several duplications, heterogeneous and homogeneous, segregating in natural populations from West Africa. These duplications encompass ~200 kb and 11 genes, including the adaptive insecticide resistance ace‐1 locus. Through the survey of several populations from three countries over 3–4 years, we showed that an internal deletion of all coamplified genes except ace‐1 is currently spreading in West Africa and introgressing from An. gambiae s.s. to An. coluzzii. Both observations provide evidences of its selection, most likely due to reducing the gene‐dosage disturbances caused by the excessive copies of the nonadaptive genes. Our study thus provides a unique example of the early adaptive trajectory of duplications and underlines the role of the environmental conditions (insecticide treatment practices and species ecology). It also emphasizes the striking diversity of adaptive responses in these mosquitoes and reveals a worrisome process of resistance/cost trade‐off evolution that could impact the control of malaria vectors in Africa.
Metabolite accumulation in VLCAD deficiency markedly disrupts mitochondrial bioenergetics and Ca2+ homeostasis in the heart
Authors: Cecatto Cristiane , Amaral Alexandre Umpierrez , da Silva Janaína Camacho , Wajner Alessandro , Schimit Mariana de Oliveira Vargas , da Silva Lucas Henrique Rodrigues , Wajner Simone Magagnin , Zanatta Ângela , Castilho Roger Frigério , Wajner Moacir
Published: February 2018

We studied the effects of the major long‐chain fatty acids accumulating in very long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency, namely cis‐5‐tetradecenoic acid (Cis‐5) and myristic acid (Myr), on important mitochondrial functions in isolated mitochondria from cardiac fibers and cardiomyocytes of juvenile rats. Cis‐5 and Myr at pathological concentrations markedly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), matrix NAD(P)H pool, Ca2+ retention capacity, ADP‐ (state 3) and carbonyl cyanide 3‐chlorophenyl hydrazine‐stimulated (uncoupled) respiration, and ATP generation. By contrast, these fatty acids increased resting (state 4) respiration (uncoupling effect) with the involvement of the adenine nucleotide translocator because carboxyatractyloside significantly attenuated the increased state 4 respiration provoked by Cis‐5 and Myr. Furthermore, the classical inhibitors of mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore cyclosporin A plus ADP, as well as the Ca2+ uptake blocker ruthenium red, fully prevented the Cis‐5‐ and Myr‐induced decrease in ΔΨm in Ca2+‐loaded mitochondria, suggesting, respectively, the induction of MPT pore opening and the contribution of Ca2+ toward these effects. The findings of the present study indicate that the major long‐chain fatty acids that accumulate in VLCAD deficiency disrupt mitochondrial bioenergetics and Ca2+ homeostasis, acting as uncouplers and metabolic inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation, as well as inducers of MPT pore opening, in the heart at pathological relevant concentrations. It is therefore presumed that a disturbance of bioenergetics and Ca2+ homeostasis may contribute to the cardiac manifestations observed in VLCAD deficiency.
Jockeying for Position in CEO Letters: Impression Management and Sentiment Analytics
Authors: Boudt Kris , Thewissen James
Published: February 2018

This paper evidences the strategic positioning of positive and negative words within a CEO letter as a subtle form of impression management. We find that managers tend to present information in such an order that the reader of the CEO letter has a more positive perception of the underlying message. We uncover a smile in the frequency of positive words within the letter, and a half smile in the intratextual distribution of negative words, with a prevalence of negative words at the beginning of the letter. We also find a significant positive association between this qualitative impression management and the use of abnormal accruals in earnings management. We propose sentiment analytics that can compensate for the strategic management of narrative structure and find that the proposed position weighted sentiment has more predictive power for the firm performance over the next year.
Experimental strategies to assess the biological ramifications of multiple drivers of global ocean change—A review
Authors: Boyd Philip W. , Collins Sinead , Dupont Sam , Fabricius Katharina , Gattuso Jean‐Pierre , Havenhand Jonathan , Hutchins David A. , Riebesell Ulf , Rintoul Max S. , Vichi Marcello , Biswas Haimanti , Ciotti Aurea , Gao Kunshan , Gehlen Marion , Hurd Catriona L. , Kurihara Haruko , McGraw Christina M. , Navarro Jorge M. , Nilsson Göran E. , Passow Uta , Pörtner Hans‐Otto
Published: February 2018

Marine life is controlled by multiple physical and chemical drivers and by diverse ecological processes. Many of these oceanic properties are being altered by climate change and other anthropogenic pressures. Hence, identifying the influences of multifaceted ocean change, from local to global scales, is a complex task. To guide policy‐making and make projections of the future of the marine biosphere, it is essential to understand biological responses at physiological, evolutionary and ecological levels. Here, we contrast and compare different approaches to multiple driver experiments that aim to elucidate biological responses to a complex matrix of ocean global change. We present the benefits and the challenges of each approach with a focus on marine research, and guidelines to navigate through these different categories to help identify strategies that might best address research questions in fundamental physiology, experimental evolutionary biology and community ecology. Our review reveals that the field of multiple driver research is being pulled in complementary directions: the need for reductionist approaches to obtain process‐oriented, mechanistic understanding and a requirement to quantify responses to projected future scenarios of ocean change. We conclude the review with recommendations on how best to align different experimental approaches to contribute fundamental information needed for science‐based policy formulation.
Response of primary and secondary rainforest flowers and fruits to a cyclone, and implications for plant‐servicing bats
Authors: Scanlon Annette T. , Petit Sophie , Tuiwawa Marika , Naikatini Alivereti
Published: February 2018

The response of primary (PF) and secondary (SF) rainforests to cyclones has broad implications for servicing fauna and the resilience of forest functions. We collected fine‐scale data on the reproductive phenology of plant communities in Fijian PF and SF in 12 monthly surveys before and after Cyclone Tomas (2010). We generated a resource index from the reproductive loads of 2218 trees and 1150 non‐trees (>190 species) and trunk and stem diameter to assess patterns in resource abundance for nectarivores and frugivores (hereafter NF resources). We aimed to determine (i) whether species richness of NF resources differed between forests; (ii) the patterns of resilience of NF resources at community level in both forests after a cyclone; and (iii) the effect of response on NF resources for plant‐servicing bats (Pteropodidae). In 12 months preceding the cyclone, NF resources were greater in PF trees; non‐tree resources fluctuated and were greater in SF. Lower species richness of NF resources in SF indicated that fewer opportunities exist there for exploitation by a diverse fauna. More resources were available for bats in PF. In 12 months following the cyclone, PF flowers and fruits, and SF fruits specifically used by pteropodid bats decreased for trees. Non‐tree resources were especially susceptible to the cyclone. No universal pattern of decline was associated with the cyclone; instead, some NF resources declined and others were resilient or responded rapidly to a post‐cyclone environment. Both PF and SF demonstrated resilience at the community level via increased flower survival (PF) and rapid flower production (SF). Reduced species richness of NF resources in SF will compromise future resilience and response to disturbance, including for threatened pteropodid bat species. These findings are critical for long‐term management of forests, given predicted increases in cyclone frequency and intensity associated with anthropogenic climate change.
The Mental health Master Class: An innovative approach to improving student learning in mental health nursing
Authors: Ward Louise , Barry Sinead
Published: February 2018

The Master Class was developed as an additional educational innovation designed to promote learning about mental health and illness and mental health nursing as a career option to 2nd‐year undergraduate nursing students. A number of students had approached the mental health nursing academics expressing two polar views on mental health. They either expressed extreme interest in mental health nursing or significant distress and concern related to studying the core 2nd‐year subject. It was considered that the Master Class could potentially provide students with additional support. It was thought the Master Class may either consolidate their interest in mental health or relieve their stress. This article presents the findings of a pre‐ and postevaluation which was employed to explore the effectiveness of the 5‐day intensive mental health Master Class programme on student's mental health learning and their understanding of the role of a mental health nurse. The findings highlighted that prior to participating in the Master Class, there was a significant sense of uncertainty associated with perceived levels of competence required within the profession of mental health nursing. This was coupled with students expressing they wanted to disengage with the profession even before they had commenced any theory or clinical experience. The post‐Master Class findings illustrated a significant improvement in students desire to consider mental health nursing,
Porous hydroxyapatite‐bioactive glass hybrid scaffolds fabricated via ceramic honeycomb extrusion
Authors: Elbadawi Mohammed , Wally Zena J. , Reaney Ian M.
Published: February 2018

The successful fabrication of hydroxyapatite‐bioactive glass scaffolds using honeycomb extrusion is presented herein. Hydroxyapatite was combined with either 10 wt% stoichiometric Bioglass® (BG1), calcium‐excess Bioglass® (BG2) or canasite (CAN). For all composite materials, glass‐induced partial phase transformation of the HA into the mechanically weaker β‐tricalcium phosphate (TCP) occurred but XRD data demonstrated that BG2 exhibited a lower volume fraction of TCP than BG1. Consequently, the maximum compressive strength observed for BG1 and BG2 were 30.3 ± 3.9 and 56.7 ± 6.9 MPa, respectively, for specimens sintered at 1300°C. CAN scaffolds, in contrast, collapsed when handled when sintered below 1300°C, and thus failed. The microstructure illustrated a morphology similar to that of BG1 sintered at 1200°C, and hence a comparable compressive strength (11.4 ± 3.1 MPa). The results highlight the great potential offered by honeycomb extrusion for fabricating high‐strength porous scaffolds. The compressive strengths exceed that of commercial scaffolds, and biological tests revealed an increase in cell viability over 7 days for all hybrid scaffolds. Thus it is expected that the incorporation of 10 wt% bioactive glass will provide the added advantage of enhanced bioactivity in concert with improved mechanical stability.
Ageing effects on humoral immune responses in chronic periodontitis
Authors: Ebersole Jeffrey L. , Al‐Sabbagh Mohanad , Gonzalez Octavio A. , Dawson Dolph R.
Published: February 2018

Periodontal disease is a dominant global bacterial infection that increases with ageing.

Aim

This report focuses on host adaptive immune responses in periodontitis. While experimental models and humans diagnosed with periodontitis demonstrate an antigenic specificity for particular oral bacteria, we have a limited understanding of (i) how ageing affects the adaptive immune responses to these bacteria that chronically colonize the oral cavity for decades prior to disease expression and (ii) how the magnitude and specificity of the response interface with pathogens that emerge within the bacterial ecology during exacerbations of disease.

Materials and Methods

Serum antibody levels to a group of pathogenic and commensal oral bacteria were measured in a population of individuals from 21 to 74 years of age, stratified based on clinical status of the periodontium, smoking and sex.

Results

Clinical parameters were not significantly different within health, gingivitis or periodontitis groups related to age. Antibody to oral pathogens and commensals was similar in different age groups in each of the clinical categories, with no age correlation noted in the periodontitis patients.

Conclusions

The adaptive immune responses to oral bacteria that chronically colonize the oral cavity appear generally unaffected by age, but clearly are linked to the extent of disease.
Evaluation of the effect scan pattern has on the trueness and precision of six intraoral digital impression systems
Authors: Mennito Anthony S. , Evans Zachary P. , Lauer Abigail W. , Patel Ravi B. , Ludlow Mark E. , Renne Walter G.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Clinicians have been slow to adopt digital impression technologies due possibly to perceived technique sensitivities involved in data acquisition. This research has two aims: determine whether scan pattern and sequence affects the accuracy of the three‐dimensional (3D) model created from this digital impression and to compare the 5 imaging systems with regards to their scanning accuracy for sextant impressions.

Materials and Methods

Six digital intraoral impression systems were used to scan a typodont sextant with optical properties similar to natural teeth. The impressions were taken using five different scan patterns and the resulting digital models were overlayed on a master digital model to determine the accuracy of each scanner performing each scan pattern. Furthermore, regardless of scan pattern, each digital impression system was evaluated for accuracy to the other systems in this same manner.

Results

No differences of significance were noted in the accuracy of 3D models created using six distinct scan patterns with one exception involving the CEREC Omnicam. Planmeca Planscan was determined to be the truest scanner while 3Shape Trios was determined to be the most precise for sextant impression making.

Conclusions

Scan pattern does not significantly affect the accuracy of the resulting digital model for sextant scanning.

Clinical Significance

Companies who make digital impression systems often recommend a scan pattern specific for their system. However, every clinical scanning scenario is different and may require a different approach. Knowing how important scan pattern is with regards to accuracy would be helpful for guiding a growing number of practitioners who are utilizing this technology.
Color difference thresholds for computer‐simulated human Gingiva
Authors: Pérez María M. , Ghinea Razvan , Herrera Luis Javier , Carrillo F. , Ionescu Ana M. , Paravina Rade D.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To determine 50:50% perceptibility threshold (PT) and 50:50% acceptability threshold (AT) for computer‐simulated samples of human gingiva using CIEDE2000 and CIELAB color difference formulas.

Materials and Methods

Each of the 60 pairs of simulated human gingiva was displayed on a calibrated monitor, together with three pairs of upper central incisors of different lightness. The color of gingiva left and right from the midline was compared. A total of 30 observers (15 dentists, 15 laypersons) participated in the study. CIEDE2000 and CIELAB formulas were used to calculate the thresholds and a Takagi‐Sugeno‐Kang Fuzzy Approximation model was used as fitting procedure. Paired t‐test (α = 0.05) was used in evaluation of statistical significance of differences.

Results

The PT and AT for CIEDE2000 and 95% confidence intervals were 1.1 [0.4, 1.7] and 2.8 [1.8, 4.0], respectively. Corresponding CIELAB values were 1.7 [0.2, 2.6] and 3.7 [2.1, 5.7]. Significant differences (P < .01) were recorded between PT and AT, between the corresponding threshold values in CIEDE2000 and CIELAB formulas as well as between dentists and laypersons.

Conclusions

The difference between the perceptibility and acceptability threshold for gingiva was statistically significant in both CIEDE2000 and CIELAB. The same was true for differences between the corresponding thresholds using two color difference formulas, and between dentists and laypersons. Visual thresholds of human gingiva were not dependent upon lightness of adjacent teeth. Overall, CIEDE2000 color difference formula provided better fit than CIELAB formula in the evaluation of color difference thresholds of human gingiva.

Clinical Significance

The data on visual thresholds for healthy human gingiva can be used as quality control tool/guide for selection and evaluation of dental materials, interpretation of color‐related findings in clinical dentistry and research, and for standardization in dentistry. It is of particular value that this study was designed based on in‐vivo color evaluation of healthy keratinized gingiva of subjects of different ethnicities, age groups, and gender.
Will Pollution Taxes Improve Joint Ecological and Economic Efficiency of Thermal Power Industry in China?: A DEA‐Based Materials Balance Approach
Authors: Wang Ke , Mi Zhifu , Wei Yi‐Ming
Published: February 2018

Previous studies of the efficiency of Chinese electricity industry have been limited in providing insights regarding policy implications of inherent trade‐offs of economic and environmental outcomes. This study proposes a modified data envelopment analysis method combined with materials balance principle to estimate ecological and cost efficiency in the Chinese electricity industry. The economic cost and ecological impact of energy input reallocation strategies for improving efficiency are identified. The possible impacts of pollution taxes upon the levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions are assessed. Estimation results show that (1) both energy input costs and SO2 could be reduced through increasing technical efficiency. (2) It is possible to adjust energy input mix to attain ecological efficiency, and, correspondingly, SO2 would be reduced by 15%. (3) The Chinese electricity industry would reduce its unit cost by 9% if optimal ecological efficiency is attained and reduce its unit pollution by 13% if optimal cost efficiency is attained, implying that there are positive ecological synergy effects associated with energy cost savings and positive economic synergy effects associated with SO2 pollution reductions. (4) Estimated shadow costs of SO2 reduction are very high, suggesting that, in the short term, the Chinese electricity industry should pursue cost efficiency instead of ecological efficiency, since alternative abatement activities are less costly and some of the abatement cost could be further offset by energy input cost savings. (5) There would be no significant difference between the impacts of pollution discharge fees and pollution taxes on SO2 emissions levels because of the relatively low pollution tax rate.