bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmentally friendly solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for the determination of biogenic amines in fish samples
Authors: Huang Jie , Gan Ning , Lv Fangying , Cao Yuting , Ou Changrong , Tang Haiqing
Published: October 2016

In this work, a facile and environmentally friendly solid‐phase microextraction assay based on on‐fiber derivatization coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry was developed for determining four nonvolatile index biogenic amines (putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, and tyramine) in fish samples. In the assay, the fiber was firstly dipped into a solution with isobutyl chloroformate as derivatization reagent and isooctane as extraction solvent. Thus, a thin organic liquid membrane coating was developed. Then the modified fiber was immersed into sample solution to extract four important bioamines. Afterwards, the fiber was directly inserted into gas chromatography injection port for thermal desorption. 1,7‐Diaminoheptane was employed as internal standard reagent for quantification of the targets. The limits of detection of the method were 2.98–45.3 μg/kg. The proposed method was successfully applied to the detection of bioamines in several fish samples with recoveries ranging 78.9–110%. The organic reagent used for extraction was as few as microliter that can greatly reduce the harm to manipulator and environment. Moreover, the extraction procedures were very simple without concentration and elution procedures, which can greatly simplify the pretreatment process. The assay can be extended to the in situ screening of other pollutant in food safety by changing the derivatization reagent.
Multiresidue determination of 114 multiclass pesticides in flue‐cured tobacco by solid‐phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cao Jianmin , Sun Na , Yu Weisong , Pang Xueli , Lin Yingnan , Kong Fanyu , Qiu Jun
Published: October 2016

A sensitive and robust multiresidue method for the simultaneous analysis of 114 pesticides in tobacco was developed based on solid‐phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. In this strategy, tobacco samples were extracted with acetonitrile and cleaned up with a multilayer solid‐phase extraction cartridge Cleanert TPT using acetonitrile/toluene (3:1) as the elution solvent. Two internal standards of different polarity were used to meet simultaneous pesticides quantification demands in the tobacco matrix. Satisfactory linearity in the range of 10–500 ng/mL was obtained for all 114 pesticides with linear regression coefficients higher than 0.994. The limit of detection and limit of quantification values were 0.02–5.27 and 0.06–17.6 ng/g, respectively. For most of the pesticides, acceptable recoveries in the range of 70–120% and repeatabilities (relative standard deviation) of <11% were achieved at spiking levels of 20, 100, and 400 ng/g. Compared with the reported multiresidue analytical method, the proposed method provided a cleaner test solution with smaller amounts of pigments, fatty acids as well as other undesirable interferences. The development and validation of the high sensitivity, high selectivity, easy automation, and high‐throughput analytical method meant that it could be successfully used for the determination of pesticides in tobacco samples.
Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Synthesis of Hybrid Oligomer‐Acrylated Cycloaliphatic Epoxy in the Presence of Triphenylphosphine and Triethylamine Catalysts
Authors: Jalali Talayeh , Ebrahimi Morteza
Published: October 2016

The kinetics for the esterification of cycloaliphatic epoxy resin with acrylic acid was investigated in the presence of two different catalysts, namely triethylamine (TEA) and triphenylphosphine (TPP). The reactions were carried out at four different temperatures in the range of 80–110°C and 60–90°C for TPP and TEA catalysts, respectively. The power law kinetics model was adopted for analyzing experimental data to determine reaction equations. Both differential and integral methods were applied to determine the reaction orders and reaction constants. The overall reaction order for the reaction systems was found to be 2 using both differential and integral methods. According to the differential method, the reaction orders with respect to epoxide and carboxylic acid groups were calculated to be 1.2 and 0.8, respectively. The reactions could be considered as first‐order reactions with respect to each group based on integral method analysis. The activation energies and frequency factors of these esterification reactions were found to be 77.2 kJ·mol−1 and 1.72E+10 L·mol−1·min−1 in the presence of TPP and 65.3 kJ·mol−1 and 1.44E+7 L·mol−1·min−1 in the presence of TEA. The thermodynamic parameters of reaction in the presence of TPP and TEA were calculated. The results confirmed that both reactions were spontaneous and irreversible. It was found that the reaction in the presence of TEA produced a highly ordered activated complex.
Does resident involvement in thyroid surgery lead to increased postoperative complications?
Authors: Kshirsagar Rijul S. , Chandy Zachariah , Mahboubi Hossein , Verma Sunil P.
Published: October 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the impact of resident involvement during thyroid surgery on 30‐day postoperative complications.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

All patients who underwent thyroid surgery in 2011 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patient demographics, perioperative details, resident involvement in surgery, and 30‐day postoperative complications were extracted. Propensity score analysis was used to match resident and nonresident cases. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the relationship between resident involvement in thyroid surgery and postoperative outcomes.

Results

One thousand seven hundred forty‐seven patients with and 1,747 patients without resident involvement were case‐matched for patient demographics, perioperative variables, and surgical case type. There was no significant difference (P = .19) in 30‐day postoperative complication rates of surgeries with and without resident involvement, which were 1.4% and 2%, respectively. Operative time was longer in surgeries with residents than those without residents (119 ± 67 minutes vs. 102 ± 55 minutes, P < .001). Cases with resident involvement had an unplanned reoperation rate of 0.9%, which was significantly lower than the 2.3% rate of surgeries without residents (P = .001). Multivariate analysis revealed no significant association between resident involvement and overall complications (odds ratio = 0.70; P = .18).

Conclusions

Resident participation in thyroid surgery was not associated with an increased 30‐day postoperative complication rate. These findings demonstrate that patient safety is not adversely affected by resident participation in thyroid surgery.

Level of Evidence

2C Laryngoscope, 127:1242–1246, 2017
Mobile applications and patient education: Are currently available GERD mobile apps sufficient?
Authors: Bobian Michael , Kandinov Aron , El‐Kashlan Nour , Svider Peter F. , Folbe Adam J. , Mayerhoff Ross , Eloy Jean Anderson , Raza S. Naweed
Published: October 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Despite the increasing role of mobile applications (apps) in patient education, there has been little inquiry evaluating the quality of these resources. Because poor health literacy has been associated with inferior health outcomes, evaluating the quality of patient education materials takes on great importance. Our objective was to employ validated readability tools for the evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) mobile apps.

Methods

GERD‐specific apps found in the Apple App Store (Apple Inc., Cupertino CA) were evaluated using the Readability Studio Professional Version 2015 for Windows (Oleander Software, Ltd, Vandalia, OH). All text was evaluated using nine validated algorithms measuring readability including Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook grading, Gunning Fog index, Coleman‐Liau, New Fog Count formula, Raygor Readability Estimate, FORCAST, Fry graph, and Flesch Reading Ease score.

Results

Average reading grade levels for individual GERD apps ranged from 9.6 to 12.9 (interquartile range 10.3–12). The average reading grade level for all apps analyzed was 11.1 ± 0.2 standard error of the mean (SEM), with an average Flesch Reading Ease score for all mobile apps analyzed of 51 ± 2.05 (SEM), falling into the “fairly difficult” category given by this measure. Raygor Readability estimates that most mobile apps have a reading grade level between 10 and 12, with the majority of this outcome due to long words.

Conclusion

This analysis demonstrates the feasibility of assessing readability of mobile health apps. Our findings suggest significant gaps in potential comprehension between the apps analyzed and the average reader, diminishing the utility of these resources. We hope our findings influence future mobile health‐related app development and thereby improve patient outcomes in GERD and other chronic diseases.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:1775–1779, 2017
Longitudinal analysis of inflammatory biomarkers during acute rhinosinusitis
Authors: Autio Timo J. , Koskenkorva Timo , Leino Tuomo K. , Koivunen Petri , Alho Olli‐Pekka
Published: October 2016

Objective

To illuminate the pathophysiology of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) with sequential monitoring of inflammatory biomarkers during an ARS episode and to clarify their diagnostic usability in bacterial ARS.

Study Design

Inception cohort study with 50 conscripts with ARS.

Methods

We collected peripheral blood high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), white blood cell (WBC), procalcitonin, and nasal nitric oxide (nNO) counts at 2 to 3 and 9 to 10 days of symptoms during an ARS episode. We simultaneously gathered various clinical parameters and microbiological samples. Bacterial ARS was confirmed with a positive culture of sinus aspirate.

Results

Reciprocal correlations and a significant change in biomarker levels between the two visits suggest that ARS involves a local and systemic inflammatory response that was strongest at 2 to 3 days. High‐sensitive CRP and nNO reflected responses best (52% had increased CRP levels at 2–3 days; 66% had decreased nNO levels). White blood cell and procalcitonin counts rarely exceeded the reference range. Increased local and systemic inflammatory response were linked to multiple, adenoviral, or influenza A viral etiology or the detection of bacterial ARS. Local response correlated with imaging findings of wide paranasal sinus involvement and ostiomeatal complex occlusion. At 9 to 10 days, elevated (≥ 11 mg/L) and moderately elevated (≥ 49 mg/L) hs‐CRP predicted bacterial ARS well (likelihood ratio [LR]+ 3.3 and LR+ 15.8, respectively), but the sensitivity for both findings remained low.

Conclusion

Acute rhinosinusitis (particularly bacterial ARS) involves a local and systemic inflammatory response that is strongest at the beginning of symptoms. Elevated hs‐CRP supports the diagnosis of bacterial ARS.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 2016 127:E55–E61, 2017
Bis(4‐methoxybenzoyl)diethylgermane: A Highly Efficient Photoinitiator for the Polymerization of Vinylcyclopropanes
Authors: Catel Yohann , Fischer Urs , Fässler Pascal , Moszner Norbert
Published: October 2016

Bis(4‐methoxybenzoyl)diethylgermane (BMDG) is used for the photopolymerization of six 1,1‐disubstituted 2‐vinylcyclopropanes (VCPs). A significantly higher photopolymerization reactivity compared to the conventional camphorquinone (CQ)/amine or CQ/amine/iodonium salt photoinitiator systems is observed. Furthermore, the influence of the electron‐withdrawing substituents on the monomer reactivity is investigated. 1‐Ethoxycarbonyl‐1‐ethylcarbamoyl‐2‐vinylcyclopropane 5 and 1‐ethoxycarbonyl‐2‐vinylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid 2 are found to be the most reactive monomers. 1,1‐Disubstituted VCP‐based dental composites containing BMDG are formulated. Those materials exhibit good mechanical properties as well as a low polymerization shrinkage.

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Poly(ionic liquid)s Nanoparticles Applied in CO2 Capture
Authors: Fernández Marisol , Carreño Luz Ángela , Bernard Franciele , Ligabue Rosane , Einloft Sandra
Published: October 2016

The development of new materials for CO2 capture and processing is an urgent issue for greenhouse gas reduction solution. In this context, ionic liquids (ILs) represent a friendly alternative based on their properties including negligible vapor pressure and the fact that they can be reused. Application of ILs in this area have been under study in the last years, in this research poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) were synthesized from polyurethane (PU) and the ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazole chloride [BMIM] [Cl] using different kind of chain extenders; reaction products were structural, thermal and morphologically characterized. From PILs a variety of microparticles and nanoparticles (NP) were obtained by multiple emulsification steps followed by solvent evaporation. By using this methodology different parameters were studied including: the concentration and type of surfactant, the type of organic solvent, and the drying process. Obtained materials were tested for CO2 capture process by using a magnetic suspension balance at 25°C and 4 bar for about 12 h. The synthesized PILs showed improved capacity for CO2 capture than the pure LI [BMIM] [Cl]. Additionally, some of prepared NPs showed faster rates of CO2 adsorption. Therefore, PILs and their NPs under consideration in this study are potential materials for CO2 capture process.
Neuropsychological outcomes from constant current deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tröster Alexander I. , Jankovic Joseph , Tagliati Michele , Peichel DeLea , Okun Michael S.
Published: October 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the neurobehavioral safety of constant‐current subthalamic deep brain stimulation and to compare the neuropsychological effects of stimulation versus electrode placement alone.

Methods

A total of 136 patients with Parkinson's disease underwent bilateral subthalamic device implantation in this randomized trial. Patients received stimulation either immediately after device implantation (n = 101; active stimulation) or beginning 3 months after surgery (n = 35; delayed activation control). Patients were administered neuropsychological tests before, 3, and 12 months after device implantation.

Results

Neuropsychological change in stimulation and control groups were comparable. Within‐group analyses revealed declines in category and switching verbal fluency in both groups, but only the stimulation group had letter verbal fluency and Stroop task declines. Depression symptom improvements occurred in both groups, but more often in the stimulation group. Letter fluency declines were associated with worse Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire Communication subscale scores. Baseline and 12‐month comparisons (in the combined group) revealed gains in verbal and visual delayed recall scores and improvement in depression symptoms, but decrements in verbal fluency and Stroop scores.

Conclusions

Constant‐current bilateral subthalamic stimulation had a good cognitive safety profile except for decrements in verbal fluency and on the Stroop task. These abnormalities are related to device implantation, but stimulation likely had an additive effect. One year after surgery, the cognitive changes did not exert a detrimental effect on quality of life, although letter fluency declines were associated with communication dissatisfaction at 12 months. Improvement in depressive symptom severity appears dependent on stimulation and not placebo or lesion effects. © 2016 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The molecular underpinnings of prostate cancer: impacts on management and pathology practice
Authors: Rodrigues Daniel Nava , Boysen Gunther , Sumanasuriya Semini , Seed George , Marzo Angelo M De , de Bono Johann
Published: October 2016

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a clinically heterogeneous disease and current treatment strategies are based largely on anatomical and pathological parameters. In the recent past, several DNA sequencing studies of primary and advanced PCa have revealed recurrent patterns of genomic aberrations that expose mechanisms of resistance to available therapies and potential new drug targets. Suppression of androgen receptor (AR) signalling is the cornerstone of advanced prostate cancer treatment. Genomic aberrations of the androgen receptor or alternative splicing of its mRNA are increasingly recognised as biomarkers of resistance to AR‐targeted therapies such as abiraterone or enzalutamide. Genomic aberrations of the PI3K–AKT axis, in particular affecting PTEN, are common in PCa, and compounds targeting different kinases in this pathway are showing promise in clinical trials. Both germline and somatic defects in DNA repair genes have been shown to sensitise some patients to therapy with PARP inhibition. In addition, abnormalities in mismatch‐repair genes are associated with response to immune checkpoint inhibition in other solid tumours and present a tantalising therapeutic avenue to be pursued. Aberrations in CDK4/6–RB1 pathway genes occur in a subset of PCas, may associate with differential sensitivity to treatment, and are likely to have clinical implications beyond prognostication. Inhibitors of CDK4/6 are already being tested in prostate cancer clinical trials. Furthermore, deletions of RB1 are strongly associated with a neuroendocrine phenotype, a rare condition characterized by a non‐AR‐driven transcriptomic profile. Finally, aberrations in genes involved in regulating the chromatin structure are an emerging area of interest. Deletions of CHD1 are not infrequent in PCa and may associate with increased AR activity and genomic instability, and these tumours could benefit from DNA‐damaging therapies. This review summarises how genomic discoveries in PCa are changing the treatment landscape of advanced CRPC, both by identifying biomarkers of resistance and by identifying vulnerabilities to be targeted. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rational design of diarylethylene‐based polymeric semiconductors for high‐performance organic field‐effect transistors
Authors: Zhang Weifeng , Yu Gui
Published: October 2016

Constructing planar, rigid, and high electronically delocalized π‐conjugated molecular system is the most basic requirements of obtaining high‐performance polymeric semiconductors for organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). In this regard, diarylethylene (DAE)‐based polymers show great potential because many substantive progresses related to polymer field‐effect transistors had been achieved from the kind of polymer materials in recent years. In the brief review, series of DAE‐based polymer are highlighted, based on which several design strategies have been summarized by the way of comparative research method. These strategies have important guiding significance not only for further developing new DAE‐based and other polymeric semiconductors for OFETs but also for developing specific polymeric semiconductors for other organic electronics, such as organic photovoltaics and organic light‐emitting diodes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 585–603
Micro‐plasmoids in self organized filamentary dielectric barrier discharges
Authors: Engelhardt Max , Kogelheide Friederike , Stapelmann Katharina , Bibinov Nikita , Awakowicz Peter
Published: October 2016

A filamentary dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is ignited on a silicon wafer under atmospheric pressure conditions in a mixture of argon and air (0.5/0.5) in two different modes, namely a stochastically ignited filamentary discharge and a self‐organized filamentary discharge by the application of high voltage (HV) pulses at two repetition frequencies, 0.5 and 5 kHz. The discharge conditions are characterized by optical emission spectroscopy and current–voltage measurements. The silicon wafer surface treated with the DBD is studied with an electron microscope. The formation of a homogeneous silicon oxide layer is observed after treatment under a stochastically filamentary DBD. Whereas, in the self‐organized filamentary DBD, etching tracks (thin channels) and blisters are produced on the silicon wafer surface, which are interpreted as tracks of plasmoids, namely plasma objects without any direct contact to a power supply. The transition between the different filamentary modes of the DBD plasma occurs in the presented study through an increase of the repetition frequency of HV pulses, but it can also be caused by small silicon splinters on the wafer surface. The splinters cause ignitions in stable positions, and therefore induce a combination of discharge modes, namely stochastically and self‐organized DBD mode. In close proximity to the splinters, tracks of plasmoids are observed, even in the DBD at low frequency.
Blast Waves and Fragment Velocities of Erythritol Tetranitrate
Authors: Tagawa Masahiro , Hiyoshi Reiko I. , Takeuchi Masaru , Akita Kimiya
Published: October 2016

Erythritol tetranitrate (ETN) is a highly sensitive nitrate ester that has a similar molecular structure to nitroglycerine and penta‐erythritol tetranitrate (PETN). In this study, experiments detonating 175 g of ETN were repeated three times to measure blast waves 0.6 m above the ground. TNT and PETN were also tested under the same conditions for comparison. The average peak overpressure of ETN was about 30 kPa at 3 m from the explosion center (5.4 m kg−1/3 scaled distance), which was much higher than that of TNT (about 22 kPa) and similar to PETN. The effects of the reflected wave from the ground appeared at greater distances of 5 and 7 m (8.9 and 12.5 m kg−1/3, respectively), as verified by the waveforms and high‐speed camera images. Previous TNT data for peak overpressure vs. scaled distance were used to calculate the TNT equivalents for the experimental data, which revealed that ETN had a similar value to PETN. The fragments velocities of steel cylinders were measured, and that of ETN (1040 m s−1) was higher than that of TNT (957 m s−1) and lower than that of PETN (1260 m s−1). The Gurney constant for each explosive was obtained by using the initial fragment velocities.
Segment swapping aided the evolution of enzyme function: The case of uroporphyrinogen III synthase
Authors: Szilágyi András , Györffy Dániel , Závodszky Péter
Published: October 2016

In an earlier study, we showed that two‐domain segment‐swapped proteins can evolve by domain swapping and fusion, resulting in a protein with two linkers connecting its domains. We proposed that a potential evolutionary advantage of this topology may be the restriction of interdomain motions, which may facilitate domain closure by a hinge‐like movement, crucial for the function of many enzymes. Here, we test this hypothesis computationally on uroporphyrinogen III synthase, a two‐domain segment‐swapped enzyme essential in porphyrin metabolism. To compare the interdomain flexibility between the wild‐type, segment‐swapped enzyme (having two interdomain linkers) and circular permutants of the same enzyme having only one interdomain linker, we performed geometric and molecular dynamics simulations for these species in their ligand‐free and ligand‐bound forms. We find that in the ligand‐free form, interdomain motions in the wild‐type enzyme are significantly more restricted than they would be with only one interdomain linker, while the flexibility difference is negligible in the ligand‐bound form. We also estimated the entropy costs of ligand binding associated with the interdomain motions, and find that the change in domain connectivity due to segment swapping results in a reduction of this entropy cost, corresponding to ∼20% of the total ligand binding free energy. In addition, the restriction of interdomain motions may also help the functional domain‐closure motion required for catalysis. This suggests that the evolution of the segment‐swapped topology facilitated the evolution of enzyme function for this protein by influencing its dynamic properties. Proteins 2016; 85:46–53. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Back Cover: CuNi binary alloy catalyst for growth of nitrogen‐doped graphene by low pressure chemical vapor deposition (Phys. Status Solidi RRL 10/2016)
Authors: Papon Remi , Sharma Kamal P. , Mahayavanshi Rakesh D. , Sharma Subash , Vishwakarma Riteshkumar , Rosmi Mohamad Saufi , Kawahara Toshio , Cline Joseph , Kalita Golap , Tanemura Masaki
Published: October 2016

No abstract is available for this article.
Sharp thresholds for half‐random games I
Authors: Groschwitz Jonas , Szabó Tibor
Published: October 2016

We study biased Maker‐Breaker positional games between two players, one of whom is playing randomly against an opponent with an optimal strategy. In this paper we consider the scenario when Maker plays randomly and Breaker is “clever”, and determine the sharp threshold bias of classical graph games, such as connectivity, Hamiltonicity, and minimum degree‐k. We treat the other case, that is when Breaker plays randomly, in a separate paper.

The traditional, deterministic version of these games, with two optimal players playing, are known to obey the so‐called probabilistic intuition. That is, the threshold bias of these games is asymptotically equal to the threshold bias of their random counterpart, where players just take edges uniformly at random. We find, that despite this remarkably precise agreement of the results of the deterministic and the random games, playing randomly against an optimal opponent is not a good idea: the threshold bias tilts significantly more towards the random player. An important qualitative aspect of the probabilistic intuition carries through nevertheless: the bottleneck for Maker to occupy a connected graph is still the ability to avoid isolated vertices in her graph. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 49, 766–794, 2016
A joint modelling approach for multistate processes subject to resolution and under intermittent observations
Authors: Yiu Sean , Tom Brian
Published: October 2016

Multistate processes provide a convenient framework when interest lies in characterising the transition intensities between a set of defined states. If, however, there is an unobserved event of interest (not known if and when the event occurs), which when it occurs stops future transitions in the multistate process from occurring, then drawing inference from the joint multistate and event process can be problematic. In health studies, a particular example of this could be resolution, where a resolved patient can no longer experience any further symptoms, and this is explored here for illustration. A multistate model that includes the state space of the original multistate process but partitions the state representing absent symptoms into a latent absorbing resolved state and a temporary transient state of absent symptoms is proposed. The expanded state space explicitly distinguishes between resolved and temporary spells of absent symptoms through disjoint states and allows the uncertainty of not knowing if resolution has occurred to be easily captured when constructing the likelihood; observations of absent symptoms can be considered to be temporary or having resulted from resolution. The proposed methodology is illustrated on a psoriatic arthritis data set where the outcome of interest is a set of intermittently observed disability scores. Estimated probabilities of resolving are also obtained from the model. © 2016 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Dynamics of task allocation in global software development
Authors: Imtiaz Salma , Ikram Naveed
Published: October 2016

Context

Global software development (GSD) promises high‐quality software at low cost. GSD enables around‐the‐clock development to achieve maximum production in a short period of time by using expertise around the globe. This development is only possible if tasks are effectively distributed among sites to ensure smooth development. Therefore, one of the key challenges of GSD is to design a task allocation strategy.

Objective

The objective of this study is to identify various factors that influence task allocation decisions in GSD and to assess their relative importance. We also aim to determine the interrelationship between the factors along with role played by product architecture and communication and coordination needs during task allocation.

Methods

We used multiple methods to collect data about the task allocation factors and process. A web‐based survey of 54 GSD practitioners from around the globe was conducted to identify the factors and their relative importance for task allocation decision. The selection of the sample was performed via the snowball sampling technique. To increase the sample size, the survey was also posted on social media, that is, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Nonparametric statistical tests were applied on the response data to identify correlations and significance. Interviews were conducted from 11 project managers having 10 to 30 years GSD experience to gain insight into the dynamics of task allocation process.

Results

The survey results highlight “expertise,” “site characteristics,” and “task site dependency” as the most important factors for a task allocation decision. The interview study has highlighted the importance of situation‐specific decision making during task allocation. The significance of factors varies with the characteristics of task, characteristics of organization, type of GSD, and objective of doing GSD. The culture and time differences between distributed sites have been assigned a low priority by the majority of the practitioners. The most common way of distributing task is functional area of expertise and phase‐based division, where detailed architecture is not considered. Interdependent modules are not allocated to distributed sites because of communication and coordination overhead. Our results also demonstrate a correlation between various factors and support Conway's law.

Conclusions

We have interesting results in which certain factors are ranked differently from the prevalent views in the GSD literature. The survey results have also confirmed the application of Conway's law in practice for task allocation, where interdependent modules are not allocated to distributed sites. The significance of factors varies with characteristics of task, characteristics of organization, type of GSD, and objective of GSD, which require trade‐off between factors. The need of a well‐defined situation‐specific task allocation framework is evident from the results of survey and interview study. The outline of a task allocation framework for GSD is presented.
An Interactionist Approach to the Social Construction of Deities
Authors: Sumerau J.E. , Nowakowski Alexandra C.H. , Cragun Ryan T.
Published: October 2016

This paper examines the ways people construct and signify deities. Utilizing responses from an ethnographic study as well as analyses of existing studies of religion, we elaborate ways people construct the existence and characteristics of deities by engaging in “deity work,” which we define as the work people do to give meaning to deities as well as to themselves, others, or social phenomena related to deities. In so doing, we demonstrate how people may accomplish this in many settings by engaging in strategies of identity work including (1) defining, (2) coding, and (3) affirming the meanings of a given deity in social interaction. In conclusion, we draw out implications for understanding (1) the importance of examining deity work, and (2) some ways a focus on deity work processes may expand existing religious and interactionist studies.
Platelet‐Activating Factor Quantification Using Reversed Phase Liquid Chromatography and Selected Reaction Monitoring in Negative Ion Mode
Authors: Pike Daniel P. , Hartman Celine L. , Weissler Gregory J. , Palladino Elisa N. D. , Albert Carolyn J. , Ford David A.
Published: October 2016

Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) is a potent biologically active phospholipid that mediates human physiological and pathophysiologic responses. PAF levels increase transiently and are typically assessed by techniques with limitations related to expense, sensitivity, pre‐analysis derivatization and interference with isobaric molecules. This study elucidates a facile, accurate liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analytical method for PAF. In negative ion mode using electrospray ionization, collisionally‐activated dissociation analysis showed a unique product ion for acetate adducts of PAF molecular species representing the loss of methyl acetate from the polar head group and loss of a part of the acetate group from the sn‐2 position. This product ion was exploited for selected reaction monitoring of PAF molecular species following separation by reversed‐phase liquid chromatography. Standard calibration responses were determined, and this method was able to detect as low as 100 fmol of PAF. Finally, PAF molecular species were quantified in human neutrophils and monocytes.
Biodiversität und nachhaltige Landnutzung in Großschutzgebieten
Authors: Job Hubert , Woltering Manuel , Warner Barbara , Heiland Stefan , Jedicke Eckhard , Meyer Peter , Nienaber Birte , Plieninger Tobias , Pütz Marco , Rannow Sven , Ruschkowski Eick von
Published: October 2016

Land-use systems and biodiversity in Germany can be investigated using the network of protected areas. This issue focuses on nature parks, national parks and biosphere reserves that are confronted with various problems related to competition for land and acceptance. The working group “Biodiversity and sustainable land use in protected areas” of the Academy for Spatial Research and Planning (ARL) has tackled this topic. This paper reviews the research questions that are debated in this special issue of “Raumforschung und Raumordnung”. These questions include the influence of different land-use systems on the state of ecosystem services, how the different types of protected areas should be evaluated in terms of their individual contributions to the conservation and development of biodiversity, the role played specifically by woods and forestry management with regard to biodiversity and sustainable land use, and the patterns of conflict that exist due to competing land uses. Attention is also paid to concrete governance approaches in protected areas against the background of competition for land and the question of how experience gained in protected areas can be transferred to ‚normal‘ landscapes. The paper also provides basic definitions relevant to the topic. Finally, from the perspective of various disciplines, the working group calls for policy and planning actors to support the sustainable development of protected areas in Germany. Here the focus is not only on a stringent strengthening of the status of protected areas on the federal level combined with appropriate administrative structures, but also on promoting improved quality assurance and quality development of the protected areas. Of further relevance to these calls for action is the field of tension between the necessity for strengthened process protection and the intensification of agriculture in the context of EU Common Agricultural Policy.
Explaining Metropolitan Governance. The Case of Spain
Authors: Tomàs Mariona
Published: October 2016

In this paper I examine the characteristics of metropolitan governance in Spain. In the first part, I briefly analyse the different theoretical conceptions and the existing models of metropolitan governance in Europe. I argue that metropolitan governance is explained by the interrelations between the specific institutional context (intergovernmental system) and political culture (attitudes towards metropolitan cooperation). This institutional milieu sets the conditions for the action of political actors and favours the existence of a specific model of metropolitan governance. In the second part, I study the case of Spain, which is interesting for two main reasons. First, it exemplifies well one of the problems of metropolitan governance: the permanent gap between institutions and the process of metropolitanization. Second, in Spain there is a diversity of models of metropolitan governance, which is useful to analyse the reasons for this variation. To do so, I focus on five urban areas (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao and Sevilla), analysing their models of metropolitan governance and particularly their degree of institutionalization and the type of institutional arrangements that have been made.
Omic studies reveal the pathogenic lipid droplet proteins in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zhang Xuelin , Wang Yang , Liu Pingsheng
Published: October 2016

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an epidemic metabolic condition driven by an underlying lipid homeostasis disorder. The lipid droplet (LD), the main organelle involved in neutral lipid storage and hydrolysis, is a potential target for NAFLD therapeutic treatment. In this review, we summarize recent progress elucidating the connections between LD-associated proteins and NAFLD found by genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genomic and proteomic studies. Finally, we discuss a possible mechanism by which the protein 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 (17β-HSD13) may promote the development of NAFLD.
Small amplitude periodic solutions of Klein–Gordon equations
Authors: Lu Nan
Published: October 2016

We consider a class of nonlinear Klein–Gordon equations

u_{tt} = u_{xx}−u + f(u)

and obtain a family of small amplitude periodic solutions, where the temporal and spatial period have different scales. The proof is based on a combination of Lyapunov–Schmidt reduction, averaging and Nash–Moser iteration.
Fujita blow up phenomena and hair trigger effect: The role of dispersal tails
Authors: Alfaro Matthieu
Published: October 2016

We consider the nonlocal diffusion equation

\partial _{t}u = J\ast u−u + u^{1 + p}

in the whole of

\mathbb{R}^{N}

. We prove that the Fujita exponent dramatically depends on the behavior of the Fourier transform of the kernel

J

near the origin, which is linked to the tails of

J

. In particular, for compactly supported or exponentially bounded kernels, the Fujita exponent is the same as that of the nonlinear Heat equation

\partial _{t}u = \mathrm{\Delta }u + u^{1 + p}

. On the other hand, for kernels with algebraic tails, the Fujita exponent is either of the Heat type or of some related Fractional type, depending on the finiteness of the second moment of

J

. As an application of the result in population dynamics models, we discuss the hair trigger effect for

\partial _{t}u = J\ast u−u + u^{1 + p}(1−u)

.
Comparación entre 3 modelos para el entrenamiento en el cierre de una herida superficial
Authors: Valderrama-Treviño Alan Isaac , Granados Romero Juan José , Méndez-Celis Carlos Aarón , Chernitzky-Camaño Jonathan , Barrera Mera Baltazar , Montalvo-Javé Eduardo , Argüero Sánchez Rubén
Published: October 2016

Introducción: La simulación médica ha sido empleada para facilitar la enseñanza de procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos, así como conceptos médicos, toma de decisiones, aspectos éticos y trabajo en equipo con estudiantes de pregrado, posgrado y médicos ya formados así como en otros profesionales de la salud.
Objetivos: Elaborar un simulador de piel para el entrenamiento en competencias básicas quirúrgicas del Pregrado Médico. Evaluar la adquisición de competencias básicas en cirugía en un grupo de alumnos de Pregrado.
Métodos: En un grupo de 90 alumnos de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México del segundo año de la carrera Médico General, se les evaluó durante dos periodos la adquisición de competencias básicas y manejo de instrumental para el cierre de una herida superficial simulada. Se dividieron en tres subgrupos de acuerdo al uso de modelos biológicos/no biológicos. Análisis estadístico: Al comparar más de dos grupos utilizamos el análisis de la varianza con un factor o de una vía, prueba ANOVA.
Resultados: Se construyeron 6 simuladores por cada cartucho de silicón, obteniendo una lámina superficial de 2-4 mm de grosor que posee comportamiento elástico, consistencia blanda, lisa, flexible y resistente. Se compararon las evaluaciones finales de los tres subgrupos. Encontramos que existe diferencia entre el uso de piel sintética y pata de puerco en comparación con el uso del conejo en la evaluación final del punto Sarnoff y subdérmico.
Conclusiones: En nuestro estudio demostramos mejor adquisición de competencias quirúrgicas al utilizar un simulador no biológico, probablemente por el entrenamiento constante y fácil manipulación de dicho modelo.
In-flight wing deformation measurements on a glider
Authors: Bakunowicz J. , Meyer R.
Published: October 2016

Flight testing is both vital for collecting data for aeronautic research and at the same time fascinating for its contributors. Taking a glider as a versatile test bed example, this paper presents a transnational measurement campaign within the framework of a collaborative project funded by the European Commission. This project Advanced In-Flight Measurement Techniques 2 (AIM²) is a follow-up of Advanced In-Flight Measurement Techniques (AIM) and dedicated to developing and enhancing promising optical metrology for various flight test applications up to an industrial level.

The Image Pattern Correlation Technique (IPCT) and infrared thermography (IRT) are two of these modern non-intrusive measurement methods that were further developed and applied to the glider test bed within the scope of AIM². Focusing on optical deformation measurements with IPCT the experimental setup, the flight testing and results are summarily discussed. Gliders are not commonly used flight test platforms, which is why this contribution concludes with some lessons learned in general and especially related to the presented application. The experience to be shared with the flight testing community addresses equipment preparation, data collection and processing as well as how to meet official requirements and perform test flight operations in a dense controlled airspace.
Process, Ideology, and Willingness to Pay for Reducing Childhood Poverty
Authors: Ozdemir Semra , Johnson F. Reed , Whittington Dale
Published: October 2016

We investigated the perceived value of government programs on early-childhood development as a means of reducing childhood poverty. We incorporated preferences for the process as well as the outcome by developing two stated-preference survey instruments. One survey directly elicited respondents’ willingness to pay specifically for high-quality, intensive, early-childhood development programs at federal and state levels. A second survey elicited respondents’ preferences for increasing or decreasing taxes and reallocating expenditures between other government programs and early-childhood programs. We found that respondents cared greatly about how childhood poverty was reduced, not just reducing poverty per se. The perceived effectiveness of a program and ideological perspective were found to be important determinants of preferences for a poverty-reduction program. Respondents across all groups, including conservatives and respondents who perceived the effectiveness of early-childhood programs to be low, were not in favor of reducing the early-childhood program.
OS1 - 136 Time-Delayed Contrast Enhanced MRI Improves Detection of Brain Metastases: A Prospective Validation of Diagnostic Yield
Authors: Cohen-Inbar O.
Published: October 2016

The radiological detection of BMs is essential for optimizing a patient’s treatment. This statement is even more valid when stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), a non-invasive image guided treatment that can target BM as small as 1-2 mm, is delivered as part of that care. The timing of image acquisition after contrast administration can influence the diagnostic sensitivity of contrast enhanced MRI for BM. Objective: Investigate the effect of time delayed acquisition after administration of intravenous Atavist® (Gadobutrol 1mmol/ml) on the detection of BM. Methods: This is a prospective IRB approved study of 50 patients with BM who underwent post-contrast MRI sequences immediately after injection of 0.1 mmol/kg Gadavist® as part of clinical care (t0), followed by axial T1 sequences after a 10 minutes (t1) and 20 minute delay (t2). MRI studies were blindly compared by 3 neuro-radiologists. Results: Single measure intraclass correlation coefficients were very high (0.914, 0.904 and 0.905 for t0, t1 and t2 respectively), corresponding to a reliable inter-observer correlation. The t2 delayed sequences showed a significant and consistently higher diagnostic sensitivity for BM by every participating neuroradiologist as well as for the entire cohort (p=0.016, p=0.035 and 0.034 respectively). A disproportionately high representation of BM detected on the delayed studies was located within posterior circulation territories (compared to predictions based on tissue volume and blood-flow volumes). Conclusion: Considering the safe and potentially high yield nature of delayed MRI sequences, it should supplement the basic MRI sequences in all patients in need of precise delineation of their intracranial disease.
OS2 - 166 A Novel Model of Human Lung-to-Brain Metastasis and its Application to the Identification of Essential Metastatic Regulatory Genes
Authors: Singh M , Venugopal C , Tokar T , Brown K R , McFarlane N , Bakhshinyan D , Vijayakumar T , Manoranjan B , Mahendram S , Vora P , Qazi M , Dhillon M , Tong A , Durrer K , Murty N , Hallett R , Hassell J A , Kaplan D , Cutz JC , Jurisica I , Moffat J , Singh S K
Published: October 2016

Brain Metastases (BM) represent a leading cause of cancer mortality. While metastatic lesions contain subclones derived from their primary lesion, their functional characterization has been limited by a paucity of preclinical models accurately recapitulating the stages of metastasis. This work describes the isolation of a unique subset of metastatic stem-like cells from primary human patient samples of BM, termed brain metastasis initiating cells (BMICs). Utilizing these BMICs we have established a novel patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of BM that recapitulates the entire metastatic cascade, from primary tumor initiation to micro-metastasis and macro-metastasis formation in the brain. We then comprehensively interrogated human BM to identify genetic regulators of BMICs using in vitro and in vivo RNA interference screens, and validated hits using both our novel PDX model as well as primary clinical BM specimens. We identified SPOCK1 and TWIST2 as novel BMIC regulators, where in our model SPOCK1 regulated BMIC self-renewal and tumor initiation, and TWIST2 specifically regulated cell migration from lung to brain. A prospective cohort of primary lung cancer specimens was used to establish that SPOCK1 and TWIST2 were only expressed in patients who ultimately developed BM, thus establishing both clinical and functional utility for these gene products. This work offers the first comprehensive preclinical model of human brain metastasis for further characterization of therapeutic targets, identification of predictive biomarkers, and subsequent prophylactic treatment of patients most likely to develop BM. By blocking this process, metastatic lung cancer would effectively become a localized, more manageable disease.