bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-molecule live cell imaging of Rep reveals the dynamic interplay between an accessory replicative helicase and the replisome
Authors: Syeda Aisha , Wollman Adam J. M. , Hargreaves Alex , Brüning Janny G. , McGlynn Peter , Leake Mark C.
Published: September 2018

DNA replication requires strategies to cope with nucleoprotein barriers that impair the efficient translocation of the replisome. Biochemical and genetic studies indicate accessory helicases play essential roles in continuity of replication in the presence of nucleoprotein barriers, but how they operate in the native cellular environment is unclear. With high-speed single-molecule microscopy we determine the dynamic patterns of localization of genomically-encoded fluorescent protein constructs of the bacterial accessory helicase Rep and core replisome protein DnaQ in liveE. colicells. We demonstrate that Rep colocalizes with 70% of replication forks. Colocalisation is dependent upon interaction with replicative helicase DnaB, with an underlying hexameric stoichiometry of Rep indicating maximal occupancy of the single DnaB hexamer within the replisome. We find that Rep associates dynamically with the replisome with an average dwell time of 6.5 ms dependent on ATP hydrolysis, indicating rapid binding then translocation away from the fork. We also imaged the PriC replication restart factor given the known Rep-PriC functional interaction and observe Rep-replisome association is also dependent on the presence of PriC. Our findings suggest two Rep-replisome populationsin vivo:one involving Rep continually associating with DnaB then translocating away to aid nucleoprotein barrier removal ahead of the fork, another assisting PriC-dependent reloading of DnaB if replisome progression fails. These new findings reveal how a single type of helicase is recruited to the replisome to provide two independent ways of underpinning replication of protein-bound DNA, a problem that all organisms face as they replicate their genomes.

Significance statement

All organisms face the challenge of proteins bound to DNA acting as barriers to prevent DNA replication. We have performed fluorescence imaging experiments on living bacteria to track the positions of the replication machinery, a protein called Rep which is involved in removing these barriers, and a protein called PriC believed to be involved with reloading the replication machinery if the original replication machinery breaks down. We find that Rep is very dynamic with continual binding and movement away from the replication machinery. Association with the replication machinery depends on both binding to the replication machinery directly and on PriC. Thus Rep can circumvent barriers in two independent ways: a strategy which may be relevant to all organisms.
Propeller thrust force contribution to airplane longitudinal stability
Authors: Milenković-Babić Miodrag
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present the new information about propeller thrust force contribution to airplane longitudinal stability analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The method presented in this paper is empirical, shows how propeller thrust force derivative can be obtained and gives some additional information about misinterpretation of the propeller thrust effects that are present in the current literature.

Findings

New information about propeller thrust force contribution to airplane longitudinal stability analysis has been presented. This information should enable more precise insight in aircraft stability analysis and better understanding of the physical process that occurs during maneuver flight.

Practical implications

The information presented in this paper is new and specific to the propeller aircraft configuration. The methods used here are standard procedure to evaluating propeller thrust force derivative.

Originality/value

The information in this paper presents theoretical results. The method for calculating thrust force contribution to the airplane longitudinal stability is given depending on the propeller type and should enable good engineering results.
Leadership and public financial management reforms in Jamaica
Authors: Gatchair Sonia D.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the utility of complex adaptive leadership to public financial management reforms in Jamaica and provide insights to advance theoretical perspectives on leadership in public organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is qualitative and adopts a case study approach with data collected using document analyses and interviews.

Findings

The study highlights that leaders need to both drive and respond to directional forces and environmental pressures, which require them to balance or oscillate between leader and follower roles, and even demonstrate both simultaneously in order to achieve change successfully.

Practical implications

In developing states faced with technical and adaptive challenges, the inputs of followers assume greater importance as they are integral to innovation and flexibility needed for problem solving. Communication, negotiation, bargaining and teamwork are critical skills that must be included in the repertoire of leadership and followership training.

Originality/value

The study connects leadership to pubic finance, fiscal decision-making, and reforms to public fiscal systems in a small developing state, Jamaica. The paper highlights that increased attention to the context is necessary, especially in participatory democracies, which demand responsiveness to powerful or influential interests, reduce autonomy and give rise to unclear organizational boundaries and hierarchies. It establishes a nexus between adaptive leadership and social identity theories, which demonstrate the emergence, contribution, and importance of group identities to distributed leadership. The roles of leadership and followership can interchange, which increases the fluidity and dynamism of the leadership process.
Team based communication and the healthcare communication space
Authors: Cornett Janet Alexandra , Kuziemsky Craig
Published: September 2018

Purpose

While previous studies have described structural, process and social aspects of the healthcare communication space there is no overall model of it. Such a model is an essential first step to improving the operationalization and management of healthcare communication. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a case study approach to study team-based communication on a palliative care unit. Non-participant observation, interviews and documents were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings

The analysis developed an overall model of the healthcare communication space that consists of five stages: purpose, practices and workflows, structures, implementation, and the development of common ground to support team-based communication. The authors’ findings emphasized that implicit communication remains a predominant means of communication and workflow issues at the individual level are a frequent cause of unnecessary group communication tasks.

Originality/value

To improve team-based communication we first need to develop protocols that support team communication needs such as loop closing of group communication tasks in order to minimize unnecessary individual communication tasks. We also need to develop common ground at the protocol, document and terminology levels as part of supporting team-based communication.
Unintended habitat loss on private land from grazing restrictions on public rangelands
Authors: Runge Claire A. , Plantinga Andrew J. , Larsen Ashley E. , Naugle David E. , Helmstedt Kate J. , Polasky Stephen , Donnelly J. Patrick , Smith Joseph T. , Lark Tyler J. , Lawler Joshua J. , Martinuzzi Sebastian , Fargione Joe
Published: September 2018

Management of public lands, and who should have access to them, is often contentious. Most ranches in the western US rely upon seasonal grazing access to public lands, and conflict over biodiversity management has led to proposals to restrict grazing access on public lands. We evaluate whether grazing restrictions on public rangelands could have the unintended effect of increasing the conversion of private rangeland to cropland, causing habitat loss for sage‐grouse, a species of conservation concern.

Using a model parameterized with empirical observations of land use change and ranch versus cropland profitability, we explore how changes to public lands grazing policy could affect ranch profitability and consequently land use on private lands across the western US.

We predict that restricting grazing of public lands by 50% would result in the loss of an additional 171,400 ha of sage‐grouse habitat on private lands by 2050, on top of the 842,000 ha predicted to be lost under business as usual. Most of this conversion would affect sage‐grouse mesic habitat, 75% of which occurs on private land and is vital to the species during brood rearing. Under such policy changes, we estimate that an additional 105,700 ha (3.24%) of sage‐grouse mesic habitat held on private land in the study region would be directly lost by 2050, and the cumulative area affected by fragmentation would be much higher.

By considering the human and ecological links between public and private land, we show that attempts to improve habitat on public lands via grazing restrictions could result in greater system‐wide fragmentation of sage‐grouse habitat from unintended habitat loss on private lands.

Synthesis and applications. Policy interventions on public lands can affect private landholders. Landholders' responses can result in unintended consequences, both for habitat on private land and community support for conservation. Restricting grazing on US public lands is likely to increase habitat loss on private lands and reduce community support for sage grouse conservation. Policy that manages resources on public lands while also supporting sustainable, economically viable ranching operations on private lands is a promising approach to maximizing sage grouse habitat.
Importance of functional classification in the use of carabids for the environmental risk assessment of the GE crops and other agricultural practices
Authors: Svobodová Zdeňka , Skoková Habuštová Oxana , Spitzer Lukáš , Sehnal František
Published: September 2018

Carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae) seem to be suitable bioindicators of the environmental impacts of novel agrotechnologies, including deployment of the genetically engineered (GE) crops. In this article, we describe our effort to employ carabids in the environmental risk assessment (ERA). GE maize MON88017, its near‐isogenic hybrid nontreated or treated with the soil insecticide chlorpyrifos, and two reference hybrids were used to compare three different ways how to utilize carabids in ERA. The analysis of abundance of all captured carabids or of the most abundant carabid species did not disclose any differences between the treatments. The analysis based on the categories of functional traits revealed distinct features of some treatments and proved suitable for ERA because it permitted field data transportability in spite of different species compositions. Our results indicate that GE maize has no detrimental environmental effect. On the other hand, we found significant trends toward lower abundance and lower species number (including analysis of all carabid species together) in plots treated with the insecticide, and some tendencies to higher abundance and higher species number in plots sown with the reference hybrid PR38N86. Using functional group indicators allows identification of unintended changes in ecological functions of agroecosystem and comparability across geographies. We recommend data evaluation at the level of the categories of functional traits in ERA of GE crops and other agricultural practices.
A fresh approach to the development of national alcohol guidelines
Authors: Naimi Timothy S.
Published: September 2018

Commentary to: How should we set consumption thresholds for low risk drinking guidelines? Achieving objectivity and transparency using evidence, expert judgement and pragmatism
International consensus statement on the peri‐operative management of direct oral anticoagulants in cardiac surgery
Authors: Erdoes G. , Martinez Lopez De Arroyabe B. , Bolliger D. , Ahmed A. B. , Koster A. , Agarwal S. , Boer C. , von Heymann C.
Published: September 2018

Despite current recommendations on the management of severe peri‐operative bleeding, there is no pragmatic guidance for the peri‐operative monitoring and management of cardiac surgical patients taking direct oral anticoagulants. Members of the Transfusion and Haemostasis Subcommittee of the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology, of their own volition, performed an independent systematic review of peer‐reviewed original research, review articles and case reports and developed the following consensus statement. This has been endorsed by the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology. In our opinion, most patients on direct oral anticoagulant therapy presenting for elective cardiac surgery can be safely managed in the peri‐operative period if the following conditions are fulfilled: direct oral anticoagulants have been discontinued two days before cardiac surgery, corresponding to five elimination half‐live periods; in patients with renal or hepatic impairment or a high risk of bleeding, a pre‐operative plasma level of direct oral anticoagulants has been determined and found to be below 30 ng.ml−1 (currently only valid for dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban). In cases where plasma level monitoring is not possible (e.g. assay was not available), discontinuation for 10 elimination half‐live periods (four days) is required. For FXa inhibitors, a standard heparin‐calibrated anti‐Xa level of < 0.1 IU.ml−1 should be measured, indicating sufficient reduction in the anticoagulant effect. Finally, short‐term bridging with heparin is not required in the pre‐operative period.
The seminiferous tubule caliber pattern as evaluated at high magnification during microdissection testicular sperm extraction predicts sperm retrieval in patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Caroppo E. , Colpi E. M. , Gazzano G. , Vaccalluzzo L. , Piatti E. , D'Amato G. , Colpi G. M.
Published: September 2018

Background

microTESE proved to be the gold standard surgical approach for patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA), but sperm retrieval rates (SRRs) vary considerably among centers. Some authors compared their SRRs with the pattern of seminiferous tubule caliber found at high magnification, but none provided diagnostic accuracy measures.

Objective

The present retrospective study sought to verify the diagnostic accuracy of the pattern of seminiferous tubule caliber in predicting the sperm retrieval in NOA patients.

Materials and Methods

Data from 143 infertile NOA men undergoing unilateral (64) or bilateral (79) microTESE (222 testes) were retrospectively evaluated. During microTESE, if present, dilated tubules (DTs) were retrieved, otherwise tubules with slightly larger caliber (SDT) (×24) than that of the surroundings were removed. When no DT or SDT were found, not dilated tubules (NDTs) were excised.

Results

Spermatozoa were retrieved in 95 of 222 testes (42.8%); sperm retrieval was successful in 90% of testes with DTs, in 47% of those with SDTs, and only in 7% of those with NDTs (p < 0.0001). Stepwise binary logistic regression revealed that the combination of seminiferous tubule pattern and testis histology was significantly predictive of SSR, being able to classify 86.8% of testes, with an excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.93). The median number of spermatozoa retrieved was significantly higher in DTs compared with SDTs and NDTs.

Discussion

The results of the present study provide reliable accuracy measures in support of the relationship between seminiferous tubule caliber pattern and SSR in patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia. We are proposing for the first time that spermatozoa may be retrieved even from slightly dilated tubules in about half of cases. The pattern of tubules retrieved, together with histology, may represent an additional outcome measure of microTESE.

Conclusion

The pattern of seminiferous tubules together with testis histology predicts sperm retrieval with an excellent diagnostic accuracy.
Perioperative management of laparoscopic surgery in a patient with protein S deficiency complications: A case report
Authors: Tashiro Jo , Fujii Manato , Watanabe Yasuo , Ichinose Yuki , Kudo Masayoshi , Takenaka Yoshiharu , Yamasaki Kazuki , Masaki Yukiyoshi
Published: September 2018

Patients with protein S deficiency are prone to developing thrombosis. During laparoscopic surgery in patients with protein S deficiency, there is a risk of deep venous thromboembolism. In the present case, the patient was a 66‐year‐old man. He was diagnosed with colon cancer, and surgery was planned. Because of the presence of protein S deficiency, he required careful perioperative management for laparoscopic surgery. Surgery was successfully performed. On postoperative assessment, no thrombi were observed. Our approach of perioperative management might help in the treatment of patients with protein S deficiency.
For Humanistic Management and Against Economics
Authors: Wagner‐Tsukamoto Sigmund
Published: September 2018

The paper critiques the relationship between personalist ethics and institutional economics, and accepts that institutional economics can be difficult to reconcile with humanistic management that builds on personalist ethics. Even so the paper connects impersonalist ethics with institutional economics. On this ground, the paper demonstrates how theory and practice of personalist humanist management can lean on impersonalist ethics, i.e., institutional economics. Three pathways are laid out for such leanings. It is argued that to understand these alignments is important to improve the success of humanistic management, when a market economy context is given. The paper further contends that personalist humanistic management may imply abandoning the market economy when it positions itself in opposition to institutional economic reasoning that underpins the market economy.
Chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 1 and CXCL2 produced by tumor promote the generation of monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells
Authors: Shi Huifang , Han Xiaoqing , Sun Yingying , Shang Chao , Wei Min , Ba Xueqing , Zeng Xianlu
Published: September 2018

Accumulation of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in tumor‐bearing hosts is a hallmark of tumor‐associated inflammation, which is thought to be a barrier to immunosurveillance. Multiple factors secreted by tumor cells and tumor stromal cells are reported to be involved in promoting the expansion of MDSC. Herein, we showed that s.c. inoculation of tumor cells and i.v. injection of tumor‐conditioned medium increased the number of MDSC. Subsequent investigation elucidated that chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) and CXCL2, which were originally characterized as the chemokines of neutrophils, specifically promoted the expansion of monocytic MDSC (mo‐MDSC), a subtype of MDSC, in the presence of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor. Depletion of CXCL1 or CXCL2 in B16F10 cells or in B16F10‐bearing mice noticeably decreased the generation of mo‐MDSC in bone marrow. Moreover, we found that, in addition to the tumor cells, tumor‐infiltrated CD11b+ myeloid cells also expressed CXCL1 and CXCL2. Furthermore, CXCL1‐ and CXCL2‐induced increase of mo‐MDSC was not correlated with chemotaxis, proliferation or apoptosis of mo‐MDSC. These findings show a novel role of CXCL1 and CXCL2 in promoting mo‐MDSC generation by favoring the differentiation of bone marrow cells in tumor‐bearing conditions, which suggests that inhibition of CXCL1 and CXCL2 could decrease mo‐MDSC generation and improve host immunosurveillance.
Secondary structures transition of tau protein with intrinsically disordered proteins specific force field
Authors: Dan Aohuan , Chen Hai‐Feng
Published: September 2018

Microtubule‐associated Tau protein plays a key role in assembling microtubule and modulating the functional organization of the neuron and developing axonal morphology, growth, and polarity. The pathological Tau can aggregate into cross‐beta amyloid as one of the hallmarks for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, one of the top priorities in AD research is to figure out the structural model of Tau aggregation and to screen the inhibitors. The latest generation intrinsically disordered protein specific force field ff14IDPSFF significantly improved the distributions of heterogeneous conformations for intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). Here, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with three force fields of ff14SB, ff14IDPs, and ff14IDPSFF were employed to investigate the secondary structures transition of Tau (267–312) fragment. The results indicate that ff14IDPSFF can generate more heterogeneous conformers, and the predicted secondary structural distribution is closer to that of the experimental observation. In addition, predicted secondary chemical shifts from ff14IDPSFF are the most approach to those of experiment. Secondary structures transition kinetics for Tau(267–312) with ff14IDPSFF shows that the secondary structures were gradually transformed from α‐helix to β‐strand and the β‐strand located at the regions of the residues 274–280 and residues 305–311. Besides, the driving force for the secondary structures transition of Tau(267–312) is mainly hydrophobic interactions which located at hexa‐peptides 275VQIINK280 and 306VQIVYK311. Secondary structure transition of Tau protein can give insight into the aggregation mechanism for AD.
Neighborhood Diversity and the Rise of Artist Hotspots: Exploring the Creative Class Thesis through a Neighborhood Change Lens
Authors: Graif Corina
Published: September 2018

The diversity of the U.S. urban population has increased dramatically in recent decades, yet the processes through which population diversity may be driving neighborhood change remain insufficiently understood. Building on Claude Fischer's subcultural theory of urbanism and other classic sociological insights, this article makes the case that population diversity shapes the character of place and drives the spatial clustering of artists and art organizations. Contributing to recent debates on Richard Florida's “creative class” thesis, the paper proposes a reorientation of the conceptual and analytical focus from the predominant metropolitan area level to the neighborhood level. Analyses map and examine population and organizational data from over 850 neighborhoods in Chicago over two decades and spatially model neighborhood change. The results indicate that neighborhood diversity predicts over time an intensification of the creative scene, as reflected in rising hotspots of artists and nonprofit art organizations.
Neighborhoods as Arenas of Conflict in the Neoliberal City: Practices of Boundary Making between “Us” and “Them”
Authors: Mendez Maria–Luisa
Published: September 2018

This paper is concerned with processes of place making among middle class residents in Santiago de Chile, and focuses on the ways in which neighborhood groups seek to receive heritage status for their areas of residence, as a way to contest the demolition of houses in order to build high–rise buildings. I focus on the tensions inherent in reconciling a critical view of neoliberal residential politics with a securing of their individual or family class position. I bring together debates and evidence about social and spatial boundary making with analysis of strategies of reproduction of class position. The paper focuses on intraclass symbolic boundaries in place making and the local politics and practices involved, by addressing the relationship of the middle classes to territory and their place in the contemporary city (Andreotti et al. 2014; Bacqué et al. 2015; Bridge et al. 2012; Brown–Saracino 2009; Zukin 2010). I discuss data obtained from research in five inner–city urban Santiago neighborhoods involving a mix of sources: in depth interviews, nonparticipant observation, content analysis of CMN legal texts, and copies of the files prepared by neighborhood activists.
Snoring sound energy as a potential biomarker for disease severity and surgical response in childhood obstructive sleep apnoea: A pilot study
Authors: Lu Chun‐Ting , Li Hsueh‐Yu , Lee Guo‐She , Huang Yu‐Shu , Huang Chung‐Guei , Chen Ning‐Hung , Lee Li‐Ang
Published: September 2018

Objective

To investigate the relationship between baseline snoring sound energy (SSE) and disease severity, changes in SSE after adenotonsillectomy, and the predictors of surgical success in children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary referral medical centre.

Participants

Thirty‐two children with OSA whose apnoea‐hypopnoea index ≥5 or apnoea‐hypopnoea index ≥1.5 with OSA comorbidities were recruited. Patients with complicated OSA were excluded. All participants underwent snoring sound analysis, polysomnography, and adenotonsillectomy.

Main outcome measures

Snoring sound energy and apnoea‐hypopnoea index were assessed at baseline and 6 months after adenotonsillectomy. Surgical success was defined as a postoperative apnoea‐hypopnoea index <1.5.

Results

The median age, body mass index, and apnoea‐hypopnoea index was 9 years, 19.0 kg/m2, and 13.2 events/h, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that a baseline tonsil size of IV (odds ratio 15.7 [95% CI: 1.5‐166.3]) and SSE of 801‐1000 Hz > 21.9 dB (odds ratio 32.3 [95% CI: 2.6‐396.6]) were significantly related to severe OSA. Following adenotonsillectomy, apnoea‐hypopnoea index decreased significantly (P < 0.001). SSE of 41‐200 Hz, 201‐400 Hz and 801‐1000 Hz also decreased significantly (P = 0.04, 0.01 and 0.006, respectively). Baseline SSE of 801‐1000 Hz < 8.5 dB significantly predicted surgical success (odds ratio 11.0 [95% CI: 1.4‐85.2]).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the potential utility of SSE of 801‐1000 Hz to screen for severe OSA, predict surgical success and assess therapeutic outcomes. Specific baseline SSE may represent a potential biomarker for childhood OSA.
A 20‐year observational cohort of a 5 million patient population—Tonsillectomy rates in the context of two national policy changes
Authors: Douglas Catriona M. , Altmyer Ursula , Cottom Laura , Young David , Redding Penelope , Clark Louise J.
Published: September 2018

Aim

(a) To report national trends for tonsillectomy, tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess and deep neck space infection in secondary care. (b) To report national trends in sore throat consultations in primary care. (c) To report national trends in antibiotic prescribing in both primary and secondary care between 2011 and 2015.

Design

Retrospective nationwide cohort study. Data requested from Information Statistics Department (ISD) Scotland for tonsillectomy, tonsillitis admissions, peritonsillar abscess admissions and deep neck space infection (DNSI) admissions in Scotland, between 1993/94 and 2015/16. Data for antibiotic prescriptions in general practice and hospital admissions between 2011 and 2015.

Setting

Scottish ENT departments and GP practices.

Participants

Scottish patients who underwent tonsillectomy or were admitted to hospital with tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess or deep neck space infection. Scottish patients that attended their GP with tonsillitis.

Results

Tonsillectomy rates between 1993/94 and 2015/16 decreased by 48% (P < 0.001). Over the same time period, there has been a corresponding 136% increase in tonsillitis admission (P < 0.001) and a 167% increase in peritonsillar abscess admissions, (P < 0.001). Between 1996/97 and 2015/16, there was a 500% increase in deep neck space abscesses (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

There has been a significant decrease in tonsillectomy rates over the past two decades. Over the same time period, there has been a significant increase in admissions to secondary care with tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess and deep neck space infection. These changes have happened in the context of two separate national policies being introduced—Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) guidelines for management of sore throat and the Scottish Reduction in Antibiotic Prescribing.
Health‐related quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes participating in the LEADER trial
Authors: Nauck Michael A. , Buse John B. , Mann Johannes F. E. , Pocock Stuart , Bosch‐Traberg Heidrun , Frimer‐Larsen Helle , Ye Qing , Gray Alastair ,   LEADER Publication Committee for the LEADER Trial Investigators
Published: September 2018

Aims

To assess health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) participating in the LEADER cardiovascular outcomes trial using the five‐dimension European Quality of Life questionnaire (EQ‐5D).

Materials and methods

The EQ‐5D was administered every 12 months in a subset of patients from Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. We compared changes in utility index scores and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores from baseline to 36 months in participants treated with liraglutide and placebo. We also assessed which complications had the greatest impact on quality of life.

Results

At 36 months, less deterioration in EQ‐5D utility index score was seen in the liraglutide group (−0.058) than in the placebo group (−0.082; estimated treatment difference [ETD] 0.023, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.004;0.043; P = 0.020). A smaller decrease in EQ‐5D VAS score was also demonstrated in the liraglutide group (−3.51) vs. the placebo group (−5.45; ETD 1.94, 95% CI 0.32;3.57; P = 0.019). The benefits of liraglutide treatment compared with placebo were driven primarily by shifts in the domains of mobility and self‐care. The most influential events contributing to poorer HRQoL were stroke, heart failure, malignant neoplasm and confirmed hypoglycaemia.

Conclusions

Liraglutide demonstrated a modest but significant benefit in patient‐reported health status using the EQ‐5D, compared with placebo. This benefit may be of clinical relevance and requires further study.
Pulmonary artery aneurysm secondary to patent arterial duct and infection: A case report and review
Authors: Zhang Li , Li Yuman , Lv Qing , Yuan Li
Published: September 2018

Pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) are very rare condition. In this paper, we report a case of a twenty‐year‐old female patient with the aneurysm of the pulmonary trunk secondary to the patent arterial duct (PDA) and infection. Diagnosis of PAA was confirmed by echocardiography. The pulmonary artery computed tomographic angiography also revealed the aneurysm and drawn a similar conclusion as echo did. The patient underwent surgery of ligation of PDA and PAA aneurysmectomy repairing with pericardium graft.
Moving beyond the shrimp farm: Spaces of shared environmental risk?
Authors: Bottema Mariska J. M. , Bush Simon R. , Oosterveer Peter
Published: September 2018

Key environmental challenges faced by the aquaculture sector demonstrate that aquaculture production is not isolated from the surrounding environment, and we see a policy shift towards area‐based approaches. However, without an understanding of the farmer's perspective, there is a danger of misrepresenting how farm‐level practices relate to area‐based approaches and to environmental risk management. This paper empirically examines how individual aquaculture farmers interpret and manage environmental risks and the extent to which they operate beyond the boundaries of their farms. The analysis is based on a comparison between intensive aquaculture farmers in Kung Krabaen Bay, Thailand, representing an area of closed production systems; and a mixture of integrated mangrove shrimp and extensive shrimp farmers in Kien Vang Forest, Vietnam, representing an area of open production systems. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews and participatory mapping. The spatial configuration of environmental risk management in both areas demonstrated a focus on the farm. Though farmers did recognise off‐farm risks, this did not result in collectively practised risk management strategies at a broad landscape scale. These observations demonstrate the need to rethink the development of area‐based approaches for both closed and open systems. Instead of the designation of aquaculture zones or all‐encompassing integrated landscape models of area‐based management, the findings suggest an alternative model. This third way of conceptualising spatial models of area‐based aquaculture management is based on a nested set of areas within a landscape defined by the socio‐spatial extent of farmer networks within which the interpretation of risk is homogeneous.
Dissolution behavior of SiO2 in the molten blast furnace slags
Authors: Tian Tielei , Zhang Yuzhu , Zhang Haihui , Zhang Kaixuan , Li Jie , Wang Hui
Published: September 2018

The kinetics of SiO2 dissolving in the molten blast furnace slags at 1743‐1803 K was studied using a High Temperature Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy (HT‐CSLM), and then the effects of temperature, MgO and Al2O3 on the SiO2 dissolution were clarified in this study. The experiment results showed that the dissolution process is controlled by the solute diffusion in the slag. The SiO2 dissolution rate could be accelerated by increasing the temperature. Moreover, the SiO2 dissolution rate is the fastest in the slag with 11.0 pct MgO when the MgO varies between 7.0 and 13.0 pct. The SiO2 dissolution rate is the fastest in the slag with 18.0 pct Al2O3 when the Al2O3 varies between 14.0 and 20.0 pct. The effects of temperature, MgO and Al2O3 on the SiO2 dissolution rate could be indicated by a simple expression (csat−cb)/η that a larger of (csat−cb)/η is associated with the faster SiO2 dissolution rate, where (csat−cb) is the difference between the concentration of SiO2 in the saturated slag and in the bulk of slag, and η is the slag viscosity.
Highly efficient preparation of free all‐trans‐astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis extract by a rapid biocatalytic method based on crude extracellular enzyme extract
Authors: Gao Xinwei , Sun Jianan , Liu Zhen , Huang Wen‐Can , Secundo Francesco , Zhao Yuanhui , Xue Changhu , Mao Xiangzhao
Published: September 2018

A highly efficient, rapid, green and safe procedure for the preparation of free all‐trans‐astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis algal extract, by a crude extracellular enzyme extract, was reported. The free all‐trans‐astaxanthin obtained by the biocatalysed method had fewer side products compared to the saponification procedure. Through single‐factor experiments and a Box–Behnken design, it was possible to find the optimal biocatalytic conditions for the hydrolysis of 2 mg of H. pluvialis oil with 14.7 mg (protein content) of lyophilised crude extracellular enzyme extract obtained from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The reaction was carried out in 30 min at pH 9.16 and 36 °C, in 5.5 mL total reaction volume, under nitrogen atmosphere and dark conditions. The hydrolysis ratio of the astaxanthin esters was 98.72%, and the production of free all‐trans‐astaxanthin was 82.83 μg per mg of H. pluvialis oil. The method herein reported was simpler than other enzymatic methods previously described and allowed saving of time and costs.
Estimation of Randomisation Mean Square Error in Small Area Estimation
Authors: Pfeffermann Danny , Ben‐Hur Dano
Published: September 2018

In this article, we propose a new method for estimating the randomisation (design‐based) mean squared error (DMSE) of model‐dependent small area predictors. Analogously to classical survey sampling theory, the DMSE considers the finite population values as fixed numbers and accounts for the MSE of small area predictors over all possible sample selections. The proposed method models the true DMSE as computed for synthetic populations and samples drawn from them, as a function of known statistics and then applies the model to the original sample. Several simulation studies for the linear area‐level model and the unit‐level mixed logistic model illustrate the performance of the proposed method and compare it with the performance of other DMSE estimators proposed in the literature.
Electrocaloric behavior and piezoelectric effect in relaxor NaNbO3‐based ceramics
Authors: Tao Hong , Yang Junlin , Lv Xiang , Hao Xihong , Wu Jiagang
Published: September 2018

We firstly reported the electrocaloric properties in relaxor (1−x−y)NaNbO3–yBaTiO3–xCaZrO3 ceramics, and high electrocaloric effect (∆T ~0.451 K and∣∆T/∆E∣~0.282 Km/MV) can be realized in the ceramics (x = 0.04 and y = 0.10) under low temperature and low electric field. Relaxor behavior of NaNbO3 ceramics can be found by doping both BaTiO3 and CaZrO3. In addition, optimized piezoelectric effects (d33 ~235 pC/N and d33* ~230 pm/V) can be observed in the ceramics (x = 0.04 and y = 0.10) due to the involved morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). Excellent piezoelectric effect (ie, d33~330 pm/V at 41°C, and d33*~332 pm/V at 60°C) can be found because of the characteristics of MPB. Good temperature reliability of piezoelectric effect can be shown because of both MPB and relaxor behavior. We believe that the ceramics with high electrocaloric effect and good piezoelectric effect can be considered as one of the most promising lead‐free materials for piezoelectric devices.
Polyhedral distortion control of unusual photoluminescence color tuning in garnet phosphors via cation substitution
Authors: Zheng Yaling , Zhuang Weidong , Xu Huibin , Chen Mingyue , Li Yanfeng , Xing Xianran , Liu Ronghui , Liu Yuanhong , Zhou Yunan , Gao Tongyu
Published: September 2018

Controllable luminescence properties for phosphors can be realized through optimum composition design and structural tuning. The local microstructural evolutions and luminescent properties of Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ via the substitution of the cations Ga3+/Sc3+ for Al3+ are investigated. The emission spectrum of Y3Al2−xGaxAl3O12:Ce3+ has a blueshift from 559 to 531 nm with the substitution Ga3+ for Al3+. This outcome can be attributed to a lengthened Ce–O bond, which leads to a smaller crystal splitting. In the above ending composition Y3Ga2Al3O12:Ce3+, an unusual redshift from 531 to 545 nm can be observed by further replacing Ga3+ with the larger Sc3+. Combining first‐principles calculations and the position of energy level analysis, introduced Sc3+ into Y3Al5O12 lattices can cause a sharp increase in (Ce–O8) polyhedron distortion, leading to a larger additional distorted crystal‐field splitting of eg, levels compared to that of Ga3+ dopant. Moreover, a relatively larger electronegativity of Sc3+ can enhance the nephelauxetic effect and further lower the lowest 5d level. These two factors are responsible for the unusual redshift. A formula was generalized to describe the polyhedral distortion that can explain the unusual redshift very well. This work gives a clear relationship between the composition, structure and photoluminescent properties in garnet‐type phosphors and provides a guide for targeted optimization of photoluminescent properties in other systems.
Silica foams with ultra‐large specific surface area structured by hollow mesoporous silica spheres
Authors: Huo Wen‐Long , Zhang Xiaoyan , Hu Zunlan , Chen Yugu , Wang Yali , Yang Jinlong
Published: September 2018

Ceramic foams with multi‐scale pores and large specific surface area have received extensive attention due to their unique structure and superior properties. Considering that there are still challenges to synthesize porous ceramics with large specific surface area, a novel ceramic foam material with ultra‐large specific surface area has been prepared using hollow silica mesoporous spheres (HMSSs) as building block in this work. These building blocks were made weakly hydrophobic in order to produce HMSS particle stabilized foams. The foams exhibit a uniform primary macropore structure, which is composed of a three dimensional HMSS‐assembled network, via HMSS‐stabilized foams. The influence of sintering temperature on the microstructure and properties of HMSS foams is investigated. The HMSS foams exhibit highest specific surface area of 1733 m2/g, attributed to the radial mesopores in HMSS shell, when sintered at between 500°C and 800°C. This specific surface area is much higher than that of existing ceramic materials. The uniform pore structure and ultra‐large specific surface area make it a promising lightweight material in potential application fields, including catalyst, adsorption, fire‐resistant thermal insulation, and load and control release system.
Association between hypertension and cognitive function: A cross‐sectional study in people over 45 years old in China
Authors: Wei Jiate , Yin Xin , Liu Qi , Tan Libo , Jia Chongqi
Published: September 2018

This cross‐sectional study aimed to evaluate the associations of characteristics of hypertension, including hypertension status, duration, blood pressure (BP), and pulse pressure (PP), with two cognitive functions—episodic memory and executive function, in people aged over 45 years. Using 2013 survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and weighted multiple linear regression, data from 6,732 participants were utilized. After fully adjusted in full sample, a significantly (P < 0.05) negative association was found between treated but uncontrolled hypertension and cognition. In people aged 45‐59 years, there was no significant association between hypertension and cognition. However, in people aged ≥60 years, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and PP showed significantly adverse correlations to cognition. The negative association of untreated, treated but uncontrolled hypertension, and elevated PP with cognition increased with aging. In conclusion, this study shows the correlation between hypertension and cognition was age‐dependent with greater correlation in older people; uncontrolled hypertension and PP may be used as predictors of the cognitive decline in people ≥75 years.
Beta‐blocker subtypes and risk of low birth weight in newborns
Authors: Duan Lewei , Ng Angie , Chen Wansu , Spencer Hillard T. , Lee Ming‐Sum
Published: September 2018

Beta‐blockers are one of the most commonly prescribed classes of antihypertensive medications during pregnancy. Previous studies reported an association between beta‐blocker exposure and intrauterine growth restriction. Whether some beta‐blocker subtypes may be associated with higher risk is not known. This is a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women exposed to beta‐blockers in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region between 2003 and 2014. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate association between exposure to different beta‐blocker agents and risk of low fetal birth weights. In a cohort of 379 238 singleton pregnancies, 4847 (1.3%) were exposed to beta‐blockers. The four most commonly prescribed beta‐blockers were labetalol (n = 3357), atenolol (n = 638), propranolol (n = 489), and metoprolol (n = 324). Mean birth weight and % low birth weight (<2500 g) were 2926 ± 841 g and 24.4% for labetalol, 3058 ± 748 g and 18.0% for atenolol, 3163 ± 702 g and 13.3% for metoprolol, 3286 ± 651 g and 7.6% for propranolol, and 3353 ± 554 g and 5.2% for non‐exposed controls. Exposure to atenolol and labetalol were associated with increased risks of infant born small for gestational age (SGA) (atenolol: adjusted OR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.7‐3.3; labetalol: adjusted OR 2.9, 95% CI: 2.6‐3.2). Risk of SGA associated with metoprolol or propranolol exposure was not significantly different from the non‐exposed group (metoprolol: adjusted OR 1.5, 95% CI: 0.9‐2.3; propranolol: adjusted OR 1.3, 95% CI: 0.9‐1.9). Association between beta‐blocker exposure and SGA does not appear to be a class effect. Variations in pharmacodynamics and confounding by indication may explain these findings.
Diffusion of Legal Innovations: The Case of Israeli Class Actions
Authors: Engel Christoph , Klement Alon , Weinshall Keren
Published: September 2018

Under the standard model in law and economics, agents maximize expected profit subject to constraints set by legal rules. In such a model, the expected reaction to legal innovations is immediate. However, this is not what we observe after class actions have been introduced into Israeli law. For a long time, the new procedure was rarely utilized. Then, the adoption process gained momentum. We discuss alternative explanations for this phenomenon. We find that class action filings are explained not only by law firms' own litigation outcomes, but also by the available information about other firms' success, and their cumulative filing pattern. We thus explain the observed filing pattern by both individual and social learning, and cannot exclude mere social imitation.
Physiotherapy: How to work with evidence in daily practice
Authors: Snöljung Åsa , Gustafsson Lena‐Karin
Published: September 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

The concept of evidence‐based health care has gained increasing currency over the past decades; however, questions persist regarding how to overcome the gap between research and health care practice. The question arises whether this gap derives from a true knowledge deficit or from physiotherapists' perception of working with evidence. The aim of the current study was to illuminate changes to the meaning of working with evidence experienced by a cohort of physiotherapists following an education program.

Methods

A phenomenological hermeneutic design with open‐ended group interviews was carried out with physiotherapists who had participated in an education program about evidence and how to implement evidence‐based practice (EBP) in day‐to‐day practice.

Findings

The interviews provided descriptions of working with evidence according to three major themes: “Confidence with the concept of evidence in relation to a way of working”; “Experience of EBP as a duty to seek evidence for individual patients”; and “EBP experienced as an integrated and patient‐oriented activity”.

Conclusions

The physiotherapists' lived experiences demonstrated that the participants' perception of the concept of evidence mainly concerned a broadening of the definition of evidence, and this altered perception of evidence could interpreted as the physiotherapists viewing EBP as a more integrated and patient‐oriented activity than before.
A low cost minimally invasive adhesive alternative for maxillary central incisor replacement
Authors: Vasques Wesley F , Martins Felipe V , Magalhães José Carlos , Fonseca Edgard M.
Published: September 2018

Objective

The beneficial mechanical properties of zirconia, together with the adhesive techniques, provide a wide range of clinical applications, including the construction of thin structures and minimally invasive adhesive restorations.

Clinical Considerations

A periodontal disease‐related missing maxillary central incisor, in a pregnant patient with chronic periodontal disease in the first trimester of pregnancy, and with type II diabetes treated with resin‐bonded fixed partial denture using the missing tooth cemented to a zirconia framework and then bonded to the abutment teeth.

Conclusions

According to the systemic conditions presented in this case report, using a low‐cost technology and the missing tooth it was possible to obtain an easier and satisfactory esthetic and functional result.

Clinical Significance

The mechanical properties of zirconia made it possible to treat a pregnant patient with chronic periodontal disease in the first trimester of pregnancy, and with type II diabetes with a thin zirconia framework and minimally invasive adhesive restorations.