bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Agricultural Productivity Actually Matter for Food Security in a Landlocked Sub‐Saharan African Country? The Case of Burkina Faso
Authors: Zidouemba Patrice Rélouendé , Gerard Françoise
Published: June 2017

This paper makes use of a Computable General Equilibrium model to analyze the impact of two agricultural productivity trends on poor households’ food security in Burkina Faso: a negative trend that could arise from many different factors, including land degradation, climate change, and harmful agricultural practices; and a positive trend which may result from enhanced public investment in agriculture, notably in research and development, extension, irrigation, rural roads, rural electrification, and rural education. The results point to a high sensitivity of the poor's consumption to agricultural productivity as well as to stronger impacts on the urban poor than on the rural poor. The current situation is already characterized by severe food insecurity, such that a decline in agricultural productivity is likely to further plunge the urban poor into a deep food crisis. By contrast, positive agricultural productivity trends may help alleviate poverty and food insecurity. Agricultural productivity may indeed affect the poor's food consumption mainly through large changes in agricultural prices and real incomes.

Cet article utilise un modèle d’Équilibre Général Calculable pour analyser l'impact des différentes tendances de la productivité agricole sur la sécurité alimentaire des ménages pauvres au Burkina Faso. D'une part, les tendances négatives peuvent résulter de plusieurs facteurs, y compris la dégradation des terres, le changement climatique, et les pratiques agricoles nuisibles. D'autre part, la tendance positive peut résulter de l'investissement public accru dans l'agriculture, notamment dans la recherche et développement, la vulgarisation, l'irrigation, les routes rurales, l′électrification rurale et l′éducation rurale. Les résultats montrent une sensibilité élevée de la consommation des pauvres à la productivité agricole, ainsi que des impacts plus forts sur les populations urbaines pauvres. La situation actuelle est déjà caractérisée par une insécurité alimentaire grave de sorte qu'une baisse de la productivité agricole est susceptible de plonger davantage les pauvres en milieu urbain dans une crise alimentaire profonde. En revanche, la tendance positive sur la productivité agricole peut contribuer à atténuer la pauvreté et l'insécurité alimentaire. La productivité agricole peut en effet affecter la consommation alimentaire des pauvres principalement par le biais de grandes variations des prix agricoles et des revenus réels.
Lung transplant recipients on long‐term extracorporeal photopheresis
Authors: Isenring Bruno , Robinson Cécile , Buergi Urs , Schuurmans Macé M. , Kohler Malcolm , Huber Lars C. , Benden Christian
Published: June 2017

Extracorporeal photophoresis (ECP) is an increasingly used therapy to address chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) following lung transplantation. In 2008, we reported the first single‐center experience showing that ECP not only reduces lung function decline in patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) but results in stabilization of patients with recurrent acute cellular rejection (ACR). In this study, the original cohort was followed up further 5 years. In addition, patients with CLAD were retrospectively classified according to recently published phenotypes. The current cohort included 21 of the original 24 patients, of which nine were initially treated for CLAD, 12 were initially treated for recurrent ACR. Our results show that survival of patients treated with ECP for CLAD was inferior to patients treated for recurrent ACR (66% vs. 82% survival rate). Long‐term survivors in the CLAD subgroup were mostly classified as BOS 1 at time of ECP initiation. These long‐term data show that patients started on ECP at early BOS stages have better long‐term outcome. The subgroup of ECP patients with recurrent ACR has an overall superior survival. To assist prediction of therapy response, we agree with other authors that patients with CLAD should be aimed to be phenotyped and evaluated for an early treatment with ECP.
Implementing a new curriculum for computer‐assisted restorations in prosthetic dentistry
Authors: Schweyen R. , Beuer F. , Bochskanl M. , Hey J.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) of fixed prosthetic restorations has gained popularity in the last decade. However, this field of dentistry has not been integrated in the dental curriculum at most universities.

Material and methods

According to the method of Kern, a curriculum was designed and established on a voluntary basis in the prosthetic education of a German dental school. The success of the implementation was measured by evaluation carried out by the participants on a visual analogue scale. Furthermore, the clinical performance of the fabricated restorations was evaluated.

Results

Ninety‐four percent of all students participated in the CAD/CAM curriculum indicating considerable interest. Nearly half of all students used the acquired knowledge to design crowns for their patients. All restorations fabricated by participants of the new CAD/CAM programme showed good clinical performance.

Discussion

By phasing‐in the CAD/CAM training programme, independent CAD/CAM‐based fabrication of all‐ceramic crowns increased student's self‐confidence in tooth preparation. A tendency was found that students using CAD/CAM technology prepared more teeth than their fellow students who did not use CAD/CAM technology. Further studies are required to investigate the influence of independent CAD/CAM‐based single‐crown fabrication on the quality of the preparation.
Oropharyngeal botryomycosis in a geriatric mare
Authors: Merchan A. , Jose‐Cunilleras E. , Prades M. , Ribera T. , Viu J. , Rodríguez‐Pozo M. L. , Ramis A. J.
Published: June 2017

Botryomycosis is an uncommon chronic bacterial infection that can have cutaneous and visceral involvement. This report describes an 18‐year‐old mixed‐breed mare presented with dysphagia, dyspnoea and an upper respiratory noise that developed secondary to oropharyngeal botryomycosis. Histological examination of the mass showed a granulomatous formation with Splendore–Hoeppli phenomenon surrounding Gram‐positive bacteria. This report describes the clinical signs, approach and management of an oropharyngealStaphylococcus aureusgranuloma in a geriatric mare.
Asymmetric Information in Simple Bargaining Games: An Experimental Study
Authors: Klempt Charlotte , Pull Kerstin , Stadler Manfred
Published: June 2017

Bilateral bargaining situations are often characterized by informational asymmetries concerning the size of what is at stake: in some cases, the proposer is better informed, in others, it is the responder. We analyze the effects of both types of asymmetric information on proposer behavior in two different situations which allow for a variation of responder veto power: the ultimatum and the dictator game. We find that the extent to which proposers demand less in the ultimatum as compared to the dictator game is (marginally) smaller when the proposer is in the superior information position. Further we find informed proposers to exploit their informational advantage by offering an amount that does not reveal the true size of the pie, with proposers in the ultimatum game exhibiting this behavioral pattern to a larger extent than those in the dictator game. Uninformed proposers risk imposed rejection when they ask for more than potentially is at stake, and ask for a risk premium in dictator games. We concentrate on proposers, but also explore responder behavior: We find uninformed responders to enable proposers’ hiding behavior, and we find proposer intentionality not to play an important role for informed responders when they decide whether to accept or reject an offer by an (uninformed) proposer.
Cheap talk or incredible commitment? (Mis)calculating transparency and anti‐corruption
Authors: Schnell Sabina
Published: June 2017

Why do “tainted” politicians in high‐corruption countries adopt transparency and anti‐corruption policies that risk exposing their wrongdoing? Using the cases of freedom of information and public asset disclosure in Romania, we assess three explanations: that these policies are meant to be mere window dressing, facilitate bottom‐up monitoring, or ensure access to information for the ruling party if it loses power. We find that decision makers adopt transparency and anti‐corruption policies because they want to signal their integrity and because they underestimate their consequences. Because they assume they will be able to control implementation, decision makers discount the potential costs of damaging information being released. Sustained political competition can keep corruption and lack of transparency on the public and political agenda, shifting attention from policy adoption to implementation and leading to increased compliance. Since politicians miscalculate the consequences of their actions, signals that are intended to be cheap can end up being quite costly.
Recognition of Chronic Migraine by Medicine Trainees: A Cross‐Sectional Survey
Authors: Yadav Priyanka , Bradley Alec L. , Smith Jonathan H.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Chronic migraine is a diagnosis that can be abstracted through the clinical history, although some providers may struggle in properly applying diagnostic criteria. We aimed to learn how well medicine trainees would be able to recognize the diagnostic criteria for chronic migraine and apply that medical knowledge to case vignettes illustrating different symptom interpretation strategies of the identical information.

Methods

An electronic, anonymous and multiple‐choice response questionairre assessing selected trainee characteristics, headache case vignettes, and chronic migraine diagnostic criteria was distributed to all regional medicine program directors and coordinators in Kentucky and surrounding states. Program directors and coordinators could then individually decide whether or not they would forward to their trainees. The primary outcome measure was the frequency of chronic migraine recognition as a function of history style (ie, lumping versus splitting). Secondary outcome measures included recognition of chronic migraine diagnosis as a function of program affiliation (academic versus community), training year, gender, and recognition of ICHD‐3 beta chronic migraine diagnostic criteria. Nominal variables were described as counts and percentages, and compared using chi‐square tests. Statistical tests were considered to be two‐sided and P ≤ .05 was considered to be statistically significant. Statistical analyses were performed using the JMP 11.0.0 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).

Results

Fifty‐six medicine trainees completed the survey. Episodic migraine and chronic tension‐type headache were correctly recognized by 85.7% and 96.4%, respectively. Chronic migraine was recognized by a greater proportion of trainees when the identical information was presented using a lumped versus split symptom interpretation strategy (24.1% vs 3.6%, chi‐square = 6.5, df =1, P = .01). Accurate recognition of chronic migraine was more likely among trainees in community versus academic/university program (40% vs 14.7%, chi‐square = 4.4, df = 1, P = .03) and among male versus female trainees (33.3% vs 9.5%, chi‐square = 3.9, df = 1, P = .04). Interestingly, accurate recognition of chronic migraine diagnosis was neither related to training year nor correct recognition of the ICHD‐3 beta diagnostic criteria for chronic migraine.

Conclusions

Despite accurate individual recognition of episodic migraine and chronic tension‐type headache, participants were poor at recognizing that features of these primary headache disorders can co‐exist to comprise a uniform diagnosis of chronic migraine. Accurate diagnosis of chronic migraine was improved with use of a lumping strategy to the headache history.
A zinc oxide‐modified hydroxyapatite‐based cement facilitated new crystalline‐stoichiometric and amorphous apatite precipitation on dentine
Authors: Toledano M. , Pérez‐Álvarez M. C. , Aguilera F. S. , Osorio E. , Cabello I. , Toledano‐Osorio M. , Osorio R.
Published: June 2017

Aim

To evaluate the remineralization ability of two endodontic sealer cements.

Methodology

Mid‐coronal dentine surfaces were subjected to: (i) 37% phosphoric acid (PA) or (ii) 0.5 mol L−1 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) conditioning prior to the application of two experimental hydroxyapatite‐based cements, containing sodium hydroxide (calcypatite) or zinc oxide oxiapatite respectively. Samples were stored in simulated body fluid for 24 h or 21 days. Remineralization of the dentine surfaces were studied by Raman spectroscopy (mapping with K‐means cluster and hierarchical cluster analysis) was undertaken. Nanoroughness and collagen fibril width measurements were performed with an atomic force microscopy. ANOVA and Student–Newman–Keuls test were performed (α=0.05).

Results

Phosphoric acid+oxiapatite promoted both the highest dentine mineralization (P < 0.05) and crystallographic maturity at the dentine surface. Noncrystalline amorphous‐like apatites were also formed. Dentine treated with PA+calcypatite attained the roughest surface (P < 0.05) with minimal fibril width (P < 0.05). Cross‐linking of collagen only became greater in the group PA+oxiapatite after 21 days. The maximum relative mineral concentration and structure of collagen linked to the amide I and ratio amide III/AGEs was obtained after using PA+calcypatite at 21‐days time‐point (P < 0.05). EDTA produced a lower stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (P < 0.05) with decreased maturity, at the expense of carbonate band widening, although it favoured the nucleation of carbonated calcium phosphate.

Conclusions

Dentine surfaces treated with PA+oxiapatite attained the highest dentine remineralization with both crystalline‐stoichiometric and amorphous apatites, at 21 days. EDTA conditioning facilitated amorphous‐bulk mineral precipitation. The amorphization was more intense after using oxiapatite and provided an ion‐rich environment favouring in situ dentine remineralization.
A prospective clinical study of regenerative endodontic treatment of traumatized immature teeth with necrotic pulps using bi‐antibiotic paste
Authors: Nazzal H. , Kenny K. , Altimimi A. , Kang J. , Duggal M. S.
Published: June 2017

Aim

To evaluate the treatment outcomes of a revitalization endodontic technique (RET) for the management of traumatized immature teeth with necrotic pulps in children.

Methodology

Fifteen healthy children (age range = 7–10 years) with traumatized immature maxillary incisors with necrotic pulps treated with bi‐antibiotic revitalization endodontic technique were prospectively assessed over approximately two years (mean = 22 months). One operator undertook all treatments, clinical reviews and standardized radiographic exposures with radiographic analysis being carried out by two calibrated experienced clinicians. Crown colour change was assessed using an objective published methodology. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to compare root lengths, root dentinal widths and apical foramen widths over time.

Results

Interoperator measurement reliability was consistently strong for all measurements. There was no significant difference in root lengths or root dentinal wall widths following RET. A significant difference in apical foramen widths was observed after 2 years (P = 0.013) with resolution of clinical signs of infection in all cases. Despite omitting minocycline and using Portland cement (nonbismuth containing cement), a noticeable crown colour change (yellower, redder and lighter), as measured by an objective colour measurement system with ΔE = 7.39, was recorded. Most patients, however, were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome.

Conclusion

Traumatized immature teeth with necrotic pulps treated with revitalization endodontic technique did not demonstrate continuation of root development or dentine formation when assessed by periapical radiographs. However, apical closure and periodontal healing were observed. A measurable change in crown colour (yellower, redder and lighter), with mostly no aesthetic concern to the patients/parents, was also observed.
Examining the importance of laboratory and diagnostic testing when treating and diagnosing onychomycosis
Authors: Ghannoum Mahmoud , Mukherjee Pranab , Isham Nancy , Markinson Bryan , Rosso James Del , Leal Luis
Published: June 2017

Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection caused primarily by dermatophytes. Several other nail disorders, including psoriasis, can simulate onychomycosis. Accurate diagnosis is therefore vital for the ongoing treatment and management of onychomycosis and to avoid misdiagnosis and treatment delay, which can be both lengthy and costly. Often, a combination of histologic and laboratory techniques is used to obtain an accurate diagnosis. The potential diagnostic challenges associated with the differential diagnosis of onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes and the most common techniques used to confirm the diagnosis are discussed.
La peur de l'échec: les enjeux de l'emploi des jeunes en Chine
Authors: SCHUCHER Günter
Published: June 2017

Les médias donnent de la situation de la jeunesse chinoise une image contradictoire, faisant état d'un chômage des jeunes limité, mais aussi d'une préoccupation croissante des autorités et de la population en général quant à l'insertion professionnelle de la tranche d'âge. À l'issue d'une analyse approfondie, l'auteur établit que les jeunes Chinois pâtissent moins d'une pénurie que d'une inadéquation de l'emploi, notamment les diplômés du supérieur parmi eux, soit la moitié environ de ceux qui se portent sur le marché du travail chaque année. Ces diplômés se plaignent également de salaires décevants et de possibilités de mobilité sociale moins bonnes qu'auparavant.
L'influence des syndicats et les pratiques de formation en entreprise: perspectives du Québec
Authors: HASSI Abderrahman , FOUCHER Roland
Published: June 2017

Les auteurs se fondent sur une enquěte auprès de 301 PME québécoises pour analyser l'influence – déjà attestée – de la présence syndicale sur la formation en entreprise. Ils s'attachent notamment à isoler l'effet des clauses relatives à la formation inscrites dans les conventions collectives et montrent que celles‐ci constituent un cadre normatif pour les pratiques de formation et de promotion de l'apprentissage sur le lieu de travail, contribuant ainsi à renforcer l'influence syndicale. Cependant, l'existence de telles clauses (ou leur absence) n'est pas nécessairement associée à un accès amélioré (ou plus limité) aux activités de formation effectives.
CEO equity incentives and the remediation of material weaknesses in internal control
Authors: Liu Xuejiao , Liu Xiaohong
Published: June 2017

This study examines how CEO equity incentives affect the remediation of material weaknesses (MWs) in internal control disclosed pursuant to the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX). We find that the sensitivity of CEO equity portfolios to stock price (CEO price sensitivity, or delta) has a positive impact on firm promptness in remedying MWs, whereas the sensitivity of CEO equity portfolios to stock return volatility (CEO volatility sensitivity, or vega) has a negative impact on firm promptness in remedying MWs. In addition, we provide evidence that effective boards of directors mitigate the undesirable, negative effect of CEO volatility sensitivity on remediation of MWs. Our results shed light on the effects of equity compensation structures on internal control quality in the more transparent, post‐SOX environment.
The role of IL‐23 and the IL‐23/TH17 immune axis in the pathogenesis and treatment of psoriasis
Authors: Girolomoni G. , Strohal R. , Puig L. , Bachelez H. , Barker J. , Boehncke W.H. , Prinz J.C.
Published: June 2017

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune‐mediated disease affecting more than 100 million people worldwide and up to 2.2% of the UK population. The aetiology of psoriasis is thought to originate from an interplay of genetic, environmental, infectious and lifestyle factors. The manner in which genetic and environmental factors interact to contribute to the molecular disease mechanisms has remained elusive. However, the interleukin 23 (IL‐23)/T‐helper 17 (TH17) immune axis has been identified as a major immune pathway in psoriasis disease pathogenesis. Central to this pathway is the cytokine IL‐23, a heterodimer composed of a p40 subunit also found in IL‐12 and a p19 subunit exclusive to IL‐23. IL‐23 is important for maintaining TH17 responses, and levels of IL‐23 are elevated in psoriatic skin compared with non‐lesional skin. A number of agents that specifically inhibit IL‐23p19 are currently in development for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, with recent clinical trials demonstrating efficacy with a good safety and tolerability profile. These data support the role of this cytokine in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. A better understanding of the IL‐23/TH17 immune axis is vital and will promote the development of additional targets for psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases that share similar genetic aetiology and pathogenetic pathways.
Dual anti‐inflammatory and anti‐parasitic action of topical ivermectin 1% in papulopustular rosacea
Authors: Schaller M. , Gonser L. , Belge K. , Braunsdorf C. , Nordin R. , Scheu A. , Borelli C.
Published: June 2017

Background

Recently, therapy of rosacea with inflammatory lesions (papulopustular) has improved substantially with the approval of topical ivermectin 1% cream. It is assumed to have a dual mode of action with anti‐inflammatory capacities and anti‐parasitic effects against Demodex, which however has not yet been demonstrated in vivo.

Aim

To find scientific rationale for the dual anti‐inflammatory and anti‐parasitic mode of action of topical ivermectin 1% cream in patients with rosacea.

Methods

A monocentric pilot study was performed including 20 caucasion patients with moderate to severe rosacea, as assessed by investigator global assessment (IGA score ≥3) and a Demodex density ≥15/cm2. Patients were treated with topical ivermectin 1% cream once daily (Soolantra®) for ≥12 weeks. The density of Demodex mites was assessed with skin surface biopsies. Expression of inflammatory and immune markers was evaluated with RT‐PCR and by immunofluorescence staining.

Results

The mean density of mites was significantly decreased at week 6 and week 12 (P < 0.001). The gene expression levels of IL‐8, LL‐37, HBD3, TLR4 and TNF‐α were downregulated at both time points. Reductions in gene expression were significant for LL‐37, HBD3 and TNF‐α at both follow‐up time points and at week 12 for TLR4 (all P < 0.05). Reduced LL‐37 expression (P < 0.05) and IL‐8 expression were confirmed on the protein level by immunofluorescence staining. All patients improved clinically, and 16 of 20 patients reached therapeutic success defined as IGA score ≤1.

Conclusion

Topical ivermectin 1% cream acts by a dual, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐parasitic mode of action against rosacea by killing Demodex spp. in vivo, in addition to significantly improving clinical signs and symptoms in the skin.
No support for Heincke's law in hagfish (Myxinidae): lack of an association between body size and the depth of species occurrence
Authors: Schumacher E. L. , Owens B. D. , Uyeno T. A. , Clark A. J. , Reece J. S.
Published: June 2017

This study tests for interspecific evidence of Heincke's law among hagfishes and advances the field of research on body size and depth of occurrence in fishes by including a phylogenetic correction and by examining depth in four ways: maximum depth, minimum depth, mean depth of recorded specimens and the average of maximum and minimum depths of occurrence. Results yield no evidence for Heincke's law in hagfishes, no phylogenetic signal for the depth at which species occur, but moderate to weak phylogenetic signal for body size, suggesting that phylogeny may play a role in determining body size in this group.
Explicit dynamics simulation of Pecan fruit deformation under compressive loading—Part‐1: Determination of modulus of elasticity
Authors: Celik H. Kursat
Published: June 2017

This study, which is divided into two parts, introduces an explicit dynamics simulation procedure for Pecan fruit (Carya illinoinensis) deformation under compressive loading. An original application algorithm based on experimental and theoretical methods has been described in the study. The major aim of this Part 1 is to determine the modulus of elasticity through various calculation approaches for Pecan fruit. In addition to this, some engineering properties of the Pecan fruit components were determined to define them as simulation input parameters in an explicit dynamics deformation simulation which is detailed in the second part of the study. The original geometry of the Pecan fruit and its components were digitized using reverse engineering technology (three‐dimensional [3D] laser scanning). Force–deformation data, which can describe the physical deformation characteristics of the Pecan fruit components, was collected through experimental compression tests. Initial crack points for the Pecan shell (kernel‐in‐shell) in these tests were measured as 335.62, 239.42, and 165.03 N for longitudinal, transverse, and suture orientations, respectively. Hooke's, Hertz's, and Boussinesq's theories and finite element method simulation based linear prediction approach based modulus of elasticity calculations were realized. Results from these calculations revealed that loading orientation is an important factor and there were differences between the results of calculation theories (15.2% on average).

Practical applications

The simulation approach and application algorithm introduced in this two‐part study is a scientific novelty because the explicit dynamics simulation approach for Pecan fruit deformation has not previously been reported in the literature. This first part focuses on realistic description (digitizing) of the fruit geometry through a reverse engineering approach and determination of modulus of elasticity (by considering various theories) and some engineering properties of the Pecan fruit components (experimentally). These investigations have important roles in this study so that realistic material models of the fruit components can be described in the simulation study which is presented and detailed in the second part of the study. In this part, it has been experienced that loading orientation is an effective factor for fruit deformation behavior and different theories may provide different results during calculation of the specific mechanical properties. These important findings have been presented in a form which may be used as input parameters in design studies of shelled agricultural product processing machinery systems used in the related industry.
Vacuum frying of fish tofu and effect on oil quality usage life
Authors: Yamsaengsung Ram , Yaeed Sutisa , Ophithakorn Thiwari
Published: June 2017

Atmospheric frying (165 °C) and vacuum frying (120 °C at 21 kPa) conditions for the processing of fish tofu made from surimi were compared. The application of vacuum frying showed that it could be used to reduce the final oil content of the fish tofu. A high atmospheric frying temperature caused a high rate of increase of temperature toward the center of fried fish tofu and caused microstructure destruction. It could be a concern that changes to the moisture content was obstructed after 60 s. On the other hand, surface collapsing caused an increase of oil uptake because of adsorption into the damaged areas. The result could be due to a change in the structure that affected the oil adsorption of the fish tofu being fried. High temperature and oxidation caused dark coloration and affected the chemical properties of the frying oil. The b*, and ΔE values increased and a yellowing of the oil was observed as the number of frying batches increased. The PV and TBA indicated a high deterioration in the atmospheric frying oil quality. In contrast, the vacuum frying condition helped preserve the frying oil quality, while the light color of the product was maintained. The results supported the use of the vacuum frying process as a method for frying high quality fish tofu and conserving the quality of oil in the fish tofu.

Practical applications

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of vacuum frying on oil degradation when frying fish tofu made from surimi, or fish meats pastes. There are extensive reports on the benefits due to the vacuum frying process but until now it has not been reported how the vacuum frying process influences oil degradation of value‐added surimi. Thailand is one of the largest producers of surimi and fish tofu is one of the most popular export products. The process of frying under vacuum may be an alternative to replace the atmospheric frying of fish tofu and may result in long lifetime of frying oil. This study is a development together with entrepreneur to evaluate the benefits arising from the use of the vacuum frying process for the instant food from surimi. The result of the present study shows that a reduction in color and changes in oil quality factors were observed for the vacuum frying using the raw materials directly from the industry. The results of this study are beneficial for development into a test in large scale in the future. The quality of fish tofu improved using the new frying technique under vacuum and vacuum frying is an alternative frying method for conserving the quality of cooking oil.
Effects of Sound, Vocabulary, and Grammar Learning Aptitude on Adult Second Language Speech Attainment in Foreign Language Classrooms
Authors: Saito Kazuya
Published: June 2017

This study examines the relationship between different types of language learning aptitude (measured via the LLAMA test) and adult second language (L2) learners’ attainment in speech production in English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language (EFL) classrooms. Picture descriptions elicited from 50 Japanese EFL learners from varied proficiency levels were analyzed through a range of pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, and grammar measures. Results indicated that the learners’ aptitude test scores in phonemic coding, rote and associative memory, and language analytic ability were moderately associated with the phonological/morphological accuracy, fluency, and lexicogrammar complexity of production, which are linguistic aspects thought to be instrumental in the acquisition of advanced L2 oral ability. In contrast, aptitude–proficiency links were not found with respect to relatively implicit and incidental learning aptitude (sound recognition) and foundational aspects of proficiency (appropriate use of frequent words).

Open Practices

This article has been awarded an Open Materials badge. All materials are publicly accessible in the IRIS digital repository at http://www.iris-database.org. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Encouraging Spatial Talk: Using Children's Museums to Bolster Spatial Reasoning
Authors: Polinsky Naomi , Perez Jasmin , Grehl Mora , McCrink Koleen
Published: June 2017

Longitudinal spatial language intervention studies have shown that greater exposure to spatial language improves children's performance on spatial tasks. Can short naturalistic, spatial language interactions also evoke improved spatial performance? In this study, parents were asked to interact with their child at a block wall exhibit in a children's museum. Some parents were instructed to emphasize formal shape terms, others to emphasize spatial goals, and some were not provided scripts. Children were presented with a series of spatial reasoning tasks before and after this parental interaction, and the amount and type of spatial language during the training session was coded for parents and children. We found that (a) parents significantly increased their spatial language use when prompted, (b) children and parents used different types of spatial language in each of the scripted conditions, and (c) children's spatial language during the interaction, and not parents', predicts children's subsequent improved puzzle performance.
Nomenclatural and distributional remarks on Limonium tenoreanum (Plumbaginaceae), a narrow endemic from southern Italy
Authors: Iamonico Duilio , Vallariello Roberta , Guacchio Emanuele Del
Published: June 2017

A rare Limonium species, which is strictly endemic to a short stretch of the coast of the Sorrento Peninsula (Gulf of Naples, Campania region, southern Italy), has been known as Statice tenoreana since the first half of 19th century. Although this name was published without a diagnosis or description by Gussone, it can be considered as validly published by an indirect reference to a previous work of Tenore (‘Flora Napolitana’). Therefore, the combination Limonium proposed more than a century later by Pignatti is correct. The name is lectotypified here by a specimen preserved at NAP in the Tenore collection.
Iterative ontogenetic development of ammonoid conch shapes from the Devonian through to the Jurassic
Authors: Walton Sonny A. , Korn Dieter
Published: June 2017

We measured longitudinal growth in conch cross‐sections of 177 Devonian to Jurassic ammonoid species to test whether conch ontogenetic development parallels the iterative evolution of pachyconic or globular conch shapes. Ontogenetic trajectories of two cardinal conch parameters, conch width index and umbilical width index, show a few common recurring ontogenetic pathways in terms of the number of ontogenetic phases. The most common, with three phases in the conch width index (decrease–increase–decrease) and umbilical width index (increase–decrease–increase), is termed here C‐mode ontogeny (after the Carboniferous genus Cravenoceras). Many of the studied globular Palaeozoic and Triassic species (of the latter, particularly the arcestid ammonoids) share principal patterns in the triphasic C‐mode conch ontogeny in closely related groups but also between unrelated groups as well. The repetition of conch growth patterns is an example of convergent evolution of the entire life history of globular ammonoids. The studied Jurassic globular shaped ammonoids deviate from the growth patterns seen in earlier groups showing less pronounced ontogenetic trajectories with nearly isometric or weakly asymmetric growth without distinct phases. This trajectory is termed here M‐mode ontogeny (after the Jurassic genus Macrocephalites). No major change in the ontogenetic modes of pachyconic and globular ammonoids occurred moving from the Palaeozoic into the Mesozoic; the survivors of the end‐Permian extinction event iteratively developed conch ontogenies similar to those of Palaeozoic forms. In contrast, the Triassic–Jurassic boundary marks the major event with the evolution of some cardinal conch parameters relating to globular ammonoid ontogeny.
Diversity, Trust, and Social Learning in Collaborative Governance
Authors: Siddiki Saba , Kim Jangmin , Leach William D.
Published: June 2017

Scholarship on collaborative governance identifies several structural and procedural factors that consistently influence governance outcomes. A promising next step for collaborative governance research is to explore how these factors interact. Focusing on two dimensions of social learning—relational and cognitive—as outcomes of collaboration, this article examines potential interacting effects of participant diversity and trust. The empirical setting entails 10 collaborative partnerships in the United States that provide advice on marine aquaculture policy. The findings indicate that diversity in beliefs among participants is positively related to relational learning, whereas diversity in participants' affiliations is negatively related to relational learning, and high trust bolsters the positive effects of belief diversity on both relational and cognitive learning. In addition, high trust dampens the negative effects of affiliation diversity on relational learning. A more nuanced understanding of diversity in collaborative governance has practical implications for the design and facilitation of diverse stakeholder groups.
The Spatial Concentration of America's Rural Poor Population: A Postrecession Update
Authors: Thiede Brian , Kim Hyojung , Valasik Matthew
Published: June 2017

This article examines changes in concentrated poverty in the rural United States between 2000 and 2012. Using data from the decennial census and American Community Survey, we address three main objectives. First, we document changes in the number and share of counties with poverty rates above 20, 30, and 40 percent, stratifying our sample by metropolitan status. Second, we use exploratory spatial methods to identify geographic patterns in county‐level poverty dynamics between 2000 and 2012. Third, we estimate the share of the population living in high‐poverty counties, and track changes over time and by race and poverty status. Overall, we find a substantial increase in concentrated poverty since 2000. Increases in both the number of high‐poverty counties and the share of the population living in these counties were widespread, though spatially and temporally uneven in some cases. We also observe convergence in concentrated poverty between rural and micropolitan areas, and between non‐Hispanic white and Hispanic populations. Overall, we observe a reversal of the declines in concentrated poverty that occurred in the 1990s, and find that in many cases this trend began prior to the Great Recession.
Effect of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis on malaria occurrence among HIV‐infected adults in West Africa: the MALHIV Study
Authors: Eholié Serge P. , Ello Frédéric N. , Coffie Patrick A. , Héma Arsène , Minta Daouda K. , Sawadogo Adrien
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Cotrimoxazole (CTX) should be given to all HIV‐infected adults with mild or severe HIV‐disease or those with CD4 counts below 350/mm3 according to 2006 WHO guidelines. We assessed the impact of CTX prophylaxis on the risk of malaria episodes in HIV‐1‐infected adults from four West African countries with different patterns of malaria transmission.

Method

Multicentric cohort study, conducted between September 2007 and March 2010 in four West African cities. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve HIV‐infected adults started CTX at enrolment (CTX group) if they had CD4 < 350 cells/mm3 or were at WHO clinical stage ≥2. For patients who did not start CTX at enrolment (non‐CTX group) and started CTX afterwards, follow‐up was censored at CTX initiation. We used Cox's proportional hazard model to compare the risk of malaria between CTX groups.

Results

A total of 514 participants (median CD4 count 238 cells/mm3) were followed for a median of 15 months. At enrolment, 347 started CTX, and 261 started ART. During the follow‐up, 28 started CTX. The incidence of malaria was 8.7/100 PY (95%CI 6.3–11.5) overall, 5.2/100 PY (95%CI 3.1–8.3) in the CTX group and 15.5/100 PY (95%CI 10.3–22.1) in the non‐CTX group. In multivariate analysis, CTX led to a 69% reduction in the risk of malaria (aHR 0.31, 95%CI 0.10–0.90).

Conclusion

Patients in the CTX group had an adjusted risk of malaria three times lower than those in the non‐CTX group. The prolonged large‐scale use of CTX did not blunt the efficacy of CTX to prevent malaria in this region.
Multicenter study to evaluate a new enumeration method for hematopoietic stem cell collection management
Authors: Grommé Monique , Russcher Henk , Braakman Eric , Klinkspoor J. Henriëtte , Dobber Johan A. , de Greef Inge , de Wit Norbert C.J.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

CD34 flow cytometry is the gold standard for stem cell enumeration in peripheral blood at the mobilization stage and in the final apheresis product. The new stem cell mode of the Sysmex XN Series analyzer enumerates an immature cell population in the white progenitor and pathological cell (WPC) channel, based on the cell size, internal cellular complexity, and fluorescence intensity.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this multicenter study we analyzed 147 peripheral blood samples, 22 samples during collection of stem cells, and 45 samples from the apheresis product of 18 healthy allogeneic donors and 84 autologous patients.

RESULTS

In this multicenter study we demonstrate that the XN stem cell enumeration method correlates well with viable CD34+ cells determined by flow cytometry during the stem cell mobilization phase to determine apheresis start time, during apheresis for real‐time monitoring and adjustment, and for quality control of the final stem cell harvest.

CONCLUSION

Our data show that there is an improvement in the correlation of XN stem cells and CD34+ cells in the peripheral blood during stem cell mobilization as well as in stem cell harvests compared to SE or XE Series analyzers. The XN stem cell enumeration method has a number of advantages compared to CD34 flow cytometry: it is fast, simple, reproducible, and less expensive. CE marking for the European market has been obtained, making the stem cell count on the XN analyzer a reportable clinical variable.
Spike threshold dynamics in spinal motoneurons during scratching and swimming
Authors: Grigonis Ramunas , Alaburda Aidas
Published: June 2017

Key points

Action potential threshold can vary depending on firing history and synaptic inputs.

We used an ex vivo carapace–spinal cord preparation from adult turtles to study spike threshold dynamics in motoneurons during two distinct types of functional motor behaviour – fictive scratching and fictive swimming.

The threshold potential depolarizes by about 10 mV within each burst of spikes generated during scratch and swim network activity and recovers between bursts to a slightly depolarized level.

Slow synaptic integration resulting in a wave of membrane potential depolarization is the factor influencing the threshold potential within firing bursts during motor behaviours.

Depolarization of the threshold potential decreases the excitability of motoneurons and may provide a mechanism for stabilization of the response of a motoneuron to intense synaptic inputs to maintain the motor commands within an optimal range for muscle activation.

During functional spinal neural network activity motoneurons receive intense synaptic input, and this could modulate the threshold for action potential generation, providing the ability to dynamically adjust the excitability and recruitment order for functional needs. In the present study we investigated the dynamics of action potential threshold during motor network activity. Intracellular recordings from spinal motoneurons in an ex vivo carapace–spinal cord preparation from adult turtles were performed during two distinct types of motor behaviour – fictive scratching and fictive swimming. We found that the threshold of the first spike in episodes of scratching and swimming was the lowest. The threshold potential depolarizes by about 10 mV within each burst of spikes generated during scratch and swim network activity and recovers between bursts to a slightly depolarized level. Depolarization of the threshold potential results in decreased excitability of motoneurons. Synaptic inputs do not modulate the threshold of the first action potential during episodes of scratching or of swimming. There is no correlation between changes in spike threshold and interspike intervals within bursts. Slow synaptic integration that results in a wave of membrane potential depolarization rather than fast synaptic events preceding each spike is the factor influencing the threshold potential within firing bursts during motor behaviours.
Multi-Objective Optimization of the Impingement-Film Cooling Structure of a Gas Turbine Endwall Using Conjugate Heat Transfer Simulations
Authors: Chi Zhongran , Liu Haiqing , Zang Shusheng
Published: June 2017

This paper discusses the approach of cooling design optimization of a high-pressure turbine (HPT) endwall with applied 3D conjugate heat transfer (CHT) computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This study involved the optimization of the spacing of impingement jet array and the exit width of shaped holes, which are different for each cooling cavity. The optimization objectives were to reduce the wall-temperature level and to increase the aerodynamic performance. The optimization methodology consisted of an in-house parametric design and CFD mesh generation tool, a CHT CFD solver, a database of CFD results, a metamodel, and an algorithm for multi-objective optimization. The CFD tool was validated against experimental data of an endwall at CHT conditions. The metamodel, which could efficiently estimate the optimization objectives of new individuals without CFD runs, was developed and coupled with nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA II) to accelerate the optimization process. Through the optimization search, the Pareto front of the problem was found in each iteration. The accuracy of metamodel with more iterations was improved by enriching database. But optimal designs found by the last iteration are almost identical with those of the first iteration. Through analyzing extra CFD results, it was demonstrated that the design variables in the Pareto front successfully reached the optimal values. The optimal pitches of impingement arrays could be decided accommodating the local thermal load while avoiding jet lift-off of film coolant. It was also suggested that cylindrical film holes near throat should be beneficial to both aerodynamic and cooling performances.
An Analytical Model of Mechanistic Wear of Polymers
Authors: Panda Sandip , Sarangi Mihir , Roy Chowdhury S. K.
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes a wear model for polymers based on so-called mechanistic processes comprising both low cycle fatigue and abrasive wear mechanisms, which are prominent in polymer–metal sliding interfaces. Repeated elastic contact causes localized fatigue, whereas abrasive part is an anticipatory outcome of plastic contacts by hard metal asperities on to soft polymer surface. Further, presuming adhesive interactions in elastic–plastic contacts, asperity contact theories with necessary modifications were analyzed to assess load and separation for their subsequent use in elementary wear correlations. Both Gaussian and Weibull distributions of asperity heights were considered to include statistics of surface microgeometry. Finally, volumetric wear was written in terms of roughness parameters, material properties, and sliding distance. Validation was conducted extensively, and reliability of the formulation was achieved to a large extent. Experimental part of this work included several pin-on-disk tests using polyether ether ketone (PEEK) pins and 316L stainless steel disks. Disks with different roughness characteristics generated by polishing, turning, and milling were tested. Experimental results agreed well with predictions for the polished surface and with some deviations for other two surfaces. Further, fatigue to abrasive wear ratio was identified as an analytical tool to predict prevailing wear mechanism for polymer-metal tribo-systems. After examining the considered cases, it was both interesting and physically intuitive to observe a complete changeover in wear mechanisms following simply an alteration of roughness characteristics.