bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of polysaccharides and polyphenolics fractions of Zijuan tea (Camellia sinensis var. kitamura) on α‐glucosidase activity and blood glucose level and glucose tolerance of hyperglycaemic mice
Authors: Chen Dejing , Sun Jingyuan , Dong Weixue , Shen Yixiao , Xu Zhimin
Published: May 2018

The effects of polysaccharides, theaflavins, thearubigins and theabrownin fractions of Zijuan tea on α‐glucosidase and blood glucose level and intolerance of hyperglycaemic mice were evaluated. The polysaccharides or theaflavins fraction exhibited greater inhibition rate of α‐glucosidase than acarbose positive control, thearubigins fraction or theabrownin fraction. The four fractions were delivered to the treatment mice through oval gavage each day for 15 days. The mice in polysaccharides and theaflavins high‐ and low‐dose and theabrownin high‐dose treatments significantly lowered their blood glucose levels while all the treatment mice gained body weight. The mice in polysaccharides, theaflavins and theabrownin high‐ and low‐dose treatments had greater glucose tolerance as well. Thus, the theaflavins and polysaccharides fractions of Zijuan tea effectively moderated the complications of hyperglycaemic mice. The lower effectiveness of thearubigins and theabrownin fractions may be caused by the highly polymerised polyphenolics which decreased their accessibility to α‐glucosidase and digestibility in mice.
Premenopausal women with recurrent urinary tract infections have lower quality of life
Authors: Ennis Siobhan S , Guo Huifang , Raman Lata , Tambyah Paul A , Chen Swaine L , Tiong Ho Yee
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To examine the impact on quality of life of recurrent acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection among premenopausal Singaporean women, and to determine the risk factors for lower quality of life among these patients.

Methods

A total of 85 patients with recurrent acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection who were referred to the Urology Department at the National University Hospital, Singapore, were prospectively recruited over a 3‐year period to complete the validated Short Form 36 Health Survey version 1. In addition, demographic and clinical details including symptomology and medical history were analyzed for factors impacting quality of life. Short Form 36 Health Survey version 1 results were compared with published population norms.

Results

After adjusting for age, gender and race, recurrent acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection patients had significantly lower quality of life on seven out of eight Short Form 36 Health Survey version 1 domains when compared with age‐, gender‐ and race‐adjusted population norms for Singapore. Among those with recurrent acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection, those who also reported caffeine consumption had significantly lower Short Form 36 Health Survey version 1 scores than those who did not. Those who reported chronic constipation also had consistently lower Short Form 36 Health Survey version 1 scores across all domains.

Conclusions

Recurrent acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection has a negative impact on the quality of life of premenopausal, otherwise healthy women. Recurrent acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection patients who also have chronic constipation or consume caffeine have lower quality of life than those who do not. More studies are required to understand the relationships between these common problems and risk factors.
The central sensitization inventory: A user’s manual
Authors: Neblett Randy
Published: May 2018

The Central Sensitization (CSI) Inventory was introduced in 2012. It was initially intended as a screener to help identify when presenting symptoms may be related to central sensitization or indicate the presence of a central sensitivity syndrome. It has now been translated and validated in a number of European, Asian, and South American languages. This article provides an overview of CSI rationale, development, recommended uses, and research results, including evidence of validity and reliability, in clinical and non‐clinical subject samples.
Preparation of TiC/Ti2AlC coating on carbon fiber and investigation of the oxidation resistance properties
Authors: Li Mian , Wang Kai , Wang Ji , Long Dewu , Liang Yanqin , He Liu , Huang Feng , Du Shiyu , Huang Qing
Published: May 2018

MAX phases were proposed as the interphase materials for carbon fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites toward the applications in high‐dose irradiation and oxidation environments. A thickness‐controllable TiC/Ti2AlC coating was fabricated on carbon fiber using an in situ reaction in a molten salt bath. The coating showed a multilayered structure, in which the inner layer was TiC and the outer layer was Ti2AlC. The influence of the reaction conditions on the morphology, composition, and thickness of the coating was investigated. The oxidation resistance properties of the as‐prepared TiC/Ti2AlC‐coated carbon fiber in static air and water vapor flow at elevated temperatures were investigated. The results showed that the as‐prepared TiC/Ti2AlC coating could provide good protection to the carbon fiber in both static air and water vapor flow up to 800°C. As these TiC and Ti2AlC materials have good irradiation resistance, the present work provides a potential way to develop an irradiation‐resistant interphase of carbon‐fiber‐reinforced ceramic matrix composites for nuclear applications. Furthermore, this work also provides a feasible way to prepare carbide/MAX phase coating on other carbon materials.
Facile one‐step high‐temperature spray pyrolysis route toward metal carbide nanopowders
Authors: Xing Junheng , Foroughi Paniz , Franco Hernandez Alexander , Behrens Andrés , Cheng Zhe
Published: May 2018

Fine ultrahigh‐temperature ceramic (UHTC) powders have found very important applications in many fields. In this work, a facile high‐temperature spray pyrolysis (HTSP) approach is implemented for the synthesis of HfC and TaC UHTC nanopowders starting from organic solvent (e.g., ethanol or 1‐pentanol) solutions of metal precursors (HfCl4 or TaCl5). It is proposed that, during HTSP, the precursor solution droplets would continuously undergo rapid drying, thermolysis (i.e., removal of low molecular weight species such as H2, H2O, and CO), and finally in situ carbothermal reduction (CTR) process to give rise to metal carbide nanopowders. The as‐obtained materials are shown by SEM as uniform and separated nanoparticles (~90 nm), whereas TEM reveals the carbide (e.g., HfC) nanoparticles are actually even smaller (~10‐20 nm) and embedded in amorphous carbon from excess solvent decomposition. It is found that among different processing parameters, the organic solvent used and the metal precursor concentration could largely influence the formation of metal carbide. In addition, lower HTSP temperatures (≤~1500°C for HfC) only lead to oxide‐carbon mixtures while higher temperatures (≥~1650°C) promote carbide formation. The HTSP method developed in this work is simple, low‐cost and efficient, and could potentially be optimized further for future large‐scale manufacturing of ultrafine UHTC nanopowders.
Identity coactivation: Person and situation influences and the mediating role of experienced conflict
Authors: Robin Jennifer , Baumann Heidi M. , Kotik Jan
Published: May 2018

This study tests a model of identity coactivation by empirically exploring coactivation experiences. Integrating identity research with the cognitive‐affective personality system, our model proposes the importance of self‐concept clarity (an individual difference), along with identification and level of self‐representation (two situational aspects), in understanding cognitive and emotional responses to identity coactivation. A moderated mediation model was tested on a final sample of 132 undergraduate students. Results show that self‐concept clarity and levels of self‐representation are associated with emotional discomfort, mediated by the described conflict between the coactivated identities. Further, the mediational path from levels of self‐representation to discomfort through conflict is moderated by identification with the coactivated identities. Findings suggest discomfort is reduced by both individual and situational variables.
Experimental manipulation of temperature reduce ectoparasites in nests of blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus
Authors: Castaño‐Vázquez Francisco , Martínez Javier , Merino Santiago , Lozano and Marco
Published: May 2018

Several models predict changes in the distributions and incidences of diseases associated with climate change. However, studies that investigate how microclimatic changes may affect host–parasite relationships are scarce. Here, we experimentally increased the temperature in blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus nest boxes during their breeding season to determine its effects on the parasitic abundance (i.e. of nest‐dwelling ectoparasites, blood‐sucking flying insects and hemoparasites) in nests and the host condition of nestlings and adults. The temperature was increased using heat mats placed underneath the nest material, which resulted in an average temperature increase of 3ºC and a reduction in relative humidity of about six units. The abundance of mites Dermanyssus gallinoides and blowfly pupae Protocalliphora azurea was significantly reduced in heated nest boxes. Although not statistically significant, a lower prevalence of flea larvae Ceratophyllus gallinae was also found in heated nests. However, heat treatment did not affect hemoparasite infection of adult blue tits or the body condition of adult and nestling blue tits. In conclusion, heat treatment in blue tit nests reduced nest‐dwelling ectoparasites yet without any apparent benefit for the host.
Offspring fitness and the optimal propagule size in a fluctuating environment
Authors: Kvalnes Thomas , Røberg Anja Ås , Jensen Henrik , Holand Håkon , Pärn Henrik , Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Ringsby Thor Harald
Published: May 2018

Propagule size is an important maternal effect on offspring fitness and phenotype in birds and other oviparous animals. The performance of propagules often increases with size, but a fluctuating environment may introduce temporal variation in the optimal phenotype. Understanding these mechanisms will provide novel insights into the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of life history strategies in parental reproductive investment. We investigated the interaction between propagule size (measured as egg volume) and environmental conditions on offspring mortality and phenotype in a Norwegian house sparrow population. Increased propagule size reduced offspring mortality in early life, with more pronounced effects under heavy precipitation. However, the optimal propagule size for low offspring mortality until recruitment shifted from large to small as temperature increased. Propagule size had no significant effect on fledgling body mass and tarsus length. These results reveal a potential for eco‐evolutionary dynamics in propagule size, as populations adapt to fluctuating environmental conditions. The ultimate outcome of this dynamic process will also depend on variation in parental fitness and tradeoffs with other life‐history traits, particularly clutch size.
Store brands and retail grocery competition
Authors: Luo Rong
Published: May 2018

Grocery retailers rank store brands as the most important factor that differentiates them from their competitors. Retailer competition should have a stronger impact on the more substitutable national brands than the more differentiated store brands. However, the literature has not studied the impacts empirically. In this paper, I quantify the different impacts of retailer competition on national brands and store brands using the scanner data of a U.S. chain retailer. I estimate a structural demand and supply model that incorporates the differentiation effect and retailer competition. The results show that national brand consumers are more likely to switch stores than store brands consumers. By analyzing two counterfactual cases, I find that 1) if the retailer did not sell store brands, its profit would decrease, and the loss would be greater in markets with more competitors; and 2) if the retailer competition had increased, then the national brands' retail prices would decrease more than the store brands' prices.
Evaluation of medication dose omissions amongst inpatients in a hospital using an electronic Medication Management System
Authors: Hunt Katherine V. , Harding Andrew M. , Taylor Simone E. , Curtain Colin
Published: May 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Whilst many dose omissions cause no patient harm, inappropriate dose omissions have been associated with increased length of hospital stay, risk of sepsis, and mortality. This study aimed to comprehensively describe the prevalence and nature of omitted doses overall and of high risk medication dose omissions in an organization using an electronic Medication Management System.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was undertaken in an Australian tertiary referral health service. All routinely documented electronic inpatient dose administration records from 1st July 2014 to 30th June 2015 were included. Period prevalence and characteristics of dose omissions overall and of high‐risk medication dose omissions were determined.

Results

During the study period, 3.3 million inpatient doses were scheduled for administration, with doses endorsed as “not given” comprising 6.2% of all scheduled doses. Non‐valid dose omissions (medication not available or no justification documented) comprised 1.2% of scheduled doses. Patient refusal accounted for one third of all dose omissions, while for 12% no explanation was provided and 7% were endorsed “medication not available”. High‐risk medications accounted for 20% of all dose omissions. One in 20 antimicrobial doses scheduled were omitted, and of these, 17% were due to patient refusal.

Conclusion

The period prevalence of dose omissions in this large study after electronic Medication Management System implementation is similar to that found when paper charts were used. Although most dose omissions appear appropriate, many orders were not given due to patient refusal or with no documented justification. Interventions to minimize unintentional dose omissions are indicated.
The effect of the weekend upon admissions to General Medicine
Authors: Potezny Tessa , Horwood Chris , Hakendorf Paul , Thompson Campbell
Published: May 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

A reduction in the provision of hospital services on the weekend probably explains higher mortality for patients who are either admitted to hospital or undergo procedures on the weekend. The aim was to examine the effect of the day of the week of admission (DOWOA) upon the efficiency and quality of care for a cohort of General Medical inpatients.

Methods

Electronic records were selected for unplanned adult admissions to 2 large public hospitals in Adelaide, South Australia, July 2012 to June 2017.

Results

The cohort consisted of 50 323 records. The number of admissions on each day of the week differed significantly from 6389 on Sundays to 7548 on Thursdays (P < 0.001). Discharges were most frequent on Fridays, and fewest occurred on weekends (P < 0.001) especially if aged over 80 years, if they had significant comorbidity or if they were discharged to a residential aged care facility. The DOWOA did not significantly influence the proportion of cases who died in hospital (5.6% to 6.4%; P = 0.47). The DOWOA significantly affected median inpatient length of stay (IPLOS; 3.1 to 3.9 days; P < 0.001). The median inpatient length of stay (IPLOS) matched the number of days from the ensuing weekend to the DOWOA with the longest median IPLOS.

Conclusions

General Medicine has an inpatient mortality unaffected by the DOWOA. Care efficiency, however, follows a weekly cycle. The “weekend effect” for General Medical inpatients is a prolongation in their IPLOS as a result of fewer weekend discharges.
AN EXAMINATION OF 13F FILINGS
Authors: Anderson Anne , Brockman Paul
Published: May 2018

We examine Form 13F institutional holdings and find evidence of reporting discrepancies that can be significant for the users of such filings. Using a hand‐collected sample of 13F filings by large bank holding companies, we find that (1) reported security holdings do not always match the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Official List, (2) market valuations of Official List securities can be inaccurate, and (3) amended 13F reports can be even less accurate than the original reports. Our findings show that in many cases, the frequencies and magnitudes of price discrepancies can be substantial. Overall, our evidence suggests that 13F users should exercise caution when relying on these reports.
Sensitive colorimetric detection of Salmonella enteric serovar typhimurium based on a gold nanoparticle conjugated bifunctional oligonucleotide probe and aptamer
Authors: Xu Zhenzhen , Bi Xiufang , Huang Yukun , Che Zhenming , Chen Xianggui , Fu Mingwen , Tian Hongyun , Yang Shuming
Published: May 2018

A rapid, specific and visible detection method for Salmonella enteric serovar typhimurium (S. typhimurium) was developed based on a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) conjugated bifunctional oligonucleotide probe and aptamer. AuNPs were conjugated with bifunctional oligonucleotide probes and aptamer, then the target bacteria S. typhimurium cells were incubated with the conjugated AuNP. Since the aptamer had a higher affinity and specificity on binding with the cells and its configurations was therefore changed, AuNPs particles were released. These AuNPs particles would aggregate with NaCl and the color of the solution would turn blue from red. Under the optimal conditions, the correlation between the concentration of S. typhimurium and the intensity of the signals was observed to be linear within the range of 1.0 × 101∼1.0 × 106 cfu/ml (R2 = 0.9952), and the detection limit of the proposed method was observed to be 10 cfu/ml. This developed method offers the potential for rapid, sensitive, and visible detection of S. typhimurium in milk and shrimp samples.

Practical applications

The developed method in this study can be used for the detection of S. typhimurium in food samples such as milk and shrimp. Furthermore, the developed method can be easily modified for the simultaneous detection of S. typhimurium and other bacteria.
Relationship Between Handgrip Strength and Pulmonary Function in Apparently Healthy Older Women
Authors: Son Da‐Hye , Yoo Ji‐Won , Cho Mi‐Ra , Lee Yong‐Jae
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between handgrip strength and pulmonary function.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study of a representative sample of older Korean women.

SETTING

The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Community‐dwelling women aged 65 and older without chronic diseases or pulmonary disease (N=605).

MEASUREMENTS

Handgrip strength was measured using a digital hand dynamometer, and pulmonary function was tested according to guidelines of the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society using a spirometry system. Impaired pulmonary function was defined as a lower limit of normal (LLN) or less of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for impaired pulmonary function according to handgrip strength quartile were calculated using multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Mean FVC and FEV1 gradually increased in accordance with handgrip strength quartiles (all P <.001). After adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol ingestion, aerobic physical activity, resistance exercise, household income, and education level the odds of impaired pulmonary function were greater for participants in the first quartile of handgrip strength (≤19.25 kg) than for those in the fourth quartile (25.31–37.30 kg) (FVC LLN: OR=3.46, 95 % CI=1.52–7.88; FEV1 LLN: OR=2.62, 95 % CI=1.12–6.15).

CONCLUSION

Handgrip strength was positively associated with pulmonary function in a dose‐dependent manner. Given the health implications of pulmonary function, timely detection of weaker handgrip strength in older people may be useful in assessing potential pulmonary function impairment.
Advancements in Input‐Output Models and Indicators for Consumption‐Based Accounting
Authors: Malik Arunima , McBain Darian , Wiedmann Thomas O. , Lenzen Manfred , Murray Joy
Published: May 2018

The use of global, multiregional input‐output (MRIO) analysis for consumption‐based (footprint) accounting has expanded significantly over the last decade. Most of the global studies on environmental and social impacts associated with consumption or embodied in international trade would have been impossible without the rapid development of extended MRIO databases. We present an overview of the developments in the field of MRIO analysis, in particular as applied to consumption‐based environmental and social footprints. We first provide a discussion of research published on various global MRIO databases and the differences between them, before focusing on the virtual laboratory computing infrastructure for potentially making MRIO databases more accessible for collaborative research, and also for supporting greater sectoral and regional detail. We discuss work that includes a broader range of extensions, in particular the inclusion of social indicators in consumption‐based accounting. We conclude by discussing the need for the development of detailed nested MRIO tables for investigating linkages between regions of different countries, and the applications of the rapidly growing field of global MRIO analysis for assessing a country's performance toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Modification of the Sm–Nd isotopic system in garnet induced by retrogressive fluids
Authors: An Shi‐Chao , Li Shu‐Guang , Liu Zhen
Published: May 2018

Garnet, as a major constitutive mineral of eclogite, is important for Sm–Nd dating of eclogite due to its high Sm/Nd ratio and its stability during retrogression. However, a comprehensive study of the petrography, mineral chemistry, garnet water content, and Sm–Nd isotopic composition of eclogites from the Bixiling massif, Central Dabie Zone (CDZ), reveals significant modification of the Sm–Nd isotopic system in garnet as a result of retrogression. This problem constitutes a challenge for Sm–Nd dating of the Bixiling eclogites, with the Sm–Nd isochron ages of 218 ± 4 to 210 ± 9 Ma reported in the literature being younger than 226 ± 3 Ma, which is the generally accepted peak metamorphic age of the CDZ. Petrographic analysis reveals heterogeneity in colour within single fractured garnet grains. There are light‐pink garnet (Grt‐P) and red garnet (Grt‐R) types that possess distinct chemical compositions. Compared to Grt‐P, Grt‐R has higher Fe and andradrite contents but lower Al and grossular contents. Grt‐P also has lower water contents (15–35 ppm) than Grt‐R (34–65 ppm), which, together with the spatial association between Grt‐R and fractures, suggests that the colour change is related to fluid alteration. Grt‐P is an ultra‐high‐pressure (UHP) mineral, and Grt‐R is the product of the interaction between Grt‐P and a fluid during retrogression. Moreover, Grt‐R features lower Sm and Nd contents but higher Sm/Nd ratios than Grt‐P. The Sm–Nd isochrons defined by UHP minerals (Grt‐P+Omp+Rt or Grt‐P+Cpx+WR) from three eclogite samples yield consistent ages of 226.0 ± 3.8 Ma, 225.0 ± 3.9 Ma and 226.2 ± 6.9 Ma, which are identical to the peak metamorphic age of 226 ± 3 Ma for the CDZ. The retrogressed garnet (i.e., Grt‐R), omphacite and rutile, together define a pseudoisochron with younger ages of 218.9 ± 5.9 to 202.8 ± 4.8 Ma, which are geologically meaningless. The increase in the Sm/Nd ratio with constant or lower 143Nd/144Nd ratios during the transformation of Grt‐P to Grt‐R was probably the cause of these younger ages.
Maternal Age and Offspring's Educational Attainment
Authors: Fishman Samuel H. , Min Stella
Published: May 2018

Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), the current study examines which maternal age at birth provides offspring with optimal opportunities for higher educational attainment. The results show that maternal age has a curvilinear relationship with offspring's educational attainment, that is, the offspring of younger and older mothers are distinctly disadvantaged. Maternal ages 31 through 40 are associated with the highest offspring educational attainment, suggesting that women who give birth in their 30s have more favorable characteristics than younger or older mothers. The analysis demonstrates that—with the exception of early teenage childbearing—the association between maternal age and offspring's educational attainment likely reflects selection patterns in fertility timing, rather than direct within‐family effects of maternal age on offspring's educational attainment. Thus, the results provide insufficient evidence to conclude that delaying childbearing beyond age 18 directly benefits or harms offspring's educational attainment.
Opposing patterns of intraspecific and interspecific differentiation in sex chromosomes and autosomes
Authors: Moran Peter A. , Pascoal Sonia , Cezard Timothee , Risse Judith E. , Ritchie Michael G. , Bailey Nathan W.
Published: May 2018

Linking intraspecific and interspecific divergence is an important challenge in speciation research. X chromosomes are expected to evolve faster than autosomes and disproportionately contribute to reproductive barriers, and comparing genetic variation on X and autosomal markers within and between species can elucidate evolutionary processes that shape genome variation. We performed RADseq on a 16 population transect of two closely related Australian cricket species, Teleogryllus commodus and T. oceanicus, covering allopatry and sympatry. This classic study system for sexual selection provides a rare exception to Haldane's rule, as hybrid females are sterile. We found no evidence of recent introgression, despite the fact that the species coexist in overlapping habitats in the wild and interbreed in the laboratory. Putative X‐linked loci showed greater differentiation between species compared with autosomal loci. However, population differentiation within species was unexpectedly lower on X‐linked markers than autosomal markers, and relative X‐to‐autosomal genetic diversity was inflated above neutral expectations. Populations of both species showed genomic signatures of recent population expansions, but these were not strong enough to account for the inflated X/A diversity. Instead, most of the excess polymorphism on the X could better be explained by sex‐biased processes that increase the relative effective population size of the X, such as interspecific variation in the strength of sexual selection among males. Taken together, the opposing patterns of diversity and differentiation at X versus autosomal loci implicate a greater role for sex‐linked genes in maintaining species boundaries in this system.
A nursing solution to primary care delivery shortfall
Authors: Carter Michael , Moore Phillip , Sublette Nina
Published: May 2018

Many countries project that they will have difficulty to meet their demand for primary care based on an inadequate supply of primary care doctors. There are many reasons for this, and they tend to vary by country. The policy options available to these countries are to increase the number of local primary care doctors, recruit doctors from other countries, ration primary care, shift more primary care to specialists, or authorize other disciplines to provide primary care. This article examines lessons learned in the United States over the past 50 years and proposes that expanding the use of nurse practitioners is the best solution when measured by feasibility, costs, ethics, and scope of the care delivered. Using nurse practitioners trained in country meets the World Health Organization global code of practice regarding the international recruitment of health personnel.
Ecosystem heterogeneity and diversity mitigate Amazon forest resilience to frequent extreme droughts
Authors: Longo Marcos , Knox Ryan G. , Levine Naomi M. , Alves Luciana F. , Bonal Damien , Camargo Plinio B. , Fitzjarrald David R. , Hayek Matthew N. , Restrepo‐Coupe Natalia , Saleska Scott R. , da Silva Rodrigo , Stark Scott C. , Tapajós Raphael P. , Wiedemann Kenia T. , Zhang Ke , Wofsy Steven C. , Moorcroft Paul R.
Published: May 2018

The impact of increases in drought frequency on the Amazon forest's composition, structure and functioning remain uncertain. We used a process‐ and individual‐based ecosystem model (ED2) to quantify the forest's vulnerability to increased drought recurrence.

We generated meteorologically realistic, drier‐than‐observed rainfall scenarios for two Amazon forest sites, Paracou (wetter) and Tapajós (drier), to evaluate the impacts of more frequent droughts on forest biomass, structure and composition.

The wet site was insensitive to the tested scenarios, whereas at the dry site biomass declined when average rainfall reduction exceeded 15%, due to high mortality of large‐sized evergreen trees. Biomass losses persisted when year‐long drought recurrence was shorter than 2–7 yr, depending upon soil texture and leaf phenology.

From the site‐level scenario results, we developed regionally applicable metrics to quantify the Amazon forest's climatological proximity to rainfall regimes likely to cause biomass loss > 20% in 50 yr according to ED2 predictions. Nearly 25% (1.8 million km2) of the Amazon forests could experience frequent droughts and biomass loss if mean annual rainfall or interannual variability changed by 2σ. At least 10% of the high‐emission climate projections (CMIP5/RCP8.5 models) predict critically dry regimes over 25% of the Amazon forest area by 2100.
Biodiversity of the human oral mycobiome in health and disease
Authors: Bandara Herath Mudiyansalage Herath Nihal , Panduwawala Chamila P. , Samaranayake Lakshman Perera
Published: May 2018

The organisms that colonize the human body over a lifetime are diverse, extensive and gargantuan. A fair proportion of the microbiota that constitutes this human microbiome live within our oral cavities mostly as harmonious associates causing only sporadic disease. An important core constituent of the microbiome is the mycobiome, representing various fungal genera. Up until recently, only a few species of fungi, mainly Candida species, were thought to constitute the human oral mycobiome. The reasons for this are manifold, although the uncultivable nature of many fungi in conventional laboratory media, and their complex genetic composition seem to be the major factors which eluded their detection over the years. Nevertheless, recent advances in computing and high‐throughput sequencing such as next‐generation sequencing (NGS) platforms have provided us a panoramic view of a totally new world of fungi that are human oral cohabitués. Their diversity is perplexing, and functionality yet to be deciphered. Here, we provide a glimpse of what is currently known of the oral mycobiome, in health and disease, with some future perspectives.
An incidental finding of an inverted premolar with a dentigerous cyst
Authors: Halai T. , Koshal S.
Published: May 2018

Tooth inversion may occur with supplemental or supernumerary teeth and is usually common in the midline. The authors present a case of an inverted non‐supplemental premolar tooth in an adult patient associated with an odontogenic cyst. The inverted premolar was extracted and cyst enucleation was performed uneventfully under general anaesthesia. This case highlights a rare presentation which may occur in conjunction with cystic change.
Multicentric giant cell tumour of the mandible: a clinical rarity
Authors: Konidena A. , Arora S.S. , Nanukuttan G.K.
Published: May 2018

Giant cell tumours of bone (GCT) are benign, locally aggressive tumours affecting the epiphyseal regions of long bones in young adults. These non‐odontogenic tumours rarely present in the oral cavity, either peripherally in soft tissues (gingiva) or centrally (in bone). GCT account for <7% of all benign jaw lesions and may present as aggressive or non‐aggressive clinical forms. Histologically, these lesions are usually composed of mononuclear stromal cells and characteristic multinucleated giant cells that exhibit osteoclastic activity. Multicentricity of GCT of bone is an extreme rarity accounting for <1% of these tumours. The biological behaviour and the clinical presentation (e.g. localisation, age, and gender distribution) of multicentric GCT are different from solitary lesions. As other primary bone lesions may also have a polyostotic presentation, the precise diagnosis relies on correlation of clinical and radiographic findings with confirmation of the diagnosis by histopathologic examination. We encountered one such interesting case in a 12‐year‐old boy, who presented with pedunculated fibrous growth arising from the gingiva in the left mandibular posterior region along with extensive osteolytic lesions of ramus of mandible bilaterally. The workup and management of the case is hereby presented along with relevant review of literature.
Mobilisation second surgery of the tongue following oral floor cancer surgery
Authors: Boffano P. , Brucoli M. , Benech A. , Andreis M. , Machetta G. , Magnano M.
Published: May 2018

Swallowing and speech functions are often impaired after surgical resection of oral and oropharyngeal cancer. In particular, the extent of surgical resection, such as the resected amount of oral floor or tongue, the flexibility of the residual tongue, and the method of reconstruction have been implicated as the primary correlate of postsurgical swallowing and speech impairment in oral cancer patients. The surgical treatment of cancer of the floor of the mouth often implies a reconstruction by pedicled or free flap. A rare complication that can be encountered following such treatment is the attachment of the tongue to the floor of the mouth: it can be considered a sort of complete symptomatic ankyloglossia that leads to speech problems due to limited mobility of the tongue. The aim of this article was to report the management (a secondary dehiscence operation using artificial grafts) of a case of attachment of tongue to the floor of the mouth following the surgical removal of a squamous cell carcinoma of the oral floor with reconstruction by Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap.
Spontaneous regression of a dentigerous cyst associated with an impacted mandibular canine: a case report
Authors: Ewbank L. , El‐Nashar R. , Middlefell L.
Published: May 2018

Dentigerous cysts are the second most common odontogenic cyst. The most frequently affected teeth are mandibular third molars and the incidence in mandibular canines is significantly less common. The management of dentigerous cysts is usually surgical enucleation, with extraction of the associated tooth if required. Spontaneously regressing dentigerous cysts are uncommon, but have been reported in the literature. However, this is the first reported case of a spontaneously resolving dentigerous cyst affecting an unerupted lower canine. A 12‐year‐old male presented with a retained deciduous canine and an asymptomatic radiolucency associated with an unerupted mandibular canine. This was provisionally diagnosed as a dentigerous cyst based on radiographic appearance. Over a period of 4 years, the cyst regressed without any surgical intervention. A cone beam computed tomogram was taken which confirmed the regression of the cyst and showed that the incisal edge of the canine had perforated the labial cortex of the mandible. This case supports the theory that if an unerupted tooth with an associated dentigerous cyst perforates bone or communicates with the oral cavity then spontaneous decompression and resolution of the cyst can occur.
Skin lesions over the pocket area that may mimic cardiac implantable electronic device infection: A case series
Authors: Korantzopoulos Panagiotis , Plakoutsi Sofia , Florou Elizabeth , Bechlioulis Aris
Published: May 2018

Background

The early and correct diagnosis of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections is critical given that early aggressive treatment with complete removal of the system along with antimicrobial therapy dramatically improves outcomes. Pocket infection manifested by local signs of inflammation is the most common form of CIED infections. Conditions mimicking pocket infection have been described in the literature. These include various types of malignancy and rarely allergic reactions/contact dermatitis to pacemaker compounds. We aimed to describe skin lesions and disorders over the pocket area that mimic CIED infection.

Methods

We present a series of five cases with skin lesions that mimic pocket infection. We document these cases with corresponding photographs. Most of them have not been described in this setting.

Results

We report the following cases of conditions that proved not to be CIED infection: One case of superficial cellulitis, one case of herpes zoster over the pocket area, one case of spontaneous bruising over the pocket a long time after implantation in a patient taking oral anticoagulation, and two cases of contact dermatitis due to prolonged postoperative application of povidone‐iodine. All cases had favorable outcome after conservative treatment and no CIED infection was developed during follow‐up.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware of rare conditions that mimic CIED infection. Incorrect diagnosis of these disorders may falsely lead to CIED extraction.
Legal independence vs. leaders' reputation: Exploring drivers of ethics commissions' conduct in new democracies
Authors: Tomic Slobodan
Published: May 2018

The article addresses the emerging debate in delegation scholarship over the role of legal independence vs. reputational activism of agency leaders, in shaping de facto independence. The study explores a transitional context, analysing the enforcement styles of Serbian and Macedonian ethics commissions. Through a qualitative analysis of the commissions' enforcement styles, and a quantitative analysis of their rhetorical patterns, the article finds that the commissions' de facto independence was not a function of their legal independence but rather of the reputational craft of their leaders. In new democracies, the role of structural agency insulation is minimized both in containing as well as in fostering de facto independence: informal networks, on the one hand, provide non‐institutional routes for principals to undermine agencies' de facto independence; external conditionality and increased policy salience, on the other hand, provide reputational opportunities for agency leaders to overcome low legal independence.
A blooming interest in the hydraulic traits of flowers
Authors: Gleason Sean M.
Published: May 2018

This article comments on: Water relations of Calycanthus flowers: Hydraulic conductance, capacitance, and embolism resistance
Responses of Primula vulgaris to light quality in the maternal and germination environments
Authors: Marin M. , Blandino C. , Laverack G. , Toorop P. , Powell A.A.
Published: May 2018

In the model species Arabidopsis thaliana phytochromes mediate dormancy and germination responses to seasonal cues experienced during seed maturation on the maternal plants. However, the effect of the maternal light environment on seed germination in native wild species has not been well studied. This is particularly important given its practical application in the context of environmental restoration, when there can be marked changes in the canopy.

Plants of Primula vulgaris were grown in the field over two vegetative seasons under four shading treatments from low to high ratio of red to far‐red light (R:FR). Leaf and seed traits were assessed in response to the light treatments. The germination of seeds from these four maternal environments (pre‐dispersal) was investigated at seven light and five temperature treatments (post‐dispersal).

Thinner leaves, larger leaf area and greater chlorophyll content were found in plants growing in reduced R:FR. Shading in the maternal environment led to increased seed size and yield, although the conditions experienced by the maternal plants had no effect on seed germination. Seeds responded strongly to the cues experienced in their immediate germination environment. Germination was always enhanced under higher R:FR conditions.

The observed phenotypic trait variation plays a major role in the ability of P. vulgaris to grow in a wide range of light conditions. However, the increased germination capacity in response to a higher R:FR for all maternal environments suggests potential for seedling establishment under vegetative shade only in the presence of canopy gaps.
Preference‐Sensitive Management of Post‐Mammography Decisions in Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Ayvaci Mehmet Ulvi Saygi , Alagoz Oguzhan , Ahsen Mehmet Eren , Burnside Elizabeth S.
Published: May 2018

Decision models representing the clinical situations where treatment options entail a significant risk of morbidity or mortality should consider the variations in risk preferences of individuals. In this study, we develop a stochastic modeling framework that optimizes risk‐sensitive diagnostic decisions after a mammography exam. For a given patient, our objective is to find the utility maximizing diagnostic decisions where we define the utility over quality‐adjusted survival duration. We use real data from a private mammography database to numerically solve our model for various utility functions. Our choice of utility functions for the numerical analysis is driven by actual patient behavior encountered in clinical practice. We find that invasive diagnostic procedures such as biopsies are more aggressively used than what the optimal risk‐neutral policy would suggest, implying a far‐sighted (or equivalently risk‐seeking) behavior. When risk preferences are incorporated into the clinical practice, policy makers should bear in mind that a welfare loss in terms of survival duration is inevitable as evidenced by our structural and empirical results.
Synergistic effects of abiotic stresses in plants: a case study of nitrogen limitation and saturating light intensity inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Cohen Itay , Rapaport Tal , Chalifa‐Caspi Vered , Rachmilevitch Shimon
Published: May 2018

Under natural conditions, plants are regularly exposed to combinations of stress factors. A common example is the conjunction between nitrogen (N) deficiency and excess light. The combined effect of stress factors is often ignored in studies using controlled conditions, possibly resulting in misleading conclusions. To address this issue, the present study examined the physiological behavior ofArabidopsis thalianaunder the effect of varying nitrogen levels and light intensities. The joint influence of low N and excess light had an adverse effect on plant growth, chlorophyll and anthocyanin concentrations, photochemical capacity and the abundance of proteins involved in carbon assimilation and antioxidative metabolism. In contrast, no adverse physiological responses were observed for plants under either nitrogen limitation or high light (HL) intensity conditions (i.e. single stress). The underlying mechanisms for the increased growth in conditions of HL and sufficient nitrogen were a combination of chlorophyll accumulation and an increased number of proteins involved in C3 carbon assimilation, amino acids biosynthesis and chloroplast development. In contrast, combined stress conditions shifts plants from growth to survival by displaying anthocyanin accumulation and an increased number of proteins involved in catabolism of lipids and amino acids as energy substrates. Ultimately switching plants development from growth to survival. Our results suggest that an assessment of the physiological response to the combined effect of multiple stresses cannot be directly extrapolated from the physiological response to a single stress. Specifically, the synergistic interaction between N deficiency and saturating light in Arabidopsis plants could not have been modeled via only one of the stress factors.
Meta‐analysis on nutrition studies modulating sea urchin roe growth, colour and taste
Authors: Lourenço Sílvia , Valente Luísa M.P. , Andrade Carlos
Published: May 2018

Sea urchin roe is highly appreciated worldwide as a gourmet product comparable to caviar. Research in echinoculture mainly focus on the production of high‐quality roe which stands for large golden orange to yellow gonads with a distinct, sweet ocean taste known as uni. The scientific approaches to manipulate roe quality are diverse in terms of targeted species and manipulated factors as nutrition, environmental and husbandry conditions. In this study, a meta‐analysis approach was applied to systematically review the research conducted between 2000 and 2017 aiming to enhance the sea urchin roe quality. The 48 studies selected and analysed here show that those targeting the growth of gonads were successful, independently of the selected species, the rearing system adopted, or the diet or nutrient tested. In contrast, most trials focusing on colour manipulation resulted in roe colour similar to the control group (sea urchins fed with algae). Only six studies aiming to enhance roe taste were selected but described inconclusive results. In conclusion, while the production of large gonads seems easily achievable, the enhancement of its colour and taste is still a challenge.
Spider community responses to grassland restoration: balancing trade‐offs between abundance and diversity
Authors: Smith DiCarlo Lauren A. , DeBano Sandra J.
Published: May 2018

Spiders (Araneae) play key roles in ecosystems, not only as common and abundant generalist predators, but also as major contributors to biodiversity in many areas. In addition, due to their short generation times and high mobility, spiders respond rapidly to small changes in their environment, potentially making them useful indicators for restoration monitoring. However, few studies have focused on spider responses to grassland restoration in the United States. We compared degraded, native, and restored grassland sites to examine how spider communities and habitat respond to arid grassland restoration. We also examined how responses varied with the age of the restoration project. Spider communities in native sites differed from those in restored and degraded sites in several ways: native sites had fewer spiders and a different community composition than degraded and restored sites. However, native and restored sites had more species than degraded sites. Chronosequence data showed trends for lower abundance, higher species richness, and changing community composition as restoration projects mature. Several habitat variables were closely linked to variation in spider communities including cover of invasive annual grasses, litter, and biological soil crusts. Our data suggest that spider and vegetation responses to grassland restoration efforts can be successful in the long term—with resulting communities becoming more similar to native ones—and that spiders are useful indictors of grassland restoration. Our results also suggest that restoration may involve balancing trade‐offs between ecosystem services, with potential losses in predatory control offset by increases in biodiversity with restoration effort.
Reply to the Discussion by John Nott on ‘Coarse‐sand beach ridges at Cowley Beach, north‐eastern Australia: Their formative processes and potential as records of tropical cyclone history’ by Tamura et al. (2018), Sedimentology,65, 721–744
Authors: Tamura Toru , Nicholas William A. , Oliver Thomas S. N. , Brooke Brendan P.
Published: May 2018

Background

Tamura et al. (2018) refined our understanding of formative processes that have resulted in a series of coarse‐sand beach ridges at Cowley Beach in north‐eastern Australia. Nott (2018) claimed that there are several shortcomings in the findings Tamura et al. (2018) presented. However, his criticism mostly derived from his misunderstanding of the data and discussion presented in Tamura et al. (2018), which thus should be clarified here. This reply also reiterates how his method for estimating the magnitude of past tropical cyclones from beach ridges is inconsistent with our observations of beach morphology and beach‐ridge formative processes.