bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assistant principals’ perceptions of meaningful mentoring and professional development opportunities
Authors: Barnett Bruce G. , Shoho Alan R. , Okilwa Nathern S.A.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

When assistant principals experience positive mentoring and professional development, they can obtain valuable knowledge and leadership skills from these learning opportunities. To better understand the formal and informal mechanisms assistant principals use to expand their knowledge and skills, the purpose of this paper is to examine important advice mentors provided for them and the professional learning activities that prepare them for their school leadership roles.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with 69 elementary, middle, and high school assistant principals were conducted. Questions focused on the advice mentors have provided and significant learning experiences that have aided in their growth as school leaders.

Findings

Results reveal that assistant principals greatly appreciate insights from mentors about how to enhance decision-making skills, improve people and communication skills, reflect on their personal qualities and capabilities, and clarify their values and beliefs. Their preferred means for professional growth is to work with former and current administrators they trust and respect.

Originality/value

This study goes beyond examining the structural and procedural aspects of mentoring by describing highly valued advice provided by mentors affecting assistant principals’ professional development and growth. For mentoring to be effective, this study suggests that mentors should provide opportunities for assistant principals to develop their decision-making, people, and communication skills as well to clarify their personal capabilities, values, and beliefs.
Measuring postharvest losses at the farm level in Malawi
Authors: Ambler Kate , de Brauw Alan , Godlonton Susan
Published: October 2017

This article measures farm‐level postharvest losses for maize, soya and groundnuts among 1,200 households in Malawi. Farmers answered a detailed questionnaire designed to learn about losses during harvest and transport, processing and storage and which measures both complete losses and crop damage. The findings indicate that fewer than half of households report suffering losses conditional on growing each crop. Conditional on losses occurring, the loss averages between 5 and 12 per cent of the farmer's total harvest. Compared to nationally representative data that measure losses using a single survey question, this study documents a far greater percentage of farmers experiencing losses. We find that losses are concentrated in harvest and processing activities for groundnuts and maize; for soya, they are highest during processing. Existing interventions have primarily targeted storage activities; however, these results suggest that targeting other activities may be worthwhile.
Cognitive, motor, behavioural and academic performances of children born preterm: a meta‐analysis and systematic review involving 64 061 children
Authors: Allotey J , Zamora J , Cheong‐See F , Kalidindi M , Arroyo‐Manzano D , Asztalos E , van der Post JAM , Mol BW , Moore D , Birtles D , Khan KS , Thangaratinam S
Published: October 2017

Background

Preterm birth may leave the brain vulnerable to dysfunction. Knowledge of future neurodevelopmental delay in children born with various degrees of prematurity is needed to inform practice and policy.

Objective

To quantify the long‐term cognitive, motor, behavioural and academic performance of children born with different degrees of prematurity compared with term‐born children.

Search strategy

PubMed and Embase were searched from January 1980 to December 2016 without language restrictions.

Selection criteria

Observational studies that reported neurodevelopmental outcomes from 2 years of age in children born preterm compared with a term‐born cohort.

Data collection and analysis

We pooled individual estimates of standardised mean differences (SMD) and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals using a random effects model.

Main results

We included 74 studies (64 061 children). Preterm children had lower cognitive scores for FSIQ (SMD: −0.70; 95% CI: −0.73 to −0.66), PIQ (SMD: −0.67; 95% CI: −0.73 to −0.60) and VIQ (SMD: −0.53; 95% CI: −0.60 to −0.47). Lower scores for preterm children in motor skills, behaviour, reading, mathematics and spelling were observed at primary school age, and this persisted to secondary school age, except for mathematics. Gestational age at birth accounted for 38–48% of the observed IQ variance. ADHD was diagnosed twice as often in preterm children (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3–1.8), with a differential effect observed according to the severity of prematurity (I2 = 49.4%, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Prematurity of any degree affects the cognitive performance of children born preterm. The poor neurodevelopment persists at various ages of follow up. Parents, educators, healthcare professionals and policy makers need to take into account the additional academic, emotional and behavioural needs of these children.

Tweetable abstract

Adverse effect of preterm birth on a child's neurodevelopment persists up to adulthood.
Review article: A systematic review of emergency department incident classification frameworks
Authors: Murray Matthew , McCarthy Sally
Published: October 2017

As in any part of the hospital system, safety incidents can occur in the ED. These incidents arguably have a distinct character, as the ED involves unscheduled flows of urgent patients who require disparate services. To aid understanding of safety issues and support risk management of the ED, a comparison of published ED specific incident classification frameworks was performed. A review of emergency medicine, health management and general medical publications, using Ovid SP to interrogate Medline (1976–2016) was undertaken to identify any type of taxonomy or classification‐like framework for ED related incidents. These frameworks were then analysed and compared. The review identified 17 publications containing an incident classification framework. Comparison of factors and themes making up the classification constituent elements revealed some commonality, but no overall consistency, nor evolution towards an ideal framework. Inconsistency arises from differences in the evidential basis and design methodology of classifications, with design itself being an inherently subjective process. It was not possible to identify an ‘ideal’ incident classification framework for ED risk management, and there is significant variation in the selection of categories used by frameworks. The variation in classification could risk an unbalanced emphasis in findings through application of a particular framework. Design of an ED specific, ideal incident classification framework should be informed by a much wider range of theories of how organisations and systems work, in addition to clinical and human factors.
Hemodialysis Decreases the Concentration of Accumulated Plant Phenols in the Plasma of Patients on Maintenance Dialysis: Influence of Residual Renal Function
Authors: Nowak Piotr Jan , Wilk Radoslaw , Prymont‐Przyminska Anna , Zwolinska Anna , Sarniak Agata , Wlodarczyk Anna , de Graft‐Johnson Jeffrey , Mamelka Beata , Zasowska‐Nowak Anna , Bartnicki Piotr , Nowak Dariusz , Nowicki Michal
Published: October 2017

Plant phenols may accumulate in end‐stage kidney disease. The effect of hemodialysis on their plasma concentration remains poorly determined. Contingent on concentration, health‐promoting or noxious effects occur; therefore, we assessed plasma concentration in hemodialyzed patients. In total, 21 maintenance hemodialyzed patients with diuresis < 500 mL per day (with oliguria), nine hemodialyzed patients with diuresis ≥ 500 mL per day (without oliguria) and 31 healthy volunteers were included. Nine phenolic acids were identified with high‐performance liquid chromatography and total polyphenol concentration was determined with the Folin–Ciocalteu method in pre‐ or post‐hemodialysis plasma and pre‐ or intra‐hemodialysis dialysate. The concentration of total polyphenols was 27% higher in pre‐hemodialysis plasma than in that of controls (0.95 ± 0.18 mmol/L [P < 0.0001]). The concentration of total polyphenols was higher in patients with oliguria (1.01 ± 0.17) than in those without (0.84 ± 0.13 mmol/L), despite the former having more intense hemodialysis (Kt/V 1.29 ± 0.31 and 0.77 ± 0.25, respectively). Pre‐hemodialysis phenolic acid concentration in patients undergoing dialysis exceeded reference values by 3 to 34 times (3‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid and vanillic acid, respectively), from 0.69 (dihydrocaffeic acid) to 169.3 μmol/L (hippuric acid). The concentration of six phenolic acids (3‐hydroxyhippuric, caffeic, dihydrocaffeic, hippuric, homovanillic, and vanillic acid) was 1.1 (homovanillic) to 11.3 (3‐hydroxyhippuric) times higher in patients with oliguria than in those without. 4‐hydroxyhippuric acid occurred more in the plasma of patients with oliguria than in those without oliguria. A single hemodialysis session decreased total polyphenol concentration by 16% and phenolic acids from 30% (caffeic) to 58% (vanillic and 3‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid) and these compounds appeared in the dialysate. The percentage decrease (Δ%) of creatinine concentration correlated with the Δ% of total polyphenols and five phenolic acids (3‐hydroxyphenylacetic, dihydrocaffeic, hippuric, homovanillic, and vanillic acid). Urea Δ% and Kt/V correlated only with the Δ% of homovanilic acid. The results demonstrate that phenols accumulate variably in hemodialyzed patients and are differently eliminated during hemodialysis. Residual renal function ensures a lower concentration of plasma phenols.
Keeping cool: practicing domestic refrigeration and environmental responsibility
Authors: Phillips Catherine , Waitt Gordon
Published: October 2017

Domestic refrigerators have become symbols of climate change in energy efficiency campaigns; they are equipment that both permits and prohibits the performance of environmental citizenship. However, little is known about how subjectivities and practices interact, particularly with regard to questions about refrigeration and domestic energy. What might those of us interested in household sustainability learn from the relationships among refrigerators, energy, subjectivities, and practices, and from what these may reveal about environmental responsibility? We draw on data from mixed‐method qualitative research conducted with 28 households in Wollongong, Australia, and frame the analysis in terms of social practice theory, with additional attention to subjectivity. This framing helps us develop thinking about how refrigeration is done and consider whether and how things become waste by paying closer attention to the spatial imperatives underpinning these practices. It also assists us in considering how the ongoing relationships of social and material aspects of refrigeration co‐constitute a range of subjectivities. Further, our analysis advances discussions on how household practices and identities relate to public campaigns about environmental responsibility, particularly as the latter is constructed in terms of ‘energy efficiency’.
Fluid Resuscitation in Patients With Severe Burns: A Meta‐analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Kao Yuan , Loh El‐Wui , Hsu Chien‐Chin , Lin Hung‐Jung , Huang Chien‐Cheng , Chou Yun‐Yun , Lien Chieh‐Chun , Tam Ka‐Wai
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Fluid resuscitation is the mainstay treatment to reconstitute intravascular volume and maintain end‐organ perfusion in patients with severe burns. The use of a hyperosmotic or isoosmotic solution in fluid resuscitation to manage myocardial depression and increased capillary permeability during burn shock has been debated. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare the efficacies of hyperosmotic and isoosmotic solutions in restoring hemodynamic stability after burn injuries.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov registry were searched. Randomized control trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of hyperosmotic and isoosmotic fluid resuscitation in patients with burn injuries were selected. Eligible trials were abstracted and assessed for the risk of bias by two reviewers and results of hemodynamic indicators in the included trials were analyzed.

Results

Ten trials including 502 participants were published between 1983 and 2013. Compared with isoosmotic group, the hyperosmotic group exhibited a significant decrease in the fluid load (vol/% total body surface area [TBSA]/weight) at 24 hours postinjury, with a mean difference of −0.54 (95% confidence interval = −0.92 to −0.17). No differences were observed in the urine output, creatinine level, and mortality at 24 hours postinjury between groups.

Conclusions

Hyperosmotic fluid resuscitation appears to be an attractive choice for severe burns in terms of TBSA or burn depth. Further investigation is recommended before conclusive recommendation.
Letter: the outcome of ulcerative colitis patients undergoing pouch surgery may be determined by pre‐surgical factors
Authors: Ayubi E. , Safiri S.
Published: October 2017

This article is linked to Yanai et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14205 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14289.
Letter: older age and male gender increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance
Authors: Zhang X.‐Y. , Jia R.‐R. , Xiang X. , Gong W.‐F. , Xiang B.‐D. , Zhong J.‐H. , Li L.‐Q.
Published: October 2017

This article is linked to Liu et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13634.
Letter: immunogenicity of infliximab originator vs. CT‐P13 in IBD patients—authors’ reply
Authors: Komaki Y. , Yamada A. , Komaki F. , Sakuraba A.
Published: October 2017

This article is linked to Fiorino et al and Komaki et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14262 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13990.
Review article: the role of the microcirculation in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Davies T. , Wythe S. , O'Beirne J. , Martin D. , Gilbert‐Kawai E.
Published: October 2017

Background

Intrahepatic microvascular derangements and microcirculatory dysfunction are key in the development of liver cirrhosis and its associated complications. While much has been documented relating to cirrhosis and the dysfunction of the microcirculation in the liver parenchyma, far less is known about the state of the extrahepatic microcirculation and the role this may have in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure in end stage liver cirrhosis.

Aim

To provide an update on the role of the microcirculation in the pathophysiology of cirrhosis and its associated complications and briefly discuss some of the imaging techniques which may be used to directly investigate the microcirculation.

Methods

A Medline literature search was conducted using the following search terms: ‘cirrhosis’, ‘microcirculation’, ‘circulation’, ‘systemic’, ‘inflammation’, ‘peripheral’, ‘hepatorenal’ and ‘hepatopulmonary’.

Results

Significant heterogeneous microvascular alterations exist in patients with cirrhosis. Data suggest that the systemic inflammation, associated with advanced cirrhosis, induces microcirculatory dysregulation and contributes to haemodynamic derangement. The resultant vasoconstriction and hypoperfusion in the systemic extrahepatic microvasculature, is likely to be instrumental in the pathophysiology of organ failure in decompensated cirrhosis, however the mechanistic action of vasoactive agents used to correct the circulatory disturbance of advanced cirrhosis is poorly understood.

Conclusions

Further research into the role of the microcirculation in patients with liver cirrhosis, will improve physicians understanding of the pathophysiology of cirrhosis, and may provide a platform for real time evaluation of an individual's microcirculatory response to vasoactive mediators, thus guiding their therapy.
Editorial: the role of statins in the treatment of alcohol‐related cirrhosis – Authors’ reply
Authors: Bang U. C. , Benfield T. , Bendtsen F.
Published: October 2017

This article is linked to Hansi and Williams, and Bang et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14277 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14243.
Letter: low rates of HBV serology testing in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving direct acting antivirals – Authors’ reply
Authors: Mücke M. M. , Mücke V. T. , Vermehren J.
Published: October 2017

This article is linked to Dimitroglou et al and Mücke et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14276 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14177.
Editorial: do thiopurines and biologics decrease the risk of colectomy?
Authors: H Allin K. , Jess T.
Published: October 2017

This article is linked to Eriksson et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14268 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14336.
Editorial: a novel approach to monitor mucosal healing in coeliac disease—as simple as shifting goalposts? Authors’ reply
Authors: Fang H. , Murray J. A.
Published: October 2017

This article is linked to Tye‐Din and Fang et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14287 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14250.
Editorial: do thiopurines and biologics decrease the risk of colectomy? Authors’ reply
Authors: Eriksson C. , Cao Y. , Rundquist S. , Zhulina Y. , Henriksson I. , Montgomery S. , Halfvarson J.
Published: October 2017

This paper is linked to Allin and Jess, and Eriksson et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14292 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14268.
Cholangiopathy in critically ill patients surviving beyond the intensive care period: a multicentre survey in liver units
Authors: Laurent L. , Lemaitre C. , Minello A. , Plessier A. , Lamblin G. , Poujol‐Robert A. , Gervais‐Hasenknopf A. , Pariente E.‐A. , Belenotti P. , Mostefa‐Kara N. , Sogni P. , Legrand M. , Cournac J.‐M. , Tamion F. , Savoye G. , Bedossa P. , Valla D.‐C. , Vilgrain V. , Goria O.
Published: October 2017

Background

The outcome of cholangiopathy developing in intensive care unit (ICU) is not known in patients surviving their ICU stay.

Aim

To perform a survey in liver units, in order to clarify the course of cholangiopathy after surviving ICU stay.

Methods

The files of the liver units affiliated to the French network for vascular liver disease were screened for cases of ICU cholangiopathy developing in patients with normal liver function tests on ICU admission, and no prior history of liver disease.

Results

Between 2005 and 2015, 16 cases were retrieved. Extensive burns were the cause for admission to ICU in 11 patients. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels increased from day 11 (2‐46) to a peak of 15 (4‐32) × ULN on day 81 (12‐511). Magnetic resonance cholangiography showed irregularities or frank stenosis of the intrahepatic ducts, and proximal extrahepatic ducts contrasting with a normal aspect of the distal common bile duct. Follow‐up duration was 20.6 (4.7‐71.8) months. Three patients were lost to follow‐up; 2 patients died from liver failure and no patient was transplanted. One patient had worsening strictures of the intrahepatic bile ducts with jaundice. Nine patients had persistent but minor strictures of the intrahepatic bile ducts on MR cholangiography, and persistent cholestasis without jaundice. One patient had normal liver function tests.

Conclusions

In patients surviving their ICU stay, ICU cholangiopathy is not uniformly fatal in the short term or clinically symptomatic in the medium term. Preservation of the distal common bile duct appears to be a finding differentiating ICU cholangiopathy from other diffuse cholangiopathies.
Cyclodextrin‐Based Formulations: A Non‐Invasive Platform for Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Muankaew Chutimon , Loftsson Thorsteinn
Published: October 2017

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are recognized as promising pharmaceutical excipients due to their unique ability to form water‐soluble inclusion complexes with various poorly soluble compounds. The numerous investigations on CDs and their use in nanomedicine have received considerable attention in the last three decades, leading to the rapid development of new CD‐containing formulations that significantly facilitate targeted drug delivery and controlled drug release, with consequent improvements in drug bioavailability. This MiniReview highlights the efficacy and recent uses of CDs for non‐invasive drug delivery. Using ophthalmic and nasal drug delivery as examples, an overview of chemical properties, mechanisms of CDs on drug solubilization, stabilization and permeation, along with their toxicological profiles relevant to nasal and ocular administration, are provided and discussed. The recent development and application of CD‐based nanocarrier systems for targeted drug delivery are summarized.
The ethical use of crowdsourcing
Authors: Standing Susan , Standing Craig
Published: October 2017

Crowdsourcing has attracted increasing attention as a means to enlist online participants in organisational activities. In this paper, we examine crowdsourcing from the perspective of its ethical use in the support of open innovation taking a broader system view of its use. Crowdsourcing has the potential to improve access to knowledge, skills, and creativity in a cost‐effective manner but raises a number of ethical dilemmas. The paper discusses the ethical issues related to knowledge exchange, economics, and relational aspects of crowdsourcing. A guiding framework drawn from the ethics literature is proposed to guide the ethical use of crowdsourcing. A major problem is that crowdsourcing is viewed in a piecemeal fashion and separate from other organisational processes. The trend for organisations to be more digitally collaborative is explored in relation to the need for greater awareness of crowdsourcing implications.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND LABOUR MARKET IMPERFECTION
Authors: Kuo Kuo‐Hsing , Lee Cheng‐Te , Wu Shang‐Fen
Published: October 2017

This paper will set up a general equilibrium model with a distorted labour market to explore the effects of an environmental tax and union bargaining power on formal employment and the informal competitive wage. We find that when the government raises the environmental tax, both formal employment and informal competitive wage would fall. In addition, we confirm that a policy of labour market reform would increase both formal employment and the informal competitive wage.
What controls variation in carbon use efficiency among Amazonian tropical forests?
Authors: Doughty Christopher E. , Goldsmith Gregory R. , Raab Nicolas , Girardin Cecile A. J. , Farfan‐Amezquita Filio , Huaraca‐Huasco Walter , Silva‐Espejo Javier E. , Araujo‐Murakami Alejandro , da Costa Antonio C. L. , Rocha Wanderley , Galbraith David , Meir Patrick , Metcalfe Dan B. , Malhi Yadvinder
Published: October 2017

Why do some forests produce biomass more efficiently than others? Variations in Carbon Use Efficiency (CUE: total Net Primary Production (NPP)/ Gross Primary Production (GPP)) may be due to changes in wood residence time (Biomass/NPPwood), temperature, or soil nutrient status. We tested these hypotheses in 14, one ha plots across Amazonian and Andean forests where we measured most key components of net primary production (NPP: wood, fine roots, and leaves) and autotrophic respiration (Ra; wood, rhizosphere, and leaf respiration). We found that lower fertility sites were less efficient at producing biomass and had higher rhizosphere respiration, indicating increased carbon allocation to belowground components. We then compared wood respiration to wood growth and rhizosphere respiration to fine root growth and found that forests with residence times <40 yrs had significantly lower maintenance respiration for both wood and fine roots than forests with residence times >40 yrs. A comparison of rhizosphere respiration to fine root growth showed that rhizosphere growth respiration was significantly greater at low fertility sites. Overall, we found that Amazonian forests produce biomass less efficiently in stands with residence times >40 yrs and in stands with lower fertility, but changes to long‐term mean annual temperatures do not impact CUE.
Eppur Si Muove: ferritin is essential in modulating inflammation
Authors: Sharif K , Vieira Borba V , Zandman-Goddard G , Shoenfeld Y
Published: October 2017

Ferritin, which was only discovered in the last century, has stirred a formidable debate. Ferritin has long been appreciated as a non-specific acute-phase reactant. Several years ago, we hypothesized the contributory role of ferritin as a pathogenic molecule rather than being a product of inflammation. The latest emerging evidence provides support to this notion. Such revelation provides a step forward towards the understanding of disease conditions associated with hyperferritinaemia, and hence provide new targets for treatment modalities.
Interactive Large‐Scale Procedural Forest Construction and Visualization Based on Particle Flow Simulation
Authors: Kohek Štefan , Strnad Damjan
Published: October 2017

Interactive visualization of large forest scenes is challenging due to the large amount of geometric detail that needs to be generated and stored, particularly in scenarios with a moving observer such as forest walkthroughs or overflights. Here, we present a new method for large‐scale procedural forest generation and visualization at interactive rates. We propose a hybrid approach by combining geometry‐based and volumetric modelling techniques with gradually transitioning level of detail (LOD). Nearer trees are constructed using an extended particle flow algorithm, in which particle trails outline the tree ramification in an inverse direction, i.e. from the leaves towards the roots. Reduced geometric representation of a tree is obtained by subsampling the trails. For distant trees, a new volumetric rendering technique in pixel‐space is introduced, which avoids geometry formation altogether and enables visualization of vast forest areas with millions of unique trees. We demonstrate that a GPU‐based implementation of the proposed method provides interactive frame rates in forest overflight scenarios, where new trees are constructed and their LOD adjusted on the fly.
Molecular phylogeny of Plagiothecium and similar hypnalean mosses, with a revised sectional classification of Plagiothecium
Authors: Wynns Justin T. , Munk Karen Rysbjerg , Lange Conny B. Asmussen
Published: October 2017

We investigated the systematic relationships within the pleurocarpous moss genus Plagiothecium, based on cladistic analyses of sequence data from one nuclear (ITS) and two plastid (trnK‐psbA (matK) and rpl16 intron) DNA regions for 110 specimens of Plagiothecium and similar hypnalean mosses. Plastid and nuclear trees were mostly similar, but differed in the placement of several species of Plagiothecium, and in the relationships among other genera. The phylogenetic hypotheses based on plastid markers were well resolved; in contrast, nuclear data were insufficient to resolve some of the lowest‐level relationships within the genus. In the main Plagiothecium is natural, includes more taxa than are often recognized, and is most closely related to Isopterygiopsis and Herzogiella. Nine sections are recognized within Plagiothecium, four new: Section Pseudo‐Neckera to accommodate P. neckeroideum and its allies, Section Ortholimnobium for P. handelii and P. paleaceum, Section Struckia for P. argentatum and P. enerve, and Section Rectithecium for P. piliferum. The geographical distribution of the sections suggests that Plagiothecium originated in Asia. The derived, mainly autoicous sections Plagiothecium and Leptophyllum may have spread to the Southern Hemisphere through long distance dispersal. Three new species in section Leptophyllum (P. funale, P. pacificum and P. rhizolucidum) and two new taxa in section Pseudo‐Neckera (P. decoratum and P. neckeroideum fo. exile) are described. A limited phylogenetic hypothesis for the superficially similar hypnalean genus Taxiphyllum, which was used as outgroup, is included. A related genus (Longiella) is described, with a single species (L. plagiothecioides). The aquarium species T. barbieri is transferred to Ectropothecium.
Disentangling Effects of Input Frequency and Morphophonological Complexity on Children's Acquisition of Verb Inflection: An Elicited Production Study of Japanese
Authors: Tatsumi Tomoko , Ambridge Ben , Pine Julian M.
Published: October 2017

This study aims to disentangle the often‐confounded effects of input frequency and morphophonological complexity in the acquisition of inflection, by focusing on simple and complex verb forms in Japanese. Study 1 tested 28 children aged 3;3–4;3 on stative (complex) and simple past forms, and Study 2 tested 30 children aged 3;5–5;3 on completive (complex) and simple past forms, with both studies using a production priming paradigm. Mixed effects models for children's responses were built to test the prediction that children's verb use is explained by the relative bias in input frequency between the two inflectional forms. Although Study 1 did not show a significant effect of input bias (apparently due to problems with item selection), Study 2, which corrected for this problem, yielded the predicted relationship. These findings suggest that input frequency effects, at the level of different inflectional forms of the same verb stem, hold even after controlling for morphophonological complexity.
Improvement of light fastness of water‐based printing inks with addition of glycerol derivative containing thiol groups
Authors: Izdebska‐Podsiadły Joanna , Żołek‐Tryznowska Zuzanna , Annusik Tatiana , Tryznowski Mariusz
Published: October 2017

The aim of this work was to study the influence of a glycerol derivative with thiol groups, 3,6‐dithia‐1,8‐octanediol (DTO), on light fastness of prints overprinted with water‐based flexographic printing inks. Laboratory printing was performed on various plastic films (BOPP and PE). The effect of a small amount of DTO on printing ink colour was examined by studying the optical density of a full tone area, relative printing contrast and the colour values (CIELAB), and the total colour difference, . Artificial ageing was applied in order to investigate DTO influence on colourfastness of CMY printing inks. Densitometry and spectrophotometric parameters were measured during artificial ageing by irradiation. Additionally, FTIR spectroscopy was used to observe the changes in ink film on printing bases before and after ageing. The print quality of investigated prints is widely discussed. In general, DTO addition influenced the printability of the plastic film and the optical density of a full tone area with an acceptable total colour difference . Furthermore, printing inks with added DTO exhibited higher optical density and smaller changes of during artificial ageing. Moreover, the FTIR spectra of printing ink films with added DTO after ageing did not exhibit any perceptible changes in contrast with the original printing ink.
Board Advisory Tasks: The Importance to Differentiate between Functional and Firm‐Specific Advice
Authors: Bankewitz Max
Published: October 2017

In small and medium‐sized organizations, boards of directors often spend most of their time providing advice to the management. As the content of advice provided has seldom been the focus of previous studies, we differentiate between functional and firm‐specific advisory tasks. We examine antecedents of the two types to explain why this differentiation is important. Applying group effectiveness arguments, we study the effects board members' different knowledge bases and diversity have on the two advisory tasks, considering the mediating effects of board processes. Our results suggest that it is important to distinguish between different types of board members' knowledge and different board advisory tasks. Our findings have direct implications for research and practice. First, there is a need to go beyond the surface level understanding of what boards are doing. Second, our results emphasize the importance of organizational knowledge, and hence question the call for independent board members for advice provision.
Inter‐religious Discourse on Climate Change: Roman Catholic and African Traditional Perspectives
Authors: Byarugaba George William
Published: October 2017

The future of our planet poses many challenges for our generation, possibly more than ever before. Overpopulation, rapid industrialization, heightened consumerism, unrestricted technologies, and other human activities are affecting every region of land and water, and causing environmental degradation on an enormous scale. Indeed, not only are we altering the climate and radically undermining life, but we are also triggering a mass extinction of species and putting future generations in a predicament. The Catholic Church values this world and believes that the transcendent creator and an immanent Spirit dwell deep in the created world and that one finds God when one loves the world God has created and redeemed. Any activity that demeans and devalues creatures demeans the creator, as much as reverence for and joy over everything and every person becomes the sign of the love for God. Human sinfulness is doubtless the major cause of the environmental crisis. Consequently, this contribution argues that through the ritual of prayer that weaves humans into the rhythm of natural cycles, the Catholic Church can lead to changing people's hearts and contribute to restoring the environment. The essay also argues that in order to effectively fulfil its role of changing people's mindsets toward the environment, the church must dialogue with African Traditional Religions.
Drawing on African Muslims’ Intangible Assets: Doing Jihad against Climate Change
Authors: Haron Muhammed
Published: October 2017

Africa's Muslims, like their counterparts on other continents, have been concerned about the negative effects of climate change. During the past few years, religious leaders have been called upon by their states and civil societies to draw upon intangible assets such as supplicating publicly and performing mass prayer meetings to beseech the Almighty to bring rain to their regions. Though the supplications of some were answered, others have been waiting for the Divine's response by keeping their hands raised and their eyes upon the skies. The purpose of this essay is fourfold: first, to identify prayer as a critical intangible asset for religious traditions when they encounter a crisis; second, to broadly discuss the interconnections between religion (in this case, Islam) and climate change; third, to identify guidelines for when and why to perform the “prayer for rain”; and fourth, to describe the responses of African Muslim communities and the strategies of Muslim religious leadership in praying for rain during and beyond times of drought.
Comparison of methods to determine CTOD for SENB specimens in different strain hardening steels
Authors: Khor W.L. , Moore P. , Pisarski H. , Brown C.
Published: October 2017

Methods for determining crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) given in national and international standards are compared for steels with a range of strain hardening characteristics.

Crack tip opening displacement measurements were made from single‐edge notched bend notches using a silicone rubber casting method. The finite element model produced good agreements with predictions of these CTOD measurements. The versatility of the finite element model enabled CTOD from the original crack tip and the 45° intercept method to be compared. The 45° CTOD generally underestimates the original crack tip CTOD, and is less useful for conditions with stable crack extension.

Apart from the high strain hardening material, CTOD calculated using BS 7448‐1, WES 1108 (JWES), and ASTM E1820 was slightly lower than the values determined from silicone measurements and modelling, which is conservative. ASTM E1820 gave the largest underestimation of CTOD, whilst BS 7448‐1 may be unsuitable for higher strain hardening steels, where the standard predicts higher CTOD than measured from the replica. JWES gives the most consistent estimation of CTOD for steels with a wide range of strain hardening values.
A Matrix‐Matched Reference Material for Validating Petroleum Re‐Os Measurements
Authors: Liu Junjie , Selby David
Published: October 2017

This study presents two matrix‐matched reference materials developed for petroleum Re‐Os measurements. We present the Re and Os mass fractions and 187Re/188Os and 187Os/188Os values (ratio of the number of atoms of the isotopes) for repeatedly measured aliquots (ca. 120–150 mg test portions) of the NIST Research Material 8505 (RM 8505) crude oil, and its asphaltene and maltene fractions, and ~ 90 g of homogeneous asphaltene powder isolated from this oil. Measurements were performed using the Carius tube‐isotope dilution negative‐thermal ionisation mass spectrometry methodology. The RM 8505 crude oil contains 1.98 ± 0.07 ng g−1 Re and 25.0 ± 1.1 pg g−1 Os, with Re‐Os isotope amount ratios of 452 ± 6 for 187Re/188Os and 1.51 ± 0.01 for 187Os/188Os (n = 20, 95% conf.). The homogeneous asphaltene sample contains 16.52 ± 0.10 ng g−1 Re and 166.0 ± 0.9 pg g−1 total Os, and possesses isotope amount ratios of 574 ± 3 for 187Re/188Os and 1.64 ± 0.01 for 187Os/188Os (n = 24, 95% conf.). The intermediate precision of these data makes the RM 8505 whole oil and the (~ 90 g) homogenised asphaltene appropriate petroleum matrix‐matched reference materials for Re‐Os measurements. The asphaltene fraction of the oil is the main carrier of Re and Os of the RM 8505 whole oil, and caution is suggested in using asphaltene and maltene fractions of a single oil for Re‐Os geochronology.
Asylum for Sale: A Market between States that is Feasible and Desirable
Authors: Himmelreich Johannes
Published: October 2017

The asylum system faces problems on two fronts. States undermine it with populist politics, and migrants use it to satisfy their migration preferences. To address these problems, asylum services should be commodified. States should be able to pay other states to provide determination and protection‐elsewhere. In this article, I aim to identify a way of implementing this idea that is both feasible and desirable. First, I sketch a policy proposal for a commodification of asylum services. Then, I argue that this policy proposal is not only compatible with the right to asylum, but also supported by moral considerations. Despite some undesirable moral features, a market in asylum facilitates the provision of asylum to those who need it.
Prevalence and predictive factors of left atrial tachycardia occurring after second‐generation cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hermida Alexis , Kubala Maciej , Traullé Sarah , Buiciuc Otilia , Quenum Serge , Hermida Jean‐Sylvain
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Assess the prevalence and predictors of left atrial tachycardia (LAT) after cryoballoon ablation of pulmonary veins.

Methods and results

Patients who underwent catheter ablation of pulmonary veins with a second‐generation cryoballoon for symptomatic paroxysmal (151 of 270, 56%) or persistent (119 of 270, 44%) atrial fibrillation were entered in a single‐center prospective registry. Patients who experienced postcryoballoon LAT (pcryo‐LAT) were selected on the basis of 12‐lead ECG characteristics. Left atrial origin was confirmed during conventional EP study and electroanatomical activation mapping, and patients were treated by RF catheter ablation.

Pcryo‐LAT was observed in 15 (5.6%) of 270 patients and was attributed to a reentrant mechanism in 11 patients (73%). The other four cases of pcryo‐LAT were due to focal atrial tachycardia associated with reconnection of one pulmonary vein. In comparison with patients who remained in sinus rhythm, LA area (HR = 1.09; CI 1.01, 1.2; P = 0.02), LVEF (HR = 0.94; CI 0.90, 0.97; P < 0.001), and LVEF <50% (HR = 8.5; CI 3.1, 23.6; P < 0.001) were predictors of pcryo‐LAT. After multivariate Cox analysis, only left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% remained predictive of pcryo‐LAT, (HR = 7.8, CI 2.3 26.7, P = 0.002). With a mean survival of 23 months, 73% of patients who experienced pcryo‐LAT were in sinus rhythm versus 78% of patients without pcryo‐LAT (log rank P = 0.85).

Conclusion

The prevalence of pcryo‐LAT in patients with atrial fibrillation is low. Left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% is associated with an increased risk of pcryo‐LAT. When treated by RF catheter ablation, the presence of pcryo‐LAT is not a predictive factor of subsequent recurrence of atrial fibrillation during follow‐up.
Natural variability and effects of cleaning and storage procedures on vertebral chemistry of the blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus
Authors: Lewis J. P. , Patterson W. F. , Carlson J. K.
Published: October 2017

Key methodological assumptions regarding the degree of natural variability and influence of sample handling and storage of elasmobranch vertebral chemistry were assessed using laser‐ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Vertebral chemistry of juvenile blacktip sharks Carcharhinus limbatus was examined to identify whether differences existed among different regions of the vertebral column, between thoracic vertebrae of individual fish or within individual vertebrae. Additionally, the effects of bleach exposure and storage in ethanol on vertebral chemistry were compared. No significant variation in vertebral chemistry was found among different regions of the vertebral column or between thoracic vertebrae, but significant differences among transect locations within individual vertebrae were observed. The variation at all three levels appears comparable with published data on sagittal otoliths of bilaterally symmetrical teleost fishes. The experimental assessment of potential treatment effects indicated vertebral chemistry was not significantly affected by bleach or exposure to ethanol. Taken together, these results support the idea that vertebrae taken from the same region of the vertebral column can be treated as equivalent and at least certain elements remain robust to exposure to bleach and ethanol.
Family Instability and Exposure to Violence in the Early Life Course
Authors: Cavanagh Shannon E. , Stritzel Haley , Smith Chelsea , Crosnoe Robert
Published: October 2017

Family instability has been linked with a host of outcomes across the early life course. This study extends this literature by connecting instability with violence in the community by examining the associations among family structure, family structure change, and secondary exposure to violence during adolescence across diverse segments of the population. Using longitudinal data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods study, we found that living with a single parent and experiencing family structure changes were associated with secondary exposure to violence. Multiple group models suggest that partner change translated into more exposure for boys than girls. Findings also suggest that family instability may lead to more secondary exposure to violence for African American youth.
Melatonin prevents endothelial cell pyroptosis via regulation of long noncoding RNA MEG3/miR‐223/NLRP3 axis
Authors: Zhang Yong , Liu Xin , Bai Xue , Lin Yuan , Li Zhange , Fu Jiangbo , Li Mingqi , Zhao Tong , Yang Huan , Xu Ranchen , Li Jiamin , Ju Jin , Cai Benzhi , Xu Chaoqian , Yang Baofeng
Published: October 2017

Atherosclerosis (AS) is an inflammatory disease linked to endothelial dysfunction. Melatonin is reported to possess substantial anti‐inflammatory properties, which has proven to be effective in AS. Emerging literature suggests that pyroptosis plays a critical role during AS progression. However, whether pyroptosis contributes to endothelial dysfunction and the underlying molecular mechanisms remained unexploited. This study was designed to investigate the antipyroptotic effects of melatonin in atherosclerotic endothelium and to elucidate the potential mechanisms. In this study, high‐fat diet (HFD)‐treated ApoE−/− mice were used as an atherosclerotic animal model. We found intragastric administration of melatonin for 12 weeks markedly reduced the atherosclerotic plaque in aorta. Meanwhile, melatonin also attenuated the expression of pyroptosis‐related genes, including NLRP3, ASC, cleaved caspase1, NF‐κB/GSDMD, GSDMD N‐termini, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 in aortic endothelium of melatonin‐treated animals. Consistent antipyroptotic effects were also observed in ox‐LDL‐treated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). We found that lncRNA MEG3 enhanced pyroptosis in HAECs. Moreover, MEG3 acted as an endogenous sponge by sequence complementarity to suppress the function of miR‐223 and to increase NLRP3 expression and enhance endothelial cell pyroptosis. Furthermore, knockdown of miR‐223 blocked the antipyroptotic actions of melatonin in ox‐LDL‐treated HAECs. Together, our results suggest that melatonin prevents endothelial cell pyroptosis via MEG3/miR‐223/NLRP3 axis in atherosclerosis, and therefore, melatonin replacement might be considered a new strategy for protecting endothelium against pyroptosis, thereby for the treatment of atherosclerosis associated with pyroptosis.
Murmur intensity in adult dogs with pulmonic and subaortic stenosis reflects disease severity
Authors: Caivano D. , Dickson D. , Martin M. , Rishniw M.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine whether murmur intensity in adult dogs with pulmonic stenosis or subaortic stenosis reflects echocardiographic disease severity and to determine whether a six‐level murmur grading scheme provides clinical advantages over a four‐level scheme.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective multi‐investigator study on adult dogs with pulmonic stenosis or subaortic stenosis, murmur intensity was compared to echocardiographically determined pressure gradient across the affected valve. Disease severity, based on pressure gradients, was assessed between sequential murmur grades to identify redundancy in classification. A simplified four‐level murmur intensity classification scheme (‘soft’, ‘moderate’, ‘loud’, ‘palpable’) was evaluated.

Results

In total, 284 dogs (153 with pulmonic stenosis, 131 with subaortic stenosis) were included; 55 dogs had soft, 59 had moderate, 72 had loud and 98 had palpable murmurs. 95 dogs had mild stenosis, 46 had moderate stenosis, and 143 had severe stenosis. No dogs with soft murmurs of either pulmonic or subaortic stenosis had transvalvular pressure gradients greater than 50 mmHg. Dogs with loud or palpable murmurs mostly, but not always, had severe stenosis. Stenosis severity increased with increasing murmur intensity. The traditional six‐level murmur grading scheme provided no additional clinical information than the four‐level descriptive murmur grading scheme.

Clinical Significance

A simplified descriptive four‐level murmur grading scheme differentiated stenosis severity without loss of clinical information, compared to the traditional six‐level scheme. Soft murmurs in dogs with pulmonic or subaortic stenosis are strongly indicative of mild lesions. Loud or palpable murmurs are strongly suggestive of severe stenosis.