bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of mRNA expression of toll‐like receptor 2 and 3 with hepatitis B viral load in chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kataki Kangkana , Borthakur Parikhit , Kumari Namrata , Deka Manab , Kataki Amal Ch , Medhi Subhash
Published: October 2016

During Hepatitis B virus infection, the pathogen sensors Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a role in innate immunity system. The study aimed to investigate mRNA expression levels of TLR2 and TLR3 in Hepatitis B virus (HBV) mediated chronic hepatitis B (CHB), cirrhosis (CIRR), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to correlate viral load with severity of these diseases and expression of TLRs. A total of 180 HBV DNA positive samples were selected for the study. HVB‐DNA was detected by multiplex PCR. Viral load estimation was done by using the Ampisure HBV Quantitative kit as per manufacture instructions. Expression levels of TLR2 and TLR3 were determined by real time PCR. The viral load was estimated to be 6.64log10 IU/ml in CHB, 4.88log10 IU/ml in CIRR, and 4.86log10 IU/ml in HCC. No significant association of viral load was found with increasing age. Upregulation of TLR2 expression in CHB when individually compared with CIRR and HCC was found to be statistically significant. Downregulation of TLR3 expressions in CIRR when compared to both CHB and HCC individually were found to be statistically significant. No significant effect of viral load on the expression of TLR2 and 3 were found. With severity of the disease from CHB to HCC, the HBV load decreases. The study suggests the possibility of HBV interacting with signalling of both analysed TLR receptors which partially explains the induction of immune tolerance pathways by Hepatitis B virus. J. Med. Virol. 89:1008–1014, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Applicant characteristics associated with successful matching into otolaryngology
Authors: Hauser Leah J. , Gebhard Grant M. , Blumhagen Rachel , Carlson Nichole E. , Cabrera‐Muffly Cristina
Published: October 2016

Objective

To identify resident applicant characteristics that increase the odds of matching to otolaryngology residency.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Methods

Residency applications to our institution from 2009 through 2013 were reviewed. The available data represented 81.1% of applicants to otolaryngology programs nationwide. Online public records were searched to determine whether an applicant matched to an otolaryngology residency position. Factors that were significantly associated with the odds of matching were determined using logistic regression.

Results

A total of 1,479 unique applications were analyzed. On univariate analysis, 27 demographic, academic, personal, medical school, prior training, and application‐specific factors were associated with the odds of matching into otolaryngology. On multivariate analysis, indicators of academic achievement, such as Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AOA) status, whether applicant received awards, and publications, were significantly associated with the odds of matching (odds ratio [OR] 2.03, 1.39, 1.66, respectively). The odds of matching increased with increasing step 1 scores (P < 0.001). Attending a medical school ranked by the U.S. News & World Report and being a U.S. citizen born in the United States significantly increased the odds of matching (OR 1.55 and 2.04, respectively), whereas being a non‐U.S. senior medical student significantly decreased the odds of matching (OR 0.33).

Conclusion

Multiple factors are associated with successfully matching into an otolaryngology residency. Although this information allows medical students to determine the strength of their application, these criteria have not been correlated with resident success. We urge selection committees to begin identifying applicant selection methods that reflect the values we want to cultivate in our future colleagues.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 127:1052–1057, 2017
Groundwater Evaporation and Recharge for a Floodplain in a Sub‐humid Monsoon Climate in Ethiopia
Authors: Enku Temesgen , Melesse Assefa M. , Ayana Essayas K. , Tilahun Seifu A. , Abate Mengiste , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: October 2016

Groundwater levels are declining at unsustainable levels in many areas of the world. To secure this resource for future generation, well‐documented groundwater level observations are needed to derive recharge rates and sustainable withdrawal amounts. Although groundwater is routinely monitored in most of the world, relatively little information is available in sub‐Saharan Africa including the Ethiopian highlands where groundwater irrigation could greatly increase food security. To obtain sustainable withdrawal rates for the wet Ethiopian highlands, we selected the Fogera plain in the Lake Tana basin with a sub‐humid climate. Weekly groundwater levels were measured in 32 abandoned shallow wells over a 2‐year period in 2014 and 2015. Our observations showed that in the 2 years, the groundwater level reached the surface during the rainy monsoon phase around first week of August. At the end of the dry monsoon phase in May, the average groundwater table was at 4 m depth. The amount of water removed by evaporation during the dry phase was 850 mm year−1. This is replenished through recharge during the wet phase. Rain in excess of the recharge and evaporation is stored on the surface or converted to overland flow. The groundwater flowed slowly towards the lake, but water passing the lakeshore was not a significant term in the water balance of the plain. Irrigation from groundwater seems to be sustainable especially when rivers flood periodically. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visible Light‐Induced Living Radical Polymerization of Butyl Acrylate: Photocatalyst‐Free, Ultrafast, and Oxygen Tolerance
Authors: Li Jiajia , Ding Chunlai , Zhang Zhengbiao , Pan Xiangqiang , Li Na , Zhu Jian , Zhu Xiulin
Published: October 2016

Butyl acrylate is polymerized in the living way under the irradiation of purple light‐emitting diode (LED) or sunlight without photocatalyst at ambient temperature. 2‐((Phenoxycarbonothioyl)thio) ethyl propanoate) is exclusively added and acted as an initiator and a chain transfer agent simultaneously in the current system. Poly(butyl acrylate) with well‐regulated molecular weight and relatively narrow molecular weight distribution (Ð < 1.30) is synthesized. High conversion (>95%) can be achieved within several minutes. Polymerization shows oxygen tolerance. Near quantitative end‐group fidelity of polymer is demonstrated by 1H NMR and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectra.

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Poly(alkyl acrylates) as Pour Point Improvers for Biofuels
Authors: Muniz‐Wypych Aline S. , de Oliveira Douglas C. , Ramos Luiz P. , Oliveira Angelo R. S. , César‐Oliveira Maria Aparecida F.
Published: October 2016

Low molar mass homopolymers, synthesized through free radical polymerization of acrylic acid under solvent control were reported. The polymers were characterized by FTIR, NMR, TGA, and GPC. The behavior as pour point improvers in biodiesel and blends biodiesel/diesel, were evaluated. By using 1000 ppm of the poly(tetradecyl acrylate) (A14) it was possible to decrease the pour point (PP) of neat biodiesel to −10°C, blend B5 to −39°C and blend B20 to −28°C, values below those reported in the literature. These results indicated that it would be possible to use higher amount of biodiesel in blends with diesel in regions where their use would not be feasible, mainly because of their poor flow properties.
Self‐Metathesis of 10‐Undecen‐1‐Ol with Ru‐Amine‐Based Complex for Preparing the Soft Segment and Chain Extender of Novel Castor Oil‐Based Polyurethanes
Authors: Fonseca Larissa R. , Bergman James A. , Kessler Michael R. , Madbouly Samy A. , Lima‐Neto Benedito S.
Published: October 2016

Self‐metathesis of the terminal olefin in 10‐undecen‐1‐ol was conducted in the presence of [RuCl2(PPh3)2(perhydroazepine)] complex and ethyl diazoacetate (EDA) to form a bioderived diol. The diol was utilized as soft segment and chain extender in polyurethane reactions with castor oil. Polymers with high Mw and Mn values and PDI's of 2 and 3 were obtained. The viscoelastic material parameters (G′, G″ and η*) were studied as a function of angular frequency at different temperatures and diol/castor oil compostions. Newtonian behavior was observed for these materials. Tg values were more negative when increasing the diol percentage because the material became more viscoelastic. At only 10 wt% of the diol, an adhesive characteristic was observed in the castor oil‐based polyurethane. Modifying the castol oil‐based polyurethane with 10 wt% of the diol was able to modify the rigid polyurethane, providing an adhesive characteristic to castor oil‐based polyurethane.
Preparation of Poly(lactic acid) Flat Sheet Membranes by Liquid Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Domingues Rui Carlos Castro , Pereira Cristina Cardoso , Borges Cristiano Piacsek
Published: October 2016

Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers have been evaluated as materials for membrane separation based processes due to their flexibility and highly aggregated value in biomedical, food and packaging applications. Polylactides is a promising class of biodegradable polymers mostly due to its mechanical properties and ease in processing. In this work, flat sheet Poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) membranes were made by liquid induced phase separation (LIPS) technique using water as non‐solvent and N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) as solvent. Processing conditions as polymer concentration of the casting solution, time of exposure in humid atmosphere and composition of coagulation bath were evaluated. The effects of these variables were analyzed in the performance, morphology and mechanism of phase separation during membrane formation. The PLLA‐water‐NMP system miscibility gap was estimated by cloud points and viscosity of polymer solutions were measured. Membranes were characterized by precipitation kinetics by light transmission, hydraulic permeability and scanning electron microscopy. Porous microfiltration membranes could be formed with permeabilities of 62.87 L m−2 h−1. It could be concluded that the morphology of PLLA membranes is a result of a complex interplay between solid‐liquid and liquid‐liquid demixing during phase separation.
Influence of Medium Composition on Acrylic Acid Solution Polymerization and Process Scale‐Up
Authors: Moreira Daniel , Pinto Martina , Klein Rodrigo , Souza Nathalie , Pinto José Carlos
Published: October 2016

The main objective of the present study was the production of poly(acrylic acid) through solution polymerizations in a process scale compatible with the commercial manufacture of dental cements. In order to do that, the work was divided into three fundamental steps. In the first step, the effect of system composition on final dental cement performance was analyzed with small reactors (50 mL). Then, the effect of the operation mode (batch or semibatch) on process performance and dental cement properties was also evaluated. Finally, process performance and dental cement properties were evaluated at a larger scale (12 L). It is shown that dental cements with adequate properties can be produced in both batch and semibatch modes with small reactors. However, at larger scales appropriate dental cements and safe process operation can only be obtained with the semibatch operation mode, requiring significant modification of recipes developed with small scale bench reactors.
Comparative Analysis of Sunscreen Nanoencapsulation Processes
Authors: Paiva Thamiris , Melo Príamo , Pinto José Carlos
Published: October 2016

Excessive exposure to solar radiation can lead to serious damages to the body, making the use of sunscreens essential. Sunscreen nanoencapsulation can improve the efficiency of photoprotective formulations because active compounds can be kept in the outer layers of the skin. For this reason, the main objective of the present work is the comparative evaluation of different sunscreen (avobenzone and benzophenone‐3) nanoencapsulation processes (liposomes and miniemulsions) in terms of emulsion stability and process performance. It is shown that miniemulsion polymerizations can lead to products with higher stability and allow for higher sunscreen encapsulation efficiencies, close to 100 wt%.
Production and Functionalization of P(MMA‐co‐AA) Nanoparticles by Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: Campos Izabella M. F. , Ferraz Helen Conceição , Pinto José Carlos
Published: October 2016

In the present work, the production of poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylic acid), P(MMA‐co‐AA), nanoparticles and the subsequent functionalization through immobilization of BSA (bovine serum albuminum) and lysine were investigated. Nanoparticles produced presented average size of 100 nm, zeta potential of −40 mV and AA content ranging from 1 to 10 mol%. Particularly, it was shown that inespecific physical interactions control the adsorption of BSA onto the particle surfaces. On the other hand, lysine was covalently bonded to the nanoparticles, producing particles with more negative zeta potentials and leading to larger rates of immobilization. These results can be related to the smaller size of the aminoacid molecule and to the much higher availability of amino groups during the aminoacid immobilization, indicating that the size of the biomolecular signals must be taken into consideration during functionalization of nanoparticles for use in targeted delivery applications.
Preoperative systemic levels of VEGFA, IL‐7, IL‐17A, and TNF‐β delineate two distinct groups of children with brain tumors
Authors: Sandén Emma , Enríquez Pérez Julio , Visse Edward , Kool Marcel , Carén Helena , Siesjö Peter , Darabi Anna
Published: October 2016

Background

Primary brain tumors are the most common solid tumors in children. Increasing evidence demonstrates diverse intratumoral immune signatures, which are tentatively reflected in peripheral blood.

Procedure

Twenty cytokines were analyzed in preoperative plasma samples from five healthy children and 45 children with brain tumors, using a multiplex platform (MesoScale Discovery V‐PLEX®). Tumor types included medulloblastoma (MB), ependymoma, sarcoma, high‐grade glioma, pilocytic astrocytoma, and other low‐grade gliomas.

Results

A panel of four cytokines [VEGFA, interleukin (IL)‐7, IL‐17A, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐β] delineated two distinct patient groups, identified as VEGFAhighIL‐7highIL‐17AlowTNF‐βlow (Group A) and VEGFAlowIL‐7lowIL‐17AhighTNF‐βhigh (Group B). Healthy controls and the vast majority of patients with MB were found within Group A, whereas patients with other tumor types were equally distributed between the two groups. Unrelated to A/B affiliation, we detected trends toward increased IL‐10 and decreased IL‐12/23 and TNF‐α in several tumor types. Finally, a small number of patients displayed evidence of enhanced systemic immune activation, including elevated levels of interferon‐γ, granulocyte monocyte colony‐stimulating factor, IL‐6, IL‐12/23, and TNF‐α. Following tumor resection, cytokine levels in a MB patient approached the levels of healthy controls.

Conclusions

We identify common features and individual differences in the systemic immune profiles of children with brain tumors. Overall, patients with MB displayed a uniform cytokine profile, whereas other tumor diagnoses did not predict systemic immunological status in single patients. Future characterization and monitoring of systemic immune responses in children with brain tumors will have important implications for the development and implementation of immunotherapy.
An enhancement for actuation properties of biocompatible electro‐active paper
Authors: Sun Zhuangzhi , Zhao Gang , Song Wenlong , Wang Jing , Ul Haq Marzhar , Zhang Guangli , Wu Yuda
Published: October 2016

Recently, chitosan is discovered as a most abundant natural polymer, which is not only a lightweight, low‐cost, sustainable resource with potentials in energy transformation, but also biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this article, they investigated a highly biocompatible chitosan‐based electro‐active polymer (C‐Polymer) actuator composed of multiwall carbon nanotube, ionic liquid, and polymer‐supported chitosan. As a result, after the changed MCNTs rate (20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%) in the electrode membrane, actuation properties of C‐polymer actuator behaved a great enhancement. With the increase of the ratio of MCNTs, the specific capacitance and the electrode resistance were obviously improved, which were 2.02 F/g and 1.32 Ω under rate of 80%, and the maximum displacement and the response speed behaved a peak value of 7 mm (80%) and 0.032 mm/s (80%). Interestingly, it also showed an increasing for the maximum blocking force and response speed under the ratio of 80%, which presented the maximum value of 6.80 mN and 0.11 mN/s. In order to analyze causes for this enhancement, a valid generated strain values were calculated to evaluate the strain on the electrode layer. However, it is exhibited that the generated strain was very small, which almost kept in the value of 0.5%, and it was unrelated to Young's modulus. Moreover, they also found that the resistance and the specific capacitance could strongly affect the electromechanical properties of C‐polymer actuator with different rate of MCNTs, and revealed a vital potential Ramsay rule between the electrochemical properties and electromechanical properties of C‐polymer actuator. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E228–E235, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical reinforcement of electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) by α‐FeOOH nanowires
Authors: Šutka Anna , Järvekülg Martin , Šutka Andris , Heinmaa Ivo , Mäeorg Uno , Smits Krisjanis , Timusk Martin
Published: October 2016

We report the mechanical performance of α‐FeOOH nanowire reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite nanofiber mat, fabricated using straightforward aqueous processing methods. Goethite (α‐FeOOH) nanocrystals have a high elastic modulus and –OH rich surface, ensuring strong interactions with hydrophilic polymers and effective reinforcement. Needle‐less electrospinning resulted in alignment of the nanowires along fibre axis, as confirmed by transmittance electron microscopy studies. Produced composite PVA nanofibers containing 10 wt% goethite nanoparticles exhibited an outstanding fivefold increase in Young's modulus and 2.5‐fold improvement of tensile strength compared to mats of neat PVA. The addition of α‐FeOOH had a significant influence on glass transition temperature indicating formation of interphase regions around nanowire inclusions. Observed properties are explained by nanowire grafting in the precursor solution, extensive interactions between the adsorbed PVA chains and the matrix and percolation of interphase regions at 10 wt% α‐FeOOH. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2461–2468, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
AN EVIDENCE‐DRIVEN, SOLUTION‐FOCUSED APPROACH TO FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENT REPORT WRITING
Authors: Farmer Ryan L. , Floyd Randy G.
Published: October 2016

School‐based practitioners are to implement and report functional behavior assessments (FBAs) that are consistent with both the research literature and the law, both federal and state. However, the literature regarding how best to document the FBA process is underdeveloped. A review of applied behavior analytic and school psychology literature as well as legislation and case law informs FBA reporting practices regarding (a) required content, (b) graphing of data, (c) organization of reports, and (d) clarity of language. The purpose of FBA reports is discussed, and this discussion explicitly informs the use of a solution‐focused approach to improve clarity in report writing. Recommendations for best practices in FBA report writing are provided, and future research needs are highlighted.
Structural and luminescence properties of silicon nanocrystals in colloidal solutions for bio applications
Authors: Herynková Kateřina , Vorkötter Christoph , Šimáková Petra , Benedikt Jan , Cibulka Ondřej
Published: October 2016

Luminescent silicon nanoparticles are promising not only for optoelectronics or photovoltaics, but also for biological and medical research, e.g., as luminescent markers, for drug delivery, or toxicity studies. For intracellular biological research, it is necessary to prepare water‐based or isotonic colloidal solutions of nanoparticles which are stable and non‐toxic. In this work, we compare structural and optical properties of silicon nanocrystals in colloidal solutions, obtained by two fundamentally different methods: A microplasma‐based synthesis (a “bottom‐up” technique) and porous silicon prepared by electrochemical etching of a silicon wafer (a “top–down” method). Low‐pressure microwave plasma synthesis produces ∼5–8 nm large silicon nanocrystals while the porous siliconcontains clusters ∼60–70 nm in diameter, composed of nanometer‐sized luminescent nanocrystals. However, both types of nanoparticles are prone to agglomeration, as was confirmed by dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. We have attempted to stabilize the nanoparticles via modification of the their surface by methyl groups; however, the mechano‐photo‐chemical treatment procedure leading to coverage with methyl groups is less efficient in the case of plasma‐synthesized nanoparticles than in porous silicon. The first attempt of steric stabilization of the colloidal solutions of the silicon nanoparticles was succesfully carried out too; good candidates for stabilization are bovine serum albumin and glycine.
Properties and temporal variability of summertime temperature inversions over Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica
Authors: Nygård Tiina , Tisler Priit , Vihma Timo , Pirazzini Roberta , Palo Timo , Kouznetsov Rostislav
Published: October 2016

The occurrence, properties and temporal variations of temperature inversions over Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, were examined on the basis of tethersonde and 10 m tower measurements during the austral summer 2010–2011. Temperature inversions occurred in 96% of the observed tethersonde profiles, and a surface‐based inversion in 58% of the profiles. Although the sun did not set during the study period, the amplitude of solar radiation was large enough to generate a diurnal cycle in near‐surface temperatures, temperature gradients and inversion properties. However, daytime heating was not strong enough to destroy the entire inversion layer and therefore a long‐living inversion layer often persisted, the lowest part of which strengthened during the nights. The surface‐based inversions were strongly curved, with large negative values of the scaled curvature parameter. The majority of temperature change with height took place within the lowest ≈5–25 m (so‐called strong inversion layer), and in the thicker part of the inversion above the temperature gradient was close to zero. The temporal evolution of near‐surface temperature at fixed levels was notably affected by temporal changes of the depth of the strong inversion layer. A case‐study, focusing on a typical nocturnal evolution of a surface‐based inversion, demonstrated a deepening of the inversion layer during the night, presumably caused by radiative cooling at the top of the layer. Closer to the surface, where the temperature inversion was strongest, the warmer overlying layers caused a long‐wave warming that probably compensated the large near‐surface cooling due to sensible heat divergence. The factors most strongly favouring strong inversions with low base temperatures were the time of the day (early morning), a small cloud fraction, weak winds, and an air‐mass of continental origin.
Membrane inlet laser spectroscopy to measure H and O stable isotope compositions of soil and sediment pore water with high sample throughput
Authors: Oerter Erik J. , Perelet Alexei , Pardyjak Eric , Bowen Gabriel
Published: October 2016

Rationale

The fast and accurate measurement of H and O stable isotope compositions (δ2H and δ18O values) of soil and sediment pore water remains an impediment to scaling‐up the application of these isotopes in soil and vadose hydrology. Here we describe a method and its calibration to measuring soil and sediment pore water δ2H and δ18O values using a water vapor‐permeable probe coupled to an isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy analyzer.

Methods

We compare the water vapor probe method with a vapor direct equilibration method, and vacuum extraction with liquid water analysis. At a series of four study sites in a managed desert agroecosystem in the eastern Great Basin of North America, we use the water vapor probe to measure soil depth profiles of δ2H and δ18O values.

Results

We demonstrate the accuracy of the method to be equivalent to direct headspace equilibration and vacuum extraction techniques, with increased ease of use in its application, and with analysis throughput rates greater than 7 h−1. The soil depth H and O stable isotope profiles show that soil properties such as contrasting soil texture and pedogenic soil horizons control the shape of the isotope profiles, which are reflective of local evaporation conditions within the soils.

Conclusions

We conclude that this water vapor probe method has potential to yield large numbers of H and O stable isotope analyses of soil and sediment waters within shorter timeframes and with increased ease than with currently existing methods. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable carbon isotope analyses of nanogram quantities of particulate organic carbon (pollen) with laser ablation nano combustion gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: van Roij Linda , Sluijs Appy , Laks Jelmer J. , Reichart Gert‐Jan
Published: October 2016

Rationale

Analyses of stable carbon isotope ratios (δ13C values) of organic and inorganic matter remains have been instrumental for much of our understanding of present and past environmental and biological processes. Until recently, the analytical window of such analyses has been limited to samples containing at least several μg of carbon.

Methods

Here we present a setup combining laser ablation, nano combustion gas chromatography and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (LA/nC/GC/IRMS). A deep UV (193 nm) laser is used for optimal fragmentation of organic matter with minimum fractionation effects and an exceptionally small ablation chamber and combustion oven are used to reduce the minimum sample mass requirement compared with previous studies.

Results

Analyses of the international IAEA CH‐7 polyethylene standard show optimal accuracy, and precision better than 0.5‰, when measuring at least 42 ng C. Application to untreated modern Eucalyptus globulus (C3 plant) and Zea mays (C4 plant) pollen grains shows a ~ 16‰ offset between these species. Within each single Z. mays pollen grain, replicate analyses show almost identical δ13C values.

Conclusions

Isotopic offsets between individual pollen grains exceed analytical uncertainties, therefore probably reflecting interspecimen variability of ~0.5–0.9‰. These promising results set the stage for investigating both δ13C values and natural carbon isotopic variability between single specimens of a single population of all kinds of organic particles yielding tens of nanograms of carbon. © 2016 The Authors. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Kinematic and experimental investigation of manual resection tools for transurethral bladder tumor resection
Authors: Sarli Nima , Marien Tracy , Mitchell Christopher R. , Del Giudice Giuseppe , Dietrich Mary S. , Herrell S. Duke , Simaan Nabil
Published: October 2016

Background

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors (TURBT) is a challenging procedure partly due to resectoscope limitations. To date, manual resection performance has not been fully characterized. This work characterizes manual resection performance in the bladder while analyzing the effect of resection location on accuracy.

Methods

Kinematic simulations are used to assess kinematic measures of resection dexterity. An experimental protocol for manual resection accuracy assessment is developed. Cross correlations between the theoretical performance measures and the observed experimental accuracy are investigated.

Results

Tangential accuracy correlates relatively strongly with normal singular value and moderately with tangential kinematic conditioning index and tangential minimum singular value. Simulations also clarified difficulties in resecting close to the bladder neck.

Conclusions

Measures to evaluate accuracy and dexterity of TURBT from a kinematic viewpoint are presented to provide a currently missing quantified dexterity baseline in manual TURBT. Limitations in various bladder regions are illustrated. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Healthcare Professionals’ Attitudes to Rehabilitation Programming for Male Cancer Survivors
Authors: Handberg Charlotte , Midtgaard Julie , Nielsen Claus Vinther , Thorne Sally , Lomborg Kirsten
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to describe and interpret the attitudes and conduct of hospital healthcare professionals (HCPs) in association with male cancer survivors and their municipal rehabilitation participation.

Design:

Ethnographic fieldwork was conducted, consisting of participant observation and nine semistructured focus group interviews with 58 hospital HCPs.

Methods:

Using interpretive description methodology with symbolic interaction as a theoretical framework, data were collected through fieldwork in three oncology wards in Denmark.

Findings:

Attitudes about both gender and rehabilitation were identified as overarching obstructions within hospital HCP conduct toward promoting men’s participation in cancer rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

Gender and rehabilitation perceptions formed barriers in this context, suggesting that male cancer survivors’ rehabilitation outcomes may be compromised by HCP attitudes and conduct.

Clinical Relevance:

These findings provide insight into approaches to guide HCPs to take responsibility for rehabilitation and to take gender into account in their work.
Harnessing the Bethe free energy
Authors: Bapst Victor , Coja‐Oghlan Amin
Published: October 2016

A wide class of problems in combinatorics, computer science and physics can be described along the following lines. There are a large number of variables ranging over a finite domain that interact through constraints that each bind a few variables and either encourage or discourage certain value combinations. Examples include the k‐SAT problem or the Ising model. Such models naturally induce a Gibbs measure on the set of assignments, which is characterised by its partition function. The present paper deals with the partition function of problems where the interactions between variables and constraints are induced by a sparse random (hyper)graph. According to physics predictions, a generic recipe called the “replica symmetric cavity method” yields the correct value of the partition function if the underlying model enjoys certain properties [Krzkala et al., PNAS (2007) 10318–10323]. Guided by this conjecture, we prove general sufficient conditions for the success of the cavity method. The proofs are based on a “regularity lemma” for probability measures on sets of the form for a finite Ω and a large n that may be of independent interest. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 49, 694–741, 2016
Multidimensional zero‐correlation linear cryptanalysis of lightweight block cipher Piccolo‐128
Authors: Fu Li‐shi , Jin Chen‐hui , Li Xin‐ran
Published: October 2016

Piccolo is a lightweight block cipher proposed at CHES 2011. This paper firstly gives the zero‐correlation linear approximations over 7‐round Piccolo and studies the security of Piccolo‐128 against multidimensional zero‐correlation linear cryptanalysis. Based on the statistic used in multidimensional linear cryptanalysis to detect the right key and wrong keys, this paper gives the data complexity when using this statistic in multidimensional zero‐correlation linear cryptanalysis. Finally, with partial sum technique and the relation between the round keys in Piccolo‐128, the first known‐plaintexts attacks on round 0–12/round, 15–28/round, and 14–28 of Piccolo‐128 are proposed; the data complexities of those attacks are 256.8/252.43/255.6 known plaintexts, respectively; and the time complexities are 2117.2,2123.09,2126.55, respectively. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer operating system logging and security issues: a survey
Authors: Zeng Lei , Xiao Yang , Chen Hui , Sun Bo , Han Wenlin
Published: October 2016

Logging has become a fundamental feature within the modern computer operating systems because of the fact that logging may be used through a variety of applications and fashion, such as system tuning, auditing, and intrusion detection systems. Syslog daemon is the logging implementation in Unix/Linux platforms, while Windows Event Log is the logging implementation in Microsoft Windows platforms. These logging implementations provide application program interfaces that, in turn, simplify logging functions from data collection to data storage. In this paper, we survey Unix, Linux, and Windows logging mechanisms and introduce their security issues. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benzo[3]urils and their Recognition to Metal Cations and Anions
Authors: Wang Fang , Jing Xian‐Yi , Cong Hang , Tao Zhu
Published: October 2016

A new macrocyclic compound, benzo[3]uril 1, was synthesized in a facile manner, and displayed a unique fluorescence response upon recognition and binding of Cu2+, Fe3+, F−, and acetate.H NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectra confirmed that binding occurs through hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl groups on the benzo[3]uril 1 and F− or acetate anions. The successful synthesis of benzo[3]uril 2 demonstrates that modification of this macrocycle is relative easy, and the absence of an interaction with anions further supports the importance of hydrogen binding between benzo[3]uril 1 to F− and acetate. Infra‐red (IR) spectroscopy suggest the carboxyl groups of benzo[3]uril coordinate metal cations Cu2+ and Fe3+.
Organocatalyzed [4+2] Annulation of All‐Carbon Tetrasubstituted Alkenes with Allenoates: Synthesis of Highly Functionalized 2H‐ and 4H‐Pyran Derivatives.
Authors: Ngo Thi‐Thuy‐Duong , Kishi Kenta , Sako Makoto , Shigenobu Masashi , Bournaud Chloée , Toffano Martial , Guillot Régis , Baltaze Jean‐Pierre , Takizawa Shinobu , Sasai Hiroaki , Vo‐Thanh Giang
Published: October 2016

A stereoselective [4+2] annulation of acyclic all‐carbon tetrasubstituted alkenes with allenoates was described. The reaction with DABCO proceeded smoothly leading to the formation of highly functionalized 4H‐pyran derivatives in good yields. We have also reported first β‐ICD‐catalyzed [4+2] annulation affording functionalized enantioenriched 2H‐pyran derivatives bearing a chiral all‐carbon quaternary center.
Temporal variability in the way local habitat affects duck population growth
Authors: Feldman Richard E. , Anderson Michael G. , Howerter David W. , Murray Dennis L.
Published: October 2016

Climate change is expected to lead to greater temporal climatic variability across broad spatial extents. A potential consequence is that shifts in climatic conditions might alter how local habitat affects the population growth of animals dependent on those habitats for at least part of their life cycle. We tested whether such a phenomenon occurred when the North American Prairie Pothole Region transitioned through periods of wet and dry conditions by modeling the population growth of seven duck species over 52 years (1961–2012). We found that the influence of local habitat quality—indexed by wetland availability—on duck population growth varied in magnitude and direction on an annual basis. While the effect of wetlands was relatively small in most years, there were some years in which wetlands strongly affected duck population growth in both positive and negative directions (e.g., negative in 2002 and positive in 2008). Contrary to our expectation, inter‐annual variability in the effect of wetlands on duck population growth did not depend on regional precipitation. We also found that for two species—American Wigeon (Anas americana) and Green‐winged Teal (A. carolinensis)—duck population growth in the presence of wetlands rarely differed from what would be expected solely under density dependence. Our study is the first to demonstrate that the effect of local habitat on population growth varies over time even if the cause of that variation remains unexplained. Consequently, any study that attempts to identify a species’ critical habitat using time series abundance data must consider that local relationships are non‐stationary. More complicated measures of climate change may reveal how local drivers of population growth depend on broader temporal climatic patterns.
Risk stratification of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in Chinese adults
Authors: Yang Xue‐Li , Chen Ji‐Chun , Li Jian‐Xin , Cao Jie , Lu Xiang‐Feng , Liu Fang‐Chao , Hu Dong‐Sheng , Liu Xiao‐Qing , Shen Chong , Yu Ling , Lu Fang‐Hong , Wu Xian‐Ping , Zhao Lian‐Cheng , Huang Jian‐Feng , Li Ying , Wu Xi‐Gui , Gu Dong‐Feng
Published: October 2016

Objective

This study aims to determine the distribution of observed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) incidence in contemporary cohorts in China, and to identify cut‐off points for ASCVD risk classification based on traditional criteria and new equations developed by Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China‐PAR).

Methods

The study populations included cohorts in the China‐PAR project, with 34,757 participants eligible for the current analysis. Traditional risk stratification was assessed by using Chinese guidelines on prevention of CVD and hypertension, and 5 risk groups were classified based on these guidelines after slight modification for available risk factors. Kaplan–Meier analysis was conducted to obtain the cumulative incidence of observed ASCVD events for all subjects and sub‐groups. The predicted 10‐year ASCVD risk was obtained using the China‐PAR equations.

Results

A total of 1922 ASCVD events were identified during an average follow‐up of 14.1 years. According to the group classification based on traditional risk stratification, the observed 10‐year risks for ASCVD were 4.61% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.11–5.10%) in the moderate‐risk group and 8.74% (95% CI: 7.82–9.66%) in the high‐risk group. Based on the China‐PAR equations for risk assessment of ASCVD, those with predicted risks of <5%, 5–10%, and ≥10% could be classified into categories of low‐, moderate‐, and high‐risk for ASCVD, respectively.

Conclusion

The findings enable development of a simple method for classification of individuals into low‐, moderate‐, and high‐risk groups, based on the China‐PAR equations. The method will be useful for self‐management and prevention of ASCVD in Chinese adults.
Publicidad y estereotipos femeninos: la prensa zacatecana (1917-1931)
Authors: Recéndez Guerrero Emilia
Published: October 2016

El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar la influencia de la prensa y la publicidad en la formación deestereotipos femeninos en las zacatecanas, en las primeras décadas del siglo XX. Se trata de identificar loscambios y estrategias utilizados por editores y publicistas para introducir a la sociedad en una nueva cultura,cuyos signos serán la moda, el consumismo, la comodidad, la belleza física, entre otras cosas. Teórica ymetodológicamente se recurre a los estudios de las mujeres y a los de género. El análisis efectuado permiteconcluir que la prensa fue una ventana por la que las zacatecanas se incorporaron a la vida pública de maneralenta, y la publicidad, un espacio desde donde se les convirtió en objetos del consumo.
Changing phenotype and disease behaviour of chronic pancreatitis in India: evidence for gene–environment interactions
Authors: Garg P. K. , Narayana D.
Published: October 2016

Background

The idiopathic variety of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in India particularly in Kerala state was earlier called ‘tropical pancreatitis’ with peculiar features: early age of onset, severe malnutrition, diabetes and poor prognosis. A change in disease phenotype and behaviour has been observed recently.

Objective

To review the changing profile of CP in India and examine its relationship with environmental influences and socio-economic development.

Methods

Relevant studies on CP in India were reviewed along with social and economic parameters in Kerala over the past 4 decades.

Results

There has been a definite change in the phenotype of CP in India with onset in mid twenties, better nutritional status, and a much better prognosis compared with the reports in 1970s. Genetic susceptibility due to genetic mutations particularly inSPINK1, CFTR, CTRC, andCLDN2/MORC4genes is the most important factor and not malnutrition or dietary toxins for idiopathic CP suggesting the term ‘tropical pancreatitis’ is a misnomer. We observed a close relationship between socio-economic development and rising income in Kerala with late onset of disease, nutritional status, and better prognosis of CP.

Conclusion

Changing profile of CP in India and better understanding of risk factors provide evidence for gene–environmental interactions in its pathobiology.
Health insurance drop-out among adult population: findings from a study in a Health and demographic surveillance system in Northern Vietnam 2006–2013
Authors: Minh Hoang Van , Anh Tran Quynh , Nga Nguyen Thi Thuy
Published: October 2016

The coverage of health insurance as measured by enrollment rates has increased significantly in Vietnam. However, maintaining health insurance to the some groups such as the farmer, the borderline poor and informal workers, etc. has been very challenging. This paper examines the situation of health insurance drop-out among the adult population in sub-rural areas of Northern Vietnam from 2006 to 2013, and analyzes several socio-economic correlates of the health insurance drop-out situation. Data used in this paper were obtained from Health and Demographic Surveillance System located in Chi Linh district, an urbanizing area, in a northern province of Vietnam. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the level and distribution of the health insurance drop-out status. Multiple logistic regressions were used to assess associations between the health insurance drop-out status and the independent variables. A total of 32 561 adults were investigated. We found that the cumulative percentage of health insurance drop-out among the study participants was 21.2%. Health insurance drop-out rates were higher among younger age groups, people with lower education, and those who worked as small trader and other informal jobs, and belonged to the non-poor households. Given the findings, further attention toward health insurance among these special populations is needed.
Recent laser upgrades at Sandia’s Z-backlighter facility in order to accommodate new requirements for magnetized liner inertial fusion on the Z-machine
Authors: Schwarz Jens , Rambo Patrick , Armstrong Darrell , Schollmeier Marius , Smith Ian , Shores Jonathan , Geissel Matthias , Kimmel Mark , Porter John
Published: October 2016

The Z-backlighter laser facility primarily consists of two high energy, high-power laser systems. Z-Beamlet laser (ZBL) (Rambo et al., Appl. Opt. 44, 2421 (2005)) is a multi-kJ-class, nanosecond laser operating at 1054 nm which is frequency doubled to 527 nm in order to provide x-ray backlighting of high energy density events on the Z-machine. Z-Petawatt (ZPW) (Schwarz et al., J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 112, 032020 (2008)) is a petawatt-class system operating at 1054 nm delivering up to 500 J in 500 fs for backlighting and various short-pulse laser experiments (see also Figure 10 for a facility overview). With the development of the magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) concept on the Z-machine, the primary backlighting missions of ZBL and ZPW have been adjusted accordingly. As a result, we have focused our recent efforts on increasing the output energy of ZBL from 2 to 4 kJ at 527 nm by modifying the fiber front end to now include extra bandwidth (for stimulated Brillouin scattering suppression). The MagLIF concept requires a well-defined/behaved beam for interaction with the pressurized fuel. Hence we have made great efforts to implement an adaptive optics system on ZBL and have explored the use of phase plates. We are also exploring concepts to use ZPW as a backlighter for ZBL driven MagLIF experiments. Alternatively, ZPW could be used as an additional fusion fuel pre-heater or as a temporally flexible high energy pre-pulse. All of these concepts require the ability to operate the ZPW in a nanosecond long-pulse mode, in which the beam can co-propagate with ZBL. Some of the proposed modifications are complete and most of them are well on their way.
Gramsci undisabled
Authors: Forgacs David
Published: October 2016

Most books by or about Antonio Gramsci reproduce on their covers the same studio photograph dating from the early 1920s. It is a head and shoulders portrait showing Gramsci with longish hair, dark coat buttoned at the neck, unsmiling and looking into the camera through wire-rimmed glasses. This was also the image of him most commonly displayed in Communist Party branches all over Italy from the late 1940s to 1991. Yet if we compare it with other extant photographs of Gramsci, as well as with those of other revolutionary leaders adopted as iconic in the communist movement, we can see it differs from the former and resembles the latter in several ways. The most striking difference is the erasure of any sign of Gramsci’s bodily impairment: the curvature of the spine and short stature resulting from the spinal tuberculosis he had as a child. The article examines the history of this photograph and the way it became adopted as the approved image of Gramsci and considers what was at stake in removing from official memory a condition of disability that was central to his own personal and political identity.
SALLY MODULES AND REDUCTION NUMBERS OF IDEALS
Authors: GHEZZI L. , GOTO S. , HONG J. , VASCONCELOS W. V.
Published: October 2016

We study the relationship between the reduction number of a primary ideal of a local ring relative to one of its minimal reductions and the multiplicity of the corresponding Sally module. This paper is focused on three goals: (i) to develop a change of rings technique for the Sally module of an ideal to allow extension of results from Cohen–Macaulay rings to more general rings; (ii) to use the fiber of the Sally modules of almost complete intersection ideals to connect its structure to the Cohen–Macaulayness of the special fiber ring; (iii) to extend some of the results of (i) to two-dimensional Buchsbaum rings. Along the way, we provide an explicit realization of the $S_{2}$-fication of arbitrary Buchsbaum rings.