bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warmer and browner waters decrease fish biomass production
Authors: van Dorst Renee M. , Gårdmark Anna , Svanbäck Richard , Beier Ulrika , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A. , Huss Magnus
Published: December 2018

Climate change studies have long focused on effects of increasing temperatures, often without considering other simultaneously occurring environmental changes, such as browning of waters. Resolving how the combination of warming and browning of aquatic ecosystems affects fish biomass production is essential for future ecosystem functioning, fisheries, and food security. In this study, we analyzed individual‐ and population‐level fish data from 52 temperate and boreal lakes in Northern Europe, covering large gradients in water temperature and color (absorbance, 420 nm). We show that fish (Eurasian perch, Perca fluviatilis) biomass production decreased with both high water temperatures and brown water color, being lowest in warm and brown lakes. However, while both high temperature and brown water decreased fish biomass production, the mechanisms behind the decrease differed: temperature affected the fish biomass production mainly through a decrease in population standing stock biomass, and through shifts in size‐ and age‐distributions toward a higher proportion of young and small individuals in warm lakes; brown water color, on the other hand, mainly influenced fish biomass production through negative effects on individual body growth and length‐at‐age. In addition to these findings, we observed that the effects of temperature and brown water color on individual‐level processes varied over ontogeny. Body growth only responded positively to higher temperatures among young perch, and brown water color had a stronger negative effect on body growth of old than on young individuals. Thus, to better understand and predict future fish biomass production, it is necessary to integrate both individual‐ and population‐level responses and to acknowledge within‐species variation. Our results suggest that global climate change, leading to browner and warmer waters, may negatively affect fish biomass production, and this effect may be stronger than caused by increased temperature or water color alone.
Out‐of‐plane mechanical characterization of acicular mullite and aluminum titanate diesel particulate filters
Authors: Brodnik Neal R. , Faber Katherine T.
Published: December 2018

This study characterizes the flexural and compressive behavior of two porous ceramic honeycombs commonly used in diesel particulate filtration, acicular mullite and aluminum titanate. Compression along the axis normal to the honeycomb cross‐section, referred to as out‐of‐plane compression, is compared to in‐plane flexure. The relationship between these loading modes is assessed using the failure strength and elastic modulus of the honeycomb structure and the constituent wall material. Weibull analyzes showed that flexure and out‐of‐plane compression exhibit similar behavior in cases where failure is governed by a single flaw, such as in acicular mullite. However, in heavily microcracked systems like aluminum titanate, compressive failure occurs by damage accumulation rather than growth of a single flaw, so compressive failure strengths are higher than flexural ones. Buckling was also shown to occur in both systems, but the geometries required are unlikely to be encountered in practical application. In the context of filter life assessment, failure in flexure occurs at much lower stresses for systems that rely on microcracking to accommodate thermal strains, so flexure is better suited as an estimate of filter strength.
Effect of sludge from wastewater treatment processing of a tobacco agroindustry in ceramics matrix
Authors: Ferreira Jéssica S. , de Moura Daiane C. , dos Santos Pâmela A. M. , Arcaro Sabrina , Krann Maira L. , Lopez Diosnel A. R. , Rodriguez Adriane A. L.
Published: December 2018

The sludge of a wastewater treatment plant of a tobacco processing agroindustry is a waste material, and although it is not considered a hazardous waste, its disposal must occur in landfills, which causes high costs. Therefore, a thorough study to find a suitable destination for the sludge is necessary. In this work, this sludge and red clay were prepared in different formulations, uniaxial compacted and fired at 950, 1050 and 1150°C to evaluate the effects of the incorporation of sludge to obtain ceramic materials and to verify the potential application in the construction industry. Water absorption increases with sludge content (due the evolvement of gases related to the decomposition of hemicellulose and lignin present in tobacco) and decreases with higher firing temperatures, ranging from 9.55% to 20.10%. Values of mechanical resistance ranged from 7.23 to 1.84 MPa at a firing temperature of 950°C, 7.58 and 1.78 MPa at 1050°C and 6.94 and 3.97 MPa at 1150°C. The results show that ceramic materials obtained are promising in the production of masonry blocks. The use of the sludge reduces the environmental impacts that may be caused by waste and decreases the amount of raw material extracted from nature.
Context‐aware language‐learning application in the green technology building: Which group can benefit the most?
Authors: Wang Hong‐You , Lin Vivien , Hwang Gwo‐Jen , Liu Gi‐Zen
Published: December 2018

To assess the effects and learner perceptions of context‐aware ubiquitous language learning (CAULL), a green‐building English‐learning application (GBELA) employing sensing technology was created to develop participants' English listening and reading skills using smartphones and QR codes. This study investigated the effects of 40 participants' perceived ease of use, usability, usefulness, learner attitude, satisfaction with the use of GBELA, and self‐efficacy in smartphone and GBELA usage. Quantitative and qualitative data through pretest/post‐test, questionnaires, and semistructured interviews were collected with a focus on green building–based English (GBbE) reading and listening skills. Results proved the effectiveness of the GBELA for both high‐achievement (HA) and low‐achievement (LA) groups. Furthermore, correlations were found between the HA group and ease of use of the GBELA. The correlations among learner perceptions and self‐efficacy showed that a well‐designed context‐aware learning system can help learners enhance self‐efficacy in CAULL mode. Implications for the design of effective context‐ and knowledge‐specific ubiquitous learning systems are provided in the study.
Winter morning surge in blood pressure after the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Nishizawa Masafumi , Fujiwara Takeshi , Hoshide Satoshi , Sato Keiko , Okawara Yukie , Tomitani Naoko , Matsuo Takefumi , Kario Kazuomi
Published: December 2018

This study investigated the association between winter morning surge in systolic blood pressure (SBP) as measured by ambulatory BP monitoring and the housing conditions of subjects in an area damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake. In 2013, 2 years after disaster, hypertensives who lived in homes that they had purchased before the disaster (n = 299, 74.6 ± 8.1 years) showed significant winter morning surge in SBP (+5.0 ± 20.8 mmHg, P < 0.001), while those who lived in temporary housing (n = 113, 76.2 ± 7.6 years) did not. When we divided the winter morning surge in SBP into quintiles, the factors of age ≥75 years and occupant‐owned housing were significant determinants for the highest quintile (≥20 mmHg) after adjustment for covariates. The hypertensives aged ≥75 years who lived in their own homes showed a significant risk for the highest quintile (odds ratio 5.21, 95% confidence interval 1.49‐18.22, P = 0.010). It is thus crucial to prepare suitable housing conditions for elderly hypertensives following a disaster.
Genetic variant in miR‐21 binding sites is associated with colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Xie Lisheng , Li Shuwei , Jin Jing , He Lei , Xu Kaili , Zhu Lingjun , Du Mulong , Liu Yanqing , Chu Haiyan , Zhang Zhengdong , Wang Meilin , Shi Danni , Gu Dongying , Ni Min
Published: December 2018

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within binding sites of microRNAs (miRNAs) could modify cancer susceptibility by changing the binding affinity of miRNAs on their target mRNA 3ʹ‐untranslated regions (UTRs). MicroRNA‐21 (miR‐21) is involved in the development of colorectal cancer. However, the relationship between SNPs within the binding sites of miR‐21 and colorectal cancer risk has not been widely investigated. A case‐control study including 1147 patients and 1203 controls was performed to evaluate the association of SNPs in miR‐21 binding sites and colorectal cancer risk. Dual‐luciferase reporter assays and functional assays were performed to evaluate the effects of miR‐21. The SNP rs6504593 C allele conferred an increased risk of colorectal cancer compared with the T allele in an additive model (odds ratio [OR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04‐1.36, P = 0.011). Dual‐luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that the rs6504593 T allele negatively post‐transcriptionally regulated IGF2BP1 by altering the binding affinity of miR‐21. Additionally, colorectal cancer cells transiently transfected with miR‐21 mimics promoted cell proliferation and suppressed apoptosis, whereas inhibition of miR‐21 decreased cell growth. These data suggest that the miR‐21 binding site SNP rs6504593 in the IGF2BP1 3ʹ‐UTR may alter IGF2BP1 expression and contribute to colorectal cancer risk.
Osteoporosis in Older Persons: Old and New Players
Authors: Zanker Jesse , Duque Gustavo
Published: December 2018

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in humans. Older persons are at higher risk of osteoporotic fractures that also result in poor quality of life, disability, loss of independence, institutionalization, and higher mortality. Osteoporosis shares a distinct pathophysiologic relationship with sarcopenia, an age‐related disease comprising declines in muscle mass, strength, or function. The combination of these two diseases is known as osteosarcopenia. Understanding the pathophysiology of osteosarcopenia, in addition to its diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, is key in providing older adults with the best falls and fractures prevention strategies. This review provides updated information on new discoveries on the combined pathophysiology of osteoporosis and sarcopenia that have led to the development of novel therapeutic approaches. New recommendations for the use of risk calculators and densitometry are also presented in this review as well as evidence on current and upcoming pharmacologic treatments to prevent falls and fractures in older persons. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:831–840, 2019.
Development and evaluation of flipped learning using film clips within a nursing informatics course
Authors: Oh Jina , Kim Shin‐Jeong , Kim Sunghee , Kang Kyung‐Ah , Kan JinSook , Bartlett Robin
Published: December 2018

Aim

To develop flipped learning classes by using film clips for undergraduate nursing students in an online nursing informatics course, based on the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation model, and to evaluate the effectiveness and students’ responses to this method of teaching.

Methods

Sixty‐four second‐year nursing students participated in the course. The nursing students’ knowledge was assessed at the beginning and end of each of the five classes. Moreover, their intention to recommend the classes to other students and additional comments were elicited by using semistructured questionnaires.

Results

Knowledge about each core concept of nursing informatics reflected significant improvement. Regarding the intention to recommend the class to others, 62 (96.8%) students answered “strongly recommend” or “recommend.”

Conclusion

Integrating flipped learning classes by using film clips in an online nursing informatics course improved the nursing students’ knowledge and is a format that is desired by students.
Genetic epidemiology, demographic, and clinical characteristics of Charcot‐Marie‐tooth disease in the island of Gran Canaria (Spain)
Authors: Lousa Manuel , Vázquez‐Huarte‐Mendicoa Carlos , Gutiérrez Antonio J. , Saavedra Pedro , Navarro Beatriz , Tugores Antonio
Published: December 2018

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease is the most common hereditary neuromuscular disorder. This study involves the entire known CMT patient registry in Gran Canaria, represented by 256 patients belonging to 79 unrelated families, who were clinically and genetically characterized, along with physical and neurophysiological evaluation on 181 and 165 patients, respectively. Complete genotyping showed an estimated prevalence of CMT disease of 30.08/100 000 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 26.5;33.9), corresponding mainly (78.5%) to CMT1A (23.6/100 000) and hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies [HNPP] 17.5%; 5.29/100 000). Most patients (198) with CMT1A carried the 17p11.2 duplication including the PMP22 gene, 45 patients with HNPP were all affected by deletion of the 17p11.2 locus, and 10 patients presented with axonal phenotypes: CMT2A (MFN2), CMT2N (AARS), and CMT1X (GJB1). Despite showing a classical CMT1A phenotype, we found a much earlier age of onset in our CMT1A patients, along with increased frequency of appearance of postural hand tremor. Bilateral tongue atrophy was an additional phenotype observed. Being this CMT1A group, one of the largest cohorts known to date, this study provided a unique opportunity to further define the clinical phenotype of CMT1A patients carrying the 17p11.2 duplication in a homogeneous ethnic group.
Adult Life Satisfaction and the Role of Forgiveness After Childhood Sexual Abuse: Evidence from a Seventh‐day Adventist Cohort
Authors: Morton Kelly R. , Tanzini Laura , Lee Jerry W.
Published: December 2018

Negative physical and mental health outcomes are well documented for those who experience child sexual abuse. We explore the role of three types of dispositional forgiveness (of self, of others, and by God) as effect modifiers of the child sexual abuse and life satisfaction relationship. In 2010–2011, a sample of 5,506 Seventh‐day Adventists reported levels of forgiveness, life satisfaction, and whether or not they had experienced sexual abuse in each of the two age periods (younger than 8 years and 8–18 years). Reported experience of childhood sexual abuse lowered life satisfaction regardless of when the child sexual abuse occurred. Forgiveness of self and of others were associated with higher life satisfaction regardless of sexual abuse exposure. Feeling forgiven by God was associated with increased life satisfaction indirectly through forgiveness of self and others. However, for those abused later in childhood, the association of abuse with reduced life satisfaction was weaker for those who felt forgiven by God. These findings suggest forgiveness by God operates primarily through forgiveness of self (and others) but can also buffer the effects of childhood sexual abuse on later life satisfaction when the abuse occurs in childhood/adolescence.
Your Own Personal Jesus? Doctrinal Beliefs Versus Personal Spirituality Among Inmates Involved in the Monastery Route in Swedish Prisons
Authors: Alm Susanne , Roxell Lena
Published: December 2018

Previous studies, mainly from the United States, have indicated that religious beliefs can help inmates to cope with imprisonment and to build hopes for the future. The purpose of this study was to examine if this is the case also in Sweden, which is usually considered to be one of the most secular countries in the world. The data consist of semistructured interviews with 14 prisoners participating in the so‐called Monastery Route activities within Swedish prisons. Although the activities are based on Christianity, the explicit aim is to invite individuals from all religions, as well as those with an open attitude toward spirituality. How do the inmates formulate their beliefs (if any) along the lines of doctrinal religiousness and personal spirituality, respectively? And, how does this orientation affect the ability to cope with imprisonment, as well as the views of the future? The results show that a small number of the participants defined themselves as Christian, but that the majority had instead developed a more personal form of spirituality. This provided them with a means of working with themselves and gave them a sense of inner calm. The study's findings are contrasted against conflicting results from the United States.
Sustained virological response does not improve long‐term glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Li Jia , Gordon Stuart C. , Rupp Loralee B. , Zhang Talan , Trudeau Sheri , Holmberg Scott D. , Moorman Anne C. , Spradling Philip R. , Teshale Eyasu H. , Boscarino Joseph A. , Schmidt Mark A. , Daida Yihe G. , Lu Mei ,   for the CHeCS Investigators
Published: December 2018

Background

Sustained virological response to treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus may improve short‐term glucose control among patients with type 2 diabetes, but the long‐term impact remains largely unknown. We used data from the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study to investigate the impact of sustained virological response on long‐term trends in haemoglobin A1c in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

“Index date” was defined as the date of treatment initiation (treated patients) or hepatitis C virus diagnosis (untreated patients). To address treatment selection bias, we used a propensity score approach. We used a piecewise, linear spline, mixed‐effects model to evaluate changes in haemoglobin A1c over a 5‐year period.

Results

Our sample included 384 hepatitis C virus patients with type 2 diabetes (192 untreated, 192 treated, with sustained virological response or treatment failure). After adjusting for body mass index, haemoglobin A1c was stable among untreated and treatment failure patients. In sustained virological response patients, Hb1Ac trajectories evolved in three phases: (a) index through 6 months post‐index, average haemoglobin A1c decreased significantly from 7.7% to 5.4% per 90 days (P < 0.001); (b) 6‐30 months post‐index, haemoglobin A1c rebounded at a rate of 1.5% every 90 days (P = 0.003); and (c) from 30 months onward, haemoglobin A1c stabilized at an average level of 7.9 (P‐value = 0.34). Results from an analysis restricted to patients receiving direct‐acting antivirals were consistent with the main findings.

Conclusion

Successful hepatitis C virus treatment among patients with type 2 diabetes significantly reduces HbA1c shortly after treatment, but these decreases are not sustained long‐term. Less than three years after sustained virological response, haemoglobin A1c rebounds to levels similar to untreated/treatment failure patients, and higher than recommended for type 2 diabetic maintenance.
Spatial and temporal habitat partitioning by calliphorid blowflies
Authors: Arias‐Robledo G. , Stevens J. R. , Wall R.
Published: December 2018

Calliphorid blowflies perform an essential ecosystem service in the consumption, recycling and dispersion of carrion nutrients and are considered amongst the most important functional groups in an ecosystem. Some species are of economic importance as facultative agents of livestock myiasis. The interspecific ecological differences that facilitate coexistence within the blowfly community are not fully understood. The aim of this work was to quantify differences in habitat use by calliphorid species. Thirty traps were distributed among three habitats at two sites in southwest England for collections made during March–August 2016. A total of 17 246 specimens were caught, of which 2427 were Lucilia sericata, 51 Lucilia richardsi, 6580 Lucilia caesar, 307 Lucilia ampullacea, 4881 Calliphora vicina and 2959 Calliphora vomitoria (all: Diptera: Calliphoridae). Lucilia sericata was the dominant species in open habitats, whereas L. caesar was the most abundant species in shaded habitats. Calliphora specimens were more abundant in the cooler months. These findings suggest that Calliphora and Lucilia species show strong temporal segregation mediated by temperature, and that species of the genus Lucilia show differences in the use of habitats that are likely to be driven by differences in humidity tolerance and light intensity. These factors in combination result in effective niche partitioning.
Effectiveness and tolerability of linaclotide in the treatment of IBS‐C in a “real‐life” setting: Results from a Portuguese single‐center study
Authors: Mascarenhas‐Saraiva Miguel José , Mascarenhas‐Saraiva Miguel
Published: December 2018

Background

Although linaclotide has been approved to treat moderate to severe IBS‐C, no data are available on its effectiveness and tolerability in patients in a real‐life setting.

Methods

A prospective single‐center study of the effectiveness and tolerability of linaclotide was carried out on patients (n = 40) with moderate to severe IBS‐C, all fulfilling the Rome IV criteria. Clinical information was recorded using a dietary questionnaire at baseline, and 3 and 6 months after initiating treatment. The end‐points to measure effectiveness included abdominal pain and bloating (11‐NRS), the number of bowel movements and patient satisfaction. Tolerability was assessed through the frequency of adverse events.

Key Results

In terms of efficacy, an improvement in abdominal pain and in the intensity of bloating was evident in the cohort after 6 months of linaclotide therapy. The proportion of patients with moderate or severe symptoms of bloating fell from 93.3% to 33.3% and those with pain from 93.4% to 20%. Weekly bowel movements also improved and accordingly, 97% of the patients were moderately or very satisfied with the treatment. At the end of the study, diarrhea was the most frequent adverse event (10%), although it was considered mild in 66.7% of these subjects and moderate in 33.3%. A lack of efficacy (n = 3) and excessive diarrhea (n = 7) were motives for discontinuing the treatment.

Conclusions and Inferences

Linaclotide proved to be a safe and effective drug to reduce the main symptoms of IBS‐C in everyday clinical practice, with an improvement comparable to that seen in clinical trials.
How to be STYLISH: columbine study sheds new light on the obscure mechanisms of nectary formation
Authors: Moyroud Edwige
Published: December 2018

This article is a Commentary on Min et al., 221: 1090–1100.
Utility of low‐dose adenosine triphosphate sensitivity in slow‐fast atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia
Authors: Watanabe Tomonori , Hachiya Hitoshi , Kusa Shigeki , Kajiyama Takatsugu , Yamao Kazuya , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Igarashi Miyako , Nakamura Hiroaki , Imai Yasushi , Kario Kazuomi , Iesaka Yoshito
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Low‐dose adenosine triphosphate (LD‐ATP) is useful for diagnosing ATP‐sensitive atrial tachycardia. However, the clinical implications of the sensitivity of LD‐ATP in atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) still remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanism of LD‐ATP sensitivity in slow‐fast AVNRT.

Methods

We estimated the sensitivity of LD‐ATP in slow‐fast AVNRT by a 2‐4‐mg ATP intravenous injection during the tachycardia. We evaluated the atrial‐His (A‐H) interval, tachycardia termination mode, prevalence of a lower common pathway (LCP), and successful ablation site in slow‐fast AVNRT with LD‐ATP sensitivity. LCPs were defined as His‐atrial interval differences of at least 5 ms between that during ventricular pacing at the tachycardia cycle length and that during the tachycardia.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients (mean age = 58 ± 11 years old, 18 females) with slow‐fast AVNRT, who underwent catheter ablation of the antegrade slow pathway, were enrolled. Seventeen of 28 (61%) patients had LD‐ATP sensitivity defined as termination of the tachycardia and/or a prolongation of the A‐H interval of over 30 ms after an LD‐ATP injection. The patients with LD‐ATP sensitivity had a significantly higher prevalence of an LCP than those without (15/17 vs0/11, P < 0.0001). The successful ablation site in the LD‐ATP sensitive group was significantly closer to the His bundle area than that in the LD‐ATP nonsensitive group (13.3 ± 3.8 vs 20.5 ± 5.4 mm; distance to His bundle area in the left anterior oblique fluoroscopic view, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

LD‐ATP sensitivity in slow‐fast AVNRT may suggest the existence of an LCP. The successful ablation site in patients with LD‐ATP sensitivity could be closer to the His bundle region.
Overexpression of SrUGT76G1 in Stevia alters major steviol glycosides composition towards improved quality
Authors: Kim Mi Jung , Zheng Junshi , Liao Ming Hui , Jang In‐Cheol
Published: December 2018

Steviol glycosides (SGs) are extracted from Stevia leaves for use as a natural sweetener. Among SGs, stevioside is most abundant in leaf extracts followed by rebaudioside A (Reb A). However, Reb A is of particular interest because of its sweeter and more pleasant taste compared to stevioside. Therefore, the development of new Stevia varieties with a higher Reb A to stevioside ratio would be desirable for the production of higher quality natural sweeteners. Here, we generated transgenic Stevia plants overexpressing Stevia UDP‐glycosyltransferase 76G1 (SrUGT76G1) that is known to convert stevioside to Reb A through 1,3‐β‐d‐glucosylation in vitro. Interestingly, by overexpressing SrUGT76G1, the Reb A to stevioside ratio was drastically increased from 0.30 in wild‐type (WT) plants up to 1.55 in transgenic lines without any significant changes in total SGs content. This was contributed by a concurrent increase in Reb A content and a decrease in stevioside content. Additionally, we were able to find an increase in the Reb C to dulcoside A ratio in transgenic lines. Using the glutathione S‐transferase‐tagged SrUGT76G1 recombinant protein for an in vitro glucosyltransferase assay, we further demonstrated that Reb C can be produced from the glucosylation of dulcoside A by SrUGT76G1. Transgenic Stevia plants having higher Reb A to stevioside ratio were visually indistinguishable from WT plants. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the overexpression of SrUGT76G1 in Stevia is an effective way to generate new Stevia varieties with higher proportion of the more preferred Reb A without compromising on plant development.
A Functional Analysis of Visual and Verbal Symbols in Presidential Campaign Posters, 1828–2012
Authors: Benoit William L.
Published: December 2018

This study analyzes American presidential campaign posters from 1828 to 2012 using the Functional Theory of Political Campaign Discourse. It advances the theory by investigating a hitherto unexplored medium, posters; more importantly, visual elements (e.g., the bald eagle) were analyzed along with words. Acclaims were more frequent than attacks; no difference occurred in the functions of early and recent posters. Visual symbols used acclaims even more than verbal symbols. Character was a more frequent topic than policy; the relative proportion of these two topics did not change over time. Visual symbols discussed character even more than verbal symbols.
Potential biomarkers of DNA quality in cryopreserved fish sperm: impact on gene expression and embryonic development
Authors: Figueroa Elías , Lee‐Estévez Manuel , Valdebenito Ivan , Farías Jorge G. , Romero Jaime
Published: December 2018

Sperm DNA quality and gene expression are crucial for early embryo development. Abnormal genomic processes can cause irreversible damage to totipotent cells, thereby altering the capacity for cell differentiation. Cryopreservation is a complex procedure that exposes cells to extreme conditions; it is therefore important to determine whether cryopreservation affects genomic stability. Despite this, few studies have focused on the effects of cryopreservation on the genomic stability of fish sperm. Thus, information is lacking to determine how the cryopreservation of fish sperm affects embryo quality and subsequently aquaculture. The aim of this review was to compile background information pertaining to the study of genomic stability in cryopreserved sperm. In this way, we hope to characterize more clearly the embryonic development of fish that are of biological and economic interest. We also discuss the potential use of antioxidants in cryopreservation to help preserve DNA integrity, gene expression and embryo quality. There is a current need to evaluate the use of potential biomarkers of genomic integrity to establish the effects of cryopreservation on the DNA quality of fish gametes and embryos.
Comparative effect of slow and rapid freezing on sperm functional attributes and oxidative stress parameters of goat spermatozoa cryopreserved with tiger nut milk extender
Authors: Igbokwe Abigail A. , Iyasere Oluwaseun S. , Sobayo Richard A. , Iyasere Seyifunmi , Animashaun Rukayat I. , Balogun Fatimoh A. , Aganran Zainab O. , Fasola Morakinyo O. , Adedokun Afeez D. , Lakehinde Olawale A. , Lasisi Sodiq O. , Suleiman Muhammad R. , Iyiola Jamiu D. , Daramola James O.
Published: December 2018

Contents

Comparative effect of slow and rapid freezing on sperm functional attributes and oxidative stress parameters of goat spermatozoa cryopreserved with tiger nut milk (TNM) extender was examined in this study. Pooled semen samples obtained from West African Dwarf (WAD) goat bucks were diluted with Tris‐based extenders containing different levels ofTNM(0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ml/100 ml extender). The diluted semen samples were subjected to slow and rapid freezing for a period of 7 days and thereafter evaluated for sperm functional attributes (percentage motility, acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, abnormality and livability) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA] concentration and acrosin activity) parameters. Results showed that higher (p < 0.05) motility, livability, membrane and acrosome integrities in semen cryopreserved with slow freezing compared to rapid freezing. These parameters (motility, livability and membrane integrity) were higher (p < 0.05) in semen cryopreserved with 15%TNMin both slow and rapid freezing protocols. The results revealed that semen cryopreserved in slow freezing had lower (p < 0.05) abnormality compared to rapid freezing. Acrosin activity was higher in slow freezing compared to rapid freezing. Acrosin activity was higher at 15%TNMin both slow and rapid freezing. Lower (p < 0.05)MDAconcentration was observed in semen cryopreserved using slow freezing compared to rapid freezing. The findings revealed improved post‐thaw sperm functional attributes and oxidative stress parameters ofWADgoat spermatozoa cryopreserved with 15%TNMusing slow freezing.
Healthcare professionals’ perspective on how to promote older couples’ participation in everyday life when using respite care
Authors: Riekkola Jenni , Rutberg Stina , Lilja Margareta , Isaksson Gunilla
Published: December 2018

Aims

The aim is to describe healthcare professionals’ perspectives on how they understand and promote older couples’ participation in everyday life when using residential respite care.

Design and Methods

Eighteen healthcare professionals with varying degrees of competence and from one residential respite care facility participated in four focus group interviews. Data were analysed through qualitative latent content analysis.

Findings

The findings revealed a broad, multifaceted view of participation and ways in which participation in everyday life is promoted by these professionals. Trustworthy relationships between professionals, spousal caregivers and clients were implicated. Promoting participation also necessitated that clients have access to meaningful activities. In addition, participation entailed an environment that supported various needs.

Conclusion

Promoting participation for older couples that are using respite care involves multifaceted perspectives that consider social–relational aspects including both the client and their spouse. Furthermore, attention is needed to the meaning a change of context between home and the respite care facility has on relationships, environments and activities in everyday life. Such an approach could benefit the couples’ shared everyday life situation and in a wider perspective, also influence their health and well‐being when ageing in place together.
Crimmigration and militarization: Policing borders in the era of social control profitability
Authors: Urbina Martin Guevara , Peña Ilse Aglaé
Published: December 2018

As no other time in U.S. history, policing involves a wide variety of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, with a unified mission of patrolling the 2,000‐mile U.S.‐Mexico border in the name of national security. As a culturally and socially diverse geographic setting, the U.S.‐Mexico border has intertwined notions of ethnicity, race, and skin color with citizenship, community safety, and national security. Invariably, this geographic, economic, political, and social boundary has the power to shape the experience of not only law enforcement officers, but also border communities. The multiple issues that exist along the U.S.‐Mexico border provide a more nuanced view of the challenges involved in patrolling the border and policing communities, while seeking to respect privacy and honor international treaties and human rights. Subsequently, with pressing shifts in demographics, police tactics, border security, and social control profitability, in the midst of globalization, the central objective of this article is to further delineate, through analysis of existing data, the dynamics of border policing in the twenty‐first century.
Tyrosine phosphorylation directs TACE into extracellular vesicles via unconventional secretion
Authors: Zhao Zhe , Kesti Tapio , Uğurlu Hasan , Baur Andreas S. , Fagerlund Riku , Saksela Kalle
Published: December 2018

When studying how HIV‐1 Nef can promote packaging of the proinflammatory transmembrane protease TACE (tumor necrosis factor‐α converting enzyme) into extracellular vesicles (EVs) we have revealed a novel tyrosine kinase‐regulated unconventional protein secretion (UPS) pathway for TACE. When TACE was expressed without its trafficking cofactor iRhom allosteric Hck activation by Nef triggered translocation of TACE into EVs. This process was insensitive to blocking of classical secretion by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi transport, and involved a distinct form of TACE devoid of normal glycosylation and incompletely processed for prodomain removal. Like most other examples of UPS this process was Golgi reassembly stacking protein (GRASP)‐dependent but was not associated with ER stress. These data indicate that Hck‐activated UPS provides an alternative pathway for TACE secretion that can bypass iRhom‐dependent ER to Golgi transfer, and suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation might have a more general role in regulating UPS.
Restorative Justice in Cordillera Administrative Region: Tradition and Praxis towards a Peace Process Model
Authors: Eduardo Jesster Pasule
Published: December 2018

The study assessed the peace processes under the concept of Restorative Justice in Cordillera Administrate Region (CAR). Restorative Justice (RJ) is a means to heal, not punish, the harm caused by one person to another. It is a process which allows the harmed party to participate in the decisions which are made to heal the harm caused them. The study used the Individual Positivism Theory to analyze the use of RJ in CAR. Through Descriptive Survey Method, the level of attainment of the goals and objectives of peace processes was measured based on the responses of the three groups of respondents in the study namely: (a) Stakeholders (victims, complainants, respondents, witnesses, and the community); (b) Barangay Peace and Order Council (BPOC) (Lupong Tagapamayapa chaired by the Punong Barangay [Barangay Officials] and Council of Elders); and (c) PNP organic personnel. Hence, study showed that RJ through indigenous method of conflict resolution played a significant role in preserving Unity, Peace and Order, and Justice in the community most especially among families, relatives, or clans in CAR.
Laminar Forced Convection in Transversely Corrugated Microtubes
Authors: Talay Akyildiz F. , Siginer Dennis A.
Published: December 2018

Forced convection heat transfer in fully developed laminar flow in transversely corrugated tubes is investigated for nonuniform but constant wall heat flux as well as for constant wall temperature. Epitrochoid conformal mapping is used to map the flow domain onto the unit circle in the computational domain. The governing equations are solved in the computational domain analytically. An exact analytical solution for the temperature field is derived together with closed form expressions for bulk temperature and Nusselt number for the case of the constant heat flux at the wall. A variable coefficient Helmholtz eigenvalue problem governs the case of the constant wall temperature. A novel semi-analytical solution based on the spectral Galerkin method is introduced to solve the Helmholtz equation. The solution in both constant wall heat flux and constant wall temperature case is shown to collapse onto the well-known results for the circular straight tube for zero waviness.
Performance and Emission Analysis of Partially Premixed Charge Compression Ignition Combustion
Authors: Srivatsa Charu Vikram , Mattson Jonathan , Depcik Christopher
Published: December 2018

In order to investigate the performance and emissions behavior of a high compression ratio compression ignition (CI) engine operating in partially premixed charge compression ignition (PPCI) mode, a series of experiments were conducted using a single-cylinder engine with a high-pressure rail fuel injection system. This included a moderately advanced direct injection strategy to attempt PPCI combustion under low load conditions by varying the injection timing between 25 deg and 35 deg before top dead center (BTDC) in steps of 2.5 deg. Furthermore, during experimentation the fuel injection pressure, engine speed, and engine torque were kept constant. Performance parameters and emissions were measured and analyzed using a zero-dimensional heat release model. Compared to the baseline conventional 12.5 deg BTDC injection, in-cylinder pressure and temperature were higher at advanced timings for all load conditions considered. Additionally, NOx, PM, CO, and total hydrocarbon (THC) were higher than conventional results at the 0.5 N·m load condition. While PM emissions were lower, and CO and THC emissions were comparable to conventional injection results at the 1.5 N·m load condition between 25 deg and 30 deg BTDC, NOx emissions were relatively high. Hence, there was limited success in beating the NOx-PM trade-off. Moreover, since the start of combustion (SOC) occurred BTDC, the resulting higher peak combustion pressures restricted the operating condition to lower loads. As a result, further investigation including exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and/or variance in fuel cetane number (CN) is required to achieve PPCI in a high compression ratio CI engine.
An Approach to Integrate Commonality and Product Family Design With Inventory Decisions
Authors: Takai Shun
Published: December 2018

Commonality, or the use of the same components among products in a product family, has been considered an effective approach to design a product family. By implementing commonality, a firm can reduce the number of distinct components, component inventory, and inventory cost. However, product design may change and product cost may increase due to using common components that may require different interface conditions and be more expensive than the initially considered components. While the benefits and challenges are well recognized, simultaneous optimization of commonality, product family design, and inventory decisions has not been comprehensively studied. In this paper, we present an approach to integrate commonality, product family design, and inventory decisions by incorporating inventory-related costs in the profit formula. In the proposed approach, (1) commonality matrix is defined to assign product demands to components and component costs to products, (2) continuous inventory review policy is used to calculate safety inventory, (3) joint ordering is implemented to calculate inventory-replenishment lot size and cycle inventory, and (4) cycle service level (CSL) and expected number of component shortage per replenishment cycle (ESC) are utilized to calculate inventory-understock costs. The design of three beverage containers is used as an illustrative example to demonstrate the proposed approach, and sensitivity analysis is performed to contrast commonality and product family design of the three beverage containers with and without incorporating inventory decisions.
Employing Knowledge on Causal Relationship to Assist Multidisciplinary Design Optimization
Authors: Wu Di , Coatanea Eric , Wang G. Gary
Published: December 2018

With the increasing design dimensionality, it is more difficult to solve multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) problems. Many MDO decomposition strategies have been developed to reduce the dimensionality. Those strategies consider the design problem as a black-box function. However, practitioners usually have certain knowledge of their problem. In this paper, a method leveraging causal graph and qualitative analysis is developed to reduce the dimensionality of the MDO problem by systematically modeling and incorporating the knowledge about the design problem into optimization. Causal graph is created to show the input–output relationships between variables. A qualitative analysis algorithm using design structure matrix (DSM) is developed to automatically find the variables whose values can be determined without resorting to optimization. According to the impact of variables, an MDO problem is divided into two subproblems, the optimization problem with respect to the most important variables, and the other with variables of lower importance. The novel method is used to solve a power converter design problem and an aircraft concept design problem, and the results show that by incorporating knowledge in form of causal relationship, the optimization efficiency is significantly improved.
A Framework for Risk-Based Integrity Assessment of Unpiggable Pipelines Subject to Internal Corrosion
Authors: Melo Carlos , Dann Markus R. , Hugo Ronald J. , Janeta Alberto
Published: December 2018

Many pipelines are unpiggable, which means they cannot be examined by in-line inspections (ILI). Existing industry practice for integrity assessment of unpiggable pipelines is not risk based, which precludes optimal allocation of inspection and maintenance resources. A framework for risk-based integrity assessment of unpiggable pipelines subject to internal corrosion is presented. The framework considers localized corrosion and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) by combining flow and corrosion analysis for probability and consequence analysis as part of a quantitative risk analysis. Primary results of the application of the proposed framework show that it is applicable and beneficial for inspection and maintenance cost optimization.
Stream biasing by different induction sequences: Evaluating stream capture as an account of the segregation-promoting effects of constant-frequency inducers
Authors: Rajasingam Saima L. , Summers Robert J. , Roberts Brian
Published: December 2018

Stream segregation for a test sequence comprising high-frequency (H) and low-frequency (L) pure tones, presented in a galloping rhythm, is much greater when preceded by a constant-frequency induction sequence matching one subset than by an inducer configured like the test sequence; this difference persists for several seconds. It has been proposed that constant-frequency inducers promote stream segregation by capturing the matching subset of test-sequence tones into an on-going, pre-established stream. This explanation was evaluated using 2-s induction sequences followed by longer test sequences (12–20 s). Listeners reported the number of streams heard throughout the test sequence. Experiment 1 used LHL– sequences and one or other subset of inducer tones was attenuated (0–24 dB in 6-dB steps, and ∞). Greater attenuation usually caused a progressive increase in segregation, towards that following the constant-frequency inducer. Experiment 2 used HLH– sequences and the L inducer tones were raised or lowered in frequency relative to their test-sequence counterparts (ΔfI = 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 × ΔfT). Either change greatly increased segregation. These results are concordant with the notion of attention switching to new sounds but contradict the stream-capture hypothesis, unless a “proto-object” corresponding to the continuing subset is assumed to form during the induction sequence.
Chapter 4: Studying Recruitment and Retention in PETE: Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
Authors: Richards K. Andrew R. , Killian Chad M. , Graber Kim C. , Kern Ben D.
Published: December 2018

The preceding chapters of this monograph have served to situate the study of physical education teacher education recruitment and retention within relevant literature and theory. This chapter outlines the sequential explanatory design methods, whereby participants in an online survey were selected using stratified random sampling to participate in follow-up interviews. The chapter opens with an overview of participant identification and recruitment. Participants were program coordinators drawn from a database that included contact information for physical education teacher education faculty members working at colleges and universities across the United States. Next, the participants in the quantitative and qualitative elements of the study are described, with attention to both individual and institutional factors. Survey design and content validity are discussed, as well as the development of a qualitative interview guide. The chapter concludes with a discussion of quantitative and qualitative data analysis strategies used to support the results presented in the subsequent chapters.
Chapter 7: Retention in PETE: Survey Results and Discussion
Authors: Richards K. Andrew R. , Graber Kim C.
Published: December 2018

Background/Purpose: Teacher educators must help students overcome faulty beliefs they developed through acculturation while also retaining highly qualified candidates through to graduation. This aspect of this study sought to understand physical education teacher education program coordinators’ perspectives about their role in the process of student retention.Method: Participants included physical education teacher education program coordinators who completed an online survey as detailed in Chapter 4. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with attention to differences across Carnegie Classification.Results: There was relative alignment between the perceived effectiveness of recruitment strategies and the extent to which they were employed. There was also a preference for strategies that develop relationships among students. Limited differences were noted across Carnegie Classifications.Discussion/Conclusion: Physical education doctoral programs should prepare future faculty members to serve retention roles, but complete retention of students whose beliefs do not align with best practice may not be desirable.
After the CRISPR-Cas9 cut: Predicting generated mutations
Authors: Attenello Frank J.
Published: December 2018

Analysis of synthetic guide RNA targets yields prediction algorithms for expected mutations following genome editing.
A lncRNA that regulates cholesterol homeostasis
Authors: Houtkooper Riekelt
Published: December 2018

The primate-specific long noncoding RNA CHROME regulates cholesterol metabolism through its interaction with specific microRNAs.
Single-Center Evaluation of the Pharmacokinetics of WCK 5222 (Cefepime-Zidebactam Combination) in Subjects with Renal Impairment
Authors: Preston Richard A. , Mamikonyan Grigor , DeGraff Stephane , Chiou James , Kemper Christopher J. , Xu Allan , Mastim Mushtaque , Yeole Ravindra , Chavan Rajesh , Patel Anasuya , Friedland H. David , Bhatia Ashima
Published: December 2018

WCK 5222 is a novel β-lactam–β-lactam-enhancer combination of cefepime (FEP) and zidebactam (ZID). ZID is a novel β-lactam enhancer with a dual action of binding to Gram-negative penicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP2) and β-lactamase inhibition.