bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
American Diabetes Association 78th Scientific Sessions
Authors: Kurian Martin J. , Carracher Ann M. , Close Kelly L.
Published: July 2018

Martin J. Kurian, Ann M. Carracher, and Kelly L. Close are of Close Concerns (http://www.closeconcerns.com), a healthcare information company focused exclusively on diabetes and obesity care. Close Concerns publishes Closer Look, a periodical that brings together news and insights in these areas. Each month, the Journal of Diabetes includes this News feature, in which Kurian, Carracher, and Close review the latest developments relevant to researchers and clinicians.
Analysis of topoisomerase I expression and identification of predictive markers for efficacy of topotecan chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lv Chunxin , Liu Xiuju , Zheng Qiwen , Chen Hanxiao , Yang Xue , Zhong Jia , Wang Yuyan , Duan Jianchun , Wang Zhijie , Bai Hua , Wu Meina , Zhao Jun , Wang Jie , Wang Ziping , An Tongtong , Zhuo Minglei
Published: July 2018

Background

We evaluated topoisomerase I (TOPO1) expression in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and identified predictive factors for the efficacy of second‐line topotecan chemotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the records of SCLC patients treated in our department from January 2007 to December 2016 who received second‐line topotecan chemotherapy. Patients with archived tumor samples were enrolled. TOPO1 expression levels were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and the relationships between TOPO1 expression, clinical factors, chemotherapy efficacy, and survival were analyzed.

Results

Of the 78 patients enrolled, 67 showed TOPO1 expression (85.9%). Patients were divided into strong (n = 43) or weak (n = 35) expression groups based on staining intensity. Disease control rates for topotecan were 39.5% and 14.3% in the strong and weak groups, respectively (P = 0.014). Second‐line median progression‐free survival was 2.2 and 2.0 months (P = 0.057), and median overall survival was 8.1 and 6.0 months (P = 0.199) in the strong and weak positive groups, respectively. Patients were also divided into sensitive (n = 47) and refractory (n = 31) disease groups according to the duration from the onset of first‐line therapy to relapse. Median second‐line progression‐free survival was 2.2 and 1.8 months in the sensitive and refractory relapse groups, respectively (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

TOPO1 expression was prevalent in SCLC patients. Strong expression was associated with an elevated disease control rate after second‐line topotecan chemotherapy. Patients with sensitive disease that relapsed after first‐line chemotherapy had better survival than refractory patients who received second‐line topotecan chemotherapy.
Breeding for robustness: investigating the genotype‐by‐environment interaction and micro‐environmental sensitivity of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Agha S. , Mekkawy W. , Ibanez‐Escriche N. , Lind C. E. , Kumar J. , Mandal A. , Benzie J. A. H. , Doeschl‐Wilson A.
Published: July 2018

Robustness has become a highly desirable breeding goal in the globalized agricultural market. Both genotype‐by‐environment interaction (G × E) and micro‐environmental sensitivity are important robustness components of aquaculture production, in which breeding stock is often disseminated to different environments. The objectives of this study were (i) to quantify the degree of G × E by assessing the growth performance of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) across three countries (Malaysia, India and China) and (ii) to quantify the genetic heterogeneity of environmental variance for body weight at harvest (BW) in GIFT as a measure of micro‐environmental sensitivity. Selection for BW was carried out for 13 generations in Malaysia. Subsets of 60 full‐sib families from Malaysia were sent to China and India after five and nine generations respectively. First, a multi‐trait animal model was used to analyse the BW in different countries as different traits. The results indicate a strong G × E. Second, a genetically structured environmental variance model, implemented using Bayesian inference, was used to analyse micro‐environmental sensitivity of BW in each country. The analysis revealed the presence of genetic heterogeneity of both BW and its environmental variance in all environments. The presence of genetic variation in residual variance of BW implies that the residual variance can be modified by selection. Incorporating both G × E and micro‐environmental sensitivity information may help in selecting robust genotypes with high performance across environments and resilience to environmental fluctuations.
Burned, Broke, and Brilliant: Latinx Community Workers’ Experiences Across the Greater Toronto Area's Non‐Profit Sector
Authors: Cahuas Madelaine Cristina
Published: July 2018

This paper explores how women and non‐binary Latinx community workers (LCWs), in the Greater Toronto Area, navigate multiple interlocking forces of oppression like racialisation, heterosexism and neoliberalism, when advancing social justice across the non‐profit sector. Using an intersectionality framework in tandem with testimonio methodology, including 37 testimonios, a workshop and participant observation, I show how LCWs are constrained by, but also contest, a white neoliberal non‐profit funding structure and patriarchal political system. I also explore how community work has contradictory effects on the mental, physical and economic wellbeing of LCWs. Lastly, I demonstrate how LCWs persist by weaving together their family and community histories, personal experiences and women of colour feminisms to enact a Latinx decolonial feminist praxis. I consider what lessons a Latinx decolonial feminist praxis can bring to bear on debates in human geography around neoliberalism, the non‐profit sector and social justice transformation.
A definition of relevant functional regions for international comparisons: The case of Central Europe
Authors: Halás Marián , Klapka Pavel , Hurbánek Pavol , Bleha Branislav , Pénzes János , Pálóczi Gábor
Published: July 2018

Methods of functional regional taxonomy and concrete definitions of functional regions based on prevailing population flows have been discussed in many regional studies. The resulting regions have been given various names (travel‐to‐work areas, local labour market areas, housing market areas, etc.) based on the character of the input data and the method of their definition. However, in most cases only one country (or part thereof) at a time has been analysed. The paper brings a unique definition of functional regions with comparable parameters suitable for international comparisons. Three Central European countries with different settlement and regional structures are analysed. The functional regions in all countries are objectivised through the operation with the constraint function, which estimates natural and non‐normative values for the self‐containment and size parameters. Two interaction measures are used in the regionalisation algorithm. Besides the methodological contribution, the role of spatial behaviour is briefly discussed, and an interpretation of the results and a proposal for the possible application of functional regions in regional planning and regional analysis in international research tasks is given.
Shaping parents, shaping penises: How medical teams frame parents’ decisions in response to hypospadias
Authors: Roen Katrina , Hegarty Peter
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Psychological research provides insights into how parents approach medical decisions on behalf of children. The medical decision of concern here is the surgical alteration of a hypospadic penis, whose urethral opening does not appear at the tip. Hypospadias surgery is routinely carried out in infancy, despite criticism by international organizations concerned about children's rights. The focus of this study is on the framing of hypospadias surgery.

Objectives

The objective was to examine how health professionals frame hypospadias and hypospadias surgery in medical and non‐medical ways.

Design

This was a qualitative study designed to build on the experimental research of Streuli et al. who investigated how medical versus non‐medical information affects decision‐making about non‐essential childhood genital surgery.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with 32 health professionals. Theoretically informed thematic analysis was used to examine how health professionals talk about hypospadias surgery and about supporting parents to make treatment decisions.

Results

The analysis suggests that medical professionals’ engagement with parents underestimates the effect of framing in influencing parental decisions about hypospadias surgery. Some psychological specialists in this area are actively framing hypospadias in ways that enable some parents to choose a non‐medical pathway. Psychologically informed ways of talking about a child's genital difference focus on psychological qualities, including affect, well‐being, and unconditional positive regard.

Conclusions

The best interests of children with hypospadias may well be served when psychological pathways are highlighted, providing opportunities to support the flourishing of children whose genital appearance raises the question of medical intervention.

Statement of Contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Framing significantly affects medical decision‐making in ways that people typically fail to perceive.

Parents frequently consent to non‐essential hypospadias (penile) surgery for their sons, despite the risks and ethical concerns.

What does this study add?

Medical teams could do more to consider framing when counselling parents about their son's hypospadias.

Psychological specialists can help parents to frame their son's penile difference in terms of well‐being and love.

The best interests of children with hypospadias may be served by highlighting psychological care pathways.
Weekly carfilzomib and dexamethasone in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: A phase 1 and PK/PD trial
Authors: Maruyama Dai , Tobinai Kensei , Chou Takaaki , Taniwaki Masafumi , Shumiya Yoshihisa , Iida Shinsuke
Published: July 2018

This open‐label multicenter phase 1 study evaluated the safety, tolerability, efficacy, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of weekly carfilzomib and dexamethasone (Cd) in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Carfilzomib was administered by 30‐minute intravenous infusion on Days 1, 8 and 15 in a 28‐day cycle starting at 20 mg/m2 on Day 1/Cycle 1 and 70 mg/m2 thereafter until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. Dexamethasone 40 mg was administered on Days 1, 8, 15 and 22 in Cycles 1‐9 and on Days 1, 8 and 15 thereafter. Six patients were enrolled between March 2015 and June 2015. Patients had received a median of 4.5 (range, 4‐8) prior regimens; all patients had previous therapies with bortezomib and immunomodulatory drugs. Of the 6 patients, 1 had a dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT), and tolerability was confirmed. The DLT was grade 3 thrombotic microangiopathy, which was considered serious and occurred on Day 11/Cycle 1. All 6 patients (100%) experienced at least 1 grade ≥3 adverse event (AE). Two patients (33.3%) experienced AE (also considered adverse drug reactions) leading to study discontinuation: thrombotic microangiopathy (Day 11/Cycle 1) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (Day 6/Cycle 2). The overall response rate was 83.3% (95% confidence interval, 43.6‐97.0). The weekly Cd regimen at a carfilzomib dose of 20/70 mg/m2 was well‐tolerated among Japanese patients with RRMM. Our results could be the basis for the further development of carfilzomib treatment considering safety profiles including microangiopathy‐related events and efficacy.
Could packers manipulate spot markets by tying contracts to futures prices? And do they?
Authors: Xia Tian , Crespi John M. , Dhuyvetter Kevin C.
Published: July 2018

Some producers, policy makers, and researchers claim that packers influence cash prices through contracts tied to futures prices. This paper provides a theoretical and empirical study on the price effects of contract‐pricing terms linked to futures price and the related formula pricing terms linked to a cash price. We show that contract‐pricing terms tied to a cattle futures price can theoretically be used to reduce the cash price. Furthermore, the model demonstrates that such tied‐to‐a‐futures‐price contract‐pricing clauses and the related tied‐to‐a‐cash‐price formula pricing clauses can be substitutable tools for packers to depress the cash cattle price. Nevertheless, although empirical results are consistent with the predictions of the theoretical model they show that while such manipulations may occur, their market power impact appears quite small.
Consumer preference for infant milk‐based formula with select food safety information attributes: Evidence from a choice experiment in China
Authors: Yin Shijiu , Lv Shanshan , Chen Yusheng , Wu Linhai , Chen Mo , Yan Jiang
Published: July 2018

The melamine milk powder incident in China undermined consumers’ confidence in dairy products including infant milk‐based formula (IMF). In this study, three quality IMF product attributes are considered in a choice experiment survey in China including organic label, traceability information, and country of origin (COO). Results reveal that consumers have the highest willingness to pay (WTP) for an organic label from the United States. Traceability information regarding milk production was preferred the most. Consumers prefer IMF originated from the United States and New Zealand over China. Consumer heterogeneity was revealed through a latent class model. Compared to price‐sensitive consumers, certification‐inclined consumers had significantly higher WTP for organic labels. Origin‐preferred consumers displayed higher WTP for IMF produced in the United States and New Zealand, and concerned consumers had higher WTP for all food safety informational attributes. The conclusions of this paper should not only aid Chinese domestic producers and policy makers, they should also provide references for organic certification bodies and dairy enterprises from around the world for their business decision making.
Initial experience with bosentan for the management of pulmonary hypertension after heart transplantation
Authors: Santiago‐Vacas Evelyn , Farrero Marta , Ivey‐Miranda Juan B. , Castel Maria Ángeles , García‐Álvarez Ana , Rios José , Perez‐Villa Felix
Published: July 2018

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) after heart transplantation (HT) is associated to right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and increased morbidity and mortality. We present our experience with bosentan for the treatment of PH after HT.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation of patients with PH receiving bosentan post‐transplant was performed. Pulmonary hemodynamics before and after bosentan (BG) and clinical outcomes were assessed and compared to a historical control group (CG) not receiving bosentan.

Results

Between 2013 and 2016, 21 patients were treated post‐transplant with bosentan. Twenty‐four hours after bosentan initiation, there were significant decreases in systolic (42.5 ± 8 to 38.1 ± 8 mm Hg, P = 0.015), diastolic (21.4 ± 4 to 17.8 ± 6 mm Hg, P = 0.008) and mean (29.6 ± 5 to 25 ± 6 mm Hg, P = 0.001) pulmonary artery pressures (PAP), transpulmonary gradient (13.1 ± 3 to 9.7 ± 4 mm Hg, P < 0.001), diastolic gradient (5.2 ± 4 to 2.3 ± 3 mm Hg, P = 0.001) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (2.2 ± 1 to 1.6 ± 1WU, P = 0.015). This effect was maintained at day 3. Compared with CG, BG showed significantly more decrease in PVR (0.7 ± 0.9 vs 0.3 ± 1.7WU, P = 0.025) and mean PAP (4.6 ± 5.2 vs 1.5 ± 4.4 mm Hg, P = 0.040). RV function 7 days post‐transplant was significantly better in BG compared to CG, P = 0.004. There were not clinically significant interactions between bosentan and immunosuppressive treatment.

Conclusions

Bosentan, initiated early post‐transplant, was associated with a significant decrease in PVR. Bosentan was well tolerated and did not interact with immunosuppressive treatment.
INTERNATIONAL EFFECTS OF EURO AREA VERSUS U.S. POLICY UNCERTAINTY: A FAVAR APPROACH
Authors: Belke Ansgar , Osowski Thomas
Published: July 2018

Estimating a large‐scale factor‐augmented vector autoregressive model for 18 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development member countries, we quantify the global effects of economic policy uncertainty shocks. More specifically, we check whether the signs, the magnitude, and the persistence profile are consistent with the literature on the real and financial sector effects of uncertainty. In that respect, we compare the impacts of a U.S. and a Euro area policy uncertainty shock. According to our results, an increase in economic policy uncertainty has a strong negative impact on economic activity (gross domestic product), consumer prices, equity prices, and interest rates. Uncertainty shocks cause deeper recessions in Continental Europe (except Germany) than in Anglo‐Saxon countries. U.S. uncertainty shocks have a bigger impact than those for the Euro area. Economic policy uncertainty does not only affect that country where the shock originates but also has large cross‐border effects. We also find a high degree of synchronization among the responses of national variables to a (foreign) uncertainty shock, indicating evidence of an international business cycle. With respect to the responses of national long‐term interest rates to an economic policy uncertainty shock, our results reveal a strong “North‐South” divide within the Euro area with rates decreasing less significantly in the South. Moreover, economic policy uncertainty shocks emerging in one region quickly raise uncertainty outside the region of origin. (JELC32, F42, D80)
Fractionation of three different lignins by thermal separation techniques—A comparative study
Authors: Rohde Viktoria , Böringer Sarah , Tübke Beatrice , Adam Christian , Dahmen Nicolaus , Schmiedl Detlef
Published: July 2018

Separation of the heterogeneous lignin macromolecule in fractions with increased homogeneity, as well as different structural (molar mass) and functional (hydroxy groups, ‐OH) features is important in terms of its use as a chemical building block. For this purpose, three thermal separation techniques were investigated and compared: solvent extraction, successive precipitation and ultrafiltration. One important issue in this context is the utilization of organic solvents with low boiling points to ensure a simple and efficient recovery. In addition to a softwood Kraft lignin (Indulin AT) as reference lignin, two sulfur‐free Organosolv lignins from short rotation coppice (“poplar with bark”) and from the energy grass Miscanthus × gigantheus were investigated. The lignins were separated into low, medium and high molecular weight fractions. Due to the different initial structural features and the associated varying solubility properties in such lignins, different organic solvents were needed for dissolution and precipitation of the individual lignin fractions. The polarity of the used solvent is one key factor regarding the yield of the soluble fraction and the success of molecular sorting into low, medium, and high molecular weight. Further structural features, for example the aliphatic OH‐group content increased with rising molecular weight of poplar, miscanthus, and Kraft lignin from minimum 0.72, 0.3, and 1.6 mmol/g to maximum 2.4, 1.6, and 2.8 mmol/g, respectively. The number of phenolic OH‐groups decreased from maximum 3.8, 4.3, and 4.2 to minimum 1.4, 2.7, and 2.9, respectively. The presented work illustrate options regarding the molecular sorting of several lignin types with three thermal techniques into fractions differing in key properties (yield, molecular weight, polydispersity, functional groups) for material applications.
Employee cooperative behavior in organizations: a vignette experiment on the relationship between training and helping intentions
Authors: van Gerwen Nikki , Buskens Vincent , van der Lippe Tanja
Published: July 2018

The mutual‐investment model predicts a positive relation between investments in training and employees’ willingness to behave cooperatively. In this paper, we argue that the extent to which employees increase their cooperative behavior after receiving training depends on the type of training provided, the skillfulness of the employee and the cohesiveness of the team. Focusing on intentions to help coworkers as an indicator for cooperative behavior, we conducted a vignette experiment among 2388 employees working in 127 organizations from four European countries. Multilevel analyses show that training increases employees’ intentions to help coworkers. Training promotes helping intentions the most when organizations provide general instead of firm‐specific training and when given to employees with limited skills. Whereas employees in cohesive teams indicate higher intentions to help coworkers than employees in non‐cohesive teams, training promotes helping intentions equally in both types of teams.
Silencing chitin deacetylase 2 impairs larval–pupal and pupal–adult molts in Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Wu J.‐J. , Chen Z.‐C. , Wang Y.‐W. , Fu K.‐Y. , Guo W.‐C. , Li G.‐Q.
Published: July 2018

Insect chitin deacetylases (CDAs) are carbohydrate esterases that catalyze N‐deacetylation of chitin to generate chitosan, a process essential for chitin organization and compactness during the formation of extracellular chitinous structure. Here we identified two CDA2 splice variants (LdCDA2a and LdCDA2b) in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Both splices were abundantly expressed in larval foregut, rectum, and epidermis; their levels peaked immediately before ecdysis within each instar. In vivo results revealed that the two isoforms transcriptionally responded, positively and negatively respectively, to 20‐hydroxyecdysone and juvenile hormone signaling pathways. RNA interference (RNAi)‐aided knockdown of the two LdCDA2 variants (hereafter LdCDA2) or LdCDA2b, rather than LdCDA2a, resulted in three negative effects. First, foliage consumption was significantly reduced, larval developing period was lengthened, and larval growth was retarded. Second, chitin contents were reduced, whereas glucose, trehalose, and glycogen contents were increased in the LdCDA2 and LdCDA2b RNAi larvae. Third, approximately 20% of LdCDA2 and LdCDA2b RNAi larvae were trapped within the exuviae and finally died. About 60% of the abnormal pupae died as pharate adults. Around 20% of the RNAi pupae emerged as deformed adults, with small size and wrinkled wings. These adults eventually died within 1 week after molting. Our results reveal that knockdown of CDA2 affects chitin accumulation. Consequently, LdCDA2 may be a potential target for control of L. decemlineata larvae.
Acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis via Klotho/TGF‐β/Smad signalling pathway
Authors: Liu Minna , Liu Tianlong , Shang Peijin , Zhang Yikai , Liu Limin , Liu Ting , Sun Shiren
Published: July 2018

Acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid (AKBA), an active triterpenoid compound from the extract of Boswellia serrate, has been reported previously in our group to alleviate fibrosis in vascular remodelling. This study aimed to elucidate the in vivo and in vitro efficacy and mechanism of AKBA in renal interstitial fibrosis. The experimental renal fibrosis was produced in C57BL/6 mice via unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Hypoxia‐induced HK‐2 cells were used to imitate the pathological process of renal fibrosis in vitro. Results showed that the treatment of AKBA significantly alleviated UUO‐induced impairment of renal function and improved the renal fibrosis by decreasing the expression of TGF‐β1, α‐SMA, collagen I and collagen IV in UUO kidneys. In hypoxia‐induced HK‐2 cells, AKBA displayed remarkable cell protective effects and anti‐fibrotic properties by increasing the cell viability, decreasing the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and inhibiting fibrotic factor expression. Moreover, in obstructed kidneys and HK‐2 cells, AKBA markedly down‐regulated the expression of TGFβ‐RI, TGFβ‐RII, phosphorylated‐Smad2/3 (p‐Smad2/3) and Smad4 in a dose‐dependent fashion while up‐regulated the expression of Klotho and Smad7 in the same manner. In addition, the effects of AKBA on the Klotho/TGF‐β/Smad signalling were reversed by transfecting with siRNA‐Klotho in HK‐2 cells. In conclusion, our findings provide evidence that AKBA can effectively protect kidney against interstitial fibrosis, and this renoprotective effect involves the Klotho/TGF‐β/Smad signalling pathway. Therefore, AKBA could be considered as a promising candidate drug for renal interstitial fibrosis.
Morphogenesis and Molecular Phylogeny of a Soil Ciliate Uroleptoides longiseries (Foissner, Agatha and Berger, 2002) Berger 2008 (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia)
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Li Jingbao , Qi Shuyan , Warren Alan , Shao Chen
Published: July 2018

Morphogenesis of the hypotrich ciliate Uroleptoides longiseries, isolated from sandy soil beside the Yellow River, Suide, Yulin, Shaanxi Province, China, was investigated using protargol staining. The main events during binary fission are as follows: (1) the long frontoventral row is formed by a single anlage; (2) five frontoventral‐transverse cirral anlagen are formed in primary mode; (3) only the posterior part of the parental adoral zone of the membranelles is renewed; and (4) the oral primordium of the opisthe is formed intrakinetally. This is the first detailed record of all stages of morphogenesis for Uroleptoides. We also provide the first record of the small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequences for U. longiseries. Phylogenetic analyses based on the SSU rDNA sequences data show that Uroleptoides longiseries clusters with U. magnigranulosa with moderate to high support which together form a clade with Orthoamphisiella breviseries. These three species share the morphogenetic feature of the long frontoventral row being formed by a single anlage.
Integrating Batteries in the Future Swiss Electricity Supply System: A Consequential Environmental Assessment
Authors: Vandepaer Laurent , Cloutier Julie , Bauer Christian , Amor Ben
Published: July 2018

Stationary batteries are projected to play a role in the electricity system of Switzerland after 2030. By enabling the integration of surplus production from intermittent renewables, energy storage units displace electricity production from different sources and potentially create environmental benefits. Nevertheless, batteries can also cause substantial environmental impacts during their manufacturing process and through the extraction of raw materials. A prospective consequential life cycle assessment (LCA) of lithium metal polymer and lithium‐ion stationary batteries is undertaken to quantify potential environmental benefits and drawbacks. Projections are integrated into the LCA model: Energy scenarios are used to obtain marginal electricity supply mixes, and projections about the battery performances and the recycling process are sourced from the literature. The roles of key parameters and methodological choices in the results are systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that the displacement of marginal electricity sources determines the environmental implications of using batteries. In the reference scenario representing current policy, the displaced electricity mix is dominated by natural gas combined cycle units. In this scenario, the use of batteries generates environmental benefits in 12 of the 16 impact categories assessed. Nevertheless, there is a significant reduction in achievable environmental benefits when batteries are integrated into the power supply system in a low‐carbon scenario because the marginal electricity production, displaced using batteries, already has a reduced environmental impact. The direct impacts of batteries mainly originate from upstream manufacturing processes, which consume electricity and mining activities related to the extraction of materials such as copper and bauxite.
Knowledge, Practice, and Attitude of Nursing Home Staff Toward the Use of Physical Restraint: Have They Changed Over Time?
Authors: Kor Patrick Pui‐kin , Kwan Rick Yiu Cho , Liu Justina Yat‐Wa , Lai Claudia
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Use of physical restraints is common in nursing homes, although empirical evidence has shown it to be a hazardous measure. This article aims to understand whether there were any changes in nursing home staff's knowledge, attitudes, and practices of using physical restraints in Hong Kong, after years of deliberation on this topic.

Methods

A questionnaire about the knowledge, attitude, and practice of using physical restraint was sent to all 298 staff members in four nursing homes in Hong Kong run by a nongovernmental organization. The results were compared with previous findings from 1999 using the same questionnaire.

Results

Overall, the staff had satisfactory knowledge of the daily application of physical restraints, such as the operational procedure and daily assessment. Concerning the conceptual knowledge of minimizing physical restraint use, their performance in the survey was less satisfactory. For example, only 6.6% of respondents were aware that residents had a right to reject the use of physical restraints, and 70% believed that there were no good alternatives to restraints. They showed appropriate attitudes in their practice of daily use of physical restraints. Compared with the previous study in 1999, a significant improvement was found in the attitudes (p = .0014) and practice (p = .0002) of using restraints, but there was no difference in their knowledge test results (p = .29).

Conclusions

The results of this study show a significant improvement among the nursing home staff in terms of their attitudes and practice of using restraints. In‐service training for nursing staff should focus more on their knowledge of ethical considerations and the hands‐on practice of using alternative devices (e.g., motion detectors or anti‐slip pads).

Clinical Relevance

The findings of this study suggest that in‐service training for nursing staff should focus more on their knowledge of ethical considerations, the principles of using physical restraint, and the alternatives to restraint in order to fill the knowledge gaps of staff and improve the quality of care in nursing homes.
Longitudinal Patterns in Parent and Friend Emotion Socialization: Associations With Adolescent Emotion Regulation
Authors: Miller‐Slough Rachel , Dunsmore Julie C.
Published: July 2018

Adolescents learn about emotions through interacting with parents and friends, though there is limited longitudinal research on this topic. This study examined longitudinal patterns in parent and friend emotion socialization and adolescent emotion regulation. Eighty‐seven adolescents reported on parent and friend emotion socialization. Parents reported on adolescent emotion regulation. Parents’ responses were stable over time and across gender. Friends of girls reciprocated negative emotions more and were less punitive over time, whereas friends of boys increased in comforting and decreased in neglect of negative emotions. Parents and friends evidenced unique effects on adolescent emotion regulation, and the effect of friend socialization responses differed for girls and boys. Future research should examine combinatory influences of multiple socializers on adolescent adjustment.
Modeling the Interactions between Volatility and Returns using EGARCH‐M
Authors: Harvey Andrew , Lange Rutger‐Jan
Published: July 2018

An EGARCH‐M model, in which the logarithm of scale is driven by the score of the conditional distribution, is shown to be theoretically tractable as well as practically useful. A two‐component extension makes it possible to distinguish between the short‐ and long‐run effects of returns on volatility, and the resulting short‐ and long‐run volatility components are then allowed to have different effects on returns, with the long‐run component yielding the equity risk premium. The EGARCH formulation allows for more flexibility in the asymmetry of the volatility response (leverage) than standard GARCH models and suggests that, for weekly observations on two major stock market indices, the short‐term response is close to being anti‐symmetric.
Genomic consequences of a recent three‐way admixture in supplemented wild brown trout populations revealed by local ancestry tracts
Authors: Leitwein Maeva , Gagnaire Pierre‐Alexandre , Desmarais Erick , Berrebi Patrick , Guinand Bruno
Published: July 2018

Understanding the evolutionary consequences of human‐mediated introductions of domesticated strains into the wild and their subsequent admixture with natural populations is of major concern in conservation biology. However, the genomic impacts of stocking from distinct sources (locally derived vs. divergent) on the genetic integrity of wild populations remain poorly understood. We designed an approach based on estimating local ancestry along individual chromosomes to provide a detailed picture of genomic admixture in supplemented populations. We used this approach to document admixture consequences in the brown trout Salmo trutta, for which decades of stocking practices have profoundly impacted the genetic make‐up of wild populations. In southern France, small local Mediterranean populations have been subject to successive introductions of domestic strains derived from the Atlantic and Mediterranean lineages. To address the impact of stocking, we evaluate the extent of admixture from both domestic strains within populations, using 75,684 mapped SNPs obtained from double‐digested restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing. Then, the chromosomal ancestry profiles of admixed individuals reveal a wider diversity of hybrid and introgressed genotypes than estimated using classical methods for inferring ancestry and hybrid pedigrees. In addition, the length distribution of introgressed tracts retained different timings of introgression between the two domestic strains. We finally reveal opposite consequences of admixture on the level of polymorphism of the recipient populations between domestic strains. Our study illustrates the potential of using the information contained in the genomic mosaic of ancestry tracts in combination with classical methods based on allele frequencies for analysing multiple‐way admixture with population genomic data.
A Method for Automatically Recreating the Horizontal Alignment Geometry of Existing Railways
Authors: Li Wei , Pu Hao , Schonfeld Paul , Song Zhanfeng , Zhang Hong , Wang Lei , Wang Jie , Peng Xianbao , Peng Lihui
Published: July 2018

Periodic recreation of existing railway horizontal alignment geometry is needed for smoothing the deviations arising from train operations. It is important for calibrating track and rebuilding existing railways to ensure safety and comfort. Track calibration repairs the existing distorted track centerline to match the smoothed recreated alignment, which may differ considerably from the originally designed track centerline. Identifying the boundaries of all the geometric elements including tangents, circular curves, and transition curves is the key problem. Existing methods recreate the horizontal alignment semi‐automatically and can only generate a locally optimized solution while considering a few constraints. Based on the principle that the attributions of all the measured points to geometric elements should be consistent with the ranges of recreated geometric elements (i.e., for points‐alignment consistency), a method called swing iterations is proposed to reclassify point placements and identify all the tangents, circular curves, and transition curves simultaneously. In a swing iteration, the boundary of a geometric element segment repeatedly changes from left to right, then from the right to left, and finally stabilizes. Before the swing iterations, preliminary tangents and curves are identified based on the heading gradient (i.e., the rate of change of heading), and are set as initial values for the swing iterations. A genetic algorithm is developed to further refine the entire recreated alignment after the swing iterations. In the above processes, multiple constraints are handled. Applications demonstrate that this method can identify all horizontal geometric elements automatically and generate an optimized recreated alignment geometry for an existing railway while satisfying all the applicable constraints.
Leukotriene A4 hydrolase: an emerging target of natural products for cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy
Authors: Vo Tam Thuy Lu , Jang Won‐Jun , Jeong Chul‐Ho
Published: July 2018

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and has become a global burden. It has long been known that inflammation is related to cancer, as inflammatory components have been identified in the tumor microenvironment and support tumor progression. Among the key inflammatory mediators, leukotrienes were found to be involved in cancer development. In particular, leukotriene B4, which is converted from leukotriene A4 by leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), has been implicated in several types of cancer. In addition, LTA4H has attracted attention because of purported roles in inflammation and cancer development. Herein, we review the history of LTA4H, its emerging roles in cancer development, and the development of LTA4H inhibitors in cancer prevention and therapy.
Influence of omega‐3 incorporation in sperm preservation medium on physical and kinematic properties of chilled and cryopreserved ram spermatozoa
Authors: Rateb Sherif A.
Published: July 2018

Contents

Two experiments were carried out to investigate the efficiency of supplementing sperm preservation medium with omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on improving liquid‐chilled storage and cryopreservation capacity of ram spermatozoa. Ejaculates (n = 100) were collected from five adult rams, Ovis aries, by an artificial vagina twice weekly throughout the period February–April, 2017. After initial evaluation, ejaculates of each collection session from the same males were pooled, diluted (1:10) with Tris‐citric acid egg yolk extender, and were further split into five aliquots using a split‐sample technique. The first aliquot served as control (omega‐free), whereas the other four portions were supplemented with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 or 0.4 mM omega‐3, respectively (T0). Thereafter, the diluted specimens were stored at 4°C for 48 hr, during which sperm physical and morphometric properties were evaluated along with oxidative stress indices (T24, T48). Omega‐3 levels that efficiently mitigated the detrimental effects of chilled preservation, and maintained preservation aptitude of spermatozoa were further investigated for sperm cryosurvival against control (untreated). Post‐thaw physical and kinematic properties of spermatozoa, in all groups, were objectively evaluated by a computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. The results showed that, at 48 hr of chilled storage, supplementing preservation medium with 0.4 mM omega‐3 was positively correlated (p < 0.01) with each of progressive motility, live sperm, intact acrosome and intact cell membrane (r = 0.83, 0.85, 0.85, 0.89, respectively). Furthermore, a positive correlation (p < 0.01) was observed between inclusion of omega‐3 in cryopreservation medium and each of post‐thaw total sperm motility, progressive motility, live sperm, normal sperm, intact acrosome, intact cell membrane, VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH and STR (r = 0.76, 0.84, 0.79, 0.90, 0.89, 0.91, 0.61, 0.73, 0.65, 0.78 and 0.60, respectively). These results accentuate efficiency of supplementing the diluent with omega‐3 fatty acids on improving chilled and cryopreservation aptitude of ram spermatozoa.
Association between the expression of miR‐26 and goat milk fatty acids
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhu Jiangjiang , He Qiuya , Loor Juan J. , Luo Jun
Published: July 2018

Contents

microRNA (miRNA) are small noncoding RNA that regulate protein abundance and are involved in diverse aspects of cellular function including aspects of lipid metabolism in mammary gland of ruminants. Although our previous studies showed that the miR‐26 family and its host genes control components of the cellular fatty acid metabolic machinery in goat mammary epithelial cells, a direct relationship between the miR‐26 family and milk fatty acids remains unknown. Bioinformatics analysis in this study indicated that the miR‐26 family targets belong to the PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway, MAPK signalling pathway, and fatty acid biosynthesis pathway. Studies on the relationship of miR‐26 family and their host genes with milk composition during mid‐lactation revealed that the expression of the miR‐26 family and their host genes were associated with total fat yield and short‐chain, medium‐chain and long‐chain fatty acid content, but not lactose or milk protein content. In addition, a significant positive correlation was detected for the expression of the miR‐26 family with C16:1 and C18:3 in milk fat. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the expression of miR‐26 is directly related to milk fatty acid composition and underscores the significance of miRNAs in milk fat synthesis regulation.
Expression of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event: New insights from a Swiss transect
Authors: Fantasia Alicia , Föllmi Karl B. , Adatte Thierry , Spangenberg Jorge E. , Mattioli Emanuela
Published: July 2018

A sedimentological, biostratigraphical and geochemical (stable isotopes and Rock‐Eval parameters) analysis was performed on four Swiss successions, in order to examine the expression of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event along a north–south transect, from the Jura through the Alpine Tethys (Sub‐Briançonnais and Lombardian basins). The locations were selected to represent a range of palaeoceanographic positions from an epicontinental sea to a more open marine setting. The Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event was recognized by the presence of the characteristic negative carbon‐isotope excursion in carbonate (ca 2 to 4‰) and organic matter (ca 4 to 5‰) at the base of the falciferum ammonite Zone (NJT6 nannofossil Zone). The sedimentary expression of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event varies along the transect from laminated mudstone rich in total organic carbon (≤11 wt.%) in the Jura, to thin‐bedded marl (≤5 wt.% total organic carbon) in the Sub‐Briançonnais Basin and to hemipelagic reddish marly limestone (total organic carbon <0·05 wt.%) in equivalent levels from the Lombardian Basin. The carbon‐isotope excursion is thus independent of facies and palaeoceanographic position. The low nannofossil abundance and the peak in Calyculaceae in the Jura and the Sub‐Briançonnais Basin indicate low salinity surface waters and stratified water masses in general. Sedimentological observations (for example, obliquely‐bedded laminae and homogeneous mud layers containing rip‐up clasts) indicate the presence of dynamic conditions, suggesting that water mass stratification was episodically disrupted during the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event. The proposed correlation highlights a stratigraphic gap and/or condensed interval between the Pliensbachian–Toarcian boundary and the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event interval (most of the tenuicostatum ammonite Zone is missing), which is also observed in coeval European sections and points to the influence of sea‐level change and current dynamics. This transect shows that the sedimentary expression of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event is not uniform across the Alpine Tethys, supporting the importance of local conditions in determining how this event is recorded across different palaeoceanographic settings.
A molecular phylogeny of the tribe Ochthebiini (Coleoptera, Hydraenidae, Ochthebiinae)
Authors: Villastrigo Adrián , Jäch Manfred A. , Cardoso Anabela , Valladares Luis F. , Ribera Ignacio
Published: July 2018

Ochthebiinae, with c. 650 species distributed worldwide, are the second most speciose subfamily of the aquatic beetle family Hydraenidae. They are ecologically the most diverse hydraenid subfamily, with terrestrial species as well as species in almost all types of aquatic habitats, including hypersaline waters. Ochthebiinae include the tribes Ochtheosini (four species in three genera) and Ochthebiini. We provide here the first comprehensive phylogeny of the tribe Ochthebiini, based on 186 species and four subspecies from most genera, subgenera and species groups. We obtained sequence data for a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear gene fragments including the 5′ and 3′ ends of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, the 5′ end of 16S RNA plus the leucine tRNA transfer plus 5′ end of NADH dehydrogenase subunit I, and internal fragments of the large and small ribosomal units. The analyses with maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian probabilities consistently recovered a generally well supported phylogeny, with most currently accepted taxa and species groups as monophyletic. We provide a new classification of the tribe based on our phylogenetic results, with six genera: Meropathus Enderlein, Ochthebius Leach, Protochthebius Perkins, Prototympanogaster Perkins, Tympallopatrum Perkins and Tympanogaster Janssens. The genus Ochthebius is here divided into nine subgenera in addition to Ochthebius s.s.: (1) O. (Angiochthebius) Jäch & Ribera; (2) O. (Asiobates) Thomson; (3) O. (Aulacochthebius) Kuwert; (4) O. (Cobalius) Rey; (5) O. (Enicocerus) Stephens; (6) O. (Gymnanthelius) Perkins comb.n.; (7) O. (Gymnochthebius) Orchymont; (8) O. (Hughleechia) Perkins comb.n.; and (9) O. (Micragasma) Sahlberg. Within Ochthebius s.s., 17 species groups are proposed, five of them newly established (3, 9, 11, 13 and 16): (1) andraei; (2) atriceps; (3) corrugatus; (4) foveolatus; (5) kosiensis; (6) lobicollis; (7) marinus; (8) metallescens; (9) nitidipennis; (10) notabilis; (11) peisonis; (12) punctatus; (13) quadricollis; (14) rivalis; (15) strigosus; (16) sumatrensis; and (17) vandykei. We elevated to species rank two subspecies of Ochthebius: O. fallaciosus Ganglbauer stat.n. (former subspecies of O. viridis Peyron) and O. deletus Rey stat.rest. (former subspecies of O. subpictus Wollaston).
The offshore east African rift system: new insights from the Sakalaves seamounts (Davie Ridge, SW Indian Ocean)
Authors: Courgeon Simon , Bachèlery Patrick , Jouet Gwénael , Jorry Stephan J. , Bou Esther , BouDagher‐Fadel Marcelle K. , Révillon Sidonie , Camoin Gilbert , Poli Emmanuelle
Published: July 2018

The offshore branch of the East African Rift System (EARS) has developed during Late Cenozoic time along the eastern Africa continental margin. While Neogene–Pleistocene extensional tectonic deformation has been evidenced along the northern segment of the Davie Ridge, the spatial extent of deformation further south remains poorly documented. Based on recent and various oceanographic datasets (bathymetric surveys, dredge samples and seismic profiles), our study highlights active normal faulting, modern east–west extensional tectonic deformation and Late Cenozoic alkaline volcanism at the Sakalaves Seamounts (18°S, Davie Ridge) that seem tightly linked to the offshore EARS development. In parallel, rift‐related tectonic subsidence appears responsible for the drowning of the Sakalaves Miocene shallow‐water carbonate platform. Our findings bring new insights regarding the development of the EARS offshore branch and support recent kinematic models proposing the existence of a plate boundary across the Mozambique Channel.