bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential‐based threshold voltage and subthreshold swing models for junctionless double‐gate metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor with dual‐material gate
Authors: Wang Ping , Zhuang Yiqi , Li Cong , Liu Yuqi , Jiang Zhi
Published: May 2015

On the basis of quasi‐two‐dimensional solution of Poisson's equation, an analytical threshold voltage model for junctionless dual‐material double‐gate (JLDMDG) metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) is developed for the first time. The advantages of JLDMDG MOSFET are proved by comparing the central electrostatic potential and electric field distribution with those of junctionless single‐material double‐gate (JLSMDG) MOSFET. The proposed model explicitly shows how the device parameters (such as the silicon thickness, oxide thickness, and doping concentration) affect the threshold voltage. In addition, the variations of threshold voltage roll‐off, drain‐induced barrier lowering (DIBL), and subthreshold swing with the channel length are investigated. It is proved that the device performance for JLDMDG MOSFET can be changed flexibly by adjusting the length ratios of control gate and screen gate. The model is verified by comparing its calculated results with those obtained from three‐dimensional numerical device simulator ISE. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy for Male and Female U.S. Veterans With and Without Military Sexual Trauma
Authors: Voelkel Emily , Pukay‐Martin Nicole D. , Walter Kristen H. , Chard Kathleen M.
Published: May 2015

Military sexual trauma (MST) affects approximately 2% and 36% of male and female veterans, respectively, (e.g., Allard, Gregory, Klest, & Platt, 2011). Although the deleterious consequences of MST have been clearly established, few studies have explored treatment effectiveness for this population. Using archival data from a residential treatment program, the current study explored the effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in treating full or subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to compare U.S. veterans reporting an MST index trauma (MST‐IT) to those without MST‐IT. Of the 481 participants, 40.7% endorsed MST‐IT. Multiway frequency analyses were utilized to compare men and women with and without MST on baseline demographic variables. Hierarchical linear models were constructed to investigate treatment outcome by MST status and sex. Results showed that 44.8%, 23.8%, and 19.6% of the variation in clinician‐ and self‐reported PTSD and depression symptoms were explained by three models. Scores on all outcome measures significantly decreased over time for both groups. Additionally, women demonstrated a sharper decrease in PTSD symptoms over time than men. Lastly, men who reported MST‐IT had higher PTSD symptoms than men without MST‐IT on average. With no control group or random assignment, preliminary findings suggest residential treatment including CPT may be effective for MST‐IT regardless of sex.
Evaluation of Jatropha curcas Genotypes for Rehabilitation of Degraded Sodic Lands
Authors: Singh Yash Pal , Nayak Amaresh K. , Sharma Dinesh Kumar , Singh Gurbachan , Mishra Vinay K. , Singh Dhananjay
Published: May 2015

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) is recently introduced in several states as a source of biomass and bioenergy in India. It can withstand and survive on a wide range of soils. However, information related to identification of a genotype tolerant to certain levels of sodicity is lacking. Five Jatropha genotypes (BTP 1‐K, BTP 1‐N, BTP 1‐A, GCC‐1, and TNM‐5) collected from different ecological regions of the country were screened and evaluated for three years (2007–2010) at Lucknow, India, in sodic soils having four (20, 40, 60, and 80) exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) levels. A large variation in plant growth, seed yield, and oil content was observed among genotypes owing to sodicity levels. Plant mortality of all the genotypes increased significantly beyond ESP of 40. Among the genotypes screened, BTP 1‐A recorded the maximum plant height (240 cm), girth (34·0 cm), biomass yield (14·00 ± 1·43 kg plant−1), and number of fruits per plant (14·8) up to ESP 40. The highest seed oil content was found in BTP 1‐K and BTP 1‐N followed by BTP 1A and the minimum in TMN‐5 and GCC‐1. Soil amelioration in terms of soil pH, ESP, organic carbon, and microbial biomass was higher under genotype BTP 1‐A than BTP 1‐K, GCC‐1, and TNM‐5. Genotype BTP 1‐A was found to be suitable for producing more biomass and bioenergy and rehabilitation of degraded lands. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chlorophyllin‐M: A new substance for photodynamic therapy in the retina and choroid
Authors: Salomao Gustavo Henrique Araujo , Fernandes Adjaci Uchoa , Baptista Mauricio S. , Tardivo João Paulo , Christofolini Denise Maria , Correa João Antonio
Published: May 2015

Background and Objective

Chlorophyllin‐M is a new chlorophyll‐based derivative photosensitive compound developed by our research group with easy laboratorial synthesis and ideal properties for photodynamic therapy (PDT). It is intended for clinical treatments with simple and low cost techniques and reagents. The objective of this study is to evaluate if intravenous chlorophyllin‐M is able to deliver a photosensitizer to rabbit retina and rabbit choroid and promote PDT after ocular irradiation with a 660 nm LASER.

Methods

This is a pre‐clinical study. Ten eyes of five pigmented Californian rabbits were included in the study. The right eyes served as the treatment group, and the left eyes served as the control group. All eyes had been ophthalmologically evaluated and were considered normal.

Results

Ophthalmic exam with anterior biomicroscopy, dilated fundus examination, and fluorescein angiography after the LASER procedure revealed normal anterior segment, retinal and choroid vessels occlusion, lumen narrowing, and capillary non‐perfusion in the treated areas, indicating that PDT was successful in the treatment eyes group.

Conclusion

The results of this pre‐clinical study encourage future studies with this new compound. Chlorophyllin‐M may become a new cost‐effective agent in the retinal therapeutic arsenal. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:421–425, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Applications of DART‐MS for food quality and safety assurance in food supply chain
Authors: Guo Tianyang , Yong Wei , Jin Yong , Zhang Liya , Liu Jiahui , Wang Sai , Chen Qilong , Dong Yiyang , Su Haijia , Tan Tianwei
Published: May 2015

Direct analysis in real time (DART) represents a new generation of ion source which is used for rapid ionization of small molecules under ambient conditions. The combination of DART and various mass spectrometers allows analyzing multiple food samples with simple or no sample treatment, or in conjunction with prevailing protocolized sample preparation methods. Abundant applications by DART‐MS have been reviewed in this paper. The DART‐MS strategy applied to food supply chain (FSC), including production, processing, and storage and transportation, provides a comprehensive solution to various food components, contaminants, authenticity, and traceability. Additionally, typical applications available in food analysis by other ambient ionization mass spectrometers were summarized, and fundamentals mainly including mechanisms, devices, and parameters were discussed as well. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev. 36:161–187, 2017
Feasibility of measuring thermoregulation during RF heating of the human calf muscle using MR based methods
Authors: Simonis Frank F.J. , Petersen Esben T. , Lagendijk Jan J.W. , van den Berg Cornelis A.T.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

One of the main safety concerns in MR is heating of the subject due to radiofrequency (RF) exposure. Recently was shown that local peak temperatures can reach dangerous values and the most prominent parameter for accurate temperature estimations is thermoregulation. Therefore, the goal of this research is testing the feasibility of measuring thermoregulation in vivo using MR methods.

Theory and Methods

The calves of 13 volunteers were scanned at 3 tesla. A Proton Resonance Frequency Shift method was used for temperature measurement. Arterial Spin Labeling and phase contrast scans were used for perfusion and flow measurements respectively. The calves were monitored during extreme RF exposure (20 W/kg, 16 min) and after physical exercise.

Results

Temperature increases due to RF absorption (range of the 90th percentile of all volunteers: 1.1–2.5°C) matched with the reference skin temperature changes. Increases in perfusion and flow were defined on the whole leg and normalized to baseline. Perfusion showed a significant increase due to RF heating (ratio compared with baseline: 1.28 ± 0.37; P < 0.05), the influence of exercise was much greater, however (2.97 ± 2.45, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study represents a first exploration of measuring thermoregulation, which will become essential when new safety guidelines are based on thermal dose. Magn Reson Med 75:1743–1751, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative mapping of the per‐axon diffusion coefficients in brain white matter
Authors: Kaden Enrico , Kruggel Frithjof , Alexander Daniel C.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

This article presents a simple method for estimating the effective diffusion coefficients parallel and perpendicular to the axons unconfounded by the intravoxel fiber orientation distribution. We also call these parameters the per‐axon or microscopic diffusion coefficients.

Theory and Methods

Diffusion MR imaging is used to probe the underlying tissue material. The key observation is that for a fixed b‐value the spherical mean of the diffusion signal over the gradient directions does not depend on the axon orientation distribution. By exploiting this invariance property, we propose a simple, fast, and robust estimator of the per‐axon diffusion coefficients, which we refer to as the spherical mean technique.

Results

We demonstrate quantitative maps of the axon‐scale diffusion process, which has factored out the effects due to fiber dispersion and crossing, in human brain white matter. These microscopic diffusion coefficients are estimated in vivo using a widely available off‐the‐shelf pulse sequence featuring multiple b‐shells and high‐angular gradient resolution.

Conclusion

The estimation of the per‐axon diffusion coefficients is essential for the accurate recovery of the fiber orientation distribution. In addition, the spherical mean technique enables us to discriminate microscopic tissue features from fiber dispersion, which potentially improves the sensitivity and/or specificity to various neurological conditions. Magn Reson Med, 2015. Magn Reson Med 75:1752–1763, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Four‐dimensional MRI using three‐dimensional radial sampling with respiratory self‐gating to characterize temporal phase‐resolved respiratory motion in the abdomen
Authors: Deng Zixin , Pang Jianing , Yang Wensha , Yue Yong , Sharif Behzad , Tuli Richard , Li Debiao , Fraass Benedick , Fan Zhaoyang
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To develop a four‐dimensional MRI (4D‐MRI) technique to characterize the average respiratory tumor motion for abdominal radiotherapy planning.

Methods

A continuous spoiled gradient echo sequence was implemented with 3D radial trajectory and 1D self‐gating for respiratory motion detection. Data were retrospectively sorted into different respiratory phases based on their temporal locations within a respiratory cycle, and each phase was reconstructed by means of a self‐calibrating CG‐SENSE program. Motion phantom, healthy volunteer and patient studies were performed to validate the respiratory motion detected by the proposed method against that from a 2D real‐time protocol.

Results

The proposed method successfully visualized the respiratory motion in phantom and human subjects. The 4D‐MRI and real‐time 2D‐MRI yielded comparable superior–inferior (SI) motion amplitudes (intraclass correlation = 0.935) with up‐to one pixel mean absolute differences in SI displacements over 10 phases and high cross‐correlation between phase‐resolved displacements (phantom: 0.985; human: 0.937–0.985). Comparable anterior–posterior and left–right displacements of the tumor or gold fiducial between 4D and real‐time 2D‐MRI were also observed in the two patients, and the hysteresis effect was shown in their 3D trajectories.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed 4D‐MRI technique to characterize abdominal respiratory motion, which may provide valuable information for radiotherapy planning. Magn Reson Med 75:1574–1585, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A field camera for MR sequence monitoring and system analysis
Authors: Dietrich Benjamin E. , Brunner David O. , Wilm Bertram J. , Barmet Christoph , Gross Simon , Kasper Lars , Haeberlin Maximilian , Schmid Thomas , Vannesjo S. Johanna , Pruessmann Klaas P.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

MR image formation and interpretation relies on highly accurate dynamic magnetic fields of high fidelity. A range of mechanisms still limit magnetic field fidelity, including magnet drifts, eddy currents, and finite linearity and stability of power amplifiers used to drive gradient and shim coils. Addressing remaining errors by means of hardware, sequence, or signal processing optimizations, calls for immediate observation by magnetic field monitoring. The present work presents a stand‐alone monitoring system delivering insight into such field imperfections for MR sequence and system analysis.

Methods

A flexible NMR field probe‐based stand‐alone monitoring system, built on a software‐defined‐radio approach, is introduced and used to sense field dynamics up to third‐order in space in a selection of situations with different time scales.

Results

Highly sensitive trajectories are measured and successfully used for image reconstruction. Further field perturbations due to mechanical oscillations and thermal field drifts following demanding gradient use and external interferences are studied.

Conclusion

A flexible and versatile monitoring system is presented, delivering camera‐like access to otherwise hardly accessible field dynamics with nanotesla resolution. Its stand‐alone nature enables field analysis even during unknown MR system states. Magn Reson Med 75:1831–1840, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Office immunotherapy in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and multifocal motor neuropathy
Authors: Dyck Peter J. , Taylor Bruce V. , Davies Jenny L. , Mauermann Michelle L. , Litchy William J. , Klein Christopher J. , Dyck P. James B.
Published: May 2015

Intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIg], plasma exchange [PE], and corticosteroids are efficacious treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy [CIDP]. IVIg is effective in multifocal motor neuropathy [MMN]. NIS, NIS‐weakness, sum scores of raw amplitudes of motor fiber (CMAPs) amplitudes, and Dyck/Rankin score provided reliable measures to detect and scale abnormality and reflect change; they are therefore ideal for office management of response‐based immunotherapy (R‐IRx) of CIDP. Using efficacious R‐IRx, a large early and late therapeutic response (≥ one‐fourth were in remission or had recovered) was demonstrated in CIDP. In MMN only an early improvement with late non‐significant worsening was observed. The difference in immunotherapy response supports a fundamental difference between CIDP (immune attack on Schwann cells and myelin) and MMN (attack on nodes of Ranvier and axons). Muscle Nerve 52: 488–497, 2015
The technological future of 7 T MRI hardware
Authors: Webb A. G. , Van de Moortele P. F.
Published: May 2015

In this article we present our projections of future hardware developments on 7 T human MRI systems. These include compact cryogen‐light magnets, improved gradient performance, integrated RF‐receive and direct current shimming coil arrays, new RF technology with adaptive impedance matching, patient‐specific specific absorption rate estimation and monitoring, and increased integration of physiological monitoring systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance temperature imaging‐based quantification of blood flow‐related energy losses
Authors: Dillon Christopher , Roemer Robert , Payne Allison
Published: May 2015

This study presents a new approach for evaluating bioheat transfer equation (BHTE) models used in treatment planning, control and evaluation of all thermal therapies. First, 3D magnetic resonance temperature imaging (MRTI) data are used to quantify blood flow‐related energy losses, including the effects of perfusion and convection. Second, this information is used to calculate parameters of a BHTE model: in this paper the widely used Pennes BHTE. As a self‐consistency check, the BHTE parameters are utilized to predict the temperatures from which they were initially derived. The approach is evaluated with finite‐difference simulations and implemented experimentally with focused ultrasound heating of an ex vivo porcine kidney perfused at 0, 20 and 40 ml/min (n = 4 each). The simulation results demonstrate accurate quantification of blood flow‐related energy losses, except in regions of sharp blood flow discontinuities, where the transitions are spatially smoothed. The smoothed transitions propagate into estimates of the Pennes perfusion parameter but have limited effect on the accuracy of temperature predictions using these estimates. Longer acquisition time periods mitigate the effects of MRTI noise, but worsen the effect of flow discontinuities. For the no‐flow kidney experiments the estimates of a uniform, constant Pennes perfusion parameter are approximately zero, and at 20 and 40 ml/min the average estimates increase with flow rate to 3.0 and 4.2 kg/m3/s, respectively. When Pennes perfusion parameter values are allowed to vary spatially, but remain temporally constant, BHTE temperature predictions are more accurate than when using spatially uniform, constant Pennes perfusion values, with reductions in RMSE values of up to 79%. Locations with large estimated perfusion values correspond to high flow regions of the kidney observed in T1‐weighted MR images. This novel, MRTI‐based technique holds promise for improving understanding of thermal therapy biophysics and for evaluating biothermal models. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐voxel spectroscopy with dynamic B0 shimming and flip angle adjustment at 7 T in the human motor cortex
Authors: Lemke Clark , Hess Aaron , Clare Stuart , Bachtiar Velicia , Stagg Charlotte , Jezzard Peter , Emir Uzay
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to acquire high‐quality in vivo 1H spectra concurrently from two voxels at ultra‐high field (7 T) without specialized hardware. To this end, an acquisition scheme was developed in which first‐order shims and flip angles are dynamically updated to acquire spectra from both of the brain's motor cortices in an alternating fashion. To validate this acquisition scheme, separate, static, single‐voxel acquisitions were also performed for comparison. Six subjects were examined using semi‐LASER spectroscopy at 7 T. Barium titanate pads were used to increase the extent of the effective transmit field (B1+). Spectra were obtained from the hand area of both motor cortices for both acquisition schemes. LCModel was used to determine neurochemical profiles in order to examine variations between acquisition schemes and volumes of interest. The dynamic two‐voxel acquisition protocol produced water linewidths (full width at half‐maximum between 11.6 and 12.8 Hz) and signal‐to‐noise ratios similar to those from static single‐voxel measurements. The concentrations of 13 individual and 3 combined metabolites with Cramér–Rao lower bounds below 30% were reliably detected for both acquisition schemes, and agreed well with previous postmortem assay and spectroscopy studies. The results show that high spectral quality from two voxels can be acquired concurrently without specialized hardware. This practical technique can be applied to many neuroscience applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A QoS enabled multimedia WiFi access point
Authors: O Flaithearta Padraig , Melvin Hugh , Schukat Michael
Published: May 2015

The Internet has evolved to a stage where the number of Internet enabled devices exceeds the global population. With much of the required connectivity over wireless, contention for bandwidth is an important issue that has to be addressed. In this context, applications that have certain quality of service (QoS) requirements must be protected. WiFi‐enabled mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are commonly used by both personal and business users for voice over IP (VoIP) communications, while also supporting conventional data applications such as email, file transfer and web access. Previous research has shown that time synchronized endpoints can provide better QoS by calculating accurate mouth‐to‐ear delays, and using this information to better inform buffer playout strategies. The IEEE 802.11e protocol extends 802.11 by providing different traffic priorities based on traffic type. However, it cannot distinguish between traffic streams within the same category. In this paper, we present an access point‐centred mechanism for further distinguishing between streams within 802.11e categories. The mechanism predicts the VoIP quality for multiple sessions using the ITU‐T E‐Model. Delay values are determined from RTCP packet timing information. We provide implementation details on a real world proof‐of‐concept and present results that correlate well with previous NS‐3 based simulations. In addition, we address scalability issues for large scale deployments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Exceptional Case of Healed Vertebral Wound with Trapped Bronze Arrowhead: Analysis of a 7th–6th c. bc Individual from Central Kazakhstan
Authors: Tur S. S. , Svyatko S. V. , Beisenov A. Z. , Tishkin A. A.
Published: May 2015

Projectile injury caused by an arrow shot is a common skeletal marker of interpersonal violence in archaeological populations. The injuries of the spine were usually fatal. Only few reports on healing of the vertebra pierced by flint arrowpoint can be found in bioarchaeological literature. This paper presents an exceptional case of a healed trapped bronze arrowhead wound in the spine of a 7th–6th c. bc elite nomad from Central Kazakhstan. Computed radiography and tomography as well non‐destructive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry provide detailed information about the context and mechanism of the injury. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microenvironmental control of stem cell fate in intestinal homeostasis and disease
Authors: Biswas Sujata , Davis Hayley , Irshad Shazia , Sandberg Tessa , Worthley Daniel , Leedham Simon
Published: May 2015

The conventional model of intestinal epithelial architecture describes a unidirectional tissue organizational hierarchy with stem cells situated at the crypt base and daughter cells proliferating and terminally differentiating as they progress along the vertical (crypt–luminal) axis. In this model, the fate of a cell that has left the niche is determined and its lifespan limited. Evidence is accumulating to suggest that stem cell control and daughter cell fate determination is not solely an intrinsic, cell autonomous property but is heavily influenced by the microenvironment including paracrine, mesenchymal, and endogenous epithelial morphogen gradients. Recent research suggests that in intestinal homeostasis, stem cells transit reversibly between states of variable competence in the niche. Furthermore, selective pressures that disrupt the homeostatic balance, such as intestinal inflammation or morphogen dysregulation, can cause committed progenitor cells and even some differentiated cells to regain stem cell properties. Importantly, it has been recently shown that this disruption of cell fate determination can lead to somatic mutation and neoplastic transformation of cells situated outside the crypt base stem cell niche. This paper reviews the exciting developments in the study of stem cell dynamics in homeostasis, intestinal regeneration, and carcinogenesis, and explores the implications for human disease and cancer therapies. © 2015 Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
A novel approach for design of fiber angle and layer number of composite plates
Authors: Göv İbrahim
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study is developing a new algorithm to design fiber angle and layer number of laminated composite plates. In this algorithm, fiber angles are determined using stress values and layer numbers are determined using maximum stress failure theory. Different design domains are used under different loading conditions and results are investigated to show the performance of the algorithm. Design time of composite materials is decreased and design performance is increased using this algorithm. More effective materials can be developed with respect to different loading conditions. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:268–276, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evaluation of an ICD‐10 algorithm to detect osteonecrosis of the jaw among cancer patients in the Danish National Registry of Patients
Authors: Ehrenstein Vera , Gammelager Henrik , Schiødt Morten , Nørholt Sven Erik , Neumann‐Jensen Bjarne , Folkmar Troels Bille , Pedersen Lars , Sværke Claus , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Ma Haijun , Acquavella John
Published: May 2015

Purpose

This study aimed to validate a predefined algorithm for osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) among cancer patients in the Danish National Registry of Patients and to assess the nature of clinical information recorded in medical charts of ONJ patients.

Methods

We identified potential ONJ cases recorded in 2005–2010 among cancer patients at the hospital Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (DOMS) in three Danish regions, using a set of codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD‐10). We abstracted DOMS charts of the potential cases, had the ONJ status adjudicated by an expert ONJ adjudication committee (ONJAC), and computed positive predictive values. For patients with ONJAC‐confirmed ONJ, we abstracted the charts for information on ONJ clinical course. Sensitivity of the algorithm was computed using a separate sample of 101 known ONJ cases accrued in 2005–2011.

Results

We identified 212 potential ONJ cases, of which 197 (93%) had charts available for abstraction. Eighty‐three potential cases were confirmed by ONJAC, with a positive predictive value of 42% (95% confidence interval [CI] 35%–49%). DOMS charts of these 83 cases contained complete information on ONJ clinical course. Information about antiresorptive treatment was recorded for 84% of the patients. Among the 101 known ONJ cases, 74 had at least one prespecified ICD‐10 code recorded in the Danish National Registry of Patients within ±90 days of the ONJ diagnosis (sensitivity 73%; 95%CI [64%–81%]).

Conclusions

The predefined algorithm is not adequate for monitoring ONJ in pharmacovigilance studies. Additional case‐finding approaches, coupled with adjudication, are necessary to estimate ONJ incidence accurately. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Redox initiated cationic polymerization of oxetanes
Authors: Crivello James V.
Published: May 2015

3,3‐Disubstituted oxetane monomers were found to undergo rapid, exothermic redox initiated cationic ring‐opening polymerization in the presence of a diaryliodonium or triarylsulfonium salt oxidizing agent and a hydrosilane reducing agent. The redox reaction requires a noble metal complex as a catalyst and several potential catalysts were evaluated. The palladium complex, Cl2(COD)PdII, was observed to provide good shelf life stability while, at the same time, affording high reactivity in the presence of a variety of hydrosilane reducing agents. A range of structurally diverse oxetane monomers undergo polymerization under redox cationic conditions. When a small amount of an alkylated epoxide was added as a “kick‐start” accelerator to these same oxetanes, the redox initiated cationic polymerizations were extraordinarily rapid owing to the marked reduction in the induction period. A mechanistic interpretation of these results is offered. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1854–1861
Body image and sexual function in women after treatment for anal and rectal cancer
Authors: Benedict Catherine , Philip Errol J. , Baser Raymond E. , Carter Jeanne , Schuler Tammy A. , Jandorf Lina , DuHamel Katherine , Nelson Christian
Published: May 2015

Objective

Treatment for anal and rectal cancer (ARCa) often results in side effects that directly impact sexual functioning; however, ARCa survivors are an understudied group, and factors contributing to the sexual sequelae are not well understood. Body image problems are distressing and may further exacerbate sexual difficulties, particularly for women. This preliminary study sought to (1) describe body image problems, including sociodemographic and disease/treatment correlates, and (2) examine relations between body image and sexual function.

Methods

For the baseline assessment of a larger study, 70 women completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire and Colorectal Cancer‐specific Module, including the Body Image subscale, and Female Sexual Function Index. Pearson's correlation and multiple regression evaluated correlates of body image. Among sexually active women (n = 41), hierarchical regression examined relations between body image and sexual function domains.

Results

Women were on average 55 years old (standard deviation = 11.6), non‐Hispanic White (79%), married (57%), and employed (47%). The majority (86%) reported at least one body image problem. Younger age, lower global health status, and greater severity of symptoms related to poorer body image (p's < 0.05). Poor body image was inversely related to all aspects of sexual function (β range 0.50–0.70, p's < 0.05), except pain. The strongest association was with Female Sexual Function Index Sexual/Relationship Satisfaction.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings suggest the importance of assessing body image as a potentially modifiable target to address sexual difficulties in this understudied group. Further longitudinal research is needed to inform the development and implementation of effective interventions to improve the sexual health and well‐being of female ARCa survivors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pain Modulation by Lignans (Phyllanthin and Hypophyllanthin) and Tannin (Corilagin) Rich Extracts of Phyllanthus amarus in Carrageenan‐induced Thermal and Mechanical Chronic Muscle Hyperalgesia
Authors: Chopade Atul R. , Sayyad F. J.
Published: May 2015

The current study was aimed at evaluating the antihyperalgesic effects of lignans (phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin) and tannin (corilagin) rich three standardized extracts of Phyllanthus amarus in a model of chronic musculoskeletal inflammatory pain. Three percent carrageenan injected in the gastrocnemius muscle produced hyperalgesia to mechanical and heat stimuli ipsilaterally, which spreads to the contralateral side within 7 to 9 days. To investigate the effects on chronic thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity, three extracts of P. amarus in three doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) were administered to animals intraperitoneally from 14th day to 22nd day after intramuscular injection of carrageenan. It was observed that intraperitoneal administrations of Phyllanthus extracts showed antihyperalgesic activity, as they elevated thermal and mechanical threshold, which was supported by histopathological observations along with reduction in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration. In conclusion, we strongly suggest that the observed antihyperalgesic and antiinflammatory effects of P. amarus in current pain model are mediated via spinal or supraspinal neuronal mechanisms, mainly by inhibition of PGE2. Modulation of chronic muscular inflammation may be due to presence of phytoconstituents like phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, and corilagin, which offers a promising means for treatment of chronic muscle pain. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antidiarrheal and Antispasmodic Activities of Buddleja polystachya are Mediated Through Dual Inhibition of Ca++ Influx and Phosphodiesterase Enzyme
Authors: Rehman Najeeb‐ur , Gilani Anwarul‐Hassan , Khan Aslam , Nazneen Maryam , El Gamal Ali A. , Fawzy Ghada A. , Al‐Ati Hanan Y. , Abdel‐kader Maged S.
Published: May 2015

This study describes the antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities of the hydro‐alcoholic extract of Buddleja polystachya (Bp.Cr) with possible mode of action explored along with activity‐directed fractionation. Bp.Cr and its aqueous (Bp.Aq) and organic fractions, petroleum ether (Bp.Pet), dichloromethane (Bp.DCM), ethylacetate (Bp.EtAc) and butanol (Bp.But), were tested using the in‐vivo and in‐vitro assays. The crude extract (100–300 mg/kg) showed 20 and 60% protection of castor oil‐induced diarrhea in mice. In isolated rabbit jejunum, Bp.Cr like papaverine inhibited spontaneous and high K+ (80 mM)‐induced contractions equi‐potently. In guinea‐pig ileum, Bp.Cr showed a moderate spasmogenic effect. The activity‐directed fractionation revealed that the spasmolytic activity was concentrated in the organic fractions and spasmogenic component in the aqueous fraction. Amongst the organic fractions, BP.DCM and Bp.Pet inhibited spontaneous and high K+‐induced contractions equi‐potently, while Bp.But, like verapamil was more potent against high K+. The crude extract and its organic fractions caused rightward shift in the Ca++‐concentration response curves (CRCs), similar to verapamil, and all except Bp.But potentiated the isoprenaline‐inhibitory CRCs to the left, similar to papaverine. The results of this study indicate that the crude extract of B. polystachya possesses antidiarrheal and antispasmodic activities, mediated possibly through dual inhibition of Ca++ influx and phospodiesterase enzyme. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidence and Causes of Aconitum Alkaloid Poisoning in Hong Kong from 1989 to 2010
Authors: Chan Thomas Y. K.
Published: May 2015

Aconite roots contain Aconitum alkaloids, which are highly toxic cardiotoxins and neurotoxins. In this review, the main objective was to determine the incidence and causes of Aconitum alkaloid poisoning in Hong Kong between 1989 and 2010, based on six published reports from the territory‐wide poison control units. In the New Territories East of Hong Kong, the incidence of aconite poisoning showed a sudden and sustained decrease from 0.60 (1989–1991) to 0.16 (1992–1993) and 0.17 (1996–1998) per 100 000 population, after publicity measures in late 1991 to promote awareness of the toxicity of aconite roots. In the whole of Hong Kong, the incidence of aconite poisoning was even lower in January 2000–June 2004 (0.03 per 100 000 population). However, aconite poisoning became more common again in April 2004–July 2009 and 2008–2010 (0.15 and 0.28 per 100 000 population). Overdoses and use of inadequately processed aconite roots were important causes. As from 2004 to 2009, ‘hidden’ aconite poisoning (toxicity caused by contaminants in other dispensed herbs) emerged as an important cause. It is important to continue the safety monitoring of potent herbs and the networking of poison control units. Further systematic studies would be required to identify the likely sources of contamination of herbs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
E‐Books and Audiobooks
Authors: Larson Lotta C.
Published: May 2015

This article examines how sixth‐grade students navigated and perceived a combined e‐book and audiobook reading experience using Kindle Fires. While audiobooks and e‐books are not new, little is known about students' use and perceptions of the combination of these two media, as the ability to synchronize audio contents with digital texts is rather innovative. In this study, students used e‐book tools and features to customize the reading experience to suit individual needs. They also utilized Immersion Reading to listen to a professional narration and simultaneously read the digital text with synchronized highlighting. For many students, the combined reading/listening experience supported their reading stamina, vocabulary development, and reading motivation. Recent advancements in e‐book technologies call for an aggressive research agenda and further studies to help students and educators effectively integrate digital reading across content areas.
At the interface of computational linguistics and statistics
Authors: Martinez Angel , Martinez Wendy
Published: May 2015

Computational linguistics encompasses a broad range of ideas and research areas, and only a brief introduction is possible here. We chose to include areas in computational linguistics where statisticians can contribute, hoping to provide inspiration to the reader. We describe three main aspects of this discipline—formal languages, information retrieval, and machine learning. These support the overarching goal, which is the representation and analysis of meaning from unstructured text. We then provide an example where text analysis has been applied to unstructured text fields in survey records and conclude with some applications and computational resources.WIREs Comput Stat2015, 7:258–274. doi: 10.1002/wics.1353

This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Computational Linguistics

Software for Computational Statistics > Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems
Screening Men with Coronary Heart Disease for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Vänni Ville , Hernesniemi Jussi , Turtiainen Matti , Turtiainen Johanna , Hakala Tapio
Published: May 2015

Background

The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is higher among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) compared with control population.

Objective

To assess and determine the prevalence of non‐diagnosed AAA in men with CHD.

Materials and methods

A total of 438 active male out‐patients with CHD were screened for AAA by abdominal ultrasound (US) examination. The largest infrarenal aortic dimension was registered. The patient was regarded to have AAA when the aortic diameter was greater than 30 mm.

Results

We found altogether 25 AAAs. The incidence of AAA was 5.7 %. One AAA patient was operated on, and the other AAA patients are under surveillance. Independent predictors for AAA among CHD patients were increased age, family history of AAA, and current or previous smoking. The screening process took on average 5 min per patient, and the cost of screening was 15€ ($18.50) per patient or €257 ($325) per found AAA.

Conclusions

The prevalence of previously undiagnosed AAAs among patients with CHD is considerable. Screening of AAA should be considered among active patients with CHD. The most feasible and simplest option would be to perform the screening during any routine or elective cardiac US by a cardiologist, and we recommend to adopt it as a standard practice.
Research Performance of Marketing Academics and Departments: An International Comparison
Authors: Soutar Geoffrey N. , Wilkinson Ian , Young Louise
Published: May 2015

We report the results of an analysis of the research impact of marketing academics using citation metrics for 2263 academics in the top 500 research universities in the Academic Ranking of World Universities based in Australia and New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and the USA. The metrics are computed for publications from 2001 to 2013, which were collected in 2014 and 2015. We also report the same metrics for all universities in Australia and New Zealand that employ more than 4 marketing academics. The results provide an objective measure of research impact and provide benchmarks that can be used by governments, universities and individual academics to compare research impact. In an appendix we rank the top 100 university marketing departments in the top 500.
Association between air pollutants and dementia risk in the elderly
Authors: Wu Yun‐Chun , Lin Yuan‐Chien , Yu Hwa‐Lung , Chen Jen‐Hau , Chen Ta‐Fu , Sun Yu , Wen Li‐Li , Yip Ping‐Keung , Chu Yi‐Min , Chen Yen‐Ching
Published: May 2015

Background

The aging rate in Taiwan is the second highest in the world. As the population ages quickly, the prevalence of dementia increases rapidly. There are some studies that have explored the association between air pollution and cognitive decline, but the association between air pollution and dementia has not been directly evaluated.

Methods

This was a case‐control study comprising 249 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, 125 vascular dementia (VaD) patients, and 497 controls from three teaching hospitals in northern Taiwan from 2007 to 2010. Data of particulate matter <10 μm in diameter (PM10) and ozone were obtained from the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration for 12 and 14 years, respectively. Blood samples were collected to determine the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 haplotype. Bayesian maximum entropy was used to estimate the individual exposure level of air pollutants, which was then tertiled for analysis. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals between the association of PM10 and ozone exposure with AD and VaD risk.

Results

The highest tertile of PM10 (≥49.23 μg/m3) or ozone (≥21.56 ppb) exposure was associated with increased AD risk (highest vs. lowest tertile of PM10: AOR = 4.17; highest vs. lowest tertile of ozone: AOR = 2.00). Similar finding was observed for VaD. The association with AD and VaD risk remained for the highest tertile PM10 exposure after stratification by APOE ɛ4 status and gender.

Conclusions

Long‐term exposure to the highest tertile of PM10 or ozone was significantly associated with an increased risk of AD and VaD.
Natural flavonoids as antidiabetic agents. The binding of gallic and ellagic acids to glycogen phosphorylase b
Authors: Kyriakis Efthimios , Stravodimos George A. , Kantsadi Anastassia L. , Chatzileontiadou Demetra S.M. , Skamnaki Vassiliki T. , Leonidas Demetres D.
Published: May 2015

We present a study on the binding of gallic acid and its dimer ellagic acid to glycogen phosphorylase (GP). Ellagic acid is a potent inhibitor with K
is of 13.4 and 7.5 μM, in contrast to gallic acid which displays K
is of 1.7 and 3.9 mM for GPb and GPa, respectively. Both compounds are competitive inhibitors with respect to the substrate, glucose‐1‐phoshate, and non‐competitive to the allosteric activator, AMP. However, only ellagic acid functions with glucose in a strongly synergistic mode. The crystal structures of the GPb‐gallic acid and GPb‐ellagic acid complexes were determined at high resolution, revealing that both ligands bind to the inhibitor binding site of the enzyme and highlight the structural basis for the significant difference in their inhibitory potency.
Lymphotoxin α, a novel target of posttranscriptional gene regulation by HuR in HepG2 cells
Authors: Steinmeyer Nico , Doller Anke , Biyanee Abhiruchi , Brauß Thilo , Schmid Tobias , Pfeilschifter Josef , Eberhardt Wolfgang
Published: May 2015

The role of the RNA‐binding protein human antigen R (HuR) in hepatocarcinogenesis is still elusive. By employing short hairpin (sh)RNA‐dependent knockdown approach, we demonstrate that lymphotoxin α (LTα) is a target of posttranscriptional gene regulation by HuR in hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Consequently, the increased mRNA decay upon HuR depletion significantly affects lymphotoxin expression at both, the mRNA and protein level. Biotin‐pulldown assay showed that HuR specifically interacts with the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of the LTα mRNA. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) implicates that the RNA‐binding critically depends on the RNA recognition motif 2 (RRM2) and the hinge region of HuR.
The misforecasted spoiler effect: Underlying mechanism and boundary conditions
Authors: Yan Dengfeng , Tsang Alex S.L.
Published: May 2015

While consumers believe that knowing the ending of a story will spoil their enjoyment of the narrative, recent work shows that spoilers have little impact on consumers' actual experiences. The psychological mechanism underlying this affective misforecasting, however, is less clear. In this research, we propose that compared with real experience, affective forecasting may be associated with longer psychological distance and high‐level construal, which may encourage forecasters to assign greater weight to the outcome of a plot. In addition to showing the basic effect, we also identify circumstances under which such affective misforecasting is less likely to happen or even reverses. In line with our theorizing, the results of two studies showed that the misforecasting disappeared when participants had chronic or situationally primed low (vs. high) construal levels. In the final experiment we reversed the previous finding, showing that participants underpredicted the negative impact of a spoiler when the spoiler revealed the process of a plot.
On the concentration of near-inertial waves in anticyclones
Authors: Danioux Eric , Vanneste Jacques , Bühler Oliver
Published: May 2015

An overlooked conservation law for near-inertial waves (NIWs) propagating in a steady background flow provides a new perspective on the concentration of these waves in regions of anticyclonic vorticity. The conservation law implies that this concentration is a direct consequence of the decrease in spatial scales experienced by an initially homogeneous wave field. Scaling arguments and numerical simulations of a reduced-gravity model of mixed-layer NIWs confirm this interpretation and elucidate the influence of the strength of the background flow relative to the dispersion.
“Our Forces Have Redoubled”: World Literature, Postcolonialism, and the Afro-Asian Writers’ Bureau
Authors: Yoon Duncan M.
Published: May 2015

Although most all contemporary studies of China and Africa focus on current economic or foreign policy concerns, this article provides a preliminary mapping of Africa-China cultural exchanges during the Cold War. Growing out of the Africa-Asia Conference of Bandung, Indonesia, in 1955, the Afro-Asian Writers Bureau forged third world solidarities via an alternative conception of postcolonialism based on the transnationalism of global South cultural struggle. By analyzing the cultural exchanges of the bureau, and in particular their definition ofworld literature, this article seeks to move beyond postcolonial scholarship that focuses exclusively on a vertical relationship between the colonizer and colonized. In so doing, it both reinterprets the Cold War from outside of an American and Soviet dichotomy and provides a critical cultural historicization to China’s current, and often controversial, presence in Africa.
Strange Whims of Crest Fiends: Marketing Heraldry in the United States, 1880–1980
Authors: PASS FORREST D.
Published: May 2015

The display of a “family crest” to signal family identity is prevalent in the contemporary United States. However, during the Gilded Age of the late nineteenth century, many American commentators perceived the widespread use of heraldry by the high bourgeoisie as at best a mark of social pretension and at worst a symptom of an un-American predilection for aristocracy. Over the course of a century, heraldic entrepreneurs sought to broaden the market for family crests, and in doing so Americanized heraldic practice. The early projects of Albert Welles, Frank Allaben and Frances M. Smith linked heraldry with new approaches to genealogical research and encouraged its use by a broad cross section of American society. In the late twentieth century, entrepreneur Gary Halbert sold millions of heraldic mementos that epitomized the modern commodification of history and identity. The result of a century of marketing is an American heraldry that is both more accessible than its European antecedents and less closely tied to verifiable genealogical relationships.