bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolomics confirms that dissolved organic carbon mitigates copper toxicity
Authors: Taylor Nadine S. , Kirwan Jennifer A. , Yan Norman D. , Viant Mark R. , Gunn John M. , McGeer James C.
Published: August 2015

Reductions in atmospheric emissions from the metal smelters in Sudbury, Canada, produced major improvements in acid and metal contamination of local lakes and indirectly increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations. Metal toxicity, however, has remained a persistent problem for aquatic biota. Integrating high-throughput, nontargeted mass spectrometry metabolomics with conventional toxicological measures elucidated the mediating effects of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the toxicity of Cu to Daphnia pulex-pulicaria, a hybrid isolated from these soft water lakes. Two generations of daphniids were exposed to Cu (0–20 μg/L) at increasing levels of natural DOM (0–4 mg DOC/L). Added DOM reduced Cu toxicity monotonically with median lethal concentration values increasing from 2.3 μg/L Cu without DOM to 22.7 μg/L Cu at 4 mg DOC/L. Reproductive output similarly benefited, increasing with DOM, yet falling with increases in Cu. Second generation reproduction was more impaired than the first generation. Dissolved organic matter had a greater influence than Cu on the metabolic status of the daphniids. Putative identification of metabolite peaks indicated that DOM elevation increased the metabolic energy status of the first generation animals, but this benefit was reduced in the second generation, although evidence of increased oxidative stress was detected. These results indicate that Sudbury's terrestrial ecosystems should be managed to increase aquatic DOM supply to enable daphniid colonists to both survive and foster stable populations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:635–644. © 2015 SETAC
The internal structure of Greater London: a comparison of national and regional geodemographic models
Authors: Singleton Alex David , Longley Paul
Published: August 2015

Geodemographic classifications are categorical measures representing salient multidimensional population and built environment attributes of small areas. The UK Output Area Classification (OAC) is one such classification, created on behalf of the Office for National Statistics, and was built with an open methodology and entirely from 2011 Census variables. However, one criticism of national classifications such as OAC is that they do not adequately accommodate local or regional structures that diverge from national patterns. In this paper we explore this issue with respect to Greater London. We develop a London classification based upon the OAC methodology, and explore the extent to which these patterns are divergent from the national classification.
Towards a study of information geographies: (im)mutable augmentations and a mapping of the geographies of information
Authors: Graham Mark , De Sabbata Stefano , Zook Matthew A.
Published: August 2015

Information has always had geography. It is from somewhere; about somewhere; it evolves and is transformed somewhere; it is mediated by networks, infrastructures, and technologies: all of which exist in physical, material places. These geographies of information about places matter because they shape how we are able to find and understand different parts of the world. Places invisible or discounted in representations are invisible in practice to many people. In other words, geographic augmentations are much more than just representations of places: they are part of the place itself; they shape it rather than simply reflect it. This fusing of the spatial and informational augmentations that are immutable means that annotations of place emerge as sites of political contestation: with different groups of people trying to impose different narratives on informational augmentations. This paper therefore explores how information geographies have their own geographic distributions: geographies of access, of participation, and of representation. The paper offers a deliberately broad survey of a range of key platforms that mediate, host, and deliver different types of geographic information. It does so using a combination of existing statistics and bespoke data not previously mapped or analysed. Through this effort, the paper demonstrates that in addition to the geographies of uneven access to contemporary modes of communication, uneven geographies of participation and representation are also evident and in some cases are being amplified rather than alleviated. In other words, the paper comprehensively shows one important facet of contemporary information geographies: that geographic information itself is characterised by a host of uneven geographies. The paper concludes that there are few signs that global informational peripheries are achieving comparable levels of participation or representation with traditional information cores, despite the hopes that the fast‐paced spread of the internet to three billion people might change this pattern.
Technology options for reducing CO2 in China's electricity sector in 2010–2030: From the perspective of internal and social costs
Authors: Wen Zongguo , Zhang Xuan , Yu Xuewei , Di Jinghan
Published: August 2015

This paper creates a technology roadmap for China's electricity sector on CO2 mitigation based on cost‐effective analysis (CEA) and cost‐benefit analysis (CBA). We use mitigation targets for 2020 and 2030 to determine the required implementation degrees of 13 selected power‐generating technologies. According to the initial investment, operational costs, and external costs of major pollutants, we assigned a priority rank to each technology, which is derived on the basis of internal costs and social costs. A comparison of present value costs of major generating technologies shows that hydroelectricity bears the highest total cost, while cogeneration of heat and power bears the lowest cost. The technology with the highest total social benefit is also hydroelectricity, while carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) yields the lowest social benefit. By 2030, 6 of the 13 technologies can realize net internal benefits and all 13 technologies except CCS can realize net social benefits. The top three technologies based on internal levelized cost are: cogeneration of heat and power, biomass power generation, and wind power generation. Based on social levelized cost, the highest priority technologies are: integrated gasification combined cycle, biomass power generation, and wind power generation. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Variability of structurally constrained and unconstrained functional connectivity in schizophrenia
Authors: Yao Ye , Palaniyappan Lena , Liddle Peter , Zhang Jie , Francis Susan , Feng Jianfeng
Published: August 2015

Spatial variation in connectivity is an integral aspect of the brain's architecture. In the absence of this variability, the brain may act as a single homogenous entity without regional specialization. In this study, we investigate the variability in functional links categorized on the basis of the presence of direct structural paths (primary) or indirect paths mediated by one (secondary) or more (tertiary) brain regions ascertained by diffusion tensor imaging. We quantified the variability in functional connectivity using an unbiased estimate of unpredictability (functional connectivity entropy) in a neuropsychiatric disorder where structure‐function relationship is considered to be abnormal; 34 patients with schizophrenia and 32 healthy controls underwent DTI and resting state functional MRI scans. Less than one‐third (27.4% in patients, 27.85% in controls) of functional links between brain regions were regarded as direct primary links on the basis of DTI tractography, while the rest were secondary or tertiary. The most significant changes in the distribution of functional connectivity in schizophrenia occur in indirect tertiary paths with no direct axonal linkage in both early (P = 0.0002, d = 1.46) and late (P = 1 × 10−17, d = 4.66) stages of schizophrenia, and are not altered by the severity of symptoms, suggesting that this is an invariant feature of this illness. Unlike those with early stage illness, patients with chronic illness show some additional reduction in the distribution of connectivity among functional links that have direct structural paths (P = 0.08, d = 0.44). Our findings address a critical gap in the literature linking structure and function in schizophrenia, and demonstrate for the first time that the abnormal state of functional connectivity preferentially affects structurally unconstrained links in schizophrenia. It also raises the question of a continuum of dysconnectivity ranging from less direct (structurally unconstrained) to more direct (structurally constrained) brain pathways underlying the progressive clinical staging and persistence of schizophrenia. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4529–4538, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States from 2004 to 2009
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Otgonsuren Munkhzul , Henry Linda , Venkatesan Chapy , Mishra Alita , Erario Madeline , Hunt Sharon
Published: August 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly reported in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our aim was to assess the prevalence and mortality of patients with NAFLD‐HCC. We examined Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries (2004‐2009) with Medicare‐linkage files for HCC, which was identified by the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, third edition codes using topography and morphology codes 8170‐8175. Medicare‐linked data was used to identify NAFLD, hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and other liver disease using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. NAFLD was also defined by clinical diagnosis (cryptogenic cirrhosis, obese‐diabetics with cryptogenic liver disease). A logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk of HCC. In addition, adjusted hazard ratios for 1‐year mortality were estimated by Cox's proportional hazard regression. A total of 4,929 HCC cases and 14,937 controls without HCC were included. Of the HCC cases, 54.9% were related to HCV, 16.4% to ALD, 14.1% to NAFLD, and 9.5% to HBV. Across the 6‐year period (2004 to 2009), the number of NAFLD‐HCC showed a 9% annual increase. NAFLD‐HCC were older, had shorter survival time, more heart disease, and were more likely to die from their primary liver cancer (all P < 0.0001). Of those who received a transplant after HCC (n = 488), only 5% were related to NAFLD‐HCC. In multivariate analysis, NAFLD increased the risk of 1‐year mortality (OR, 1.21; 95% CI: 1.01‐1.45). Additionally, older age, lower income, unstaged HCC increased risk of 1‐year mortality while receiving a liver transplant (LT), and having localized tumor stage were protective (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: NAFLD is becoming a major cause of HCC in the United States. NAFLD HCC is associated with shorter survival time, more advanced tumor stage, and lower possibility of receiving a LT. (Hepatology 2015;62:1723–1730)
Situational variations in ethnic identity across immigration generations: Implications for acculturative change and cross‐cultural adaptation
Authors: Noels Kimberly A. , Clément Richard
Published: August 2015

This study examined whether the acculturation of ethnic identity is first evident in more public situations with greater opportunity for intercultural interaction and eventually penetrates more intimate situations. It also investigated whether situational variations in identity are associated with cross‐cultural adaptation. First‐generation (G1), second‐generation (G2) and mixed‐parentage second‐generation (G2.5) young adult Canadians (n = 137, n = 169, and n = 91, respectively) completed a questionnaire assessing their heritage and Canadian identities across four situational domains (family, friends, university and community), global heritage identity and cross‐cultural adaptation. Consistent with the acculturation penetration hypothesis, the results showed Canadian identity was stronger than heritage identity in public domains, but the converse was true in the family domain; moreover, the difference between the identities in the family domain was attenuated in later generations. Situational variability indicated better adaptation for the G1 cohort, but poorer adaptation for the G2.5 cohort. For the G2 cohort, facets of global identity moderated the relation, such that those with a weaker global identity experienced greater difficulties and hassles with greater identity variability but those with a stronger identity did not. These results are interpreted in light of potential interpersonal issues implied by situational variation for each generation cohort.
Isolation and Functional Analysis of an Immortalized Murine Cementocyte Cell Line, IDG-CM6
Authors: Zhao Ning , Nociti Francisco H , Duan Peipei , Prideaux Matthew , Zhao Hong , Foster Brian L , Somerman Martha J , Bonewald Lynda F
Published: August 2015

The dental cementum covering the tooth root is similar to bone in several respects but remains poorly understood in terms of development and differentiation of cementoblasts, as well as the potential function(s) of cementocytes residing in the cellular cementum. It is not known if the cementocyte is a dynamic actor in cementum metabolism, comparable to the osteocyte in the bone. Cementocytes exhibit irregular spacing and lacunar shape, with fewer canalicular connections compared with osteocytes. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR (qPCR) revealed that the in vivo expression profile of cementocytes paralleled that of osteocytes, including expression of dentin matrix protein 1 (Dmp1/DMP1), Sost/sclerostin, E11/gp38/podoplanin, Tnfrsf11b (osteoprotegerin [OPG]), and Tnfsf11 (receptor activator of NF-κB ligand [RANKL]). We used the Immortomouse+/−; Dmp1-GFP+/− mice to isolate cementocytes as Dmp1-expressing cells followed by immortalization using the interferon (IFN)-γ-inducible promoter driving expression of a thermolabile large T antigen to create the first immortalized line of cementocytes, IDG-CM6. This cell line reproduced the expression profile of cementocytes observed in vivo, including alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization. IDG-CM6 cells expressed higher levels of Tnfrsf11b and lower levels of Tnfsf11 compared with IDG-SW3 osteocytes, and under fluid flow shear stress, IDG-CM6 cells significantly increased OPG while decreasing RANKL, leading to a significantly increased OPG/RANKL ratio, which would inhibit osteoclast activation. These studies indicate similarities yet potentially important differences in the function of cementocytes compared with osteocytes and support cementocytes as mechanically responsive cells. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Report of the ASFA apheresis registry study on Wilson's disease
Authors: Pham Huy P. , Schwartz Joseph , Cooling Laura , Hofmann Jan C. , Kim Haewon C. , Morgan Shanna , Pagano Monica B. , Schneiderman Jennifer , Winters Jeffrey L. , Yamada Chisa , Wong Edward C.C. , Wu Yanyun
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Wilson's disease is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder that results in accumulation of copper in the liver, brain, cornea and kidney. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been used to remove copper and provide a bridge to liver transplantation. We report here the collective experiences through the ASFA apheresis registry on Wilson's disease.

Methods

The ASFA apheresis registry is a multi‐center registry study. Both prospective and retrospective data, with the latter involving data collection back to January 2000 are entered in the registry. The registry includes patient demographics, apheresis procedural information, treatment schedules, and treatment outcomes and complications.

Results

A total of 10 patients (3 males and 7 females) with Wilson's disease treated between 2005 and 2013 were included. Median age of first diagnosis and first TPE were 16 and 17 years, respectively. Via central venous access, these patients underwent a total of 43 TPEs; the median number of TPE procedures per patient was 3.5. All of the TPEs used ACD‐A as anticoagulation, 42/43 TPEs targeted 1–1.25 plasma volumes, and 41/43 TPEs were performed with 100% fluid balance. Post TPE procedures, 9 patients underwent liver transplantation; all 10 patients had at least a 6‐month survival.

Conclusions

All 10 patients with Wilson's disease who underwent TPE had a positive outcome in terms of 6‐month survival. In this first report of the ASFA apheresis registry study, we have demonstrated the value of using this registry to collect apheresis‐related patient outcomes from multiple centers. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:11–15, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Folic acid supplementation for pregnant women and those planning pregnancy: 2015 update
Authors: Chitayat David , Matsui Doreen , Amitai Yona , Kennedy Deborah , Vohra Sunita , Rieder Michael , Koren Gideon
Published: August 2015

During the last decade critical new information has been published pertaining to folic acid supplementation in the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs) and other folic acid–sensitive congenital malformations. These new data have important implications for women, their families, and health care professionals. We performed a review looking for the optimal dosage of folic acid that should be given to women of reproductive age who are planning or not avoiding conception to propose updated guidelines and thus help health care providers and patients. In addition to fortification of dietary staples with folic acid, women of reproductive age should supplement before conception with 0.4‐1.0 mg of folic acid daily as part of their multivitamins. In the United States all enriched rice is also fortified with folic acid at 0.7 mg per pound of raw rice. However, this is not the case in many countries, and it has been estimated that only 1% of industrially milled rice is fortified with folic acid. In countries where rice is the main staple (eg, China), this does not allow effective folate fortification. Whereas the incidence of NTDs is around 1/1000 in the United States, it is 3‐ to 5‐fold higher in Northern China and 3‐fold higher in India. A recent population‐based US study estimated that the reduction in NTD rates by folic acid is more modest than previously predicted. The potential of NTD prevention by folic acid is underutilized due to low adherence with folic acid supplementation, and calls for revising the policy of supplementation have been raised. We identified groups of women of reproductive age who may benefit from higher daily doses of folic acid, and this should be considered in current practice. These include women who have had previous pregnancies with NTDs, those who did not plan their pregnancy and hence did not supplement, and women with low intake or impaired adherence to daily folic acid supplementation. In addition, women with known genetic variations in the folate metabolic cycle, those exposed to medications with antifolate effects, smokers, diabetics, and the obese may benefit from higher doses of folic acid daily during the first trimester.
Absolute bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist fimasartan in healthy subjects
Authors: Ghim Jong‐Lyul , Paik Soo Heui , Hasanuzzaman M. , Chi Yong Ha , Choi Hyang‐Ki , Kim Dong‐Hyun , Shin Jae‐Gook
Published: August 2015

The present study was conducted to determine the absolute bioavailability of fimasartan (FMS; Kanarb®) after the single oral administration of a 60‐mg tablet or a single 30‐mg intravenous (IV) infusion. This investigation was a randomized, single‐dose, open‐labeled, two‐way crossover study of 16 healthy Korean male subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups (n = 8) and each received either the oral or IV formulation followed by one‐week washout period. The Cmax (ng/ml) and AUC∞ (h · ng/ml) following oral and IV administration were 62.4 ± 48.6 and 291.1 ± 121.7; and 683.3 ± 104.3 and 782.3 ± 112.7 (mean ± SD), respectively. The Tmax (h) were 3.0 h (range: 0.5–5.0 h) and 1.0 h (range: 0.8–1.0 h) in the test and reference groups, respectively. The terminal elimination half‐lives (t1/2, h) were similar (5.8 and 5.5 h, respectively) indicating that the route of administration did not influence the absorption or elimination of FMS. The systemic clearance (CL, L/h) and the volume of distribution at steady‐state (Vdss, L) were 331.3 ± 444.5 L/h and 403.3 ± 710.4 L following oral administration and 39.1 ± 5.3 L/h and 42.4 ± 25.5 L following IV administration. The absolute bioavailability of the FMS tablet was 18.6%.
Effects of meal type on the oral bioavailability of the ALK inhibitor ceritinib in healthy adult subjects
Authors: Lau Yvonne Y. , Gu Wen , Lin Tiffany , Song Dongweon , Yu Richard , Scott Jeffrey W.
Published: August 2015

Ceritinib is a potent inhibitor of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which has shown acceptable safety and substantial antitumor activity in ALK‐positive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Two food‐effect studies were conducted in healthy adults to investigate the influence of food on the oral bioavailability of ceritinib: a study with low‐ or high‐fat meals at 500 mg and a study with a light snack at 750 mg. Compared with the fasted state, AUC0‐∞ (90%CI) of ceritinib was increased by 58% (34%, 86%) after the intake of a low‐fat meal, by 73% (46%, 105%) after the intake of a high‐fat meal, and by 54% (19%, 99%) after the intake of a light snack. Safety assessments also suggested that food may improve gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability after a single ceritinib dose. Based on the pharmacokinetic results, it is essential to avoid any type of meal during dosing of ceritinib because the intake of food may increase the occurrence of exposure‐dependent, non‐GI toxicities at the labeled dose of 750 mg daily during fasting. A randomized trial is ongoing to determine an alternative way to give ceritinib (450 mg or 600 mg with food) that may enhance GI tolerability in ALK‐positive NSCLC patients.
National acute medicine programme—Improving the care of all medical patients in Ireland
Authors: O'Reilly Orlaith , Cianci Fiona , Casey Avelene , Croke Eilish , Conroy Celine , Keown Anne‐Marie , Leane Gemma , Kearns Barbara , O'Neill Shane , Courtney Garry
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

The National Acute Medicine Programme (NAMP) was established to address the unsatisfactory management of acutely ill medical patients in Ireland. It aimed to improve quality of care and patient safety, streamline access to healthcare, and reduce cost through efficiency gains.

METHOD

A model of care was developed to describe 4 distinct clinical pathways for medical patients streamed through acute medical assessment units. A patient flow model was used to build system capacity and predict demand for each hospital. Specific practice changes necessary were identified for each pathway. A performance framework, with national benchmarks that mirrored the model of care, was also developed. The program team met regularly with hospitals and fed back performance information and, using appreciative enquiry, supported local improvement plans.

RESULTS

Thirty‐two out of 33 Irish hospitals that admit acute medical patients are now operating the program. Process improvement lies at the core of all the success achieved by the program. Available inpatient data were improved and harnessed to support ongoing audit and quality improvement. A reduction of 1.6 days in average length of stay nationally was achieved between 2010 and 2013.

CONCLUSION

Despite a 25% increase in hospital discharges and the severe financial constraints experienced during this implementation period, the NAMP achieved significant efficiency gains through process improvements, while ensuring patient safety and likely improving the quality of care delivered to patients in Ireland. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:794–798. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress in optic nerve degeneration after chronic high intraocular pressure in DBA/2J mice
Authors: Ojino Kazuki , Shimazawa Masamitsu , Izawa Hiroshi , Nakano Yukimichi , Tsuruma Kazuhiro , Hara Hideaki
Published: August 2015

DBA/2J mice are one of several animal strains used for experimental models of both intraocular hypertension and glaucoma. This study investigates the relationship between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and optic nerve degeneration in DBA/2J mice. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured in DBA/2J mice between the ages of 6 and 15 months. Optic nerve damage was assessed at 15 months of age. The nerve was immunostained with antibodies to either neurofilament heavy chain (NFH) or phosphorylated NFH (pNFH), and optic nerve damage was assessed by performing NFH‐ and pNFH‐positive axon counts. Expression levels of the ER stress proteins 78‐kDa glucose‐regulated protein, also known as binding immunoglobulin protein, and C/EBP homologous protein were assayed with Western blotting. We also investigated ER stress localization in the optic nerve by double immunostaining with antibodies to ionized calcium‐binding adaptor molecule 1, myelin basic protein, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In DBA/2J mice, IOP began to rise at 8 months of age, and retinal degeneration was detected at 15 months of age. DBA/2J mice had fewer axons than controls at 15 months of age. ER stress‐related protein levels were higher in the optic nerves of DBA/2J mice and were colocalized with GFAP‐positive astrocytes. Our findings suggest that ER stress plays a role in optic nerve degeneration during chronic ocular hypertension. Furthermore, ER stress may be related in some way to astrocyte activation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pediatric obesity and walking duration increase medial tibiofemoral compartment contact forces
Authors: Lerner Zachary F. , Board Wayne J. , Browning Raymond C.
Published: August 2015

With the high prevalence of pediatric obesity there is a need for structured physical activity during childhood. However, altered tibiofemoral loading during physical activity in obese children likely contribute to their increased risk of orthopedic disorders of the knee. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of pediatric obesity and walking duration on medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact forces. We collected experimental biomechanics data during treadmill walking at 1 m•s−1 for 20 min in 10 obese and 10 healthy‐weight 8–12 year‐olds. We created subject‐specific musculoskeletal models using radiographic measures of tibiofemoral alignment and centers‐of‐pressure, and predicted medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact forces at the beginning and end of each trial. Obesity and walking duration affected tibiofemoral loading. At the beginning of the trail, the average percent of the total load passing through the medial compartment during stance was 85% in the obese children and 63% in the healthy‐weight children; at the end of the trial, the medial distribution was 90% in the obese children and 72% in the healthy‐weight children. Medial compartment loading rates were 1.78 times greater in the obese participants. The medial compartment loading rate increased 17% in both groups at the end compared to the beginning of the trial (p = 0.001). We found a strong linear relationship between body‐fat percentage and the medial‐lateral load distribution (r2 = 0.79). Altered tibiofemoral loading during walking in obese children may contribute to their increased risk of knee pain and pathology. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:97–105, 2016.
Improved survival with early adjuvant chemotherapy after colonic resection for stage III colonic cancer: A nationwide study
Authors: Klein Mads , Azaquoun Najah , Jensen Benny Vittrup , Gögenur Ismail
Published: August 2015

Background and Objectives

In stage III colonic cancer, time from surgery to start of adjuvant chemotherapy may influence survival. In this study, we evaluated the effect of timing of adjuvant therapy on survival.

Methods

Database study from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group's national database. Data on patients with stage III colonic cancer operated between January 1, 2005 and August 31, 2012 were retrieved. Perioperative variables, surgical modality, and time to adjuvant therapy (<4, 4–8, or >8 weeks) were evaluated and Cox regression was performed to identify factors influencing survival.

Results

The final population included 1,827 patients scheduled for adjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant therapy started within 4 and 8 weeks improved survival when compared to start later than 8 weeks (HR [95%CI]: 1.7 [1.1–2.6]; P = 0.024 and 1.4 [1.07–1.8]; P = 0.013, respectively), whereas there was no significant difference in survival with start after 4 versus 8 weeks (1.2 [0.8–1.8]; P = 0.37).

Conclusions

Survival increased when adjuvant therapy was started within 8 weeks after surgery for stage III colonic cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:538–543. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Camera traps and mark‐resight models: The value of ancillary data for evaluating assumptions
Authors: Parsons Arielle W. , Simons Theodore R. , Pollock Kenneth H. , Stoskopf Michael K. , Stocking Jessica J. , O'connell Allan F.
Published: August 2015

Unbiased estimators of abundance and density are fundamental to the study of animal ecology and critical for making sound management decisions. Capture–recapture models are generally considered the most robust approach for estimating these parameters but rely on a number of assumptions that are often violated but rarely validated. Mark‐resight models, a form of capture–recapture, are well suited for use with noninvasive sampling methods and allow for a number of assumptions to be relaxed. We used ancillary data from continuous video and radio telemetry to evaluate the assumptions of mark‐resight models for abundance estimation on a barrier island raccoon (Procyon lotor) population using camera traps. Our island study site was geographically closed, allowing us to estimate real survival and in situ recruitment in addition to population size. We found several sources of bias due to heterogeneity of capture probabilities in our study, including camera placement, animal movement, island physiography, and animal behavior. Almost all sources of heterogeneity could be accounted for using the sophisticated mark‐resight models developed by McClintock et al. (2009b) and this model generated estimates similar to a spatially explicit mark‐resight model previously developed for this population during our study. Spatially explicit capture–recapture models have become an important tool in ecology and confer a number of advantages; however, non‐spatial models that account for inherent individual heterogeneity may perform nearly as well, especially where immigration and emigration are limited. Non‐spatial models are computationally less demanding, do not make implicit assumptions related to the isotropy of home ranges, and can provide insights with respect to the biological traits of the local population. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Sensitivity of secretive marsh birds to vegetation condition in natural and restored wetlands in Wisconsin
Authors: Glisson Wesley J. , Brady Ryan S. , Paulios Andy T. , Jacobi Sarah K. , Larkin Daniel J.
Published: August 2015

Wetland loss, biological invasions, and ecological restoration are major factors altering wetland resources in the Midwestern United States. Large‐scale plant‐community change associated with these factors is an under‐investigated, potentially strong driver of habitat suitability for wetland‐dependent wildlife, such as secretive marsh birds (SMBs), which are of widespread conservation concern. We employed multi‐year, hierarchical Bayesian occupancy modeling to investigate sensitivity of 3 SMB species (American bittern, sora, and Virginia rail) to habitat and vegetation characteristics in Wisconsin, USA. We contrasted habitat characteristics and SMB occupancy in natural wetlands with those restored under the federally funded Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). We also examined the extent to which SMB occupancy was explained by 3 levels of habitat assessment that encompassed different spatial scales and levels of sampling effort (landscape, rapid, and intensive). All species were significantly associated with variables derived from intensive assessment, and showed high sensitivity to differences in plant‐community composition and vegetation quality. Both American bittern and Virginia rail were negatively associated with abundance of the invasive wetland grass, Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass), and were positively associated with an indicator of plant‐community quality (mean coefficient of conservatism, or C‐value). Sora occupancy was positively associated with Typha (cattail) abundance. For all 3 species, occupancy was greater in natural sites than in restored sites, which were characterized by greater Phalaris abundance and lower mean C‐values. Our results show broad agreement between botanical and avian indicators of wetland quality, suggesting that enhancing the condition of wetland vegetation can yield ancillary benefits for SMBs. In this region, efforts to control Phalaris and restore diverse, native‐dominated plant communities are likely to increase wetlands’ capacity to support SMBs. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Occupancy modeling of bird point counts: Implications of mobile animals
Authors: Hayes Daniel B. , Monfils Michael J.
Published: August 2015

Occupancy modeling has been applied to a wide variety of taxa and sampling methods, including bird point counts. A critical assumption of basic occupancy models is that sites are occupied throughout the duration of the study, which is unlikely to be true for typical bird point‐count studies. As such, we evaluated the implications of mobile animals on parameter estimates. We simulated the movement and detection of individual birds using an individual‐based simulation model. We fit the basic occupancy model to data that represented a range of animal mobility, and determined the bias relative to known parameters used in the simulation. Occupancy depends on the size of the site selected, with smaller sites leading to lower occupancy for a given area and number of individuals present. At low animal density, occupancy scales approximately linearly with the area of sites, but at very high density, occupancy asymptotes at 1.0 across all site sizes. Even small amounts of movement lead to bias in estimates of occupancy and detectability, and the typical size of bird home ranges can lead to highly biased parameters. Moreover, variation in home range size over time or across habitats can lead to varying degrees of bias. Because of the potential for large bias in occupancy estimates, and their sensitivity to behaviors of birds (e.g., home range size), we recommend against applying current occupancy models to bird point‐count data. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Higher bird abundance and diversity where American woodcock sing: Fringe benefits of managing forests for woodcock
Authors: Masse Roger J. , Tefft Brian C. , Mcwilliams Scott R.
Published: August 2015

Declines of early‐successional forest across the northeast United States during the past 60 years has caused declines in populations of associated birds and active forest management is necessary to reverse these trends. Land managers often focus on a few target species with hopes that non‐target species are also conserved, but the effectiveness of management for so‐called umbrella species is seldom verified. We compared bird assemblages at American woodcock (Scolopax minor) singing grounds and nearby, random forest sites to determine whether habitat management for woodcock benefits non‐target bird species. Early‐successional forest species were a key component of bird assemblages at singing grounds, but were largely absent from random forest sites. On average, the total number and diversity of birds were ≥1.5 times greater at singing grounds. We also found evidence for broader landscape differences in the number of bird species expected at singing grounds (n = 48; 95% CI = 41–56) and random forest sites (n = 34; 95% CI = 28–41). Our results indicate that forest management to support woodcock populations extends some conservation benefits to diverse non‐target bird species. Thus, the woodcock may serve as an effective umbrella species, especially for early‐successional forest birds, but complementary umbrella species should be considered to aid in the conservation of birds that breed in more mature forest. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Long‐term three‐dimensional volumetric assessment of skin tightening using a sharply tapered non‐insulated microneedle radiofrequency applicator with novel fractionated pulse mode in asians
Authors: Tanaka Yohei
Published: August 2015

Background and Objective

Non‐insulated microneedle radiofrequency (NIMNRF) is a novel method that allows non‐thermal penetration of the epidermis followed by radiofrequency (RF) coagulation at selected depths of the dermis that are surrounded by a zone of non‐coagulative volumetric heating. The objective of this study was to investigate subjectively and objectively the efficacy of a single fractional NIMNRF treatment.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Twenty Japanese patients underwent full face skin tightening using a sharply tapered NIMNRF applicator with a novel fractionated pulse mode. The system platform (1MHZ) incorporated six independent phase controlled RF generators coupled to RF microneedles that induced skin remodeling via controlled dermal coagulation. Patients received from 500 to 1000 pulses that were 80–110 milliseconds in duration at a power of 10–14 W, and a 1.5–2.5 mm penetration depth. Topical anesthetic cream was applied before the treatment. Monthly three‐dimensional (3‐D) volumetric assessments were performed for 6 months after treatment. Patients rated their satisfaction using a 5‐point scale.

Results

During the study patients showed significant skin tightening on the lower two‐thirds of the face. Objective assessments with superimposed 3‐D color images showed significant median volumetric reduction of 12.1 ml at 6 months post‐treatment. Ninety percent of the patients were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the treatment results. The treatments were well tolerated with minimal discomfort. Complications included a slight burning sensation and mild erythema that were minor and transitory; both resolved within 5 hours. Side effects such as post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation, epidermal burns, and scar formation were not observed.

Conclusion

The advantages of this NIMNRF treatment for skin tightening are its long‐lasting high efficacy as shown through 3‐D volumetric assessments. Moreover, NIMNRF produced minimal complications and downtime as well as few side effects. This non‐invasive novel fractional NIMNRF approach provides safe and effective treatment of skin tightening in Asian patients. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:626–633, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pitting corrosion of welds in UNS S32304 lean duplex stainless steel
Authors: Sicupira D. C. , Frankel G. S. , de F. C. Lins V.
Published: August 2015

The pitting corrosion of welded joints of lean duplex stainless steel (LDSS) UNS S32304 was studied. LDSS S32304 thick plates were welded by different processes commonly employed in the manufacture of equipment and piping: shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and flux cored arc welding. The electrochemical behavior of different weldment zones (fusion zone, base metal, and heat affected zone (HAZ)) was characterized both independently, using an electrochemical microcell, and together by testing the whole welded area. The electrochemical testing was performed in acidified glycerin, a process fluid of the biodiesel industry. The HAZ was the most susceptible zone for pitting corrosion for all samples. The results were correlated to the microstructural features of the materials. Finally, the results from the microcell and whole weld approaches were compared. According to the results, the gas metal arc welding process with 2209 as filler metal was found to be the optimum for application of 2304 duplex stainless steels in the acidified glycerin environment.
Completely J —positive linear systems of finite order
Authors: Gheondea Aurelian , Ober Raimund J.
Published: August 2015

Completely J — positive linear systems of finite order are introduced as a generalization of completely symmetric linear systems. To any completely J — positive linear system of finite order there is associated a defining measure with respect to which the transfer function has a certain integral representation. It is proved that these systems are asymptotically stable. The observability and reachability operators obey a certain duality rule and the number of negative squares of the Hankel operator is estimated. The Hankel operator is bounded if and only if a certain measure associated with the defining measure is of Carleson type. We prove that a real symmetric operator valued function which is analytic outside the unit disk has a realization with a completely J — symmetric linear space which is reachable, observable and parbalanced. Uniqueness and spectral minimality of the completely J — symmetric realizations are discussed.
On the oscillation of functional differential equations
Authors: Grace S. R. , Hamedani G. G.
Published: August 2015

In this paper we present certain criteria for the oscillation of functional differential equations of the form

where δ = ±1, p, g: [t0, ∞) → IR, H: [t0,∞) × IR → IR are continuous, p(t) ≥ 0 for t ≥ t0 and limt → ∞ g(t) — ∞. We like to point out that condition of the form

will not be employed.
Die Kapazität dünner Kondensatoren
Authors: Kühnau Reiner
Published: August 2015

Kurzbeschreibung. Es wird eine asymptotische Formel angegeben für die elektrostatische Kapazität eines Kondensators mit zwei Elektroden, die Parallelflächen kleinen Abstandes sind.
Positive reynolds operators and generating derivations
Authors: Neeb Andreas
Published: August 2015

It is shown that the spectrum of a positive Reynolds operator on C0(X) is contained in the disc centered at 1/2 with radius 1/2. Moreover, every positive Reynolds operator T with dense range is injective. In this case, the operator D = 1 — T−1 is a densely defined derivation, which generates a one — parameter semigroup of algebra homomorphisms. This semigroup yields an integral representation of T. Along the way, it is proved that a densely defined closed derivation D generates a semigroup if, and only if, R(1, D) exists and is a positive operator.
Existence principles for continuous and discrete equations on infinite intervals in banach spaces
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P. , O'Regan Donal
Published: August 2015

New existence principles are presented for continuous and discrete problems on infinite intervals.
Compact complex threefolds which are Kähler outside a smooth rational curve
Authors: Alessandrini Lucia , Bassanelli Giovanni
Published: August 2015

Let M be a compact complex manifold containing an irreducible curve C such that M — C is Kähler; in this paper we study the link between some cohomological properties of C and the obstructions to the existence of a Kähler metric on the whole of M. In particular we get that, if M is not Kähler, then C is a \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \left({\partial + \bar \partial} \right) $\end{document} –exact current, or there exists a positive current S of bidimension (1, 1) such that \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \partial \bar \partial S = 0,\,\chi _C S = 0 $\end{document} and S + C is \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \left({\partial + \bar \partial} \right) $\end{document} –exact. If C is a smooth rational curve, more precise results are given in connection with the normal bundle NC|M.
Advances in functional neurosurgery for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Metman Leo Verhagen , Slavin Konstantin V.
Published: August 2015

Functional neurosurgery for Parkinson's disease has become a mainstream concept with DBS as the prime modality. This article reviews the latest and, in the eyes of the authors, the most important developments in DBS, lesioning and gene therapy. In DBS, emerging advances have focused on the timing of surgery relative to disease duration and severity, and new targets, technologies, and equipment. For lesions, new ultrasound techniques are emerging based on successes in other movement disorders. Gene and cellular therapies, including stem cells, remain only in the research realm. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The motor inhibition system in Parkinson's disease with levodopa‐induced dyskinesias
Authors: Cerasa Antonio , Donzuso Giulia , Morelli Maurizio , Mangone Graziella , Salsone Maria , Passamonti Luca , Augimeri Antonio , Arabia Gennarina , Quattrone Aldo
Published: August 2015

Background

Parkinson's disease is primarily a disorder of response initiation characterized by an excessive motor inhibition, whereas levodopa‐induced dyskinesias are clearly a clinical expression of disinhibition of movements.

Objective

That levodopa‐induced dyskinesias are linked to dysfunctions of inhibitory brain network has recently been proposed, but no investigation of behavioral performance during action inhibition task in these patients has been published.

Methods

Twenty‐four Parkinson's disease patients with or without levodopa‐induced dyskinesias tested on or off their medications underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation during the execution of a stop‐signal inhibition task. In particular, we were interested in evaluating the neural correlates of stop‐related conditions: StopInhibit task (in which patients had to successfully inhibit their responses) and StopRespond task (Stop trials with erroneous button press). Both tasks were compared against Go trials.

Results

Levodopa intake in dyskinetic patients tended to worsen inhibitory control during the StopInhibit task, while significantly affecting the ability to monitor motor responses when patients failed to stop (StopRespond task). Functional analysis showed that, during the StopInhibit task, dyskinetic patients were characterized by decreased activity of the right inferior frontal cortex after levodopa intake, whereas patients without dyskinesias showed a reverse effect. A similar group × levodopa interaction effect was detected in the medial frontal cortex during the execution of the StopRespond task, in which dyskinetic patients showed increased activity after dopaminergic therapy

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that levodopa intake in dyskinetic patients tends to alter the functioning of some parts of the neural network involved in motor inhibition. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Purinergic signaling in the ovary
Authors: Martínez‐Ramírez Angélica S. , Vázquez‐Cuevas Francisco G.
Published: August 2015

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is released from the cell by multiple mechanisms. The extracellular form of this purine is processed by ectonucleotidases, resulting in a variety of dephosphorylated metabolites that can bind to specific receptors found in the membrane of target cells; such purinergic signaling is important as an autocrine‐paracrine intercellular communication system that influences tissue physiology. In this review, we summarize the studies analyzing purinergic activity in the ovary, which can modulate cellular physiology—including sensitivity to gonadotropins—in several ovarian cell types, including the cumulus‐cell complex, granulosa cells, theca cells, and the ovarian surface epithelium. These functions support a role for ATP as an important intra‐ovarian messenger, and open new lines of research that can improve our understanding of mechanisms regulating ovarian function and the fine‐tuning of folliculogenesis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 839–848, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.