bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value of Formalization for Women Entrepreneurs in Developing Contexts: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Xheneti Mirela , Madden Adrian , Thapa Karki Shova
Published: December 2017

Formalization is constantly being proposed as being of great benefit to business expansion and success. This claim, however, has not been previously tested through a review of the empirical evidence, especially in relation to the large number of women in the developing world that operate in the informal economy. Therefore, the aim of this review is to systematize the current empirical evidence on gender, the informal economy and formalization, using a narrative synthesis of 76 papers. The papers were analysed along three main analytical themes – identity, institutions, and constraints and preferences – highlighting their conceptualization in studies of different academic disciplines – economics, sociology, entrepreneurship and development. The review calls for more accurate accounts of formalization decisions by widening the lens through which formalization decisions are conceptualized. These should take account of the rich contextual and temporal dimensions central to these decisions, and recognize that gender alone is not a sufficient factor in explaining women's choices in the informal economy. The review also highlights limitations in relation to the limited conceptual and empirical evidence on which development priorities such as formalization are set. The authors propose a research agenda centred on the need for conceptual frameworks that are more sensitive towards the multidimensional contexts of women's choices.
An integer linear optimization model to the compartmentalized knapsack problem
Authors: Inarejos Osvaldo , Hoto Robinson , Maculan Nelson
Published: December 2017

The compartmentalized knapsack problem arose from two‐phased cutting stock problems, especially with steel roll cutting. In its original formulation, it refers to an integer nonlinear optimization model, which, up to now, has been solved through decomposition heuristics. The objective of this article is to show that the constrained compartmentalized knapsack problem has a linear optimization model. Therefore, we have considered the original nonlinear model and propose a linear model for the problem, demonstrating their equivalence. We also propose a new decomposition heuristic and perform numerical tests to verify the limits of the proposed model and the quality of the heuristic solutions.
Nonbrittle nanopore deformation of anodic aluminum oxide membranes
Authors: Dai Jingyao , Singh Jogender , Yamamoto Namiko
Published: December 2017

Quasi‐ductile deformation of nanopores was studied by conducting nanoindentation tests on a consistent sample set of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes with varying porosity, interpore distances, and phases. The small feature size (wall thickness) of the nanoporous structure was identified as the key parameter to trigger and enhance nonbrittle, quasi‐ductile nanopore deformations, regardless of material phase. With small wall thickness (<~100 nm), shear‐banding‐like and foam‐like compressed nanopores were observed with amorphous AAO samples due to increased open space within long‐range disordered atomic arrangement, while shear‐banding‐like arrays of collapsed nanopores were observed with polycrystalline AAO samples due to grain boundary sliding and nanocrack formation. The above obtained knowledge can be a useful reference for the future design and applications of nanoporous ceramics with enhanced ductility, and thus fracture toughness, but without sacrificing stiffness, hardness, and strength. Future work includes scalable manufacturing of nanoporous structures with tunable pores (porosity, size, and distribution), grains, and interfaces using field assisted sintering technology (FAST), and their multi‐scale structure‐property relationship study.
The roles of geography and environment in divergence within and between two closely related plant species inhabiting an island‐like habitat
Authors: Wanderley Artur Maia , Machado Isabel Cristina Sobreira , de Almeida Erton Mendonça , Felix Leonardo Pessoa , Galetto Leonardo , Benko‐Iseppon Ana Maria , Sork Victoria L.
Published: December 2017

Aim

In island‐like habitats, geographic isolation facilitates population and species divergence by constraining gene flow, while environmental isolation can enhance divergence. We tested the relative contribution of geographic and environmental isolation in genetic and phenotypic divergence within and between two species of the figwort Ameroglossum (Scrophulariaceae) inhabiting spatially isolated habitats, known as inselbergs.

Location

Borborema Plateau, north‐eastern Brazil.

Methods

Multivariate models of redundancy (RDAs) and partial redundancy analyses (pRDAs) were used to partition the geographic and climate components of genetic variation in 48 microsatellite alleles, and phenotypic variation in 11 leaf and flower traits. We also used linear mixed‐effect models (LMEs) to test independent associations of floral tube length variation among inselbergs with local pollinator phenotypes, climate and geography. In each approach, we analysed the data for each species separately and in pooled models for both species.

Results

RDAs revealed that genetic variation within and between the species of Ameroglossum was associated similarly with geography and climate. Phenotypic variation within A. manoel‐felixii and between species was also associated similarly with geography and climate but, within A. pernambucense, phenotype was more strongly associated with climate. Linear mixed‐effect models revealed that flower divergence in A. manoel‐felixii was associated only with the bill length of local hummingbirds, whereas floral variation in A. pernambucense was associated with geography, bill length and climate. Only climate was associated with flower divergence between species.

Main conclusions

Genetic and phenotypic variation in Ameroglossum are associated with geographic and environmental isolation. These findings indicate a significant role of ecological factors shaping plant divergence among inselbergs, irrespective of their spatial distances.
Young children and tablets: A systematic review of effects on learning and development
Authors: Herodotou C.
Published: December 2017

Mobile applications are popular among young children, yet there is a dearth of studies examining their impact on learning and development. A systematic review identified 19 studies reporting learning effects on children 2 to 5 years old. The number of children participating in experimental, quasi‐experimental, or mixed‐method studies was 862 and in descriptive or correlation studies, 941. The majority of studies reported positive effects on literacy development, mathematics, science, problem‐solving, and self‐efficacy. Among the factors explaining observed effects were design features, the role of adults, and a similarity between applications and transfer context. Although drawing firm conclusions remains a challenge, this review forms a first step towards systematic research in the field and contributes to shaping directions for future research.
Insights into ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation: Lessons from 6‐year clinical outcomes
Authors: Brooks Stephanie , Metzner Andreas , Wohlmuth Peter , Lin Tina , Wissner Erik , Tilz Roland , Rillig Andreas , Mathew Shibu , Saguner Ardan , Heeger Christian , Sohns Christian , Kuck Karl‐Heinz , Ouyang Feifan
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is a potential treatment option for symptomatic patients. We sought to evaluate the critical role of circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) in the ablation of persistent AF.

Methods and results

A total of 341 ablation procedures were performed in 174 consecutive patients with persistent AF. CPVI was performed in all patients, additional ablation was only performed if electrical cardioversion failed after CPVI. During a median follow‐up (FU) of 89 (63; 89) months, stable sinus rhythm was documented in 42/170 (25%) patients after a single procedure and in 111/164 (68%) patients after 1.9 ± 1.1 procedures. Stable SR was achieved in 40/75 (53%) patients in whom only CPVI was performed during the index and repeat procedures and in 71/89 (79%) patients with CPVI plus additional ablation. The main predictor for ablation success was duration of persistent AF before the index procedure (P < 0.001, HR ± CI: 1.608 [1.034, 1.103]). Responders to CPVI during the initial procedure had a significantly better multiple‐procedure outcome after 42 months of FU compared to CPVI nonresponders (P  =  0.0365). Conversion during the index procedure had no impact on clinical outcomes (P  =  0.0903). Persistent AF regressed to paroxysmal AF in 16% of patients.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a 25% single‐ and 68% multiple‐procedure success in patients with persistent AF, while stable SR was achieved in 53% of patients with pure CPVI during all procedures and in 79% of patients with CPVI plus additional ablation. Only duration of persistent AF before ablation had a statistically significant impact on ablation outcome.
Importance and regulation of adult stem cell migration
Authors: de Lucas Beatriz , Pérez Laura M. , Gálvez Beatriz G.
Published: December 2017

Cell migration is an essential process throughout the life of vertebrates, beginning during embryonic development and continuing throughout adulthood. Stem cells have an inherent ability to migrate, that is as important as their capacity for self‐renewal and differentiation, enabling them to maintain tissue homoeostasis and mediate repair and regeneration. Adult stem cells reside in specific tissue niches, where they remain in a quiescent state until called upon and activated by tissue environmental signals. Cell migration is a highly regulated process that involves the integration of intrinsic signals from the niche and extrinsic factors. Studies using three‐dimensional in vitro models have revealed the astonishing plasticity of cells in terms of the migration modes employed in response to changes in the microenvironment. These same properties can, however, be subverted during the development of some pathologies such as cancer. In this review, we describe the response of adult stem cells to migratory stimuli and the mechanisms by which they sense and transduce intracellular signals involved in migratory processes. Understanding the molecular events underlying migration may help develop therapeutic strategies for regenerative medicine and to treat diseases with a cell migration component.
Comparison between sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and pioglitazone as additions to insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review with an indirect comparison meta‐analysis
Authors: Cho Yun Kyung , Kim Ye‐Jee , Kang Yu Mi , Lee Seung Eun , Park Joong‐Yeol , Lee Woo Je , Jung Chang Hee
Published: December 2017

Aims/Introduction

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pioglitazone (PIO) and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) as additions to insulin therapy for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov through December 2016. Randomized controlled trials published in English that compared SGLT2i plus insulin (SGLT2i/INS) or PIO plus insulin (PIO/INS) with placebo plus insulin (PCB/INS) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were included. We compared the efficacy and safety between SGLT2i/INS and PIO/INS indirectly.

Results

A total of 14 randomized controlled trials comparing 7,226 participants were included (8 SGLT2i and 6 PIO studies). SGLT2i/INS achieved similar reductions in hemoglobin A1c (weighted mean difference [WMD] −0.01% [−0.1 mmol/mol], 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.25 to 0.22% [−2.7 to −2.4 mmol/mol]; P = 0.896) and fasting plasma glucose (WMD −0.90 mg/dL, 95% CI: −15.50 to 13.71 mg/dL; P = 0.904), and a similar proportion of participants achieved hemoglobin A1c <7.0% (<53.0 mmol/mol; relative risk 0.98, 95% CI: 0.73 to 1.33; P = 0.917) as compared with the PIO/INS group, with greater weight reduction (WMD −4.54 kg, 95% CI: −5.67 to −3.41 kg; P < 0.001). PIO/INS showed non‐significant trends toward a higher risk of hypoglycemia (relative risk 1.15, 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.35; P = 0.102) and higher reduction of total daily insulin doses (WMD −2.45 IU/day, 95% CI: −7.30 to 2.40 IU/day; P = 0.438).

Conclusions

Both PIO and SGLT2i are feasible adjunctive oral agents to pre‐existing insulin therapy in individuals with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus.
When do trade‐offs occur? The roles of energy constraints and trait flexibility in bushcricket populations
Authors: Barbosa F. , Rebar D. , Greenfield M. D.
Published: December 2017

In many animal species, the expression of sexually selected traits is negatively correlated with traits associated with survival such as immune function, a relationship termed a ‘trade‐off’. But an alternative in which sexually selected traits are positively correlated with survival traits is also widespread. We propose that the nature of intertrait relationships is largely determined by overall energy expenditure, energy availability and trait flexibility, with trade‐offs expected when individuals are subject to energy constraints. We tested this hypothesis in Ephippiger diurnus, a European bushcricket in which males are distinguished by two prominent sexually selected traits, acoustic calls and a large spermatophore transferred to the female at mating, and where immune function may be critical in survival. Ephippiger diurnus are distributed as small, isolated populations that are differentiated genetically and behaviourally. We analysed songs, spermatophores and the immune function in male individuals from eight populations spanning a range of song types. As predicted, we only found trade‐offs in those populations that expended more energy on song and were less flexible in their ability to adjust that expenditure. Ultimately, energy constraints and resulting trade‐offs may limit the evolution of song exaggeration in E. diurnus populations broadcasting long calls comprised of multiple ‘syllables’.
Analysis of factors predicting the response to tolvaptan in patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatic edema
Authors: Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Kato Keizo , Abe Hiroshi , Shimada Noritomo , Asano Toru , Ikegami Tadashi , Koeda Mai , Okubo Tomomi , Arai Taeang , Nakagawa‐Iwashita Ai , Yoshida Yuji , Hayama Korenobu , Itokawa Norio , Kondo Chisa , Chuganji Yoshimichi , Matsuzaki Yasushi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: December 2017

Background and Aim

This study aimed to clarify the factors predictive of treatment response to tolvaptan (V2‐receptor antagonist) for cirrhotic patients with hepatic edema in a real‐world setting.

Methods

In this retrospective, multicenter study, tolvaptan was orally administered at a dose of 7.5 mg once a day. Patients with a decrease in body weight of 1.5 kg or greater from baseline were characterized as responders at day 7.

Results

Of 229 patients, 210 were subjected to this analysis. Patients consisted of 133 men and 77 women, with the median age of 67 years (range, 40–89 years). According to the Child–Pugh classification, five patients were classified as class A, 90 as class B, and 115 as class C. The frequencies of responders and nonresponders were 55.2% and 44.8%, respectively. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was significantly lower in responders compared with nonresponders (P = 3.77 × 10−3). Using the receiver operating characteristic curve, the cutoff value of 28.2 mg/dL was the most useful in discriminating responders from nonresponders. Among 154 patients with BUN level of less than 28.2 mg/dL, 95 (61.7%) were responders. By contrast, among 56 patients with BUN level of 28.2 mg/dL or more, 21 (37.5%) were nonresponders (P = 2.70 × 10−3). On multivariate analysis, BUN level of <28.2 mg/dL and urine sodium >51 mEq/day were found to be independent factors associated with the response to tolvaptan.

Conclusions

This study suggests that BUN level and urinary sodium excretion are closely associated with the response to tolvaptan in cirrhotic patients with hepatic edema.
Natural variation of hormone levels in Arabidopsis roots and correlations with complex root architecture
Authors: Lee Sangseok , I. Sergeeva Lidiya , Vreugdenhil Dick
Published: December 2017

Studies on natural variation are an important tool to unravel the genetic basis of quantitative traits in plants. Despite the significant roles of phytohormones in plant development, including root architecture, hardly any studies have been done to investigate natural variation in endogenous hormone levels in plants. Therefore, in the present study a range of hormones were quantified in root extracts of thirteen Arabidopsis thaliana accessions using a ultra performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Root system architecture of the set of accessions was quantified, using a new parameter (mature root unit) for complex root systems, and correlated with the phytohormone data. Significant variations in phytohormone levels among the accessions were detected, but were remarkably small, namely less than three‐fold difference between extremes. For cytokinins, relatively larger variations were found for ribosides and glucosides, as compared to the free bases. For root phenotyping, length‐related traits—lateral root length and total root length—showed larger variations than lateral root number‐related ones. For root architecture, antagonistic interactions between hormones, for example, indole‐3‐acetic acid to trans‐zeatin were detected in correlation analysis. These findings provide conclusive evidence for the presence of natural variation in phytohormone levels in Arabidopsis roots, suggesting that quantitative genetic analyses are feasible.
Longitudinal Analysis of Quality of Life, Clinical, Radiographic, Echocardiographic, and Laboratory Variables in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease Receiving Pimobendan or Placebo: The EPIC Study
Authors: Boswood A. , Gordon S.G. , Häggström J. , Wess G. , Stepien R.L. , Oyama M.A. , Keene B.W. , Bonagura J. , MacDonald K.A. , Patteson M. , Smith S. , Fox P.R. , Sanderson K. , Woolley R. , Szatmári V. , Menaut P. , Church W.M. , O'Sullivan M.L. , Jaudon J.‐P. , Kresken J.‐G. , Rush J. , Barrett K.A. , Rosenthal S.L. , Saunders A.B. , Ljungvall I. , Deinert M. , Bomassi E. , Estrada A.H. , Fernandez Del Palacio M.J. , Moise N.S. , Abbott J.A. , Fujii Y. , Spier A. , Luethy M.W. , Santilli R.A. , Uechi M. , Tidholm A. , Schummer C. , Watson P.
Published: December 2017

Background

Changes in clinical variables associated with the administration of pimobendan to dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and cardiomegaly have not been described.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of pimobendan on clinical variables and the relationship between a change in heart size and the time to congestive heart failure (CHF) or cardiac‐related death (CRD) in dogs with MMVD and cardiomegaly. To determine whether pimobendan‐treated dogs differ from dogs receiving placebo at onset of CHF.

Animals

Three hundred and fifty‐four dogs with MMVD and cardiomegaly.

Materials and Methods

Prospective, blinded study with dogs randomized (ratio 1:1) to pimobendan (0.4–0.6 mg/kg/d) or placebo. Clinical, laboratory, and heart‐size variables in both groups were measured and compared at different time points (day 35 and onset of CHF) and over the study duration. Relationships between short‐term changes in echocardiographic variables and time to CHF or CRD were explored.

Results

At day 35, heart size had reduced in the pimobendan group: median change in (Δ) LVIDDN −0.06 (IQR: −0.15 to +0.02), P < 0.0001, and LA:Ao −0.08 (IQR: −0.23 to +0.03), P < 0.0001. Reduction in heart size was associated with increased time to CHF or CRD. Hazard ratio for a 0.1 increase in ΔLVIDDN was 1.26, P = 0.0003. Hazard ratio for a 0.1 increase in ΔLA:Ao was 1.14, P = 0.0002. At onset of CHF, groups were similar.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Pimobendan treatment reduces heart size. Reduced heart size is associated with improved outcome. At the onset of CHF, dogs treated with pimobendan were indistinguishable from those receiving placebo.
The Labor Judge Unleashed: Rule of Law and Labor Rights in “Neoliberal” Chile
Authors: Rosado Marzán César F.
Published: December 2017

Hoping to improve labor justice, some Latin American countries have reformed their labor courts without necessarily buttressing working-class power. Class power theories make us skeptical of these state-centric strategies for labor rights. Will the “rule-of-law” reforms work? This article reports ethnographic evidence collected by the author in the Chilean labor courts during 2009–2010, and secondary sources. It compares contemporary labor courts, reformed but in an otherwise “neoliberal” context, with the unreformed labor courts of the “socialist” years (1970–1972) to gauge the efficacy of rule-of-law reforms. Results show that despite the neoliberal context, the labor courts were more responsive to workers' claims than under socialism. Rule of law and procedural rules matter for effective labor rights.
Context‐dependent vertical transmission shapes strong endosymbiont community structure in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: Rock Danielle I. , Smith Andrew H. , Joffe Jonah , Albertus Amie , Wong Narayan , O'Connor Michael , Oliver Kerry M. , Russell Jacob A.
Published: December 2017

Animal‐associated microbiomes are often comprised of structured, multispecies communities, with particular microbes showing trends of co‐occurrence or exclusion. Such structure suggests variable community stability, or variable costs and benefits—possibilities with implications for symbiont‐driven host adaptation. In this study, we performed systematic screening for maternally transmitted, facultative endosymbionts of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. Sampling across six locales, with up to 5 years of collection in each, netted significant and consistent trends of community structure. Co‐infections between Serratia symbiotica and Rickettsiella viridis were more common than expected, while Rickettsia and X‐type symbionts colonized aphids with Hamiltonella defensa more often than expected. Spiroplasma co‐infected with other endosymbionts quite rarely, showing tendencies to colonize as a single species monoculture. Field estimates of maternal transmission rates help to explain our findings: while Serratia and Rickettsiella improved each other's transmission, Spiroplasma reduced transmission rates of co‐infecting endosymbionts. In summary, our findings show that North American pea aphids harbour recurring combinations of facultative endosymbionts. Common symbiont partners play distinct roles in pea aphid biology, suggesting the creation of “generalist” aphids receiving symbiont‐based defence against multiple ecological stressors. Multimodal selection, at the host level, may thus partially explain our results. But more conclusively, our findings show that within‐host microbe interactions, and their resulting impacts on transmission rates, are an important determinant of community structure. Widespread distributions of heritable symbionts across plants and invertebrates hint at the far‐reaching implications for these findings, and our work further shows the benefits of symbiosis research within a natural context.
Stimulation of PgdA‐dependent peptidoglycan N‐deacetylation by GpsB‐PBP A1 in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Rismondo Jeanine , Wamp Sabrina , Aldridge Christine , Vollmer Waldemar , Halbedel Sven
Published: December 2017

Listeria monocytogenes and other pathogenic bacteria modify their peptidoglycan to protect it against enzymatic attack through the host innate immune system, such as the cell wall hydrolase lysozyme. During our studies on GpsB, a late cell division protein that controls activity of the bi‐functional penicillin binding protein PBP A1, we discovered that GpsB influences lysozyme resistance of L. monocytogenes as mutant strains lacking gpsB showed an increased lysozyme resistance. Deletion of pbpA1 corrected this effect, demonstrating that PBP A1 is also involved in this. Susceptibility to lysozyme mainly depends on two peptidoglycan modifying enzymes: The peptidoglycan N‐deacetylase PgdA and the peptidoglycan O‐acetyltransferase OatA. Genetic and biochemical experiments consistently demonstrated that the increased lysozyme resistance of the ΔgpsB mutant was PgdA‐dependent and OatA‐independent. Protein‐protein interaction studies supported the idea that GpsB, PBP A1 and PgdA form a complex in L. monocytogenes and identified the regions in PBP A1 and PgdA required for complex formation. These results establish a physiological connection between GpsB, PBP A1 and the peptidoglycan modifying enzyme PgdA. To our knowledge, this is the first reported link between a GpsB‐like cell division protein and factors important for escape from the host immune system.
Multiple neuronal pathologies are common in young patients with pathologically proven Frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Tan R. H. , Yang Y. , Halliday G. M.
Published: December 2017

Aims

The past decade has seen a surge in studies identifying mixed pathologies in elderly populations. Importantly however, few studies have focussed on mixed pathology in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD), particularly in younger cases.

Methods

The present study examined concomitant pathological neuronal inclusions of TDP‐43, hyperphosphorylated tau and α‐synuclein protein in the anterior cingulate, hippocampus and entorhinal cortex in young (≤65 years at death) vs. elderly (≥80 years at death) cases with pathologically confirmed FTLD (n = 52) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 47).

Results

Our results demonstrate the presence of additional neuronal pathologies not associated with the primary pathological diagnosis in a similar proportion of young and elderly FTLD cases, indicating that disease drivers rather than age are the major risk factors for multiple neuronal pathologies in FTLD. When only sporadic FTLD cases were considered, the proportion of cases with multiple neuronal pathologies across FTLD age cohorts remained similar, indicating that multiple neuronal pathologies in young FTLD cases is not driven by known genetic mutations. In contrast to these findings in FTLD, a significantly greater proportion of elderly compared to young AD cases demonstrated multiple neuronal pathologies, corroborating literature.

Conclusions

In summary, the present study reports for the first time that age is not a major risk factor for multiple neuronal pathologies in FTLD. These findings have significant implications for the development of protein‐specific biomarkers and treatments for FTLD, and underscore the need for further research to identify the disease factors involved in driving multiple neuronal pathologies in FTLD.
P16 positivity and regression grade predict survival after neoadjuvant radiotherapy of OSCC
Authors: Eder‐Czembirek C , Sulzbacher I , Fuereder T , Selzer E
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Survival after preoperative radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer is associated with pathological response. The prognostic importance of p16 expression in these patients has not been established yet.

Materials and methods

Ninety‐seven patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, treated preoperatively with radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy or cetuximab, were included in this retrospective analysis. Survival rates were estimated by the Kaplan–Meyer method. Pathological response was evaluated by histological analysis and p16 expression by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Overall survival after 2 years was 66% for the entire group, 92% in the p16‐positive and 62% in the p16‐negative group, respectively. 12.4% of the tumours were p16‐positive. P16 expression (HR 6.98, p = .05) and regression grade (HR 2.94, p = .001) had a statistically significant impact on prognosis. 83.3% of p16‐expressing tumours were pathological responders. All p16‐positive patients with pathological response were alive within the observation period.

Conclusion

P16 expression is associated with prognosis in preoperatively irradiated OSCC patients. The association between p16 positivity, regression grade and improved survival provides a rationale for de‐intensification strategies in patients with head and neck cancer who respond well to neoadjuvant therapy, a concept that is being tested in prospective clinical trials.
Three‐dimensional ultrastructure of chloroplast pockets formed under salinity stress
Authors: Yamane Koji , Oi Takao , Enomoto Sakiko , Nakao Tomoyo , Arai Shigeo , Miyake Hiroshi , Taniguchi Mitsutaka
Published: December 2017

We investigated the invagination structure of a chloroplast that surrounds organelles such as mitochondria and peroxisomes within a thin layer of chloroplast stroma, which is called a chloroplast pocket. In this study, chloroplast pockets were observed in rice plants subjected to salinity stress but not under moderate growth condition. They included cytosol, transparent structure, lipid bodies, mitochondria, and peroxisomes. We constructed the three‐dimensional architecture of chloroplast pockets by using serial images obtained by transmission electron microscopy and focused ion beam‐scanning electron microscopy. Three types of chloroplast pockets were observed by transmission electron microscopy: Organelles were completely enclosed in a chloroplast pocket (enclosed type), a chloroplast pocket with a small gap in the middle part (gap type), and a chloroplast pocket with one side open (open type). Of the 70 pockets observed by serial imaging, 35 were enclosed type, and 21 and 14 were gap and open types, respectively. Mitochondria and peroxisomes were often in contact with the chloroplast pockets. Focused ion beam‐scanning electron microscopy revealed chloroplasts with a sheet structure partially surrounding peroxisomes. This fact suggests that chloroplasts might construct large sheet structures that would be related to the formation of chloroplast pockets.
Silicon affects seed development and leaf macrohair formation in Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Głazowska Sylwia , Murozuka Emiko , Persson Daniel P. , Castro Pedro Humberto , Schjoerring Jan K.
Published: December 2017

Silicon (Si) has many beneficial effects in plants, especially for the survival from biotic and abiotic stresses. However, Si may negatively affect the quality of lignocellulosic biomass for bioenergy purposes. Despite many studies, the regulation of Si distribution and deposition in plants remains to be fully understood. Here, we have identified the Brachypodium distachyon mutant low‐silicon 1 (Bdlsi1‐1), with impaired channeling function of the Si influx transporter BdLSI1, resulting in a substantial reduction of Si in shoots. Bioimaging by laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry showed that the wild‐type plants deposited Si mainly in the bracts, awns and leaf macrohairs. The Bdlsi1‐1 mutants showed substantial (>90%) reduction of Si in the mature shoots. The Bdlsi1‐1 leaves had fewer, shorter macrohairs, but the overall pattern of Si distribution in bracts and leaf tissues was similar to that in the wild‐type. The Bdlsi1‐1 plants supplied with Si had significantly lower seed weights, compared to the wild‐type. In low‐Si media, the seed weight of wild‐type plants was similar to that of Bdlsi1‐1 mutants supplied with Si, while the Bdlsi1‐1 seed weight decreased further. We conclude that Si deficiency results in widespread alterations in leaf surface morphology and seed formation in Brachypodium, showing the importance of Si for successful development in grasses.
Open‐cut mining impacts on soil abiotic and bacterial community properties as shown by restoration chronosequence
Authors: Ngugi Michael R. , Dennis Paul G. , Neldner Victor J. , Doley David , Fechner Nigel , McElnea Angus
Published: December 2017

Open‐cut mining severely disrupts landforms and soils, preventing or impeding the restoration of preexisting or functional ecosystems because essential properties of the original soils cannot immediately or easily be reinstated. We examined the soil physicochemical and bacterial characteristics of 21 coal‐mined sites in subtropical Queensland, Australia, 3–23 years after establishment of native plant species relative to nonmined analogue sites. Soil disturbance significantly decreased total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and especially total carbon (TC). The TC is projected to take 36 years to recover. Bacterial communities assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing showed greater species richness and evenness in rehabilitated as compared with nonmined soils, regardless of rehabilitation age. However, bacterial species composition was associated significantly with soil electrical conductivity, the plant density, and total stem cross‐sectional area of woody vegetation. The bacterial communities on rehabilitated sites became progressively more similar to those of nonmined analogue sites over time. This work demonstrates that if topsoils are conserved carefully during mining and supplemented by inorganic fertilizer addition, vigorous plant growth and changes in bacterial community composition can occur soon after plant establishment. This will mitigate the effects of soil disturbance and accelerate the return to the chemical and biological attributes of nonmined analogue soils.
Bayesian Small Area Estimation for Skewed Business Survey Variables
Authors: Fabrizi Enrico , Ferrante Maria Rosaria , Trivisano Carlo
Published: December 2017

In business surveys, estimates of means and totals for subnational regions, industries and business classes can be too imprecise because of the small sample sizes that are available for subpopulations. We propose a small area technique for the estimation of totals for skewed target variables, which are typical of business data. We adopt a Bayesian approach to inference. We specify a prior distribution for the random effects based on the idea of local shrinkage, which is suitable when auxiliary variables with strong predictive power are available: another feature that is often displayed by business survey data. This flexible modelling of random effects leads to predictions in agreement with those based on global shrinkage for most of the areas, but enables us to obtain less shrunken and thereby less biased estimates for areas characterized by large model residuals. We discuss an application based on data from the Italian survey on small and medium enterprises. By means of a simulation exercise, we explore the frequentist properties of the estimators proposed. They are good, and differently from methods based on global shrinkage remain so also for areas characterized by large model residuals.
Majorizing Sequences for Nonlinear Fredholm–Hammerstein Integral Equations
Authors: Ezquerro José A. , Hernández‐Verón Miguel A.
Published: December 2017

We use the method of majorizing sequences to study the applicability of Newton's method to solve nonlinear Fredholm–Hammerstein integral equations. For this, we use center convergence conditions on points different from the starting point of Newton's method, which is the point usually used by other authors until now when center conditions are required. In addition, the theoretical significance of the method is used to draw conclusions about the existence and uniqueness of solutions and about the region in which they are located. As a result, we modify the domain of starting points for Newton's method.
Understanding Sexual Minority Health Disparities in Rural Areas
Authors: Woodell Brandi
Published: December 2017

This article reviews research from several disciplines including sociology, psychology, and public health to examine recent inconsistencies in findings of rural/urban health disparities among sexual minority populations. Previous work has found that sexual minorities (lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals) report worse health than their heterosexual counterparts on many physical and mental health measures. To understand this occurrence, scholars have situated these findings most often within either minority stress or fundamental cause frameworks. These theories attribute health differences to unique stressors and stigmatization experienced by sexual minorities within a heteronormative social climate. This review provides an overview of specific health disparities by gender and sexual orientation, critically examines research on rural/urban health differences among sexual minorities, and offers three avenues for future research to help remedy the inconsistent results of previous rural/urban sexual minority health disparities research. Discussions of the ‘rural effect,’ rural social support resources, and the importance of geographic region for health are included as opportunities to further social scientific research on sexual minority health disparities.
Political Organizations and their Online Communication
Authors: Donges Patrick , Nitschke Paula
Published: December 2017

This paper raises the question of the possible impact of online communication on political organizations in a very fundamental way. It follows the assumption that it is necessary to first clarify the relationship between political organizations and their communication before researching the possible impacts of online communication. Therefore, this paper discusses decisions, communication, and intermediation as the essence of any political organization. It presents a heuristic framework that differentiates the interrelation of organizations and communication in five perspectives: organizations as constituted by communication, as communicators, as structures or spheres wherein communication takes place, as topics of communication, and as indicators of change in communication. Each perspective is rooted in organizational sociology and may be applied to questions of political organizations and their online communication. Therefore, the distinction of these perspectives enriches the debate and serves as a useful tool to sort the arguments and research questions.
Perception of Human Interaction Based on Motion Trajectories: From Aerial Videos to Decontextualized Animations
Authors: Shu Tianmin , Peng Yujia , Fan Lifeng , Lu Hongjing , Zhu Song‐Chun
Published: December 2017

People are adept at perceiving interactions from movements of simple shapes, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Previous studies have often used object movements defined by experimenters. The present study used aerial videos recorded by drones in a real‐life environment to generate decontextualized motion stimuli. Motion trajectories of displayed elements were the only visual input. We measured human judgments of interactiveness between two moving elements and the dynamic change in such judgments over time. A hierarchical model was developed to account for human performance in this task. The model represents interactivity using latent variables and learns the distribution of critical movement features that signal potential interactivity. The model provides a good fit to human judgments and can also be generalized to the original Heider–Simmel animations (1944). The model can also synthesize decontextualized animations with a controlled degree of interactiveness, providing a viable tool for studying animacy and social perception.
A DEL phenotype attributed to RHD Exon 9 sequence deletion: slipped‐strand mispairing and blood group polymorphisms
Authors: Lopez Genghis H. , Turner Robyn M. , McGowan Eunike C. , Schoeman Elizna M. , Scott Stacy A. , O'Brien Helen , Millard Glenda M. , Roulis Eileen V. , Allen Amanda J. , Liew Yew‐Wah , Flower Robert L. , Hyland Catherine A.
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

The RhD blood group antigen is extremely polymorphic and the DEL phenotype represents one such class of polymorphisms. The DEL phenotype prevalent in East Asian populations arises from a synonymous substitution defined as RHD*1227A. However, initially, based on genomic and cDNA studies, the genetic basis for a DEL phenotype in Taiwan was attributed to a deletion of RHD Exon 9 that was never verified at the genomic level by any other independent group. Here we investigate the genetic basis for a Caucasian donor with a DEL partial D phenotype and compare the genomic findings to those initial molecular studies.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The 3′‐region of the RHD gene was amplified by long‐range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for massively parallel sequencing. Primers were designed to encompass a deletion, flanking Exon 9, by standard PCR for Sanger sequencing. Targeted sequencing of exons and flanking introns was also performed.

RESULTS

Genomic DNA exhibited a 1012‐bp deletion spanning from Intron 8, across Exon 9 into Intron 9. The deletion breakpoints occurred between two 25‐bp repeat motifs flanking Exon 9 such that one repeat sequence remained.

CONCLUSION

Deletion mutations bordered by repeat sequences are a hallmark of slipped‐strand mispairing (SSM) event. We propose this genetic mechanism generated the germline deletion in the Caucasian donor. Extensive studies show that the RHD*1227A is the most prevalent DEL allele in East Asian populations and may have confounded the initial molecular studies. Review of the literature revealed that the SSM model explains some of the extreme polymorphisms observed in the clinically significant RhD blood group antigen.
Bleeding or no bleeding? Anti‐endothelial alphaVbeta3 antibodies as a major cause of intracranial haemorrhage in fetal–neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Sachs U. J. , Santoso S.
Published: December 2017

Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a severe bleeding disorder which can result in intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), leading to death or neurological sequelae. In Caucasians, maternal anti‐HPA‐1a antibodies (abs) are responsible for the majority of FNAIT cases. However, the correlation between fetal platelet counts and risk of bleeding is loose. ICH was also observed in FNAIT cases with platelet counts within reference ranges. These observations question the exclusive role of thrombocytopenia in ICH. Recently, we observed stronger binding of anti‐HPA‐1a antibodies from mothers with ICH‐positive (+ICH) FNAIT to endothelial cell‐derived αvβ3 when compared to anti‐HPA‐1a from ‐ICH. Differential absorption experiments demonstrated that anti‐HPA‐1a is not a single antibody entity. Sera from immunized women may contain three different subspecificities: anti‐β3, anti‐αIIbβ3 and anti‐αvβ3. Anti‐β3 appears to be the dominant subtype of anti‐HPA‐1a. However, anti‐αvβ3 was only found in +ICH sera, and only the anti‐αvβ3, but not anti‐β3 subtype, induced apoptosis and disturbed tube formation of endothelial cells in vitro. Therefore, we believe that this anti‐HPA‐1a subtype plays a significant role in the development of ICH. Together with other subtypes, anti‐αvβ3 may trigger bleeding in a threshold model of FNAIT/ICH, where bleeding occurs if yet undefined levels of anti‐endothelial (loss of integrity) and/or antiplatelet (low platelet count) activities are achieved. Thus, defining anti‐HPA‐1a subtypes may have significant potential in the prediction of ICH. With upcoming nation‐wide screening programmes, detection of anti‐HPA‐1a subtypes could prove helpful to allocate treatment to appropriate (at‐risk) cases, especially in countries with restricted resources.
Self‐inspection and classification of non‐compliances
Authors: Qiu Y. , Vuk T. , Bust L. , Strengers P. , Seidl C.
Published: December 2017

Background and Objectives

Self‐inspection is a key part of the blood establishment quality management system and the base of different types of assessments. Self‐inspection shall identify if there are problems, deficiencies or non‐compliances against the quality policy, standard operating procedures (SOPs), guidelines, standards and regulations.

Methods

The secret to a successful and efficient self‐inspection is to adopt different standards and requirements, develop a sufficient inspection plan and assess the result and corrective and preventive action. Self‐inspections shall verify compliance with the quality principles and policy of the blood establishment. Usually identify the contents of standards/legislation, quality manual, SOPs as self‐inspection criteria. Self‐inspection planning should include the objectives and scope of the inspection, the inspection team including the staff audited, the self‐inspection audit trail. After completion of the self‐inspection, the inspection report should include an action plan for non‐compliances, measurements for improvement.

Results

According to the severity, noncompliances should by classified into categories. Commonly used are as follows: critical, major, minor non‐compliance and observation. Following risk assessment and the implementation of new preventive measurements, a new inspection may be needed and scheduled.

Conclusion

In conclusion, self‐inspection is part of a learning process, they should recognize the efforts given by the staff, will help to correct noncompliances effectively, and evaluate the facility's quality and operational systems to determine whether the service they provide is appropriate and in control.
Characteristics and processes of clinical reasoning in nurses and factors related to its use: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Griffits Susan , Hines Sonia , Moloney Clint , Ralph Nicholas
Published: December 2017

Review question/objective:

: The objectives of the scoping review are to:

1. Examine the characteristics and processes of clinical reasoning as used by registered nurses in clinical practice.

2. Identify factors reported to relate to clinical reasoning use by registered nurses in clinical practice.
Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control Via Torque Vectoring Differential and Electronic Stability Control to Improve Vehicle Handling and Stability Performance
Authors: Jaafari Seyed Mohammad Mehdi , Shirazi Kourosh Heidari
Published: December 2017

This paper proposed a full vehicle state estimation and developed an integrated chassis control by coordinating electronic stability control (ESC) and torque vectoring differential (TVD) systems to improve vehicle handling and stability in all conditions without any interference. For this purpose, an integrated TVD/ESC chassis system has been modeled in Matlab/Simulink and applied into the vehicle dynamics model of the 2003 Ford Expedition in carsim software. TVD is used to improve handling in routine and steady-state driving conditions and ESC is mainly used as the stability controller for emergency maneuvers or when the TVD cannot improve vehicle handling. By the β−β˙ phase plane, vehicle stable region is determined. Inside the reference region, the handling performance and outside the region the vehicle stability has been in question. In order to control the integrated chassis system, a unified controller with three control layers based on fuzzy control strategy, β−β˙ phase plane, longitudinal slip, and road friction coefficient of each tire is designed in Matlab/Simulink. To detect the control parameters, a state estimator is developed based on unscented Kalman filter (UKF). Bees algorithm (BA) is employed to optimize the fuzzy controller. The performance and robustness of the integrated chassis system and designed controller were conformed through routine and extensive simulations. The simulation results via a co-simulation of MATLAB/Simulink and CarSim indicated that the designed integrated ESC/TVD chassis control system could effectively improve handling and stability in all conditions without any interference between subsystems.