bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Implementing Evidence‐based Interventions to Reduce C‐spine Image Ordering in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review
Authors: Desai Shashwat , Liu Chaocheng , Kirkland Scott W. , Krebs Lynette D. , Keto‐Lambert Diana , Rowe Brian H.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Appropriate use of imaging for adult patients with cervical spine (C‐spine) injuries in the emergency department (ED) is a longstanding issue. Guidance for C‐spine ordering exists; however, the effectiveness of the decision support implementation in the ED is not well studied. This systematic review examines the implementation and effectiveness of evidence‐based interventions aimed at reducing C‐spine imaging in adults presenting to the ED with neck trauma.

Methods

Six electronic databases and the gray literature were searched. Comparative intervention studies were eligible for inclusion. Two independent reviewers screened for study eligibility, study quality, and extracted data. The change in imaging was reported using individual odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random effects.

Results

A total of 990 unique citations were screened for relevance of which six before–after studies and one randomized controlled trial were included. None of the studies were assessed as high quality. Interventions consisted primarily of locally developed guidelines or established clinical decision rules such as the NEXUS or the Canadian C‐spine rule. Overall, implementation of interventions aimed at reducing C‐spine image ordering resulted in a statistically significant reduction in imaging (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51–0.93); however, heterogeneity was high (I2 = 82%). Subgroup analysis revealed no differences between studies that specified enrolling alert and stable patients compared to unspecified trauma (p = 0.81) or between studies employing multifaceted versus nonmultifaceted interventions (p = 0.66). While studies generally provided details on implementation strategies (e.g., teaching sessions, pocket cards, posters, computerized decision support) the effectiveness of these implementation strategies were frequently not reported.

Conclusion

There is moderate evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions to reduce C‐spine image ordering in adult patients seen in the ED with neck trauma. Given the national and international focus on improving appropriateness and reducing unnecessary C‐spine imaging through campaigns such as Choosing Wisely, additional interventional research in this field is warranted.
Optimal timing of preoperative indocyanine green administration for fluorescent cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the PINPOINT® Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging System
Authors: Tsutsui Nobuhiro , Yoshida Masashi , Nakagawa Hikaru , Ito Eisaku , Iwase Ryota , Suzuki Norihiko , Imakita Tomonori , Ohdaira Hironori , Kitajima Masaki , Yanaga Katsuhiko , Suzuki Yutaka
Published: December 2017

Introduction

The PINPOINT® Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging System (Novadaq, Mississauga, Canada) allows surgeons to visualize the bile ducts during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Surgeons can continue operation while confirming the bile ducts’ fluorescence with a bright‐field/color image. However, strong fluorescence of the liver can interfere with the surgery. Here, we investigated the optimal timing of indocyanine green administration to allow fluorescent cholangiography to be performed without interference from the liver fluorescence.

Methods

A total of 72 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in this study. The timing of indocyanine green administration was set immediately before surgery and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 h before surgery. The luminance intensity ratios of gallbladder/liver, cystic duct/liver, and common bile duct/liver were measured using the ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA). Visibility of the gallbladder and bile ducts was classified into three categories (grades A, B, and C) based on the degree of visibility in contrast to the liver.

Results

The luminance intensity ratio for the gallbladder/liver, cystic duct/liver, and common bile duct/liver was ≥1 in the 15‐, 18‐, and 24‐h groups. The proportion of cases in which evaluators classified the visibility of the gallbladder and bile ducts as grade A (best visibility) reached a peak in the 15‐h group and decreased thereafter.

Conclusions

In the present study, the optimal timing of indocyanine green administration for fluorescent cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the PINPOINT Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging System was 15 h before surgery.
Laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Authors: Ishikawa Takahisa , Nishikawa Makoto , Nakamoto Hiroki , Yokoyama Ryoji , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: December 2017

Laparoscopic surgery has been relatively contraindicated in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) because of concerns about the effect of the pneumoperitoneum on shunt function. However, there have been recent reports of laparoscopic surgery on the gallbladder and cecum. This is the first report of laparoscopic high anterior resection for rectal cancer without manipulation of the VPS catheter in a patient with VPS. We made a diagnosis of advanced rectal cancer in a 77‐year‐old man who had a VPS to treat hydrocephalus after a subarachnoid hemorrhage. We performed the procedure with the patient in a 15° head‐down tilt and with 10‐mmHg pneumoperitoneum pressure. There were no postoperative complications. We concluded that laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer can be safely performed in patients with VPS.
Considerations for Pharmacoepidemiological Studies of Drug–Cancer Associations
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Friis Søren , Stürmer Til , Hallas Jesper , Bahmanyar Shahram
Published: December 2017

In this MiniReview, we provide general considerations for the planning and conduct of pharmacoepidemiological studies of associations between drug use and cancer development. We address data sources, study design, assessment of drug exposure, ascertainment of cancer outcomes, confounder adjustment and future perspectives. Aspects of data sources include assessment of complete history of drug use and data on dose and duration of drug use, allowing estimates of cumulative exposure. Outcome data from formal cancer registries are preferable, but cancer data from other sources, for example, patient or pathology registries, medical records or claims are also suitable. The two principal designs for observational studies evaluating drug–cancer associations are the cohort and case–control designs. A key challenge in studies of drug–cancer associations is the exposure assessment due to the typically long period of cancer development. We present methods to examine early and late effects of drug use on cancer development and discuss the need for employing ‘lag‐time’ in order to avoid reverse causation. We emphasize that a new‐user study design should always be considered. We also underline the need for ‘dose–response’ analyses, as drug–cancer associations are likely to be dose‐dependent. Generally, studies of drug–cancer associations should explore risk of site‐specific cancer, rather than cancer overall. Additional differentiation may also be crucial for organ‐specific cancer with various distinct histological subtypes (e.g., lung or ovary cancer). We also highlight the influence of confounding factors and discuss various methods to address confounding, while emphasizing that the choices of methods depend on the design and specific objectives of the individual study. In some studies, use of active comparator(s) may be preferable. Pharmacoepidemiological studies of drug–cancer associations are expected to evolve considerably in the coming years, due to the increasing availability of long‐term data on drug exposures and cancer outcomes, the increasing conduct of multinational studies, allowing studies of rare cancers and subtypes of cancer, and methodological improvements specifically addressing cancer and other long‐term outcomes.
DUAL‐INDEX MEASUREMENT OF INCOME INEQUALITY
Authors: Park Joongyang , Kim YoungSoon , Heo Seon‐ja
Published: December 2017

This study introduces the concept of unequally distributed income and proposes a dual‐index measurement of income inequality that evaluates the magnitude and dispersion of unequally distributed income. We use the Rawlsian index as a magnitude index and employ current income inequality indices as a dispersion index. We describe the properties of the Rawlsian and dispersion indices, and apply these indices to real income data. Further, we show that the Gini dispersion index is a weighted average of Rawlsian indices for the sub‐distributions of the unequally distributed income distribution.
Water and fish select for fleshy fruits in tropical wetland forests
Authors: Correa Sandra Bibiana , de Oliveira Patricia Carla , Nunes da Cunha Catia , Penha Jerry , Anderson Jill T.
Published: December 2017

Adjacent floodplain and upland tropical forests experience the same temperature and precipitation regimes, but differ substantially in plant species composition and biotic interactions because of extensive flooding. We hypothesize that flooded forests filter fruiting traits linked to seed dispersal by water and fishes, such that selection by water and fish led to (1) trees that synchronize the timing of fruiting with annual floods, and (2) the evolution of fleshy tissues on fruits to improve buoyancy and increase fruit consumption rates by fish. To test this hypothesis, we compared plant communities in seasonally flooded forests and adjacent upland forest in terms of fruiting phenology, the frequency of trees bearing fleshy fruit, and the role of fleshy tissues in buoyancy and seed viability. Beta‐diversity in this system is high, with significant differences in species composition across habitats. As predicted, the production of ripe fleshy fruits was significantly greater in flooded than upland forests during the flood season. Furthermore, we found that trees with fleshy fruit were significantly more abundant in flooded forests even though species richness of fleshy fruit‐bearing trees was proportionally similar in flooded and upland forests. Additionally, fleshy pulp increased buoyancy. Likewise, time afloat decreased for denser fruit and those with high seed to pulp ratios. In concert, these results suggest that fleshy fruits in Neotropical floodplain forests facilitated hydrochory and ichthyochory. Once established, water and fish became important agents of selection on fruiting traits.
Pathogenic copy number variants in patients with congenital hypopituitarism associated with complex phenotypes
Authors: Correa Fernanda A. , Jorge Alexander AL , Nakaguma Marilena , Canton Ana PM , Costa Silvia S , Funari Mariana F , Lerario Antonio M , Franca Marcela M , Carvalho Luciani R , Krepischi Ana CV , Arnhold Ivo JP , Rosenberg Carla , Mendonca Berenice B
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The aetiology of congenital hypopituitarism (CH) is unknown in most patients. Rare copy number variants (CNVs) have been implicated as the cause of genetic syndromes with previously unknown aetiology. Our aim was to study the presence of CNVs and their pathogenicity in patients with idiopathic CH associated with complex phenotypes.

Design and Patients

We selected 39 patients with syndromic CH for array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Patients with pathogenic CNVs were also evaluated by whole exome sequencing.

Results

Twenty rare CNVs were detected in 19 patients. Among the identified rare CNVs, six were classified as benign, eleven as variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS) and four as pathogenic. The three patients with pathogenic CNVs had combined pituitary hormone deficiencies, and the associated complex phenotypes were intellectual disabilities: trichorhinophalangeal type I syndrome (TRPS1) and developmental delay/intellectual disability with cardiac malformation, respectively. Patient one has a de novo 1.6‐Mb deletion located at chromosome 3q13.31q13.32, which overlaps with the region of the 3q13.31 deletion syndrome. Patient two has a 10.5‐Mb de novo deletion at 8q23.1q24.11, encompassing the TRPS1 gene; his phenotype is compatible with TRPS1. Patient three carries a chromosome translocation t(2p24.3;4q35.1) resulting in two terminal alterations: a 2p25.3p24.3 duplication of 14.7 Mb and a 4‐Mb deletion at 4q35.1q35.2.

Conclusions

Copy number variants explained the phenotype in 8% of patients with hypopituitarism and additional complex phenotypes. This suggests that chromosomal alterations are an important contributor to syndromic hypopituitarism.
Organoclays assisted vat and disperse dyeing of poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposite fabrics via melt spinning
Authors: Mousa Abdalla A. , Youssef Yehya A. , Mohamed Wael S. , Farouk Reham , Giebel Elisabeth , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: December 2017

Polyethylene terephthalate nanocomposites containing six modified montmorillonite nanoclays were prepared by a melt compounding technique. The effect of intercalated compounds of montmorillonite on textile mechanical properties of resultant polyethylene terephthalate nanocomposite fabrics was investigated. Winding was not possible, when the polymers were first compounded with the desired amount of montmorillonite and then spun, as filament breakage occurred. Spinable polymer were only obtained by mixing polyethylene terephthalate master batches with 4 wt% montmorillonite, which contained tallow intercalating compound with pure untreated polyethylene terephthalate to a montmorillonite content of 0.5 wt%, thus decreasing the concentration of thermally degraded polymer chains. After spinning the fibres were drawn and knitted into fabric samples for further testing. The prepared polyethylene terephthalate nanocomposite fabrics using montmorillonite exhibited higher colour strength using vat and disperse dyes compared with those of the reference fabrics made from fibres spun without montmorillonite clay content and regular fabrics. The carbocyclic‐based vat dyes have higher colour strength values on polyethylene terephthalate nanocomposite fabrics if compared with heterocyclic‐based vat dyes. The colour fastness ratings for both vat and disperse dyeings secured very good to excellent washing and perspiration fastness on polyethylene terephthalate nanocomposite fabrics. All dyed fabrics showed excellent light fastness using vat and disperse dyes. The preparation of polyethylene terephthalate nanocomposite fabrics with improved textile mechanical and vat dyeing properties needs further investigations.
The futures premium and rice market efficiency in prewar Japan
Authors: Ito Mikio , Maeda Kiyotaka , Noda Akihiko
Published: December 2017

This article studies the interrelation between spot and futures prices in the two major rice markets in prewar Japan from the perspective of market efficiency. Applying a non‐Bayesian time‐varying model approach to the fundamental equation for spot returns and the futures premium, we detect when efficiency reductions in the two major rice markets occurred. We also examine how government interventions affected the rice markets in Japan, which colonized Taiwan and Korea before the Second World War, and argue that the function of rice futures markets crucially depended on the differences in the structure of rice spot markets. Initially the increased volume of imported rice of a different variety from domestic rice disrupted the rice futures markets. Then, government intervention in the rice futures markets failed to improve the disruption. Changes in colonial rice cropping successfully mitigated the disruption, and colonial rice was promoted in order to unify the different varieties of inland and colonial rice.
Economic consequences of implementing and communicating value based management systems
Authors: Schultze Wolfgang , List Thomas , Schabert Bettina , Dinh Tami
Published: December 2017

We study the consequences of implementing and communicating Value Based Management (VBM) systems on information asymmetries and the cost of capital. We analyse the firms’ reporting on internal control systems as the source of information for market participants. In addition, literature posits that improving communications with shareholders by providing additional information on value generation (Value Based Reporting, VBR) is an integral part of implementing VBM. We find that the implementation of VBM and the extent of VBR are, both individually and jointly, significantly related to lower information asymmetries and lower cost of capital. We find a slight moderation of the effect of VBM by VBR. For increasing VBR, we find that information asymmetries and cost of capital decrease more strongly for firms without implemented VBM systems. This indicates that VBR can to some extent substitute VBM. Overall, however, firms using a combination of VBM and VBR attain lower levels of information asymmetry and cost of capital. We provide evidence for the real effects of disclosure, suggesting that disclosures on internal control systems serve as a governance mechanism, reducing information asymmetries and the cost of capital by aligning shareholders’ and managers’ interests.
Rationale and design for the Asia BP@Home study on home blood pressure control status in 12 Asian countries and regions
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Tomitani Naoko , Buranakitjaroen Peera , Chen Chen‐Huan , Chia Yook‐Chin , Divinagracia Romeo , Park Sungha , Shin Jinho , Siddique Saulat , Sison Jorge , Soenarta Arieska Ann , Sogunuru Guru Prasad , Tay Jam Chin , Turana Yuda , Wang Ji‐Guang , Wong Lawrence , Zhang Yuqing , Wanthong Sirisawat , Hoshide Satoshi , Kanegae Hiroshi ,   the HOPE Asia Network
Published: December 2017

Home blood pressure (BP) monitoring is endorsed in multiple guidelines as a valuable adjunct to office BP measurements for the diagnosis and management of hypertension. In many countries throughout Asia, physicians are yet to appreciate the significant contribution of BP variability to cardiovascular events. Furthermore, data from Japanese cohort studies have shown that there is a strong association between morning BP surge and cardiovascular events, suggesting that Asians in general may benefit from more effective control of morning BP. We designed the Asia BP@Home study to investigate the distribution of hypertension subtypes, including white‐coat hypertension, masked morning hypertension, and well‐controlled and uncontrolled hypertension. The study will also investigate the determinants of home BP control status evaluated by the same validated home BP monitoring device and the same standardized method of home BP measurement among 1600 or more medicated patients with hypertension from 12 countries/regions across Asia.
Interrater and intrarater agreement of confocal microscopy imaging in diagnosing and subtyping basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kadouch D.J. , van Haersma de With A.S.E. , Elshot Y.S. , Peppelman M. , Bekkenk M.W. , Wolkerstorfer A. , Eekhout I. , Prinsen C.A.C. , de Rie M.A.
Published: December 2017

Background

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) imaging can be used to diagnose and subtype basal cell carcinoma (BCC) but relies on individual morphologic pattern recognition that might vary among users.

Objectives

We assessed the inter‐rater and intrarater agreement of RCM in correctly diagnosing and subtyping BCC.

Methods

In this prospective study, we evaluated the inter‐rater and intrarater agreement of RCM on BCC presence and subtype among three raters with varying experience who independently assessed static images of 48 RCM cases twice with four‐week interval (T1 and T2). Histopathologic confirmation of presence and subtype of BCC from surgical excision specimen was defined as the reference standard.

Results

The inter‐rater agreement of RCM for BCC presence showed an agreement of 82% at T1 and 84% at T2. The agreements for subtyping BCC were lower (52% for T1 and 47% for T2). The intrarater agreement of RCM for BCC presence showed an observed agreement that varied from 79% to 92%. The observed agreements for subtyping varied from 56% to 71%.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our results show that RCM is reliable in correctly diagnosing BCC based on the assessment of static RCM images. RCM could potentially play an important role in BCC management if accurate subtyping will be achieved. Therefore, future clinical studies on reliability and specific RCM features for BCC subtypes are required.
A Riboswitch‐based Inducible Gene Expression System for Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Cruz‐Bustos Teresa , Ramakrishnan Srinivasan , Cordeiro Ciro D. , Ahmed Michael A. , Docampo Roberto
Published: December 2017

Generation of conditional mutants in Trypanosoma brucei can be done by the use of RNA interference (RNAi). However, RNAi frequently produces off target effects. Here, we present an alternative strategy in which the glmS ribozyme is inserted in the C‐terminal region of one allele of a GOI and effectively knocks it down in response to the presence of glucosamine in the culture medium. Using several endogenous genes, we show that the glmS ribozyme cleaves the mRNA in vivo leading to reduction in mRNA and protein expression following glucosamine treatment in both T. brucei procyclic and bloodstream forms. Glucosamine‐induced ribozyme activation can be rapidly reversed by removing the inducer. In summary, the glmS ribozyme could be used as a tool to study essential genes in T. brucei.
New Species of Saprobic Labyrinthulea (=Labyrinthulomycota) and the Erection of a gen. nov. to Resolve Molecular Polyphyly within the Aplanochytrids
Authors: Hassett Brandon T. , Gradinger Rolf
Published: December 2017

A culture of a unicellular heterotrophic eukaryote was established from pollen‐baited seawater acquired from the nearshore environment in Tromsø, Norway. Light microscopy revealed the production of ectoplasmic nets and reproduction by biflagellated zoospores, as well as binary division. After culturing and subsequent nucleotide extraction, database queries of the isolate's 18S small ribosomal subunit coding region identified closest molecular affinity to Aplanochytrium haliotidis, a pathogen of abalone. Testing of phylogenetic hypotheses consistently grouped our unknown isolate and A. haliotidis among the homoplasious thraustochytrids. Transmission electron microscopy revealed complex cell walls comprised of electron‐dense lamella that formed protuberances, some associated with bothrosomes. Co‐culturing experiments with the marine fungus Penicillium brevicompactum revealed prolonged interactions with hyphal strands. Based on the combined information acquired from electron microscopy, life history information, and phylogenetic testing, we describe our unknown isolate as a novel species. To resolve molecular polyphyly within the aplanochytrids, we erect a gen. nov. that circumscribes our novel isolate and the former A. haliotidis within the thraustochytrids.
Hepatitis C virus eradication by direct antiviral agents improves glucose tolerance and reduces post‐load insulin resistance in nondiabetic patients with genotype 1
Authors: Salomone Federico , Catania Maurizio , Montineri Arturo , Bertino Gaetano , Godos Justyna , Rizzo Leonardo , Magrì Giovanni , Li Volti Giovanni
Published: December 2017

Background and Aims

Genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C is associated with an impairment of glucose homoeostasis, especially in the advanced stages of the disease. Glucose tolerance is an independent predictor of liver‐related mortality in patients with cirrhosis because of chronic hepatitis C. However, no study has demonstrated so far weather hepatitis C virus clearance affects glucose tolerance.

Methods

To this aim, we performed a prospective study assessing the effects of direct antiviral agents treatment in nondiabetic cirrhotic patients with genotypes 1a/1b and impaired glucose tolerance based on a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test. Impaired glucose tolerance was diagnosed by a 2‐hour plasma glucose between 140 and 199 mg/dL. Insulin resistance was estimated by the oral glucose insulin sensitivity index, an oral glucose tolerance test‐derived measure.

Results

After meeting the inclusion criteria, the study population included 32 outpatients (26/6 genotypes 1b/1a; age 62 ± 7.4 years; 18 males) with compensated Child‐A cirrhosis. All patients achieved a sustained virological response following direct antiviral agents treatment. After viral eradication, we did not observe change in fasting plasma glucose (103.5 ± 7.1 vs 102.8 ± 7.2 mg/dL, P = .15) but 2‐hour plasma glucose was reduced (165.2 ± 22.7 vs 138.5 ± 21.3 mg/dL, P < .001). Hepatitis C virus eradication led also to a significant reduction in HbA1c (6.1 ± 0.2% vs 5.7 ± 0.3%, P < .001) and post‐load insulin resistance as assessed by the oral glucose insulin sensitivity index (6.92 ± 1.56 vs 9.52 ± 1.39 mg/kg/min, P < .001). These effects were observed despite no change in body mass index from baseline to follow‐up (25.6 ± 4.3 vs 25.8 ± 4.4, P > .5).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that hepatitis C virus eradication may early improve glucose tolerance in patients with hepatitis C virus‐related cirrhosis.
Selection and Incentives in the Electoral Security‐Constituency Communication Relationship
Authors: Peskowitz Zachary
Published: December 2017

The relative importance of selection and incentives is essential for understanding how elections structure politicians’ behavior. I investigate the relative magnitudes of these two effects in the context of US House members’ constituency communication. Consistent with previous research, I find that there is a negative cross‐sectional relationship between electoral security and the intensity of constituency communication. The negative relationship holds in a panel‐data setting where only within‐legislator variation in electoral security is used to identify the effect of electoral security on legislator behavior. Due to the likely presence of myopic voters, the impact of electoral security increases as the election approaches. Point estimates suggest that the total effect is almost entirely driven by incentives, and I am able to reject the hypothesis that the incentive effect is zero at conventional levels of statistical significance.
Microbe‐induced plant volatiles
Authors: Sharifi Rouhallah , Lee Sang‐Moo , Ryu Choong‐Min
Published: December 2017

Plants emit a plethora of volatile organic compounds in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. These compounds act as infochemicals for ecological communication in the phytobiome. This study reviews the role of microbe‐induced plant volatiles (MIPVs) in plant–microbe interactions. MIPVs are affected by the taxonomic position of the microbe, the identity of the plant and the type of interaction. Plants also emit exclusive blends of volatiles in response to nonhost and host interactions, as well as to beneficial microbes and necrotrophic/biotrophic pathogens. These MIPVs directly inhibit pathogen growth and indirectly promote resistance/susceptibility to subsequent plant pathogen attack. Viruses and phloem‐limiting bacteria modify plant volatiles to attract insect vectors. Susceptible plants can respond to MIPVs from resistant plants and become resistant. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of MIPV synthesis in plants and how plant pathogen effectors manipulate their biosynthesis are discussed. This knowledge will help broaden our understanding of plant–microbe interactions and should facilitate the development of new emerging techniques for sustainable plant disease management.
Predicting childhood overweight and obesity using maternal and early life risk factors: a systematic review
Authors: Ziauddeen N. , Roderick P. J. , Macklon N. S. , Alwan N. A.
Published: December 2017

Background

Childhood obesity is a serious public health challenge, and identification of high‐risk populations with early intervention to prevent its development is a priority. We aimed to systematically review prediction models for childhood overweight/obesity and critically assess the methodology of their development, validation and reporting.

Methods

Medline and Embase were searched systematically for studies describing the development and/or validation of a prediction model/score for overweight and obesity between 1 to 13 years of age. Data were extracted using the Cochrane CHARMS checklist for Prognosis Methods.

Results

Ten studies were identified that developed (one), developed and validated (seven) or externally validated an existing (two) prediction model. Six out of eight models were developed using automated variable selection methods. Two studies used multiple imputation to handle missing data. From all studies, 30,475 participants were included. Of 25 predictors, only seven were included in more than one model with maternal body mass index, birthweight and gender the most common.

Conclusion

Several prediction models exist, but most have not been externally validated or compared with existing models to improve predictive performance. Methodological limitations in model development and validation combined with non‐standard reporting restrict the implementation of existing models for the prevention of childhood obesity.
Obesity genetics: insights from the Pakistani population
Authors: Pigeyre M. , Saqlain M. , Turcotte M. , Raja G. K. , Meyre D.
Published: December 2017

The Pakistani population is extensively diverse, indicating a genetic admixture of European and Central/West Asian migrants with indigenous South Asian gene pools. Pakistanis are organized in different ethnicities/castes based on cultural, linguistic and geographical origin. While Pakistan is facing a rapid nutritional transition, the rising prevalence of obesity is driving a growing burden of health complications and mortality. This represents a unique opportunity for the research community to study the interplay between obesogenic environmental changes and obesity predisposing genes in the time frame of one generation.

This review recapitulates the ancestral origins of Pakistani population, the societal determinants of the rise in obesity and its governmental management. We describe the contribution of syndromic, monogenic non‐syndromic and polygenic obesity genes identified in the Pakistani population. We then discuss the utility of gene identification approaches based on large consanguineous families and original gene × environment interaction study designs in discovering new obesity genes and causal pathways. Elucidation of the genetic basis of obesity in the Pakistani population may result in improved methods of obesity prevention and treatment globally.
Do Political Similarities Facilitate Interlocal Collaboration?
Authors: Song Minsun , Park Hyung Jun , Jung Kyujin
Published: December 2017

This research examines the extent to which political similarities—that is, homophily between political actors at the local level—affect patterns of interorganizational collaboration in an emergency response situation. While the field of emergency management has focused on implementation‐oriented arrangements among key stakeholders, few studies have systemically investigated the creation and development of interorganizational collaborations led by political actors, especially following catastrophic events. The analysis reveals that a dyadic tie with political homophily boosts local responders’ ties with other agencies during emergencies. Findings indicate that political solidarity, formulated by chief elected officials of municipalities and council members, can broaden the scope of interorganizational collaboration by mitigating institutional collective action problems at the local level. This research presents a critical recommendation for emergency managers that interlocal collaboration for timely response to a disaster is attributable to political similarities that facilitate frequent interlocal interactions through formal and/or informal agreements.
Playground or Church? Implications for Public Administration fromTrinity Lutheran v. Comer
Authors: Candreva Philip J.
Published: December 2017

The roots of public administration are in the fields of management, political science, and the law. The law is underrepresented in the literature and is not as well understood by nonlawyer practitioners, yet it increasingly enables, constrains, and prescribes government action. In 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on a case involving whether a government grant awarded on secular criteria must be provided to a qualified church. This article contributes to the field's understanding of the interplay of law and administration by examining the constitutional issues in the case and their implications for public administration. By considering how this dispute was framed and the ways in which the court approached its resolution, public officials can better understand the issues in similar cases; anticipate potential disputes; and (re)design policies that will serve their communities, remain within constitutional limits, and reduce the likelihood of litigation.
Estimation of the Leukemia Risk in Human Populations Exposed to Benzene from Tobacco Smoke Using Epidemiological Data
Authors: Fiebelkorn Stacy , Meredith Clive
Published: December 2017

Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between occupational benzene exposure and increased leukemia risk, in particular acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, there is still uncertainty as to the risk to the general population from exposure to lower environmental levels of benzene. To estimate the excess risk of leukemia from low‐dose benzene exposure, various methods for incorporating epidemiological data in quantitative risk assessment were utilized. Tobacco smoke was identified as one of the main potential sources of benzene exposure and was the focus of this exposure assessment, allowing further investigation of the role of benzene in smoking‐induced leukemia. Potency estimates for benzene were generated from individual occupational studies and meta‐analysis data, and an exposure assessment for two smoking subgroups (light and heavy smokers) carried out. Subsequently, various techniques, including life‐table analysis, were then used to evaluate both the excess lifetime risk and the contribution of benzene to smoking‐induced leukemia and AML. The excess lifetime risk for smokers was estimated at between two and six additional leukemia deaths in 10,000 and one to three additional AML deaths in 10,000. The contribution of benzene to smoking‐induced leukemia was estimated at between 9% and 24% (UpperCL 14–31%). For AML this contribution was estimated as 11–30% (UpperCL 22–60%). From the assessments carried out here, it appears there is an increased risk of leukemia from low‐level exposure to benzene and that benzene may contribute up to a third of smoking‐induced leukemia. Comparable results from using methods with varying degrees of complexity were generated.
The formation of convolute lamination in mud‐rich turbidites
Authors: Gladstone Charlotte , McClelland Harry L. O. , Woodcock Nigel H. , Pritchard David , Hunt James E.
Published: December 2017

Convolute lamination is a common fold structure within turbidite beds, attributed to the deformation of sediment during or soon after deposition of the host bed. Despite the prevalence of this feature, the formational processes are still not well understood. Possible mechanisms are investigated here through redescription and analysis of convolute lamination from the Aberystwyth Grits Group (Silurian, west Wales, UK), in which ‘convolute bedding’ was first defined. Internal bed structures have been studied in clean coastal exposures and on high‐resolution optical scans of cut surfaces. Convolute lamination occurs in intervals 2 to 10 cm thick, spanning the top of the very fine sand Bouma C division through the D division of interlaminated silt and clay. Observed growth geometries confirm that the structure formed during sedimentation of the host graded bed. Folds show a down‐flow asymmetry and doubly‐vergent diapiric geometries (‘mushroom’‐shaped structures). Grain size measurements from a modern turbidite (Icod bed, ca 165 ka, Moroccan Turbidite System) suggest that there is an optimal ‘window’ of average grain size and mud content parameter space, within which convolute lamination develops. It is proposed that this window coincides with a bed density inversion created during deposition of a graded bed as clean sand (with pore spaces infilled by water) fines upward into mud‐rich sand (with pores infilled by an increasing proportion of mud). Porosity decreases and bulk bed density correspondingly increases. The resulting unstable density gradient may lead to vertical buoyancy‐driven overturn, manifest as growing folds. Subsequent amplification of the folds due to density differences and modification due to horizontal shear imposed by the depositing turbidity current may then occur. The bed density gradient stabilizes with deposition of low permeability mud, suppressing further fold development. Quantitatively, both Rayleigh–Taylor instability and Kelvin–Helmholtz instability are theoretically possible in forming folds in this context.
Asymmetrical changes of gene expression, small RNAs and chromatin in two resynthesized wheat allotetraploids
Authors: Jiao Wu , Yuan Jingya , Jiang Shan , Liu Yanfeng , Wang Lili , Liu Mingming , Zheng Dewei , Ye Wenxue , Wang Xiue , Chen Z. Jeffrey
Published: December 2017

Polyploidy occurs in some animals and all flowering plants, including important crops such as wheat. The consequences of polyploidy in crops remain elusive, partly because their progenitors are unknown. Using two resynthesized wheat allotetraploids SlSlAA and AADD with known diploid progenitors, we analyzed mRNA and small RNA transcriptomes in the endosperm, compared transcriptomes between endosperm and root in AADD, and examined chromatin changes in the allotetraploids. In the endosperm, there were more non‐additively expressed genes in SlSlAA than in AADD. In AADD, non‐additively expressed genes were developmentally regulated, and the majority (62–70%) were repressed. The repressed genes in AADD included a group of histone methyltransferase gene homologs, which correlated with reduced histone H3K9me2 levels and activation of various transposable elements in AADD. In SlSlAA, there was a tendency for expression dominance of Sl over A homoeologs, but the histone methyltransferase gene homologs were additively expressed, correlating with insignificant changes in histone H3K9me2 levels. Moreover, more 24‐nucleotide small inferring RNAs (siRNAs) in the A subgenome were disrupted in AADD than in SlSlAA, which were associated with expression changes of siRNA‐associated genes. Our results indicate that asymmetrical changes in siRNAs, chromatin modifications, transposons and gene expression coincide with unstable AADD genomes and stable SlSlAA genomes, which could help explain the evolutionary trajectories of wheat allotetraploids formed by different progenitors.
Largely unlinked gene sets targeted by selection for domestication syndrome phenotypes in maize and sorghum
Authors: Lai Xianjun , Yan Lang , Lu Yanli , Schnable James C.
Published: December 2017

The domestication of diverse grain crops from wild grasses was a result of artificial selection for a suite of overlapping traits producing changes referred to in aggregate as ‘domestication syndrome’. Parallel phenotypic change can be accomplished by either selection on orthologous genes or selection on non‐orthologous genes with parallel phenotypic effects. To determine how often artificial selection for domestication traits in the grasses targeted orthologous genes, we employed resequencing data from wild and domesticated accessions of Zea (maize) and Sorghum (sorghum). Many ‘classic’ domestication genes identified through quantitative trait locus mapping in populations resulting from wild/domesticated crosses indeed show signatures of parallel selection in both maize and sorghum. However, the overall number of genes showing signatures of parallel selection in both species is not significantly different from that expected by chance. This suggests that while a small number of genes will extremely large phenotypic effects have been targeted repeatedly by artificial selection during domestication, the optimization part of domestication targeted small and largely non‐overlapping subsets of all possible genes which could produce equivalent phenotypic alterations.
Investigation of Thermal Performance of a Solar Pond With External Heat Addition
Authors: Ganguly Sayantan , Date Abhijit , Akbarzadeh Aliakbar
Published: December 2017

This study addresses the method of adding heat to a salt gradient solar pond (SGSP) from external sources and investigates the thermal performance of the pond. In this case, the external heat source is solar heat collected by evacuated tube solar collectors (ETSC), and collected heat is transferred to the lower-convective zone (LCZ) of the SGSP by circulating fluid from the LCZ. Results show that heat addition from the external source enhances the thermal performance of the SGSP in terms of heat recovery and thermal efficiency but with certain constraints. The heat addition efficiency reduces with increase in aperture area of the ETSC. Also with increasing heat addition, the heat removal from the SGSP has to be increased; otherwise, the SGSP efficiency reduces rapidly. Heat removal from SGSP has to be performed keeping in mind the heat demand and the quality of heat. The latter reduces with an increase of heat extraction beyond a certain limit. Hence, optimizing the range of parameters in case of adding heat from external sources is very important for the best performance of a SGSP.
Electron emission from electrically isolated spheres
Authors: Holgate Joshua T. , Coppins Michael
Published: December 2017

The ever-decreasing size of electron sources, many of which are now on the nanometer scale, has prompted several recent theoretical studies of electron emission from highly curved surfaces. These studies have naturally focused on emission from grounded tips and spheres, as is appropriate for most nanoelectronic devices, and have found significant corrections from the planar theories. However numerous examples of nongrounded nanoscale electron emitters exist in the form of hot and/or charged dust, droplets and aerosols in a variety of industrial, laboratory, and natural environments. In this paper, the field-induced and thermal emission currents from electrically isolated spherical surfaces are considered by using both approximate series expansions and numerical calculations of the barrier form correction factors within the framework of the Murphy–Good emission theory. The resulting expressions are used to find the floating potentials of dust grains in plasmas and significant corrections to the planar theory, which continues to be in widespread usage, are found.
Simultaneous molecular beam epitaxy growth at multiple uniform substrate temperatures
Authors: May Brelon J. , Myers Roberto C.
Published: December 2017

A substrate holder is demonstrated for molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth at four calibrated substrate temperatures in the same growth run. On a standard 3-in. substrate block, the substrate face plate can hold simultaneously four substrates, each at a uniform and isolated temperature. The samples are otherwise under identical growth conditions, providing a fourfold increase in sample throughput per growth run. Therefore, the multi-temperature-zone substrate holder is particularly suited for materials research and development by MBE, where it enables rapid mapping of the growth phase diagram.
Dicarboxylic acids analyzed by time-of-flight secondary ions mass spectrometry. Part VI: Oxanedioic acid
Authors: Trindade Gustavo F. , Ferreira Jose M. , Abel Marie-Laure , Baker Mark A. , Watts John F.
Published: December 2017

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry was carried out to analyze a commercially available octanedioic acid (suberic acid) powder. Positive and negative polarity ion spectra were obtained using a 25 keV Bi3+ ion beam rastered over areas of 50 × 50 μm2. The main observed fragments were the protonated molecule [M+H]+ at 105 Da and the deprotonated molecule [M-H]− at 103 Da with their respective oligomers.
Revisiting the round bottom flask rainbow experiment
Authors: Selmke Markus , Selmke Sarah
Published: December 2017

A popular demonstration experiment in optics uses a round-bottom flask filled with water to project a circular rainbow on a screen with a hole through which the flask is illuminated. We show how the vessel's wall shifts the first- and second-order bows towards each other and consequently reduces the width of Alexander's dark band. We address the challenge this introduces in observing Alexander's dark band, and explain the importance of a sufficient distance between the flask and the screen. The wall-effect also introduces a splitting of the bows that can easily be misinterpreted.
The electric field of a uniformly charged cubic shell
Authors: McCreery Kaitlin , Greenside Henry
Published: December 2017

As an integrative and insightful example for undergraduates learning about electrostatics, we discuss how to use symmetry, Coulomb's law, superposition, Gauss's law, and visualization to understand the electric field E(x,y,z) produced by a uniformly charged cubic shell. We first discuss how to deduce qualitatively, using freshman-level physics, the perhaps surprising fact that the interior electric field is nonzero and has a complex structure, pointing inwards from the middle of each face of the shell and pointing outwards towards each edge and corner. We then discuss how to understand the quantitative features of the electric field by plotting an analytical expression for E along symmetry lines and on symmetry surfaces of the shell.
Pressure and tension waves from bubble collapse near a solid boundary: A numerical approach
Authors: Lechner Christiane , Koch Max , Lauterborn Werner , Mettin Robert
Published: December 2017

The acoustic waves being generated during the motion of a bubble in water near a solid boundary are calculated numerically. The open source package OpenFOAM is used for solving the Navier-Stokes equation and extended to include nonlinear acoustic wave effects via the Tait equation for water. A bubble model with a small amount of gas is chosen, the gas obeying an adiabatic law. A bubble starting from a small size with high internal pressure near a flat, solid boundary is studied. The sequence of events from bubble growth via axial microjet formation, jet impact, annular nanojet formation, torus-bubble collapse, and bubble rebound to second collapse is described. The different pressure and tension waves with their propagation properties are demonstrated.
Oncogenic PI3K promotes methionine dependency in breast cancer cells through the cystine-glutamate antiporter xCT
Authors: Lien Evan C. , Ghisolfi Laura , Geck Renee C. , Asara John M. , Toker Alex
Published: December 2017

Inhibition of the transporter xCT by oncogenic PI3K mutants contributes to methionine dependency in breast cancer cells.
Papers of note in
Science Translational Medicine
9
(420)
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: December 2017

This week’s articles describe ways to treat scleroderma and schizophrenia.
Papers of note in
Nature
552
(7684)
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: December 2017

This week’s articles showed that enhancing a mitochondrial stress response reduced amyloid aggregation in mice; solved the structure of the ion channel TRPM4; found a role for NOTCH1 in the assembly of adherens junctions and endothelial barrier maintenance; and showed that RNA polymerase III limits life span in worms and flies.
Papers of note in
Science
358
(6369)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: December 2017

This week’s articles explain why broad-leaved plants are susceptible to a microbial toxin that does not affect monocots; identify the enzymes that detyrosinate tubulin; and present synthetic biological systems for recording environmental signals and for translating a biochemical reaction into dynamic cellular behavior.
Highlight: IL-2 receptor signaling
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: December 2017

Two papers reveal the consequences of altered interleukin-2 receptor signaling in T lymphocytes.