bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravesical formalin for hemorrhagic cystitis: A contemporary cohort
Authors: Ziegelmann Matthew J. , Boorjian Stephen A. , Joyce Daniel D. , Montgomery Brian D. , Linder Brian J.
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Hemorrhagic cystitis presents a difficult clinical challenge, yet data regarding treatment options is sparse. Here, we sought to evaluate outcomes of a contemporary cohort of patients treated with intravesical formalin for hemorrhagic cystitis.Methods: We identified a retrospective cohort of eight patients managed with formalin for hemorrhagic cystitis from 2000‒2014. All patients failed prior measures, including bladder irrigation, clot evacuation, and other intravesical agents. Treatment success was defined as hematuria resolution during the given hospitalization without use of additional invasive therapies. We also evaluated treatment complications and additional treatments following hospital dismissal.Results: Etiology of cystitis was radiation for malignancy in all cases. The formalin concentration ranged from 1‒4%, with escalation used in treatment failures. Five patients (62.5%) received a single dose of 1% formalin, two patients received two doses, and one patient received three doses. Notably, intraoperative cystography identified vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in 50.0% of patients. Six patients (75.0%) achieved treatment success, with a median time to resolution of four days (range 1‒17 days). Of those refractory to formalin, one was managed with indwelling nephrostomy tubes and one underwent cystectomy. Median followup was eight months. Of the responders, two eventually required cystectomy, one for recurrent hematuria and one for recalcitrant bladder neck contracture and bladder dysfunction. The remaining four patients (50%) required no additional therapy.Conclusions: Formalin remains an important tool for treating refractory hemorrhagic cystitis, with roughly 75.0% of patients requiring no additional therapy prior to hospital discharge. Notably, there is a risk of bladder dysfunction following formalin.
Investigation of the Effects of Task Technology Fit, Attitude and Trust on Intention to Adopt Mobile Banking: Placing the Mediating Role of Trialability
Authors: Changchun Gao , Haider Muhammad Jamal , Akram Tayyaba
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the proposed model in which effect of trust, attitude and task technology fit are taken as independent variables and intention to m-banking adoption as dependent variable. The study also analyzes the mediating role of trialability between the independent and dependent variables. To find out how much variance each of the independent variables contribute in dependent variable, Structural equation modeling (SEM) approach is applied on the data sample of 271 respondents from Pakistan. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggested a good model fit. The results from SEM analysis revealed a model R-square of 0.55. It suggested the significant effect of attitude and task technology fit on intention to adopt m-banking. The analysis further explained the presence of mediating role of trialability between the relationship of intention to adopt m-banking and trust, attitude and task technology fit. The study also provides implications, limitations and future research suggestions.
Seedling Growth and Recovery in Response to Waterlogging of Wheat Cultivars Grown in the Yangtze River Basin of China from Three Different Decades
Authors: Ding Jinfeng , Su Shengnan , Zhang Yuxue , Li Chunyan , Zhu Xinkai , Guo Wenshan
Published: March 2017

Waterlogging is a major constraint on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production, especially in the Yangtze River Basin of China (YR). A container experiment was designed to investigate wheat-seedling growth and short-term recoveryin response to waterlogging. Cultivars commonly grown in theYR from three different decades, namely, Yangmai 1 (1970s), Yangmai 158 (1990s), and Yangfumai 4 (2010s), were selected. Seedling waterlogging significantly postponed leaf development, as well as decreased the number of tillers and adventitious roots per plant, seedling height, leaf area, specific leaf dry weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and root/shoot ratio. After a 20-day recovery phase, the leaf stage, seedling height, and root/shoot ratio recovered to the control level, whereas the adverse effects of waterlogging on the number of tillers per plant, leaf area, and shoot dry weight intensified. Significant differences were found in seedling growth among the three wheat cultivars. Yangfumai 4 showed the highest number of adventitious rootsper plant and the highest specific leaf dry weightbut the lowest seedling height, leaf area, and dry weights of shoots and roots. However, Yangfumai 4 showed the lowest percentage decrease in all growth parameters after both waterlogging and recovery. These results suggested thatimprovement inadventitious root numberper plant and specific leaf dry weight may be indicators ofresistance to waterlogging in wheat.
Genetic Diversity of Moroccan Orobanche crenata Populations Revealed by Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism Markers
Authors: Ennami Mounia , Briache Fatima Zahra , Mansi Joseph Mbasani , Gaboun Fatima , Ghaouti Lamiae , Belqadi Loubna , Mentag Rachid
Published: March 2017

Orobanche crenata Forsk. is a root holoparasitic plant that affects legume species in Mediterranean basin especially in Northern Africa. This parasitic weed is particularly problematic in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) fields. In Morocco, development of legume resistant/tolerant genotypes is considered the most economical and ecological control strategy against O. crenata. Efficient selection of resistant/tolerant cultivars requires prerequisite knowledge of the genetic diversity of the parasite. Thus, the present study focused on the assessment of the genetic diversity among and within Moroccan O. crenata populations, growing in faba bean fields, using Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism markers (SRAP). This marker system proved to be a powerful and an efficient tool for the evaluation of the genetic diversity among O. crenata populations. In fact, a total of 101 markers were identified and used for the Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA), among which 98 bands were polymorphic (97.02%), indicating considerable genetic variation of these O. crenata populations. However, at population level, low level of polymorphic loci was observed with a percentage ranging between 41.58% and 67.33%. The Jaccard’s similarity coefficient and Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) showed a clear differentiation among O. crenata samples according to the geographical origin of each population. AMOVA analysis revealed also a large extent of variation among O. crenata populations (60%; p < 0.010). Our outputs on molecular genetics of O. crenata combined with future epidemiological studies of these populations should clarify occurrence of O. crenata pathotypes and thereby validate the relevance of using multisite screening trials during breeding programs.
Effect of Different NaCl Concentrations on Germinations Period of Oil Sunflower Seeds (Helianthus annuus L.) Grown in the Black Sea Region
Authors: Gül Volkan , Dinler Burcu Seçkin , Sarisoy Ufkun
Published: March 2017

This study was carried out to determine the effects of different NaCl doses (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) on the seeds which obtained from the 6 regions in the Central Black Sea, where cultivated sunflower (Bafra, Vezirköprü, Havza, Merzifon, Çorum and Turhal) in 2016. In the experiment, germination rate, germination time, rootlet and tiller length of the seeds were measured. It was found that the seed samples showed different responses to NaCl doses and correspondingly germination rates were 36.3-86.0%, germination times were 4.68-6.05 day, rootlet lengths were 2.36-8.35 cm, tiller lengths were 3.06-9.13 cm. Increasing NaCl doses had a negative effect on the seed samples in the way of the parameters examined except that some seeds. Especially, 100 mM, 150 and 200 mM NaCl doses reduced germination and seedling in sunflower plants.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 9, No. 4
Authors: Brown Anne
Published: March 2017

Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 9, No. 4, 2017.
Azadirachta indica Reduces Black Sigatoka in East African Highland Banana by Direct Antimicrobial Effects against Mycosphaerella fijiensis without Inducing Resistance
Authors: Kumakech Alfred , Jørgensen Hans. J. L. , Collinge David B. , Edema Richard , Okori Patrick
Published: March 2017

Black Sigatoka is a major disease of East African highland cooking bananas in Uganda. Aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Capsicum annuum have shown the potential to reduce Black Sigatoka in banana plantlets. The mechanisms by which plant extracts confer protection against plant pathogens has previously been reported to involve activation of defence and direct antimicrobial activity. In the current study, both antimicrobial activities of selected extracts were studied as well as expression of three defence-related genes using quantitative real-time PCR. Gene expression was compared in susceptible (cv. Musakala, genomic group AAA-EA) and resistant (cv. Kayinja, genomic group ABB) banana cultivars. Additionally, Musakala treated with A indica extract at 1 day before inoculation (DBI) was tested for induction of defence-related genes at 0, 10 and 20 days after inoculation (DAI). Pathogenesis-related genes (PR-1 and PR-3) and non-expressor of PR-genes (NPR1B) were up-regulated in the resistant cultivar. The genes analysed responded at late time points to M. fijiensis inoculation in both extract-treated and control plants in the susceptible cv. Musakala. On the other hand, A. indica and C. annuum completely inhibited mycelial growth of M. fijiensis at 30% (w/v). These findings suggest that the effect of plant extracts on Black Sigatoka is strongly associated with the direct antimicrobial effects.
Early-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-Application Improved Physiological Performances of Sugarcane Seedling and Further Growth in the Dry Land
Authors: Sulistiono Wawan , Taryono Taryono , Yudono Prapto , Irham Irham
Published: March 2017

The Indonesian sugarcane production in the dryland was not optimal due to physiological stress. The research to improve their physiological characteristics by arbuscular mycorrhizal application was conducted at inceptisol soil from April 2014 to February 2015, using factorial completely randomized design. The first factor was clones PS864, Kidangkencana, PS881, Bululawang, and VMC, whereas the second factor was timing of arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculum applications i.e.: in the field, nursery, and control. The results show that the mycorrhizal application in the nursery significantly increased the infection percentage (41.3%) at the age of 1 week after transplanting to the field. There are differences in physiological and growth performance of clones by the effect of timing of mycorrhizal application. Bululawang with mycorrhizal application in the nursery stage tended to have better physiological performance such as chlorophylls a, b, and total chlorophyll, photosynthesis rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, leaf area, as well as the weight of stem biomass. Mycorrhizal application in the nursery stage showed the highest increase of net assimilation rate on the PS864 and, BL clones, and the highest crop growth rate on the PS864, KK and BL clones. The mycorrizal inoculum application in the nursery increased the biomass weight of stem (11-61.1%). Infection percentage of mycorrhiza was positively correlated with the biomass weight with r2 values of 0.54.
The Erosion of Sovereignty
Authors: Loughlin Martin
Published: March 2017

The Erosion of Sovereignty

This article presents an account of sovereignty as a concept that signifies in jural terms the nature and quality of political relations within the modern state. It argues, first, that sovereignty is a politico-legal concept that expresses the autonomous nature of the state’s political power and its specific mode of operation in the form of law and, secondly, that many political scientists and lawyers present a skewed account by confusing sovereignty with governmental competence. After clarifying its meaning, the significance of contemporary governmental change is explained as one that, in certain respects, involves an erosion of sovereignty.
National Identity, Constitutional Identity, and Sovereignty in the EU
Authors: Cloots Elke
Published: March 2017

National Identity, Constitutional Identity, and Sovereignty in the EU

This article challenges the assumption, widespread in European constitutional discourse, that ‘national identity’ and ‘constitutional identity’ can be used interchangeably. First, this essay demonstrates that the conflation of the two terms lacks grounding in a sound theory of legal interpretation. Second, it submits that the requirements of respect for national and constitutional identity, as articulated in the EU Treaty and in the case law of certain constitutional courts, respectively, rest on different normative foundations: fundamental principles of political morality versus a claim to State sovereignty. Third, it is argued that the Treaty-makers had good reasons for writing into the EU Treaty a requirement of respect for the Member States’ national identities rather than the States’ sovereignty, or their constitutional identity.
‘Should the People Decide?’ Referendums in a Post-Sovereign Age, the Scottish and Catalonian Cases
Authors: Tierney Stephen
Published: March 2017

‘Should the People Decide?’ Referendums in a Post-Sovereign Age, the Scottish and Catalonian Cases

This article uses the rise of referendum democracy to highlight the tenacity of modern nationalism in Western Europe. The proliferation of direct democracy around the world raises important questions about the health of representative democracy. The paper offers a theoretical re-evaluation of the role of the referendum, using the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence to challenge some of the traditional democratic criticisms of popular democracy. The final part of the paper addresses the specific application of referendums in the context of sub-state nationalism, addressing what might be called `the demos question'. This question was addressed by the Supreme Court in Canada in the Quebec Secession Reference but has also been brought to the fore by the Scottish reference and the unresolved issue of self-determination in Catalonia.
E-commerce, collectieve verbodsacties en rechtskeuzebedingen in consumentenovereenkomsten: verfijning van het Europees conflictenrecht
Authors: Streng R.P.
Published: March 2017

E-commerce, collectieve verbodsacties en rechtskeuzebedingen in consumentenovereenkomsten: verfijning van het Europees conflictenrecht

In HvJ 28 juli 2016, zaak C-191/15, Verein für Konsumenteninformation/Amazon EU Sárl, ECLI:EU:C:2016:612 heeft het Hof van Justitie geoordeeld dat oneerlijke bedingen in online gesloten of nog te sluiten overeenkomsten met consumenten en tegen het gebruik waarvan met een preventieve collectieve verbodsactie wordt geageerd, het karakter hebben van verbintenissen uit overeenkomst. De rechtmatigheid van dergelijke bedingen moet daarom, ook wanneer de rechtmatigheidstoets als voorvraag opkomt in het kader van een niet-contractuele collectieve verbodsactie, worden beoordeeld naar het recht dat door Verordening (EG) nr. 593/2008 (Rome I) wordt aangewezen. Daarentegen is volgens de advocaat-generaal alleen Verordening (EG) nr. 864/2007 (Rome II) relevant.

HvJ 28 juli 2016, zaak C-191/15, Verein für Konsumenteninformation/Amazon EU Sàrl, ECLI:EU:C:2016:612
Nieuwe jurisprudentie over de dienstenrichtlijn
Authors: van Rijn T.P.J.N.
Published: March 2017

Nieuwe jurisprudentie over de dienstenrichtlijn

In de afgelopen maanden zijn door Europese rechterlijke instanties drie arresten gewezen, die verschillende artikelen van de Dienstenrichtlijn op nieuwe punten interpreteren. Het gaat om vragen als: zijn concessies als vergunningen aan te merken, hoe moeten bepaalde (verboden) vergunningsvoorwaarden worden geïnterpreteerd, kunnen vergunningen automatisch verlengd worden en in hoeverre is een meldingsplicht voor dienstverrichtingen vanuit een andere lidstaat geoorloofd. Tot slot zal onderzocht worden of uit het arrest Promoimpresa afgeleid kan worden dat de artikelen 9 t/m 15 van de richtlijn ook van toepassing zijn op zuiver interne situaties.

HvJ 23 februari 2016, zaak C-179/14, Commissie/Hongarije, ECLI:EU:C:2016:108

HvJ 14 juli 2016, gev. zaken C-458/14 en C-67/15, Promoimpresa e.a., ECLI:EU:C:2016:558.

EVA-Hof 10 mei 2016, zaak E-19/15, ESA/Liechtenstein
Course Control Script Screenplay Control Matter for Management of Distance Learning Courses
Authors: Herling Luiz Henrique Debei , Todescat Marilda , Moraes Herling Gabriel , Moritz Gilberto De Oliveira
Published: March 2017

The distance education is growing every day in Brazil and in the world assuming increasingly important role in the learning process. The management technology is aligned conditioning factor for the success of distance learning courses, and ongoing challenge for managers in terms of control and seeks excellence in this type of education. For this presents a proposed tool called SCD (screenplay control discipline) for control and management disciplines in virtual learning environments based on quality management. The study has a predominantly quantitative analysis by treating the data previously and ex-post-facto use of the tool. It was found that the tool is important and reduces drastically the search for support as well as the demand for services by the IT structure of the course studied, in this case the Department of Management Sciences (CAD) of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC).
Displacement crackles within the temporomandibular joint and the quality of abduction and adduction mandible track in functional tests, using Zebris JMA device. Part II
Authors: Kijak Edward
Published: March 2017

Aim of the study. The aim of the first part of the study was to evaluate the impact of displacement crackles, located within the temporomandibular joint, on the quality of graphic records, free mandible movements, recorded with a Zebris JMA device and to determine the usefulness of instrumental techniques in the analysis of functional diagnosis of disorders within the stomatognathic system.The second part was devoted to determine the validity and application of instrumental techniques in functional analysis in the diagnosis of disorders of the stomatognathic system and the impact assessment of silent jumps in joints on graphic records of abduction and adduction movements of the mandible.
Material and methods. The study was conducted in a group of 55 people according to the methodology described in detail in the first part of the article. The results were analysed for the existence of statistical relationship (significance level at p <0.05) using Pearson’s Chi2 test – independence for bipartite tables between two qualitative variables.
Results. The compared presence of transitions in the function of the temporomandibular joints with the records of abduction and adduction graphic tracks confirmed a significant correlation between these characteristics. In the group of 41 people showing the presence of these disorders the straight track was registered in only 5 of them, which makes less than 10% of all the surveyed.
Conclusions. Electronic devices used to record jaw movements are a valuable instrument for supporting diagnostics, archiving and monitoring of therapy and patient education.
Dr. Helena Vongl-Świderska, the founder of Dental School
Authors: Walicki Ryszard
Published: March 2017

Helena Vongl-Świderska (1845-1919), née Wikszemska, born in Nieśwież (now Niasviż, Belarus), a Polish woman from the old Polish family settled in Wilno (now Vilnius, Lithuania), was the first woman admitted to the New York College of Dentistry. In March or May 1872 she graduated from the College with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (see the enclosed copy of diploma) becoming the third woman to earn dental degree in the USA. In the same year she settled in St. Petersburg, Russia, opened there a dental clinic, and also her private dental school. It was the second dental school in Russia, but the best one. In 1904 she moved to Italy. Helena Vongl-Świderska, secundo voto de Nunzio died in Rome in 1919. This paper brings new biographical information about this little-known pioneer of the European and American dentistry.
Public Communication/Communication in Public - The Editor's Preface
Authors: Frandsen Finn
Published: March 2017

No abstract.
Editor's Preface
Authors: Pálfi Loránd-Levente
Published: March 2017

No abstract.
Registro español
Authors: Marín Quico José Augusto
Published: March 2017

No abstract.
Programme de sensibilisation/désensibilisation à la prise de sang : apports et défis
Authors: Ndengeyingoma Assumpta , Ruel Julie , Moreau André C.
Published: March 2017

La peur des aiguilles s’observe fréquemment chez la population générale et pose un réel défi pour les personnes présentant une déficience intellectuelle (DI) ou un trouble du spectre de l’autisme (TSA). Le but de cette étude est d’évaluer un programme de sensibilisation/désensibilisation à la prise de sang utilisé dans un centre de réadaptation en DI et TSA, en fonction de son implantation et des résultats obtenus. Cette étude qualitative analyse des entrevues individuelles et un groupe de discussion focalisé menés auprès des différents intervenants impliqués. Des facteurs facilitants ainsi que des défis liés au programme et au contexte individuel ont été identifiés. Plusieurs recommandations, liées par exemple à l’efficacité sont discutées pour optimiser l’atteinte des objectifs du programme.
Le développement de compétences à l’école primaire au regard de la théorie de l’enquête de Dewey
Authors: Pepin Matthias
Published: March 2017

Le concept de compétence tire son essence du courant épistémologique constructiviste. Dans cet article, nous montrons que la philosophie pragmatique américaine, et plus particulièrement l’instrumentalisme de John Dewey, permet de fournir un éclairage cohérent sur le développement de compétences, en milieu scolaire en l’occurrence. Chez Dewey, l’enquête, comme mode d’apprentissage spécifique pour dépasser les situations indéterminées qui surviennent dans l’expérience, constitue le support au développement de compétences. En effet, les savoirs acquis au terme des enquêtes doivent être réinvestis dans l’action et servir à la résolution existentielle des situations indéterminées rencontrées. La conception deweyenne de l’apprentissage se concrétise plus avant par la mise en oeuvre de ce qu’il appelle des « occupations » comme moyen de conduire l’éducation. Ces « occupations », c’est-à-dire des activités sociales introduites dans le cadre de la classe, représentent alors le contexte pédagogique qui donne une direction et un sens aux expériences à vivre en milieu scolaire et sont également le support au déploiement de processus d’enquête. Nous illustrerons le propos à l’appui des résultats de notre recherche doctorale, au cours de laquelle nous avons documenté les apprentissages réalisés autour de la mise en oeuvre d’un magasin scolaire à l’école primaire.
Sympathy for the devil: a conservation strategy for devil and manta rays
Authors: Lawson Julia M. , Fordham Sonja V. , O’Malley Mary P. , Davidson Lindsay N.K. , Walls Rachel H.L. , Heupel Michelle R. , Stevens Guy , Fernando Daniel , Budziak Ania , Simpfendorfer Colin A. , Ender Isabel , Francis Malcolm P. , Notarbartolo di Sciara Giuseppe , Dulvy Nicholas K.
Published: March 2017

Background

International trade for luxury products, medicines, and tonics poses a threat to both terrestrial and marine wildlife. The demand for and consumption of gill plates (known asPeng Yu Sai, “Fish Gill of Mobulid Ray”) from devil and manta rays (subfamily Mobulinae, collectively referred to as mobulids) poses a significant threat to these marine fishes because of their extremely low productivity. The demand for these gill plates has driven an international trade supplied by largely unmonitored and unregulated catches from target and incidental fisheries around the world. Scientific research, conservation campaigns, and legal protections for devil rays have lagged behind those for manta rays despite similar threats across all mobulids.

Methods

To investigate the difference in attention given to devil rays and manta rays, we examined trends in the scientific literature and updated species distribution maps for all mobulids. Using available information on target and incidental fisheries, and gathering information on fishing and trade regulations (at international, national, and territorial levels), we examined how threats and protective measures overlap with species distribution. We then used a species conservation planning approach to develop the Global Devil and Manta Ray Conservation Strategy, specifying a vision, goals, objectives, and actions to advance the knowledge and protection of both devil and manta rays.

Results and Discussion

Our literature review revealed that there had been nearly 2.5-times more “manta”-titled publications, than “mobula” or “devil ray”-titled publications over the past 4.5 years (January 2012–June 2016). The majority of these recent publications were reports on occurrence of mobulid species. These publications contributed to updated Area of Occupancy and Extent of Occurrence maps which showed expanded distributions for most mobulid species and overlap between the two genera. While several international protections have recently expanded to include all mobulids, there remains a greater number of national, state, and territory-level protections for manta rays compared to devil rays. We hypothesize that there are fewer scientific publications and regulatory protections for devil rays due primarily to perceptions of charisma that favour manta rays. We suggest that the well-established species conservation framework used here offers an objective solution to close this gap. To advance the goals of the conservation strategy we highlight opportunities for parity in protection and suggest solutions to help reduce target and bycatch fisheries.
Quantitative and correlation analysis of the DNA methylation and expression of DAPK in breast cancer
Authors: Zhu Youzhi , Li Shuiqin , Wang Qingshui , Chen Ling , Wu Kunlin , Huang Yide , Chen Xiangjin , Lin Yao
Published: March 2017

Background

Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK) is an important tumor suppressor kinase involved in the regulation of multiple cellular activities such as apoptosis and autophagy. DNA methylation of DAPK gene was found in various types of cancers and often correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics. However, the mRNA and protein expression of DAPK in the same sample was rarely measured. Thus, it was unclear if the correlation between DAPK gene methylation and clinicopathological parameters was due to the loss of DAPK expression.

Methods

In this study, the DNA methylation rate, mRNA and protein expression of DAPK was quantitatively detected in 15 pairs of breast cancer patient samples including tumor (T) and adjacent non-tumor (N) tissues.

Results

The correlation between DNA methylation rate and mRNA expression, together with the correlation between mRNA and protein expression, was calculated. No correlation was observed between any levels using either the measurement value of each sample or the T/N ratio of each pair.

Discussion

These data suggested that the DNA methylation status of DAPK did not correlate well with its mRNA or protein expression. Extra caution is needed when interpreting the DNA methylation data of DAPK gene in clinical studies.
MaxEnt’s parameter configuration and small samples: are we paying attention to recommendations? A systematic review
Authors: Morales Narkis S. , Fernández Ignacio C. , Baca-González Victoria
Published: March 2017

Environmental niche modeling (ENM) is commonly used to develop probabilistic maps of species distribution. Among available ENM techniques, MaxEnt has become one of the most popular tools for modeling species distribution, with hundreds of peer-reviewed articles published each year. MaxEnt’s popularity is mainly due to the use of a graphical interface and automatic parameter configuration capabilities. However, recent studies have shown that using the default automatic configuration may not be always appropriate because it can produce non-optimal models; particularly when dealing with a small number of species presence points. Thus, the recommendation is to evaluate the best potential combination of parameters (feature classes and regularization multiplier) to select the most appropriate model. In this work we reviewed 244 articles published between 2013 and 2015 to assess whether researchers are following recommendations to avoid using the default parameter configuration when dealing with small sample sizes, or if they are using MaxEnt as a “black box tool.” Our results show that in only 16% of analyzed articles authors evaluated best feature classes, in 6.9% evaluated best regularization multipliers, and in a meager 3.7% evaluated simultaneously both parameters before producing the definitive distribution model. We analyzed 20 articles to quantify the potential differences in resulting outputs when using software default parameters instead of the alternative best model. Results from our analysis reveal important differences between the use of default parameters and the best model approach, especially in the total area identified as suitable for the assessed species and the specific areas that are identified as suitable by both modelling approaches. These results are worrying, because publications are potentially reporting over-complex or over-simplistic models that can undermine the applicability of their results. Of particular importance are studies used to inform policy making. Therefore, researchers, practitioners, reviewers and editors need to be very judicious when dealing with MaxEnt, particularly when the modelling process is based on small sample sizes.
Interacting effects of early dietary conditions and reproductive effort on the oxidative costs of reproduction
Authors: Noguera Jose Carlos
Published: March 2017

The hypothesis that oxidative damage accumulation can mediate the trade-off between reproduction and lifespan has recently been questioned. However, in captive conditions, studies reporting no evidence in support of this hypothesis have usually provided easy access to food which may have mitigated the cost of reproduction. Here, I test the hypothesis that greater investment in reproduction should lead to oxidative damage accumulation and telomere loss in domestic zebra finchesTaeniopygia guttata. Moreover, since the change or fluctuation in diet composition between early and late postnatal period can impair the ability to produce antioxidant defences in zebra finches, I also tested if early nutritional conditions (constant vs fluctuating early diet) influenced the magnitude of any subsequent costs of reproduction (e.g., oxidative damage and/or telomere shortening). In comparison to pairs with reduced broods, the birds that had to feed enlarged broods showed a higher level of oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG), but brood size had no effect on telomeres. Fluctuating early diet composition reduced the capacity to maintain the activity of endogenous antioxidants (GPx), particularly when reproductive costs were increased (enlarged brood). The decline in GPx in birds feeding enlarged broods was accompanied by a change in bill colouration. This suggests that birds with lower endogenous antioxidant defences might have strategically increased the mobilization of antioxidants previously stored in other tissues (i.e., bill and liver) and thus, preventing an excessive accumulation of damage during reproduction.
Risk Assessment of Pancreatic Surgery by Surgical Apgar Score and Body Mass Index
Authors: Aoyama Toru , Katayama Yusuke , Murakawa Masaaki , Yamaoku Koichiro , Kanazawa Amane , Higuchi Akio , Shiozawa Manabu , Ueno Makoto , Morimoto Manabu , Yoshikawa Takaki , Rino Yasushi , Masuda Munetaka , Morinaga Soichiro
Published: March 2017

Postoperative morbidity is high after pancreatic surgery. Recently, a simple and easy-to-use surgical complication prediction system, the surgical Apgar score (SAS), calculated using 3 intraoperative parameters (estimated blood loss, lowest mean arterial pressure, and lowest heart rate) has been proposed for general surgery. In this study, we evaluated the predictability of the SAS for severe complications after pancreatic surgery for pancreatic cancer. We investigated 189 patients who underwent pancreatic surgery at Kanagawa Cancer Center between 2005 and 2014. Clinicopathologic data, including the intraoperative parameters, were collected retrospectively. In this study, the patients with postoperative morbidities classified as Clavien-Dindo grade 2 or higher were classified as having severe complications. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for morbidity. Postoperative complications were identified in 73 patients, and the overall morbidity rate was 38.6%. The results of both univariate and multivariate analyses of various factors for overall operative morbidity showed that an SAS of 0 to 4 points and a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 were significant independent risk factors for overall morbidity (P = 0.046 and P = 0.013). The SAS and body mass index were significant risk factors for surgical complications after pancreatic surgery for pancreatic cancer.
Zoledronic Acid Effect on Chondrocyte Apoptosis in Degenerative Osteoarthritis Model
Authors: Uysal Mustafa , Ozkoc Gurkan , Bolat Filiz , Turker Mehmet , Erdem Mehmet
Published: March 2017

Apoptosis refers to cell death without inflammatory process, and is related to degenerative changes in joints. We hypothesized that zoledronic acid (ZA) would have a positive effect on chondrocyte viability and decreases in chondrocyte loss, which are important for the progression of degeneration. This study aimed to reveal the difference in time-dependent apoptotic changes in cartilage tissue in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection model of osteoarthritis (OA) in rat knees after treatment with zoledronic acid. We randomly divided 48 male Wistar albino rats into 6 groups. The knees of all rats except those in the control group underwent the operation for ACL transection. ZA for half of the rats and saline solution for the others was injected weekly into knees. Animals were killed at 0, 3, and 6 weeks after surgery. Apoptosis of chondrocytes were analyzed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling method. Comparison of groups was performed using Kruskal Wallis analysis and the Mann Whitney U test. Significant differences were observed between the groups treated with ZA and saline. ZA treatment significantly decreased the number of apoptotic cells in chondral tissue. ZA prevents time-dependent degenerative changes in chondral tissue by decreasing chondrocyte death. Intra-articular ZA may have the potential to treat and conserve chondral viability. ZA prevents chondrocyte loss and may play a therapeutic role in OA and conserving joint health. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential of intra-articular ZA for the prevention or treatment of age-related degenerative changes.
Long-Term Functional Outcome and Quality of Life After Restorative Proctocolectomy With Mucosectomy and Hand Suture IPAA: 20 Years' Experience in 326 Patients
Authors: Christou Christos , Rosenberg Theofilos , Chatziioannou Aristotelis , Emmanouil Theodoros , Ladoukakis Efthymios , Baratsis Sotirios
Published: March 2017

This paper was designed to evaluate the functional outcome and assess the long-term quality of life (QoL) of patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with mucosectomy and hand suture ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) over 20 years. Restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA is the surgical treatment of choice to all familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients and those with ulcerative colitis (UC) not responding to conservative management. The procedure has been modified from a transanal hand-suture IPAA after mucosectomy to a stapled IPAA without mucosectomy, but the benefits are still debatable. We studied retrospectively all UC and FAP patients subjected to the procedure between 1987 and 2006, using the SF-36 Health Survey, the Wexner score for incontinence, and an additional questionnaire evaluating various aspects of functional outcome and late complications.

A total of 326 patients (53% male) were included in the study. Pouchitis was recorded in 31% of UC and 5% of FAP patients. Anastomotic stricture was observed in 24% of UC and 8% of FAP patients. IPAA-related pouch failures occurred in 9% of UC and 3% of FAP. The median number of bowel movements per 24 hours was 6 (range: 2–20) with 1 (range: 0–8) bowel motion occurring at night. Wexner score was 3.27 (±0.32) for UC and 1.22 (±0.36) for FAP. The overall norm-based SF-36 score for physical/mental health status was 52.85/50.31 and 57.29/50.05 respectively. Restorative proctocolectomy with mucosectomy and hand suture IPAA is a safe procedure with good functional results and quality of life in well-satisfied patients. Pouchitis, anastomotic strictures, and pouch failures were mainly observed in the UC group.
The Hyde Amendment at 40 Years and Reproductive Rights in the United States
Authors: Adashi Eli Y. , Occhiogrosso Abelman Rachel H.
Published: March 2017

This Viewpoint discusses the evolution of the Hyde Amendment, which in 1976 prohibited use of medical funds to pay for abortion except when the mother’s life is endangered, and efforts since then to nullify the amendment or codify it as a federal statute.
A model integrating longshore and cross‐shore processes for predicting long‐term shoreline response to climate change
Authors: Vitousek Sean , Barnard Patrick L. , Limber Patrick , Erikson Li , Cole Blake
Published: March 2017

We present a shoreline change model for coastal hazard assessment and management planning. The model, CoSMoS‐COAST (Coastal One‐line Assimilated Simulation Tool), is a transect‐based, one‐line model that predicts short‐term and long‐term shoreline response to climate change in the 21st century. The proposed model represents a novel, modular synthesis of process‐based models of coastline evolution due to longshore and cross‐shore transport by waves and sea level rise. Additionally, the model uses an extended Kalman filter for data assimilation of historical shoreline positions to improve estimates of model parameters and thereby improve confidence in long‐term predictions. We apply CoSMoS‐COAST to simulate sandy shoreline evolution along 500 km of coastline in Southern California, which hosts complex mixtures of beach settings variably backed by dunes, bluffs, cliffs, estuaries, river mouths, and urban infrastructure, providing applicability of the model to virtually any coastal setting. Aided by data assimilation, the model is able to reproduce the observed signal of seasonal shoreline change for the hindcast period of 1995–2010, showing excellent agreement between modeled and observed beach states. The skill of the model during the hindcast period improves confidence in the model's predictive capability when applied to the forecast period (2010–2100) driven by GCM‐projected wave and sea level conditions. Predictions of shoreline change with limited human intervention indicate that 31% to 67% of Southern California beaches may become completely eroded by 2100 under sea level rise scenarios of 0.93 to 2.0 m.
A regional and nonstationary model for partial duration series of extreme rainfall
Authors: Gregersen Ida Bülow , Madsen Henrik , Rosbjerg Dan , Arnbjerg‐Nielsen Karsten
Published: March 2017

Regional extreme value models for estimation of extreme rainfall intensities are widely applied, but their underlying assumption of stationarity is challenged. Many recent studies show that the rainfall extremes worldwide exhibit a nonstationary behavior. This paper presents a spatiotemporal model of extreme rainfall. The framework is built on a partial duration series approach with a nonstationary, regional threshold value. The model is based on generalized linear regression solved by generalized estimation equations. It allows a spatial correlation between the stations in the network and accounts furthermore for variable observation periods at each station and in each year. Marginal regional and temporal regression models solved by generalized least squares are used to validate and discuss the results of the full spatiotemporal model. The model is applied on data from a large Danish rain gauge network for four durations ranging from 10 min to 24 h. The observation period differs between stations, and the number of stations with more than 10 years of observations has increased over the years. A spatiotemporal model for the threshold is suggested, applying the mean annual precipitation and time as the explanatory variables in the regional and temporal domain, respectively. Further analysis of partial duration series with nonstationary and regional thresholds shows that the mean exceedances also exhibit a significant variation in space and time for some rainfall durations, while the shape parameter is found to be constant.
The seasonality and geographic dependence of ENSO impacts on U.S. surface ozone variability
Authors: Xu Li , Yu Jin‐Yi , Schnell Jordan L. , Prather Michael J.
Published: March 2017

We examine the impact of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on surface ozone abundance observed over the continental United States (U.S.) during 1993–2013. The monthly ozone decreases (increases) during El Niño (La Niña) years with amplitude up to 1.8 ppb per standard deviation of Niño 3.4 index. The largest ENSO influences occur over two southern U.S. regions during fall when the ENSO develops and over two western U.S. regions during the winter to spring after the ENSO decays. ENSO affects surface ozone via chemical processes during warm seasons in southern regions, where favorable meteorological conditions occur, but via dynamic transport during cold seasons in western regions, where the ENSO‐induced circulation variations are large. The geographic dependence and seasonality of the ENSO impacts imply that regulations regarding air quality and its exceedance need to be adjusted for different seasons and U.S. regions to account for the ENSO‐driven patterns in surface ozone.
Linac‐based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the treatment of refractory trigeminal neuralgia: Detailed description of SRS procedure and reported clinical outcomes
Authors: Pokhrel Damodar , Sood Sumit , McClinton Christopher , Saleh Habeeb , Badkul Rajeev , Jiang Hongyu , Stepp Timothy , Camarata Paul , Wang Fen
Published: March 2017

Purpose/Objectives

To present our linac‐based SRS procedural technique for medically and/or surgically refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN) treatment and simultaneously report our clinical outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐seven refractory TN patients who were treated with a single fraction of 80 Gy to TN. Treatment delivery was performed with a 4 mm cone size using 7‐arc arrangement with differential‐weighting for Novalis‐TX with six MV‐SRS (1000 MU/min) beam and minimized dose to the brainstem. Before each treatment, Winston–Lutz quality assurance (QA) with submillimeter accuracy was performed. Clinical treatment response was evaluated using Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain intensity score, rated from I to V.

Results

Out of 27 patients, 22 (81%) and 5 (19%) suffered from typical and atypical TN, respectively, and had median follow‐up interval of 12.5 months (ranged: 1–53 months). For 80 Gy prescriptions, delivered total average MU was 19440 ± 611. Average beam‐on‐time was 19.4 ± 0.6 min. Maximum dose and dose to 0.5 cc of brainstem were 13.4 ± 2.1 Gy (ranged: 8.4–15.9 Gy) and 3.6 ± 0.4 Gy (ranged: 3.0–4.9 Gy), respectively. With a median follow‐up of 12.5 months (ranged: 1–45 months) in typical TN patients, the proportion of patients achieving overall pain relief was 82%, of which half achieved a complete pain relief with BNI score of I‐II and half demonstrated partial pain reduction with BNI score of IIIA‐IIIB. Four typical TN patients (18%) had no response to radiosurgery treatment. Of the patients who responded to treatment, actuarial pain recurrence free survival rates were approximately 100%, 75%, and 50% at 12 months, 15 months, and 24 months, respectively. Five atypical TN patients were included, who did not respond to treatment (BNI score: IV–V). However, no radiation‐induced cranial‐toxicity was observed in all patients treated.

Conclusion

Linac‐based SRS for medically and/or surgically refractory TN is a fast, effective, and safe treatment option for patients with typical TN who had excellent response rates. Patients, who achieve response to treatment, often have durable response rates with moderate actuarial pain recurrence free survival. Longer follow‐up interval is anticipated to confirm our clinical observations.
Transition Metal‐Free Iodosobenzene‐Promoted Direct Oxidative 3‐Arylation of Quinoxalin‐2(H)‐ones with Arylhydrazines
Authors: Paul Sanjay , Ha Ji Hyeon , Park Ga Eul , Lee Yong Rok
Published: March 2017

A transition metal‐free iodosobenzene‐promoted direct oxidative 3‐arylation of quinoxalin‐2(H)‐ones was developed using various arylhydrazines under air. The protocol affords a variety of 3‐arylquinoxalin‐2(H)‐one derivatives in moderate to good yields. This method provides a rapid access to biologically interesting benzo[g]quinoxalinones and pyrido[3,4‐b]pyrazinones. The present methodology features high functional group tolerance including base‐sensitive groups as well as allyl‐ and benzyl‐substituted quinoxalin‐2(H)‐ones under mild reaction conditions.

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The second epidemiologic transition on the brink: What we can learn from the island of Newfoundland during the early 20th century
Authors: Schmidt Dana M. , Sattenspiel Lisa
Published: March 2017

Objectives

We aim to understand how the second epidemiologic transition unfolded on the island of Newfoundland during the early 20th century. The focus is on changes in predominant causes of mortality throughout this period, urban and rural differences, and comparisons with other Western nations. We explore factors driving these patterns including the economy, nutrition, sanitation, and access to healthcare and discuss their relevance to understanding epidemiologic transitions in other developing regions.

Methods

We examined official provincial death records (n = 65,394) and census materials from 1900 to 1939 for three rural districts (Burgeo‐La Poile, Bonavista, and Twillingate) and the large city of St. John's. Life expectancies, infant mortality rates, survival curves, and proportionate mortality from communicable and non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) were calculated.

RESULTS

In all districts, old age mortality increased while infant and childhood mortality decreased, with corresponding increases in life expectancy. Proportionate mortality from communicable causes decreased while deaths from NCDs increased. These changes occurred earlier in urban St. John's than in outlying districts, suggesting rural–urban differences played a significant role in Newfoundland's second epidemiologic transition. However, the transition was significantly delayed relative to other Western nations.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that observed mortality patterns were the result of complex interactions between the poor economy, malnutrition, high prevalence of tuberculosis, and limited health and social services. These factors contribute to the delayed onset of the second epidemiologic transition in Newfoundland relative to other Western nations and the earlier onset in St. John's than in rural areas.