bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combustion synthesis of AlN doped with carbon and oxygen
Authors: Saito Genki , Kunisada Yuji , Watanabe Takumi , Yi Xuemei , Nomura Takahiro , Sakaguchi Norihito , Akiyama Tomohiro
Published: July 2018

Carbon‐and‐oxygen‐doped AlN specimens were prepared by combustion synthesis using Al, graphite, and AlN. Graphite addition changed the product color from white to blue. By XRD, the lattice constant increased slightly with increasing carbon content. Blue AlN powder was synthesized with a molar ratio of the diluent AlN of 0.2‐0.5 with a fixed graphite content of 0.05. At an AlN molar ratio exceeding 0.6, carbon was not successfully incorporated due to the lower reaction temperature. Calcination at 800°C in air removed residual graphite without changing the crystal structure or product color. Oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon analyses revealed that blue AlN powders contained 0.45‐0.54 mass% carbon and 1.4‐1.6 mass% oxygen, while the undoped AlN contained 0.021 mass% carbon and 0.94 mass% oxygen. The origin of the white‐to‐blue color change was investigated via reflection measurements. Blue AlN exhibits an absorption peak at 634 nm (1.96 eV). From first‐principles electronic structure calculations, the C‐doped AlN and carbon‐and‐oxygen‐doped AlN with a 1:1 ratio could be classified as p‐type, whereas the O‐doped AlN and 1:3 carbon‐and‐oxygen‐doped AlN were n‐type. One reason for the absorption peak at 634 nm may be a transition from the conduction band to an upper unoccupied state. These results suggest the possible control of optical and electronic properties of AlN via carbon‐and‐oxygen doping.
Biosilicate® scaffolds produced by 3D‐printing and direct foaming using preceramic polymers
Authors: Elsayed Hamada , Rebesan Pietro , Crovace Murilo C. , Zanotto Edgar D. , Colombo Paolo , Bernardo Enrico
Published: July 2018

Monolithic and powdered Biosilicate®, produced by conventional glass‐ceramic technology, have been widely recognized as excellent materials for bone tissue engineering applications. In the current research, we focus on an alternative processing route for this material, consisting of the thermal treatment of silicone polymers containing micro‐sized oxide fillers, which offers a unique integration between materials synthesis and shaping. In particular, the new method allows obtaining highly porous Biosilicate® glass‐ceramics, in the form of 3D printed scaffolds and foams. 3D scaffolds were successfully fabricated by direct writing using an ink based on a silicone polymer and active inorganic fillers, followed by firing in air at 1000°C. The products showed regular geometries, large open porosity (~60 vol%) and still high compressive strength (~7 MPa). Open‐cellular foams with porosity up to ∼80 vol% were also prepared from liquid silicones mixed with several fillers, including hydrated sodium phosphate. This specific filler acted both as a foaming agent, because of the gas release by dehydration occurring at low temperature, and as a provider of liquid phase upon firing in air, again at 1000°C.
Social media in nursing and midwifery education: A mixed study systematic review
Authors: O'Connor Siobhan , Jolliffe Sarah , Stanmore Emma , Renwick Laoise , Booth Richard
Published: July 2018

Aim

To synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of social media in nursing and midwifery education.

Background

Social media are being explored to see if these online tools can support teaching, learning, and assessment.

Design

A mixed study systematic review.

Data sources

A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and ERIC was run in January 2016. An updated search was run in June 2017. No date limits were applied.

Methods

Titles, abstracts, and full papers were screened against inclusion criteria by two independent reviewers, who extracted and quality assessed data. Synthesis followed a sequential explanatory approach.

Results

Twelve studies were included. Social media seemed to support students to acquire new knowledge and skills. The learning process centred on the interactive nature of the platforms which allow information to be dynamically shared and discussed in near real time. The characteristics of social media enabled social support and a more student‐centred setting, which appeared to enhance collaborative learning, although information quality was sometimes problematic. Learning via social media was underpinned by how well the educational interventions were organized, digital literacy and e‐Professionalism of students and faculty, the accessibility of the online applications, and personal motivation.

Conclusion

This review provides the first rigorous synthesis of social media in nursing and midwifery education. A new Social Media Learning Model was conceptualized to aid our understanding of learning via this technology. Knowledge gaps are identified and recommendations on how to capitalize on social media to improve learning in higher and continuing education provided.
Interventions to promote mental health in nursing students: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Chen , Yin Huiru , Zhao Jinping , Shang Binghan , Hu Mingyue , Zhang Ping , Chen Li
Published: July 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was to systematically examine the efficacy of interventions aimed at improving nursing students’ mental health and to identify which form of interventions was effective.

Background

Recent research has demonstrated mental disorders in common among nursing students and may lead to adverse consequences like low self‐efficacy and poor academic performance.

Design

According to the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration, a systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted.

Data sources

PubMed, EMBase, the Cochrane central register of randomized controlled trials, PsycINFO and Web of Science were used to identify potential studies (January 1990–April 2017).

Review methods

A systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of interventions on reducing mental disorders in nursing students. Review Manager version 5.3 was used to obtain pooled results.

Results

Twelve studies with a total sample size of 651 participants met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included psychotherapy, exercise, training programme and other forms of intervention. The results of subgroup analysis showed that depression benefit more from psychotherapy, anxiety benefit from psychotherapy and non‐psychotherapy. Interventions were effective in managing stress and systolic blood pressure. Improvements on self‐efficacy and diastolic blood pressure was not observed.

Conclusion

Psychotherapy should be chosen to reduce depression and anxiety of nursing students. There is a need for further studies should explore more potential value of psychotherapy on stress and biological change.
Colonization and diversification shape species–area relationships in three Macaronesian archipelagos
Authors: Price Jonathan P. , Otto Rüdiger , Menezes de Sequeira Miguel , Kueffer Christoph , Schaefer Hanno , Caujapé‐Castells Juli , Fernández‐Palacios José María
Published: July 2018

Aim

Species–area relationships (SARs) on oceanic archipelagos are shaped at least as much by speciation as by immigration–extinction dynamics. We examine three well‐studied Atlantic archipelagos to quantify the relative contributions of colonization and diversification to individual and whole‐archipelago floras.

Location

Three Macaronesian archipelagos: the Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands.

Methods

We assessed the floras of all three archipelagos in order to compare SARs and numbers of endemic species with respect to the physical characteristics of each archipelago (geological age, isolation, and environmental diversity). Utilizing a large number of available phylogenies, we partitioned each flora into putative colonist lineages. These were used to determine: (a) the number of original colonists of each archipelago, (b) degree of relatedness among these, and (c) the degree to which internal diversification contributes to species numbers for islands and archipelagos with different physical characteristics.

Results

Archipelagos varied in the parameters of the SARs in relation to their physical characteristics. The Canarian and Madeiran floras demonstrate remarkably similar SARs with z values (slopes) near 0.3, while the Azorean flora exhibits fewer species per given area and a modest z value of 0.15. The Canarian and Madeiran endemic species are concentrated in a small number of diversifying lineages, whereas the Azorean endemics were mostly in anagenetic lineages (indicating minimal internal diversification). Lineages that do not diversify within a given archipelago significantly tend not to diversify in others, whereas diversifying lineages tend to have more species in the Canarian flora when compared with related lineages in the others.

Main conclusions

Although a strong independent effect of island area on species richness exists for the whole Macaronesian region, colonization and diversification are also influenced by geological age and environmental diversity of archipelagos, overriding characteristics of individual islands (“archipelago effect”). The “Azorean diversity enigma” likely results from a combination of geological youth, low environmental diversity and disproportionate human alteration.
Effects of FGF21‐secreting adipose‐derived stem cells in thioacetamide‐induced hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Kang Hwansu , Seo Eunhui , Park Jong‐Moon , Han Na‐Young , Lee Hookeun , Jun Hee‐Sook
Published: July 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated to treat liver diseases, but the efficiency of MSCs to treat chronic liver diseases is conflicting. FGF21 can reduce inflammation and fibrosis. We established FGF21‐secreting adipose derived stem cells (FGF21_ADSCs) to enhance the effects of ADSCs and transplanted them into thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced liver fibrosis mice via the tail vein. Transplantation of FGF21_ADSCs significantly improved liver fibrosis by decreasing serum hyaluronic acid and reducing the expression of fibrosis‐related factors such as α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), collagen and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) compared with the Empty_ADSCs by inhibition of p‐JNK, NF‐κB and p‐Smad2/3 signalling. α‐lactoalbumin (LA) and lactotransferrin (LTF), secretory factors produced from FGF21_ADSCs inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced expression of α‐SMA and collagen in LX‐2 cells. These results suggest that transplantation of FGF21_ADSCs inhibited liver fibrosis more effectively than Empty_ADSCs, possibly via secretion of α‐LA and LTF.
Effect of two periodontal treatment modalities in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Quintero Antonio J. , Chaparro Alejandra , Quirynen Marc , Ramirez Valeria , Prieto Diego , Morales Helia , Prada Pamela , Hernández Macarena , Sanz Antonio
Published: July 2018

Aim

To evaluate the impact of two non‐surgical periodontal treatment modalities on metabolic and periodontal clinical parameters in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and poor glycaemic control and chronic periodontitis.

Material and methods

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. Ninety‐three T2DM subjects with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) > 7% were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving scaling with root planing in multiple sessions quadrant‐by‐quadrant (Q by Q) or within 24 hr (one stage). Periodontal parameters, HbA1c, glycaemia blood levels (FPG) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) values were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months post‐therapy.

Results

At 6 months, HbA1c had decreased by 0.48% in the Q by Q group and by 0.18% in the one‐stage group (p = 0.455). After therapy, subjects with an initial HbA1c < 9% showed an increase of 0.31% (p = 0.145), compared with a decrease of 0.88% (p = 0.006) in those with an initial HbA1c ≥ 9%. Periodontal parameters improved significantly (p < 0.0001) post‐therapy, with similar results for both treatment modalities.

Conclusion

Periodontal therapy had the greatest impact on HbA1c reduction on patients with an HbA1c > 9% regardless of treatment modality. Both modalities resulted in significant improvements in periodontal parameters.
Clinical practice guidelines for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis: Qualitative appraisals and synthesis of recommendations
Authors: Wainberg Sheila Kalb , Santos Nathalia Celini Leite , Gabriel Franciele Cordeiro , de Vasconcelos Luciana Pereira , Nascimento Jéssica Santos , de Godoi Rezende Costa Molino Caroline , de Melo Daniela Oliveira
Published: July 2018

Rationale, goals, and objectives

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for preoperative care have been developed for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP). The objective of this study was to synthetize recommendations for SAP based on best‐evaluated CPGs.

Methods

A systematic literature search for documents related to SAP, published between January 2011 and December 2016, was conducted on MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and specific CPG websites. Three reviewers independently assessed the rigour of development and editorial independence of CPGs based on domains 3 and 6 of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. CPGs with domain 3 scores of 50% and greater were selected for synthesis of recommendations. Two reviewers independently extracted CPG recommendations from among these documents. A third reviewer performed the synthesis of recommendations.

Results

The search retrieved 363 documents, of which 29 CPGs were appraised using AGREE II. Only eight (28%) scored 50% and greater in domain 3. Most CPGs addressed topics related to preoperative care, including SAP. No conflicting recommendations were found, and most recommendations were based on clinical practice. The only recommendation for which there was a difference among CPGs was with respect to the time to initiate the administration of antibiotics (1 hour before or close to the time of the surgical incision). Four CPGs provide recommendations that demonstrate concern about inadequate SAP prolongation.

Conclusion

Several CPGs for SAP were developed without the desired methodological rigour or transparency. Synthesis of recommendations for best‐evaluated CPGs provides a broad approach owing to the complementarity of the recommendations.
Morphology and Phylogeny of Four New Vorticella Species (Ciliophora: Peritrichia) from Coastal Waters of Southern China
Authors: Liang Ziyao , Shen Zhuo , Zhang Yong , Ji Daode , Li Jiqiu , Warren Alan , Lin Xiaofeng
Published: July 2018

Four new species of Vorticella, V. parachiangi sp. n., V. scapiformis sp. n., V. sphaeroidalis sp. n., and V. paralima sp. n., were isolated from coastal brackish waters of southern China. Their morphology, infraciliature, and silverline system were investigated based on observations of specimens both in vivo and following silver staining. Vorticella parachiangi sp. n. is distinguished by: a J‐shaped macronucleus; a single dorsally located contractile vacuole; a two‐rowed infundibular polykinetid 3, in which row 1 is shorter than row 2; 21–31 silverlines between peristome and aboral trochal band, 6–11 between aboral trochal band and scopula. Vorticella scapiformis sp. n. is characterized by its conspicuously thin and irregularly edged peristomial lip; a J‐shaped macronucleus; a single, ventrally located contractile vacuole; row 1 of the infundibular polykinetid 3 proximally shortened; 18–25 silverlines between peristome and aboral trochal band, 8–12 between aboral trochal band and scopula. Vorticella sphaeroidalis sp. n. can be identified by its small, sub‐spherical zooid; a C‐shaped macronucleus; a ventrally located contractile vacuole; an aboral trochal band adjacent to the scopula; 16–18 silverlines between persitome and aboral trochal band, two between aboral trochal band and scopula. Vorticella paralima sp. n. can be identified by its ovoidal zooid; a J‐shaped macronucleus; a dorsally positioned contractile vacuole; rows 1 and 2 of the infundibular polykinetid 3 proximally shortened; 26–35 silverlines from peristome to aboral trochal band, and 7–13 from aboral trochal band to scopula. The SSU rDNA genes of these four species were sequenced and their phylogeny was analyzed.
Improving Nursing Facility Care Through an Innovative Payment Demonstration Project: Optimizing Patient Transfers, Impacting Medical Quality, and Improving Symptoms: Transforming Institutional Care Phase 2
Authors: Unroe Kathleen T. , Fowler Nicole R. , Carnahan Jennifer L. , Holtz Laura R. , Hickman Susan E. , Effler Shannon , Evans Russell , Frank Kathryn I. , Ott Monica L. , Sachs Greg
Published: July 2018

Optimizing Patient Transfers, Impacting Medical Quality, and Improving Symptoms: Transforming Institutional Care (OPTIMISTIC) is a 2‐phase Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovations demonstration project now testing a novel Medicare Part B payment model for nursing facilities and practitioners in 40 Indiana nursing facilities. The new payment codes are intended to promote high‐quality care in place for acutely ill long‐stay residents. The focus of the initiative is to reduce hospitalizations through the diagnosis and on‐site management of 6 common acute clinical conditions (linked to a majority of potentially avoidable hospitalizations of nursing facility residents): pneumonia, urinary tract infection, skin infection, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, and dehydration. This article describes the OPTIMISTIC Phase 2 model design, nursing facility and practitioner recruitment and training, and early experiences implementing new Medicare payment codes for nursing facilities and practitioners. Lessons learned from the OPTIMISTIC experience may be useful to others engaged in multicomponent quality improvement initiatives.
Personal characteristics and outcomes of individuals with developmental disabilities who need support for self‐injurious behaviour
Authors: Bradley V. , Hiersteiner D. , Rotholz D. , Maloney J. , Li H. , Bonardi A. , Bershadsky J.
Published: July 2018

Background

For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, self‐injurious behaviour (SIB) can have serious negative effects on both health and quality of life. This descriptive analysis will provide information on the characteristics and outcomes of a subsample of individuals who are identified as needing some or extensive support for SIB in the National Core Indicators Adult Consumer Survey sample.

Methods

The data for this analysis come from states that participated in the 2015–2016 data collection cycle of National Core Indicators Adult Consumer Survey which is a face‐to‐face survey of adults receiving services through state developmental disability agencies.

Results

The characteristics and outcomes of individuals who need at least some support for SIB differ from those of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who do not need support for SIB. Individuals with SIB support needs, for example, tend to live in more structured settings, have fewer relationships, less inclusion in their communities and poorer employment outcomes.

Conclusions

The exploratory descriptive analysis concludes with suggested recommendations for more standardised definitions of SIB in public systems, enhanced behaviour plan protocols and the need for additional research.
Male‐pattern baldness, common latent viruses, and microcompetition
Authors: Polansky Hanan , Kestenbaum Emily H
Published: July 2018

Many studies link the development of androgen‐related disorders to the overexpression of two proteins, 5α‐reductase and androgen receptor (AR). In this commentary, we use microcompetition to explain how common latent viruses can cause transcription factor deficiency, overexpression of 5α‐reductase and AR, and male‐pattern baldness.
Effects of maternity yoga on the autonomic nervous system during pregnancy
Authors: Hayase Mako , Shimada Mieko
Published: July 2018

Aim

To elucidate the changes in the daily variation seen in the autonomic nervous system during pregnancy brought about by maternity yoga and to evaluate how maternal yoga affects stress and sleep.

Methods

A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted between January 2013 and December 2014. Pregnant women who were attending maternity yoga classes at Palmore Hospital between 20 and 23 weeks’ gestation were enrolled as the yoga group, and a matched control group was also enrolled. Study participants completed questionnaires, including a perceived stress scale and sleep logs, during their second and third trimesters. Heart rate variability and salivary α‐amylase levels were evaluated as stress indices at 20–23 weeks’ gestation, 28–31 weeks’ gestation and 36–40 weeks’ gestation.

Results

A total of 38 women were in the yoga group, with 53 in the control group. At 28–31 weeks’ gestation, heart rate variability during night and late‐night periods was significantly higher in the yoga group than in the control group. At 36–40 weeks’ gestation, variability between the morning, afternoon and late night was significantly higher in the yoga group. Salivary α‐amylase levels decreased significantly immediately after practicing yoga during all evaluation periods in the yoga group. Night‐time sleep duration was significantly longer in the yoga group.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that practicing yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system during the third trimester of pregnancy, consolidating sleep during the night and decreasing α‐amylase levels, which indicates reduced stress.
Low serum folate status in the second trimester increase the risk of low birthweight in Chinese women
Authors: Zhu Xiujuan , Wei Luyun , Cao Dehao , Liu Chaoqun , Tian Jiarong , Long Yu , Huang Shengzhu , Ou Liqian , Yang Xiaobo , Mo Zengnan
Published: July 2018

Aim

This study aimed to explore the influence of maternal folate and vitamin B12 (B12) status during pregnancy on the incidence of low birthweight (LBW) infants.

Methods

A total of 6203 eligible women registered in seven hospitals in southern China, and 230 cases with singleton live births and 382 controls were matched for further analyses. The concentrations of serum folate and B12 were detected with chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay on ARCHITECT i2000‐1. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of folate and B12 levels on LBW.

Results

Maternal serum folate levels increased basically with increasing the period of folic acid supplementation (P trend <0.001). Moreover, maternal serum folate and B12 levels gradually decreased with the increase of gestational age (P < 0.001). Conditional logistic regressions analysis results showed increased odds ratios (OR) for LBW from the fourth to first folate quartiles (P trend <0.01) in the second trimester. Compared with the women in the highest quartile, those in the lowest quartile of serum folate in the second trimester were found with higher risk of LBW (adjusted OR = 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–2.73). However, no significant association was observed between serum folate and LBW in the first trimester or third trimester. In addition, serum B12 exhibited no significant association with LBW.

Conclusions

Low serum folate levels in the second trimester significantly increases the risk of LBW amongst Chinese women with singleton pregnancies.
Constitutional Mobilization and Contestation in the Transnational Sphere
Authors: Blokker Paul
Published: July 2018

The debate on the constitutionalization of European and transnational law pays little attention to the role of civil society and social movements. While civil society involvement in private litigation increasingly receives attention, the critical, counter‐democratic role of transnational movements in a broader, public sense, is largely ignored. The significance of democratic claim making, public demands, and contestation, and the normative dimensions as well as constitutional implications of such engagement, are insufficiently explored. This article discusses the theoretical and analytical dimensions of legal and constitutional mobilization and explores different forms of civil society action before considering a plurality of legal rationalities as articulated in public claims, as well as the issue of counter‐hegemonic struggle. Then, it develops a political‐sociological approach, which, in the final part, is used in a case‐study of the water rights campaign, exploring the different types of legal mobilization involved (including the European Citizens’ Initiative) and a variety of normative claims being endorsed.
Constitutionalizing Connectivity: The Constitutional Grid of World Society
Authors: Kjaer Poul F.
Published: July 2018

Global law settings are characterized by a structural pre‐eminence of connectivity norms, a type of norm which differs from coherency or possibility norms. The centrality of connectivity norms emerges from the function of global law, which is to increase the probability of transfers of condensed social components, such as economic capital and products, religious doctrines, and scientific knowledge, from one legally structured context to another within world society. This was the case from colonialism and colonial law to contemporary global supply chains and human rights. Both colonial law and human rights can be understood as serving a constitutionalizing function aimed at stabilizing and facilitating connectivity. This allows for an understanding of colonialism and contemporary global governance as functional, but not as normative, equivalents.
Transnational Health Law Beyond the Private/Public Divide: The Case of Reproductive Rights
Authors: Krajewska Atina
Published: July 2018

This article revisits the debates concerning the nature and patterns of development of transnational law and global constitutionalism, looking at the rapidly growing field of transnational health law. It first highlights a friction between two opposing theories of transnational law, which view it as either a predominantly private or a predominantly public construction. It goes on to argue that these two views need not necessarily be seen as exclusive and diametrically opposed, but as two distinct, yet interrelated, aspects of the same process in which legal subjectivity is established in transnational law. The article studies the emergence of legal subjectivity in the area of transnational law regulating assisted reproduction technologies, and maps the two different conceptions of transnational law onto different stages in the process by which new subjects become legally visible. It contributes to wider discussions concerning the nature of transnational law, transnational health law, and legal subjectivity.
The Olympic Charter: A Transnational Constitution Without a State?
Authors: Duval Antoine
Published: July 2018

This article examines various aspects of Teubner's theory of societal constitutionalism using the lex sportiva as an empirical terrain. The case study focuses on the operation of the Olympic Charter as a transnational constitution of the Olympic movement. It shows that recourse to a constitutional vocabulary is not out of place in qualifying the function and authority of the Charter inside and outside the Olympic movement. Yet, the findings of the case study also nuance some of Teubner's descriptive claims and question his normative strategy.
Validation of a purpose‐built chewing gum and smartphone application to evaluate chewing efficiency
Authors: Buser Ramona , Ziltener Valerie , Samietz Stefanie , Fontolliet Marta , Nef Tobias , Schimmel Martin
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To validate a purpose‐built two‐coloured chewing gum (Hue‐Check Gum®), and to test the accuracy of a custom‐built smartphone application for a colour‐mixing ability test to assess chewing function.

Methods

Fully dentate participants (28D‐group) and edentulous participants with implant overdentures (IOD‐group) were recruited. They chewed a Hue‐Check Gum®for 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 chewing cycles, respectively. Maximum voluntary bite force (MBF) was assessed with a digital gauge. The specimens were analysed according to their colour mixture (variance of hue,VOH) with a validated software (VOH_scan) and a newly developed smartphone application (VOH_app).

Results

Participants segregated by dental state were significantly different regarding the number of occluding pairs of teeth, age andMBF.VOH_scan showed a negative logarithmic association with the number of chewing cycles, andVOHcould be predicted from chewing cycles,MBFand gender. The clearest discrimination between theIODand the 28D groups was observed for n = 20 chewing cycles; at this point,VOHwas distinguishably different with aP‐value < 0.0001. TheVOH_app was a very good predictor forVOH_scan with 0.80 < pseudo‐R2 < 0.83, depending on light exposure and measuring distance. There was, however, a systematic error in the accuracy of the app for inadequately chewed specimens.

Conclusions

The use of the two‐coloured chewing gum would provide a fast, simple and inexpensive method for the assessment of masticatory performance, which could be used in geriatric wards or in private practices without the requirement of specialised equipment or trained staff.
Parkinson's disease, temporomandibular disorders and bruxism: A pilot study
Authors: Verhoeff Merel C. , Lobbezoo Frank , Wetselaar Peter , Aarab Ghizlane , Koutris Michail
Published: July 2018

Background

Even though bruxism and Parkinson's disease (PD) share common characteristics, their relation is still not clear. Both bruxism and PD are movement disorders in addition, patients with bruxism as well as those with PD complain about musculoskeletal pain, including temporomandibular disorders (TMD) pain.

Objectives

Therefore, the aim of this pilot study was to gain more insight into the possible relation between bruxism and TMD on one hand and PD on the other.

Methods

In total, 801 persons gave their written informed consent and agreed to participate in the study filling in a questionnaire. Complete data were collected from 708 persons (368 with PD or Parkinsonism [PR] and 340 controls) and were included in the analysis. The questionnaire included the graded chronic pain scale, the DC/TMD oral behaviour checklist, the DC/TMD symptom questionnaire and the TMD pain screener. In addition, a question about self‐reported tooth wear was included. The chi‐square test and independent samples t test were used for the data analysis.

Results

Patients with PD/PR reported significantly more often bruxism during sleep and wakefulness than controls. Also, patients with PD/PR had more often possible TMD and reported a significantly higher mean pain intensity in the orofacial region than controls. There was no significant difference in complaints of jaw locking between the patient group and the control group. A tendency towards a significant association was found between PD/PR and tooth wear.

Conclusion

There is a relation between PD/PR and bruxism. Furthermore, a relation of PD/PR with TMD pain is suggested to be present.
Molecularly diverse odors advance olfactory threshold testing
Authors: Oleszkiewicz Anna , Würfel Helene , Han Pengfei , Hummel Thomas
Published: July 2018

Multiple‐compound mixtures of odorants are likely to produce significantly more reliable and favorable results of olfactory sensitivity testing. Within the current study, we aimed to investigate this hypothesis and determine the optimal number of odor compounds within a testing stimulus. One‐hundred individuals volunteered to participate in the study procedure wherein their olfactory threshold was measured with stimuli varying in the number of compounds during two sessions. We found that molecularly varied stimuli made olfactory threshold assessments relatively independent from an individual variability in sensitivity to specific odorants. Nevertheless, this was only true in certain conditions—depending on the number of components and quality of the odorants. On this basis, we outline future directions for studies aimed to advance assessments of the olfactory threshold by discussing the relationships between the chemical and physical properties of odorants and results of the threshold assessment they produce.

Practical applications

This study provides empirical evidence that olfactory threshold testing becomes more favorable and reliable when an odor stimulus contains ~10 types of molecules. This is assumed due to an efficient activation of olfactory receptors. These findings advance the current state of knowledge in the field of biology by presenting behavioral responses to the augmented potential for binding molecules through olfactory receptors. Results presented in this manuscript constitute a significant improvement in the methods of olfactory function assessments and should be of interest to both scientific and clinical audience in the fields of neuroscience, chemosensory research, chemistry, and biology. These results are likely to translate to a more accurate assessment of olfactory abilities in commercial settings, that is, perfumes, or wine experts.
Curcumin sensitized the antitumour effects of irradiation in promoting apoptosis of oesophageal squamous-cell carcinoma through NF-κB signalling pathway
Authors: Liu Guiping , Wang Yufang , Li Mingjun
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To investigate the potential synergistic effect of curcumin with irradiation (IR) in oesophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

The ESCC cell lines were established from clinical samples. Cell apoptosis post-treatment was stained by Annexin V/PI staining and analysed by flow cytometry. Cells survived IR was evaluated with clonogenic assay. Xenograft tumour model was established by subcutaneous inoculation, and tumour progression was monitored. The NF-κB pathway was characterized by immunoblotting.

Key findings

Curcumin enhanced the pro-apoptotic effect of IR in ESCC cells. Pretreatment with curcumin significantly sensitized ESCC cells to IR in a dose-dependent manner. Coadministration with curcumin remarkably extended the median survival time of ESCC xenograft mice while exposed to IR therapy. The xenograft tumour progression was significantly suppressed as well. Mechanistically, curcumin treatment was demonstrated to efficiently inhibited NF-κB signalling.

Conclusions

We have well-recapitulated the pathological properties and therapeutic response of ESCC with established cell lines derived from clinical samples. We further demonstrated the significantly synergistic effect of curcumin on IR-elicited cell apoptosis in ESCC both in vitro and in vivo. Our data suggested the potential therapeutic values of curcumin for future clinical investigations.
Effects of cornstarch on the gel properties of black bean protein isolate
Authors: Xu Xiu‐Ying , Cao Yong , Zhang Hao , Yaqoob Sanabil , Zheng Ming‐Zhu , Wu Yu‐Zhu , Zhao Cheng‐Bin , Liu Jing‐Sheng
Published: July 2018

The effects of common starch (CS) and high amylopectin starch (HAS) from corn on the properties of heat induced black bean protein isolate (BBPI) gels prepared by heating at 95°C for 30 min were investigated by using dynamic oscillatory rheometer, texture analyzer, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compared with BBPI alone, the presence of cornstarch (1–4%, wt/vol) could improve storage modulus (G′) and textural properties of BBPI (10%, wt/vol) gels. The mixed system of BBPI and 4% (wt/vol) HAS exhibited the highest G′ and formed the gel faster and more easily, which resulted in firmer and more elastic gel than BBPI‐CS at all starch concentrations. It was possible that HAS had lower pasting temperature and higher viscosity than CS, which was beneficial to the formation of BBPI gel network and strengthened the stability of network structure. Moreover, it might also be related to the synergistic effect between protein and starch. The CS and HAS existed in the BBPI gel network could bind water, leading to the increase in the water‐holding capacity (WHC) of mixed gels, especially 4% (wt/vol) HAS, which was related to homogeneous and compact microstructure with small pores.
Plant community response to Artemisia rothrockii (sagebrush) encroachment and removal along an arid elevational gradient
Authors: Kopp Christopher W. , Cleland Elsa E.
Published: July 2018

Questions

Shrub expansion into alpine ecosystems worldwide raises important questions regarding the influence of shrub encroachment on alpine species diversity. The stress gradient hypothesis (SGH) predicts interactions will be competitive when resources are plentiful and the environment is benign, but that facilitative interactions will dominate when conditions are stressful. We asked how Artemisia rothrockii (sagebrush) encroachment in an arid mountain range is affecting alpine plant species there and how the plant community responds to the experimental removal of sagebrush at three sites along an elevational gradient.

Location

The White Mountains, California, USA (37°30′N, 118°10′W).

Methods

A shrub removal experiment was established at three elevations (2,900, 3,100 and 3,750 m) to evaluate how sagebrush interacts with alpine and sub‐alpine plant communities.

Results

The study sites experienced a strong drought over the 4 yrs of the experiment and plant cover declined overall. However, in the sagebrush removal treatment, cover of co‐occurring species increased at both the high‐elevation and low‐elevation sites, with no differences observed at the mid‐elevation site.

Conclusions

We observed the greatest inhibitory effects of sagebrush at high and low elevations, where plants experience the largest temperature and moisture stress, respectively, and no evidence of facilitation anywhere along the elevational gradient. These results demonstrate that while sagebrush has important influences on herbaceous species composition in the White Mountains, they are inconsistent with the classic predictions of the SGH.
The limits of “ordre public” and “morality” for the patentability of human embryonic stem cell inventions
Authors: Prifti Viola
Published: July 2018

Inventions involving human embryonic stem cells (hESC) have unprecedented potential to improve human life through discovery of new drugs and treatment of incurable neurodegenerative diseases, but at the same time, the use of human embryos in research gives rise to contrasting ethical, moral and religious views on the patentability of such inventions. Whether and to what extent patent offices should take these views into account is an open question. The “ordre public” and “morality” clause in patent law may help us find an answer, but neither the legislator nor courts have clarified the meaning of these vague terms. Judicial interpretation has sometimes increased their ambiguity and raised legal uncertainty for the patentability of hESC inventions. This situation may be desirable in some cases, but not in others where the principles of the legal system as a whole come into play. This paper will shed light on the meaning of “ordre public” and “morality” for hESC inventions by examining patent law in the broader legal framework and emphasizing the interconnectedness of national legal systems in a global market as well as the common interest in healthcare innovations.
Intra‐ and inter‐specific morphological diversity of amphidromous gobies influences waterfall‐climbing performance
Authors: Lagarde R. , Borie G. , Blob R. W. , Schoenfuss H. L. , Ponton D.
Published: July 2018

The morphology of an individual can affect functional performance and, ultimately, survival and fitness. To study these links, a first step is to evaluate the relationship between morphology and performance. Sicydiine fishes are an interesting model for such studies, because successful completion of their life cycle depends on a functionally demanding task: climbing waterfalls when they return to freshwater from the ocean. Previous studies identified two different climbing modes among sicydiines: ‘inching’ and ‘powerburst’. Relationships between morphology and climbing performance have been found for inching and powerburst species present on different islands from distant oceans (Pacific and Caribbean), but species from the same island have not been compared. In this study, we challenged two different sicydiine species from Réunion Island to an artificial climbing ramp: the inching climber Sicyopterus lagocephalus and the powerburst climber Cotylopus acutipinnis. For each species, we evaluated differences in morphology between successful and unsuccessful climbers. We predicted that species with similar climbing styles (S. lagocephalus and S. stimpsoni) would show differences between successful and unsuccessful climbers that more closely resembled each other than differences between successful and unsuccessful climbers across species from the same island (S. lagocephalus and C. acutipinnis). This prediction was only partially met. S. lagocephalus individuals with a streamlined body showed better climbing performance, as observed for S. stimpsoni. However, the size of the pelvic sucker, which fish use to attach to the substrate while resting, appeared less important for S. lagocephalus than for S. stimpsoni and C. acutipinnis. Instead, the size of the mouth, which inching species use to attach to the substrate while moving up, seemed important for S. lagocephalus but not for other species. Thus, differences in the morphology–performance relationship among sicydiines may relate not only to differences in climbing mode, but also to species‐specific specializations within each climbing mode.
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 restores epithelial permeability alterations induced by irritable bowel syndrome mediators
Authors: Barbaro M. R. , Fuschi D. , Cremon C. , Carapelle M. , Dino P. , Marcellini M. M. , Dothel G. , De Ponti F. , Stanghellini V. , Barbara G.
Published: July 2018

Background

Intestinal permeability is altered in a subgroup of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and may contribute to symptom development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) on Caco‐2 permeability alterations induced by mediators released by IBS mucosal biopsies compared to asymptomatic controls (AC).

Methods

Caco‐2 cells were used as an in vitro model of intestinal permeability. Seven AC and 28 well‐phenotyped IBS (9 IBS‐D, 8 IBS‐C, and 11 IBS‐M) patients were enrolled. Mucosal mediators spontaneously released (SUP) by IBS and AC biopsies were collected. Two concentrations of EcN (108 and 106) were applied to Caco‐2 with or without SUP or SLIGRL (a protease‐activated receptor‐2 activating peptide), tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interferon‐γ. Paracellular permeability was assessed by evaluating the flow of sulfonic‐acid conjugated to fluorescein through Caco‐2 monolayer.

Key Results

EcN 108 significantly reinforced Caco‐2 monolayer compared to cells incubated with medium alone. IBS SUP induced a significant increase in paracellular permeability compared to AC SUP, independently of IBS bowel habit. EcN 108 induced a significant recovery of permeability rate compared to IBS SUP. Permeability increase induced by IBS SUP significantly correlated with severity and frequency of abdominal pain and abdominal distension. The co‐incubation of EcN and IBS SUP abolished the above significant correlations.

Conclusions and Inferences

EcN reinforces the integrity of Caco‐2 monolayer and reverts the increase of permeability induced by mediators released by IBS biopsies. Future studies should investigate EcN therapeutic potentials in IBS.
ABRE‐BINDING FACTORS play a role in the feedback regulation of ABA signaling by mediating rapid ABA induction of ABA co‐receptor genes
Authors: Wang Xiaoji , Guo Can , Peng Jing , Li Cong , Wan Fangfang , Zhang Shaoman , Zhou Yangyang , Yan Yan , Qi Lijuan , Sun Kaiwen , Yang Shuhua , Gong Zhizhong , Li Jigang
Published: July 2018

Group A protein phosphatase 2Cs (PP2Cs) are abscisic acid (ABA) co‐receptors that negatively regulate the ABA signaling pathway by inhibiting the downstream SnRK2 protein kinases. It has long been observed that exogenous ABA treatments dramatically induce the expression of group A PP2C genes, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and the biological significance remain largely unknown.

Here, by using GUS reporter transgenic lines in which various lengths of ABI1 and ABI2 promoters were used to drive GUS gene expression, we defined the promoter fragments that confer ABA inducibility to ABI1 and ABI2. We further showed that ABRE‐binding factors (ABFs), the bZIP family transcription factors, directly bind to the promoters of group A PP2C genes, and mediate rapid induction of their expression on exogenous ABA treatments.

Moreover, our data indicated that ABA dramatically induces the expression of ABF genes and the accumulation of endogenous ABF proteins, and that ABFs themselves are involved in this induction, thus providing another layer of ABA regulation towards ABF proteins in addition to the well‐characterized ABA‐induced phosphorylation by SnRK2 protein kinases.

Together, our data demonstrate that ABFs mediate rapid ABA induction of group A PP2C genes, thus playing a role in the negative feedback regulation of ABA signaling.
Developmental plasticity for male secondary sexual traits in a group of polyphenic tropical butterflies
Authors: Balmer Andrew J. , Brakefield Paul M. , Brattström Oskar , van Bergen Erik
Published: July 2018

Many organisms alter their investment in secondary sexual traits to optimise the fitness tradeoff between reproduction and survival. Though seasonal variation in the expression of sexual traits is evident (e.g. conspicuous breeding plumage in birds), little attention has been given to short‐lived organisms that inhabit relatively stable environments throughout their own lifetime but are exposed to strong environmental variation across generations. Some insects have evolved seasonal polyphenism to cope with intergenerational variation in environmental selection, yielding alternative phenotypes better suited for the environment in which they occur. Here we use mycalesine butterflies, which express distinct seasonal forms in response to wet‐dry seasonal environments, to explore whether seasonal polyphenism extends to secondary sexual traits. Sex pheromones, which are produced by androconial patches on the wings of males, are a key determinant of mating success in these species. Through a series of field sampling, reaction norm experiments, pheromone titre quantification, and mate competition experiments, this study reveals that the size of the androconial patch on the forewing is mediated by the temperatures experienced during development, which correspond to the ecological conditions during the alternative wet and dry seasons in the wild. Furthermore, in one of the species, Bicyclus anynana, larger forewing patches are associated with both an increase in the production of pheromone components as well as the likelihood of mating. Taken together, these findings indicate that plasticity in androconial patches may be an adaptation to seasonal fluctuations in the environment as it favours reproductive success in the conditions in which each seasonal form flies. We discuss our findings in the context of seasonal differences in the optimal tradeoff between reproduction and survival.
The Roman Amphorae Average Capacity (AC)
Authors: Molina Vidal Jaime , Mateo Corredor Daniel
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a methodological tool of statistical correction to assess the capacities of different Roman amphorae, whereby ceramic values are transformed into amounts of transported product. Based on scaled drawings of 1281 Roman amphorae, individual vessels’ capacities have been calculated by applying a CAD software to the inner profiles. Each vessel has been classified according to amphora types and the mean for each type has been calculated to produce a coefficient called Average Capacity (AC). The estimated capacities are highly reliable and show narrow confidence intervals. Therefore, they can be applied immediately as a correction factor in studies of quantification of amphorae aimed at characterizing trading dynamics. As such, we expect that future statistical studies of amphorae will include this statistical coefficient to produce more precise and reliable analysis of assemblages and, consequently, more accurate research on the Roman economy.