bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The reality of virtual anthropology: Comparing digitizer and laser scan data collection methods for the quantitative assessment of the cranium
Authors: Algee‐Hewitt Bridget F.B. , Wheat Amber D.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

The use of geometric morphometry to study cranial variation has steadily grown in appeal over the past decade in biological anthropology. Publication trends suggest that the most popular methods for three‐dimensional data acquisition involve landmark‐based coordinate data collection using a digitizer. Newer laser scan approaches are seeing increasing use, owing to the benefits that densely sampled data offer. While both of these methods have their utility, research that investigates their compatibility is lacking. The purpose of this project is to compare, quantitatively, craniometrics collected with a digitizer against data extracted from laser scans using the same individuals and laboratory conditions.

Materials and Methods

Three‐dimensional (x,y,z) coordinates and traditional inter‐landmark distances (ILDs) were obtained with a Microscribe digitizer and 360° color models produced from NextEngine laser scans for 38 adult crania representing five cemeteries from the ADBOU skeletal collection in Denmark. Variance‐based tests were performed to evaluate the disagreement between data collected with a digitizer and from laser scan models. Consideration was given to differences among landmarks by type, between ILDs calculated from landmark coordinates, and in morphology for the cemetery populations. Further, the reliability of laser scan data collection was assessed by intra‐observer error tests.

Results

Researchers should be aware of the potential error associated with the use of Types II and III landmarks and the limitations on reliability imposed by object‐to‐scanner placement.

Discussion

This project reveals how laser scans can provide a valuable digital archive of cranial material that can be reasonably exploited for the “virtual” collection of coordinates and the calculation of ILDs. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:148–155, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New Prospects in Regional Health Governance: Migrant Workers' Health in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Authors: Nodzenski Marie , Phua Kai Hong , Bacolod Nicole
Published: December 2015

The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has potential in creating regional health governance frameworks. Yet in light of the ASEAN Economic Community 2015, pressing challenges remain. Further integration will likely lead to increased movements of migrants. Protecting the health of migrant workers is thus key to ensure that regional integration's objectives of economic growth and political stability are met.

With the potentially negative repercussions of unhealthy migration on ASEAN's economic and political integration, much effort should be directed towards further social integration. Why and how should a regional framework to protect migrant workers' health be negotiated through ASEAN? A key to the successful ASEAN regional framework for migrant workers' health, which is also a key challenge for the region, is the effective inclusion of various stakeholders involved in the protection of migrant workers' health. ASEAN will play a crucial role in coordinating initiatives and in creating common standards regarding treatment of migrant workers.
Pi‐Extended Diindole‐Fused Azapentacenone: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photophysical and Lithium‐Storage Properties
Authors: Zhao Jianfeng , Li Renping , Ai Wei , Dong Dai , Li Jiewei , Chen Lin , Xie Linghai , Yu Ting , Huang Wei
Published: December 2015

Pi‐extended polyaromatics tend to exhibit improved electronic properties with respect to the intrinsic structures. Herein, the rational design of a π‐extended diindole‐fused diazapentacenone (IP), with a nine‐ring‐fused core, obtained by applying an intramolecular Friedel–Crafts diacylation synthetic routine, is reported. The chemical structure, physical properties, and morphology of IP were fully characterized. Serving as an organic cathode material for a lithium‐ion battery, the as‐prepared nanorods of π‐extended IP display higher conductivity and superior electrochemical performance than those of the naked diazapentacenone without diindole fusion.
Dual‐drug RGD conjugates provide enhanced cytotoxicity to melanoma and non‐small lung cancer cells
Authors: Gilad Y. , Noy E. , Senderowitz H. , Albeck A. , Firer M. A. , Gellerman G.
Published: December 2015

To enhance the efficacy of targeted drug delivery, four new peptide‐ligand conjugates were synthesized, each consisting of a cyclic RGDfK penta‐peptide loaded with two anticancer drugs. The drug release profiles in different media of these new compounds and their cytotoxic activity against melanoma and non‐small lung cancer cell lines were evaluated and compared with those of their singly loaded analogs. The cyclic RGDfK penta‐peptide was selected as a targeting moiety because of its high affinity and selectivity to the αvβ3integrin receptor, which is frequently over‐expressed in various types of cancer cells. The peptide's core was modified at the side chain of its Lys residue by coupling it with a sixth amino acid (AA) ‐ either Lys (5a) or Ser (5b) (Lys/Ser splitter), resulting in two functional sites which enabled the loading of two therapeutic equivalents onto a single targeting carrier. Using Lys as a splitter resulted in two primary amines. Consequently, conjugates 1a and 1b were synthesized by coupling of 2 Chlorambucils (CLBs) or 2 Camptothecins (CPTs), respectively, to the primary amines of 5a. Conjugate 1c was synthesized from 5b by loading two equivalents of CLB on the amine and the hydroxyl of the Ser splitter, resulting in a homodimeric system with two distinct conjugation sites – amide and ester. The heterodimeric conjugate 1d of CLB and CPT was synthesized by loading each one of the primary amines of 5a with two different drugs ‐ CLB and CPT. The doubling of drug equivalents loaded onto the targeting peptide correlated with enhanced cytotoxic efficacy of the conjugates towards cancer cells. The versatility of chemical linkages of the drugs to the peptides resulted in conjugates with different drug release profiles. Molecular dynamics simulations performed on conjugate 1d demonstrated that this compound occupies a conformational space similar to the bio‐active conformation of an integrin‐bound cyclic RGD peptide reference peptide (c(RGDf(NMe)V). The modified position in 1d (relative to the reference peptide) points away from the integrin, leading us to hypothesize that this peptide binds the integrin in a manner similar to that of the reference peptide thereby fulfilling a crucial requirement for targeted delivery. The strategy of dual drug loading on a single peptide carrier, gives rise to drugs with different mechanisms of action and release profiles, thus substantially increasing the efficacy of selective killing of tumor cells and while reducing the risk of the development of drug resistance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 160–171, 2016.
Determination of the novel antiarrhythmic drug sulcardine sulfate in human plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and its application in a clinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Jia Jingying , Liu Gangyi , Zhang Mengqi , Lu Youli , Lu Chuan , Liu Yun , Zheng Hongcao , Wang Wei , Gui Yuzhou , Yu Chen , Li Shuijun , Wang Yiping
Published: December 2015

Sulcardine sulfate (Sul), a novel antiarrhythmic agent, is currently in phase I and phase II clinical trials. To elucidate its clinical pharmacokinetic characteristics, a rapid and accurate liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the quantification of Sul in human plasma. Plasma samples were precipitated by acetonitrile and isotope‐labeled sulcardine was added as internal standard. The analysis was carried out on a Capcell Pak C18 MG III column (100 × 2.0 mm, 5 μm) with 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile solution and water (17:83, v/v) as mobile phase. The linear range was 5.0–1000 ng/mL for Sul, with a lower limit of quantification of 5.0 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐batch CVs were within ±11.0% and the accuracies were 4.9–107.3%. Our method, for the first time, allows the rapid (only 3.0 min) and accurate quantification of Sul in human plasma. The method has been successfully applied in the pharmacokinetic study of Sul in a clinical trial following oral administration of Sul to healthy volunteers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retrospective analysis of systemic chemotherapy and total parenteral nutrition for the treatment of malignant small bowel obstruction
Authors: Chouhan Jay , Gupta Rohan , Ensor Joe , Raghav Kanwal , Fogelman David , Wolff Robert A. , Fisch Michael , Overman Michael J.
Published: December 2015

Malignant small bowel obstruction (MSBO) that does not resolve with conservative measures frequently leaves few treatment options other than palliative care. This single‐institution retrospective study assesses the outcomes of a more aggressive approach—concurrent systemic chemotherapy and total parenteral nutrition (TPN)—in the treatment of MSBO. The MD Anderson pharmacy database was queried to identify patients who received concurrent systemic chemotherapy and TPN between 2005 and 2013. Only patients with MSBO secondary to peritoneal carcinomatosis requiring TPN for ≥8 days were included. Survival and multivariate analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models. The study included 82 patients. MSBO resolution was observed in 10 patients. Radiographic assessments showed a response to chemotherapy in 19 patients; 6 of these patients experienced MSBO resolution. Patients spent an average of 38% of their remaining lives hospitalized, and 28% of patients required admission to the intensive care unit. In multivariate modeling, radiographic response to chemotherapy correlated with MSBO resolution (odds ratio [OR] 6.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68–27.85, P = 0.007). Median overall survival (OS) was 3.1 months, and the 1‐year OS rate was 12.6%. Radiographic response to chemotherapy (HR 0.30; 95% CI, 0.16–0.56, P < 0.001), and initiation of new chemotherapy during TPN (HR 0.55; 95% CI, 0.33–0.94, P = 0.026) independently predicted for longer OS. Concurrent treatment with systemic chemotherapy and TPN for persistent MSBO results in low efficacy and a high morbidity and mortality, and thus should not represent a standard approach.
Early treatment of complex located pediatric low‐grade gliomas using iodine‐125 brachytherapy alone or in combination with microsurgery
Authors: Kunz Mathias , Nachbichler Silke B. , Ertl Lorenz , Fesl Gunther , Egensperger Rupert , Niyazi Maximilian , Schmid Irene , Tonn Joerg Christian , Peraud Aurelia , Kreth Friedrich Wilhelm
Published: December 2015

To analyze efficacy, functional outcome, and treatment toxicity of low‐dose rate I‐125 brachytherapy (SBT) alone or in combination with best safe resection (in case of larger tumor volumes) as first‐line treatment for pediatric low‐grade gliomas (PLGGs) not suitable for complete resection. Consecutively treated (2000–2014) complex located circumscribed WHO grade I/II PLGGs were included. For small tumors (≤4 cm in diameter) SBT alone was performed; for larger tumors best safe resection and subsequent SBT was chosen. Temporary Iodine‐125 seeds were used (median reference dose: 54 Gy). Treatment response was estimated with the modified MacDonald criteria. Analysis of functional outcome included ophthalmological, endocrinological and neurological evaluation. Survival was analyzed with the Kaplan–Meier method. Prognostic factors were obtained from proportional hazards models. Toxicity was categorized according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Fifty‐eight patients were included treated either with SBT alone (n = 39) or with SBT plus microsurgery (n = 19). Five‐year progression‐free survival was 87%. Two patients had died due to tumor progression. Among survivors, improvement/stabilization/deterioration of functional deficits was seen in 20/14/5 patients, respectively. Complete/partial response had beneficial impact on functional scores (P = 0.02). The 5‐year estimated risk to receive adjuvant radiotherapy/chemotherapy was 5.2%. The overall early (delayed) toxicity rate was 8.6% (10.3%), respectively. No permanent morbidity occurred. In complex located PLGGs, early SBT alone or combined with best safe resection preserves/improves functional scores and results in tumor control rates usually achieved with complete resection. Long‐term analysis is necessary for confirmation of these results.
The bio‐response of osteocytes and its regulation on osteoblasts under vibration
Authors: Wu Xin‐Tong , Sun Lian‐Wen , Qi Hong‐Yu , Shi Hao , Fan Yu‐Bo
Published: December 2015

Vibration, especially at low magnitude and high frequency (LMHF), was demonstrated to be anabolic for bone, but how the LMHF vibration signal is perceived by osteocytes is not fully studied. On the other hand, the mechanotransduction of osteocytes under shear stress has been scientists' primary focus for years. Due to the small strain caused by low‐magnitude vibration, whether the previous explanation for shear stress will still work for LMHF vibration is unknown. In this study, a finite element method (FEM) model based on the real geometrical shape of an osteocyte was built to compare the mechanical behaviors of osteocytes under LMHF vibration and shear stress. The bio‐response of osteocytes to vibration under different frequencies, including the secretion of soluble factors and the concentration of intracellular calcium, were studied. The regulating effect of the conditioned medium (CM) from vibrated osteocytes on osteoblasts was also studied. The FEM analysis result showed the cell membrane deformation under LMHF vibration was very small (with a peak value of 1.09%) as compared to the deformation caused by shear stress (with a peak value of 6.65%). The F‐actin stress fibers of osteocytes were reorganized, especially on the nucleus periphery after LMHF vibration. The vibration at 30 Hz has a promoting effect on osteocytes and the osteogenesis of osteoblasts, whereas vibration at 90 Hz was suppressive. These results lead to a conclusion that the bio‐response of osteocytes to LMHF vibration is frequency‐dependent and is more related to the cytoskeleton on nuclear periphery rather than the membrane deformation.
Isolable Boron Persulfide: Activation of Elemental Sulfur with a 2‐Chloro‐Azaborolyl Anion
Authors: Chen Peixing , Cui Chunming
Published: December 2015

The novel boron persulfide 2 LB(η2‐S2) (L=[ArNC(R)CHC(R)]−; Ar=2,6‐Me2C6H3, R=tBu) was obtained by the reaction of the 2‐chloro‐azaborolyl anion 1 (LBCl)K(THF) with 0.25 equiv of elemental sulfur (S8). Persulfide 2 is labile in solution and could be converted to the cyclic tetrasulfide LBS4 (3) and hexasulfide LBS6 (4) in the presence of sulfur at room temperature and 50 °C, respectively. Desulfination of 2 with triphenylphosphine resulted in the formation of the thioxoborane LB=S (5). Alternatively, 3 and 4 could be obtained by the reaction of 1 with an excess of sulfur. Structural analysis of 2 disclosed the relatively long S−S bond of 2.1004(8) Å due to the lone‐pair repulsions of the two sulfur atoms, as disclosed by DFT calculations.
Efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy for small bowel adenocarcinoma: A propensity score–matched analysis
Authors: Ecker Brett L. , McMillan Matthew T. , Datta Jashodeep , Mamtani Ronac , Giantonio Bruce J. , Dempsey Daniel T. , Fraker Douglas L. , Drebin Jeffrey A. , Karakousis Giorgos C. , Roses Robert E.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in the treatment of small bowel adenocarcinoma is poorly defined. Previous analyses have been limited by small sample sizes and have failed to demonstrate a survival advantage.

METHODS

Patients with resected small bowel adenocarcinoma (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] pathologic stage I‐III) who were receiving AC (n = 1674) or surgery alone (SA; n = 3072) were identified in the NCDB (1998‐2011). Cox regression identified covariates associated with overall survival (OS). AC and SA cohorts were matched (1:1) by propensity scores based on the likelihood of receiving AC or the survival hazard from Cox modeling. OS was compared with Kaplan‐Meier estimates.

RESULTS

The omission of AC conferred an increased risk of death (hazard ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.24‐1.50; P < .001). After propensity score matching, there was a nonsignificant trend toward improved OS with AC in AJCC stage I patients (158.8 vs 110.7 months; P = .226) and AJCC stage II patients (104.0 vs 79.6 months; P = .185), including the subset with a T4 tumor classification (64.0 vs 47.4 months; P = .130) or a positive resection margin (44.4 vs 31.0 months; P = .333). Median OS was superior for patients with AJCC stage III disease who were receiving AC versus SA (42.4 vs 26.1 months; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

These data support the use of AC for resected stage III small bowel adenocarcinoma. The trend toward improved OS for patients without nodal metastasis, including those who have T4 tumors or have undergone positive‐margin resection, may justify the use of AC in select patients with earlier stage disease. Cancer 2016;122:693–701. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Direct costs of care for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C cirrhosis
Authors: Tapper Elliot B. , Catana Andreea M. , Sethi Nidhi , Mansuri Daniel , Sethi Saurabh , Vong Annie , Afdhal Nezam H.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the commonest cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States. The benefits of HCV therapy may be measured in part by the prevention of HCC and other complications of cirrhosis. The true cost of care of the HCV patient with HCC is unknown.

METHODS

One hundred patients were randomly selected from a cohort of all HCC patients with HCV at a US transplant center between 2003 and 2013. Patients were categorized by the primary treatment modality, Barcelona class, and ultimate transplant status. Costs included the unit costs of procedures, imaging, hospitalizations, medications, and all subsequent care of the HCC patient until either death or the end of follow‐up. Associations with survival and cost were assessed in multivariate regression models.

RESULTS

Overall costs included a median of $176,456 (interquartile range [IQR], $84,489‐$292,192) per patient or $6279 (IQR, $4043‐$9720) per patient‐month of observation. The median costs per patient‐month were $7492 (IQR, $5137‐$11,057) for transplant patients and $4830 for nontransplant patients. The highest median monthly costs were for transplant patients with Barcelona A4 disease ($11,349) and patients who received chemoembolization whether they underwent transplantation ($10,244) or not ($8853). Transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation were independently associated with a 28% increase and a 22% decrease in costs, respectively, with adjustments for the severity of liver disease and Barcelona class.

CONCLUSIONS

These data represent real‐world estimates of the cost of HCC care provided at a transplant center and should inform economic studies of HCV therapy. Cancer 2016;122:852–8. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Radiation modality use and cardiopulmonary mortality risk in elderly patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Lin Steven H. , Zhang Ning , Godby Joy , Wang Jingya , Marsh Gary D. , Liao Zhongxing , Komaki Ritsuko , Ho Linus , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Swisher Stephen G. , Mehran Reza J. , Buchholz Thomas A. , Elting Linda S. , Giordano Sharon H.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

It is currently unclear whether the superior normal organ‐sparing effect of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) compared with 3‐dimensional radiotherapy (3D) has a clinical impact on survival and cardiopulmonary mortality in patients with esophageal cancer (EC).

METHODS

The authors identified 2553 patients aged > 65 years from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare and Texas Cancer Registry‐Medicare databases who had nonmetastatic EC diagnosed between 2002 and 2009 and were treated with either 3D (2240 patients) or IMRT (313 patients) within 6 months of diagnosis. The outcomes of the 2 cohorts were compared using inverse probability of treatment weighting adjustment.

RESULTS

Except for marital status, year of diagnosis, and SEER region, both radiation cohorts were well balanced with regard to various patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics, including the use of IMRT versus 3D in urban/metropolitan or rural areas. IMRT use increased from 2.6% in 2002 to 30% in 2009, whereas the use of 3D decreased from 97.4% in 2002 to 70% in 2009. On propensity score inverse probability of treatment weighting‐adjusted multivariate analysis, IMRT was not found to be associated with EC‐specific mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.93; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.80‐1.10) or pulmonary mortality (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.37‐3.36), but was significantly associated with lower all‐cause mortality (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72‐0.95), cardiac mortality (HR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.06‐0.54), and other‐cause mortality (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.35‐0.84). Similar associations were noted after adjusting for the type of chemotherapy, physician experience, and sensitivity analysis removing hybrid radiation claims.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population‐based analysis, the use of IMRT was found to be significantly associated with lower all‐cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and other‐cause mortality in patients with EC. Cancer 2016;122:917–28. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Human‐specific increase of dopaminergic innervation in a striatal region associated with speech and language: A comparative analysis of the primate basal ganglia
Authors: Raghanti Mary Ann , Edler Melissa K. , Stephenson Alexa R. , Wilson Lakaléa J. , Hopkins William D. , Ely John J. , Erwin Joseph M. , Jacobs Bob , Hof Patrick R. , Sherwood Chet C.
Published: December 2015

The dopaminergic innervation of the striatum has been implicated in learning processes and in the development of human speech and language. Several lines of evidence suggest that evolutionary changes in dopaminergic afferents of the striatum may be associated with uniquely human cognitive and behavioral abilities, including the association of the human‐specific sequence of the FOXP2 gene with decreased dopamine in the dorsomedial striatum of mice. To examine this possibility, we quantified the density of tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive axons as a measure of dopaminergic innervation within five basal ganglia regions in humans, great apes, and New and Old World monkeys. Our results indicate that humans differ from nonhuman primate species in having a significant increase in dopaminergic innervation selectively localized to the medial caudate nucleus. This region of the striatum is highly interconnected, receiving afferents from multiple neocortical regions, and supports behavioral and cognitive flexibility. The medial caudate nucleus also shows hyperactivity in humans lacking a functional FOXP2 allele and exhibits altered dopamine concentrations in humanized Foxp2 mice. Additionally, striatal dopaminergic input was not altered in chimpanzees that used socially learned attention‐getting sounds versus those that did not. This evidence indicates that the increase in dopamine innervation of the medial caudate nucleus in humans is a species‐typical characteristic not associated with experience‐dependent plasticity. The specificity of this increase may be related to the degree of convergence from cortical areas within this region of the striatum and may also be involved in human speech and language. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2117–2129, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The colour of the granite that built the city of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Del Lama Eliane Aparecida , Dehira Lauro Kazumi , Grossi Danielle , Kuzmickas Luciane
Published: December 2015

The city of São Paulo, until the 1900s, was restricted to a small central nucleus, also called the Historic Triangle, where there is a concentration of the oldest monuments and buildings of the city. They are built with a number of ornamental stones, but one of these predominates: Itaquera Granite. Currently, it is not quarried, but its exploitation dated from 1888. It was replaced by Gray Mauá Granite after the 1940s, partly because the Itaquera quarry was becoming exhausted and partly due to better technological characteristics of Mauá Granite. There are numerous examples of cultural heritage monuments and buildings made with Itaquera Granite in São Paulo's city. The examples selected for this study are: Saint Anthony's Church, The Girl and the Calf, Nostalgia, the Law School of the University of São Paulo, After the Bath and Amerindian Hunter. The purpose of this article is to characterize Itaquera Granite according to its colorimetric aspects and its colour variation. Colorimetric changes in the stone can be caused by many factors, such as cleaning methods, deposition of atmospheric pollutants, biological colonization, leaching of bronze, dissolution and reprecipitation of mortar, or even by natural causes such as the oxidation or alteration of minerals present in the stone. Measuring the change in colour can be useful for monitoring the development of natural changes, analyzing the effectiveness of treatments, and monitoring the degree of biological colonization in the monuments. In the long run, these data may aid in the treatment and restoration of these monuments. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl 41, 241–245, 2016
Unraveling the Role of Monovalent Halides in Mixed‐Halide Organic–Inorganic Perovskites
Authors: Deepa Melepurath , Ramos F. Javier , Shivaprasad S. M. , Ahmad Shahzada
Published: December 2015

The performance of perovskite solar cells is strongly influenced by the composition and microstructure of the perovskite. A recent approach to improve the power conversion efficiencies utilized mixed‐halide perovskites, but the halide ions and their roles were not directly studied. Unraveling their precise location in the perovskite layer is of paramount importance. Here, we investigated four different perovskites by using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and found that among the three studied mixed‐halide perovskites, CH3NH3Pb(I0.74Br0.26)3 and CH3NH3PbBr3−xClx show peaks that unambiguously demonstrate the presence of iodide and bromide in the former, and bromide and chloride in the latter. The CH3NH3PbI3−xClx perovskite shows anomalous behavior, the iodide content far outweighs that of the chloride; a small proportion of chloride, in all likelihood, resides deep within the TiO2/absorber layer. Our study reveals that there are many distinguishable structural differences between these perovskites, and that these directly impact the photovoltaic performances.
Resonance Raman Intensities Demonstrate that C5 Substituents Affect the Initial Excited‐State Structural Dynamics of Uracil More than C6 Substituents
Authors: Teimoory Faranak , Loppnow Glen R.
Published: December 2015

Resonance Raman derived initial excited‐state structural dynamics provide insight into the photochemical mechanisms of pyrimidine nucleobases, in which the photochemistry appears to be dictated by the C5 and C6 substituents. The absorption and resonance Raman spectra and excitation profiles of 5,6‐dideuterouracil were measured to further test this photochemical dependence on the C5 and C6 substituents. The resulting set of excited‐state reorganization energies of the observed internal coordinates were calculated and compared to those of other 5‐ and 6‐substituted uracils. The results show that the initial excited‐state dynamics along the C5C6 stretch responds to changes in mass at C5 and C6 in the same manner but that the in‐plane bends at C5 and C6 are more sensitive to substituents at the C5 position than at the C6 position. In addition, the presence of two deuterium substituents at C5 and C6 decreases the initial excited‐state structural dynamics along these in‐plane bends, in contrast to what is observed in the presence of two CH3 groups on C5 and C6. The results are discussed in the context of DNA nucleobase photochemistry.
Density Functional Theory Study of Hydrogen Adsorption in a Ti‐Decorated Mg‐Based Metal–Organic Framework‐74
Authors: Suksaengrat Pitphichaya , Amornkitbamrung Vittaya , Srepusharawoot Pornjuk , Ahuja Rajeev
Published: December 2015

The Ti‐binding energy and hydrogen adsorption energy of a Ti‐decorated Mg‐based metal–organic framework‐74 (Mg‐MOF‐74) were evaluated by using first‐principles calculations. Our results revealed that only three Ti adsorption sites were found to be stable. The adsorption site near the metal oxide unit is the most stable. To investigate the hydrogen‐adsorption properties of Ti‐functionalized Mg‐MOF‐74, the hydrogen‐binding energy was determined. For the most stable Ti adsorption site, we found that the hydrogen adsorption energy ranged from 0.26 to 0.48 eV H2−1. This is within the desirable range for practical hydrogen‐storage applications. Moreover, the hydrogen capacity was determined by using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Our results revealed that the hydrogen uptake by Ti‐decorated Mg‐MOF‐74 at temperatures of 77, 150, and 298 K and ambient pressure were 1.81, 1.74, and 1.29 H2 wt %, respectively.
Regulation of precipitation‐associated vegetation dynamics on catchment water balance in a semiarid and arid mountainous watershed
Authors: Tang Guoping , Carroll Rosemary W.H. , Lutz Alexandra , Sun Lin
Published: December 2015

Quantifying the regulation of precipitation‐associated vegetation dynamics on land surface water balance poses a particular challenge in current eco‐hydrological studies because terrestrial ecological processes interact with hydrological processes, and both are subject to precipitation change. The objective of this study is to examine how precipitation change‐associated vegetation dynamics may regulate catchment water balance in a semiarid to arid mountain ecosystem. To achieve this objective, R‐RHESSys, which is short for rasterised regional hydro‐ecological simulation system, a distributed hydro‐ecological model, was applied to the Cleve Creek watershed in the eastern Nevada, USA. Simulation results from two scenarios based on altered precipitations were compared, respectively, to those from a baseline scenario based on observed precipitations. Our results suggest that R‐RHESSys can accurately simulate catchment water balance and vegetation dynamics in the study area. In addition, we found that (i) precipitation‐associated shifts in leaf canopy can help reduce flood potentials during wet years or sustain baseflow during dry years through changing evapotranspiration (ET); (ii) precipitation‐associated decrease in leaf canopy and consequent decrease in ET do not always increase streamflow and vice versa. The regulation of precipitation‐associated vegetation dynamics on streamflow is subject to initial soil water condition; (iii) vegetation‐associated shifts in plant transpiration play an important role in regulating soil water content and streamflow generation in the semiarid and arid mountain watershed; and (iv) the regulation of precipitation‐associated shift in leaf canopy on ET is more pronounced in the ridges of watershed than in valleys. In contrast, its regulation on subsurface flow generation is more remarkable in valleys than in the ridges of watershed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation of unstructured curvilinear grids and high‐order discontinuous Galerkin discretization applied to a 3D high‐lift configuration
Authors: Hartmann Ralf , Leicht Tobias
Published: December 2015

Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods allow high‐order flow solutions on unstructured or locally refined meshes by increasing the polynomial degree and using curved instead of straight‐sided elements. However, one of the currently largest obstacles to applying these methods to aerodynamic configurations of medium to high complexity is the availability of appropriate higher‐order curved meshes.

In this article, we describe a complete chain of higher‐order unstructured grid generation and higher‐order DG flow solution applied to a turbulent flow around a three‐dimensional high‐lift configuration. This includes (i) the generation of an appropriately coarse straight‐sided mesh; (ii) the evaluation of additional points on the computer‐aided design geometry of the curved‐wall boundary for defining a piecewise polynomial boundary representation; (iii) a higher order mesh deformation to translate the curvature from the wall boundary into the interior of the computational domain; and (iv) the description of a DG discretization, which is sufficiently stable to allow a flow computation on the resulting curved mesh. Finally, a fourth‐order flow solution of the Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes and k‐ω turbulence model equations is computed on a fourth‐order unstructured hybrid mesh around the three‐dimensional high‐lift simulation of wing‐flow noise generation configuration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Merkel cell carcinoma: Do you know your guidelines?
Authors: Miles Brett A. , Goldenberg David ,   The Education Committee of the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS)
Published: December 2015

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy that exhibits clinically aggressive features and is associated with a poor prognosis. The incidence of MCC seems to be increasing for reasons unknown, and is estimated to be 0.32/100,000 in the United States.

Methods

This article will review the current literature and National Comprehensive Cancer Network practice guidelines in the treatment of MCC.

Results

Resection of MCC with negative margins remains the mainstay of therapy. Positive nodal disease should be treated with neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy. High‐risk patients should undergo adjuvant radiotherapy, which improves oncologic outcomes. The role of chemotherapy is less clear and is currently reserved for advanced‐stage MCC and palliative therapy.

Conclusion

The pathogenesis of MCC has recently been impacted with the discovery of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Research to establish targeted and immunologic therapeutic options are ongoing. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2015 © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 647–652, 2016
Sclerostin Antibody Treatment Improves the Bone Phenotype of Crtap–/– Mice, a Model of Recessive Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Grafe Ingo , Alexander Stefanie , Yang Tao , Lietman Caressa , Homan Erica P , Munivez Elda , Chen Yuqing , Jiang Ming Ming , Bertin Terry , Dawson Brian , Asuncion Franklin , Ke Hua Zhu , Ominsky Michael S , Lee Brendan
Published: December 2015

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is characterized by low bone mass, poor bone quality, and fractures. Standard treatment for OI patients is limited to bisphosphonates, which only incompletely correct the bone phenotype, and seem to be less effective in adults. Sclerostin-neutralizing antibodies (Scl-Ab) have been shown to be beneficial in animal models of osteoporosis, and dominant OI resulting from mutations in the genes encoding type I collagen. However, Scl-Ab treatment has not been studied in models of recessive OI. Cartilage-associated protein (CRTAP) is involved in posttranslational type I collagen modification, and its loss of function results in recessive OI. In this study, we treated 1-week-old and 6-week-old Crtap–/– mice with Scl-Ab for 6 weeks (25 mg/kg, s.c., twice per week), to determine the effects on the bone phenotype in models of “pediatric” and “young adult” recessive OI. Vehicle-treated Crtap–/– and wild-type (WT) mice served as controls. Compared with control Crtap–/– mice, micro–computed tomography (μCT) analyses showed significant increases in bone volume and improved trabecular microarchitecture in Scl-Ab–treated Crtap–/– mice in both age cohorts, in both vertebrae and femurs. Additionally, Scl-Ab improved femoral cortical parameters in both age cohorts. Biomechanical testing showed that Scl-Ab improved parameters of whole-bone strength in Crtap–/– mice, with more robust effects in the week 6 to 12 cohort, but did not affect the increased bone brittleness. Additionally, Scl-Ab normalized the increased osteoclast numbers, stimulated bone formation rate (week 6 to 12 cohort only), but did not affect osteocyte density. Overall, our findings suggest that Scl-Ab treatment may be beneficial in the treatment of recessive OI caused by defects in collagen posttranslational modification. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Higher‐resolution MR elastography reveals early mechanical signatures of neuroinflammation in patients with clinically isolated syndrome
Authors: Fehlner Andreas , Behrens Janina Ruth , Streitberger Kaspar‐Josche , Papazoglou Sebastian , Braun Jürgen , Bellmann‐Strobl Judith , Ruprecht Klemens , Paul Friedemann , Würfel Jens , Sack Ingolf
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To assess if higher‐resolution magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a technique that can measure the in vivo mechanical properties of brain tissue and is sensitive to early signatures of brain tissue degradation in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS).

Materials and Methods

Seventeen patients with CIS and 33 controls were investigated by MRE with a 3T MRI scanner. Full‐wave field data were acquired at seven drive frequencies from 30 to 60 Hz. The spatially resolved higher‐resolution maps of magnitude |G*| and phase angle φ of the complex‐valued shear modulus were obtained in addition to springpot model parameters. These parameters were spatially averaged in white matter (WM) and whole‐brain regions and correlated with clinical and radiological parameters.

Results

Spatially resolved MRE revealed that CIS reduced WM viscoelasticity, independent of imaging markers of multiple sclerosis and clinical scores. |G*| was reduced by 14% in CIS (1.4 ± 0.2 kPa vs. 1.7 ± 0.2 kPa, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] [–0.4, –0.1] kPa), while φ (0.66 ± 0.04 vs. 0.67 ± 0.04, P = 0.65, 95% CI [–0.04, 0.02]) remained unaltered. Springpot‐based shear elasticity showed only a trend of CIS‐related reduction (3.4 ± 0.5 kPa vs. 3.7 ± 0.5 kPa, P = 0.06, 95% CI [–0.6, 0.02] kPa) in the whole brain.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that CIS leads to significantly reduced elasticity of brain parenchyma, raising the prospect of using MRE as an imaging marker for subtle and diffuse tissue damage in neuroinflammatory diseases. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:51–58.
Evolvement of a warfarin medication therapy adherence clinic in Malaysia and its impact on international normalised ratio control over time
Authors: Aidit Salihah , Shaharuddin Shazwani , Neoh Chin Fen , Ming Long Chiau
Published: December 2015

Warfarin is a drug of narrow therapeutic index, and the use of this agent for anticoagulation requires close monitoring to ensure efficacious treatment and to prevent serious adverse effects such as haemorrhagic complications. Evidence suggests that pharmacist‐led anticoagulation services may be an effective means to manage warfarin anticoagulation. This report describes experience of the Malaysian context regarding the operations of a warfarin medication therapy adherence clinic.
Changes in the body image of bone sarcoma survivors following surgical treatment—A qualitative study
Authors: Fauske Lena , Lorem Geir , Grov Ellen K. , Bondevik Hilde
Published: December 2015

Background and Objectives

Among several long‐term effects, people treated for cancer may experience an altered appearance. Our study aims to identify how visible body changes following surgical treatment affect the life and identity of primary bone sarcoma survivors 3–10 years after diagnosis. A qualitative, phenomenological, and hermeneutic design was applied.

Methods

Sarcoma survivors (n = 18) who were previously treated at Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, participated in the study. In‐depth and semi‐structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

The main finding of this study concerned how altered appearance after bone cancer treatment in the hip/pelvis or lower extremities affected the participants’ self‐esteem. Half of the participants expressed concerns about their visible differences, particularly those with functional impairment. They felt that it is important to hide the bodily signs of changes to appear as normal as possible, as well as attractive and healthy. They describe, with specific examples, how these changes influence their self‐realization, especially their social life.

Conclusions

Healthcare providers who guide bone sarcoma survivors during follow‐up should develop a comprehensive understanding of what it means to cope with a changed and challenging body. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:229–234. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Surgical Oncology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clozapine in Parkinsonian Rest Tremor: A Review of Outcomes, Adverse Reactions, and Possible Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Yaw Tay Kay , Fox Susan H. , Lang Anthony E.
Published: December 2015

Background

The pathogenesis of rest tremor in Parkinson's disease (PD) is incompletely understood. This symptom can be resistant to typical anti‐PD medications. Therefore, new treatments are needed given the concern that this symptom causes to patients and family. Limited experience suggests that clozapine can have an important antitremor effect in PD. The mechanism(s) underlying this effect is not well understood, but could provide insight and impetus to the development of more‐effective and safer antitremor therapies.

Methods and Results

Exemplifying the antitremor effects of clozapine, we describe a patient with tremor‐predominant PD who obtained prominent reduction of rest tremor with clozapine treatment. We review the responses to this treatment in another 7 of our PD patients with treatment‐resistant rest tremor. We also review the published literature on clozapine for tremor in PD and discuss its potential mechanisms of action and possible adverse effects. In our case series, there was a 64% reduction of tremor score after clozapine was initiated. The mechanism of tremor reduction remains unclear with possible involvement of anticholinergic, serotonergic, antihistaminergic, antiadrenergic, and antidopaminergic effects. Clozapine does have potential serious adverse effects.

Conclusions

Clozapine may be effective in controlling rest tremor in PD. Given the potential fatal side effects, if clozapine is to be initiated in PD patients, it has to be used cautiously with proper monitoring, preferably in specialized centers. We acknowledge that the number of patients in this case series is small. Further studies are needed to understand clozapine's mechanism of action in reducing tremor.
The Therapeutic Potential of Exercise to Improve Mood, Cognition, and Sleep in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Reynolds Gretchen O. , Otto Michael W. , Ellis Terry D. , Cronin‐Golomb Alice
Published: December 2015

In addition to the classic motor symptoms, Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with a variety of nonmotor symptoms that significantly reduce quality of life, even in the early stages of the disease. There is an urgent need to develop evidence‐based treatments for these symptoms, which include mood disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, and sleep disruption. We focus here on exercise interventions, which have been used to improve mood, cognition, and sleep in healthy older adults and clinical populations, but to date have primarily targeted motor symptoms in PD. We synthesize the existing literature on the benefits of aerobic exercise and strength training on mood, sleep, and cognition as demonstrated in healthy older adults and adults with PD, and suggest that these types of exercise offer a feasible and promising adjunct treatment for mood, cognition, and sleep difficulties in PD. Across stages of the disease, exercise interventions represent a treatment strategy with the unique ability to improve a range of nonmotor symptoms while also alleviating the classic motor symptoms of the disease. Future research in PD should include nonmotor outcomes in exercise trials with the goal of developing evidence‐based exercise interventions as a safe, broad‐spectrum treatment approach to improve mood, cognition, and sleep for individuals with PD. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
ADSCs in a fibrin matrix enhance nerve regeneration after epineural suturing in a rat model
Authors: Reichenberger Matthias A. , Mueller Wolf , Hartmann Jennifer , Diehm Yannick , Lass Ulrike , Koellensperger Eva , Leimer Uwe , Germann Günter , Fischer Sebastian
Published: December 2015

Background

Due to their unique properties, adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) obtain promising potential to enhance nerve regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate if fibrin‐glue embedded ADSCs were a beneficial adjunct to primary coaptation in a rat sciatic nerve model. Materials and methods: Fifty male Lewis rats underwent sciatic nerve transection and subsequent epineural suture repair. The treatment group received ADSCs re‐suspended in fibrin glue, while the control group received fibrin glue only. After 7, 21, 35, and 63 days, analysis involved axon count, myelin sheath thickness as well as N‐ and G‐ratios. Additionally, muscle weight quotient (operated vs. non‐operated site of the same animal) was calculated and compared between treatment and control groups. For co‐detection of vital ADSCs, vessel walls, and Schwann cells, immunolabeling was performed with CM‐DiI, SMA, and S‐100 antibodies, respectively. Results: ADSCs led to a significant increase of myelinization at day 21 (0.508 ± 0.085 μm vs. 0.381 ± 0.044 μm, P = 0.025) and day 35 (0.872 ± 0.09 µm vs. 0.495 ± 0.078 µm; P = 0.01) after surgery. Axon count was significantly increased at day 21 (420 ± 119 vs. 129 ± 63; P = 0.003) and day 63 (284 ± 137 vs. 111 ± 26; P = 0.046) after surgery. N‐ and G‐ratios were significantly different compared with control indicating enhanced nerve regeneration due to ADSC treatment at each time point (P < 0.05). Muscle weight quotient was significantly higher in the treatment group compared with the control at day 21 (44.01% ± 6.16% vs. 35.03% ± 2.61%; P = 0.014) and day 63 (65.49% ± 2.81% vs. 58.79% ± 4.06%; P = 0.009) after surgery. Co‐detection of immunolabeled cells showed vital ADSCs at the neuronal repair site and in close proximity to intraneuronal vessels indicating active participation of ADSCs in the process of nerve regeneration and associated angiogenesis. Conclusion: ADSCs embedded in a fibrin matrix can significantly enhance regeneration of peripheral nerve injuries after primary coaptation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:491–500, 2016.
The enclosure method for an inverse problem arising from a spot welding
Authors: Ikehata Masaru , Itou Hiromichi , Sasamoto Akira
Published: December 2015

A two dimensional version of a reconstruction problem of an unknown weld on the interface between two electric conductive plates is considered. It is assumed that the two plates have a same known isotropic homogeneous conductivity, and the line where the welding area is located is known. Under these assumptions, an explicit extraction formula of the location of the tips of the welding area on the line from a single set of an electric current density and the corresponding voltage potential on the boundary of the material formed by the plates is given. This result may have possibility of application to quality evaluation of spot welding fixation strength of a lamina. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.