bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive compensation of a perennial plant Sanguisorba tenuifolia to herbivory by Phengaris teleius
Authors: Uchida Yoko , Ohara Masashi
Published: October 2017

Plants that are consumed by herbivores incur a reduction in fitness. Therefore, plants need to prepare to defend against and/or avoid herbivory using ‘resistance’ and/or ‘tolerance’ systems. Phengaris teleius is a specialist herbivore of Sanguisorba tenuifolia. Phengaris teleius lays eggs in the flower buds of S. tenuifolia and the larvae of P. teleius feed on the ovaries and ovules of S. tenuifolia. In order to clarify the extent of herbivory damage by P. teleius and effect on reproduction in S. tenuifolia, we conducted field observations and artificial cutting experiments carried out in the natural habitat where both P. teleius and S. tenuifolia live sympatrically. Phengaris teleius often lays one egg per spike, and about half of the total eggs were laid on the spike that developed at the shoot apex and was largest in size. The fruits were damaged most heavily in the spike in which an egg was laid. However, the number of fruits was almost the same between individuals with no damage and individuals with a feeding damage rate of 40% or less. This showed that compensation would be achieved by increasing the number of fruits in other spikes without damage. On the other hand, because no compensation was detected in the cutting experiments, it was considered that compensation may be induced by biological stimuli produced by P. teleius. These responses may be one of the mechanisms for continuing the interspecific relationship between S. tenuifolia (host plant) and P. teleius (herbivore insect).
Shellfish: Nutritive Value, Health Benefits, and Consumer Safety
Authors: Venugopal Vazhiyil , Gopakumar Kumarapanicker
Published: October 2017

Shellfish is a major component of global seafood production. Specific items include shrimp, lobsters, oysters, mussels, scallops, clams, crabs, krill, crayfish, squid, cuttlefish, snails, abalone, and others. Shellfish, in general, contain appreciable quantities of digestible proteins, essential amino acids, bioactive peptides, long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, astaxanthin and other carotenoids, vitamin B12 and other vitamins, minerals, including copper, zinc, inorganic phosphate, sodium, potassium, selenium, iodine, and also other nutrients, which offer a variety of health benefits to the consumer. Although shellfish are generally safe for consumption, their exposure to diverse habitats, the filter feeding nature of shellfish such as oysters, clams, and mussels, and unhealthy farming and handling practices may occasionally entail health risks because of possible presence of various hazards. These hazards include pathogenic organisms, parasites, biotoxins, industrial and environmental pollutants, heavy metals, process‐related additives such as antibiotics and bisulfite, and also presence of allergy‐causing compounds in their bodies. Most of the hazards can be addressed by appropriate preventive measures at various stages of harvesting, farming, processing, storage, distribution, and consumption. Furthermore, consumer safety of shellfish and other seafood items is strictly monitored by international, governmental, and local public health organizations. This article highlights the nutritional value and health benefits of shellfish items and points out the various control measures to safeguard consumer safety with respect to the products.
High volatile anaesthetic conservation with a digital in‐line vaporizer and a reflector
Authors: Mashari A. , Fedorko L. , Fisher J. A. , Klein M. , Wąsowicz M. , Meineri M.
Published: October 2017

Background

A volatile anaesthetic (VA) reflector can reduce VA consumption (VAC) at the cost of fine control of its delivery and CO2 accumulation. A digital in‐line vaporizer and a second CO2 absorber circumvent both of these limitations. We hypothesized that the combination of a VA reflector with an in‐line vaporizer would yield substantial VA conservation, independent of fresh gas flow (FGF) in a circle circuit, and provide fine control of inspired VA concentrations.

Method

Prospective observational study on six Yorkshire pigs. A secondary anaesthetic circuit consisting of a Y‐piece with 2 one‐way valves, an in‐line vaporizer and a CO2 absorber in the inspiratory limb was connected to the patient's side of the VA reflector. The other side was connected to the Y‐piece of a circle anaesthetic circuit. In six pigs, an inspired concentration of sevoflurane of 2.5% was maintained by the in‐line vaporizer. We measured VAC at FGF of 1, 4 and 10 l/min.

Results

With the secondary circuit, VAC was 55% less than with the circle system alone at FGF 1 l/min, and independent of FGF over the range of 1–10 l/min. Insertion of a CO2 absorber in the secondary circuit reduced PetCO2 by 1.3–2.0 kpa (10–15 mmHg).

Conclusion

A secondary circuit with reflector and in‐line vaporizer provides highly efficient anaesthetic delivery, independent of FGF. A second CO2 absorber was necessary to scavenge the CO2 reflected by the anaesthetic reflector. This secondary circuit may turn any open circuit ventilator into an anaesthetic delivery unit.
PGC‐1α affects aging‐related changes in muscle and motor function by modulating specific exercise‐mediated changes in old mice
Authors: Gill Jonathan F. , Santos Gesa , Schnyder Svenia , Handschin Christoph
Published: October 2017

The age‐related impairment in muscle function results in a drastic decline in motor coordination and mobility in elderly individuals. Regular physical activity is the only efficient intervention to prevent and treat this age‐associated degeneration. However, the mechanisms that underlie the therapeutic effect of exercise in this context remain unclear. We assessed whether endurance exercise training in old age is sufficient to affect muscle and motor function. Moreover, as muscle peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) is a key regulatory hub in endurance exercise adaptation with decreased expression in old muscle, we studied the involvement of PGC‐1α in the therapeutic effect of exercise in aging. Intriguingly, PGC‐1α muscle‐specific knockout and overexpression, respectively, precipitated and alleviated specific aspects of aging‐related deterioration of muscle function in old mice, while other muscle dysfunctions remained unchanged upon PGC‐1α modulation. Surprisingly, we discovered that muscle PGC‐1α was not only involved in improving muscle endurance and mitochondrial remodeling, but also phenocopied endurance exercise training in advanced age by contributing to maintaining balance and motor coordination in old animals. Our data therefore suggest that the benefits of exercise, even when performed at old age, extend beyond skeletal muscle and are at least in part mediated by PGC‐1α.
Cytomegalovirus retinitis in HIV‐negative patients – associated conditions, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods and treatment strategy
Authors: Shapira Yinon , Mimouni Michael , Vishnevskia‐Dai Vicktoria
Published: October 2017

In recent years, numerous reports have tied cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) with multiple systemic conditions in the absence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These range from reports in apparently healthy individuals, through conditions rendering limited immune dysfunction such as advanced age and diabetes mellitus, and finally severe immune dysfunction such as in haematological and rheumatological conditions. Reports are also emerging, suggesting that induced local ocular immunosuppression is a risk factor for CMVR. We herein present a comprehensive collection of the accumulated findings regarding CMVR in non‐HIV patients. We summarize the spectrum of underlying morbidity that has been associated with CMVR, its clinical presentation, diagnostic methods and treatment choice in the attempt to suggest the optimal treatment strategy in this complicated and diverse patient population which is still currently lacking a consensus.
Micro‐instillation of fluorescein with an inoculation loop for ocular surface staining in dry eye syndrome
Authors: Courrier Emilie , Renault Didier , Kaspi Mathilde , Marcon Agathe , Lambert Victor , Garcin Thibaud , Chiambaretta Frederic , Garhofer Gerhard , Thuret Gilles , Gain Philippe
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To describe and validate the micro‐instillation of fluorescein on the ocular surface by a disposable calibrated inoculation loop to improve corneal and conjunctival staining quality.

Methods

Accuracy and precision of the volume of 0.5% sodium fluorescein collected by a single use 1 μl‐calibrated inoculation loop were measured using a precision balance. Twenty patients (40 eyes) suffering from dry eye syndrome were enrolled in a prospective interventional nonrandomized study. Fluorescein was instilled with the loop, and slit‐lamp images were taken within 30 seconds using cobalt blue light with and without a yellow barrier filter. For comparison, after a washout period, the same images were retaken after instillation of one drop of fluorescein from a single‐dose unit. The main outcome measure was the staining quality assessed by three experts, blind to the instillation method. Patient discomfort (tolerance, by a questionnaire) was also compared.

Results

The mean volume collected by the loop was 1.18 ± 0.12 μl, compared with 33.70 ± 6.10 μl using the single‐dose unit. The loop avoided excess dye responsible for unpleasant tearing, masking of lesions and rapid diffusion into the stroma. Micro‐instillation greatly improved image quality without losing information. The yellow filter further improved image contrast. Tolerance was excellent.

Conclusion

The 1 μl‐calibrated inoculation loop is a safe, convenient, inexpensive, disposable, sterile, well‐tolerated tool for reproducible micro‐instillation of commercial fluorescein. By greatly improving staining quality, it will help standardize assessment of dry eye severity.
Influence of fire on critically endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld in the Cape Floristic Region
Authors: Cousins Stephen R. , Witkowski Ed T. F. , Esler Karen J.
Published: October 2017

Questions

The degree to which renosterveld shrublands are fire‐dependent is currently unclear. To address this issue, the following questions were asked: (1) does smoke stimulate germination of soil‐stored seeds in renosterveld; (2) does recently‐burned renosterveld display changed composition and higher diversity than unburned vegetation; and (3) how do the species compositions of renosterveld soil seed banks and standing vegetation compare?

Location

Swartland, Cape Floristic Region, South Africa.

Methods

Soil seed bank samples from a north‐ and south‐facing slope were smoke‐treated and germinated to test for smoke‐stimulated germination. Burned standing vegetation was surveyed 16 months post‐fire, as was unburned vegetation on the same slopes. Seed bank species richness and density were compared between smoke‐treated and untreated samples within and between slopes. Burned and unburned standing vegetation were compared within and between slopes in terms of species richness, abundance and aerial cover. Compositional similarity of the seed banks and standing vegetation was assessed.

Results

Seed banks were dominated by annuals and graminoids. Smoke treatment had no effect, except for driving significantly higher species richness and seedling density in south‐facing slope perennial shrubs. Species richness and seedling density were significantly higher in seed banks on the south‐facing slope compared to the north‐facing slope. Burned standing vegetation exhibited significantly higher diversity than unburned vegetation. Annuals and graminoids displayed significantly higher species richness and aerial cover in burned renosterveld. The north‐facing slope contained less than half the number of species/m2 compared to the south‐facing slope. The seed banks and standing vegetation showed low to intermediate similarity (Sørensen = 31%–53%), but grouped close together on an NMDS plot, suggesting intermediate similarity overall.

Conclusions

Elevated germination of perennial shrubs in smoke‐treated seed bank samples and increased diversity of post‐fire standing vegetation suggest the renosterveld in this study shows elements of a fire‐driven system. Certain species only recruited in burned sites, suggesting fire‐stimulated germination. Aspect had a major influence on plant community composition, with the mesic south‐facing slope being more diverse than the xeric north‐facing slope. The similarity between the seed banks and standing vegetation was higher than previously shown for renosterveld, and appears to be higher than for fynbos.
GPR35 mediates lodoxamide‐induced migration inhibitory response but not CXCL17‐induced migration stimulatory response in THP‐1 cells; is GPR35 a receptor for CXCL17?
Authors: Park Soo‐Jin , Lee Seung‐Jin , Nam So‐Yeon , Im Dong‐Soon
Published: October 2017

Background and Purpose

GPR35 has long been considered an orphan GPCR, because no endogenous ligand of GPR35 has been discovered. CXCL17 (a chemokine) has been reported to be an endogenous ligand of GPR35, and it has even been suggested that it be called CXCR8. However, at present there is no supporting evidence that CXCL17 does interact with GPR35.

Experimental Approach

We applied two assay systems to explore the relationship between CXCL17 and GPR35. An AP‐TGF‐α shedding assay in GPR35 over‐expressing HEK293 cells was used as a gain‐of‐function assay. GPR35 knock‐down by siRNA transfection was performed in endogenously GPR35‐expressing THP‐1 cells.

Key Results

In the AP‐TGF‐α shedding assay, lodoxamide, a well‐known synthetic GPR35 agonist, was confirmed to be the most potent agonist among other reported agonists. However, neither human nor mouse CXCL17 had an effect on GPR35. Consistent with previous findings, G proteins Gαi/o and Gα12/13 were found to couple with GPR35. Furthermore, lodoxamide‐induced activation of GPR35 was concentration‐dependently inhibited by CID2745687 (a selective GPR35 antagonist). In endogenously GPR35‐expressing THP‐1 cells, lodoxamide concentration‐dependently inhibited migration and this inhibitory effect was blocked by CID2745687 treatment or GPR35 siRNA transfection. However, even though CXCL17 stimulated the migration of THP‐1 cells, which is consistent with a previous report, this stimulatory effect of CXCL17 was not blocked by CID2745687 or GPR35 siRNA.

Conclusions and Implications

The present findings suggest that GPR35 functions as a migration inhibitory receptor, but CXCL17‐stimulated migration of THP‐1 cells is not dependent on GPR35.
A prograding margin during global sea‐level maxima: an example from Mahajanga Basin, northwest Madagascar
Authors: Obrist‐Farner Jonathan , Ball Philip J. , McGilvery Thomas A. (Mac) , Rogers Raymond R.
Published: October 2017

The Mesozoic shelf margin in the Mahajanga Basin, northwest Madagascar, provides an example where inherited palaeobathymetry, coupled with sea‐level changes, high sediment supply and fluctuations in accommodation influenced the stacking patterns and geometry of clinoforms that accreted onto a passive rifted margin. Two‐dimensional (2D) seismic profiles are integrated with existing field data and geological maps to study the evolution of the margin. The basin contains complete records of transgression, highstand, regression and lowstand phases that took place from Jurassic to Cretaceous. Of particular interest is the Cretaceous, Albian to Turonian (ca. 113‐93 Ma), siliciclastic shelf margin that prograded above a drowned Middle Jurassic carbonate platform. The siliciclastic phase of the shelf margin advanced ca. 70 km within ca. 20 My, and contains 10 distinct clinoforms mapped along a 2D seismic reflection data set. The clinoforms show a progressive decrease in height and slope length, and a fairly constant slope gradient through time. The successive shelf edges begin with a persistent flat to slightly downward‐directed shelf‐edge trajectory that changes to an ascending trajectory at the end of clinoform progradation. The progressive decrease in clinoform height and slope length is attributed to a decrease in accommodation. The prograding margin is interpreted to have formed when siliciclastic input increased as eastern Madagascar was uplifted. This work highlights the importance of sediment supply and inherited palaeobathymetry as controls on the evolution of shelf margins and it provides a new understanding of the evolution of the Mahajanga Basin during the Mesozoic.
The Family Context of Assent: Comparison of Child and Parent Perspectives on Familial Decision‐Making
Authors: Sibley Amanda , Fitzpatrick Raymond , Davis Elizabeth , Sheehan Mark , Pollard Andrew J.
Published: October 2017

Assent guidelines currently fail to include an assessment of a child's decision‐making ability, experience and interest. This paper summarises a two‐stage study, conducted in the United Kingdom, exploring perspectives on children's decision‐making power and ability within their family, as an indicator for overall decision‐making readiness. Children desired to make some decisions but knew their parents held ultimate authority. Parents believed their children could make some decisions and actively trained them through involvement in daily decisions. Researchers should strive to include children in enrolment decisions to some degree, based on a consideration of their expectations for involvement informed by their daily family context.
At the Age of Twelve: Migrant Children and the Disruption of Multicultural Belonging
Authors: Greensmith Cameron , Sheppard Lindsay
Published: October 2017

This paper troubles seductive discourses of Canadian multiculturalism and the centrality of whiteness to national belonging, highlighting how migrant children understand and navigate assimilation. Evolving out of childhood migration stories shared by 12 interviewees in the documentary Twelve, the article addresses the ways ‘childist’ logics are used to separate childhood from the realities of race and racism. In working towards anti‐racist praxis, we address how storytelling challenges adult–child power hierarchies, exposing how childhood continues to be framed as a time of innocence, disconnected from the violence, danger and pain involved in migrating to Anglophone Canada.
Production Rigidity, Input Lumpiness, Efficiency, and the Technological Hurdle of Quebec Dairy Farms
Authors: Larue Bruno , Singbo Alphonse , Pouliot Sébastien
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we argue that (bilateral) auctions of production quotas induced a rapid convergence in dairy farm size within provinces in the early years of Canada's supply management policy and that this effect was stronger in provinces with a larger number of dairy farms. This contributed to the smallness and homogeneity of Quebec dairy farms relative to dairy farms in Western Canada. In Quebec, most dairy farms still rely on the tie‐stall milking system, while dairy farms in Western provinces are larger and use larger‐scale, lower‐cost technologies. Regulations on Quebec's quota exchange have slowed down the pace at which a farm can acquire production quota, exacerbating the effects of input lumpiness, on dairy farm efficiency. Low trading on the production exchange severely constrains production adjustments, making, scale, allocative, and technical inefficiencies more persistent and investment in herd expansion unprofitable.
Cryptococcal cellulitis: A rare entity histologically mimicking a neutrophilic dermatosis
Authors: Akbary Shahrzad , Ramirez James , Fivenson David
Published: October 2017

Cutaneous Cryptococcus infection presents classically with granulomatous and gelatinous reactive patterns. Cases mimicking neutrophilic dermatoses have not been described. Conversely, neutrophilic dermatoses with degrading cells mimicking cryptococcal organisms have been reported. We report a case of cryptococcal cellulitis in an immunocompromised male with a robust neutrophilic infiltrate raising histologic consideration for a neutrophilic dermatosis.
RANKING DISCLOSURE POLICIES IN ALL‐PAY AUCTIONS
Authors: Lu Jingfeng , Ma Hongkun , Wang Zhe
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we study information disclosure policies in all‐pay auctions with incomplete information. Two symmetric players have either high or low private value. The contest organizer observes players' values ex post, and can commit ex ante to four different symmetric information policies exhaustively: She can fully disclose or conceal the players' types, and she can disclose their types if and only if when both are high or if and only if when both are low. We characterize the unique equilibriums, and completely rank the four policies by various criteria. We find the full concealment policy extracts highest aggregate expected effort, followed by the policy of disclosing types if and only if when both are high. The policy of disclosing types if and only if when both are low induces least aggregate expected effort. Players enjoy highest expected payoffs under the policy of disclosing types if and only if when both are low; the other three policies yield the same expected payoffs to players. In terms of prize allocation efficiency, the full concealment policy is ranked highest and the full disclosure policy is ranked lowest. In between, the other two policies' rankings depend on the probability of high type. (JELC72, D44, D82, D83, J48).
Fathers' Parenting Stress After the Arrival of a New Child
Authors: Knoester Chris , Petts Richard J.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To analyze the relationship between father identity characteristics and fathers' parenting stress over the first 5 years after a birth.

Background

Previous work has considered how father identities shape father involvement, but has not focused on parenting stress. Understanding parenting stress is important as it is linked to fathers' and children's well‐being.

Method

We analyzed Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing (FFCW) data (N = 2,547) using ordinary‐least‐squares (OLS) and fixed‐effects regression analyses. The FFCW follows the families of a cohort of new children who were born in large urban areas of the United States in the late 1990s.

Results

OLS results indicated that positive attitudes about fatherhood, wanting to provide direct care, and having higher levels of support from the birth mother predicted lower levels of fathers' parenting stress one year after a birth; father engagement, changes in birth mother's support, and inconsistent financial support were also statistically associated with parenting stress. Fixed effects results indicated that changes in father engagement were negatively associated with changes in fathers' parenting stress over Years 1–5; changes in fathers' inconsistent financial support were positively associated with parenting stress. Finally, we found evidence that father identity characteristics moderate predictors of parenting stress.

Conclusion

Father identities seem to play an important role in shaping fathering experiences and fathers' parenting stress.

Implications

Fathers should be encouraged and supported in developing more salient father identities and fathering commitments by significant others, family practitioners, and public policies.
Effects of pasture conversion to sugarcane for biofuel production on stream fish assemblages in tropical agroecosystems
Authors: Zeni Jaquelini O. , Hoeinghaus David J. , Casatti Lilian
Published: October 2017

One of the main causes of biodiversity loss in aquatic ecosystems is instream habitat change associated with land‐use change in the drainage basin. Biofuel crop production is an increasingly important driver of land‐use change in existing agricultural drainage basins. Conceptually, biofuels such as sugarcane (Saccharum spp.: Poaceea) can provide a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, but little is known about the consequences of biofuel crop production for biodiversity. Thus, our aim was to investigate if and how the degree of further environmental changes at regional and local scales can influence taxonomic and functional structure of fish assemblages in agroecosystem streams.

We quantified drainage basin land use, instream and riparian habitat, and fish assemblages in 38 agroecosystem streams in Brazil with drainage basins experiencing rapid expansion of sugarcane production, and calculated degree of environmental change and corresponding response in taxonomic and functional structure of stream fish assemblages. Procrustes and redundancy analyses tested for correlation between land use and instream habitat and environmental factors correlated with fish assemblage structure, respectively. Previous studies demonstrated relationships between land‐use change, instream habitat change and taxonomic and functional structure of stream fish assemblages. Therefore, we used regression to test the hypothesis that degree of environmental change is positively correlated with magnitude of change in taxonomic and functional structure of fish assemblages.

Primary gradients of environmental change included conversion of pasture to sugarcane and reduction of stream width, depth and volume. Although drainage basin and instream attributes were not correlated within a year, we detected a legacy effect of land use on instream habitat. The degree of environmental change was not significantly correlated with taxonomic or functional changes in stream fish assemblages in most cases. However, abundances of resistant taxa increased, whereas nektonic functional groups decreased, and the biological response also presented evidence of a legacy effect.

Our findings demonstrate that instream habitat and aquatic biodiversity in streams with agricultural drainage basins undergoing rapid conversion to biofuel production likely will not experience the full magnitude of responses in the short term. Therefore, repeated sampling of sufficient duration to account for legacy effects or time lags is needed to test for effects of biofuel expansion on biodiversity, and similarly to assess whether management practices such as riparian zone preservation can benefit biodiversity in agroecosystems.
Flipping the Script: Masculinity and Reintegration in a Parolee Mentoring Programme
Authors: WALSH JOHN P. , GERKIN PATRICK
Published: October 2017

This research presents the culmination of more than 80 hours of observation of a community‐based reintegration programme known as Coalition, Leadership, Education, Advice, and Rehabilitation (CLEAR). Through a thematic analysis of discussions between returning and returned citizens, the research explores the role of masculinity in crime cessation and reintegration among a group of predominantly minority males. Our findings suggest that masculinity, although not always identified, is a salient factor in the subject's lives and routinely gives shape to their behaviour.
Inter‐Subjectivity and Worker Self‐Disclosure in Professional Relationships With Young People: A Psychosocial Study of Youth Violence and Desistance
Authors: HARRIS PETE
Published: October 2017

This article argues that psychosocial theory can enhance understanding of intersubjective dynamics between workers and young people involved in crime and violence. After introducing some conceptual tools from psychoanalysis and post‐structural theory, a case study follows a worker's efforts to bring about a young man's desistance (including the worker's use of self‐disclosure) and how this is stymied by systemic failings in a homeless hostel in the UK. The article concludes that professional work in services targeted at young people with multiple support needs requires a deep sensibility to intersubjective and unconscious dynamics within professional relationships and organisations.
Impact of germination on the chemical components and bioactive properties of adlay (Coix lachryma‐jobi L.) water extract
Authors: Xu Lei , Yang Na , Wu Fengfeng , Jin Zhengyu , Xu Xueming
Published: October 2017

In recent years, adlay water extract and related products have been widely consumed. This study investigated the chemical components and bioactive properties of adlay water extract at different germination stages. Glucose and maltose were significantly increased, whereas fructose was slightly decreased after germination. The contents of vitamins C and B1 in the water extract increased 1.61‐ and 2.68‐fold, respectively. The amounts of peptides, especially those with a molecular weight under 3000 Da, were significantly increased after germination. During germination, the level of total free amino acids rose from 54.09 to 128.22 μg mL−1, and the percentage of essential amino acids was elevated from 21.63% to 42.13%. Germination also substantially augmented the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the water extract. Moreover, the germinated adlay water extract showed higher inhibitory activity on angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), xanthine oxidase and tyrosinase than the water extract of nongerminated adlay. These findings revealed that germination might be a potential way to improve the nutritional value and bioactive properties of adlay water extract.
Sugar and cocoa: sweet synergy or bitter antagonisms. Formulating cocoa and chocolate products for health: a narrative review
Authors: Mellor Duane D. , Amund Daniel , Georgousopoulou Ekavi , Naumovski Nenad
Published: October 2017

The potential health effects of cocoa flavanols are well described. Ranging from reducing risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at population levels, moderating disease risk factors including endothelial function and lipid metabolism in clinical trials and mechanistic studies in laboratory studies highlighting target tissues and pathways. However, translating these benefits into public health messages is problematic, due to the high energy and sugar content of many cocoa products, including chocolate. This review considered the role of sugar in cocoa products, what are its physiological effects on bioavailability and bioactivity? Considering, then how cocoa products can be reformulated to reduce sugar intake, and the likely effects on beneficial effects of cocoa flavanols and consumer preferences. Ultimately, although interesting physiological effects are seen with cocoa flavanols, their use as a disease‐modifying commodities may be limited the effect such products may have within an individual's and populations overall dietary patterns.
Non‐financial Shareholder Activism: A Process Model for Influencing Corporate Environmental and Social Performance*
Authors: Cundill Gary J. , Smart Palie , Wilson Hugh N.
Published: October 2017

Shareholders have become increasingly active in endeavouring to influence companies’ environmental and social practices. In comparison with the mature field of financially motivated shareholder activism, limited enquiries have been carried out on its non‐financial counterparts. This paper synthesizes the knowledge base through a review of the academic literature, exploring shareholder activism intended to affect corporate environmental and social performance. Theoretical perspectives appropriate to this phenomenon are critically appraised: in particular, insights from social movement theory, Hirschman's theory of exit, voice and loyalty and stakeholder salience theory, as well as the roles of signalling and symbolic management actions. Data from the literature are organized into a process model of non‐financial shareholder influence. Underpinned by the influencing context, this conceptualization centres on three primary shareholder interventions: divestment, dialogue and shareholder proposals. These interventions are enabled through a range of actors and tools: coalitions, non‐governmental organizations, codes and indices, the media and regulators. The interaction between interventions and the enabling actors and tools helps to determine managers’ perceptions of shareholder salience. These perceptions subsequently shape the organizational behaviours that affect companies’ symbolic and substantive environmental and social performance. An agenda to direct future research in this burgeoning field is articulated.
Ultralight and resilient Al2O3 nanotube aerogels with low thermal conductivity
Authors: Xu Chencheng , Wang Haolun , Song Jianan , Bai Xiaopeng , Liu Zhenglian , Fang Minghao , Yuan Yongshuai , Sheng Junyuan , Li Xiaoyan , Wang Ning , Wu Hui
Published: October 2017

This report describes a novel method to produce fluffy and resilient nanotube aerogels by combining solution blow spinning and Atom Layer Deposition (ALD). Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) sponges obtained by blow spinning are used as templates and are deposited in ALD. After removal of template, semitransparent aerogels whose density can be as low as 0.68 mg/cm3 were obtained. The product is heat‐stable, with the ability to retain original shape and keep elastic after being kept at 900°C for 2 hours. It is also heat‐insulated, with a thermal conductivity of 0.022 W/K∙m at room temperature. Additionally, when compressed to 60% of the original height for 100 cycles during in‐situ mechanical test, the sponges recovered to around 80% of the original shape, further indicating excellent mechanically elasticity of the aerogel.
Comparative risk of new‐onset diabetes mellitus for antihypertensive drugs: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Zimeng , Li Yi , Liu Yulong , Xu Wenbo , Wang Qing
Published: October 2017

New‐onset diabetes mellitus (NOD) refers to forms of diabetes mellitus that develop during the therapeutic processes of other diseases such as hypertension. This study has been conducted in a network meta‐analysis to compare antihypertensive drugs by identifying both the advantages and disadvantages on NOD by focusing on their respective effect rates. Odd ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals or credible intervals were calculated within pairwise and network meta‐analysis. A total of 38 articles with 224 140 patients were included to evaluate the preventive effect of hypertension drugs on NOD. From the network meta‐analysis it was evident that both angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor as well as angiotensin receptor blocker treatments are associated with a lower risk of developing NOD compared with placebo, with ranking probabilities of 79.81% and 72.77%, respectively, while β‐blockers and calcium channel blockers may significantly increase the probability of developing NOD (β‐blockers: odds ratio, 2.18 [95% credible intervals: 1.36–3.50]; calcium channel blockers: odds ratio, 1.16 [95% credible intervals, 1.05–1.29]). In conclusion, angiotensin receptor blockers have an advantage over the other treatments regarding the NOD.
Alternative Technique of Iris Orientation in a Custom‐Made Ocular Prosthesis
Authors: Bhochhibhoya Amar , Mishra Srijana , Mathema Suraj , Acharya Binod , Maskey Brijesh
Published: October 2017

Accurate positioning of the iris is critical for the success of an ocular prosthesis. Precise duplication of size and location of the iris is essential for the establishment of realism, symmetry, and a natural‐appearing gaze. This article explores an alternative procedure for positioning the iris in a custom‐made ocular prosthesis using a pupillary distance ruler (PD ruler). The orientation and mediolateral dimension of the iris of the natural eye was measured from the graduated scale on a PD ruler and transferred on to the sculpted scleral wax pattern. The iris button was positioned in the marked area, and the established orientation was evaluated for symmetry and a natural‐appearing gaze. Accurate, predictable, and easy positioning of the iris with the transfer of these dimensions to the definitive prosthesis provided a good result in terms of patient esthetics and satisfaction.
Mitigating Negative Side Effects of Innovation Project Terminations: The Role of Resilience and Social Support
Authors: Todt Gisa , Weiss Matthias , Hoegl Martin
Published: October 2017

A substantial portion of innovation projects are terminated before their successful completion. However, how specifically innovators can be supported given the experience of a project termination is not well understood. Innovator resilience potential (IRP) has been proposed to be important for future innovative behavior and coping and is suspected to be influenced by project terminations and their characteristics. Building on these assumptions, three sources of social support are examined, as such the support from family and friends, from the leader, from the organization, and their relationship with IRP. Moreover, it is argued that IRP, in turn, is an important facilitator of the project commitment of innovators, who have experienced an innovation project termination. The authors examine these theoretical expectations based on two empirical studies. After probing the newly developed measure of IRP based on a sample of 146 software developers from a European software company, the authors test the hypotheses on a survey‐based sample of 238 innovators, of whom 180 had experienced an innovation project termination. The results indicate that IRP positively relates to innovators’ current project commitment, particularly when they had experienced an innovation project termination before. Moreover, it is found that experiencing social support from the leader and the organization in the context of the termination positively relates to IRP, while no such a relationship was found for social support from family and friends. This hints at ways as to how to support innovators during and after an innovation project termination, showing that social support from work‐related sources is most important in such situations.
Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in Atlantic horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) after single injection
Authors: Kirby A. , Lewbart G. A. , Hancock‐Ronemus A. , Papich M. G.
Published: October 2017

The pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and the metabolite ciprofloxacin were studied in horseshoe crabs after a single injection of 5 mg/kg. Twelve Atlantic horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) of undetermined age were injected with enrofloxacin into the dorsal cardiac sinus. Hemolymph samples were collected by syringe and needle at regular intervals for 120 hr. Samples were analyzed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography and compartmental analysis performed on the results. Following injection, the elimination half‐life (T½), peak concentration, area under the curve (AUC), and volume of distribution (VD) for enrofloxacin were 27.9 (29.13) hr, 8.98 (18.09) μg/ml, 367.38 (35.41) hr μg/ml, and 0.575 (20.48) L/kg, respectively (mean value, CV%). For ciprofloxacin, the elimination T½, peak concentration, and AUC were 61.36 (34.55) hr, 2.34 (24.11) μg/ml, and 304.46 (24.69) μg hr/ml. In these animals, the ciprofloxacin concentrations comprised an average of 45.8% of the total fluoroquinolone concentrations, which is substantial compared to other marine invertebrates. The total AUC produced (sum of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin) was 682.69 ± 180.61 μg hr/ml. Concentrations that were achieved after a single dose of 5 mg/kg horseshoe crabs were sufficient to treat bacteria susceptible to enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin.
Pharmacokinetics and antinociceptive effects of the soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitort‐TUCBin horses with experimentally induced radiocarpal synovitis
Authors: Guedes A. G. P. , Aristizabal F. , Sole A. , Adedeji A. , Brosnan R. , Knych H. , Yang J. , Hwang S.‐H. , Morisseau C. , Hammock B. D.
Published: October 2017

This study determined the pharmacokinetics, antinociceptive, and anti‐inflammatory effects of the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitort‐TUCB(trans‐4‐{4‐[3‐(4‐Trifluoromethoxy‐phenyl)‐ureido]‐cyclohexyloxy}‐benzoic acid) in horses with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced radiocarpal synovitis. A total of seven adult healthy mares (n = 4–6/treatment) were administered 3 μgLPSinto one radiocarpal joint andt‐TUCBintravenously (i.v.) at 0 (control), 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg/kg in a blinded, randomized, crossover design with at least 3 weeks washout between. Two investigators independently assigned pain scores (at rest, walk and trot) and lameness scores before and up to 48 hr aftert‐TUCB/LPS. Responses to touching the joint skin to assess tactile allodynia, plasma, and synovial fluid (SF)t‐TUCBconcentrations were determined before and up to 48 hr aftert‐TUCB/LPS. Blood andSFwere collected for clinical laboratory evaluations before and up to 48 hr aftert‐TUCB/LPS. Areas under the curves of pain and lameness scores were calculated and compared between control and treatments. Data were analyzed using repeated measuresANOVAwith Dunnett or Bonferroni post‐test.p < .05 was considered significant. Data are mean ± SEM. Compared to control, pain, lameness, and tactile allodynia were significantly lower with 1 mg/kgt‐TUCB, but not the other doses. For 0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg/kgt‐TUCBtreatments, plasma terminal half‐lives were 13 ± 3, 13 ± 0.5, and 24 ± 5 hr, and clearances were 68 ± 15, 48 ± 5, and 14 ± 1 ml hr−1 kg−1. The 1 mg/kgt‐TUCBreached theSFat high concentrations. There were no important anti‐inflammatory effects. In conclusion,sEHinhibition witht‐TUCBmay provide analgesia in horses with inflammatory joint pain.
Entropy‐Based Optimal Sensor Placement for Model Identification of Periodic Structures Endowed with Bolted Joints
Authors: Yin Tao , Yuen Ka‐Veng , Lam Heung‐Fai , Zhu Hong‐ping
Published: October 2017

The number of sensors and the corresponding locations are very important for the information content obtained from the measured data, which is a recognized challenging problem for large‐scale structural systems. This article pays special attention to the sensor placement issues on a large‐scale periodically articulated structure representing typical pipelines to extract the most information from measured data for the purpose of model identification. The minimal model parameter estimation uncertainties quantified by the information entropy (IE) measure is taken as the optimality criterion for sensors placement. By utilizing the inherent periodicity property of this type of structure together with the Bloch theorem, a novel tailor‐made modeling approach is proposed and the computational cost required for dynamic analysis to form the IE with respect to the entire periodic structure can be dramatically reduced regardless of the number of contained periodic units. In addition, to avoid the error of dynamic modeling induced by conventional finite element method based on static shape function, the spectral element method, a highly accurate dynamic modeling method, is employed for modeling the periodic unit. Moreover, a novel discrete optimization method is developed, which is very efficient in terms of the number of function evaluations. The proposed methodology is demonstrated by both numerical and laboratory experiments conducted for a bolt‐connected periodic beam model.
High genotypic diversity and strong spatial structure in populations of Trifolium alpestre with low seed production
Authors: Kaljund Karin , Leht Malle , Jaaska Vello
Published: October 2017

Studies on clonal plants indicate that the proportion between clonal and sexual reproduction can be variable, depending on local habitat conditions and the biological characteristics of the species. In the present study, we assessed this question in Trifolium alpestre by assaying genetic diversity and spatial genotypic structure of natural populations with the use of allozyme markers. Populations revealed high genetic diversity as well as strong spatial structure of multilocus genotypes. The values of genetic diversity were moderately high. Spatially aggregated, identical genotypes spread up to 15 m along linear transects and across 4‐m2 plots indicate extensive clonal propagation within populations. However, the existence of numerous unique and small‐sized clones reflects significant contribution from sexual reproduction. Spatially and temporarily stochastic soil disturbances have evidently opened new opportunities for the successful sexual recruitment from the permanent soil seed bank and thus counteracted losses of genetic and genotypic diversity. Seed production in all populations during the three study years was low, in average up to 1.5–2.4 seeds per shoot. The almost total lack of seed set for 57 bagged flower heads on genotypes grown in a common garden indicates that T. alpestre needs pollinators for seed production.
Non‐breeding range size predicts the magnitude of population trends in trans‐Saharan migratory passerine birds
Authors: Koleček Jaroslav , Procházka Petr , Ieronymidou Christina , Burfield Ian J. , Reif Jiří
Published: October 2017

Understanding why populations of some migratory species show a directional change over time, i.e. increase or decrease, while others do not, remains a challenge for ecological research. One possible explanation is that species with smaller non‐breeding ranges may have more pronounced directional population trends, and their populations are thus more sensitive to the variation in environmental conditions in their non‐breeding quarters. According to the serial residency hypothesis, this sensitivity should lead to higher magnitudes (i.e. absolute values) of population trends for species with smaller non‐breeding ranges, with the direction of trend being either positive or negative depending on the nature of the environmental change. We tested this hypothesis using population trends over 2001–2012 for 36 sub‐Saharan migratory passerine birds breeding in Europe. Namely, we related the magnitude of the species' population trends to the size of their sub‐Saharan non‐breeding grounds, whilst controlling for factors including number of migration routes, non‐breeding habitat niche and wetness, breeding habitat type and life‐history strategy. The magnitude of species' population trends grew with decreasing absolute size of sub‐Saharan non‐breeding ranges, and this result remained significant when non‐breeding range size was expressed relative to the size of the breeding range. After repeating the analysis with the trend direction, the relationship with the non‐breeding range size disappeared, indicating that both population decreases and increases are frequent amongst species with small non‐breeding range sizes. Therefore, species with small non‐breeding ranges are at a higher risk of population decline due to adverse factors such as habitat loss or climatic extremes, but their populations are also more likely to increase when suitable conditions appear. As non‐breeding ranges may originate from stochasticity of non‐breeding site selection in naive birds (‘serial‐residency’ hypothesis), it is crucial to maintain a network of stable and resilient habitats over large areas of birds’ non‐breeding quarters.
Food allergy in EAACI journals (2016)
Authors: Wahn Ulrich , Matricardi Paolo M , Bieber Thomas , Bousquet Jean , Grattan Clive , Simon Hans‐Uwe , Muraro Antonella , Agache Ioana
Published: October 2017

Over the last years we have observed considerable progress in the area of food allergy, particularly in children. This review article focusses on important contributions which have lately been published in the three journals of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. A better understanding of allergens as well as the mechanisms of sensitization and tolerance induction may hopefully lead to a more targeted management of food allergy in the near future.