bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic inhibition of aluminium corrosion in H2SO4 solution by polypropylene glycol in the presence of iodide ions
Authors: Solomon Moses M. , Umoren Saviour A. , Israel Aniekemeabasi U. , Etim Idongesit G.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of polypropylene glycol (PPG), as a corrosion inhibitor for aluminium corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution at 303-333 K and the effect of addition of iodide ions on the corrosion inhibition efficacy of PPG.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion inhibition performance of PPG alone and on addition of iodide ions in the acid medium was evaluated using weight loss and electrochemical [electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarisation resistance (LPR) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP)] methods as well as surface analysis approach at 303-333 K. The morphology of the corroding aluminium surface without and with the additives was visualised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The trend of inhibition efficiency with temperature was used to propose the mechanism of inhibition and type of adsorption.

Findings

Results obtained showed that PPG moderately retarded the corrosion of Al in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. Addition of KI to PPG is found to synergistically improve the inhibitive ability of PPG. From the variation of inhibition efficiency, K_ads, and E_a, with rise in temperature, physisorption mechanism is proposed for the adsorption of PPG and PPG + KI onto the Al surface in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. Polarisation results showed that PPG and PPG + KI acted as mixed type inhibitor. The adsorption of PPG and PPG + KI, respectively, onto the metal surface followed El-Awady et al. adsorption isotherm model. SEM and water contact angle analysis confirmed the adsorption of PPG and PPG + KI on Al surface.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to aqueous acid environment in aerated condition, and all tests were performed under static conditions.

Practical implications

The use of PPG as corrosion inhibitor for Al corrosion in acidic medium were reported for the first time. The results suggest that iodide ions could be used to enhance corrosion protection ability of PPG which could find practical application in corrosion control in aqueous acidic environment. The data obtained would form part of database on the synergistic effect of iodide ions addition to polymer to control acid-induced corrosion of metal.

Originality/value

The use of PPG as corrosion inhibitor for Al corrosion in acidic medium were reported for the first time. The results suggest that iodide ions could be used to enhance corrosion protection ability of PPG which could find practical application in corrosion control in aqueous acidic environment. The data obtained would form part of database on the synergistic effect of iodide ions addition to polymer to control acid-induced corrosion of metal.
Investigation on the mechanical and electrical properties of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNCTs) based isotropic conductive adhesives
Authors: Durairaj R. , Pheng Lim Seow , Ping Liew Jian
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to characterise the electrical and mechanical properties of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-based isotropic conductive adhesives (ICAs). The paper also compares the electrical and mechanical performance of MWCNTs-based ICAs with silver flakes and silver nanoparticles-based ICAs.

Design/methodology/approach

The ICAs were formulated with dyglycidyl ether bisphenol A epoxy resin and conductive fillers such as silver flakes, silver nanoparticles and MWCNTs. The four-point probe is used to measure the bulk resistivity of the ICAs.

Findings

The results from the study showed that the percolation threshold of the MWCNTs-based ICAs is 1.5 Wt.%. At 3 Wt.%, the drop in bulk resistivity is lower than the conventional ICAs. The addition of silver nanoparticles increased the overall bulk resistivity of the system. The mechanical properties improved with the introduction of carbon nanotubes into the silver flakes–epoxy system.

Practical implications

The results from bulk resistivity and mechanical properties of the MWCNTs could help to formulate MWCNTs-based ICAs with optimum weight fraction.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that the addition of MWCNTs to the silver-based ICAs will enhance their mechanical and electrical conductivity. In addition, the optimum weight percentage is also determined, which shows a bulk resistivity value lower along with improved mechanical property with the conventional ICA system.
Preparation and characterization of carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel
Authors: Yan E.Y. , Hao X.Y. , Cao M.L. , Fan Y.M. , Zhang D.Q. , Xie W. , Sun J.P. , Hou S.Q.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of the study reported in this paper was to investigate the process for the preparation of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) hydrogel and to characterize such a hydrogel via various analytical techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The hydrogel in the aqueous solution was prepared by using CMCS as the raw material and glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent. The as-prepared CMCS hydrogel was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra.

Findings

The CMCS hydrogel possessed a porous structure and the shape of the pore was irregular. Generally, the diameter of the pores ranged from 20 to 70 nm. The results from FTIR, UV-vis and XRD showed that there was no obvious difference between the structures of the CMCS hydrogel and CMCS powder.

Research limitations/implications

The strength of the hydrogel is not high enough and the degree of swelling is relatively small. So, improving the strength and swelling degree of the hydrogel is necessary.

Practical implications

The CMCS hydrogel presented obvious hollow structures and its fabrication was processed absolutely in aqueous phase. Besides, it possessed low toxicity, good biocompatibility and biodegradability. So, the hydrogel will have potential applications in drug delivery and release, tissue engineering and other biomedical fields.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to present the relationship between the structures of the CMCS hydrogel and CMCS micromolecule, and it confirms that there is no fundamental difference between them.
Psychological contracts and intention to leave with mediation effect of organizational commitment and employee satisfaction at times of recession
Authors: Behery Mohamed , Abdallah Salam , Parakandi Mohammed , Kukunuru Sai
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the implications of psychological contract on employees’ intention to leave and their relationship with employee commitment and satisfaction. The study focuses on measuring these attributes in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) multicultural workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a total of 373 employees from government, semi-government and private organizations covering different hierarchical levels across various industries. Structural equation modeling was used to test the predicted relationship.

Findings

The study reveals that the relational component of psychological contracts plays a significant role in developing strong employer–employee relationships and reducing employee intentions to leave the organization. The study has also demonstrated the partial mediation effect of organizational commitment and employee satisfaction between the independent and dependent variables. Finally, our finding stresses the moderating effect of gender and citizenship demographics on the relationships between the independent and dependent variables.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study was the fact that data collection was conducted in the context of economic crisis which is accompanied by downsizing of organizations. Another factor being the survey is restricted to the UAE which limits the generalizability of the results outside the region.

Originality/value

As little is known about the potential effect of psychological contracts on the intention to leave in the Middle Eastern context, this paper is expected to provide empirical evidences that will make significant contributions to the employee engagement literature in the Middle Eastern contexts.
Integrating risk literacy into brand management
Authors: Florea Dorian-Laurentiu , Munteanu Claudiu-Catalin , Postoaca Alexandra-Elena
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to integrate brand equity into companies’ overall risk assessment by suggesting a methodology of evaluating the relevant aspects of brand risk.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a theoretical framework which discriminates between brand assets, brand strength and brand value, this paper set two alternative directions that can be followed to assess brand risk: a financial direction, which accounts on brand value, and a marketing direction, which stresses on brand assets and brand strength. Following the latter one, this paper provides mathematical formulas which contain specific factors of volatility that can be integrated in a future scoring system.

Findings

This paper proposes four major risks that need to be considered when evaluating brand assets risk: reputational risk, presence risk, loyalty risk and halo effect risk. This paper provides an evaluation methodology for each one. In addition, a 12-step implementation model is proposed as a managerial guideline for integrating brand risk in the companies’ risk management.

Originality/value

This paper emphasizes the importance of considering brand equity as a potential source of risk and thus integrating it into risk management. Also, we continue Abrahams’ pioneer work on adding risk literacy into brand management.
Health literacy and information literacy: a concept comparison
Authors: Lawless Jane , Toronto Coleen E. , Grammatica Gail L.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare health and information literacy with a focus on how the development of these concepts within two disciplines (nursing and library/information science) impacts librarian/nurse educator shared understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a modified concept comparison method. The comparison, grounded in two seminal concept analysis articles, identifies common and unique antecedents, attributes and consequences of each concept.

Findings

Health and information literacy share common antecedents and attributes: literacy, health or information need, comprehension, decision-making and degree of technological competency. Unique to health literacy is an emphasis on interactive communication and unique to information literacy is a focus on discovery and search skills.

Research limitations/implications

This concept comparison uses a snapshot approach rather than a full literature review. This work suggests further research into health literacy and information literacy as related concepts in the literature and how multidisciplinary concept comparison can be effectively framed.

Practical implications

Librarians and nurse educators collaborating on complex concepts such as these should use available definitions, and evidence, to reach shared understanding. Librarians are encouraged to communicate with database developers to address questions and inconsistencies in subject headings.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first concept comparison of health and information literacy using the concept comparison method – an adaptation of concept analysis methods frequently used in nursing literature, developed by Walker and Avant, Rodgers and Knafl and others.
Frequency dependence of anisotropy in fluid saturated rocks – Part I: aligned cracks case
Authors: Collet Olivia , Gurevich Boris
Published: June 2016

A major cause of attenuation in fluid‐saturated media is the local fluid flow (or squirt flow) induced by a passing wave between pores of different shapes and sizes. Several squirt flow models have been derived for isotropic media. For anisotropic media however, most of the existing squirt flow models only provide the low‐ and high‐frequency limits of the saturated elastic properties. We develop a new squirt flow model to account for the frequency dependence of elastic properties and thus gain some insight into velocity dispersion and attenuation in anisotropic media. In this paper, we focus on media containing aligned compliant pores embedded in an isotropic background matrix. The low‐ and high‐frequency limits of the predicted fluid‐saturated elastic properties are respectively consistent with Gassmann theory and Mukerji–Mavko squirt flow model. Results are also expressed in terms of Thomsen anisotropy parameters. It turns out that the P‐wave anisotropy parameter ε tends to zero in the high‐frequency limit, whereas the δ parameter remains the only indicator of P‐S⊥ anisotropy. The S‐wave anisotropy parameter γ is not affected by the presence of fluid and remains the same for all frequency ranges. A new definition for attenuation anisotropy parameters is also proposed to quantify the attenuation anisotropy. In the most important case of liquid saturation, analytical expressions are derived for elastic properties, velocity anisotropy parameters, quality factors, and attenuation anisotropy parameters. A companion paper considers the case of cracks with an ellipsoidal distribution of orientations resulting from the application of anisotropic stress.
Integrated geophysical and hydromechanical assessment for CO2 storage: shallow low permeable reservoir sandstones
Authors: Falcon‐Suarez Ismael , North Laurence , Amalokwu Kelvin , Best Angus
Published: June 2016

Geological reservoirs can be structurally complex and can respond to CO2 injection both geochemically and geomechanically. Hence, predicting reservoir formation behaviour in response to CO2 injection and assessing the resulting hazards are important prerequisites for safe geological CO2 storage. This requires a detailed study of thermal‐hydro‐mechanical‐chemical coupled phenomena that can be triggered in the reservoir formation, most readily achieved through laboratory simulations of CO2 injection into typical reservoir formations. Here, we present the first results from a new experimental apparatus of a steady‐state drainage flooding test conducted through a synthetic sandstone sample, simulating real CO2 storage reservoir conditions in a shallow (∼1 km), low permeability ∼1mD, 26% porosity sandstone formation. The injected pore fluid comprised brine with CO2 saturation increasing in steps of 20% brine/CO2 partial flow rates up to 100% CO2 flow. At each pore fluid stage, an unload/loading cycle of effective pressure was imposed to study the response of the rock under different geomechanical scenarios. The monitoring included axial strains and relative permeability in a continuous mode (hydromechanical assessment), and related geophysical signatures (ultrasonic P‐wave and S‐wave velocities Vp and Vs, and attenuations Qp−1 and Qs−1, respectively, and electrical resistivity). On average, the results showed Vp and Vs dropped ∼7% and ∼4% respectively during the test, whereas Qp−1 increased ∼55% and Qs−1 decreased by ∼25%. From the electrical resistivity data, we estimated a maximum CO2 saturation of ∼0.5, whereas relative permeability curves were adjusted for both fluids. Comparing the experimental results to theoretical predictions, we found that Gassmann's equations explain Vp at high and very low CO2 saturations, whereas bulk modulus yields results consistent with White and Dutta–Odé model predictions. This is interpreted as a heterogeneous distribution of the two pore fluid phases, corroborated by electrical resistivity tomography images. The integration of laboratory geophysical and hydromechanical observations on representative shallow low‐permeable sandstone reservoir allowed us to distinguish between pure geomechanical responses and those associated with the pore fluid distribution. This is a key aspect in understanding CO2 injection effects in deep geological reservoirs associated with carbon capture and storage practices.
Laboratory measurements of the effect of fluid saturation on elastic properties of carbonates at seismic frequencies
Authors: Mikhaltsevitch Vassily , Lebedev Maxim , Gurevich Boris
Published: June 2016

A significant portion of the world's hydrocarbon reserves are found in carbonate reservoirs, yet analysis of the petrophysical properties of these reservoirs is associated with a number of challenges. Some of these challenges stem from physical and chemical interactions between the carbonate rock matrix and pore fluids, which can affect elastic properties of the rock. Hence, the study of the pore fluid effects on the elastic properties of carbonates is important for understanding a change of the field performance properties of а carbonate reservoir caused by fluid movements during hydrocarbon extraction in producing fields. In this laboratory study, we investigate the applicability of Gassmann's model for predictions of the elastic moduli of water‐ and hydrocarbon‐saturated Savonnières limestone and the influence of partial water saturation on elastic and anelastic properties of the rock. We present the results of two sets of laboratory experiments on the Savonnières oolitic limestone where we: (i) evaluate the effect of full water and n‐decane saturation on elastic moduli and attenuation at seismic (0.1 Hz–120 Hz) and ultrasonic (0.5 MHz) frequencies; and (ii) quantify the dependence of elastic moduli and extensional attenuation on water saturation at two seismic frequencies of 1 Hz and 10 Hz. We demonstrate that the change in the bulk modulus of limestone fully saturated either with n‐decane or water is in agreement with Gassmann's fluid substitution theory, whereas the shear modulus is noticeably reduced. The measurements with partial saturation show that the bulk modulus decreases with increasing water saturation to a lesser extent than the Young's and shear moduli. Our results show that extensional attenuation in the samples with closed boundaries is insignificant under dry and fully saturated conditions but is influenced greatly by the liquid content when saturation is between 0 and 20% or 95% and 100%.
The Potential of Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) and Gas Chromatography‐IRMS Analysis of Triacetone Triperoxide in Forensic Explosives Investigations
Authors: Bezemer Karlijn D. B. , Koeberg Mattijs , van der Heijden Antoine E. D. M. , van Driel Chris A. , Blaga Cornelia , Bruinsma Jildert , van Asten Arian C.
Published: June 2016

Studying links between triacetone triperoxide (TATP) samples from crime scenes and suspects can assist in criminal investigations. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and gas chromatography (GC)‐IRMS were used to measure the isotopic compositions of TATP and its precursors acetone and hydrogen peroxide. In total, 31 TATP samples were synthesized with different raw material combinations and reaction conditions. For carbon, a good differentiation and a linear relationship were observed for acetone–TATP combinations. The extent of negative (δ13C) fractionation depended on the reaction yield. Limited enrichment was observed for the hydrogen isotope (δ2H) values of the TATP samples probably due to a constant exchange of hydrogen atoms in aqueous solution. For oxygen (δ18O), the small isotopic range and excess of water in hydrogen peroxide resulted in poor differentiation. GC‐IRMS and IRMS data were comparable except for one TATP sample prepared with high acid concentration demonstrating the potential of compound‐specific isotope analysis. Carbon IRMS has practical use in forensic TATP investigations.
Petechial Hemorrhages and Ethanol in Deaths from Intoxication
Authors: Flaagøy Siren Helen , Morild Inge , Mæhle Bjørn Ove , Lilleng Peer Kaare
Published: June 2016

Petechiae in conjunctivae and in the palpebrae/skin of the eyelids are of particular interest for the forensic pathologist, because of their association with pressure on the neck. They have been described in the eyelids of intoxicated persons both in case reports and in text books of forensic pathology. We studied 590 deaths caused by intoxication, and 75 had petechiae either in the conjunctivae, the eyelids, or in both locations. We examined the influence of drugs and ethanol on the location of the petechial hemorrhages in these deaths. Deaths with ethanol in blood and in urine/vitreous humor more often had petechiae in both locations than those without. This association was statistically significant, independent of body position and livor mortis. No association between the location of petechiae, medicinal drugs, or narcotics was found. These results suggest that ethanol may contribute to the development of petechial hemorrhages in deaths from intoxication.
Hesitation Wounds and Sharp Force Injuries in Forensic Pathology and Psychiatry: Multidisciplinary Review of the Literature and Study of Two Cases
Authors: Karakasi Maria‐Valeria , Nastoulis Evangelos , Kapetanakis Stylianos , Vasilikos Epameinondas , Kyropoulos Grigorios , Pavlidis Pavlos
Published: June 2016

The aim of this paper was to showcase the significant diagnostic value of hesitation wounds in terms of forensic, psychiatric, and medicolegal interest. A number of studies were reviewed to update and summarize the relevant literature on the incidence, distribution, character, and function of hesitation wounds as well as the sociodemographic variables and psychopathology of the inducers. This study also investigates their importance as a forensic criterion in the distinction between suicide and homicide as well as a psychiatric diagnostic tool in suicide prevention. In addition, the paper reports two new cases. Results conclude that there is equal incidence, but different distribution of hesitation wounds between genders. Furthermore, the low dispersion of hesitation wounds contrasts with the high dispersion of defense wounds. The inducers' psychopathology lies principally in Axis I disorders. Finally, there is a comprehensive analysis of non‐suicidal self‐injury and the role of self‐wounding in suicide prevention.
Antimelanogenesis Activity of Hydrolyzed Ginseng Extract (GINST) via Inhibition of JNK Mitogen‐activated Protein Kinase in B16F10 Cells
Authors: Han Joon‐Seung , Sung Jong Hwan , Lee Seung Kwon
Published: June 2016

GINST is a hydrolyzed ginseng extract produced by an in vitro process that imitates the metabolic function of bacteria in the human digestive track and has approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea for the management of postprandial hyperglycemia. Additionally, GINST has been reported to have other physiological functions including anti‐aging and antioxidant effects. The objectives of this study are to compare the antimelanogenic effects of fresh ginseng extract (FGE) and GINST extract and to elucidate the functional mechanism. The concentration of total ginsenosides in FGE and GINST was measured using ultraperformance liquid chromatography with a C18 column. B16F10 cells were treated with FGE and GINST for 72 h to assess melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and protein levels of microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 (TRP‐1). The activity of kinases involved in mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, such as extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNK), and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases (p38), were measured using western blots. While neither FGE nor GINST inhibited the activity of mushroom tyrosinase directly, GINST decreased melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity markedly. Furthermore, our results indicate that GINST downregulated the levels of MITF and TRP‐1 possibly by suppressing JNK signaling. We concluded that, when compared to FGE, GINST has a superior antimelanogenic effect mediated by the downregulation of MITF, TRP‐1, and intracellular tyrosinase activity via the JNK signaling pathway. Thus, we suggest that GINST has the potential to be used as a novel skin whitening agent.
Alcoholic liver disease: focus on prodromal gut health
Authors: Park Byoungjin , Lee Hye‐Ree , Lee Yong‐Jae
Published: June 2016

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is implicated in gut disturbances, both functionally and structurally. It has been noticed that the gut–liver interaction is an important feature in the prevention of systemic inflammation as well as liver health. The optimal functioning of the gut–liver axis depends on gut health. Therefore, gut problems may be important for estimating liver inflammation, while our knowledge of ALD could also provide an insight into gut health. Gut problems accompanied by ALD include gut motility and absorption problems, mucosal damage and the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. Moreover, there is emerging evidence that besides direct inflammatory injury caused by alcohol, gut problems related to ALD play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and immunological disorders. In this regard, we should consider ALD in relation to both gut health and chronic systemic low‐grade inflammation. Accordingly, integrative therapeutic strategies are warranted for treating and preventing ALD and systemic inflammation as well as alcohol‐related gut problems.
Nitrogen and water supplies affect peach tree–green peach aphid interactions: the key role played by vegetative growth
Authors: Rousselin Aurélie , Sauge Marie‐Hélène , Jordan Marie‐Odile , Vercambre Gilles , Lescourret Françoise , Bevacqua Daniele
Published: June 2016

The availabilities of water and nitrogen resources are among the main abiotic factors modifying plant physiology and growth. Consequently, via bottom‐up processes, they also can have an impact on the performance of herbivorous insects. However, the extent to which the modification of plant growth is responsible for such an impact remains unclear.

We conducted a factorial experiment quantifying Myzus persicae aphid abundance and the vegetative growth of Prunus persica peach tree shoots under contrasting levels of nitrogen and water supplies. We used a hierarchical analysis of multiple regression models to determine whether the consequences of the availability of nitrogen and water on aphid abundance could be the result of a modification of plant growth.

Maximum aphid abundance was achieved under nitrogen and water comfort conditions. The best model explaining variance in aphid abundance took into account vegetative growth and water supply, as well as their interaction.

The results of the present study suggest that a higher nitrogen supply increases aphid abundance by fostering plant growth. Additionally, the positive response of aphid abundance to vegetative growth is lower in the case of water restriction because, under such conditions, aphids cannot take full advantage of tree vigour. Such a result provides new insights into aphid control in agriculture, as well as on the possible effects of climate change.
Chemical Coding of Sensory Neurons Supplying the Hip Joint Capsule in the Sheep
Authors: Dudek A. , Sienkiewicz W. , Chrószcz A. , Janeczek M. , Kaleczyc J.
Published: June 2016

Immunohistochemical properties of nerve fibres supplying the joint capsule were previously described in many mammalian species, but the localization of sensory neurons supplying this structure was studied only in laboratory animals, the rat and rabbit. However, there is no comprehensive data on the chemical coding of sensory neurons projecting to the hip joint capsule (HJC). The aim of this study was to establish immunohistochemical properties of sensory neurons supplyingHJCin the sheep. The study was carried out on 10 sheep, weighing about 30–40 kg. The animals were injected with a retrograde neural tracer Fast Blue (FB) intoHJC. Sections of the spinal ganglia (SpG) withFB‐positive (FB+) neurons were stained using antibodies against calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) substance P (SP), pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide (PACAP), nitric oxide synthase (n‐NOS), neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), Leu‐5‐enkephalin (Leu‐Enk), galanin (GAL) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VACHT). The vast majority ofFB+ neurons supplyingHJCwas found in the ganglia from the 5th lumbar to the 2nd sacral. Immunohistochemistry revealed that most of these neurons were immunoreactive toCGRPorSP(80.7 ± 8.0% or 56.4 ± 4.8%, respectively) and many of them stained forPACAPorGAL(52.9 ± 2.9% or 50.6 ± 19.7%, respectively). Other populations ofFB+ neurons were those immunoreactive to n‐NOS(37.8 ± 9.7%),NPY(34.6 ± 6.7%),VIP(28.7 ± 4.8%), Leu‐Enk (27.1 ± 14.6) andVACHT(16.7 ± 9.6).
Do multicultural experiences facilitate global processing style?
Authors: Wan Minggang , Yang Yang , Liu Yuliang , Li Jiansheng
Published: June 2016

The current research explores whether multicultural experiences facilitate global processing style. We conducted two experiments in which participants were exposed to either a multicultural experience or a monocultural experience. They were required to either perform the Navon letter task (Experiment 1) or search for similarities or differences between two videos (Experiment 2). The experimental results showed that, compared to the participants exposed to a monocultural experience, those exposed to a multicultural experience had faster reaction times to global letters (Experiment 1) and tended to search for similarities (Experiment 2). This indicates that individuals with multicultural experiences facilitate a global processing style. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd, Asian Association of Social Psychology and Beijing Normal University
A review of the mechanisms of cone degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Narayan Daniel S. , Wood John P. M. , Chidlow Glyn , Casson Robert J.
Published: June 2016

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited condition that features degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors. In all forms of RP, the genetic mutation is expressed exclusively in rods; however, cones die too. The secondary death of cones in RP remains somewhat mysterious. A better understanding of the mechanisms that cause cone degeneration in RP could lead to novel treatments that preserve cones. There are a number of prevailing theories that attempt to explain cone degeneration in RP. One concept is that cone survival is dependent on trophic factors produced by rods. Another hypothesis is that cones suffer from a nutrient shortage after rods have been lost. Additionally, oxidative stress and pro‐inflammatory microglial activation have also been suggested to play a role in cone death. The present review evaluates the evidence supporting these theories and provides an update on the mechanisms of cone degeneration in RP.
Sternotomy versus video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery for thymectomy of myasthenia gravis patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Gung Yingtsai , Zhang Hanlu , Li Shizhu , Wang Yun
Published: June 2016

Abstracts

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to compare thymectomy by video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and trans‐sternal thymectomy (TS) for myasthenia gravis patients.

Methods

A meta‐analysis was conducted to compare thoracoscopic surgery and sternotomy for myasthenia gravis patients with regard to long‐term effect and short‐term safety.

Results

A total of 23 trials were included in our research. No significant differences were detected with regard to myasthenic crisis, wound infection, and muscle weakness improvement. VATS led to less blood loss than TS (standardized mean difference, −1.233; 95% confidence interval, −1.425–−1.041;P < 0.001), less risk of pulmonary infection (relative risk, 1.035; 95% confidence interval, 1.001–1.070;P = 0.043), and a shorter hospital stay. TS had a shorter operative time than VATS (standardized mean difference, 0.239; 95% confidence interval, 0.113–0.365;P < 0.001). VATS and TS achieved similar mean specimen weights and complete stable remission rates.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this meta‐analysis of retrospective cohort studies, VATS increases surgical safety and achieves an equal surgical efficacy to TS, but TS has a shorter operative time.
Exertional heat illness: a review of the syndrome affecting racing Thoroughbreds in hot and humid climates
Authors: Brownlow MA , Dart AJ , Jeffcott LB
Published: June 2016

Metabolic heat produced by Thoroughbred racehorses during racing can rapidly elevate core body temperature (1°C/min). When environmental conditions are hot and humid, the normal physiological cooling mechanisms become ineffective. The heat accumulated may exceed a critical thermal maximum (estimated to be 42°C), which may trigger a complex pathophysiological cascade with potentially lethal consequences. This syndrome has been labelled exertional heat illness (EHI).EHIis described in humans, but has not been well documented in Thoroughbred racehorses. The clinical signs described in racehorses would suggest that the pathophysiological events affecting the central nervous (CNS) and gastrointestinal systems are similar to those described in humans. Clinical signs are progressive and include signs of endotoxaemia and increasing levels ofCNSdysfunction. Initially, horses that may be mildly irritable (agitated, randomly kicking out) may progress to unmanageable (disorientation, severe ataxia, falling) and ultimately convulsions, coma and death. Currently, the approach to treatment is largely empirical and involves rapid and effective cooling, administration of drugs to provide sedation, administration of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs to ameliorate the effects of endotoxaemia and glucocorticoids to stabilise cell membranes and reduce the effects of inflammation on theCNS. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge aboutEHIin Thoroughbred racehorses, suggests a likely pathophysiology of the syndrome in horses based on the current literature on heat illness in humans and horses, and outlines current treatment strategies being used to treat racehorses with clinical signs ofEHI.
Conjunctival myxoma in a dog: clinical and histopathological features
Authors: Barsotti G , Rocchigiani G , Millanta F
Published: June 2016

Case report

A 9‐year‐old male Bull Terrier was presented for a 3‐month history of a progressive, non‐painful conjunctival mass of the right eye. The mass was exophytic and located in the temporal bulbar conjunctiva. No adhesion to the sclera was detected. A presumptive clinical diagnosis of a conjunctival neoplasia was made. Complete physical and ophthalmological examinations of the dog, as well as complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis, urinalysis, thoracic radiography, echocardiography and abdominal ultrasonography, were performed. The mass was surgically removed and a double freeze–thaw cycle of cryotherapy was performed locally. Histological examination of the removed tissue showed a well‐delineated, non‐encapsulated mass composed of spindle cells in loose myxomatous stroma. No nuclear atypia was observed in the tumour cells. A positive Alcian blue stain confirmed the mucin origin of the stroma. Tumour cells stained positive on immunohistochemistry for vimentin and negative for cytokeratins. A diagnosis was made of conjunctival myxoma. No evidence of local recurrence or distant metastases was identified during the 24‐month follow‐up period.

Conclusion

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on a conjunctival myxoma in dogs.
Traditional burning and mowing practices support high grassland plant diversity by providing intermediate levels of vegetation height and soil pH
Authors: Nagata Yuko K. , Ushimaru Atushi
Published: June 2016

Question

Which types of management practice promote plant species richness in semi‐natural grasslands? Which environmental factors might be involved in this management effect? How do different plant life‐form groups respond to these variables?

Location

Kaida Plateau, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

Methods

In the study area, hay meadows were traditionally maintained through both burning and mowing every second year. Recently, however, meadows that have either been abandoned or maintained only by annual burning or annual mowing have increased. We compared plant species richness, vegetation height and soil pH and water content between traditional meadows and those abandoned or maintained only by burning or mowing. We also examined relationships between these variables and the species richness of plant life‐form groups.

Results

The mean total and rare plant richness (36 and eight species·m−2, respectively) in traditionally managed meadows were higher than in meadows of other management types (<26 and ≤5 species·m−2, respectively). Vegetation height (20–290 cm) and soil pH (4.2–6.2) varied among study plots. Burning and mowing frequencies negatively influenced vegetation height and positively influenced soil pH and/or water content. Traditional management practice provided intermediate vegetation heights (90 cm) and soil pH (5.3). Total species richness showed a unimodal relationship with vegetation height (peaking at 125 cm), and rare species richness was highest at intermediate levels of vegetation height (86 cm) and soil pH (5.2).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that intermediate levels of vegetation height and soil pH have been maintained through traditional practices combining both infrequent burning and mowing. These practices are essential for conserving common and rare plant diversity in the study area with oligotrophic soil conditions.
Can exome scans be expected to be part of real‐time decision‐making in patients with haematological cancers?
Authors: Hokland Peter , Cotter Finbarr E. , Hansen Marcus C.
Published: June 2016

The laboratory aspects of diagnosis of patients with haematological malignancies are forever changing. Microscopic examination of blood and bone marrow smears, cytogenetics, flow cytometry and single‐assay molecular diagnostics have been and are still essential tools in cancer diagnostics. Flow cytometry has brought the unprecedented possibility of rapid multiplexing and characterization of complex immunophenotypic patterns. However, the advent of next generation sequencing in the haematology laboratory brings a whole new perspective on multiplexing and potentially lowers the cost per analysis effectively. These informative methods still require skilled technicians and bioinformaticians, evolve at a rapid pace, and call for clinical guidelines and best practice. Here, we discuss the potential and caveats of whole exome sequencing as it moves closer to routine laboratory practice. The question is: Will exome sequencing be performed, real‐time, in the standard haemodiagnostic laboratory?
Constraining the chronology of Pleistocene glaciations on Svalbard: Kapp Ekholm re‐visited
Authors: Eccleshall Sarah V. , Hormes Anne , Hovland Alexander , Preusser Frank
Published: June 2016

The Kapp Ekholm site, in central Spitsbergen, shows alternating units of glaciomarine sandy silt and diamicton representing three glacial cycles and is key in reconstructing the Late Pleistocene glacial history of Svalbard. Part of the site is reinvestigated here by focusing on re‐dating two units (B and F) interpreted as interglacial/interstadial glaciomarine deposits, in order to constrain the controversial chronology. A combination of Optical Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) on quartz, infrared stimulated luminescence with a 50 °C readout temperature (IRSL50) and post infrared‐infrared stimulated luminescence (pIR), both on feldspar, was applied. While Formation B was beyond the dateable range of OSL, IRSL50 and pIR ages lead to the conclusion that this unit represents the Last Interglacial, Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5e, and the underlying diamicton the MIS 6 glacial. Formation F yielded ages implying that the formation represents the MIS 5a interstadial and the underlying diamicton is interpreted to represent the MIS 5b stadial. This agrees with conclusions drawn concerning the Pleistocene glaciations elsewhere on Svalbard.
Visions of the past and dreams of the future in the Orient: the Irano‐Turanian region from classical botany to evolutionary studies
Authors: Manafzadeh Sara , Staedler Yannick M. , Conti Elena
Published: June 2016

Ever since the 19th century, the immense arid lands of the Orient, now called the Irano‐Turanian (IT) floristic region, attracted the interest of European naturalists with their tremendous plant biodiversity. Covering approximately 30% of the surface of Eurasia (16000000 km2), the IT region is one of the largest floristic regions of the world. The IT region represents one of the hotspots of evolutionary and biological diversity in the Old World, and serves as a source of xerophytic taxa for neighbouring regions. Moreover, it is the cradle of the numerous species domesticated in the Fertile Crescent. Over the last 200 years, naturalists outlined different borders for the IT region. Yet, the delimitation and evolutionary history of this area remain one of the least well‐understood fields of global biogeography, even though it is crucial to explaining the distribution of life in Eurasia. No comprehensive review of the biogeographical delimitations nor of the role of geological and climatic changes in the evolution of the IT region is currently available. After considering the key role of floristic regions in biogeography, we review the history of evolving concepts about the borders and composition of the IT region over the past 200 years and outline a tentative circumscription for it. We also summarise current knowledge on the geological and climatic history of the IT region. We then use this knowledge to generate specific evolutionary hypotheses to explain how different geological, palaeoclimatic, and ecological factors contributed to range expansion and contraction, thus shaping patterns of speciation in the IT region over time and space. Both historical and ecological biogeography should be applied to understand better the floristic diversification of the region. This will ultimately require evolutionary comparative analyses based on integrative phylogenetic, geological, climatic, ecological, and species distribution studies on the region. Furthermore, an understanding of evolutionary and ecological processes will play a major role in regional planning for protecting biodiversity of the IT region in facing climatic change. With this review, we aim to introduce the IT floristic region to a broader audience of evolutionary, ecological and systematic biologists, thus promoting cutting‐edge research on this area and raising awareness of this vast and diverse, yet understudied, part of the world.
Road traffic noise geography during the night in Montreal: An environmental equity assessment
Authors: Carrier Mathieu , Apparicio Philippe , Séguin Anne‐Marie
Published: June 2016

Key Messages

Areas with more low‐income individuals and visible minorities are more likely to be characterized by higher levels of road traffic noise during the night.

5% of the population of the study area live in a city block characterized by a mean value of road traffic noise that exceeds 55 dB(A).

Areas with the highest road traffic noise values are located along the major highways of the study area.
2.5‐Year‐Olds Express Suspense When Others Approach Reality With False Expectations
Authors: Moll Henrike , Khalulyan Allie , Moffett Lillie
Published: June 2016

The study investigated if 2.5‐year‐olds are susceptible to suspense and express tension when others' false expectations are about to be disappointed. In two experiments (N = 32 each), children showed more tension when a protagonist approached a box with a false belief about its content than when she was ignorant. In Experiment 2, children also expressed more tension when the protagonist's belief was false than when it was true. The findings reveal that toddlers affectively anticipate the “rude awakening” of an agent who is about to discover unexpected reality. They thus not only understand false beliefs per se but also grasp the affective implications of being mistaken. The results are discussed with recourse to current theories about early understanding of false beliefs.
Adaptive Physically Based Models in Computer Graphics
Authors: Manteaux P.‐L. , Wojtan C. , Narain R. , Redon S. , Faure F. , Cani M.‐P.
Published: June 2016

One of the major challenges in physically based modelling is making simulations efficient. Adaptive models provide an essential solution to these efficiency goals. These models are able to self‐adapt in space and time, attempting to provide the best possible compromise between accuracy and speed. This survey reviews the adaptive solutions proposed so far in computer graphics. Models are classified according to the strategy they use for adaptation, from time‐stepping and freezing techniques to geometric adaptivity in the form of structured grids, meshes and particles. Applications range from fluids, through deformable bodies, to articulated solids.
Radio Messaging Frequency, Information Framing, and Consumer Willingness to Pay for Biofortified Iron Beans: Evidence from Revealed Preference Elicitation in Rural Rwanda
Authors: Oparinde Adewale , Birol Ekin , Murekezi Abdoul , Katsvairo Lister , Diressie Michael T. , Nkundimana Jean d'amour , Butare Louis
Published: June 2016

Iron deficiency is a public health problem in many developing countries. Iron‐biofortified varieties of commonly consumed staple crops have the potential to contribute to the daily iron requirements in diets. This paper examines consumer acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) for two iron bean varieties in Rwanda: red iron bean (RIB) and white iron bean (WIB). Using the Becker‐DeGroot‐Marschak mechanism, the paper investigates the effect of (1) nutrition information; (2) information frame; and (3) the frequency of providing the information on consumer WTP. WTP estimations take into account social interaction and nonpayment effects. Results indicate that without information about the nutritional benefits of the two iron bean varieties, consumers are willing to pay a large premium for the RIB variety, but not for the WIB variety. The nutrition information provided has a significantly positive effect on the premium for each of the iron bean varieties. Results also indicate that the effects of how the information is framed on this premium are not statistically significant. However, providing the nutrition information three times versus once significantly increases consumer demand for the WIB variety. These findings could inform the design of efficient delivery and marketing strategies for iron bean varieties in Rwanda.