bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A stereospecific carboxyl esterase from Bacillus coagulans hosting nonlipase activity within a lipase‐like fold
Authors: De Vitis Valerio , Nakhnoukh Cristina , Pinto Andrea , Contente Martina L. , Barbiroli Alberto , Milani Mario , Bolognesi Martino , Molinari Francesco , Gourlay Louise J. , Romano Diego
Published: December 2017

Microbial carboxylesterases are important biocatalysts that selectively hydrolyze an extensive range of esters. Here, we report the biochemical and structural characterization of an atypical carboxylesterase from Bacillus coagulans (BCE), endowed with high enantioselectivity toward different 1,2‐O‐isopropylideneglycerol (IPG or solketal) esters. BCE efficiently catalyzes the production of enantiopure (S)‐IPG, a chiral building block for the synthesis of β‐blockers, glycerophospholipids, and prostaglandins; efficient hydrolysis was observed up to 65 °C. To gain insight into the mechanistic bases of such enantioselectivity, we solved the crystal structures of BCE in apo‐ and glycerol‐bound forms at resolutions of 1.9 and 1.8 Å, respectively. In silico docking studies on the BCE structure confirmed that IPG esters with small acyl chains (≤ C6) were easily accommodated in the active site pocket, indicating that small conformational changes are necessary to accept longer substrates. Furthermore, docking studies suggested that enantioselectivity may be due to an improved stabilization of the tetrahedral reaction intermediate for the S‐enantiomer. Contrary to the above functional data implying nonlipolytic functions, BCE displays a lipase‐like 3D structure that hosts a “lid” domain capping the main entrance to the active site. In lipases the lid mediates catalysis through interfacial activation, a process that we did not observe for BCE. Overall, we present the functional‐structural properties of an atypical carboxyl esterase that has nonlipase‐like functions, yet possesses a lipase‐like 3D fold. Our data provide original enzymatic information in view of BCE applications as an inexpensive, efficient biocatalyst for the production of enantiopure (S)‐IPG.

Database

Coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (www.rcsb.org) under accession numbers 5O7G (apo‐BCE) and 5OLU (glycerol‐bound BCE)
Liver resection of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with portal hypertension and multiple tumors
Authors: Ohkubo Takao , Midorikawa Yutaka , Nakayama Hisashi , Moriguchi Masamichi , Aramaki Osamu , Yamazaki Shintaro , Higaki Tokio , Takayama Tadatoshi
Published: December 2017

Aim

Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been recommended only for patients with a single tumor without portal hypertension. We aimed to validate this treatment strategy that is based on by the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system.

Methods

Patients undergoing liver resection were divided into two groups: patients with single HCC without portal hypertension (Group 1) and those with at least one factors of portal hypertension and multiple tumors, up to three lesions each ≤3 cm (Group 2). We compared survival and postoperative complications between the two groups.

Results

The median overall and recurrence‐free survival periods of patients in Group 1 (n = 695) were 8.5 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.6–9.0) and 2.4 years (2.2–2.7), respectively, and were significantly longer compared with those of patients in Group 2 (n = 197) (5.6 years [95% CI, 4.8–6.7], P = 0.001, and 1.9 years [1.6–2.1], P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, the independent factors for overall survival were hepatitis C virus infection (hazard ratio, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.02–1.65], P = 0.032), multiple tumors (1.42 [1.01–1.98], P = 0.040), and vascular invasion (1.66 [1.31–2.10], P < 0.001). Frequency of morbidity (23 [3.3%] patients vs 11 [5.5%] patients, P = 0.143) and mortality (3 [0.4%] patients vs 2 [1.0%] patients, P = 0.305) was not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Patients with HCC with portal hypertension and/or multiple tumors could be candidates for liver resection due to the safety of the procedure.
Forging Selfhood: Social Categorisation and Identity in Arizona's Prison Wildfire Programme
Authors: FELDMAN LINDSEY RAISA
Published: December 2017

This article examines the expressions of identity for participants in the Inmate Wildfire Program (IWP), a skilled prison labour programme in the US state of Arizona. The identity of imprisoned individuals is deleteriously shaped by the penal regime's construction of the social category ‘criminal’. Yet this process in not totalising. Using evidence drawn from 15 months of ethnographic fieldwork with prison wildfire fighters, I argue that participation in the IWP encourages critical thinking, access to open space, and interactions with the public, which destabilises the label of criminality and allows prisoners to engage in positive forms of identity construction. Prison officials can incorporate aspects of the IWP into other prison programmes in order to promote the construction of non‐carceral identities.
Predicaments in Prisoners’ Institutional Rehabilitation for Parole Release: Some Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: HAMIN ZAITON , OTHMAN MOHD BAHRIN , ABU HASSAN RAFIZAH
Published: December 2017

Institutional rehabilitation is significant because the Parole Board's decision in releasing a prisoner would depend on the rehabilitation report. Such rehabilitation programmes and assessment have been implemented by rehabilitation officers with considerable challenges. This article reports the findings on such challenges in five local prisons in Malaysia. The primary data were obtained from qualitative interviews with prison rehabilitation officers, parole officers, prisoners, and Parole Board members. The findings reveal that these operational predicaments reconnected not only to the officers’ role, qualification, expertise, and professionalism but also to the policies and priorities of their respective prisons.
The meaning of suicidal behaviour from the perspective of senior nursing undergraduate students
Authors: Vedana Kelly G.G. , Pereira Camila C.M. , dos Santos José Carlos , Ventura Carla , Moraes Sabrina M. , Miasso Adriana I. , Zanetti Ana Carolina G. , Borges Tatiana L.
Published: December 2017

The meaning ascribed to suicidal behaviours may influence the quality of the care provided to people at risk of suicide. Such a phenomenon has yet to be properly investigated amongst nursing undergraduate students, the aim of this study being to gain an understanding of the meanings of suicidal behaviour for a particular group of nurses. The study, which utilized grounded theory, was conducted in Brazil in 2016–2017 with 30 undergraduate students. The findings indicated that suicidal behaviour, classified according to the individual beliefs and judgements of the participants, presented a significant barrier to the delivery of care and was complex and multifaceted care phenomenon. Participants were often reluctant to discuss the topic, seemingly wanting to distance themselves from the care of persons exhibiting suicidal behaviour, and to avoid professional engagements relating to suicide prevention. Significant work is required in raising both an awareness and knowledge of suicidal behaviour befitting the promotion of tolerance, emotional competency, resilience, and empathy amongst nursing students.
Pan African Sanctuary Alliance: securing a future for the African great apes
Authors: Stokes R. , Tully G. , Rosati A. G.
Published: December 2017

The Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) is the unified voice of primate rescue and rehabilitation projects in Africa, and includes 23 member organizations in 13 countries. PASA improves animal welfare by regularly evaluating these sanctuaries to ensure that they operate at a high standard of care, building the capacity of sanctuary staff and providing crisis support to mitigate emergencies. Moreover, PASA works with its member organizations to raise awareness globally about wildlife issues and to conduct other large‐scale conservation projects. In these endeavours, PASA benefits greatly from the local experience and connections of its member organizations. Finally, nearly all PASA‐member sanctuaries host researchers, thereby contributing to our knowledge of the great apes and other African primates. Much of PASA's work is made possible by support from zoos around the world. A brief precis of the current work carried out by PASA and its member organizations is given, along with descriptions of conservation programmes that are planned for the future.
Calibration and Validation of CSM‐CROPGRO‐Cotton Model Using Lysimeter Data in the Texas High Plains
Authors: Adhikari P. , Gowda P.H. , Marek G.W. , Brauer D.K. , Kisekka I. , Northup B. , Rocateli A.
Published: December 2017

Texas High Plains (THP), one of the most important food and fiber producing regions in the Ogallala Aquifer Region, currently faces rapid decline of groundwater levels. Predicted climate extremes and high temporal variability in growing season precipitation may require growers to pump more groundwater from the Ogallala Aquifer to meet higher crop water demand. The Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) Cropping System Model (CSM) is a widely used crop simulation tool for evaluating impacts of different water and crop management practices, including irrigation on crop yield and water use efficiency. In this study, CROPGRO‐Cotton module of the DSSAT was calibrated and validated using 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2010 irrigated lysimeter field data managed by the USDA‐ARS (United States Department of Agriculture ‐ Agricultural Research Service) Conservation and Production Research Laboratory at Bushland, TX. The lysimeter field consisted of four equal plots designated as NE, SE, NW, and SW. Crop growth characteristics including leaf area index (LAI), above ground biomass (AGB), evapotranspiration (ET), soil moisture, and lint yield of 2000‐NE, 2000‐SE, and 2001‐NE, were used for calibration and 2002‐NE, 2010‐NE, and 2010‐SE were used for validation. The calibrated and validated model was used to simulate the long term (1924–2012) crop yield and seasonal crop ET. During the calibration process, some of the cultivar and ecotype parameters that influence LAI, AGB, and lint yield were adjusted for better statistical results. Measured and simulated LAI, AGB, ET, soil moisture, and lint yield showed good agreement during calibration and validation as indicated by performance statistics such as r2 from 0.70 to 0.82, and percent error (PE) = −0.85 to 17.3% for LAI; r2 = 0.89 to 0.95, and PE = −7.36 to −13.66% for AGB; and r2= 0.90 to 0.94, and PE = 3.20 to 3.44% for ET during calibration and validation, respectively. The model underestimated ET during peak vegetative growth and development stage except in some circumstances. The calibrated and validated model was able to simulate lint yield and seasonal ET during a long term (1924–2012) historic period for Bushland, TX, under irrigated conditions. The calibrated model could be used to schedule ET based irrigation management practices in the THP and to estimate future ET for other modeling experiments.
Understanding Climate‐Hydrologic‐Human Interactions to Guide Groundwater Model Development for Southern High Plains
Authors: Uddameri Venkatesh , Singaraju Sreeram , Karim Abdullah , Gowda Prasanna , Bailey Ryan , Schipanski Meagan
Published: December 2017

The Ogallala Aquifer is the only reliable source of freshwater in the Southern High Plains (SHP) and is used extensively to build a strong agricultural economy with a significant impact on global food security. Groundwater models capable of simulating human‐hydrologic‐climate interactions are crucial to guide future water management and policy planning endeavors in this water stressed region. A well‐defined conceptual model is a necessary first‐step in that direction. Conceptual modeling should not be limited to compiling necessary datasets but must also focus on generating critical insights pertaining to human‐climate‐aquifer interactions especially when the emphasis is on guiding future policy. Model integration and the feasibility of coupling available tools and techniques must be explored to fill‐in critical data gaps and capture interactions with a high degree of fidelity. A conceptual modeling framework built on this premise was applied to guide an on‐going regional‐scale groundwater modeling study in the SHP. The paucity of groundwater production data was identified as a major limiting factor. A linked Decision Support System for Agro‐Technology Transfer (DSSAT) model with MODFLOW is expected to be useful in obtaining groundwater production estimates through detailed crop modeling. The time to recharge is long (decades to centuries) over most of the SHP. As such, the coupling of watershed and groundwater models is perhaps not warranted. Baseflow separation indicated that surface water‐groundwater interactions have diminished over the last six decades due to declining water tables. While groundwater withdrawals generally increased during droughts, the aquifer also buffered climatic influences at some locations.
Nanostructured mullite steam oxidation resistant coatings for silicon carbide deposited via atomic layer deposition
Authors: Hoskins Amanda L. , Coffey Aidan H. , Musgrave Charles B. , Weimer Alan W.
Published: December 2017

Oxidation resistant, thin, pinhole‐free, crystalline mullite coatings were deposited on zirconia and silicon carbide particles using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The composition of the films was confirmed with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES), and the conformality and elemental dispersion of the films were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. The films are deposited on the particle surface with a deposition rate of ~1 Å/cycle. The elemental concentration of aluminum relative to silicon in the film was determined to be 2.68:1 which agrees closely with the ratio of stable 3:2 mullite (2.88:1). A high‐temperature anneal for 5 hours at 1500°C was used to crystallize the films into the mullite phase. This work represents the first deposition of mullite films by ALD. The mullite and alumina‐coated particles were exposed to high‐temperature steam for 20 hours at 1000°C to assess the oxidation resistance of the films, which reduced the oxidation of silicon carbide by up to 62% relative to uncoated particles under these conditions. The activation energy of oxygen diffusion in the films was determined with density functional theory, and the computational results aligned well with the experimental outcomes.
3D characterization of porosity in an air plasma‐sprayed thermal barrier coating and its effect on thermal conductivity
Authors: Zhang Xun , Kulczyk‐Malecka Justyna , Carr James , Xiao Ping , Withers Philip  J.
Published: December 2017

Air plasma spray (APS) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) contain pores, cracks and splat interfaces that are preferentially aligned normal to the heat flux direction. These significantly reduce (by as much as 50%) the thermal conductivity over a fully dense coating. Here the microstructures of APS thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) have been characterized in 3D using X‐ray microcomputed tomography (μ‐CT). Pores larger than 2.8 μm3 are resolved and their contribution to thermal conductivity reduction is evaluated using image‐based microstructurally realistic numerical models. However, the models overestimate (by almost 50%) the measured thermal conductivity of the as‐deposited TBC sample. It is shown that this discrepancy is due to very fine (micrometer and submicrometer) cracks which readily sinter after short‐term exposure to temperatures representative of TBC operating conditions causing the measured thermal conductivity to rise to within 15% of that predicted. This suggests that under the realistic service conditions, the 3D image‐based models based on CT images provide a good indicator of the likely long‐term TBC performance. Virtual experiments showed that for the retained pores, the larger pores which are flatter and more oriented in the plane of the APS splats, contribute disproportionately to the beneficial reduction in thermal conductivity. Our results demonstrate that X‐ray imaging is a useful tool in establishing APS process conditions that give rise to a beneficial distribution of such pores.
The Sabar Ways of Knowing: Sustainable Ideas towards Educational Ecology
Authors: Hickman Richard , Sinha Pallawi
Published: December 2017

In common conception, art is often confined to a painting, sculpture, architecture or performance; we maintain however that what enables any art or artistic practice to become aesthetic is human experience. Arts and aesthetic practices are integral to the everyday lives of the indigenous Sabar tribes of India, particularly, in ascertaining Sabar ‘ways of knowing, being and doing’. This article describes the nature of Sabar aesthetic experience, and its educational relevance, through an empirical study employing ethnomethodology and innovative participatory tools. It examines definitions and identifies limitations considered through an indigenous lens before introducing the social actors of the study. Findings illustrates how aesthetic practices empower voice by enabling multitextual expressions, rebuilding trust with the community and generating data that other methods may render invisible. The article offers discussions on how everyday aesthetic experiences and practices are imperative to the development of an authentic being. It conceptualises an educational ecology towards the realisation of sustainable educational systems and culturally critical ideals of education. We argue for an education for emancipation, through difference not domination, through enabling aesthetic and authentic beings. Ultimately, we urge a critical and creative future citizenship that is empowered by education, not constrained by its demands.
Reinterpreting City as a Critical Ground in Atelier 1 Projects: Some Prospects and Projections on Ankara
Authors: Uludağ Zeynep , Güleç Gülşah
Published: December 2017

This article is based on the critical approaches developed in Atelier 1, an architectural design studio in the Gazi University Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture in Ankara, Turkey. The main theme of Atelier 1 Projects in the 2014–15 academic year was the ‘City as a Critical Ground’, in which the city, ground and criticism were discussed within the interdisciplinary theoretical field of architecture. Atelier 1, involving second, third and fourth year undergraduate students, reinterpreted and redesigned the urban ground of Ankara with a critical approach to reveal its unique identities and implicit values. Ground, accepted as the main critical material in the design process, was criticised not only in its physical sense, but also its social, cultural, political, economic, technological and even psychological aspects. The students were able to discover their own design methods from their criticisms of the urban ground, which also allowed them to determine their sites and programmes. In this way, Atelier 1 promoted freedom and flexibility as well as criticality in the design process, and pointed out that the relationship of architecture with city, ground and criticism should be discussed from a new theoretical perspective, primarily in the architectural design studio, as the core of architectural education. Atelier 1, as a theory‐based architectural design studio, motivated the students to develop a critical approach to the urban ground of Ankara so as to replace the rising formalism with criticism in architecture.
The Use of Activity Theory as a Methodology for Developing Creativity within the Art and Design Classroom
Authors: Kinsella Victoria
Published: December 2017

This article discusses the use of an activity theory system as an analytical tool within the school art and design classroom. It highlights reasons for its use and makes explicit its importance for investigations into teaching and learning. It proposes that through an activity theory system, teachers and researchers are enabled to reflect on the formation of thought and develop an understanding of pedagogy, where classroom roles, rules and participation are made visible. The article draws on primary research which explores the development of creativity within the English Key Stage 3 (age 11–14) art and design classroom. Illustrations are provided to show how through the use of an activity theory system a multi‐layered analysis took place. This generated reflection on relationships and structures within and surrounding the classroom, impinging creative activity. Through using the activity theory system teachers and researchers were enabled to observe the complexity of the classroom and question socio‐cultural‐political structures which empowered change.
Developing Design through a Creative Problem‐Solving Process: A Group Community Art Project
Authors: Hsieh Chia‐Ying
Published: December 2017

For the past few years, creativity has gradually become an important element in the national cultivation of talent in Taiwan. Although traditionally art education is closely linked with creativity, the academic research on general art education is very insufficient. Therefore, the goal of this research is to investigate how creativity could be cultivated in curriculum planning for general art education at technology universities as well as what students’ learning process was when they participated in a course's creative activity. The research applied the theory and steps of creative problem‐solving (CPS) on a general art course to design a group practical activity combining with the local community. This involved converting the steps of creative problem‐solving into different stages of group design activities with the goal of constructing a design process equivalent to the process of problem‐solving. The main research results revealed that students could experience the problem‐solving process through group design activities and develop their divergent and convergent thinking at the same time. Moreover, the cooperative learning model is the most appropriate teaching strategy for students from non‐art‐related departments when cultivating their creativity.
Efficacy and safety of adding liraglutide to existing insulin regimens in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A post‐hoc analysis of a phase 3 randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kaneko Shizuka , Nishijima Keiji , Bosch‐Traberg Heidrun , Kaku Kohei , Seino Yutaka
Published: December 2017

Aims/Introduction

To determine the efficacy and safety of adding liraglutide to three different insulin regimens in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

In this post‐hoc analysis, results from a 36‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group trial are reported. Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus were stratified according to their pre‐trial insulin regimen (basal, basal–bolus and premix). The primary objective was to determine whether adding liraglutide (0.9 mg/day) to fixed‐dose insulin therapy was superior vs fixed‐dose insulin monotherapy, assessed by the effect on glycemic control after 16 weeks of treatment.

Results

The treatment effect on glycated hemoglobin reduction was independent of the pre‐trial insulin regimen. Comparing liraglutide with a placebo, liraglutide was associated with glycated hemoglobin reduction in all insulin regimens, with placebo‐corrected reductions at 16 weeks ranging from −1.45 to −1.17%, and maintained at 36 weeks. Liraglutide resulted in a greater reduction in mean plasma glucose obtained from seven‐point self‐monitoring, and greater proportions of patients achieved target glycated hemoglobin. With liraglutide, slightly higher proportions of patients receiving basal and basal–bolus insulin reported confirmed hypoglycemia from 0 to 16 weeks.

Conclusions

The efficacy and safety of adding liraglutide to insulin therapy was confirmed, regardless of pre‐trial insulin regimen.
Temperature fluctuations during development reduce male fitness and may limit adaptive potential in tropical rainforest Drosophila
Authors: Saxon A. D. , O'Brien E. K. , Bridle J. R.
Published: December 2017

Understanding the potential for organisms to tolerate thermal stress through physiological or evolutionary responses is crucial given rapid climate change. Although climate models predict increases in both temperature mean and variance, such tolerances are typically assessed under constant conditions. We tested the effects of temperature variability during development on male fitness in the rainforest fly Drosophila birchii, by simulating thermal variation typical of the warm and cool margins of its elevational distribution, and estimated heritabilities and genetic correlations of fitness traits. Reproductive success was reduced for males reared in warm (mean 24 °C) fluctuating (±3 °C) vs. constant conditions but not in cool fluctuating conditions (mean 17 °C), although fluctuations reduced body size at both temperatures. Male reproductive success under warm fluctuating conditions was similar to that at constant 27 °C, indicating that briefly exceeding critical thermal limits has similar fitness costs to continuously stressful conditions. There was substantial heritable variation in all traits. However, reproductive success traits showed no genetic correlation between treatments reflecting temperature variation at elevational extremes, which may constrain evolutionary responses at these ecological margins. Our data suggest that even small increases in temperature variability will threaten tropical ectotherms living close to their upper thermal limits, both through direct effects on fitness and by limiting their adaptive potential.
Evaluation of aggression in Australian after‐hours doctor home‐visit services
Authors: Ifediora Chris O.
Published: December 2017

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Minimizing the risks and distress arising from aggression in after‐hours house call (AHHC) services will help improve service quality in the industry. Unfortunately, no national study has ever evaluated this in Australian AHHCs. Apart from reducing this gap, findings from this work will have global relevance given the rising popularity of the AHHC industry worldwide.

Methods

A survey of all 300 doctors employed by the National Home Doctor Service, Australia's largest AHHC service provider. A validated electronic questionnaire was used to examine the doctors' experiences over a 12‐month period.

Results

There were 168 valid responses (56% response rate). Aggression prevalence was 47.1%, and just over half (51.8%) of the cases came from the patients. “Verbal aggression” was the commonest (48.3%). Others are “threats” (26.6%), “vexatious complaints” (13.3%), “property damage” (4.2%), “physical violence” (4.2%), “sexual harassment” (2.8%), and “stalking” (0.7%). Majority of the respondents were concerned (90.2%) and apprehensive (75.2%) regarding the risks.

Doctors who have experienced aggression were more likely to express apprehension (OR = 3.99; CI = 1.54–10.31; P = 0.004), while those that have attained Postgraduate Fellowships (Vocationally Registered) were less likely to report experiences of aggression (OR = 0.28; CI = 0.09–0.84; P = 0.02).

Even though a higher proportion of females were concerned (92.3% vs 89.6%) and apprehensive (82.1% vs 73.6%) compared with males, these differences were not statistically significant (Fisher's Exact Tests: P = 1.000 and 0.469, respectively).

Conclusion

Aggression in Australian AHHC affects nearly 1‐in‐2 practitioners, with high levels of concern and apprehension being expressed. Concerned companies should do more to ensure that their doctors attain PG fellowships, as this is linked to lower reports of aggression. Where possible, family and friends need to be involved in patient care, as nearly half of the reported aggressions come from them.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of interventions to increase physical activity in children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities
Authors: McGarty A. M. , Downs S. J. , Melville C. A. , Harris L.
Published: December 2017

Background

Increasing physical activity (PA) through intervention can promote physical and mental health benefits in children and adolescents. However, children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) have consistently been shown to engage in low levels of PA, which are insufficient for long‐term health. Despite this, little is known about the effectiveness of interventions to increase PA in children and adolescents with ID. The aims of this study were therefore to systematically review how effective interventions are at increasing PA levels in children and adolescents with ID and to further examine what components have been used in these interventions.

Method

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Education Resources Information Center, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsychINFO, Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials and International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number trials registry was conducted (up to July 2016). Articles were included if they met the following eligibility criteria: children and adolescents (<18 years) with ID, measurement of PA at baseline and post‐intervention and intervention studies. Effect sizes were calculated as standardised mean difference (d) and meta‐analysis calculated between intervention and no treatment control intervention.

Results

Five studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Study design, methodological quality and intervention components were varied. Interventions did not support sufficient changes in PA to improve health. The meta‐analysis demonstrated that intervention groups were not more effective at increasing PA levels post‐intervention (d: 2.20; 95% CI −0.57 to 0.97) compared with control. However, due to a decrease in PA in the control intervention, a moderate significant effect was demonstrated at follow‐up (d: 0.49; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.84).

Conclusions

There is a lack of studies which aim to increase PA levels in children and adolescents with ID, with current interventions ineffective. Future studies are required before accurate recommendations for appropriate intervention design and components can be made.
Spontaneous pulmonary adenosquamous carcinoma in a free‐living black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus)
Authors: Díaz‐Delgado J. , Guerra J. M. , Fernandes N. C. C. A. , Gonçalves‐Serra E. , Minozzo G. A. , Di Loretto C. , Iglezias S. , Groch K. R. , Ressio R. , Kanamura C. , Catão‐Dias J. L.
Published: December 2017

Pulmonary neoplasia is rare among wild New World primates. We report the gross, microscopical, and immunohistochemical features of a primary multicentric pulmonary adenosquamous carcinoma in a free‐living black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus). Herein, the spectrum of pulmonary neoplasms in non‐human primates is widened and briefly reviewed.
Developmental Change in Sibling Support and School Commitment Across Adolescence
Authors: Rogers Christina R. , Guyer Amanda E. , Nishina Adrienne , Conger Katherine J.
Published: December 2017

School commitment typically declines across adolescence, but the family‐level factors that explain this decline have not been fully characterized. This study investigated sibling support as a family resource in predicting school commitment across 7th–10th grade using a sample of 444 adolescents (Mages = 12.61, 13.59, 14.59, 15.58 years). Results showed that sibling support linearly increased and school commitment decreased and stabilized, independently, over time. Sibling support positively predicted school commitment in seventh grade and across time, suggesting that having supportive siblings may help to offset adolescents’ declines in school commitment. Furthermore, having a brother enhanced this association versus having a sister. These findings provide insight into ways to help youth maintain school commitment across the middle‐ to high school transition.
The Checklist of Unit Behaviours (CUB): Validation within a Canadian outpatient day hospital programme
Authors: Taube‐Schiff M. , El Morr C. , Counsell A. , Mehak Adrienne , Gollan J.
Published: December 2017

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

The psychometrics of the CUB measure have been tested within an inpatient psychiatric setting. Results show that the CUB has two factors that reflect patients' approach and avoidance of dimensions of the treatment milieu, and that an increase of approach and decrease of avoidance are correlated with discharge.

No empirical research has examined the validity of the CUB in a day hospital programme.

What this article adds to existing knowledge?

This study was the first to address the validity of this questionnaire within a psychiatric day hospital setting.

This now allows other mental health service providers to use this questionnaire following administration of patient engagement interventions (such as behavioural activation), which are routinely used within this type of a setting.

What are the implications for practice?

Our results can enable healthcare providers to employ an effective and psychometrically validated tool in a day hospital setting to measure treatment outcomes and provide reflections of patients' approach behaviours and avoidance behaviours.

Introduction

We evaluated the Checklist of Unit Behaviours (CUBs) questionnaire in a novel mental health setting: a day hospital within a large acute care general hospital. No empirical evidence exists, as of yet, to look at the validity of this measure in this type of a treatment setting. The CUB measures two factors, avoidance or approach, of the patients' engagement with the treatment milieu within the previous 24 hr.

Aim

A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to validate the CUB's original two factor structure in an outpatient day programme.

Methods

Psychiatric outpatients (n = 163) completed the CUB daily while participating in a day hospital programme in Toronto, Canada.

Results

A CFA was used to confirm the CUB factors but resulted in a poor fitting model for our sample, χ2 (103) = 278.59, p < .001, CFI = 0.80, RMSEA = 0.10, SRMR = 0.10. Questions 5, 8 and 10 had higher loadings on a third factor revealed through exploratory factor analysis. We believe this factor, “Group Engagement,” reflects the construct of group‐related issues.

Discussion

The CUB was a practical and useful tool in our psychiatric day hospital setting at a large acute care general hospital.

Implications for practice

Our analysis identified group engagement, a critical variable in day programmes, as patients have autonomy regarding staying or leaving the programme.
Genetic association of complement component 2 variants with chronic hepatitis B in a Korean population
Authors: Namgoong Suhg , Shin Joong‐Gon , Cheong Hyun Sub , Kim Lyoung Hyo , Kim Ji On , Seo Jung Yeon , Shin Hyoung Doo , Kim Yoon Jun
Published: December 2017

Background & Aims

Numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with an increased risk of liver diseases, chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma have been identified. In this study, we scrutinized the genetic effects of C2 variants, which were conflicting in previous results, on the risk of chronic hepatitis B in a Korean population.

Methods

We genotyped 22 common C2 genetic variants of 977 chronic hepatitis B cases including 302 chronic hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma cases and 785 population controls. Statistical analysis was performed to examine the effects of genotype on the risk of chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Results

Logistic regression analyses showed that six C2 single nucleotide polymorphisms had significant associations with the risk of chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma among the Korean subjects. Stepwise analysis revealed that causal markers (rs9267665 and rs10947223) were identified among the C2 variants (stepwise P = 3.32 × 10−9 and 2.04 × 10−5 respectively). In further conditional analysis with previous chronic hepatitis B‐associated loci, these two single nucleotide polymorphisms were independently associated with the risk of chronic hepatitis B. In addition, we investigated the ability of genetic risk scores combining 12 multi‐chronic hepatitis B loci to predict the risk of chronic hepatitis B. Individuals with higher genetic risk scores showed increased risk for chronic hepatitis B.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that the C2 gene might be a susceptibility locus for chronic hepatitis B in Korean populations. The cumulative genetic effects may contribute to future etiological explanations for chronic hepatitis B.
Effects of varying degrees of partial bladder outlet obstruction on urinary bladder function of rats: A novel link to inflammation, oxidative stress and hypoxia
Authors: Sezginer Ecem Kaya , Yilmaz‐Oral Didem , Lokman Utku , Nebioglu Serpil , Aktan Fugen , Gur Serap
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different degrees of obstruction, and the roles of inflammation, oxidative stress, and hypoxia parameters on bladder function.

Methods

Thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 10 in each group): (i) sham‐operated control; (ii) severe partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO); and (iii) moderate PBOO. Severe and moderate PBOO were induced by urethral ligation using 3‐Fr and 4‐Fr catheters, respectively, for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, the in vitro contractile responses to carbachol, electrical field stimulation, ATP and KCl were measured in bladder strips. In addition, mRNA and protein expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) and nuclear factor, erythroid 2‐like 2 (Nrf2) in bladder were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in bladder tissues were also determined.

Results

Rats in the severe PBOO group had the highest bladder weight. Detrusor strips from rats in the severe PBOO group exhibited 61%–82% smaller contractile responses to all four stimuli than those from the sham‐operated group. Activity of NF‐κB as an inflammatory marker was increased in the severe PBOO group, whereas HIF‐1α and HIF‐2β protein levels were increased significantly in the moderate PBOO group. A master regulator of oxidative stress, Nrf2 expression was increased in all obstructed rats. MDA levels were higher in the severe PBOO group than in sham‐operated group.

Conclusion

The results of the present study reveal the importance of oxidative stress‐induced NF‐κB signaling in bladder dysfunction with severe obstruction. Altered HIF signaling may contribute to the functional impairment after PBOO. Novel and evolving therapies targeting oxidative and/or inflammatory pathways may be a reasonable strategy for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Mullite in Libyan Desert Glass: Evidence for high‐temperature/low‐pressure formation
Authors: Greshake Ansgar , Wirth Richard , Fritz Jörg , Jakubowski Tomasz , Böttger Ute
Published: December 2017

Libyan Desert Glass (LDG) is a SiO2‐rich natural glass whose origin, formation mechanism, and target material are highly debated. We here report on the finding of a lens‐shaped whitish inclusion within LDG. The object is dominantly composed of siliceous glass and separated from the surrounding LDG by numerous cristobalite grains. Within cristobalite, several regions rich in mullite often associated with ilmenite were detected. Mineral assemblage, chemical composition, and grain morphologies suggest that mullite was formed by thermal decomposition of kaolinitic clay at atmospheric pressure and T ≥ 1600 °C and also attested to high cooling rates under nonequilibrium conditions. Cristobalite contains concentric and irregular internal cracks and is intensely twinned, indicating that first crystallized β‐cristobalite inverted to α‐cristobalite during cooling of the SiO2‐rich melt. The accompanied volume reduction of 4% induced the high density of defects. The whitish inclusion also contains several partly molten rutile grains evidencing that at least locally the LDG melt was at T ≥ 1800 °C. Based on these observations, it is concluded that LDG was formed by high‐temperature melting of kaolinitic clay‐, rutile‐, and ilmenite‐bearing Cenozoic sandstone or sand very likely during an asteroid or comet impact onto Earth. While melting and ejection occurred at high pressures, the melt solidified quickly at atmospheric pressure.
A Journey within the Theory–Practice Nexus of Conflict Management: Contributions of IACM Rubin Award Recipient Benjamin Broome
Authors: Hogan Michael , Frey Lawrence R. , Kim Young Yun , Clements Kevin
Published: December 2017

In this tribute to the 2016 recipient of the International Association for Conflict Management Jeffrey Z. Rubin Theory‐to‐Practice Award, we celebrate the work of Benjamin Broome. Each of us highlights a unique contribution of his work: specifically, in the areas of (a) applied communication, (b) intercultural communication, (c) conflict management and peacebuilding, and (d) well‐being, sustainability, and systems science education. We conclude our discussion of the four research areas by highlighting common themes suggested by this work. The article closes with words of wisdom from Benjamin Broome, who offers advice to doctoral students and scholars at various stages of their career.
Determining an optimal dose of linaclotide for use in Japanese patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: A phase II randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Fukudo S. , Nakajima A. , Fujiyama Y. , Kosako M. , Nakagawa A. , Akiho H. , Nakashima Y. , Johnston J. M. , Miwa H.
Published: December 2017

Background

Clinical testing to determine a suitable dose of linaclotide for Japanese patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C) was needed.

Methods

This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐finding trial. Japanese patients with IBS‐C diagnosed using Rome III criteria (n = 559, men/women: 49/510) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 linaclotide doses (0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, or 0.5 mg) or placebo for the 12‐week treatment period. The primary endpoint was responder rate of global assessment of relief of IBS symptoms during 12 weeks. The secondary endpoints included responder rates of complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM), SBM and abdominal pain/discomfort relief and others.

Key Results

The primary endpoint was 23.2%, 36.2%, 38.7%, 34.8%, and 38.3% in placebo (n = 112), 0.0625 (n = 116), 0.125 (n = 111), 0.25 (n = 112), and 0.5 (n = 107) mg of linaclotide groups with the difference from the placebo group in each linaclotide group (13.0%, 15.5%, 11.6%, 15.1%, P > .05). Monthly responder rate of global assessment of relief of IBS symptoms at month 3 (48.6%), responder rate of CSBM during 12 weeks (45.8%), and responder rate of abdominal pain/discomfort relief during 12 weeks (32.7%) in the 0.5 mg were significantly higher than those in placebo group (29.5%, P < .01; 25.9%, P < .01; and 18.8%, P < .05 respectively). The most frequent adverse event in the linaclotide groups was diarrhea.

Conclusions & Inferences

This study suggests that a linaclotide dose of 0.5 mg may be appropriate in Japanese patients with IBS‐C.
On the farsightedly and myopically stable international environmental agreements
Authors: Osmani Dritan , Tol Richard S.J.
Published: December 2017

We investigate the stability of International Environmental Agreements. The analysis of Chwe is extended by investigating the question how to find farsightedly stable coalitions. The myopic stability concept of d'Aspremont, Jacquemin, Gabszeweiz, and Weymark and the farsighted stability concept of Chwe are compared. Farsighted stability, direct and indirect domination are discussed. Considering of the direct domination, we check for the single‐step stability by comparing the profits of every coalition member after one‐step deviation has occurred, while considering the indirect domination (farsightedness) we check for the multistep stability by comparing the profits of every coalition member after a series of deviations have come to an end. On the contrary, myopic stability assumes that players look only one step ahead. The improvement of farsightedly and myopically stable coalitions to the environment quality and welfare are compared. Only the farsightedly stable coalition improves the welfare and abatement by 20% and 79% in comparison to all three myopically stable coalitions together. Algorithms are developed, which can find all farsightedly stable coalitions structures.

Considerations for Management

Taking into account findings, management considerations may include:

Myopically stable coalitions are typically subsets of farsightedly stable coalitions.

Farsightedly stable coalitions are the largest stable coalitions without side payments, and bring the biggest improvement in environmental quality and welfare.

We predict the formation of coalitions that are bigger than myopically stable but smaller than farsightedly stable coalitions. This conclusion is valid under the assumption that transfers are not allowed.
Pharyngeal airway changes following maxillary expansion or protraction: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee W.‐C. , Tu Y.‐K. , Huang C.‐S. , Chen R. , Fu M.‐W. , Fu E.
Published: December 2017

The aim of this meta‐analysis was to investigate the changes in airway dimensions after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and facemask (FM) protraction. Using PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect and Web of Science, only controlled clinical trials, published up to November 2016, with RME and/or FM as keywords that had ≥6 months follow‐up period were included in this meta‐analysis. The changes in pharyngeal airway dimension in both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional images were included in the analysis. Nine studies met the criteria. There are statically significant changes in upper airway and nasal passage airway in the intervention groups as compared to the control groups, assessed in two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional images. However , in the lower airway and the airway below the palatal plane, no statistically significant changes are seen in 2D and 3D images. RME/FM treatments might increase the upper airway space in children and young adolescents. However, more RCTs and long‐term cohort studies are needed to further clarify the effects on pharyngeal airway changes.
Global scenarios for fuel oil utilisation under new sulphur and carbon regulations
Authors: Alshammari Yousef M. , Benmerabet Moufid
Published: December 2017

Fuel oil is an important derivative of crude oil used mainly in marine transport and power generation. The environmental impact of this important energy vector continues to be a major challenge due to its high sulphur and carbon content. In this work, we analyse the impact of sulphur cap and CO2 price on the inter‐competition between fuel oil and alternative low‐sulphur low‐carbon fuels. It was found that the increase in crude oil prices enhances the cost‐effectiveness of using middle distillates compared to using fuel oil with scrubbing systems. In addition, we found that imposing a CO2 price between $50–150/TonCO2 leads to reducing the emissions from fuel oil combustion by up to 87 per cent by 2040. In comparison with previous literature, we show that fuel oil will represent at least 56 per cent by 2030, under the low oil price scenario, if scrubbing systems are implemented in the shipping industry.