bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid approach for variable speed limit implementation and application to mixed traffic conditions with connected autonomous vehicles
Authors: Li Duo , Zhao Yifei , Ranjitkar Prakash , Zhao Haijiang , Bai Qiang
Published: December 2017

Variable speed limits (VSLs) have a potential to improve mobility and safety of motorway through harmonisation of traffic flow. However, the success of VSL is highly dependent on drivers’ compliance to the displayed speed limits. Emerging technologies in the field of connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) is likely to revolutionise the way VSL will be operated in the near future. VSL can be integrated with CAVs where CAVs will automatically obey the displayed speed limits. However, 100% penetration rate of CAVs is a long‐term goal. At the initial stage of deployment, CAVs will coexist with manually driven vehicles on motorways. This study explores ways to implement VSL under a mixed traffic condition where CAVs and manually driven vehicles coexist in the traffic stream. A hybrid approach combining particle swarm optimisation with proportional‐integrated‐derivative is proposed to improve VSL implementation under a range of mixed traffic conditions. The simulation results showed that the proposed method successfully achieved the desired speed limits and rapidly stabilised the system at the initial and transient points at penetration rates of 50 and 75%, whereas the method encountered serious overshoots at lower penetration rates.
Small Plot Insecticide Trials, 1993
Authors: Rodriguez L. M. , Ostheimer E. A. , Reagan T. E. , White W. H.
Published: December 2017

Season-long control of the SCB in plant care was evaluated in a RCBD study with 5 replications at the St Gabriel Research Station, St Gabriel, LA. Insecticide treatments were applied over the sugarcane canopy with a CO2 backpack sprayer on 30 Jul, 19 Aug, and 16 Sep when the SCB infestation exceeded the economic threshold (5% of the stalks containing live larvae in the leafsheaths). Four 0.004 flat fan spray tips per 6 ft width of row at 2.25 kg/cm2 applied 188 liters of finished formulation/ha. In addition to an untreated check, 2 granular insecticide treatments were applied using a 400 ml shaker jar calibrated to deliver the designated amount of formulation to the top of the sugarcane canopy 30 Jul, 19 Aug, and 16 Sep. Prior to the initiation of the experiment, 2 applications of Lorsban 15G were made (7.8 kg formulated product/ha each) to suppress red imported fire ant predation (10 May and 6 Jul). The 4 Rohm & Haas treatments were applied with Triton CS-7 at 0.25% v/v, and the Javelin treatment was applied with Kinetic, at a rate of 0.25% v/v. SCB damage was assessed by counting the bored internodes, exit holes, and total number of internodes from 100 randomly-selected stalks of sugarcane (20 stalks/replication) in each treatment on 19 and 21 Oct. Separation of means was by LSD.
Laboratory Activity of Spinosad on Non-Target Beneficial Arthropods, 1994
Authors: Schoonover J. R. , Larson L. L.
Published: December 2017

This report details the results of a number of laboratory tests on spinosad as spray-dried broth (NAF-144) and an extracted 480 gms/liter SC (NAF-85) against a variety of beneficial organisms. All beneficial insects were obtained from a commercial supplier, Nature’s Control, P.O. Box 35, Medford, OR 97501. For topical, honey bee tests, the bees were confined to a petri dish and then sprayed with a hand syringe. For contact exposure, the exposure units consisted of glass tubes, 7.5 cm. long × 4 cm. in diameter. The tubes were treated by applying a uniform film to the inside of the glass tube using a fine DeVilbis sprayer. Materials were field applied to ‘Courtland’ Apples during bloom. Branches were harvested at 0, 16, 24, and 40 hours post spray. Bees were caged in the laboratory with the treated blossoms. The experiment was held at 40-50% RH and 23°C. The exposure units for Encarsia were treated by applying a uniform film to the inside of the glass tube using a fine DeVilbis sprayer. Ten newly emerged adult Encarsia formosa were aspired from the emergence chamber into each of the treated vials which were then capped with fine muslin. For Orius and Hippodamia and Lacewing exposure units were created by first treating the glass sheet by applying an even film of pesticide using a DeVilbis nozzle. After the sheet was dry, the Plexiglas sheet was placed on top of the glass sheet. 5 cm. tall rings were coated with Fluon and placed in holes drilled in the Plexiglas sheet and seated firmly against the glass creating separate exposure units. Each exposure unit was capped with muslin held in place with rubber bands. For the treated prey ingestion studies in the ladybird beetle test, squash leaves heavily infested with aphids were sprayed to run off and the treated aphids were driven off into the cage to be consumed by the beetles. Second instar, green lacewing larvae were fed tobacco budworm eggs which had been killed by freezing and treated by swirling them in formulated pesticides. For predatory mites, an even film of pesticide was applied to each leaf using a hand held syringe. After the leaves were dry, they were trimmed to an approximate diameter of 4 cm. and placed abaxial side up on agar in a petri dish. Five adult female predator mites were transferred by hand to each leaf. Tests were held under ambient laboratory conditions of approximately 23°C and 50% RH for 72 hours at which time, they were graded for mortality. LC50’s were generated using the Trimmed Spearman Karber method.
Corn Germplasm Evaluated for Resistance to Fall Armyworm and Southwestern Corn Borer
Authors: Williams W. Paul , Davis Frank M.
Published: December 2017

As a part of the U.S. Germplasm Enhancement-Maize Project, 47 accessions from the Plant Introduction Station, Ames, IA, were evaluated for resistance to fall armyworm and southwestern corn borer leaf feeding at Mississippi State, MS. The accessions and known resistant and susceptible check hybrids were grown in one-row, 20-plant plots arranged in a RCB design with three replications for each insect. Plants in the mid-whorl stage of growth were infested with 30 neonates each approximately 6 wk after planting. Leaf feeding damage was visually rated 14 d later on a scale of 0 (no damage) to 9 (heavy dam-age).
Management of Hepatitis B Infection in Pregnancy
Authors: BARTHOLOMEW MARGUERITE L. , LEE MEN-JEAN
Published: December 2017

In many parts of the world, perinatal transmission is the most common route of infection for hepatitis B virus. In the United States, sexual contact is the most common source of hepatitis B virus infection. As a result, it is essential that women’s health care providers become aware of the recommended strategies used to identify women infected with hepatitis B and to subsequently reduce perinatal transmission, particularly now that immigration and globalization is more common and reproductive science makes pregnancy more possible for women with liver disease. This article reviews evidence-based strategies for management of hepatitis B infection during pregnancy.
Breaking the Barriers in Resident Education: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Cabarga Larissa H. , Cubeddu Luigi X. , Olickal Jiny , Habibnejad Samira , Kury-Perez Elizabeth , Pundhir Pooja , Pirela Daniela , Goldszer Robert C.
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

In 2013, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association updated the cholesterol guideline. Despite strong evidence supporting the recommendations, a discernible gap exists in the number of residents who practice them. Our study aimed to identify barriers hindering residents from guideline implementation.

Methods:

Twenty eight residents were administered a preintervention and postintervention questionnaire to identify barriers in guideline application. The questionnaire was categorized into three barriers: knowledge, attitude, and behavior. A multifaceted educational intervention consisting of directed teaching sessions and supervised patient encounters was conducted.

Results:

Our analysis showed that our residents lacked awareness, familiarity, and self-efficacy in using the cholesterol guideline. The intervention led to significant improvements in awareness (79% vs. 43%, p = .0129), familiarity (61% vs. 29%, p = .0306), and self-efficacy (65% vs. 16%, p = .0018) and achieved a 31% increase in knowledge (p = .0001), 38% in attitude (p = .0001), and 20% in behavior (p = .019). The overall improvement in scores averaged 30% (p = .0001).

Conclusion:

Our quality improvement initiative successfully improved our resident's comprehension and applicability of the 2013 ACC/AHA cholesterol guideline. We recommend a multifaceted educational approach tailored toward addressing specific barriers to improve the practice of evidence-based medicine.
Case Series: Overnight Wear of Scleral Lens for Persistent Epithelial Defects
Authors: He Xu , Donaldson Kendall E. , Perez Victor L. , Sotomayor Priscilla
Published: December 2017

SIGNIFICANCE

This case series demonstrates successful use of PROSE (Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem) for overnight wear among patients with persistent epithelial defects, while exploring the efficacy of using PROSE reservoir for autologous hematopoietic products during treatment.

PURPOSE

This case series proposes a strategic approach to the treatment of refractory cases of persistent epithelial defect via overnight PROSE device wear.

CASE REPORTS

We followed three patients with persistent epithelial defect treated with PROSE devices and observed expedited defect resolution and improvement in best-corrected visual acuity over the course of 2 to 4 weeks. In addition to moxifloxacin and preservative-free saline, autologous hematopoietic products were added to the reservoir of two patient’s PROSE devices. Patients were advised to wear their PROSE device at all times except for lens cleaning and replacement of reservoir contents every 12 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these cases demonstrated the safety and efficacy of overnight wear of PROSE devices in the treatment of refractory persistent epithelial defect (PED).
Power Mobility Training Methods for Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kenyon Lisa K. , Hostnik Lisa , McElroy Rachel , Peterson Courtney , Farris John P.
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

To summarize and critically appraise the existing evidence related to power mobility training methods used in research studies conducted with children 21 years or younger.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted using 16 electronic databases to identify primary source quantitative studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Data extraction, determination of level of evidence, evaluation of methodological rigor, and assessment of the risk of bias were completed. The Evidence Alert Traffic Light Grading System (EATLS) was used.

Results:

Twenty-seven studies were included in the review. Levels of evidence were II to V; scientific rigor scores were 2 to 7.

Conclusions:

An overall Yellow EATLS level of evidence was found indicating that therapists should use caution when providing power mobility training interventions and measure outcomes related to established goals in areas such as development, functional skills, or use of a power mobility device.
Does Robot Overcome Obesity-related Limitations of Minimally Invasive Rectal Surgery for Cancer?
Authors: Bayraktar Onur , Aytaç Erman , Özben Volkan , Atasoy Deniz , Bilgin İsmail A. , Erenler Bayraktar İlknur , Baca Bilgi , Hamzaoğlu İsmail , Karahasanoğlu Tayfun
Published: December 2017

Background:

Adoption of laparoscopic surgery for cancers requiring partial or total proctectomy has been slow due to difficulty of achieving oncologically adequate resection. Obesity is a factor complicating use and outcomes of laparoscopic technique for rectal surgery. Impact of obesity on the outcomes of robotic rectal surgery for cancer is not well defined. This study is designed to assess whether if the robotic technique has potential to overcome the limitations of obesity and to improve outcomes of minimally invasive rectal surgery for cancer.

Patients and Methods:

Patients undergoing robotic sphincter-saving radical resection with da Vinci Xi System between December 2014 and December 2016 were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups as obese and nonobese. Patient demographics, perioperative outcomes and short-term results were compared between the groups.

Results:

The study included 101 patients (30 were obese). Sex (female: 35 vs. 37%, P=0.89), American Society of Anesthesiologists score (2 vs. 2, P=0.41), number of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation (39% vs. 23%, P=0.12) and history of prior abdominal surgery (28% vs. 23%, P=0.62) were comparable between the groups. Operative time was longer in the obese group (311 vs. 332 min. P=0.01). Overall complication rates (27% vs. 23%, P=0.72), length of hospital stay (6 vs. 7, P=0.10) and pathologic outcomes were similar between the groups. Conversion to laparoscopy was not required in any operation. Two nonobese patients required conversion to open surgery.

Conclusion:

Robotic rectal surgery for cancer in obese patients is equally safe and effective as in nonobese patients. The new robotic platform can facilitate to overcome obesity-related limitations of rectal surgery.
Anthropology in conversation with an Islamic tradition: Emmanuel Levinas and the practice of critique
Authors: Rasanayagam Johan
Published: December 2017

As an alternative to approaching Islam as an object for anthropological analysis, this article develops the idea of an anthropologist participating in conversations going on within an Islamic tradition. The idea of a conversation is developed through the ethical philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas and his ideal of knowing as an ethical relation with an infinite other. Levinas opposes a sterile and oppressive relation of ‘totality’, where the knowing self encompasses the other within concepts and thought that originate in the self, with a critical and creative relation of ‘infinity’, in which the alterity of the other is maintained and invites conversation that brings the self into question. In the article, recent disciplinary discussions of how anthropology should engage with alterity, which have been framed in terms of ontology and post‐secular anthropology, are examined in the light of Levinas's ideal of knowing as ethical and critical practice.
THE ROLE OF TURNING POINTS IN ESTABLISHING BASELINE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PEOPLE IN DEVELOPMENTAL AND LIFE‐COURSE CRIMINOLOGY
Authors: BOMAN JOHN H. , MOWEN THOMAS J.
Published: December 2017

Turning points, between‐person differences, and within‐person changes have all been linked to desistance from crime. Nevertheless, the means through which between‐person differences are frequently captured in life‐course criminology makes them intertwined with, and perhaps confounded by, turning points in life. We propose that a new way of capturing the between‐person effect—the baseline between‐person difference—could benefit theoretically informed tests of developmental and life‐course issues in criminology. Because they occur at one time point immediately preceding a turning point in life, we demonstrate that baseline between‐person differences establish meaningful theoretical connections to behavior and the way people change over time. By using panel data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative, we estimate models capturing within‐person change and baseline between‐person differences in social bonds (family support) and differential association (peer criminality) at the time of release from prison. The results demonstrate that baseline levels of family support protect people from postrelease substance use but not from crime. Baseline between‐person differences and within‐person changes in peer criminality, however, are robustly related to crime and substance use. Collectively, baseline between‐person differences seem critical for behavior and within‐person change over time, and the results carry implications for reentry‐based policy as well as for theory testing in developmental criminology more broadly.
Horizon‐Induced Optimism as a Gateway to Earnings Management
Authors: Scott Asay H.
Published: December 2017

Recent work in accounting suggests that managerial optimism can lead managers to escalate income‐increasing earnings management. In this paper, I examine how a fundamental attribute of the earnings management setting—the amount of time between the earnings management decision and the future reversal—serves as one potential source of managerial optimism. I conduct two experiments to test whether the amount of time between the earnings management decision and the future reversal systematically induces optimism that increases participants’ propensity to engage in behavior that is analogous to accruals‐based earnings management and to real earnings management, holding constant incentives, agency frictions, and the information environment. My results indicate that, independent of their innate optimism, the time between the earnings management decision and the future reversal likely encourages managers to overestimate their ability to compensate for current‐period earnings management through strong future performance. This optimism, in turn, likely increases managers’ propensity to engage in both forms of earnings management.
Clinical response to apatinib monotherapy in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xu Jianping , Liu Xiaoyan , Yang Sheng , Zhang Xiangru , Shi Yuankai
Published: December 2017

Aim

Apatinib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor mainly targeting VEGFR‐2, exerts both antiangiogenesis and antiproliferation effects. Apatinib shows clinical benefit in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at an initial dose of 750 mg qd. We further assessed the efficacy and safety of apatinib at a more frequently used dose of 500 mg qd. The preliminary clinical outcome of apatinib in patients with brain metastases was also reported.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 25 patients who received apatinib between August 2015 and May 2016. Progression‐free survival (PFS) was calculated by using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

The objective response rate and disease control rate were 8.0% and 68.0%, respectively. The median PFS was 5.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76–9.57) months. In the second‐line setting (n = 13), the median PFS was 7.37 (95% CI: 0.01–14.72) months, whereas the median PFS for the 12 patients treated with apatinib as third line or beyond therapy was 5.17 (95% CI: 1.78–8.55) months. Of the seven patients with brain metastases, four patients had stable disease. All patients were well tolerant to apatinib without any grade 3 or 4 adverse events. The most common grade 1 or 2 adverse events included hypertension (72.0%), hand‐foot‐skin reaction (24.0%), fatigue (24.0%) and abnormal liver function (20.0%).

Conclusions

Apatinib is effective and well tolerated in patients with advanced NSCLC, even at a dosage of 500 mg qd, and might offer a new option for the treatment of such patients with brain metastases.
ADAM9 is over‐expressed in human ovarian clear cell carcinomas and suppresses cisplatin‐induced cell death
Authors: Ueno Mari , Shiomi Takayuki , Mochizuki Satsuki , Chijiiwa Miyuki , Shimoda Masayuki , Kanai Yae , Kataoka Fumio , Hirasawa Akira , Susumu Nobuyuki , Aoki Daisuke , Okada Yasunori
Published: December 2017

ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinases) are involved in various biological events such as cell adhesion, migration and invasion, membrane protein shedding and proteolysis. However, there have been no systematic studies on the expression of ADAMs in human ovarian carcinomas. We therefore examined mRNA expression of all the proteolytic ADAM species including ADAM8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 28, 30, 33 and ADAMDEC1 in human ovarian carcinomas, and found that prototype membrane‐anchored ADAM9m, but not secreted isoform ADAM9s, is significantly over‐expressed in carcinomas than in control non‐neoplastic ovarian tissue. Among the histological subtypes of serous, endometrioid, mucinous and clear cell carcinomas, ADAM9m expression was highest in clear cell carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry showed that all the clear cell carcinoma samples displayed ADAM9m primarily on the carcinoma cell membrane. By immunoblotting, ADAM9m was detected mainly in an active form in the clear cell carcinoma tissues. When two clear cell carcinoma cell lines (RMG‐I and TOV21G cells) with ADAM9m expression were treated with cisplatin, viability was significantly reduced and apoptosis increased in ADAM9m knockdown cells compared with mock transfectants. In addition, treatment of the cells with neutralizing anti‐ADAM9m antibody significantly decreased viability compared with non‐immune IgG, whereas ADAM9m over‐expression significantly increased viability compared with mock transfectants. Our data show, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time, that ADAM9m is over‐expressed in an activated form in human ovarian clear cell carcinomas, and suggest that ADAM9m plays a key role in cisplatin resistance.
Modulation of the tumor microenvironment by Epstein‐Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yoshizaki Tomokazu , Kondo Satoru , Endo Kazuhira , Nakanishi Yosuke , Aga Mitsuharu , Kobayashi Eiji , Hirai Nobuyuki , Sugimoto Hisashi , Hatano Miyako , Ueno Takayoshi , Ishikawa Kazuya , Wakisaka Naohiro
Published: December 2017

Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is a primary oncogene encoded by the Epstein‐Barr virus, and various portions of LMP1 are detected in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumor cells. LMP1 has been extensively studied since the discovery of its transforming property in 1985. LMP1 promotes cancer cell growth during NPC development and facilitates the interaction of cancer cells with surrounding stromal cells for invasion, angiogenesis, and immune modulation. LMP1 is detected in 100% of pre‐invasive NPC tumors and in approximately 50% of advanced NPC tumors. Moreover, a small population of LMP1‐expressing cells in advanced NPC tumor tissue is proposed to orchestrate NPC tumor tissue maintenance and development through cancer stem cells and progenitor cells. Recent studies suggest that LMP1 activity shifts according to tumor development stage, but it still has a pivotal role during all stages of NPC development.
The effects of smoking on vascular endothelial growth factor and inflammation markers: A case‐control study
Authors: Ugur Merve Guzeldulger , Kutlu Ruhusen , Kilinc Ibrahim
Published: December 2017

Background and Aims

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long‐term poor airflow. Tobacco smoking is the most common cause of COPD. In this study, we aimed to assess the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inflammation markers on smokers and non‐smoking individuals.

Methods

Our study was a case‐control study and 175 individuals who want to give up smoking constituted the case group. As a control group, 175 individuals who never smoked.

Results

The mean age of 350 participants was 35.83 ± 13.11 years. Educational status of the non‐smokers was significantly higher than that of the smoking group (P < .001). When smoking and non‐smoking groups were compared in terms of VEGF and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), it was found that these values were statistically higher in smokers than non‐smokers (P < .001). The levels of IL‐10 were found to be higher in non‐smokers than in smokers (P < .001). Although a moderate positive correlation was found between VEGF and IL‐6 levels (r = .486, P < .001), there was a weak negative correlation between VEGF and IL‐10 (r = –.210, P < .001). A weak negative correlation was found between IL‐6 and IL‐10 (r = –.185, P < .001).

Conclusions

In our study, IL‐6 inflammatory marker and VEGF levels were found to be high and IL‐10 anti‐inflammatory marker was discovered to be low in smokers. For this reason, raising awareness in the society about the harms of smoking and encouraging people to give it up have become more challenging to counteract the inflammatory effects of smoking in human body and to prevent many smoking‐related diseases.
Organizational‐Social‐Capital, Time and International Family SMEs: An Empirical Study from the East of England
Authors: Bika Zografia , Kalantaridis Christos
Published: December 2017

Previous studies on family‐SME internationalization have largely focused on what resources are needed to drive an incremental process rather than how resource management occurs in historical time. This paper focuses on the latter, adopting a social capital perspective (capturing both internal, i.e. among family‐SME board members, and external, cross border agent dyads, relations) in order to decipher case study data from the East of England. Findings show that it is not the presence or absence of organizational‐social‐capital that affects family‐SME internationalization success but rather its variable use over the years driven by the future pursuit of longevity, not growth. Key within this context is the variable use of the international expertise and management capability of non‐family managers in the family SME intra‐organizational context. Ultimately this may lead to change and learning that occurs erratically, often including reversals, without causing family‐SME progression across a sequence of incremental stages.
A 2000 patient retrospective assessment of a new strategy for burn wound management in view of infection prevention and treatment
Authors: Glik Justyna , Łabuś Wojciech , Kitala Diana , Mikuś‐Zagórska Karolina , Roberts Christopher D , Nowak Mariusz , Kasperczyk Aleksandra , Kawecki Marek
Published: December 2017

Infections in burn patients are still the principal cause of complications in burn injuries. The aim of this study is to assess a new strategy for burn wound management in view of infection prevention and treatment in the experience of the Burn Treatment Center in Siemianowice Śląskie. The applied methodology involved the analysis of patient records describing the hospital's epidemiological situation between 2014 and 2016. The analysis also included the use and cost of antibiotics, silver‐containing dressings, and other antiseptics relative to the number of sepsis cases, including those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as the mortality ratio. The total costs of prevention and treatment of infections were reduced, while the use of silver‐containing dressings and antiseptics increased. The number of patients with sepsis decreased, including cases caused by P. aeruginosa, and the mortality ratio was reduced. Introducing a strategy for burn wound‐oriented infection prevention and treatment in burn patients provides a number of benefits. It is also cost‐effective. Using locally applied active dressings and antiseptics can be a welcome choice for often‐unnecessary antibiotic therapy of a suspected or existing burn wound infection.
Hard boron rich boron nitride nanoglasses
Authors: Çetin Ayşegül Ö. , Durandurdu Murat
Published: December 2017

Boron‐rich amorphous boron nitride (BxN1−x, 0.55 ≤ x ≤ 0.95) alloys are generated by means of ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and their local structure, mechanical properties and electronic structure are exposed. BN:B phase separations are perceived in all amorphous networks, suggesting that these materials can serve as nanoglass ceramics. The sp2 hybridization is the main building unit in the BN‐rich regions for low boron concentrations, and the models carry locally the signature of the two‐dimensional hexagonal BN structure. The amorphous states having both sp2 and sp3 hybridizations form for boron contents between 70% and 80%. At higher boron concentrations, sp3 hybridization with a fraction of ~90%‐98% is detected as seen in the cubic or wurtize BN crystals. In the boron rich regions, the ideal and defective pentagonal pyramids emerge at 60% boron content, and the first complete B12 molecule develops at 70% boron concentration. In addition to the B12 icosahedron, the formation of a cage‐like B16 molecule is, for the first time, discovered in some amorphous alloys. The isolated B16 molecule is, however, found to be unstable. The Vickers harness calculations reveal that some of these amorphous alloys can serve as hard materials. When their electron properties are considered, all amorphous materials are predicted to be semiconducting.
Temperature stable K0.5(Nd1−xBix)0.5MoO4 microwave dielectrics ceramics with ultra‐low sintering temperature
Authors: Pang Li‐Xia , Zhou Di , Wang Da‐Wei , Zhao Jin‐Xiong , Liu Wei‐Guo , Yue Zhen‐Xing , Reaney Ian M.
Published: December 2017

K0.5(Nd1−xBix)0.5MoO4 (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) ceramics were prepared via the solid‐state reaction method. All ceramics densified below 720°C with a uniform microstructure. As x increased from 0.2 to 0.7, relative permittivity (ɛr) increased from 13.6 to 26.2 commensurate with an increase in temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (TCF) from – 31 ppm/°C to + 60 ppm/°C and a decrease in Qf value (Q = quality factor; f = resonant frequency) from 23 400 to 8620 GHz. Optimum TCF was obtained for x = 0.3 (−15 ppm/°C) and 0.4 (+4 ppm/°C) sintered at 660 and 620°C with ɛr ~15.4, Qf ~19 650 GHz, and ɛr ~17.3, Qf ~13 050 GHz, respectively. Ceramics in this novel solid solution are a candidate for ultra low temperature co‐fired ceramic (ULTCC) technology.
Pityriasis rubra pilaris: algorithms for diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Roenneberg S. , Biedermann T.
Published: December 2017

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare inflammatory skin disease that affects men and women of all ages and also children. The clinical appearance of PRP is highly variable, as is the individual prognosis. Therefore, stratifying PRP into six disease subtypes represents a first step to personalized medicine for this rare inflammatory skin disease. The next step should be to associate specific therapeutic strategies with these subtypes of PRP. However, no randomized, controlled trials on the treatment of PRP have been performed. Consequently, the actual treatment algorithm for PRP will be based on clinical experience, small case series and case reports. The majority of published evidence is on type I PRP, whereas the treatment experience for other clinical types of PRP is still sparse and has to be gained. Nevertheless, it is now time to start developing valid algorithms as a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of PRP based on the data available. This review makes use of algorithms developed in psoriasis and atopic eczema and puts together recent insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment experience of PRP. The innovative intention of this appraisal is to develop a structured algorithm for PRP treatment that should be further developed going forward.
Effect of strong tooth‐bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide on marginal seal of dental restorations using self‐etch and total‐etch adhesives
Authors: Piemjai Morakot , Lenglerdphol Spun
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distance and/or thickness of dye penetration at enamel and cementum/dentin margins of restorations before and after vital bleaching. Class V cavities were prepared on extracted human premolars and restored with light‐cured resin composite using either AQ‐Bond or Single‐Bond2 adhesives. Four conditions: no bleaching (control), restored before bleaching (RB), bleached and immediately restored (BIR), bleached and stored in artificial saliva for 7 days then restored (B7R), were used for each adhesive group. After soaking in basic fuchsin dye for 24 hours, all specimens were vertically sectioned through the middle of restorations to measure the distance and/or the thickness of dye penetration. No microleakage was found either on enamel and cementum/dentin margins of control group using AQ‐Bond. Whereas leakage was found in the control group using Single‐Bond2 and bleached groups. Statistically significant differences in leakage distance and/or thickness were found among groups at the cementum/dentin margin (P < .05). Dye could penetrate into the pulp chamber of BIR (60%) and B7R (15%) specimens.

Clinical Significance

The negative control or leakage‐free group is very important when discussing the effects of bleaching on marginal seal or microleakage. Bleaching using 38% H2O2 increases the microleakage distance and dye penetration area of cementum/dentin margin more than that of enamel margin. The bleached tooth is not a good substrate for reliable bonding and complete seal and it is also a channel for external stimuli reaching the pulp.
Investigation of color and turbidity in the clarification of sugarcane juice by ozone
Authors: Rodrigues Rômulo , Sperandio Luiz Carlos Campana , Andrade Cid Marcos Gonçalves
Published: December 2017

The sugar‐energy industries are highlighted in Brazil for exercising fundamental roles in the economy, being responsible for the production of products and by‐products considered essential in the daily life of a society, such as sugar, alcohol and energy. One of the processes used in the production of sugar is the clarification of sugar by sulfur. Due to the high toxicity of sulfur and its derivatives, harmful to both the human and the environment, there is a great and constant concern in reducing the consumption and emissions of these compounds. Seeking a method of clarification of sugarcane juice that uses less harmful clarifying agents and provides less loss of sugars, the present work investigated how ozonation affects certain parameters of the sugarcane juice, which are turbidity and color (International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis). In the experiment, the samples were divided into two lots and submitted to ozonation with ozone generation rates of 13, 17, and 21 mg O3/min, temperatures of 30, 60, and 90 °C and duration of 0, 30, and 60 min. A complete factorial design with three factors was used, in three equidistant levels (33), totaling 27 samples for each lot. The experiments were performed randomly, submitted to analysis of variance using the STATISTICA software. The results presented in this work are better than those obtained in real situations and similar to others in experimental situation by ozonation; when compared with traditional methods of clarification, our results are at least equal to them.

Practical applications

A method of obtaining better quality sugar is presented from the point of view of clarification. This method does not use chemical agents harmful to human health and the environment.
An agent‐based simulation model of Eldana saccharina Walker
Authors: van Vuuren B.J. , Potgieter L. , van Vuuren J.H.
Published: December 2017

Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a stalk borer pest plaguing the sugar producing industry in South Africa . The pest feeds on the internal tissue of sugarcane stalks, causing yield losses in sucrose. Various control methods have been proposed in an attempt to suppress the pest. These control methods are, however, often difficult and costly to test, implement, and develop further in an iterative manner. In an attempt to better understand the behavior and population dynamics of E. saccharina, an agent‐based simulation model is presented in this paper which simulates the stalk borer's biology, feeding habits, mating behavior, dispersal patterns, and various other characteristics as accurately as possible. The flexibility and validity of the model are then ascertained by subjecting the model to expert opinion and parameter variation analysis. A simplified control measure is then implemented in order to demonstrate the possibility for using the agent‐based model in the future for developing and testing integrated pest management strategies against E. saccharina.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

The use of agent‐based simulation modeling is investigated as a possible means for accurate capturing of the behavior of E. saccharina.

The ability to accurately recreate pest behavior poses the opportunity for the detailed testing and development of control strategies to combat this sugarcane pest.

By employing simulation modeling, control strategies may be tested to assess their anticipated success in eradicating the pest.

The speed with which long‐term analyses may be conducted, as well as the absence of the associated cost of infield testing, means that various scenarios may be investigated over a number of iterations in an attempt to optimize the process and achieve maximum confidence prior to infield implementation of the control strategies.

The successful implementation of this science may provide a platform to extend this type of modeling to include other pests and/or plant hosts which may benefit from pest suppression.
Exhumation of the Mesozoic Guojialing Granodiorite: Implication for the Preservation of Gold Deposits in the Jiaobei Terrane, China
Authors: Wang Jianping , Liu Zhenjiang , Liu Jun
Published: December 2017

Preservation conditions are very important for mineral systems and a suitable exhumation process is critical for endogenetic deposits, especially for those deposits formed in orogenic settings, where deposits are inclined to erode away due to strong uplift. TheGuojialing batholith, intruding into theLinglong granites and theJiaodongGroup right before regional gold mineralization, is one of the most important gold ore‐hostingMesozoic intrusions in theJiaobei terrane. Gold deposits and the intrusion together underwent similar tectonothermal evolutionary processes. Exhumation and denudation process of theGuojialing granodiorite was constrained by biotite geobarometry and apatite fission track (FT) analysis. Biotite geobarometric data yields an emplacement depth of 3.0 km, while denudation since 110Ma was calculated from theFTdata at about 2.7 km. FT inverse modeling revealed a rapid uplift sinceca100 Ma. Compared with the gold ore‐forming depth which is confined between 2.5 and 9.5 km by fluid inclusion studies, great gold potential in the depths is inferred in theJiaobei terrane. Our result is consistent, to some extent, with the hypothesis of aMesozoic paleoplateau inEastChina.
Sleep disturbances in treatment‐seeking OCD‐patients: Changes after concentrated exposure treatment
Authors: Nordahl Håkon , Havnen Audun , Hansen Bjarne , Öst Lars‐Göran , Kvale Gerd
Published: December 2017

Research indicates that patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) frequently suffer from comorbid sleep difficulties, and that these difficulties often are not clinically recognized and diagnosed. There has been limited research investigating if comorbid sleep difficulties impair treatment outcome for OCD and if the sleep difficulties change following OCD‐treatment. Thirty‐six patients with obsessive compulsive disorder underwent concentrated exposure treatment delivered in a group over four consecutive days and were assessed with measures of OCD, depressive symptoms and sleep disturbance at three different time points (pre, post and 6 months follow‐up). The sample was characterized by a high degree of comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders. At pre‐treatment nearly 70% of the patients reported sleep difficulties indicative of primary insomnia. The results showed that patients had large reductions of OCD‐symptoms as well as significant improvements in sleep disturbance assessed after treatment, and that these improvements were maintained at follow‐up. Sleep disturbance did not impair treatment outcome, on the contrary patients with higher degree of sleep disturbance at pre‐treatment had better outcome on OCD‐symptoms after treatment. The results indicated that the majority of the OCD sample suffered from sleep disturbances and that these sleep disturbances were significantly reduced following adequate treatment of OCD without specific sleep interventions. However, a proportion of the patients suffered from residual symptoms of insomnia after treatment.
Long-term follow-up of aneurysms treated electively with woven stent-assisted coiling
Authors: Cheung Nicholas K , Chiu Albert HY , Cheung Andrew K , Wenderoth Jason D
Published: December 2017

Background

Preliminary short-term results for stent-assisted coil embolization (SACE) using woven/braided stents have been promising. However, evidence supporting mid- to long-term efficacy and durability is lacking.

Objective

To report the long-term results for the durability of elective intracranial aneurysms treated with woven stents.

Materials and methods

Between May 2012 and May 2015, 98 consecutive patients with 103 aneurysms underwent elective woven SACE across three Australian neurovascular centres. All patients had immediate, 6- and 18-month clinical and radiological follow-up. Radiological assessment was performed with modified Raymond–Roy occlusion scores based on angiography results, while clinical assessment was based on the modified Rankin Scale.

Results

Six-month follow-up was available in 100 aneurysms, and an 18-month follow-up in 97 aneurysms. Total occlusion rates of 82% were achieved at inception, 82% at 6 months, and 90% at 18 months. Satisfactory occlusion with small neck remnants was present in 17% at inception, 16% at 6 months, and 9% at 18 months. Good neurological outcomes were achieved in 95% at 18 months. Intraprocedural thromboembolic events were recorded in 3% and delayed events in 1% (all in patients taking clopidogrel). Aneurysm recurrence occurred in one patient (1%). Technical complications occurred in 5%. The total complication rate was 10%.

Conclusions

Woven SACE is safe, efficacious, and durable at long-term 18-month follow-up, with very low recurrence and re-treatment rates. Preliminary results appear better than those for traditional laser-cut stents.
First-in-Class ERK1/2 Inhibitor Ulixertinib (BVD-523) in Patients with MAPK Mutant Advanced Solid Tumors: Results of a Phase I Dose-Escalation and Expansion Study
Authors: Sullivan Ryan J. , Infante Jeffrey R. , Janku Filip , Wong Deborah Jean Lee , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Keedy Vicki , Patel Manish R. , Shapiro Geoffrey I. , Mier James W. , Tolcher Anthony W. , Wang-Gillam Andrea , Sznol Mario , Flaherty Keith , Buchbinder Elizabeth , Carvajal Richard D. , Varghese Anna M. , Lacouture Mario E. , Ribas Antoni , Patel Sapna P. , DeCrescenzo Gary A. , Emery Caroline M. , Groover Anna L. , Saha Saurabh , Varterasian Mary , Welsch Dean J. , Hyman David M. , Li Bob T.
Published: December 2017

Ulixertinib (BVD-523) is an ERK1/2 kinase inhibitor with potent preclinical activity in BRAF- and RAS-mutant cell lines. In this multicenter phase I trial (NCT01781429), 135 patients were enrolled to an accelerated 3 + 3 dose-escalation cohort and six distinct dose-expansion cohorts. Dose escalation included 27 patients, dosed from 10 to 900 mg twice daily and established the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of 600 mg twice daily. Ulixertinib exposure was dose proportional to the RP2D, which provided near-complete inhibition of ERK activity in whole blood. In the 108-patient expansion cohort, 32% of patients required dose reduction. The most common treatment-related adverse events were diarrhea (48%), fatigue (42%), nausea (41%), and dermatitis acneiform (31%). Partial responses were seen in 3 of 18 (17%) patients dosed at or above maximum tolerated dose and in 11 of 81 (14%) evaluable patients in dose expansion. Responses occurred in patients with NRAS-, BRAF V600–, and non–V600 BRAF-mutant solid tumors.

Significance: Here, we describe the first-in-human dose-escalation study of an ERK1/2 inhibitor for the treatment of patients with advanced solid tumors. Ulixertinib has an acceptable safety profile with favorable pharmacokinetics and has shown early evidence of clinical activity in NRAS- and BRAF V600- and non-V600–mutant solid-tumor malignancies. Cancer Discov; 8(2); 184–95. ©2017 AACR.

See related commentary by Smalley and Smalley, p. 140.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 127
Subclinical Cardiac Dysfunction and Brain Health in Midlife: CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Substudy
Authors: Cermakova Pavla , Muller Majon , Armstrong Anderson C. , Religa Dorota , Bryan R. Nick , Lima João A. C. , Launer Lenore J.
Published: December 2017

Background

We investigated whether cardiac parameters in young adulthood are associated with indicators of brain health in midlife.

Methods and Results

This study includes 648 participants from the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study (52% women, 38% black). We studied associations of cardiac parameters assessed by echocardiography (left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial volume, and left ventricular mass) in young adulthood (mean age: 30 years) with brain measures obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (total brain, gray and white matter volume, white matter integrity, abnormal white matter) in midlife (mean age: 50 years). In 406 individuals with complete measurements, higher left atrial volume was associated with lower white matter fractional anisotropy, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (β=−0.002;
P
<0.02). The association was strongest in black participants and in men.

Conclusions

Higher left atrial volume in early adulthood is associated with impairment of white matter integrity in midlife. Interventions to improve cardiac function in young adults may benefit brain health and should be targeted in particular at black men.
Motoring
Authors: Gott J. A. H.
Published: December 2017

Our Motoring Correspondent discusses the control of Motor Sport, particularly on the public roads, and gives his impressions of an outstanding small family saloon car.
Police Warning Lamps
Authors: Jehu V. J.
Published: December 2017

The work described below was carried out in the programme of the Road Research Board of “D.S.I.R.”. The article is published by permission of the Director of Road Research.
Missing Persons
Authors: Fisher F. H.
Published: December 2017

We are indebted to Mr. J. A. Taylor, M.B.E., Chief Constable of Leicestershire and Rutland, for arranging for the following article to be written.
Motoring
Authors: Gott J. A. H.
Published: December 2017

Our Motoring Correspondent discusses Police Pursuit Driving and considers the possibilities for police use of an exceptional small British car.
An Inexpensive Burglar Alarm
Authors: Duff John E. M.
Published: December 2017

We do not often hear nowadays of burglars being detected by cotton stretched across a door or a gate, but the age of ad hoc police ingenuity will never pass. The following short article bears this out.
The Promotion Exams-XVII: Sexual Offences
Authors: Devlin J. Daniel
Published: December 2017

The seventeenth of a series of articles of interest to examination candidates and all concerned with training.
Motoring
Authors: Gott John
Published: December 2017

Our Motoring Correspondent considers the merits of a genuine “Q” car and gives the latest information about the British Police Effort in the Ninth International Police Rally.
Autopsy Procedure
Authors: Simpson Keith
Published: December 2017

The following article embodies the famous pathologist's advice to police officers involved in inquiries which necessitate the medical and scientific examination of a body.
The One I Remember
Authors: Longmore Alfred
Published: December 2017

We congratulate Mr. Longmore on being runner-up in our “The One I Remember” competition. During the case he describes, Mr. Longmore was serving as Detective Inspector with the Sheffield City Police
Police Leadership
Authors: Lockley T.
Published: December 2017

Mr. Lockley's knowledge of his subject has come at first-hand —as chief of the Staffordshire C.I.D., officer-in-charge of the British Police Unit in Cyprus and Assistant Chief Constable of Staffordshire.
The Role of Police in the Prosecution of Offenders
Authors: Mallett K. J.
Published: December 2017

We congratulate Mr. Mallett on winning H.M. Gold Medal with the following essay, submitted in the 1971 Queen's Police Gold Medal Essay Competition. At the time of winning this award, Mr. Mallett was a Chief Inspector in the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. He is now employed by the Force in a civilian capacity.