bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong indirect herbicide effects on mycorrhizal associations through plant community shifts and secondary invasions
Authors: Lekberg Ylva , Wagner Viktoria , Rummel Alexii , McLeod Morgan , Ramsey Philip W.
Published: August 2017

Million of acres of U.S. wildlands are sprayed with herbicides to control invasive species, but relatively little is known about non‐target effects of herbicide use. We combined greenhouse, field, and laboratory experiments involving the invasive forb spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) and native bunchgrasses to assess direct and indirect effects of the forb‐specific herbicide picloram on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which are beneficial soil fungi that colonize most plants. Picloram had no effect on bunchgrass viability and their associated AMF in the greenhouse, but killed spotted knapweed and reduced AMF colonization of a subsequent host grown. Results were similar in the field where AMF abundance in bunchgrass‐dominated plots was unaffected by herbicides one year after spraying based on 16:1ω5 phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) and neutral lipid fatty acid (NLFA) concentrations. In spotted‐knapweed‐dominated plots, however, picloram application shifted dominance from spotted knapweed, a good AMF host, to bulbous bluegrass (Poa bulbosa), a poor AMF host. This coincided with a 63% reduction in soil 16:1ω5 NLFA concentrations but no reduction of 16:1ω5 PLFA. Because 16:1ω5 NLFA quantifies AMF storage lipids and 16:1ω5 PLFA occurs in AMF membrane lipids, we speculate that the herbicide‐mediated reduction in host quality reduced fungal carbon storage, but not necessarily fungal abundance after one year in the field. Overall, in greenhouse and field experiments, AMF were only affected when picloram altered host quantity and quality. This apparent lack of direct effect was supported by our in‐vitro trial where picloram applied to AMF mycelia did not reduce fungal biomass and viability. We show that the herbicide picloram can have profound, indirect effects on AMF within one year. Depending on herbicide‐mediated shifts in host quality, rapid interventions may be necessary post herbicide applications to prevent loss of AMF abundance. Future research should assess consequences of these potential shifts for the restoration of native plants that differ in mycorrhizal dependency.
From early life to senescence: individual heterogeneity in a long‐lived seabird
Authors: Fay Rémi , Barbraud Christophe , Delord Karine , Weimerskirch Henri
Published: August 2017

Although population studies have long assumed that all individuals of a given sex and age are identical, ignoring among‐individual differences may strongly bias our perception of eco‐evolutionary processes. Individual heterogeneity, often referred to as individual quality, has received increasing research attention in the last decades. However, there are still substantial gaps in our current knowledge. For example, there is little information on how individual heterogeneity influences various life‐history traits simultaneously, and studies describing individual heterogeneity in wild populations are generally not able to jointly identify possible sources of this variation. Here, based on a mark–recapture data set of 9,685 known‐aged Wandering Albatrosses (Diomedea exulans), we investigated the existence of individual quality over the entire life cycle of this species, from early life to senescence. Using finite mixture models, we investigated the expression of individual heterogeneity in various demographic traits, and examined the origin of these among‐individual differences by considering the natal environmental conditions. We found that some individuals consistently outperformed others during most of their life. In old age, however, the senescence rate was stronger in males that showed high demographic performance at younger ages. Variation in individual quality seemed strongly affected by extrinsic factors experienced during the ontogenetic period. We found that individuals born in years with high population density tended to have lower performances during their lifespan, suggesting delayed density dependence effects through individual quality. Our study showed that among‐individual differences could be important in structuring individual life history trajectories, with substantial consequences at higher ecological levels such as population dynamics.
A Convenient Palladium‐Catalyzed Aminocarbonylation of Aryl Iodides to Primary Amides under Gas‐Free Conditions
Authors: Qi Xinxin , Ai Han‐Jun , Cai Chuang‐Xu , Peng Jin‐Bao , Ying Jun , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: August 2017

A convenient procedure for the synthesis of aromatic primary amides through palladium‐catalyzed aminocarbonylation of aryl iodides has been developed. With ammonium hydrogen carbonate as the solid nitrogen source and formic acid as the liquid CO source, a variety of primary amides were obtained in moderate to excellent yields under gas‐free conditions.
Thermal and residual mechanical profile of recycled aggregate concrete prepared with carbonated concrete aggregates after exposure to elevated temperatures
Authors: Xuan Dongxing , Zhan Baojian , Poon Chi Sun
Published: August 2017

Thermal and residual mechanical performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) prepared with recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) after exposure to high temperatures has so far received less attention than that of conventional concrete prepared with natural aggregates (NAs). This study experimentally investigated thermal and residual mechanical performance of RAC prepared with different replacement percentages of non‐carbonated and carbonated RCAs after exposure to high temperatures. The residual mechanical properties, including compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and peak strain at the maximum strength, were measured for evaluating the fire resistance of RAC. The experimental results showed that although the fire‐resistant ability of natural granite aggregates was high, thermal deterioration of the conventional concrete after exposure to 600°C, presented by thermal induced mesocracks, was more serious than that of RAC due to thermal incompatibility between NAs and mortar. Using the carbonated RCAs can reduce the width of thermal mesocrack in RAC. The residual mechanical properties of RAC after exposure to 600°C can be obviously improved by incorporating 20% to 40% of the carbonated RCAs. For the RAC made with the 100% carbonated RCAs, the ratio of residual to initial compressive strength after exposure to above 500°C was even higher than that of the conventional concrete.
Influence of particle size and extraction solvent on antioxidant properties of extracts of tea, ginger, and tea–ginger blend
Authors: Makanjuola Solomon A.
Published: August 2017

The influence of particle size and extraction solvent on the antioxidant properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of tea (Camellia sinensis), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and tea–ginger (2:1) blend was investigated. The powder sizes studied were 0.425, 0.710, and 1.180 mm. Extracts were analyzed for DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, total phenol content (TPC), iron chelating activity, total flavonoid content, and peroxide scavenging activity. The powder with the lowest particle size of 0.425 mm tends to produce aqueous extracts of tea, ginger, and tea–ginger with highest antioxidant content. At this lowest particle size all the antioxidant properties assayed were maximized. The TPC of aqueous extracts obtained from the 0.425 mm tea, ginger, and tea–ginger powders were 685.44 ± 175, 283.58 ± 19, and 483.02 ± 176 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) L−1, respectively. The TPC of aqueous extracts obtained from the 0.710 mm tea, ginger, and tea–ginger powders were 679.06 ± 169, 208.94 ± 147, and 400.10 ± 130 mg GAE L−1, respectively. However, for the aqueous ethanolic and ethanolic extracts, the particle size that maximized the antioxidant extraction varied depending on the antioxidant property that was being assayed. The study suggests that particle size influences the extraction of antioxidants. Also, the optimum powder size that would maximize antioxidant extraction is dependent on the solvent used and the antioxidant property being measured.
Estrogenic chemicals at body burden levels attenuate energy metabolism in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Tsou Tsui‐Chun , Yeh Szu‐Ching , Hsu Jhih‐Wei , Tsai Feng‐Yuan
Published: August 2017

The study aimed to examine effects of environmental estrogens at body burden levels on energy metabolism in fat cells. Acclimation of T47D‐KBluc cells in estrogen‐deprived medium was established for high performance of estrogen‐responsive luciferase reporter assay. With the assay, relative estrogenic potency of four selected estrogen receptor (ER) agonists, i.e. diethylstilbestrol, β‐estradiol, 4‐nonylphenol and bisphenol A, were determined. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the ER agonists at both EC80 and EC100 caused rapid and transient phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) in an ER‐dependent manner. 3T3‐L1 adipocytes treated with the ER agonists at EC80 for 24 hours exhibited significant downregulation in mitochondrial respiration and glycolytic function. Importantly, EC80 values of 4‐nonylphenol (6.0 × 10−10 m) and bisphenol A (1.0 × 10−8 m) are in the range of human body burdens. The finding that estrogenic chemicals at body burden levels cause significant impact on fat cell energy metabolism raises an important public health issue that deserves more attention.
Convolutional neural network‐based malaria diagnosis from focus stack of blood smear images acquired using custom‐built slide scanner
Authors: Gopakumar Gopalakrishna Pillai , Swetha Murali , Sai Siva Gorthi , Sai Subrahmanyam Gorthi R. K
Published: August 2017

The present paper introduces a focus stacking‐based approach for automated quantitative detection of Plasmodium falciparum malaria from blood smear. For the detection, a custom designed convolutional neural network (CNN) operating on focus stack of images is used. The cell counting problem is addressed as the segmentation problem and we propose a 2‐level segmentation strategy. Use of CNN operating on focus stack for the detection of malaria is first of its kind, and it not only improved the detection accuracy (both in terms of sensitivity [97.06%] and specificity [98.50%]) but also favored the processing on cell patches and avoided the need for hand‐engineered features. The slide images are acquired with a custom‐built portable slide scanner made from low‐cost, off‐the‐shelf components and is suitable for point‐of‐care diagnostics. The proposed approach of employing sophisticated algorithmic processing together with inexpensive instrumentation can potentially benefit clinicians to enable malaria diagnosis.
Study of the properties of adsorption of SO2 – thermal regeneration cycle of activated coke modified by oxidization
Authors: Cui Xiaoxu , Yi Honghong , Tang Xiaolong , Zhao Shunzheng , Yang Kun , Yan Bojun , Li Chenlu , Yang Xi , Feng Tiecheng , Ma Yueqiang
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

In order to clarify the effect of thermal regeneration on the desulfurization performance of activated coke, consecutive adsorption of SO2–thermal regeneration cycle experiments were carried out under different thermal conditions in this study.

RESULTS

Results showed that the decrease in breakthrough sulfur capacity was not very significant for the cokes except for the first regeneration cycles. From 400–600 °C, the higher the regeneration temperature was, the better the desulfurization activity of the cokes after regeneration. Various means (FT‐IR, BET, XPS, TGA, SEM and in situ DRIFTS) were used to characterize samples. The results indicated that the desulfurization products were divided into physisorbed SO2, H2SO4 and sulfate. The phenolic hydroxyl and carboxyl groups on the surface of activated cokes promoted the removal of SO2.

CONCLUSION

The deposition of sulfate resulted in a significant decrease in the sulfur capacity of activated coke after the first two regeneration cycles. However, the residual amount of sulfate on the activated coke after regeneration declined with increasing regeneration temperature. Moreover, the phenolic hydroxyl and carboxyl groups did not disappear after regeneration, resulting in the desulfurization activity of cokes remaining relatively stable during subsequent desulfurization cycles. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Reinforcement value and fixed‐interval performance
Authors: Buriticá Jonathan , dos Santos Cristiano V.
Published: August 2017

The concept of reinforcement value summarizes the effect of different variables, such as reinforcement delay, reinforcement magnitude, and deprivation level, on behavior. In the present set of experiments, we evaluated the effect of reinforcement devaluation on performance under FI schedules. The literature on timing and reinforcement value suggests that devaluation generates longer expected times to reinforcement than the same intervals trained under control conditions. We devalued reinforcement with delay in Experiments 1A, 1B, and 2, and diminished deprivation in Experiments 3A and 3B. Devaluation reduced response rates, increased the number of one‐response intervals, and lengthened postreinforcement pauses, but had inconsistent effects on other timing measures such as quarter life and breakpoint. The results of delayed reinforcement and diminished deprivation manipulations are well summarized as reinforcement devaluation effects. These results suggest that devaluation may reduce stimulus control. In addition, we argue that the process by which delayed reinforcement affects behavior might also explain some effects observed in other devaluation procedures through the concept of reinforcement value.
Exercise‐induced acute renal failure in a trainee cyclist without hypouricemia: Successful athletic career post‐treatment
Authors: Shimizu Yoko , Takaori Koji , Maeda Sayako
Published: August 2017

Acute renal failure with severe loin pain and patchy renal ischemia after anaerobic exercise (ALPE) is exercise‐induced acute renal failure that occurs without myoglobinuria. We describe a typical case involving an 18‐year‐old man. Generally, patients with ALPE are advised to avoid anaerobic exercise due to risk of recurrence, but our patient continued and went on to become a professional cyclist without relapse. About 51% of ALPE cases involve patients with renal hypouricemia. His serum uric acid levels were rather high, at 6.4 mg/dL. He is the first patient with ALPE to succeed as a professional athlete in an anaerobic sport.
Hyperosmolarity induces notochordal cell differentiation with aquaporin3 upregulation and reduced N‐cadherin expression
Authors: Palacio‐Mancheno Paolo E. , Evashwick‐Rogler Thomas W. , Laudier Damien M. , Purmessur Devina , Iatridis James C.
Published: August 2017

The nucleus pulposus (NP) of intervertebral discs (IVD) undergoes dramatic changes with aging including loss of its gelatinous structure and large, vacuolated notochordal cells (NCs) in favor of a matrix‐rich structure populated by small NP cells (sNPCs). NP maturation also involves a loading‐pattern shift from pressurization to matrix deformations, and these events are thought to predispose to degeneration. Little is known of the triggering events and cellular alterations involved with NP maturation, which remains a fundamental open spinal mechanobiology question. A mouse IVD organ culture model was used to test the hypotheses that hyperosmotic overloading will induce NP maturation with transition of NCs to sNPCs while also increasing matrix accumulation and altering osmoregulatory and mechanotransductive proteins. Results indicated that static hyperosmolarity, as might occur during growth, caused maturation of NCs to sNPCs and involved a cellular differentiation process since known NC markers (cytokeratin‐8, ‐19, and sonic hedgehog) persisted without increased cell apoptosis. Osmosensitive channels Aquaporin 3 (Aqp3) and transient receptor potential vanilloid‐4 (TRPV4) expression were both modified with altered osmolarity, but increased Aqp3 with hyperosmolarity was associated with NC to sNPC differentiation. NC to sNPC differentiation was accompanied by a shift in cellular mechanotransduction proteins with decreased N‐cadherin adhesions and increased Connexin 43 connexons. We conclude that hyperosmotic overloading can promote NC differentiation into sNPCs. This study identified osmolarity as a triggering mechanism for notochordal cell differentiation with associated shifts in osmoregulatory and mechanotransductive proteins that are likely to play important roles in intervertebral disc aging. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:788–798, 2018.
Rumen microbial protein synthesis and nitrogen efficiency as affected by tanniferous and non‐tanniferous forage legumes incubated individually or together in Rumen Simulation Technique
Authors: Grosse Brinkhaus Anja , Bee Giuseppe , Schwarm Angela , Kreuzer Michael , Dohme‐Meier Frigga , Zeitz Johanna O
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

A limited availability of microbial protein can impair productivity in ruminants. Ruminal nitrogen efficiency might be optimised by combining high‐quality forage legumes such as red clover (RC), which has unfavourably high ruminal protein degradability, with tanniferous legumes like sainfoin (SF) and birdsfoot trefoil (BT). Silages from SF and from BT cultivars [Bull (BB) and Polom (BP)] were incubated singly or in combination with RC using the Rumen Simulation Technique (n = 6).

RESULTS

The tanniferous legumes, when compared to RC, changed the total short‐chain fatty acid profile by increasing propionate proportions at the expense of butyrate. Silage from SF contained the most condensed tannins (CTs) (136 g CT kg−1 dry matter) and clearly differed in various traits from the BT and RC silages. The apparent nutrient degradability (small with SF), microbial protein synthesis, and calculated content of potentially utilisable crude protein (large with SF) indicated that SF had the greatest efficiency in ruminal protein synthesis. The effects of combining SF with RC were mostly linear.

CONCLUSION

The potential of sainfoin to improve protein supply, demonstrated either individually or in combination with a high‐performance forage legume, indicates its potential usefulness in complementing protein‐deficient ruminant diets and high‐quality forages rich in rumen‐degradable protein. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The preoperative globulin‐to‐albumin ratio, a novel inflammation‐based prognostic system, predicts survival after potentially curative liver resection for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shimizu Takayuki , Ishizuka Mitsuru , Suzuki Takashi , Tanaka Genki , Park Kyung Hwa , Matsumoto Takatsugu , Shiraki Takayuki , Sakuraoka Yuhki , Kato Masato , Aoki Taku , Kubota Keiichi
Published: August 2017

Background and Objectives

Although the globulin‐to‐albumin ratio (GAR) is useful for prognostication of patients with various cancers, its relationship with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. The study aims to investigate the relationship between GAR and postoperative survival among patients with HCC undergoing potentially curative liver resection (LR).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 368 patients with newly diagnosed HCC who underwent initial and potentially curative LR. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazard model were performed to detect clinical characteristics that correlated with overall survival (OS). Kaplan‐Meier analysis and log‐rank test were used to compare OS and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

The result of multivariate analysis using 25 clinical characteristics selected by univariate analysis revealed that the GAR (≥0.918/<0.918) was significantly associated with OS (hazard ratio [HR], 2.398; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.012‐5.683; P = 0.047), as well as platelet count (<14/≥14, ×104/mm3) and portal vein invasion (presence/absence). Kaplan‐Meier analysis and log‐rank test demonstrated that the OS and DFS of patients with a high GAR (>0.918) were significantly worse than that of patients with a low GAR (≤0.918).

Conclusions

The GAR is a useful predictor of postoperative survival among patients with HCC undergoing potentially curative LR.
Simultaneous determination of alcohols including diols and triols by HPLC with ultraviolet detection based on the formation of a copper(II) complex
Authors: Tanaka Sohei , Dohi Takumi , Aizawa Sen‐ichi , Kemmei Tomoko , Terashima Hiroyuki , Taga Atsushi , Yamamoto Atsushi , Kodama Shuji
Published: August 2017

We developed a reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet detection using on‐line complexation with Cu(II) ion for analysis of five alcohols including diols and triol (methanol, ethanol, 1,2‐propanediol, 1,3‐propanediol, and glycerol). The Cu(II) ion concentration in the mobile phase had a great influence on the peak areas of these alcohols, but not on their retention times. Column temperature (25−40°C) and pH of the mobile phase did not affect the separation of analytes. The optimum separation conditions were determined as 5 mM CuSO4, 3 mM H2SO4, and 3 mM NaOH at 30°C. The ratio of the peak areas for three alcohols (methanol, 1,2‐propanediol, and glycerol) was in good agreement with that calculated from the obtained stability constants, molar absorption coefficients for the 1:1 Cu(II) complexes with the three alcohols, and the injected molar quantities. This fact strongly suggests that the observed high‐performance liquid chromatography signals resulted from formation of the 1:1 Cu(II)–alcohol complexes. Using the proposed method, these five alcohols in spirit, liquid for electronic cigarette, mouthwash, and nail enamel remover samples were successfully analyzed with only a simple pretreatment.
Evaluation of Tubal Pregnancy After Treatment With Methotrexate by Ultrasound Elastography
Authors: Xie Meng , Zhang Xuyin , Wang Wenping , Hua Keqin
Published: August 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of ultrasound elastography in the assessment of methotrexate (MTX) treatment for tubal pregnancy and the association with the elasticity score and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) concentration.

Methods

A total of 73 cases of unruptured tubal pregnancy were diagnosed and treated systemically with MTX. The sonographic characters of conventional transvaginal sonography and elastography and serum hCG concentrations before and after MTX therapy were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.

Results

The mean elasticity score was statistically significantly lower for the ectopic tubal masses of the success group (mean ± SD, 2.58 ± 0.68) than for the failure group (3.33 ± 0.47) on day 7 (P < .001) and similar on day 0. The median elasticity score for the success group on day 7 was 3, and for the failure group, it was 4. When elasticity scores of 3 and 2 were used for the criterion of successful MTX treatment, the elastography had 94.5% sensitivity, 61.1% specificity, 88.1% positive predictive value, and 78.6% negative predictive value. Elastography of the ectopic masses and subsequent hCG concentration at 1 week after the MTX injection in the success group had a strong relationship.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that transvaginal elastography was a useful tool in the evaluation of tubal pregnancy after pharmacologic management.
Comprehensive Ultrasound Assessment of the Craniocervical Circulation in Transient Global Amnesia
Authors: Jovanovic Zagorka B. , Pavlovic Aleksandra M. , Vujisic Tesic Bosiljka P. , Pekmezovic Tatjana P. , Kostic Boricic Marija V. , Cvitan Edita Z. , Covickovic Sternic Nadezda M.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Structural changes and metabolic stress have been reported on diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the cornu ammonis 1 area of the hippocampus in patients with transient global amnesia (TGA), but a consensus on pathogenesis is still lacking. The aim of our study was to perform a comprehensive ultrasound analysis of the cerebrovascular circulation in our population of patients with TGA.

Methods

One hundred patients with TGA and 50 age‐ and sex‐matched control participants underwent ultrasound examinations of the cervicocranial circulation.

Results

The most significant risk factor for TGA was arterial hypertension (P < .01). There were no significant atherosclerotic lesions on the large arteries of the neck (mean internal carotid artery stenosis ± SD, 28.7% ± 11.7%) or on the large intracerebral arteries (good structural and hemodynamic status; P > .05). Rarely detected microembolic signals or a right‐left cardiopulmonary shunt excluded an emboligenic mechanism of TGA (P > .05). The internal jugular vein valves were incompetent in 54% of patients with TGA, and this condition was associated with an increased risk of TGA (odds ratio, 4.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.91–9.04). The mean values of the breath holding index and pulsatility index, as parameters of small‐vessel function, were within normal ranges and without differences between the TGA and control groups (P > .05).

Conclusions

Our ultrasound examination did not detect significant structural atherosclerotic changes of cervicocranial arteries, and an emboligenic mechanism was excluded. Only a significant rise of blood pressure in TGA and significant valvular insufficiency of the internal jugular vein were established. New research should clarify whether these simultaneous functional circulatory changes have relevance for metabolic stress in the cornu ammonis of the hippocampus.
Evaluation of a Novel Out‐of‐Plane Needle Guide
Authors: Neice Andrew E. , Forton Camelia
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Most ultrasound‐guided regional procedures use an in‐plane approach. Out‐of‐plane approaches may be desirable in some situations but can be difficult because of an inability to visualize the needle until it intersects the plane of the ultrasonic beam. Here we present a novel out‐of‐plane needle guide, using a retreating depth stop, and compare its performance with unguided in‐plane and out‐of‐plane techniques.

Methods

First‐ and third‐year medical students with no or minimal ultrasound experience were recruited for the study. After a brief training session on in‐plane and out‐of‐plane needling techniques, as well as use of the retreating‐stop needle guide, they attempted to place a needle as close as possible to a target embedded in porcine tissue. The total time to complete the procedure was measured. Accuracy was measured by a skilled sonographer, who identified the needle tip and measured the distance to the target. The data were tested for significance using an analysis of variance.

Results

The mean total time spent differed significantly between groups (novel needle guide, 34 seconds; in‐plane, 120 seconds; out‐of‐plane, 113 seconds; P = .021). Needle proximity was on average more accurate with the needle guide, although this difference was not statistically significant (novel needle guide, 8 mm; in‐plane, 15 mm; out‐of‐plane, 14 mm; P = .289).

Conclusions

In relatively inexperienced sonographers, the retreating‐stop needle guide reduced the procedure time compared with in‐plane and out‐of‐plane techniques. No significant changes in needling accuracy were observed.
Three‐Dimensional Virtual Sonographic Cystoscopy for Detection of Ureterocele in Duplicated Collecting Systems in Children
Authors: Nabavizadeh Behnam , Mozafarpour Sarah , Hosseini Sharifi Seyed Hossein , Nabavizadeh Reza , Abbasioun Reza , Kajbafzadeh Abdol‐Mohammad
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Ureterocele is a sac‐like dilatation of terminal ureter. Precise anatomic delineation is of utmost importance to proceed with the surgical plan, particularly in the ectopic subtype. However, the level of ureterocele extension is not always elucidated by the existing imaging modalities and even by conventional cystoscopy, which is considered as the gold standard for evaluation of ureterocele. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of three‐dimensional virtual sonographic cystoscopy (VSC) in the characterization of ureterocele in duplex collecting systems.

Methods

Sixteen children with a mean age of 5.1 (standard deviation 1.96) years with transabdominal ultrasonography–proven duplex system and ureterocele were included. They underwent VSC by a single pediatric radiologist. All of them subsequently had conventional cystoscopy, and the results were compared in terms of ureterocele features including anatomy, number, size, location, and extension.

Results

Three‐dimensional VSC was well tolerated in all cases without any complication. Image quality was suboptimal in 2 of 16 patients. Out of the remaining 14 cases, VSC had a high accuracy in characterization of the ureterocele features (93%). Only the extension of one ureterocele was not precisely detected by VSC.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest three‐dimensional sonography as a promising noninvasive diagnostic modality in the evaluation of ectopic ureterocele in children.
Basal cell carcinoma of the temporal bone and external auditory canal
Authors: Breen Joseph T. , Roberts Dianna B. , Gidley Paul W.
Published: August 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To review the presenting features, treatment, and outcomes for patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) involving the temporal bone or external auditory canal (EAC).

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Presenting characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes for patients with BCC involving the temporal bone or EAC were reviewed. Main outcome measures included rates of overall and disease‐free survival at 5 years.

Results

Forty‐two patients met the inclusion criteria (mean age, 67 years). The most common presenting symptoms were hearing loss (15 patients, 36%) and otorrhea (11 patients, 26%). The 5‐year overall survival rate was 78%, and the 5‐year disease‐free survival rate was 77%. Patients who had undergone surgery elsewhere and presented with facial weakness had significantly worse overall survival (P = .004). Ten patients (24%) underwent sacrifice of at least a portion of the facial nerve at the time of their initial procedure at our institution. Two patients (5%) developed regional nodal disease. There was a trend toward better disease‐free survival for patients who received adjuvant radiation therapy after surgery at our institution (P = .06).

Conclusions

BCC originating from or extending to the temporal bone can exhibit a wide range of behavior, ranging from superficial lesions readily managed with surgery to extensive locally invasive tumors with propensity for recurrence, treated with multimodality therapy. BCC may be associated with better prognosis than other temporal bone malignancies.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:1425–1430, 2018
Dynamic Thermal Emission Control Based on Ultrathin Plasmonic Metamaterials Including Phase‐Changing Material GST
Authors: Qu Yurui , Li Qiang , Du Kaikai , Cai Lu , Lu Jun , Qiu Min
Published: August 2017

Dynamic thermal emission control has attracted growing interest in a broad range of fields, including radiative cooling, thermophotovoltaics and adaptive camouflage. Previous demonstrations of dynamic thermal emission control present disadvantages of either large thickness or requiring sustained electrical or thermal excitations. In this paper, an ultrathin (∼0.023λ, λ is the emission peak wavelength) metal‐insulator‐metal plasmonic metamaterial‐based zero‐static‐power mid‐infrared thermal emitter incorporating phase‐changing material GST is experimentally demonstrated to dynamically control the thermal emission. The electromagnetic modes can be continuously tuned through the intermediate phases determined by controlling the temperature. A typical resonance mode, which involves the coupling between the high‐order magnetic resonance and anti‐reflection resonance, shifts from 6.51 to 9.33 μm while GST is tuned from amorphous to crystalline phase. This demonstration will pave the way towards the dynamical thermal emission control in both the fundamental science field and a number of energy‐harvesting applications.
The Characterization of Absorptive Nonlinearities
Authors: Liaros Nikolaos , Fourkas John T.
Published: August 2017

The measurement of the order and magnitude of absorptive nonlinearities is essential to the development and improvement of a wide range of optical materials. This review presents and contrasts some of the most commonly used methods for making such measurements. As background, we introduce the history of, and the essential physics behind, multiphoton absorption (MPA) and phenomena that can interfere with its measurement. We review methods for the direct and indirect measurement of MPA. The direct methods covered include nonlinear transmission, absorption modulation, Z‐scan, and spectrally‐resolved, two‐beam coupling. The indirect methods reviewed, all of which rely on the measurement of multiphoton action cross sections, include nonlinear fluorescence excitation, thermal lensing, MPA‐induced photocurrent, and various techniques for determining the order of effective nonlinear absorption in multiphoton absorption polymerization.
Oscillation theorems for fourth‐order delay differential equations with a negative middle term
Authors: Džurina Jozef , Jadlovská Irena
Published: August 2017

This paper deals with the oscillation of the fourth‐order linear delay differential equation with a negative middle term under the assumption that all solutions of the auxiliary third‐order differential equation are nonoscillatory. Examples are included to illustrate the importance of results obtained.
Association Between Sleep Duration and Body Mass Index Among US Low‐Income Preschoolers
Authors: Vézina‐Im Lydi‐Anne , Hughes Sheryl O. , Baranowski Tom , Nicklas Theresa A.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To verify whether sleep duration was related to body mass index z scores (zBMI) and whether bedtimes or ethnicity was a moderator of the sleep duration‐zBMI association among preschoolers from low‐income families.

Methods

Two hundred twenty‐eight African American and Hispanic parents and their preschoolers were recruited from Head Start Centers. Parents reported their preschoolers' sleep duration and bedtimes (using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire) and their television watching. Food intake was measured using multiple days of digital photography to estimate energy intake at dinner. The Parenting Stress Index and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale were used to measure stress and depression. Parents' and preschoolers' height and weight were measured by trained staff.

Results

Longer sleep duration was significantly associated with lower zBMI when controlling for demographics, bedtimes, energy intake at dinner, and television watching, but not when also controlling for parents' demographics, BMI, stress, and depression. Preschoolers' sleep duration‐zBMI association was not moderated by bedtimes or ethnicity.

Conclusions

Longer sleep duration was associated with lower zBMI among low‐income preschoolers when controlling for preschoolers' characteristics, but this was no longer the case when also controlling for parents' characteristics. Additional studies are needed on the moderators of the sleep duration‐zBMI association among low‐income preschoolers.
Clinical outcomes and toxicity following palliative radiotherapy for childhood cancers
Authors: Mak Kimberley S. , Lee Stephanie W. , Balboni Tracy A. , Marcus Karen J.
Published: August 2017

Background

Few reports of palliative radiotherapy (RT) for pedialltric malignancies have been published. We described clinical indications, outcomes, and toxicities for children who received palliative RT.

Procedure

Pediatric patients (age ≤18 years) treated with palliative RT for incurable cancer from January 1 2008 to February 26, 2014 were included. Diagnosis, details of RT, treatment response, toxicity, and survival were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Forty‐six patients received 76 RT courses. Fifteen patients (33%) had ≥2 courses. Median age at palliative RT was 10.3 years; 54% were male. The most common diagnoses were neuroblastoma (20%) and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (17%). The most common indications for RT were oligometastatic disease in asymptomatic patients (39%) and pain (25%). The most common treatment sites were brain (32%) and bone (29%). Median RT dose was 30 Gy. Median number of RT fractions was 12. Sixty‐five treatment courses (86%) were delivered with fraction sizes ≥2.5 Gy. Twenty‐seven treatment courses (36%) were given under general anesthesia. Median follow‐up was 3.9 months. Grade 1–2 RT‐related toxicity occurred in 21% of treatment courses and 4–8% up to 12 months after RT. Two patients had Grade 3 toxicity during RT (esophagitis). Of symptomatic patients, 91%, 73%, 58%, and 43% had improved or stable symptoms during RT and 0–3, 3–6, and 6–12 months afterwards, respectively. Median survival after palliative RT was 4.2 months. Four of 21 surviving patients (19%) had hospice care at last follow‐up.

Conclusions

Palliative RT was well tolerated in children with incurable malignancies, with most cases associated with acceptable toxicity, and improved or stable symptoms.
Changes in Norway spruce germination and growth induced by pre‐sowing seed treatment with cold plasma and electromagnetic field: Short‐term versus long‐term effects
Authors: Pauzaite Giedre , Malakauskiene Asta , Nauciene Zita , Zukiene Rasa , Filatova Irina , Lyushkevich Veronika , Azarko Igor , Mildaziene Vida
Published: August 2017

The effects of Norway spruce (Picea abies) seed treatment with cold plasma (CP), vacuum, and electromagnetic field (EMF) on germination and seedling growth are studied. CP treatments negatively affected germination ‘in vitro’, but for germination in cassettes CP (7 min) and EMF (5 min) significantly increased the germination yield. All treatments increase the germination rate in cassettes except CP (7 min) treatment having a negative effect. Seed treatment with CP and EMF increases the number of paramagnetic centers in dry seeds and modulate H2O2 production in germinating seeds. After the second vegetation season seedlings grown from CP (5 min) and CP (7 min) treated seeds, characterized by negative effects on either the germination rate or yield, have 50–60% larger height and 40–50% increased branching in comparison to the control seedlings.
Algorithms for evaluating reference scaled average bioequivalence: power, bias, and consumer risk
Authors: Tothfalusi Laszlo , Endrenyi Laszlo
Published: August 2017

The determination of the bioequivalence between highly variable drug products involves the evaluation of reference scaled average bioequivalence. The European and US regulatory authorities suggest different algorithms for the implementation of this approach. Both algorithms are based on approximations reflected in lower than the achievable power or higher than the nominal consumer risk of 5%. To overcome these deficiencies, a new class of algorithms, the so‐called Exact methods, was earlier introduced. However, their applicability was limited. We propose 2 modifications which make their computation simpler and also applicable with any study design.

Four algorithms were evaluated in simulated 3‐period and 4‐period bioequivalence studies: Hyslop's approach recommended by the US FDA, the method of average bioequivalence with expanding limits requested by the European EMA, and 2 versions of the new Exact methods.

At small sample sizes, the Exact methods had substantially higher statistical power than Hyslop's algorithm and had lower consumer risk than the method of average bioequivalence with expanding limits. Similarly to the Hyslop's algorithm, higher than 5% consumer risk was observed only with either unbalanced study design or with additional regulatory requirements.

The improved Exact algorithms compare favorably with the alternative procedures. They are based on the bias correction method of Hedges. The recognition that the scaled difference statistics is measured with bias has important practical implications when results of pilot bioequivalence studies are evaluated and, at the same time, calls for the revision of the statistical theory of RSABE and its related methods.
Flexural rotation capacity models fitted to test results using different statistical approaches
Authors: Grammatikou Sofia , Biskinis Dionysis , Fardis Michael N.
Published: August 2017

Practical models for the ultimate deformations of flexure‐controlled members were fitted to a database of thousands of tests. They cover beams, rectangular columns or walls, members with T‐, H‐, C‐, or box section, conforming or not to seismic design codes, with or without fiber reinforced polymer jackets, in monotonic or cyclic uniaxial flexure with axial force. Model parameters were statistically derived assigning to each test (a) a weight of unity; (b) weight inversely proportional to the number of tests in a testing campaign, or (c) weight inversely proportional to the root‐mean‐square error of tests in a campaign. Predictions correlate well to those of a physical model based on curvatures and a plastic hinge length. Analysis of variance suggests that the scatter of model predictions with respect to test results comes more from the testing itself than from the model. Intralab and interlab variabilities are quantified and pure error is estimated from tests of nominally identical specimens.
Visibility bias for sage‐grouse lek counts
Authors: Baumgardt Jeremy A. , Reese Kerry P. , Connelly John W. , Garton Edward O.
Published: August 2017

Declining populations of greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter, sage‐grouse) necessitate accurate estimates of population trends. The most widespread approach to monitoring sage‐grouse populations involves counting males attending leks and tracking changes across years. Visibility of male sage‐grouse on leks is likely <100% for numerous reasons, but this potential bias has generally been overlooked. Our objectives were to estimate the visibility bias (failure to enumerate all males on a lek during a count) of sage‐grouse and identify variables that influence visibility of males attending leks by developing a sightability model. We conducted simultaneous counts of male sage‐grouse from a truck using standard lek‐counting procedures and ground blinds during 2007–2009 in south‐central Idaho, USA. We built candidate sightability models using logistic regression with proportion counted from the blind that were also counted from the truck as the response variable. Naïve visibility in our study averaged 79%. Our sightability model suggests visibility bias decreased when sun was shining on the lek and when female birds were present, but increased with time of day. Additionally, cloud cover appeared to negatively affect visibility before sunrise, but improved visibility later in the mornings. Per our model, average visibility of male sage‐grouse on leks decreased 16% from 33 min before sunrise to 90 min past sunrise when both female birds and direct sun were recorded, and decreased 28% over the same time without direct sun or females. Additionally, our model predicted visibility decreased 9% as cloud cover increased from 0% to 100% at 30 min before sunrise, but increased 44% as cloud cover increased from 0% to 100% at 90 min past sunrise. Our study does not suggest the visibility bias we observed necessarily relates to a bias in the lek route index. However, by accounting for visibility bias, detecting population changes should require fewer counts or be evident with fewer years of data. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Towards MXPn‐Type Compounds in the Systems Ge‐I‐Pn (Pn = P, As) – New Insights in the Structures and Properties of Inverse Type I Clathrates
Authors: Baumer Franziska , Reiter Felix , Nilges Tom
Published: August 2017

Two ternary systems, Ge‐I‐P and Ge‐I‐As were investigated for the existence of double helical GeIPn phases (Pn = P, As). However, experiments in the temperature range of 673–1073 K always led to the formation of inverse type I clathrates. Optimization of the synthesis parameters resulted in phase pure samples for both clathrates on a gram scale. We found slightly varying compositions than for clathrates reported before in the two systems. Structural characterization by means of single crystal analysis and Rietveld refinement showed a defect model for the guest structures in combination with a mixed site occupancy for the host lattice sites. Both compounds reveal promising thermal conductivities and Seebeck coefficients but only small overall electrical conductivities.
Small‐clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus) in Indonesian rice fields: latrine site characteristics and visitation frequency
Authors: Aadrean  , Usio Nisikawa
Published: August 2017

Latrine sites, or areas where otters scent‐mark and deposit feces, are a habitat feature that serve an important role in communication for many otter species. The small‐clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) inhabits both natural and rice field landscapes in Southeast Asia. However, latrine site use by small‐clawed otters in rice field landscapes is largely unknown. Based on a 53‐week field survey and landscape analyses, we investigated latrine site use by small‐clawed otters in rice field landscapes in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Using land use and/or local environmental variables as predictors, we performed generalized linear model analyses to explain the spatial patterns of latrine site occurrence and otter visitation frequency to latrine sites. We determined that small‐clawed otters use some latrine sites repeatedly over time; 10 latrine sites were still in use more than 7 years after their initial discovery. Generalized linear model analyses revealed that an intermediate number of rice field huts was the single most important predictor of latrine site occurrence, whereas distance to the nearest settlement, distance to the river, and mean water depth of the rice field adjacent to the latrine site were important predictors of otter visitation frequency to latrine sites. These results indicate that the latrine site preferences of small‐clawed otters in rice field landscapes are strongly associated with intermediate levels of rice farming activities. Indonesian rice fields are being degraded or disappearing at an accelerated rate because of land conversion and modernization of agriculture. We emphasize an urgent need for design and implementation of otter‐friendly rice farming to conserve small‐clawed otters.
Bayes Factor Covariance Testing in Item Response Models
Authors: Fox Jean-Paul , Mulder Joris , Sinharay Sandip
Published: August 2017

Two marginal one-parameter item response theory models are introduced, by integrating out the latent variable or random item parameter. It is shown that both marginal response models are multivariate (probit) models with a compound symmetry covariance structure. Several common hypotheses concerning the underlying covariance structure are evaluated using (fractional) Bayes factor tests. The support for a unidimensional factor (i.e., assumption of local independence) and differential item functioning are evaluated by testing the covariance components. The posterior distribution of common covariance components is obtained in closed form by transforming latent responses with an orthogonal (Helmert) matrix. This posterior distribution is defined as a shifted-inverse-gamma, thereby introducing a default prior and a balanced prior distribution. Based on that, an MCMC algorithm is described to estimate all model parameters and to compute (fractional) Bayes factor tests. Simulation studies are used to show that the (fractional) Bayes factor tests have good properties for testing the underlying covariance structure of binary response data. The method is illustrated with two real data studies.