bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Across the Board: Xinchen Wang
Authors: Wang Xinchen
Published: January 2018

In this series of articles, the board members of ChemSusChem discuss recent research that they consider of exceptional quality and importance for sustainability. In this entry, Prof. Xinchen Wang discusses the investigations of a printable Z‐scheme system for photocatalytic water splitting by the pioneer, Prof. Kazunari Domen, who has been constantly contributing to this field for about 40 years. The recent achievement of an overall water splitting system has exceeded the solar‐to‐hydrogen energy efficiency of 1% by integrating efficient hydrogen and oxygen evolution photocatalysts with charge‐transport channel.
Oxygen Reduction Reaction for Generating H2O2 through a Piezo‐Catalytic Process over Bismuth Oxychloride
Authors: Shao Dengkui , Zhang Ling , Sun Songmei , Wang Wenzhong
Published: January 2018

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for generating H2O2 through green pathways have gained much attention in recent years. Herein, we introduce a piezo‐catalytic approach to obtain H2O2 over bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) through an ORR pathway. The piezoelectric response of BiOCl was directly characterized by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). The BiOCl exhibits efficient catalytic performance for generating H2O2 (28 μmol h−1) only from O2 and H2O, which is above the average level of H2O2 produced by solar‐to‐chemical processes. A piezo‐catalytic mechanism was proposed: with ultrasonic waves, an alternating electric field will be generated over BiOCl, which can drive charge carriers (electrons) to interact with O2 and H2O, then to form H2O2.
Pt Islands on 3 D Nut‐like PtAg Nanocrystals for Efficient Formic Acid Oxidation Electrocatalysis
Authors: Xu Hui , Song Pingping , Yan Bo , Wang Jin , Wang Caiqin , Shiraishi Yukihide , Yang Ping , Du Yukou
Published: January 2018

Precise control of structures offers a great opportunity to efficiently tune the catalytic performance of nanomaterials, enhacing both their activity and durability. Herein, we achieve a new class of Pt islands on 3 D nut‐like PtAg nanocrystals by exploiting the lower electronegativity of Ag in conjunction with the galvanic replacement of catalytically active Pt to Ag. Such nanostructures coated with Pt nanoparticles, exhibiting exposed facets, and active surface composition enhance formic acid oxidation electrocatalysis with optimized PtAg1 nut‐like catalysts and achieved a factor of 4.0 and 2.4 in mass and specific activities (1728.3 mA mg−1 and 3.31 mA cm−2) relative to those of the commercial Pt/C (431.2 mA mg−1 and 1.41 mA cm−2), respectively. Moreover, such 3 D PtAg1 nut‐like catalysts also display great enhancement in durability with less decay for at last 500 cycles, showing a great potential to serve as promising catalysts for fuel cells and other applications. Our work provides a fundamental insight on the effect of the morphology toward liquid fuel electrooxidation, which may pave a new way for the fabrication of highly efficient electrocatalysts for fuel cells.
Suitability of the CellientTM cell block method for diagnosing soft tissue and bone tumors
Authors: Song W. , van Hemel B. M. , Suurmeijer A. J. H.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of tumors of soft tissue and bone (STB) heavily relies on histological biopsies, whereas cytology is not widely used. CellientTM cell blocks often contain small tissue fragments. In addition to Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) interpretation of histological features, immunohistochemistry (IHC) can be applied after optimization of protocols. The objective of this retrospective study was to see whether this cytological technique allowed us to make a precise diagnosis of STB tumors.

METHODS

Our study cohort consisted of 20 consecutive STB tumors, 9 fine‐needle aspiration (FNAC) samples, and 11 endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) FNACs and included 8 primary tumors and 12 recurrences or metastases of known STB tumors.

RESULTS

In all 20 cases, H&E stained sections revealed that diagnostically relevant histological and cytological features could be examined properly. In the group of 8 primary tumors, IHC performed on CellientTM material provided clinically important information in all cases. For instance, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) was positive for CD117 and DOG‐1 and a PEComa showed positive IHC for actin, desmin, and HMB‐45. In the group of 12 secondary tumors, SATB2 was visualized in metastatic osteosarcoma, whereas expression of S‐100 was present in 2 secondary chondrosarcomas. Metastatic chordoma could be confirmed by brachyury expression. Two metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas were myf4 positive, a metastasis of a gynecologic leiomyosarcoma was positive for actin and estrogen receptor (ER) and a recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans expressed CD34.

CONCLUSION

In the proper clinical context, including clinical presentation with imaging studies, the CellientTM cell block technique has great potential for the diagnosis of STB tumors.
When metformin is not enough: Pros and cons of SGLT2 and DPP‐4 inhibitors as a second line therapy
Authors: Avogaro Angelo , Delgado Elías , Lingvay Ildiko
Published: January 2018

The newer oral therapies for type 2 diabetes mellitus, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, have advantages over older agents. Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors are weight neutral and have few adverse effects. Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have additional benefits: weight loss, blood pressure reduction, cardiovascular risk reduction, and renoprotective effects. Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have increased risk of urogenital infections and possible risk of “euglycaemic” diabetic ketoacidosis. It is important to balance the benefits over the older‐oral therapies as these agents are more expensive; yet some analyses suggest that they are within the limits of what is considered cost‐effective in health care. We discuss the relative merits and drawbacks of these 2 classes and consider their roles in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We suggest a number of patient profiles where early use of these agents could be used. We favour the use of SGLT2 inhibitors over DPP‐4 inhibitors as add on therapy to metformin when glycaemic targets have not been achieved given their similar glycaemic efficacy and the additional benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors. We particularly favour SGLT2 inhibitors in those where additional weight loss and blood pressure reductions are desired, and in patients with heart failure or cardiovascular disease. Care should be taken to warn patients about genital fungal infections and to avoid use in people with risk factors for SGLT2 associated ketoacidosis. We favour DPP‐4 inhibitors in those where side effects of other agents are of concern, the frail elderly population, and those with renal disease precluding SGTL2 inhibitor use.
An Offline‐Based On‐Demand Visualization System of Large‐Scale Particle Simulation for Tsunami Disaster Prevention
Authors: ISSHIKI MASAHARU , ASAI MITSUTERU , EGUCHI SHIMON , MIYAGAWA YOSHIYA
Published: January 2018

After the Great East Japan Earthquake Tsunami, new Tsunami disaster‐prevention and mitigation methods for the next millennium Tsunami are actively being discussed. Consequently, the methods have highlighted the importance of both hard disaster‐prevention method, which means direct prevention using infrastructure such as breakwater, and soft disaster‐prevention method, including disaster‐prevention education. In this paper, a visualization and polygonization system that can be effectively utilized for Tsunami disaster prevention is proposed for large‐scale particle simulation. The system includes two important features, such as engineering‐purposed visualization and polygonization for hard and soft tsunami disaster‐prevention methods, respectively. Moreover, the system can handle the large‐scale particle simulation data that are computed by a high‐performance computer via an offline on‐demand tool without data transfer.
Predation risk and patch size jointly determine perceived patch quality in ovipositing treefrogs,Hyla chrysoscelis
Authors: Resetarits William J. , Bohenek Jason R. , Breech Tyler , Pintar Matthew R.
Published: January 2018

Two of the most important factors determining community structure and diversity within and among habitat patches are patch size and patch quality. Despite the importance of patch size in existing paradigms in island biogeography, metapopulation biology, landscape ecology, and metacommunity ecology, and growing conservation concerns with habitat fragmentation, there has been little investigation into how patch size interacts with patch quality. We crossed three levels of patch size (1.13 m2, 2.54 m2and 5.73 m2) with two levels of patch quality (fish presence/absence, green sunfish [Lepomis cyanellus] and golden shiners [Notemigonus crysoleucus]) in six replicate experimental landscapes (3 × 2 × 6 = 36 patches). Both fish predators have been previously shown to elicit avoidance in ovipositing treefrogs. We examined how patch size and patch quality, as well as the interaction between size and quality, affected female oviposition preference and male calling site choice in a natural population of treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis). Females almost exclusively oviposited in the largest fishless patches, indicating that females use both risk, in the form of fish predators, and size itself, as components of patch quality. Females routinely use much smaller natural and experimental patches, suggesting that the responses to patch size are highly context dependent. Responses to fish were unaffected by patch size. Male responses largely mimicked those of females, but did not drive female oviposition. We suggest that patch size itself functions as another aspect of patch quality forH. chrysoscelis, and serves as another niche dimension across which species may behaviorally sort in natural systems. Because of strong, shared avoidance of fish (as well as other predators), among many colonizing taxa, patch size may be a critical factor in species sorting and processes of community assembly in freshwater habitats, allowing species to behaviorally segregate along gradients of patch size in fishless ponds. Conversely, lack of variation in patch size may concentrate colonization activity, leading to intensification of species interactions and/or increased use of lesser quality patches.
Resource competition model predicts zonation and increasing nutrient use efficiency along a wetland salinity gradient
Authors: Schoolmaster Donald R. , Stagg Camille L.
Published: January 2018

A trade‐off between competitive ability and stress tolerance has been hypothesized and empirically supported to explain the zonation of species across stress gradients for a number of systems. Since stress often reduces plant productivity, one might expect a pattern of decreasing productivity across the zones of the stress gradient. However, this pattern is often not observed in coastal wetlands that show patterns of zonation along a salinity gradient. To address the potentially complex relationship between stress, zonation, and productivity in coastal wetlands, we developed a model of plant biomass as a function of resource competition and salinity stress. Analysis of the model confirms the conventional wisdom that a trade‐off between competitive ability and stress tolerance is a necessary condition for zonation. It also suggests that a negative relationship between salinity and production can be overcome if (1) the supply of the limiting resource increases with greater salinity stress or (2) nutrient use efficiency increases with increasing salinity. We fit the equilibrium solution of the dynamic model to data from Louisiana coastal wetlands to test its ability to explain patterns of production across the landscape gradient and derive predictions that could be tested with independent data. We found support for a number of the model predictions, including patterns of decreasing competitive ability and increasing nutrient use efficiency across a gradient from freshwater to saline wetlands. In addition to providing a quantitative framework to support the mechanistic hypotheses of zonation, these results suggest that this simple model is a useful platform to further build upon, simulate and test mechanistic hypotheses of more complex patterns and phenomena in coastal wetlands.
Climate sensitivity functions and net primary production: A framework for incorporating climate mean and variability
Authors: Rudgers Jennifer A. , Chung Y. Anny , Maurer Gregory E. , Moore Douglas I. , Muldavin Esteban H. , Litvak Marcy E. , Collins Scott L.
Published: January 2018

Understanding controls on net primary production (NPP) has been a long‐standing goal in ecology. Climate is a well‐known control on NPP, although the temporal differences among years within a site are often weaker than the spatial pattern of differences across sites. Climate sensitivity functions describe the relationship between an ecological response (e.g., NPP) and both the mean and variance of its climate driver (e.g., aridity index), providing a novel framework for understanding how climate trends in both mean and variance vary with NPP over time. Nonlinearities in these functions predict whether an increase in climate variance will have a positive effect (convex nonlinearity) or negative effect (concave nonlinearity) on NPP. The influence of climate variance may be particularly intense at ecosystem transition zones, if species reach physiological thresholds that create nonlinearities at these ecotones. Long‐term data collected at the confluence of three dryland ecosystems in central New Mexico revealed that each ecosystem exhibited a unique climate sensitivity function that was consistent with long‐term vegetation change occurring at their ecotones. Our analysis suggests that rising temperatures in drylands could alter the nonlinearities that determine the relative costs and benefits of variance in precipitation for primary production.
Stereocontrolled Cascade Cyclisation of Campholenic Enol Ether Derivatives: En Route to Vetiver‐Scented Spiroxides
Authors: Ondet Pierrick , Filippi Jean‐Jacques , Lemière Gilles , Duñach Elisabet
Published: January 2018

The Lewis superacid‐catalysed cascade cyclisation of enol ethers derived from campholenal resulted in an elegant reaction leading to new elaborated spirocyclic ethers. Under identical conditions, the reaction proceeded by two distinct mechanisms, depending on the relative configuration of the starting substrate. Hence, either a tandem cyclisation process gave access to tetracyclic spirodiethers, while another process involving a less common reaction sequence (cyclisation/1,4‐hydride shift) led to complex tricyclic spiroalcohols and/or spiroketones. Investigations on synthetic intermediates by enantioselective gas chromatography permitted to assess the high stereospecificity of the process. Collectively, these expedite syntheses gave access to unprecedented spiroxides which displayed, in some instances, strong vetiver‐like olfactory notes. While campholenic derivatives have long been used in the industrial production of fragrant sandalwood substitutes, these new derivatives provide potential synthetic alternatives to the esteemed natural ingredient vetiver.
Highly Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Cascade Synthesis of Bicyclic Lactams in One‐Pot
Authors: Jiang Yan , Deiana Luca , Alimohammadzadeh Rana , Liu Leifeng , Sun Junliang , Córdova Armando
Published: January 2018

A versatile and highly stereoselective synthetic route to functionalized bi‐ and tricyclic lactams (up to > 20:1 dr and 99 % ee) in one pot from simple starting materials (allylic alcohols, enals, diamines and amino alcohols) using cascade transformations promoted by chiral amine/Brønsted or metal/chiral amine/Brønsted relay catalysis is disclosed. Here molecular oxygen is employed as the terminal oxidant for the latter relay catalysis approach.
Non‐enzymatic Glucose Sensor Based on Nickel/Carbon Composite
Authors: Marini Silvia , Ben Mansour Nabil , Hjiri Mokhtar , Dhahri Ramzi , El Mir Lassaad , Espro Claudia , Bonavita Anna , Galvagno Signorino , Neri Giovanni , Leonardi Salvatore Gianluca
Published: January 2018

Nickel/carbon composites (Ni−C) have been synthesized by a pyrolysis treatment carried out at the temperature of 675 °C, of NiO incorporated into a pyrogallol‐formaldehyde organic wet gel. Structural and morphological characterizations of the Ni−C samples were performed by XRD and SEM analysis, respectively. Electrochemical non‐enzymatic glucose sensors were fabricated modifying the working electrode surface of screen printed carbon electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and amperometric tests were performed in order to investigate the electrocatalytic activity of differently Ni loaded carbon towards the oxidation of glucose in alkaline 0.1 M KOH solution. The sensor based on 30 % Ni/carbon showed the best sensing performance towards glucose monitoring with a sensitivity of 670 μA/mM cm−1 in the a liner range from 20 to 500 μM, and a detection limit lower than 8 μM at S/N=3.
Landslide activation behaviour illuminated by electrical resistance monitoring
Authors: Merritt A.J. , Chambers J.E. , Murphy W. , Wilkinson P.B. , West L.J. , Uhlemann S. , Meldrum P.I. , Gunn D.
Published: January 2018

A common factor in landslide activation (or reactivation) is subsurface moisture and associated pore pressure variations linked to rainfall. Monitoring of these subsurface hydrogeological processes is necessary to improve our understanding of water‐induced landslide activation. Geophysical approaches, electrical methods in particular, are increasingly being applied to landslide monitoring because they provide non‐invasive spatial information in heterogeneous subsurface environments that can be difficult to characterise using surface observations or intrusive sampling alone. Electrical techniques are sensitive to changing subsurface moisture conditions, and have proven to be a useful tool for investigating the hydrogeology of natural and engineered slopes.

The objectives of this investigation were to further develop electrical resistance monitoring for slope stability assessment, and to validate the approach at an intermittently‐active UK landslide system to advance the understanding of complex landslide activation mechanisms. A long‐term transfer resistance dataset was collected from a grid of electrodes to allow spatial monitoring of the landslide. These data were interpreted using a synthesis of rainfall, temperature, GPS and piezometric records. The resistance data were corrected for seasonal temperature variations and electrode movements were monitored, as these processes were shown to mask moisture related changes. Results reveal that resistance monitoring is sensitive to soil moisture accumulation, including changes in piezometric levels, and can be used to study the principal activation mechanism of slow‐moving shallow earthflows. Spatial monitoring using resistance maps was shown to be particularly valuable as it revealed the evolution of subsurface moisture distribution, in the lead up to landslide activation.

Key benefits of this approach are that it provides a simple, rapid and non‐invasive means of spatially monitoring subsurface moisture dynamics linked to landslide activation at high‐temporal resolution. Crucially, it provides a means of monitoring subsurface hydraulic changes in the build‐up to slope failure, thereby contributing to early warning of landslide events. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of type and quantity of organic carbon on the bioaccessibility of polychlorinated biphenyls in contaminated sediments
Authors: Sinche Federico L. , Nutile Sam A. , Huff Hartz Kara E. , Landrum Peter F. , Lydy Michael J.
Published: January 2018

Organic carbon principally controls sorption and desorption of hydrophobic organic compounds in sediments. We investigated the effects of organic carbon type and quantity on compound bioaccessibility. The desorption of 21 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners was determined in spiked sediments amended with black carbon, humic acid, and sawdust at either 3 or 6% organic carbon. Desorption parameters were determined using Tenax sequential extractions and then modeled as operationally defined rapid, slow, and very slow fractions and rate constants. The effects of the amendments on PCB bioaccumulation were also evaluated using Lumbriculus variegatus. The lowest and highest PCB bioaccessibilities were observed in the black carbon and sawdust amendments, respectively. The total amount of PCBs desorbed ranged from 3 to 27% for the black carbon amendments, 12 to 55% for humic acid amendments, 16 to 80% for sawdust amendments, and 35 to 89% for controls. The results also showed that desorption of PCBs was slower in 6% amendments than 3% amendments, and this finding was most evident in humic acid and black carbon amendments. Overall, the trend in PCB bioaccumulation was similar to what was found for compound desorption in that the highest PCB bioaccumulation was observed in controls and sawdust amendments, whereas humic acid and black carbon amendments showed lower bioaccumulation. Finally, the 24-h single-point Tenax and bioaccumulation data were fit to a Tenax regression model. The PCB bioaccumulation was effectively predicted by the model, with 80% of the data falling within the 95% confidence intervals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1280–1290. © 2018 SETAC
Benchmark dose analysis framework for developing wildlife toxicity reference values
Authors: Mayfield David B. , Skall Daniel G.
Published: January 2018

The effects characterization phase of ecological risk assessments (ERAs) often includes the selection or development of toxicity reference values (TRVs) for chemicals under investigation. In wildlife risk assessments, TRVs are thresholds represented by a dose or concentration associated with a specified adverse response. Traditionally, a TRV may be derived from an estimate of the no-observed-adverse effect level or lowest-observed-adverse-effect level, identified from a controlled toxicity study. Because of the limitations of this approach, risk assessors are increasingly developing TRVs using alternative methods. Benchmark dose (BMD) analysis is widely recognized as one approach for developing TRVs. A BMD is derived using the full dose–response relationship from all experimental doses and may represent a user-specified response level (e.g., 5, 10, 20, or 50%). Although many regulatory programs consider the use of BMD-derived wildlife TRVs, there is limited guidance available for implementing the BMD approach, particularly for ERA. The present study provides a framework for ecological risk assessors to identify appropriate data, examine dose–response relationships, estimate BMDs, and document the results for use in risk analysis. This framework demonstrates the process of developing a TRV using BMD analysis and identifies applications for which this approach may enhance ERAs (e.g., site assessment, chemical or pesticide registration programs). Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1496–1508. © 2018 SETAC
Fire‐induced reradiation underneath photovoltaic arrays on flat roofs
Authors: Kristensen Jens Steemann , Merci Bart , Jomaas Grunde
Published: January 2018

The impact of the reflection of fire‐induced heat from a gas burner was studied experimentally to gain knowledge on the interaction between photovoltaic (PV) panels and a fire on flat roofs. The heat flux was measured in a total of eight points at the same level as the top of the gas burner. The gas burner was placed underneath the center of a PV panel, installed in a geometry similar to a commercial east‐west orientated mounting system, and the eight points were symmetrical pairs of two at four different distances from the burner. Measurements were compared with tests with no PV panel, and thereby without the reflection from the PV panel. A significant increase of the received heat flux was recorded, with ascending percentage‐wise difference for increased heat release rates. This indicates that PV panels can have a significant contribution in roof fires, primarily because they stimulate fire spread over the roof on which they have been mounted. The received heat flux is higher underneath the most elevated part of the PV panel, due to two important, flame‐related reasons: 1) the flame deflection toward the most elevated part of the panel and 2) a nonhomogeneous temperature distribution on the PV panel surface, due to the deflected flame, and thereby a nonhomogeneous emission from the heated PV panel. Finally, the results were very similar for a brand new PV panel and a PV panel tested for the fourth time, except during the period when the thin combustible film underneath the new PV panel is burning, supporting that it is the fire dynamics and not the fire load associated with the PV panels that is promoting fire spread associated with PV panels on flat roofs. With this in mind, the current results are relevant not only for PV panels but also for any inclined roof covering panel with limited combustibility.
Do gender gaps in education and health affect economic growth? A cross‐country study from 1975 to 2010
Authors: Mandal Bidisha , Batina Raymond G. , Chen Wen
Published: January 2018

We use system‐generalized method‐of‐moments to estimate the effect of gender‐specific human capital on economic growth in a cross‐country panel of 127 countries between 1975 and 2010. There are several benefits of using this methodology. First, a dynamic lagged dependent econometric model is suitable to address persistence in per capita output. Second, the generalized method‐of‐moments estimator uses dynamic properties of the data to generate appropriate instrumental variables to address joint endogeneity of the explanatory variables. Third, we allow the measurement error to include unobserved country‐specific effect and random noise. We include two gender‐disaggregated measures of human capital—education and health. We find that gender gap in health plays a critical role in explaining economic growth in developing countries. Our results provide aggregate evidence that returns to investments in health systematically differ across gender and between low‐income and high‐income countries.
An evaluation of the ‘Yaka Ŋarali’’ Tackling Indigenous Smoking program in East Arnhem Land: Yolŋu people and their connection to ŋarali’
Authors: Tane Moana P. , Hefler Marita , Thomas David P.
Published: January 2018

Issue addressed

Smoking prevalence estimated between 65% and 84% has been reported among the Yolŋu peoples of East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. We report on findings of an evaluation of the Yaka Ŋarali’ Tackling Indigenous Smoking program in East Arnhem Land.

Methods

Qualitative interviews with Yolŋu (N = 23) and non‐Yolŋu (N = 7) informants were conducted in seven communities between June 2014 and September 2015, with the support of Cultural Mentors, in homeland communities throughout East Arnhem Land. The data was coded using NVivo software, analysed line‐by‐line and categorised by the researcher (MT) under three a priori categories established as evaluation parameters. In addition, the meanings of ŋarali’ and Yolŋu cultural obligations to ŋarali’ were analysed using an inductive process.

Results

Data were coded under three a priori themes: Yolŋu trying to quit smoking (interest in quitting, access to support); the Yaka Ŋarali program (efficacy and recognition); Yolŋu workforce (roles and responsibilities). Yolŋu informants, including Elders and leaders, both smokers and non‐smokers uniformly acknowledged the deep cultural and traditional connection with ŋarali’ attributing this relationship with its introduction by the Macassans and its subsequent adoption into ceremony.

Conclusions

Given the strong cultural and traditional connection to ŋarali’, care must be taken to ensure tobacco control measures maintain congruence with local values and expectations.

So what?

Tailored, localised programs, developed in consultation with communities, Elders and leaders are needed to respect and accommodate the tight connection that the Yolŋu have with ŋarali’, maintained over hundreds of years.
Skills, systems and supports: An Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (Apunipima) approach to building health promotion evaluation capacity of staff
Authors: Nichols Nina , McFarlane Kathryn , Gibson Priscilla , Millard Fiona , Packer Andrew , McDonald Malcolm
Published: January 2018

Issue addressed

Building the health promotion evaluation capacity of a workforce requires more than a focus on individual skills and confidence. We must also consider the organisational systems and supports that enable staff to embed learnings into practice. This paper describes the processes used to build health promotion evaluation capacity of staff in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS).

Methods

To build health promotion evaluation capacity three approaches were used: (i) workshops and mentoring; (ii) strengthening systems to support program reporting; and (iii) recruitment of staff with skills and experience. Pre‐ and post‐questionnaires determined levels of individual skills and confidence, updated systems were assessed for adequacy to support new health promotion practices and surveys captured the usefulness of workshops and mentoring.

Results

There was increased participant skills and confidence. Participants completed program impact evaluation reports and results were successfully presented at national conferences. The health promotion team was then able to update in‐house systems to support new health promotion practices. Ongoing collaboration with experienced in‐house researchers provided basic research training and professional mentoring.

Conclusions

Building health promotion evaluation capacity of staff in an ACCHS can be achieved by providing individual skill development, strengthening organisational systems and utilising professional support.

So what?

Health promotion practitioners have an ongoing professional obligation to improve the quality of routine practice and embrace new initiatives. This report outlines a process of building evaluation capacity that promotes quality reporting of program impacts and outcomes, reflects on ways to enhance program strengths, and communicates these findings internally and to outside professional bodies. This is particularly significant for ACCHSs responsible for addressing the high burden of preventable disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.
Gender‐specific risk factors for low bone mineral density in patients taking antipsychotics for psychosis
Authors: Jhon Min , Yoo Taeyoung , Lee Ju‐Yeon , Kim Seon‐Young , Kim Jae‐Min , Shin Il‐Seon , Williams Lana , Berk Michael , Yoon Jin‐Sang , Kim Sung‐Wan
Published: January 2018

Objective

This study examined clinical and gender‐specific risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD) in adult patients with psychotic disorders.

Methods

The study included 285 community‐dwelling patients with psychotic disorders. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was used to measure BMD. Clinical characteristics associated with low BMD were identified with logistic regression analysis in total population and each gender.

Results

Fifty‐eight (20.4%) subjects had low BMD. Low BMD was more common in men and in patients with low body mass indices (BMIs), as well as in those with shorter treatment durations, those on Medicaid, and patients using serotonergic antidepressants. Logistic regression analysis revealed that low BMD was negatively associated with BMI and treatment duration and positively with gender (male) and serotonergic antidepressants use in the overall population. In men, low BMD was associated with treatment duration and BMI; in women, low BMD was associated with BMI, prolactin level, vitamin D, and serotonergic antidepressant use.

Conclusion

Managing the risk factors associated with low BMD among patients with psychotic disorder should be done gender‐specifically. Psychotropic agents should be prescribed mindful of their effects on bone, as use of these medications is a modifiable risk factor for osteoporosis in women with psychotic disorders.
Formation waters discharge to rivers near oil sands projects
Authors: Ellis Jessica , Jasechko Scott
Published: January 2018

Groundwater discharges in the western Canadian oil sands region impact river water quality. Mapping groundwater discharges to rivers in the oil sands region is important to target water quality monitoring efforts and to ensure injected wastewater and steam remain sequestered rather than eventually resurfacing. Saline springs composed of Pleistocene‐aged glacial meltwater exist in the region, but their spatial distribution has not been mapped comprehensively. Here we show that formation waters discharge into 3 major rivers as they flow through the Athabasca Oil Sands Region adjacent to many active oil sands projects. These discharges increase river chloride concentrations from river headwaters to downstream reaches by factors of ~23 in the Christina River, ~4 in the Clearwater River, and ~5 in the Athabasca River. Our survey provides further evidence for the substantial impact of formation water discharges on river water quality, even though they comprise less than ~2% of total streamflow. Geochemical evidence supporting formation water discharges as the leading control on river salinity include increases in river chloride concentrations, Na/(Na + Ca) ratios, Cl/(Cl + SO4) ratios and decreases in 87Sr/86Sr ratios; each mixing trend is consistent with saline groundwater discharges sourced from Cretaceous or Devonian aquifers. These regional subsurface‐to‐surface connections signify that injected wastewater or steam may potentially resurface in the future, emphasizing the critical importance of mapping groundwater flow paths to understand present‐day streamflow quality and to predict the potential for injected fluids to resurface.
Seasonal dynamics of water and nutrient fluxes in an agricultural peatland
Authors: Kennedy Casey D. , Alverson Nickolas , Jeranyama Peter , DeMoranville Carolyn
Published: January 2018

The American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is an important part of the cultural heritage and economy of Southeastern Massachusetts, yet water quality concerns and wetland protection laws challenge its commercial production. Here, we report inputs and outputs of water, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) for a 2.12‐ha cranberry bed over a 2‐year period from 2013 to 2015. Water‐budget analysis indicated that precipitation contributed 40%, floodwater 37%, irrigation 15%, and groundwater 8% of water inputs to the cranberry bed. Minor annual variation in surface water discharge (~90 mm·year−1 or 3%) contrasted with large decreases in net (= outputs − inputs) nutrient export, from 16.2 to 9.1 kg N·ha−1·year−1 for total (dissolved + suspended particulate) nitrogen (TN) and from 3.34 to 1.47 kg P·ha−1·year−1 for total phosphorus (TP) between Years 1 and 2. Annual variation in net TN and TP export was tied to decreases in spring and summer nutrient export and controlled by the combined effects of fertilizer management, soil biogeochemistry, and hydrology. The relatively high spring TN export in Year 1 was associated with coincident increases in soil temperature and rainfall. A second factor was the timing of fertilizer application, which occurred 1 day prior to a major summer storm (i.e., third largest daily rainfall since 1926) and was responsible for up to 15% and 9% of the Year 1 TN and TP export, respectively. Nutrient budgets, which balanced water and fertilizer inputs with water, fruit, and vegetative outputs, were consistent with the burial of 21.6 kg N·ha−1·year−1 and 7.27 kg P·ha−1·year−1. Field measurements indicated that burial would increase TN and TP in the shallow (0–5 cm) rooting zone by 14% and 6%, respectively, which seemed plausible based on the relatively young age of the bed (4–5 years) and new root growth patterns in Vaccinium plants.
A Cautionary Tale About Using the WordShy: An Action Research Study of How Three Quiet Learners Demonstrated Participation Beyond Speech
Authors: Rosheim Kay Carpenter
Published: January 2018

Students who are quiet while reflecting on information before sharing their thoughts are often mistakenly judged as not participating in class. To better understand how quiet students navigated the space of a Midwestern U.S. suburban classroom, a yearlong action research study was conducted to learn more about student needs and test how adapting curriculum and pedagogy might affect students’ identities. Interviews, classroom videos, and student writing samples were analyzed to learn how quiet students engaged in classroom work, advocated for themselves, and rebuffed labels that they felt were negative. Although talk in the classroom is certainly vital to learning, time for writing and reflection is critical for some students. The findings of this study aim to raise awareness and encourage teachers to take an inquiry stance toward quiet students and consider their other modes of participation beyond speech.
Treating liquid expulsion in children with feeding disorders
Authors: Shalev Rebecca A. , Milnes Suzanne M. , Piazza Cathleen C. , Kozisek Jennifer M.
Published: January 2018

In the current investigation, we compared and evaluated the effects of two intervention procedures, a modified chin prompt and reclined seating, on the liquid expulsion of 2 children with feeding disorders. For both participants, expulsion decreased to clinically meaningful levels when we added the modified chin prompt or reclined seating to a treatment package consisting of differential reinforcement of acceptance, nonremoval of the cup, and re‐presentation. We discuss possible mechanisms underlying the effects of the 2 interventions and areas for future research.
Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior related to mands for rearrangement
Authors: Torres‐Viso Mariana , Strohmeier Craig W. , Zarcone Jennifer R.
Published: January 2018

This study is a systematic replication of a functional analysis (FA) of the relation between mands and problem behavior. We extended treatment approaches for this problem behavior function, and describe the treatment of problem behavior related to mands for rearrangement demonstrated by a 12‐year‐old girl with autism spectrum disorder and Smith‐Magenis syndrome. The mands consisted of requests for others to change their body positioning or proximity, or rearrange items back to their original position. An FA confirmed the relation between problem behavior and mand compliance, and functional communication training with extinction decreased problem behavior and increased functional communication responses. Problem behavior remained low as gradually longer nonreinforcement periods were introduced using a multiple schedule.
Rapid intra‐operative diagnosis of kidney cancer by attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy of tissue smears
Authors: Pucetaite Milda , Velicka Martynas , Urboniene Vidita , Ceponkus Justinas , Bandzeviciute Rimante , Jankevicius Feliksas , Zelvys Arunas , Sablinskas Valdas , Steiner Gerald
Published: January 2018

Herein, a technique to analyze air‐dried kidney tissue impression smears by means of attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR‐IR) spectroscopy is presented. Spectral tumor markers—absorption bands of glycogen—are identified in the ATR‐IR spectra of the kidney tissue smear samples. Thin kidney tissue cryo‐sections currently used for IR spectroscopic analysis lack such spectral markers as the sample preparation causes irreversible molecular changes in the tissue. In particular, freeze‐thaw cycle results in degradation of the glycogen and reduction or complete dissolution of its content. Supervised spectral classification was applied to the recorded spectra of the smears and the test spectra were classified with a high accuracy of 92% for normal tissue and 94% for tumor tissue, respectively. For further development, we propose that combination of the method with optical fiber ATR probes could potentially be used for rapid real‐time intra‐operative tissue analysis without interfering with either the established protocols of pathological examination or the ordinary workflow of operating surgeon. Such approach could ensure easier transition of the method to clinical applications where it may complement the results of gold standard histopathology examination and aid in more precise resection of kidney tumors.
Light sheet microscopy and SrAl2O4 nanoparticles codoped with Eu2+/Dy3+ ions for cancer cell tagging
Authors: Can‐Uc Bonifacio , Montes‐Frausto Juana B. , Juarez‐Moreno Karla , Licea‐Rodriguez Jacob , Rocha‐Mendoza Israel , Hirata Gustavo A.
Published: January 2018

Light sheet optical microscopy on strontium aluminate nanoparticles (SrAl2O4 NPs)1 codoped with Eu2+ and Dy3+ was used for cancer cell tagging and tracking. The nanoparticles were synthesized by urea‐assisted combustion with optimized percentage values of the 2 codoping rare‐earth ions for cell viability and for lower cytotoxic effects. The optical properties of these materials showed an excitation wide range of wavelengths (λexc = 254‐460 nm), a broad emission band (λem = 475‐575 nm) with the maximum centered wavelength at 525 nm and a half lifetime within the seconds regime. The feasibility to measure the nanoparticle luminescence under the selective plane illumination configuration was studied by immersing the nanoparticles in 1% Agarose. The potential applicability of the synthesized nanophosphors for cancer cell tagging was demonstrated by using in vitro experiments with human breast adenocarcinoma MCF‐7 cells. A single MCF‐7 cell observed by the use of light sheet microscopy with UV excitation. The cell has been bio‐labeled with FA‐SrAl204: Eu2+, Dy3+ NPs and 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole, dihydrochloride for nucleus identification.
Rutin and meloxicam attenuate paw inflammation in mice: Affecting sorbitol dehydrogenase activity
Authors: Fikry Ebtehal M. , Hasan Wedad A. , Mohamed Eman G.
Published: January 2018

Rutin, naturally occurring flavonoid, has reported to cover interesting multiple pharmacological properties. This study evaluated rutin or/and meloxicam effects in paw inflammation induced by formalin in mice. Mice were divided into four groups: I‐Formalin group, II‐Rutin 60 mg/kg (p.o.), III‐Meloxicam 10 mg/kg (p.o.), plus IV‐Combined rutin and meloxicam. Therapies were administered once a day for 7 days. The curative effects were assessed on inflammatory, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Both rutin and/or meloxicam induced marked improvement in paw licking time on the 1st day and by combined treatment only on the 3rd day as well reduction in paw edema% on the 3rd day. Moreover, noticeable progress in liver malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase activities as well decline in paw interleukin‐1β level and extent of apoptosis. The results spot light on the good influence of combined rutin and meloxicam in formalin‐induced mice paw inflammation to a better extent than either rutin or meloxicam lonely.
ART‐RRT: As‐Rigid‐As‐Possible exploration of ligand unbinding pathways
Authors: Nguyen Minh Khoa , Jaillet Léonard , Redon Stéphane
Published: January 2018

This article proposes a method to efficiently generate approximate ligand unbinding pathways. It combines an efficient tree‐based exploration method with a morphing technique from Computer Graphics for dimensionality reduction. This method is computationally cheap and, unlike many existing approaches, does not require a reaction coordinate to guide the search. It can be used for finding pathways with known or unknown directions beforehand. The approach is evaluated on several benchmarks and the obtained solutions are compared with the results from other state‐of‐the‐art approaches. We show that the method is time‐efficient and produces pathways in good agreement with other state‐of‐the‐art solutions. These paths can serve as first approximations that can be used, analyzed, or improved with more specialized methods. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parenting in the community: A service evaluation of a universal, voluntary sector parenting intervention
Authors: Gardner E. , Woolgar M.
Published: January 2018

Evidence based parenting programs have been shown to improve parenting competence and reduce child behavior problems. More rigorous evaluations of such programs are needed in community contexts. This study provides such an evaluation of The Parenting Children Course, a voluntary sector program that is being run both Live and on DVD within a church context. A total of 225 parents participated in the study. Standardized questionnaires were used to measure key parenting variables before and after the course, and at follow‐up 3 months later. Taking the course improved parents’ confidence and reduced parental negativity, but did not improve positive parenting skills. Parents reported that child behavior and family functioning also improved by the end of the course. There were no signs of decay at 3‐month follow‐up. Strengths and limitations of the study, implications for clinical practice and directions for future research, are discussed.
Long noncoding RNA NEAT1 regulate papillary thyroid cancer progression by modulating miR‐129‐5p/KLK7 expression
Authors: Zhang Hong , Cai Yuechang , Zheng Li , Zhang Zhanlei , Lin Xiaofeng , Jiang Ningyi
Published: January 2018

Considering the dilemma in papillary thyroid cancer treatment, this study intended to find solution in molecular respect. By probing into lncRNA‐NEAT1/miR‐129‐5p/KLK7 interaction, this study would provide new targets for future treatment. Microarray analysis and R language package were applied to select possible lncRNA and miRNA. Luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull‐down test were employed in the detection of target relationship between lncRNA and miRNA. Clone formation assay, flow cytometry analysis, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were, respectively, used to observe effects of lncRNA NEAT1/miR‐129‐5p/KLK7 to papillary thyroid cancer cells. Western blot and qRT‐PCR were used to validate protein expressions and mRNA expressions in PTC tissues and cells. LncRNA NEAT1 was highly expressed in PTC tissues and cell lines and could deteriorate PTC by promoting proliferation, invasion, and migration accompanied by less apoptosis. Besides, miR‐129‐5p/lncRNA NEAT1 were found to negatively correlate with each other by direct target relationship and their combination suppressed the progression of PTC. KLK7, a highly expressed downstream protein in PTC tissues, could be directly regulated by miR‐129‐5p in a negative way. KLK7 accelerated the deterioration of PTC in vitro experiments which could be reversed by sh‐lnc RNA NEAT1 and miR‐129‐5p mimics. In vivo experiments, silence of lncRNA NEAT1 restrain tumor growth in weight and volume. In conclusion, lncRNA NEAT1 suppression could inhibit PTC progression by upregulating miR‐129‐5p, which suppressed KLK7 expression either in vitro or vivo experiments.
Long non‐coding RNA HOTAIR acts as a competing endogenous RNA to promote glioma progression by sponging miR‐126‐5p
Authors: Liu Liang , Cui Sitong , Wan Teng , Li Xiaojian , Tian Wei , Zhang Rui , Luo Liangsheng , Shi Yan
Published: January 2018

LncRNA HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) has been shown to play prominent roles in tumorigenesis. However, its precise molecular mechanism in glioma has not been completely elucidated. In this study, we found that HOTAIR was aberrantly up‐regulated in glioma tissues and was negatively correlated with miR‐126‐5p expression. Next, we determined that HOTAIR promote glioma progression by sponging miR‐126‐5p. Subsequently, glutaminase (GLS) was confirmed to be a direct target of miR‐126‐5p using bioinformatics software and a luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, HOTAIR could modulate GLS expression by functioning as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR‐126‐5p. Taken together, our study clarified that the HOTAIR/miR‐126/GLS pathway is involved in glioma progression and may potentially serve as a target for glioma therapy.