bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External validation of the ProCaRS nomograms and comparison of existing risk-stratification tools for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Tiberi David , Rodrigues George , Pickles Tom , Morris Jim , Crook Juanita , Martin Andre-Guy , Cury Fabio , Catton Charles , Lukka Himu , Warner Andrew , Taussky Daniel
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to perform a direct comparison of several existing risk-stratification tools for localized prostate cancer in terms of their ability to predict for biochemical failure-free survival (BFFS). Two large databases were used and an external validation of two recently developed nomograms on an independent cohort was also performed in this analysis.Methods: Patients who were treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and/or brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer were selected from the multi-institutional Genitourinary Radiation Oncologists of Canada (GUROC) Prostate Cancer Risk Stratification (ProCaRS) database (n=7974) and the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) validation database (n=2266). The primary outcome was BFFS using the Phoenix definition. Concordance index (C-index) reported from Cox proportional hazards regression using 10-fold cross validation and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to predict BFFS.Results: C-index identified Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score and ProCaRS as superior to the historical GUROC and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) risk-stratification systems. CAPRA modeled as five and three categories were superior to GUROC and NCCN only for the CHUM database. C-indices for CAPRA score, ProCaRS, GUROC, and NCCN were 0.72, 0.72, 0.71, and 0.72, respectively, for the ProCaRS database, and 0.66, 0.63, 0.57, and 0.60, respectively, for the CHUM database. However, many of these comparisons did not demonstrate a clinically meaningful difference. DCA identified minimal differences across the different risk-stratification systems, with no system emerging with optimal net benefit. External validation of the ProCaRS nomograms yielded favourable calibrations of R2=0.778 (low-dose rate [LDR]-brachytherapy) and R2=0.868 (EBRT).Conclusions: This study externally validated two ProCaRS nomograms for BFFS that may help clinicians in treatment selection and outcome prediction. A direct comparison between existing risk-stratification tools demonstrated minimal clinically significant differences in discriminative ability between the systems, favouring the CAPRA and ProCaRS systems. The incorporation of novel prognostic variables, such as genomic markers, is needed.
Is computed tomography-defined obstruction a predictor of urological intervention in emergency department patients presenting with renal colic?
Authors: Massaro Peter Alexander , Kanji Avinash , Atkinson Paul , Pawsey Ryan , Whelan Tom
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Our objective was to determine whether unilateral calculus-induced ureteric obstruction on computed tomography (CT) was independently associated with the need for urological intervention and 30-day return to the emergency department (ED).Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with symptomatic urinary calculi diagnosed by unenhanced helical CT. Stepwise regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of urological intervention and 30-day return to the ED. Potential predictors assessed included: patient demographics, calculus size, calculus location, degree of obstruction, analgesic doses, signs and symptoms of infection, serum creatinine, cumulative intravenous fluid administered, and the prescription of medical expulsive therapy.Results: Of 195 patients, 81 (41.5%) underwent urological intervention. The size of the calculus, its location, and the cumulative opioid dose were all independent predictors for urological intervention. Every 1 mm increase in calculus size increased the likelihood of intervention 2.2 times (odds ratio [OR] 2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67‒2.85). Proximal stones were 4.7 times more likely to require intervention than distal calculi (OR 0.21; 95% CI 0.09‒0.49). Every 10 mg increase in morphine was associated with a 30% increase in the odds of intervention (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.07‒1.58). Degree of obstruction was not associated with the need for urological intervention. Finally, none of the variables were predictors for 30-day return to the ED.Conclusions: Although stone size, proximal location, and severe pain, as indicated by higher opioid doses, were associated with the need for intervention, the degree of obstruction did not influence the management of patients with CT-defined urinary calculi.
First-line sunitinib or pazopanib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: The Canadian experience
Authors: Lalani Aly-Khan A. , Li Haocheng , Heng Daniel Y.C. , Wood Lori , Kalirai Austin , Bjarnason Georg A. , Sim Hao-Wen , Kollmannsberger Christian K. , Kapoor Anil , Hotte Sebastien J. , Vanhuyse Marie , Czaykowski Piotr , Reaume M. Neil , Soulieres Denis , Venner Peter , North Scott , Basappa Naveen S.
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Clinical trial data has shown pazopanib to be noninferior in overall survival (OS) compared to sunitinib as first-line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes and compare dose-modifying toxicities of mRCC patients treated with suntinib or pazopanib in the real-world setting.Methods: Data were collected on mRCC patients using the prospective Canadian Kidney Cancer Information System (CKCis) database from January 2011 to November 2015. Statistical analyses were performed using Cox regression adjusted for several risk factors and the Kaplan-Meier method.Results: We identified 670 patients treated with sunitinib (n=577) and pazopanib (n=93). There were no significant differences in International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) risk groups (p=0.807). Patients treated with sunitinib had improved OS compared with pazopanib (median 31.7 vs. 20.6 months, p=0.028; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38‒0.94). Time to treatment failure (TTF) was numerically, but not statistically, improved with sunitinib (medians 11.0 vs. 8.4 months, p=0.130; aHR 0.87; 95% CI 0.59‒1.28). Outcomes with individualized dosing on sunitinib were unavailable for this analysis. Patients treated with sunitinib had a higher incidence of mucositis, hand-foot syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease; patients treated with pazopanib had a higher incidence of hepatotoxicity.Conclusions: In Canadian patients with mRCC, treatment with sunitinib appears to be associated with an improved OS compared to pazopanib in the first-line setting. Patient selection factors and the contemporary practice of individualized dosing with sunitinib may contribute to these real-world outcomes and warrant further investigation.
Generalized Exponentiated Weibull Linear Model in the Presence of Covariates
Authors: Santana Tiago V. F. , Ortega Edwin M. M. , Cordeiro Gauss M. , Suzuki Adriano K.
Published: April 2017

A new regression model based on the exponentiated Weibull with the structure distribution and the structure of the generalized linear model, called the generalized exponentiated Weibull linear model (GEWLM), is proposed. The GEWLM is composed by three important structural parts: the random component, characterized by the distribution of the response variable; the systematic component, which includes the explanatory variables in the model by means of a linear structure; and a link function, which connects the systematic and random parts of the model. Explicit expressions for the logarithm of the likelihood function, score vector and observed and expected information matrices are presented. The method of maximum likelihood and a Bayesian procedure are adopted for estimating the model parameters. To detect influential observations in the new model, we use diagnostic measures based on the local influence and Bayesian case influence diagnostics. Also, we show that the estimates of the GEWLM are  robust to deal with the presence of outliers in the data. Additionally, to check whether the model supports its assumptions, to detect atypical observations and to verify the goodness-of-fit of the regression model, we define residuals based on the quantile function, and perform a Monte Carlo simulation study to construct confidence bands from the generated envelopes. We apply the new model to a dataset from the insurance area.
Hedging Strategies: Electricity Investment Decisions under Policy Uncertainty
Authors: Morris Jennifer F. , Srikrishnan Vivek , Webster Mort D. , Reilly John M.
Published: April 2017

Given uncertainty in long-term carbon reduction goals, how much non-carbon generation should be developed in the near-term? This research investigates the optimal balance between the risk of overinvesting in non-carbon sources that are ultimately not needed and the risk of underinvesting in non-carbon sources and subsequently needing to reduce carbon emissions dramatically. We employ a novel framework that incorporates a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of the U.S. into a two-stage stochastic approximate dynamic program (ADP) focused on decisions in the electric power sector. We solve the model using an ADP algorithm that is computationally tractable while exploring the decisions and sampling the uncertain carbon limits from continuous distributions. The results of the model demonstrate that an optimal hedge is in the direction of more non-carbon investment in the near-term, in the range of 20-30% of new generation. We also demonstrate that the optimal share of non-carbon generation is increasing in the variance of the uncertainty about the long-term carbon targets, and that with greater uncertainty in the future policy regime, a balanced portfolio of non-carbon, natural gas, and coal generation is desirable.
Sistema informatizado de workflow no atendimento ao consumidor: estudo em uma operadora de saúde suplementar
Authors: Monken Sonia Francisca , Miraldo Claudio De Oliveira , Sarquis Aléssio Bessa , Motta Lara Jansiski , Longaray André Andrade , Tondolo Rosana Da Rosa Portella
Published: April 2017

No Brasil, as operadoras de saúde suplementar necessitam de eficientes canais de atendimento aos clientes. Um sistema de workflow pode auxiliar nesses canais de atendimento. Neste estudo, objetivou-se verificar como a implantação desse sistema contribui para melhorar a produtividade e qualidade de uma central de atendimento ao consumidor em uma operadora de saúde suplementar. Para tanto, foram descritas as etapas de implantação de um sistema informatizado de workflow em uma operadora de saúde suplementar. O sistema possibilitou o monitoramento da operação em tempo real, a redução de custos, a diminuição nas reclamações de clientes, a definição de indicadores de desempenho, a facilidade na emissão de relatórios e a recuperação de documentos. Assim, este estudo serviu para ampliar a compreensão sobre a aplicação de sistema informatizado de workflow, em operadoras de saúde suplementar, e para apontar como este pode melhorar a produtividade e a qualidade dos serviços no atendimento aos clientes.
Impacto da utilização de sistemas de ERP em dimensões estratégicas de pequenas e médias empresas
Authors: Fernandes Renato Borges , Braga Guilherme André , Martins Bruna Suelen , Costa Filho Custódio Genésio da , Caixeta Ronaldo Pereira , Antonialli Luiz Marcelo
Published: April 2017

Neste estudo, objetivou-se analisar o impacto da utilização de sistemas de ERP, ou sistemas integrados de gestão, em empresas de pequeno e médio porte do município de Patos de Minas. Utilizando-se de um survey adaptado de Saccol et al. (2004), foram avaliadas as dimensões estratégicas clientes e consumidores, rivalidade competitiva, fornecedores, eficiência e eficácia organizacionais e eficiência interorganizacional. Os resultados demonstraram uma relevância média-baixa do sistema para as dimensões e confirmam a literatura, apontando uma menor e uma maior utilização estratégica para empresas de menor (pequenas) e de maior (médias) porte, respectivamente. Em especial, as menores diferenças entre pequenas e médias empresas estão na dimensão Rivalidade Competitiva, e as maiores na dimensão de Eficiência Interorganizacional. Concluiu-se que os sistemas de ERP possuem média relevância para os aspectos estratégicos de pequenas e médias empresas, mas tornando-se a base para posteriores suportes estratégicos.
Balanceamento de linha e arranjo físico: estudo de caso em uma linha de produção de cabines para máquinas de construção
Authors: Oliveira Isaac Messias Diniz , Da Paz Carla Canha , Da Silva Adriano Maniçoba , Ferreira William De Paula
Published: April 2017

O dimensionamento adequado da capacidade de produção é fundamental para prover suporte ao posicionamento estratégico de uma empresa no mercado globalizado e cada vez mais competitivo. Neste trabalho, teve-se como objetivo propor o balanceamento de linha juntamente com a melhoria do arranjo físico como estratégia de adequação da capacidade. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo de caso numa linha de produção de cabines para máquinas de construção numa multinacional japonesa. Como resultado, o balanceamento proposto, comparado com o utilizado pela empresa, mostrou-se mais eficiente, otimizando os recursos disponíveis. Verificaram-se vantagens da análise conjunta do balanceamento de linha com o arranjo físico.
Planejando projetos com o Life Cycle Canvas (LCC): um estudo sobre um projeto de infraestrutura pública estadual
Authors: Medeiros Bruno Campelo , Sousa Neto Manoel Veras de , Nobre Anna Claudia dos Santos , Nogueira Gustavo Maurício Filgueiras
Published: April 2017

Neste artigo, teve-se como objetivo compreender o processo de construção do planejamento de um projeto público com a utilização do modelo visual de gerenciamento de projetos conhecido como Life Cycle Canvas (LCC), por meio de um caso aplicado no Governo do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Diante das dificuldades relacionadas à utilização das práticas tradicionais de gerenciamento de projetos, considera-se necessário avaliar o uso de modelos visuais como alternativas de gestão de projetos. Para isto, foi realizado um estudo de caso, com a utilização de grupo focal, sendo feita observação participante com análise qualitativa. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que o modelo LCC se mostrou aderente ao contexto do setor público, gerando maior dinamicidade do processo de gerenciamento entre as etapas de iniciação e planejamento. Identificou-se também nesta pesquisa implicações gerenciais como forma de contribuir para uma reflexão sobre a necessidade de buscar novos modelos para projetos públicos.
Valorisation of Phosphorus-Saturated Constructed Wetlands for the Production of Sugarcane
Authors: Mateus Dina , Vaz Mafalda , Pinho Henrique
Published: April 2017

Constructed wetlands (CW) are a clean and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional wastewater treatment methods, namely in the removal of the nutrients responsible for the eutrophication of receiving water bodies, as is the case of phosphorus compounds. The materials used as CW filling can directly contribute to the removal of phosphorus compounds from wastewater, but with the operating time they tend to become saturated and treatment efficiency decreases. In order to evaluate the viability of producing an energy crop in phosphorus-saturated CW, sugarcane growth was monitored in two pilot-scale CW filled with two different expanded clay aggregates used for 10 years in wastewater treatment. This paper presents the results obtained during the first year of plant development in the plant-cane cycle. Morphologic aspects of sugarcane growth, such as height and average diameter of stems, average leaf area and number of new sprouts, have been monitored. The results obtained are comparable with those cited in the literature for traditional cultivation. Dry biomass productivity of 26.6 ton per hectare per year can be achieved. Estimated sucrose productivity can reach 13.5 ton per hectare per year, and related bioethanol production potential can be between 2.4 and 7.6 cubic meters per hectare per year, depending on the CW filter media used. It is concluded that the cultivation of sugarcane in CW allows to extend the life of these systems by reusing fillers, and simultaneously is an alternative to produce bioethanol raw-material without the use of scarce resources such as arable land, fresh water and plant nutrients.
Foreign Direct Investment and its Literature Review
Authors: Maddallah Al-Qaisi Khaldoun
Published: April 2017

The types of investment that are made abroad are known as foreign and have majorly affected countries that engage in these activities of business. The various factors which are to be considered such as - political factor, social factor and economical factor as these factors affect the allocation of international capital. This research paper will examine and analyze the literature review which is focusing on movement of capital under foreign direct investment. Existence of a positive effect on the economy of a country that is injected with these substitutes has led to a better performance of the overall GDP and increase in national output. The same is related to economic growth. It is argued that the study based upon verified documents involves all the countries irrespective of their geographical area whereas the fact is that many of them are concerned with largest recipients of foreign direct investment such as- Asian and Latin American countries.
Co-option of an endogenous retrovirus envelope for host defense in hominid ancestors
Authors: Blanco-Melo Daniel , Gifford Robert J , Bieniasz Paul D
Published: April 2017

Endogenous retroviral sequences provide a molecular fossil record of ancient infections whose analysis might illuminate mechanisms of viral extinction. A close relative of gammaretroviruses, HERV-T, circulated in primates for ~25 million years (MY) before apparent extinction within the past ~8 MY. Construction of a near-complete catalog of HERV-T fossils in primate genomes allowed us to estimate a ~32 MY old ancestral sequence and reconstruct a functional envelope protein (ancHTenv) that could support infection of a pseudotyped modern gammaretrovirus. Using ancHTenv, we identify monocarboxylate transporter-1 (MCT-1) as a receptor used by HERV-T for attachment and infection. A single HERV-T provirus in hominid genomes includes an env gene (hsaHTenv) that has been uniquely preserved. This apparently exapted HERV-T env could not support virion infection but could block ancHTenv mediated infection, by causing MCT-1 depletion from cell surfaces. Thus, hsaHTenv may have contributed to HERV-T extinction, and could also potentially regulate cellular metabolism.
A metabolic switch controls intestinal differentiation downstream of Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC)
Authors: Sandoval Imelda T , Delacruz Richard Glenn C , Miller Braden N , Hill Shauna , Olson Kristofor A , Gabriel Ana E , Boyd Kevin , Satterfield Christeena , Remmen Holly Van , Rutter Jared , Jones David A
Published: April 2017

Elucidating signaling pathways that regulate cellular metabolism is essential for a better understanding of normal development and tumorigenesis. Recent studies have shown that mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1 (MPC1), a crucial player in pyruvate metabolism, is downregulated in colon adenocarcinomas. Utilizing zebrafish to examine the genetic relationship between MPC1 and Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), a key tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer, we found that apc controls the levels of mpc1 and that knock down of mpc1 recapitulates phenotypes of impaired apc function including failed intestinal differentiation. Exogenous human MPC1 RNA rescued failed intestinal differentiation in zebrafish models of apc deficiency. Our data demonstrate a novel role for apc in pyruvate metabolism and that pyruvate metabolism dictates intestinal cell fate and differentiation decisions downstream of apc.
Aspects of gorgonopsian paleobiology and evolution: insights from the basicranium, occiput, osseous labyrinth, vasculature, and neuroanatomy
Authors: Araújo Ricardo , Fernandez Vincent , Polcyn Michael J. , Fröbisch Jörg , Martins Rui M.S.
Published: April 2017

Synapsida, the clade including therapsids and thus also mammals, is one of the two major branches of amniotes. Organismal design, with modularity as a concept, offers insights into the evolution of therapsids, a group that experienced profound anatomical transformations throughout the past 270 Ma, eventually leading to the evolution of the mammalian bauplan. However, the anatomy of some therapsid groups remains obscure. Gorgonopsian braincase anatomy is poorly known and many anatomical aspects of the brain, cranial nerves, vasculature, and osseous labyrinth, remain unclear. We analyzed two gorgonopsian specimens, GPIT/RE/7124 and GPIT/RE/7119, using propagation phase contrast synchrotron micro-computed tomography. The lack of fusion between many basicranial and occipital bones in GPIT/RE/7124, which is an immature specimen, allowed us to reconstruct its anatomy and ontogenetic sequence, in comparison with the mature GPIT/RE/7119, in great detail. We explored the braincase and rendered various skull cavities. Notably, we found that there is a separate ossification between what was previously referred to as the “parasphenoid” and the basioccipital. We reinterpreted this element as a posterior ossification of the basisphenoid: the basipostsphenoid. Moreover, we show that the previously called “parasphenoid” is in fact the co-ossification of the dermal parasphenoid and the endochondral basipresphenoid. In line with previous descriptions, the anatomy of the osseous labyrinth is rendered in detail, revealing a unique discoid morphology of the horizontal semicircular canal, rather than toroidal, probably due to architectural constraints of the ossification of the opisthotic and supraoccipital. In addition, the orientation of the horizontal semicircular canal suggests that gorgonopsians had an anteriorly tilted alert head posture. The morphology of the brain endocast is in accordance with the more reptilian endocast shape of other non-mammaliaform neotherapsids.
A transdisciplinary approach to the initial validation of a single cell protein as an alternative protein source for use in aquafeeds
Authors: Tlusty Michael , Rhyne Andrew , Szczebak Joseph T. , Bourque Bradford , Bowen Jennifer L. , Burr Gary , Marx Christopher J. , Feinberg Lawrence
Published: April 2017

The human population is growing and, globally, we must meet the challenge of increased protein needs required to feed this population. Single cell proteins (SCP), when coupled to aquaculture production, offer a means to ensure future protein needs can be met without direct competition with food for people. To demonstrate a given type of SCP has potential as a protein source for use in aquaculture feed, a number of steps need to be validated including demonstrating that the SCP is accepted by the species in question, leads to equivalent survival and growth, does not result in illness or other maladies, is palatable to the consumer, is cost effective to produce and can easily be incorporated into diets using existing technology. Here we examine white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) growth and consumer taste preference, smallmouth grunt (Haemulon chrysargyreum) growth, survival, health and gut microbiota, and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) digestibility when fed diets that substitute the bacteriumMethylobacterium extorquensat a level of 30% (grunts), 100% (shrimp), or 55% (salmon) of the fishmeal in a compound feed.In each of these tests, animals performed equivalently when fed diets containingM. extorquensas when fed a standard aquaculture diet. This transdisciplinary approach is a first validation of this bacterium as a potential SCP protein substitute in aquafeeds. Given the ease to produce this SCP through an aerobic fermentation process, the broad applicability for use in aquaculture indicates the promise ofM. extorquensin leading toward greater food security in the future.
Effects of chronic exposure to clothianidin on the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris
Authors: Basley Kate , Goulson Dave
Published: April 2017

Although neonicotinoids are targeted at insects, their predominant use as a seed dressing and their long persistence in soils mean that non-target soil organisms such as earthworms are likely to be chronically exposed to them. Chronic exposure may pose risks that are not evaluated in most toxicity tests. We experimentally tested the effect of field-realistic concentrations of a commonly used neonicotinoid, clothianidin, on mortality, weight gain, and food consumption to assess the impacts of chronic exposure over four months on fitness of L. terrestris individuals. We undertook three separate experiments, each with different exposure routes: treated soil only (experiment A), treated food and soil combined (experiment B) and treated food only (experiment C). Mortality was negatively affected by exposure from treated soil only with greatest mortality observed in the groups exposed to the two highest concentrations (20 ppb and 100 ppb), but no clear effect on mortality was found in the other two experiments. When clothianidin was present in the food, an anti-feedant effect was present in months one and two which subsequently disappeared; if this occurs in the field, it could result in reduced rates of decomposition of treated crop foliage. We found no significant effects of any treatment on worm body mass. We cannot rule out stronger adverse effects if worms come into close proximity to treated seeds, or if other aspects of fitness were examined. Overall, our data suggest that field-realistic exposure to clothianidin has a significant but temporary effect on food consumption and can have weak but significant impacts on mortality of L. terrestris.
Calcification and growth rate recovery of the reef-buildingPocilloporaspecies in the northeast tropical Pacific following an ENSO disturbance
Authors: Tortolero-Langarica Jose de Jesús A. , Rodríguez-Troncoso Alma P. , Cupul-Magaña Amílcar L. , Carricart-Ganivet Juan P.
Published: April 2017

Pocilloporids are one of the major reef-building corals in the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) and also the most affected by thermal stress events, mainly those associated with El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) periods. To date, coral growth parameters have been poorly reported inPocilloporaspecies in the northeastern region of the tropical Pacific. Monthly and annual growth rates of the three most abundant morphospecies (P. cf. verrucosa,P. cf. capitata, andP. cf. damicornis) were evaluated during two annual periods at a site on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The first annual period, 2010–2011 was considered a strong ENSO/La Niña period with cool sea surface temperatures, then followed by a non-ENSO period in 2012–2013. The linear extension rate, skeletal density, and calcification rate averaged (±SD) were 2.31 ± 0.11 cm yr−1, 1.65 ± 0.18 g cm−3, 5.03 ± 0.84 g cm−2yr-1respectively, during the strong ENSO event. In contrast, the respective non-ENSO values were 3.50 ± 0.64 cm yr−1, 1.70 ± 0.18 g cm−3, and 6.02 ± 1.36 g cm−2yr−1. This corresponds to 52% and 20% faster linear extension and calcification rates, respectively, during non-ENSO period. The evidence suggests thatPocilloporabranching species responded positively with faster growth rates following thermal anomalies, which allow them to maintain coral communities in the region.
The identity of Restio curvulus Nees and lectotypifications of some Australian Restionaceae
Authors: Briggs Barbara Gillian
Published: April 2017

Restio curvulus Nees (1840) has been considered to be a name of uncertain application as no type was known for it, but is now identified as homotypic with Calorophus densus Lindl. & Nees (1846), a synonym of Loxocarya cinerea R.Br. The authority for C. densus, whether Lindl. & Nees or Lehm. & Nees, is discussed. Lectotypes are designated for Calorophus gracillimus F.Muell. (current accepted name Empodisma gracillimum (F.Muell.) L.A.S.Johnson & D.F.Cutler), Hypolaena pubescens (R.Br.) Nees var. β hirsuta Nees (currently not distinguished within H. pubescens), Lepidobolus chaetocephalus F.Muell. ex Benth., Lepidobolus drapetocoleus F.Muell. ex Benth., Lepyrodia anarthria F.Muell. ex Benth., Lepyrodia heleocharoides Gilg, Lepyrodia monoica F.Muell., Lepyrodia muelleri Benth., Restio chasmatocoleus F.Muell. (currently considered a synonym of Chordifex laxus (R.Br.) B.G.Briggs & L.A.S.Johnson).
Cervical Pessary for Preventing Preterm Birth in Singleton Pregnancies With Short Cervical Length: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Saccone Gabriele , Ciardulli Andrea , Xodo Serena , Dugoff Lorraine , Ludmir Jack , Pagani Giorgio , Visentin Silvia , Gizzo Salvatore , Volpe Nicola , Maruotti Giuseppe Maria , Rizzo Giuseppe , Martinelli Pasquale , Berghella Vincenzo
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of cervical pessary for preventing spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) in singleton gestations with a second trimester short cervix.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched from their inception until February 2016. We included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the use of the cervical pessary with expectant management in singletons pregnancies with transvaginal ultrasound cervical length (TVU CL) ≤25 mm. The primary outcome was incidence of SPTB <34 weeks. The summary measures were reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Three RCTs (n = 1,420) were included. The mean gestational age (GA) at randomization was approximately 22 weeks. The Arabin pessary was used as intervention in all three trials, and was removed by vaginal examination at approximately 37 weeks. Cervical pessary was not associated with prevention of SPTB <37 (20.2% vs 50.2%; RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.09), <34, <32, and <28 weeks, compared to no pessary. No differences were found in the mean of GA at, interval from randomization to delivery, incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes and of cesarean delivery, and in neonatal outcomes. The Arabin pessary was associated with a significantly higher risk of vaginal discharge.

Conclusions

In singleton pregnancies with a TVU CL ≤25mm at 200–246weeks, the Arabin pessary does not reduce the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery or improve perinatal outcome. Individual patient data meta‐analysis may clarify whether cervical pessary may be beneficial in subgroups, such as only singleton gestations without prior SPTB or by different CL cutoffs.
Promiscuity in post‐transcriptional control of gene expression: Drosophila sex‐lethal and its regulatory partnerships
Authors: Moschall Rebecca , Gaik Monika , Medenbach Jan
Published: April 2017

The Drosophila RNA‐binding protein Sex‐lethal (Sxl) is a potent post‐transcriptional regulator of gene expression that controls female development. It regulates the expression of key factors involved in sex‐specific differences in morphology, behavior, and dosage compensation. Functional Sxl protein is only expressed in female flies, where it binds to U‐rich RNA motifs present in its target mRNAs to regulate their fate. Sxl is a very versatile regulator that, by shuttling between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, can regulate almost all aspects of post‐transcriptional gene expression including RNA processing, nuclear export, and translation. For these functions, Sxl employs multiple interactions to either antagonize RNA‐processing factors or to recruit various coregulators, thus allowing it to establish a female‐specific gene expression pattern. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about Sxl function and review recent mechanistic and structural studies that further our understanding of how such a seemingly ‘simple’ RNA‐binding protein can exert this plethora of different functions.
Electron temperature anisotropy regulation by whistler instability
Authors: Kim H. P. , Hwang J. , Seough J. J. , Yoon P. H.
Published: April 2017

The solar wind electron temperature anisotropy is regulated by a number of physical processes, which include adiabatic expansion, electron Coulomb collisions, and microinstabilities. In the collisionless limit, the measured electron temperature anisotropy is constrained by the marginal threshold conditions for whistler (electromagnetic electron cyclotron or EMEC) and firehose instabilities, which are excited by excessive perpendicular and parallel temperature anisotropies, respectively. In the literature, these thresholds are expressed as inverse relationships between the electron temperature ratio and parallel beta, which are constructed on the basis of linear stability analysis and empirical fitting. In the present paper, macroscopic quasi‐linear kinetic theory of whistler (or EMEC) instability is employed in order to investigate the time development of the instability. One‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulation is also carried out, and it is found that PIC simulation confirms the validity of the macroscopic quasi‐linear approach. It is also found that the saturation stage of the instability naturally corresponds to the threshold condition, thus confirming the inverse relationship. The present finding shows that the macroscopic quasi‐linear kinetic theory may be a valid theoretical tool for dynamical description of the solar wind.
Image log analysis of in situ stress orientation, breakout growth, and natural geologic structures to 2.5 km depth in central Scandinavian Caledonides: Results from the COSC‐1 borehole
Authors: Wenning Quinn C. , Berthet Theo , Ask Maria , Zappone Alba , Rosberg Jan‐Erik , Almqvist Bjarne S. G.
Published: April 2017

Stress‐induced borehole deformation analysis in the Collisional Orogeny in the Scandinavian Caledonide deep scientific borehole establishes in situ stress orientation in a poorly characterized region in central Sweden. Two acoustic televiewer logging campaigns, with more than 1 year between campaigns, provide detailed images along the full length of the 2.5 km deep borehole for breakout, drilling‐induced tensile fracture (DITF), and natural occurring structural analysis. Borehole breakouts occur in 13 distinct zones along total length of 22 m, indicating an average maximum horizontal stress, SHmax, orientation of 127° ± 12°. Infrequent DITFs are constrained within one zone from 786 to 787 m depth (SHmax orientation: 121° ± 07°). These SHmax orientations are in agreement with the general trend in Scandinavia and are in accordance with many mechanisms that generate crustal stress (e.g., ridge push, topographic loading, and mantel driven stresses). The unique acquisition of image logs in two successions allows for analysis of time‐dependent borehole deformation, indicating that six breakout zones have crept, both along the borehole axis and radially around the borehole. Strong dynamic moduli measured on core samples and an inferred weak in situ stress anisotropy inhibit the formation of breakouts and DITFs. Natural fracture orientation below 800 m is congruent to extensional or hybrid brittle shear failure along the same trend as the current SHmax. Analysis of foliation in the image logs reinforces the interpretation that the discontinuous seismic reflectors with fluctuating dip observed in seismic profiles are due to recumbent folding and boudinage.
Characterizing landscape‐scale erosion using 10Be in detrital fluvial sediment: Slope‐based sampling strategy detects the effect of widespread dams
Authors: Reusser Lucas J. , Bierman Paul R. , Rizzo Donna M. , Portenga Eric W. , Rood Dylan H.
Published: April 2017

Concentrations of in situ 10Be measured in detrital fluvial sediment are frequently used to estimate long‐term erosion rates of drainage basins. In many regions, basin‐averaged erosion rates are positively correlated with basin average slope. The slope dependence of erosion allows model‐based erosion rate estimation for unsampled basins and basins where human disturbance may have biased cosmogenic nuclide concentrations in sediment. Using samples collected from southeastern North America, we demonstrate an approach that explicitly considers the relationship between average basin slope and erosion rate. Because dams and reservoirs are ubiquitous on larger channels in the field area, we selected 36 undammed headwater subbasins (average area 10.6 km2) from which we collected river sand samples and measured 10Be concentrations. We used these data to train a predictive model that relates average basin slope and 10Be‐inferred erosion rate. Applying our model to 28 basins in the same region previously studied with 10Be, we find that the model successfully predicts erosion rates for basins of different sizes if they are undammed or if samples were collected >25 km downstream of dams. For samples collected closer to dams, measured erosion rates exceed modeled erosion rates for two‐thirds of the samples. In three of four cases where paired samples were collected upstream of reservoirs and downstream of the impounding dam, 10Be concentrations were lower downstream. This finding has implications for detrital cosmogenic studies, whether or not samples were collected directly downstream of dams, because dams obstruct most major rivers around the world, effectively trapping sediment that originated upstream.
Licochalcone A specifically induces cell death in glioma stem cells via mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Kuramoto Kenta , Suzuki Shuhei , Sakaki Hirotsugu , Takeda Hiroyuki , Sanomachi Tomomi , Seino Shizuka , Narita Yoshitaka , Kayama Takamasa , Kitanaka Chifumi , Okada Masashi
Published: April 2017

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most malignant primary intrinsic brain tumor. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are associated with chemoradiotherapy resistance and the recurrence of glioblastomas after conventional therapy. The targeting of GSCs is potentially an effective treatment for the long‐term survival of glioblastoma patients. Licochalcone A, a natural chalconoid from licorice root, exerts anticancer effects; however, its effect on GSCs remains unknown. We found that Licochalcone A induced massive caspase‐dependent death in GSCs but not in differentiated GSCs nor normal somatic and neural stem cells. Prior to cell death, Licochalcone A caused mitochondrial fragmentation and reduced the membrane potential and ATP production in GSCs. Thus, Licochalcone A induces mitochondrial dysfunction and shows promise as an anticancer stem cell drug.
Juvenile Victimization
Authors: Turanovic Jillian J.
Published: April 2017

This entry discusses the consequences of victimization for children and adolescents and also key theoretical correlates of victimization among youth (e.g., lifestyles and routine activities, low self‐control, and peer group influences). As children move into adolescence, they become increasingly autonomous and spend a greater proportion of their waking hours with peers outside the home. At the same time, their risks of victimization increase substantially. Although in‐home violence and child abuse are important forms of juvenile victimization, other entries in this volume discuss these forms of maltreatment in depth (see, e.g., Cycle of Violence, and Physical Abuse). Accordingly, the focus here is primarily on nonfamilial victimization – the kind that occurs outside the home, in school, and on the streets.
Second Chance Act, The
Authors: Burris Sara W. , Miller J. Mitchell
Published: April 2017

Ideologically supported by the rehabilitative ideal, restorative justice, and the ongoing national offender reentry movement, the Second Chance Act was passed by
US
Congress in 2007 to minimize both adult and juvenile offender recycling through the justice systems. This entry observes the short history of the Second Chance Act with focus on juvenile justice‐related activity. After acknowledging major strides realized during the first 5 years of the Act, major funding opportunities offered for delinquency intervention and positive youth development through United States Department of Justice funding agencies, including the United States Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, are examined.
Structure and properties of microwave transparent crosslinked polystyrene prepared through 3D printing bulk polymerization
Authors: Chen Yuanwu , Mao Jiale , Zhu Yejun , Zhang Kai , Wu Gangpeng , Wu Jingshen , Zhang Haiyan
Published: April 2017

Polystyrene (PS) crosslinked with divinylbenzene is one of the most promising microwave (MW) transparent polymers for structural application. However, preparation of it has been always inhibited by severe thermal runaway. Under this background, novel technology referred to as “3D printing bulk polymerization” is innovated with great advantages on heat release control. Comparing to the multistage batch polymerization as previously reported, the products obtained in present work are also superior on both the thermal–mechanical properties and dielectric properties at MW band. The modulus is improved from 2.43 to 3.06 GPa, and
is increased to over 120 °C after crosslinking, while the ultralow dielectric loss feature of PS is well maintained with the loss factor to the order of 10−4. In‐depth investigation about the effects of crosslinking on main‐chain segments has found it extend to secondary relaxation originates from pendent phenyl groups and resulted in a dispersion shift toward higher band. Based on the Raman study, a possible mechanism is also proposed that the torsional relaxation of side groups is governed by a potential barrier arises from constraint by main‐chain of several adjacent atoms through interaction between them. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44865.
Cytopenia first – hepatitis second: an unusual sequence in aplastic anemia
Authors: Alashkar Ferras , Föhring Daniel , Dührsen Ulrich , Baba Hideo Andreas , Röth Alexander
Published: April 2017

Key Clinical Message

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of aplastic anemia (AA) preceding autoantibody‐negative autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) with successful treatment of both conditions with the same immunosuppressive regimen, resulting in hematopoietic reconstitution and remission of AIH.
Comment on “Combined heat and mass transfer of third‐grade nanofluids over a convectively‐heated stretching permeable surface,” Waqar A. Khan, J. Richard Culham, O. Daniel Makinde, The Canadian journal of chemical engineering, Vol. 93, 1880–1888, 2015
Authors: Pantokratoras Asterios
Published: April 2017

The present comment concerns some doubtful results included in the above paper.
Surface‐Assembled Mechanically Interlocked Architectures
Authors: Da Silva Rodrigues Rafael , Mullen Kathleen M.
Published: April 2017

Since the advent of supramolecular chemistry, there has been keen interest in the synthesis of interlocked molecules, given their unique potential to act as receptors, molecular machines and even motors. Despite advances in the complexity of molecular machines that can be synthesised and operated in solution, reports of the operation or even attachment of complex supramolecular systems on solid surfaces are less common. Synthetic challenges and a lack of adequate characterisation techniques to monitor the thermodynamic and kinetic influences governing assembly at the solution–surface interface has slowed progress in this area of research. This Review looks at the developments in the field of covalently assembled interlocked architectures on gold, silica and polymer surfaces, highlighting the differences observed between solution and surface assembly of these unique structures.
Efficient simulation of solidification microstructures of a binary alloy under non‐isothermal conditions based on adaptive octree grids
Authors: Yin Yajun , Tong Lele , Zhou Jianxin
Published: April 2017

Performing microstructure simulation of binary alloy in non‐isothermal condition always suffers from the decoupling problem of temperature field with concentration field and phase field due to different diffusion velocities of temperature and solute. Adaptive octree grids are introduced into phase field model to explore the microstructure simulation in non‐isothermal. The appropriate refining and coursing model based on octree system and phase field method is proposed. A solution is also put forward to work out the above decoupling problem by solving both diffusion equations on the different layer of the octree grids. Microstructure simulations are performed for the binary alloy Ni‐Cu, using phase field model, adaptive octree grids and parallel technique. The simulation results are discussed. Firstly, results of the phase field, temperature field and concentration field are discussed and are found to conform to the basic solidification principle. Secondly, the calculation time and resource consumption of uniform system and adaptive octree system are also compared. At last, a long‐time simulation experiment of large scale has been carried out. It illustrates that adaptive octree grids owns great applicability in microstructure simulation due to the computational efficiency on the premise of accuracy.
Trait variation in response to varying winter temperatures, diversity patterns and signatures of selection along the latitudinal distribution of the widespread grassland plant Arrhenatherum elatius
Authors: Michalski Stefan G. , Malyshev Andrey V. , Kreyling Juergen
Published: April 2017

Across Europe, genetic diversity can be expected to decline toward the North because of stochastic and selective effects which may imply diminished phenotypic variation and less potential for future genetic adaptations to environmental change. Understanding such latitudinal patterns can aid provenance selection for breeding or assisted migration approaches. In an experiment simulating different winter temperatures, we assessed quantitative trait variation, genetic diversity, and differentiation for natural populations of the grass Arrhenatherum elatius originating from a large latitudinal gradient. In general, populations from the North grew smaller and had a lower flowering probability. Toward the North, the absolute plastic response to the different winter conditions as well as heritability for biomass production significantly declined. Genetic differentiation in plant height and probability of flowering were very strong and significantly higher than under neutral expectations derived from SNP data, suggesting adaptive differentiation. Differentiation in biomass production did not exceed but mirrored patterns for neutral genetic differentiation, suggesting that migration‐related processes caused the observed clinal trait variation. Our results demonstrate that genetic diversity and trait differentiation patterns for A. elatius along a latitudinal gradient are likely shaped by both local selection and genetic drift.