bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Pressure NiAs‐Type Modification of FeN
Authors: Clark William P. , Steinberg Simon , Dronskowski Richard , McCammon Catherine , Kupenko Ilya , Bykov Maxim , Dubrovinsky Leonid , Akselrud Lev G. , Schwarz Ulrich , Niewa Rainer
Published: May 2017

The combination of laser‐heated diamond anvil cells and synchrotron Mössbauer source spectroscopy were used to investigate high‐temperature high‐pressure chemical reactions of iron and iron nitride Fe2N with nitrogen. At pressures between 10 and 45 GPa, significant magnetic hyperfine splitting indicated compound formation after annealing at 1300 K. Subsequent in situ X‐ray diffraction reveals a new modification of FeN with NiAs‐type crystal structure, as also rationalized by first‐principles total‐energy and chemical‐bonding studies.
Meta-analysis of adjuvant therapy following curative surgery for periampullary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Acharya A , Markar S R , Sodergren M H , Malietzis G , Darzi A , Athanasiou T , Khan A Z
Published: May 2017

Background

Periampullary cancers are uncommon malignancies, often amenable to surgery. Several studies have suggested a role for adjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy in improving survival of patients with periampullary cancers, with variable results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the survival benefit of adjuvant therapy for periampullary cancers.

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken of literature published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2015 to elicit and analyse the pooled overall survival associated with the use of either adjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy versus observation in the treatment of surgically resected periampullary cancer. Included articles were also screened for information regarding stage, prognostic factors and toxicity-related events.

Results

A total of 704 titles were screened, of which 93 full-text articles were retrieved. Fourteen full-text articles were included in the study, six of which were RCTs. A total of 1671 patients (904 in the control group and 767 who received adjuvant therapy) were included. The median 5-year overall survival rate was 37·5 per cent in the control group, compared with 40·0 per cent in the adjuvant group (hazard ratio 1·08, 95 per cent c.i. 0·91 to 1·28; P = 0·067). In 32·2 per cent of patients who had adjuvant therapy, one or more WHO grade 3 or 4 toxicity-related events were noted. Advanced T category was associated worse survival (regression coefficient −0·14, P = 0·040), whereas nodal status and grade of differentiation were not.

Conclusion

This systematic review found no associated survival benefit for adjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of periampullary cancer.
Setting Strategies outside a Typical Environmental Perspective Using ISO 14001 Certification
Authors: Chiarini Andrea
Published: May 2017

The scope of this research is to evaluate whether ISO 14001 certification could be used as a strategic vehicle for achieving objectives that are not strictly linked to a technical and operative perspective, and to determine what these objectives are. In order to find these objectives, a review of the literature was first conducted to determine what they were and seven hypotheses emerged. The hypotheses concerned the possibility of using ISO 14001 as a strategy for achieving objectives related to finance and turnover, customer satisfaction, community satisfaction, employee satisfaction, health and safety in the workplace, and growth and skills of employees. The validity of each hypothesis was tested via a survey of 164 managers of European manufacturing companies. This research produced interesting findings, some of which contradicted the findings of other research, in particular for financial and turnover objectives. In addition, the research revealed interesting relationships between employees' skills and issues such as Design for the Environment and Sustainability. Furthermore, some limitations of ISO 14001 with respect to the Eco‐Management and Audit Scheme regulation emerged. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Computer programming with Python for industrial and systems engineers: Perspectives from an instructor and students
Authors: Wang Yong , Hill Kasey J. , Foley Erin C.
Published: May 2017

This paper examines recent efforts at Binghamton University to teach the computer programming language Python to Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) undergraduates who possess little prior programming experience. The rationale behind selecting Python to teach is discussed. An evaluation of students’ learning outcomes shows that performance is distinguishable by gender, class standing, and class attendance. Lessons learned from the instructor's and the students’ perspectives are presented.
Bubble Plume Oscillations in Viscous Fluids
Authors: Laupsien David , Cockx Arnaud , Line Alain
Published: May 2017

The mixing potential of bubble column reactors for viscous fluids was investigated experimentally. A heterogeneously aerated pseudo‐2D column was used to study hydrodynamics and especially low‐frequency oscillation. Different metrological methods, such as particle image velocity, shadowgraphy, and pressure and oxygen sensors, were applied. Water and fluids with lower surface tension and higher viscosity but still showing Newtonian rheological behavior were used. A viscosity range of 1–100 mPa s was chosen to mimic bioreactor fluids. Two different spargers were employed to produce different bubble sizes and shapes. Injection flow rate was modified to create a wide spectrum of injection conditions. Different oscillating behaviors were found depending on the sparger and the fluid properties.
Detection of Copper Bisguanidine NO Adducts by UV‐vis Spectroscopy and a SuperFocus Mixer
Authors: Oppermann Alexander , Laurini Larissa , Etscheidt Fabian , Hollmann Katharina , Strassl Florian , Hoffmann Alexander , Schurr Daniela , Dittmeyer Roland , Rinke Günter , Herres-Pawlis Sonja
Published: May 2017

The reaction of Cu(I) bisguanidine complexes with nitric oxide and the formation of intermediate species were monitored via UV‐vis spectroscopy at low temperature, with the occurrence of characteristic absorption bands. The origin of the emerging species and their character were substantiated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements and density functional theory (DFT) studies showing a delocalized {CuNO}11 radical species. Furthermore, this system was transferred to the SuperFocus mixer setup, which allows rapid mixing and the determination of decay constants at ambient temperatures of the thermally sensitive species. However, these experiments demonstrated the limits of these systems, such as the NO saturation in organic solvents and a preferably precise temperature control within the SuperFocus mixer, which should be addressed in the future.
Total Synthesis of O‐GalNAcylated Antifreeze Glycoprotein using the Switchable Reactivity of Peptidyl‐N‐pivaloylguanidine
Authors: Orii Ryo , Sakamoto Noriko , Fukami Daichi , Tsuda Sakae , Izumi Masayuki , Kajihara Yasuhiro , Okamoto Ryo
Published: May 2017

Antifreeze glycoprotein (AFGP) is an O‐glycoprotein that displays antifreeze activity through depression of the freezing point of water. GalNAc is a core sugar structure of AFGP, and contributes to induce antifreeze activity of this glycoprotein. However, the general functional role that this sugar plays at the molecular level is still unknown. To elucidate this, it is essential to determine the relationship between structure and activity of O‐GalNAcylated AFGP using homogeneous glycoproteins. Thus, the total synthesis of homogeneous O‐GalNAcylated AFGP was conducted by using a unique peptide derivative: peptidyl‐N‐pivaloylguanidine. It was found that peptidyl‐N‐pivaloylguanidine is an “unreactive” peptide in peptide coupling reactions but is interconvertible with a “reactive” peptide‐α‐thioester by means of a simple treatment under buffer condition at pH=7 to 8. The unique switchable reactivity of peptidyl‐N‐pivaloylguanidine enabled an efficient sequential peptide coupling strategy. By using this strategy, various lengths of homogeneous O‐GalNAcylated AFGP were synthesized, including one that was 120 amino acids in length, with 40 O‐GalNAcylation sites. The structural analysis by circular dichroism spectroscopy and evaluation of the antifreeze activity of the synthetic AFGP(GalNAc)s revealed that the simple O‐glycosylation with GalNAc is essential for both structural and functional basis of AFGP to exhibit antifreeze activity.
Efficient recursive kernel canonical variate analysis for monitoring nonlinear time‐varying processes
Authors: Shang Liangliang , Liu Jianchang , Zhang Yingwei
Published: May 2017

Kernel canonical variate analysis (KCVA) cannot be adopted for monitoring nonlinear time‐varying processes because of changes in variance, mean, and correlation between variables. Efficient recursive kernel canonical variate analysis (ERKCVA) is thus proposed to monitor the nonlinear time‐varying processes. In a high‐dimensional feature space, the covariance matrix can be updated recursively by the exponentially weighted moving average approach. The first‐order perturbation theory is introduced to obtain the recursive singular value decomposition of the Hankel matrix, which can significantly reduce the computational cost of the proposed method. Prediction errors and state variables are non‐Gaussian; thus, upper control limits can be derived from the estimated probability density function by kernel density estimation. The proposed method is demonstrated by simulating a continuous stirred tank reactor. Simulation results indicate that ERKCVA could efficiently capture the predefined normal and natural changes in nonlinear time‐varying processes. In addition, ERKCVA can also identify 4 types of sensor faults.
The effect of initial molecular profile on response to recombinant interferon‐α (rIFNα) treatment in early myelofibrosis
Authors: Silver Richard T. , Barel Ariella C. , Lascu Elena , Ritchie Ellen K. , Roboz Gail J. , Christos Paul J. , Orazi Attilio , Hassane Duane C. , Tam Wayne , Cross Nicholas C. P.
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Although recombinant interferon‐α (rIFNα) effectively treats patients with early myelofibrosis, the effect of driver and high molecular risk (HMR) mutations has not been considered. In this phase 2 study, for the first time, the authors correlate response to rIFNα treatment with driver and HMR mutations.

METHODS

Patients were diagnosed using World Health Organization or International Working Group for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and Treatment criteria. Only patients who had low or intermediate‐1 Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System scores with ≥15% hematopoietic bone marrow foci were included. History, symptom assessment, physical examination, and blood and bone marrow studies were performed. Genomic DNA was extracted from frozen cells, and next‐generation targeted sequencing of 45 genes was performed. Either rIFNα‐2b (0.5 million units subcutaneously 3 times weekly) or pegylated rIFNα‐2a (45 μg weekly) with escalation was initiated. All patients were followed at the authors' institution, and regular bone marrow biopsies were encouraged. International Working Group for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and Treatment and European LeukemiaNet treatment response criteria were used.

RESULTS

Of 30 patients (16 women and 14 men; median age, 58 years), 22 were classified as low risk, and 8 were classified as intermediate‐1 risk. Two patients achieved complete remission, 9 achieved partial remission, 4 had clinical improvement, 7 had stable disease; 3 had progressive disease, 1 relapsed, and 4 died. There were 22 patients with JAK mutations, 6 with CALR mutations, and 2 with MPL mutations. Seventy‐three percent of patients improved or remained stable with acceptable toxicity, including 37% who achieved complete or partial remission. There was no correlation between treatment response and baseline driver mutations or Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System scores. Of 8 poor responders, 3 had ASXL1 or SRSF2 mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

Early treatment with rIFNα in patients without HMR mutations may prevent the development of marked splenomegaly, anemia, and florid myelofibrosis. Molecular profiling at the time of diagnosis may predict prognosis and treatment response. Cancer 2017;123:2680‐87. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Layered Tb‐Doped Yttrium Carboxyphosphonate Nanocrystals as Efficient Filler for PEDOT:PSS Composite Films
Authors: Posati Tamara , Nocchetti Morena , Vivani Riccardo , Pistola Michela , Bolognesi Margherita , Seri Mirko , Costantino Ferdinando
Published: May 2017

A layered yttrium phosphonate based on N‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine (H3L) and of formula Y(PO3CH2NHCH2COOH)(HPO3CH2NHCH2COOH) was synthesized in mild hydrothermal conditions. Its crystal structure was first determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Then, the synthetic parameters were changed in order to reduce the particle size of the compound. The use of microwave (MW) irradiation during the synthesis allowed a) to obtain the compound in form of nanoparticles (NP) in the 50–300 nm range dispersed in water, b) to strongly reduce the reaction time by a factor 150, and c) to successfully introduce into the structure small amounts of a luminescent ion like terbium(III) as an isomorphic substituent of yttrium(III). The obtained NP were used to prepare composite materials by dispersing them in poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The resulting optical, photophysical, morphological and electrical properties of modified and pristine PEDOT:PSS films were investigated and compared, in order to test the potential use of Y(H2L)(HL) NP as luminescent downshifting materials in optoelectronic devices.
The Absence of Quadrupolar Nuclei Facilitates Efficient 13C Hyperpolarization via Reversible Exchange with Parahydrogen
Authors: Barskiy Danila A. , Shchepin Roman V. , Tanner Christian P. N. , Colell Johannes F. P. , Goodson Boyd M. , Theis Thomas , Warren Warren S. , Chekmenev Eduard Y.
Published: May 2017

Nuclear spin hyperpolarization techniques are revolutionizing the field of 13C molecular MRI. While dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (d‐DNP) is currently the leading technique, it is generally slow (requiring ≈1 h) and costly (≈$USD106). As a consequence of carbon's central place in biochemistry, tremendous progress using 13C d‐DNP bioimaging has been demonstrated to date including a number of clinical trials. Despite numerous attempts to develop alternatives to d‐DNP, the competing methods have faced significant translational challenges. Efficient hyperpolarization of 15N, 31P, and other heteronuclei using signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) has been reported in 2015, but extension of this technique to 13C has proven to be challenging. Here, we present efficient hyperpolarization of 13C nuclei using micro‐Tesla SABRE. Up to ca. 6700‐fold enhancement of nuclear spin polarization at 8.45 T is achieved within seconds, corresponding to P13C ≈4.4 % using 50 % parahydrogen (P13C >14 % would be feasible using more potent ≈100 % parahydrogen). Importantly, the 13C polarization achieved via SABRE strongly depends not only upon spin–lattice relaxation, but also upon the presence of 15N (I=1/2) versus quadrupolar 14N (I=1) spins in the site binding the hexacoordinate Ir atom of the catalytic complex. We show that different 13C nuclei in the test molecular frameworks—pyridine and acetonitrile—can be hyperpolarized, including 13C sites up to five chemical bonds away from the exchangeable hydrides. The presented approach is highly scalable and can be applied to a rapidly growing number of biomolecules amendable to micro‐Tesla SABRE.
Clinical profiles and prognosis of acute heart failure in adult patients with dystrophinopathies on home mechanical ventilation
Authors: Fayssoil Abdallah , Yaou Rabah Ben , Ogna Adam , Leturcq France , Nardi Olivier , Clair Bernard , Wahbi Karim , Lofaso Frederic , Laforet Pascal , Duboc Denis , Orlikowski David , Annane Djillali
Published: May 2017

Aims

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by respiratory and heart involvements. In the context of permanently wheelchair bound and on mechanical ventilation (MV) patients, the clinical presentation of acute heart failure (AHF) syndrome may be atypical. We sought to describe clinical and genetic profiles and to determine prognosis of DMD and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) patients on home MV (HMV), hospitalized for AHF.

Methods and results

We included genetically proven DMD and BMD patients on HMV admitted for AHF. A total of 13 patients (11 DMD and 2 BMD) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Median age was 34.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 26.0; 40.0] years. Median pulmonary vital capacity was 9.0% (6.0; 15.0) of predicted value. Long‐term invasive ventilation was performed in 69% of patients. All the 11 DMD patients carried out‐of‐frame DMD gene mutations. At admission, dyspnoea was present in 46%, lipothymia in 23%, and abdominal discomfort in 38.4% of patients. A total of 53.8% of patients showed anasarca. Cardiogenic shock presentation was found in six patients (46%). Ejection fraction was severely altered [median 25% (IQR 20; 30)]. Intra‐hospital mortality rate was 30%, reaching 53.8 % after 1 year. Previous episodes of AHF ≥ 2 were associated with intra‐hospital mortality (P = 0.025). In patients with cardiogenic shock, intra‐hospital mortality rate was 66.6%, reaching 83.3% after 1 year.

Conclusions

In adult DMD and BMD patients with severe ejection fraction alteration and on HMV, admitted for AHF, right cardiac signs are frequent. The intra‐hospital and 1 year mortality rate was high and was associated with previous episodes of AHF ≥ 2.
Synthesis and thermal study of polymers from soybean, sunflower, and grape seed maleinated oil
Authors: Alarcon Rafael Turra , Vinícius de Almeida Marcos , Rinaldo Daniel , Bannach Gilbert
Published: May 2017

This paper presents the synthesis of some polymers from maleinated vegetable oils (soybean, sunflower, and grape seed) and glycerol. First, all the vegetable oils were previously maleinated with maleic anhydride, then, the maleinated oils were esterified with glycerol to obtain the polymers; the synthetic route is simple and not use organic solvents, the results indicate that the synthesis was effortless and use inexpensive reagents, such as vegetable oils, maleic anhydride, and glycerol. These polymers could be applied in the area of adhesives and waterproofing materials. The results obtained by TGA‐DTA and DSC data showed that these polymers had different thermal behaviors, which is related to the different quantity of unsaturated fatty acids in each oil structure. Finally, the FTIR and 1H‐NMR analysis help to clarify the polymers structure and the reaction sites: hence, it was possible to propose a reaction mechanism and the structure.

Practical applications: The polymer synthesis of each vegetable oil was similar in time and process; however, the final product presented different physical characteristics. The results obtained by TGA‐DTA and DSC data showed that these polymers had different thermal behaviors, which is related by different quantity of unsaturated fatty acids in each oil structure. Finally, the FTIR and 1H‐NMR analysis help to clarify the polymers structure and the reaction sites: hence, it was possible propose a reaction mechanism and the structure. The results indicate that the synthesis was effortless and use inexpensive reagents, such as vegetable oils, maleic anhydride, and glycerol. These polymers could be applied in the area of ​​adhesives and waterproofing materials.

In this work synthesis of polymers from maleinated oils (soybean, sunflower, and grape‐seed) is shown. Possible structure is made by FTIR and 1H‐NMR analysis as well as its thermal characterization by TGA‐DTA and DSC.
Hetero‐Diels–Alder and Ring‐Opening Reactions of Furans Applied to the Synthesis of Functionalized Heterocycles
Authors: Alves Américo J. S. , Lopes Susana M. M. , Henriques Marta S. C. , Paixão José A. , Pinho e Melo Teresa M. V. D.
Published: May 2017

Furans have been explored as a scaffold for the synthesis of a range of heterocyclic compounds, exploring their dienophilic behaviour towards nitroso‐ and azoalkenes as the first step. Acid‐catalysed rearrangements of these cycloadducts, 4a,7a‐dihydro‐4H‐furo[2,3‐e][1,2]oxazines and 1,4,4a,7a‐tetrahydrofuro[3,2‐c]pyridazines, were studied. Using 1 equiv. of TFA, the bicyclic heterocycles derived from furan and 2‐methylfuran were converted into furans bearing side‐chains incorporating oxime and hydrazone groups by ring‐opening of the six‐membered ring with the concomitant aromatization of the furan ring. The use of TFA as solvent led to rearrangement via spirocyclic intermediates, followed by furan ring‐opening to afford functionalized isoxazoles or pyrazoles. Furthermore, furo‐oxazines derived from 2,5‐dimethylfuran, in which furan aromatization is precluded, were converted efficiently into 6H‐1,2‐oxazines through a furan ring‐opening reaction upon thermolysis in the presence of a catalytic amount of p‐toluenesulfonic acid. The tetrahydrofuro[3,2‐c]pyridazines derived from furan and dimethylfuran underwent acid‐catalysed addition reactions, leading to 6‐substituted hexahydrofuro[3,2‐c]pyridazines, when in the presence of alcohols or water.
Friend or foe? Evidence that anxious people are better at distinguishing targets from non‐targets
Authors: Ein‐Dor Tsachi , Perry‐Paldi Adi , Hirschberger Gilad
Published: May 2017

Armed conflict necessitates the ability to quickly distinguish friend from foe. Failure to make accurate shooting decisions may result in harm either to oneself or to innocent others. The factors that predict such rapid decision making, however, remain unclear. Based on social defense theory, we contend that people high on attachment anxiety possess characteristics that are particularly advantageous in this domain such that anxiously attached individuals will show greater vigilance and accuracy in a realistic shooting paradigm in which they must quickly distinguish between militants (people holding a gun) and innocents (people holding an item with the same color and shape as a gun—Coca‐Cola bottle, black wallet, and black mobile phone). Using signal detection theory algorithms, we calculated sensitivity in performing the behavioral shooting task [D(prime)]. Results indicate that as expected, anxious people demonstrated significantly better shooting accuracy. Implication for contemporary violent conflict is discussed.
Self‐Stacked, Small‐Sized MoS2 Nanosheets for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Hong , Yi Min , Liu Lei , Shen Zhigang , Liang Shuaishuai , Zhang Xiaojing , Ma Shulin
Published: May 2017

A liquid exfoliation route has allowed the environmentally friendly, scalable, and cost‐effective production of high‐quality 2D MoS2 nanosheets. However, high capacity achieved by the liquid‐exfoliated pristine MoS2 is rarely reported in lithium‐ion batteries. For the first time, it is demonstrated that liquid‐exfoliated small‐sized MoS2 nanosheets exhibit a high reversible capacity of 1133 mA h g−1 after 130 cycles and an excellent rate capability; these values are comparable to the high performances achieved by the available chemical routes.
How much did the soldiers dig? A quantification of WW1 remains in Argonne, France
Authors: Brenot Jérôme , Saulière Nicolas , Léty Cédric , Taborelli Pierre , Zélie Bruno , Blondeau Rémi , Devos Alain , Desfossés Yves
Published: May 2017

The Franco‐German front lines of the Argonne Forest in northern France, now partially preserved under forest cover, were the subject of a geoarchaeological survey that aimed at documenting the geomorphic impact of WW1 on battlefield topography. An archaeological field program, including pedestrian survey and excavation, was combined with geoarchaeological survey, archival research, and a large‐scale lidar survey, the goal being to map and quantify all surface war remains within the study area and their postwar morphological history. These data allowed for the calculation of variations in landscape relief (as displaced sediment volume) related to the construction of the trenches as well as sediment displaced through artillery shelling. Results show that displaced sediment volumes range between 1000 and 2000 m³/ha, and reflect the intensity of trench warfare on the landscape; we are able to document differences in trench building and maintenance between the French and German sides, as well as how artillery shelling altered the landscape. The lidar data, when combined with military maps produced during the war, as well as field verification, highlight the persistence of the now long‐abandoned trenches and wider landscape.
Super large mineral deposits and deep mantle dynamics: The scenario from Southeast Trans‐Baikal region, Russia
Authors: Khomich Vadim G. , Boriskina Natalia G. , Santosh M.
Published: May 2017

The Southeast Trans‐Baikal region in Russia hosts large and super large Mesozoic polymetallic mineral deposits including chalcophile and lithophile elements, rare metals, rare earth elements, and uranium. Here, we analyse the salient features of this metallogenic belt in terms of their distribution, mineral speciation, and relation to regional structures. The deep mantle architecture beneath this region is analyzed from published geophysical data including seismic tomography. The results show that the highly productive ores are largely located above the axial line of an undulating Moho that projects from the apex region of a subducted slab stagnant in the mantle transition zone. We propose that thermal and fluid flux from the asthenospheric mantle, metasomatism of the overlying shallow mantle, and mantle–crust interaction intensified the magmatism associated with metallogeny. Our study provides an example for deep‐seated geodynamics influencing the formation and distribution of giant ore belts.
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) use in severe mental illness (SMI) patients: Potential changes in the phenomenology of psychiatric diseases
Authors: Bersani Giuseppe , Prevete Elisabeth
Published: May 2017

Objective

Literature is quite poor about the clinical effects of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) and the long‐term consequences of NPS use in psychiatric patients. Consequently, it is of the greatest interest to examine which effects NPS can exert in patients with previous severe mental illness (SMI), such as psychotic patients. The aim of this work was a comprehensive review about NPS use in patients with SMI.

Methods

We searched Medline or PubMed for relevant English‐language citations and reviews describing relationships between NPS use and mental disorders, as well as for the main groups of substances and associated psychiatric manifestations. All studies reporting single case or case series of patients were selected.

Results

The NPS use in patients with SMI is probably underestimated. The one existing systematic review considers only 14 studies, 12 of which are case reports. Most clinical results report acute symptom exacerbation of preexisting psychosis. Paranoid, mood, and aggression symptoms occur more frequently.

Conclusions

NPS use could modify clinical features of SMI, but these conclusions cannot be generalizable. More evidence is needed to establish the causal and effective connection between NPS use and course of illness, type of psychiatric symptoms, and outcome of treatment in terms of adherence or response.
Alzheimer disease classification using KPCA, LDA, and multi‐kernel learning SVM
Authors: Alam Saruar , Kwon Goo‐Rak ,   The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2017

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is always useful. Preventive measures might have an impact on reducing AD risk factors. Structural magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, one of the vital sensitive biomarkers for cerebral atrophy in the brain, is used to extract volumetric feature by FreeSurfer and the CIVET toolbox. All of the structural magnetic resonance imaging (s‐MRI) data that we used were downloaded from the Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database (adni.loni.usc.edu) of imaging data. This novel approach is applied for the diagnosis of AD and MCI from healthy controls (HCs) combining extracted features with the MMSE (mini‐mental state examination) scores, applying a two sample t‐test to select a subset of features. The subset of features is fed to kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) module to project data onto the reduced principal component coefficients at higher dimensional kernel space to increase the linear separability. Then, the kernel PCA coefficients are projected into the more efficient linear discriminant space using linear discriminant analysis. A multi‐kernel learning support vector machine (SVM) is used on newly projected data for stratification of AD and MCI from HCs. Using this approach, we obtain 93.85% classification accuracy when detecting AD from HCs for segmented volumetric features (using FreeSurfer) with high sensitivity and specificity. When distinguishing MCI from HCs and AD using volumetric features after subcortical segmentation, the detection rate reaches 86.54% and 75.12%, respectively.
Data modeling and method analysis for brain imaging genetics
Authors: Sheng Jinhua
Published: May 2017

Brain imaging genetics is a popular research topic on evaluating the association between genetic variations and neuroimaging quantitative traits (QTs). As a bi‐multivariate analysis method, sparse canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is a useful technique which identifies efficiently genetic diseases on the brain with modeling dependencies between the variables of genotype data and phenotype data. The initial efforts on evaluating several space CCA methods are made for brain imaging genetics. A linear model is proposed to generate realistic imaging genomic data with selected genotype‐phenotype associations from real data and effectively capture the sparsity underlying projects. Three space CCA algorithms are applied to the synthetic data, and show better or comparable performance on the synthetic data in terms of the estimated canonical correlations. They have successfully identified an important association between genotype and phenotype. Experiments on simulated and real imaging genetic data show that approximating covariance structure using an identity or diagonal matrix and the approach used in these space CCA algorithms could limit the space CCA capability in identifying the underlying imaging genetics associations. Further development depends largely on enhanced space CCA methods that effectively pay attention to the covariance structures in simulated and real imaging genetics data.
Evaluation of detection distance‐dependent reflectance spectroscopy for the determination of the sun protection factor using pig ear skin
Authors: Reble Carina , Gersonde Ingo , Schanzer Sabine , Meinke Martina C. , Helfmann Jürgen , Lademann Jürgen
Published: May 2017

Determination of sun protection factors (SPFs) is currently an invasive method, which is based on erythema formation (phototest). Here we describe an optical setup and measurement methodology for the determination of SPFs based on diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, which measures UV‐reflectance spectra at 4 distances from the point of illumination. Due to a high spatial variation of the reflectance data, most likely due to inhomogeneities of the sunscreen distribution, data of 50 measurement positions are averaged. A dependence of the measured SPF on detection distance is significant for 3 sunscreens, while being inconclusive for 2 sunscreens due to high inter‐sample variations. Using pig ear skin samples (n=6), the obtained SPF of 5 different commercial sunscreens corresponds to the SPF values of certified test institutes in 3 cases and is lower for 2 sunscreens of the same manufacturer, suggesting a formulation specific reason for the discrepancy. The results demonstrate that the measurement can be performed with a UV dose below the minimal erythema dose. We conclude the method may be considered as a potential noninvasive in vivo alternative to the invasive in vivo phototest, but further tests on different sunscreen formulations are still necessary.

magnified image
Sonovaginography: A Useful Technique in the Assessment of the Lower Genital Tract
Authors: Johnson Samuel C. , Yegul N. Tugce , Balcacer Patricia
Published: May 2017

Conventional sonographic evaluation of the cervix and vagina is compromised by inattention, poor subject contrast, and obscuring artifacts. We describe a technique involving distention of the vaginal canal and fornices with ultrasound gel, providing an acoustic window for improved definition of the cervix and vagina. This exam is usually performed in concert with transvaginal sonography, but a transabdominal or transperineal approach may be more useful in selected scenarios. A wide variety of formerly sonographically inconspicuous conditions are demonstrable with this technique, many of which were undetected or inadequately characterized on the physical exam. Cervical polyps were the most commonly seen abnormality.
Winter habitat associations of eastern spotted skunks in Virginia
Authors: Thorne Emily D. , Waggy Charles , Jachowski David S. , Kelly Marcella J. , Ford W. Mark
Published: May 2017

Eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) populations have declined throughout much of their range in the eastern United States over recent decades. Declines have been attributed to habitat loss or change, increased competition with sympatric mesocarnivore species, or disease. To better understand the extant distribution of spotted skunks in the Appalachian Mountains of western Virginia, USA, we used a detection‐non‐detection sampling approach using baited camera traps to evaluate the influence of landscape‐level environmental covariates on spotted skunk detection probability and site occupancy. We conducted camera trap surveys at 91 sites from January to May in 2014 and 2015. Spotted skunk occupancy was associated with young‐aged forest stands at lower elevations and more mature forest stands at higher elevations. Both land cover types in this region can be characterized as having complex forest structure, providing cover that varies with stand age, species composition, elevation, and management regime. Our results provide insight into factors that influence spotted skunk spatial distribution and habitat selection, information that can be used to generate conservation assessments and inform management decisions. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Virial stress–based model to simulate the silica glass densification with the discrete element method
Authors: Jebahi Mohamed , Dau Frédéric , Iordanoff Ivan , Guin Jean‐Pierre
Published: May 2017

The discrete element method (DEM) presents an alternative way to model complex mechanical problems of silica glass, such as brittle fracture. Since discontinuities are naturally considered by DEM, no complex transition procedure from continuum phase to discontinuum one is required. However, to ensure that DEM can properly reproduce the silica glass cracking mechanisms, it is necessary to correctly model the different features characterizing its mechanical behavior before fracture. Particularly, it is necessary to correctly model the densification process of this material, which is known to strongly influence the fracture mechanisms. The present paper proposes a new and very promising way to model such process, which is assumed to occur only under hydrostatic pressure. An accurate predictive‐corrective densification model is developed. This model shows a great flexibility to reproduce extremely complex densification features. Furthermore, it involves only one calibration parameter, which makes it very easy to apply. This new model represents a major step towards accurate modeling of materials permanent deformation with the discrete element method, which has long been a huge challenge in applying this method for continuum problems.
Strain localization in a solid‐water‐air system with random heterogeneity via stabilized mixed finite elements
Authors: Song Xiaoyu , Ye Ming , Wang Kaiqi
Published: May 2017

Unsaturated soils are solid‐water‐air systems that include a solid skeleton, pore water, and pore air. Heterogeneities in porosity or degree of saturation are salient features of unsaturated soils. These heterogeneities may trigger localized deformation (eg, shear banding) in such materials as demonstrated by numerical simulations via a pseudo three‐phase model. In this article, we formulate a true three‐phase mathematical framework implemented via stabilized low‐order mixed finite elements. With this mathematical framework, we study the evolution of pore air pressure and its role in the inception of strain localization triggered by initial heterogeneity either in porosity or suction. The numerical simulations show that pore air pressure is nonzero and nonuniform in the process of progressive failure in unsaturated soils. The heterogeneity of pore air pressure may also play a significant role in the onset of localized deformation of unsaturated soils. Therefore, a three‐phase model considering the pore air phase is physically more appropriate for modeling strain localization in unsaturated soils.
Histology, fusion status, and outcome in metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Rudzinski Erin R. , Anderson James R. , Chi Yueh‐Yun , Gastier‐Foster Julie M. , Astbury Caroline , Barr Frederic G. , Skapek Stephen X. , Hawkins Douglas S. , Weigel Brenda J. , Pappo Alberto , Meyer William H. , Arnold Michael A. , Teot Lisa A. , Parham David M.
Published: May 2017

Background

Distinguishing alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) from embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) has historically been of prognostic and therapeutic importance. However, classification has been complicated by shifting histologic criteria required for an ARMS diagnosis. Children's Oncology Group (COG) studies after IRS‐IV, which included the height of this diagnostic shift, showed both an increased number of ARMS and an increase in the proportion of fusion‐negative ARMS. Following diagnostic standardization and histologic re‐review of ARMS cases enrolled during this era, analysis of low‐risk (D9602) and intermediate‐risk (D9803) rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) studies showed that fusion status rather than histology best predicts prognosis for patients with RMS. This analysis remains to be completed for patients with high‐risk RMS.

Procedure

We re‐reviewed cases on high‐risk COG studies D9802 and ARST0431 with an enrollment diagnosis of ARMS. We compared the event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival by histology, PAX‐FOXO1 fusion, and clinical risk factors (Oberlin score) for patients with metastatic RMS using the log‐rank test.

Results

Histology re‐review resulted in reclassification as ERMS for 12% of D9802 cases and 5% of ARST0431 cases. Fusion‐negative RMS had a superior EFS to fusion‐positive RMS; however, poorer outcome for metastatic RMS was most related to clinical risk factors including age, primary site, and number of metastatic sites.

Conclusions

In contrast to low‐ or intermediate‐risk RMS, in metastatic RMS, clinical risk factors have the most impact on patient outcome. PAX‐FOXO1 fusion is more common in patients with a high Oberlin score, but fusion status is not an independent biomarker of prognosis.
Prediction of two‐dimensional BiSb with puckered structure
Authors: Tan C. G. , Zhou P. , Lin J. G. , Sun L. Z.
Published: May 2017

Using global particle‐swarm optimization method and first‐principles calculations, we predict that the monolayer BiSb with puckered structure (p‐BiSb) enjoys lowest energy in the configurations of the single layer BiSb theoretically predicted until now. Its moderate direct band gap predicted with HSE functional indicates that it is promising for further nano‐electronic and nano‐optical devices. Our calculations also reveal that uniaxial strain is an effective way to modulate its band gap. More importantly, p‐BiSb shows relatively large piezoelectric coefficient, indicating its potential for sensors. Top and side view of the structure of p‐BiSb and relaxed‐ion polarization change under applied uniaxial strain () along the a direction of p‐BiSb.
No‐confounding designs with 20 runs—Alternatives to resolution IV screening designs
Authors: Stone Brian B. , Montgomery Douglas C. , Silvestrini Rachel T. , Jones Bradley
Published: May 2017

When experimental resources are significantly constrained, resolution V fractional factorial designs are often prohibitively large for experiments with 6 or more factors. Resolution IV designs may also be cost prohibitive, as additional experimentation may be required to de‐alias active 2‐factor interactions (2FI). This paper introduces 20‐run no‐confounding screening designs for 6 to 12 factors as alternatives to resolution IV designs. No‐confounding designs have orthogonal main effects, and since no 2FI is completely confounded with another main effects or 2FI, the experimental results can be analyzed without follow‐on experimentation. The paper concludes with the results of a Monte Carlo simulation used to assess the model‐fitting accuracy of the recommended designs.
Effects of controlled water temperatures on oviposition in a lotic‐breeding and externally fertilizing salamander (Hynobius kimurae)
Authors: Kakegawa M. , Hasumi M.
Published: May 2017

Warm or cool ambient temperatures during winter generate plasticity in the within‐year timing of oviposition or breeding phenology shifts through the use of a reaction norm in many riverine ectotherms, but within‐year timing of oviposition in Hynobius kimurae (Caudata: Hynobiidae) is predicted to be constant at different water temperatures of a mountain stream. To clarify this difference, by experimentally controlling water temperatures from fall to spring and thus changing durations of aquatic hibernation and dates of oviposition, we determined whether oviposition is more advanced when water temperatures increase earlier than usual or is more delayed when water temperatures increase later than usual. Oviposition was more delayed than usual with earlier exposure to high water temperatures during spring and was earlier than usual with exposing to higher water temperatures during hibernation. Days from submergence to oviposition were responsive to cumulative daily water temperatures from submergence to oviposition within a population. A rate of increase in days from submergence to oviposition was different between populations but was constant within a population even if minimal water temperatures varied each year. When running a program of a Markov chain Monte Carlo generalized linear mixed model for Bayesian computation to interpret confounding effects, neither different treatments nor different years statistically affected days from submergence to oviposition. These results suggest that a biological clock exits for days from submergence to oviposition in H. kimurae, which could allow survival in situations with either warmer or cooler environments.
Nonlinear finite element modeling and response analysis of the collapsed Alto Rio building in the 2010 Chile Maule earthquake
Authors: Zhang Peizhou , Restrepo José I. , Conte Joel P. , Ou Jinping
Published: May 2017

The 15‐story Alto Rio building built in 2006 in the city of Concepción, Chile, was the only modern building that collapsed catastrophically during the February 27, 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule earthquake, resulting in eight human casualties. This building was typical of many medium rise reinforced concrete bearing wall buildings designed and built in Chile during the period 1996–2009. Understanding the mechanism that led to the collapse of the Alto Rio building is of high relevance in the earthquake engineering community. For this purpose, a detailed three‐dimensional nonlinear model of the as‐built Alto Rio building structure was developed in the OpenSees analysis framework using the beam‐truss modeling approach. The geometry of the structure was obtained directly from the architectural blueprints. Realistic cyclic material constitutive models were used for the reinforcing steel and concrete materials. This paper describes in detail the development of the building model. Furthermore, it presents the results obtained from a nonlinear pushover analysis and from a nonlinear time‐history analysis using a bi‐axial horizontal input ground motion generated by blending time‐history ground accelerations recorded at an accelerograph station located 1.2 km from the building and time‐history ground displacements recorded at a GPS station located 3.7 km from the building.
Consumer Mobile Health Apps: Current State, Barriers, and Future Directions
Authors: Kao Cheng‐Kai , Liebovitz David M.
Published: May 2017

This paper discusses the current state, barriers, and future directions of consumer‐facing applications (apps). There are currently more than 165,000 mobile health apps publicly available in major app stores, the vast majority of which are designed for patients. The top 2 categories are wellness management and disease management apps, whereas other categories include self‐diagnosis, medication reminder, and electronic patient portal apps. Apps specific to physical medicine and rehabilitation also are reviewed. These apps have the potential to provide low‐cost, around‐the‐clock access to high‐quality, evidence‐based health information to end users on a global scale. However, they have not yet lived up to their potential due to multiple barriers, including lack of regulatory oversight, limited evidence‐based literature, and concerns of privacy and security. The future directions may consist of improving data integration into the health care system, an interoperable app platform allowing access to electronic health record data, cloud‐based personal health record across health care networks, and increasing app prescription by health care providers. For consumer mobile health apps to fully contribute value to health care delivery and chronic disease management, all stakeholders within the ecosystem must collaborate to overcome the significant barriers.
Motion of a nano-spheroid in a cylindrical vessel flow: Brownian and hydrodynamic interactions
Authors: Ramakrishnan N. , Wang Y. , Eckmann D. M. , Ayyaswamy P. S. , Radhakrishnan R.
Published: May 2017

We study the motion of a buoyant or a nearly neutrally buoyant nano-sized spheroid in a fluid filled tube without or with an imposed pressure gradient (weak Poiseuille flow). The fluctuating hydrodynamics approach and the deterministic method are both employed. We ensure that the fluctuation–dissipation relation and the principle of thermal equipartition of energy are both satisfied. The major focus is on the effect of the confining boundary. Results for the velocity and the angular velocity autocorrelations (VACF and AVACF), the diffusivities and the drag and the lift forces as functions of the shape, the aspect ratio, the inclination angle and the proximity to the wall are presented. For the parameters considered, the boundary modifies the VACF and AVACF such that three distinct regimes are discernible – an initial exponential decay followed by an algebraic decay culminating in a second exponential decay. The first is due to the thermal noise, the algebraic regime is due both to the thermal noise and the hydrodynamic correlations, while the second exponential decay shows the effect of momentum reflection from the confining wall. Our predictions display excellent comparison with published results for the algebraic regime (the only regime for which earlier results exist). We also discuss the role of the off-diagonal elements of the mobility and the diffusivity tensors that enable the quantifications of the degree of lift and margination of the nanocarrier. Our study covers a range of parameters that are of wide applicability in nanotechnology, microrheology and in targeted drug delivery.