bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible feeder transit route design to enhance service accessibility in urban area
Authors: Lu Xiaolin , Yu Jie , Yang Xianfeng , Pan Shuliang , Zou Nan
Published: December 2015

To improve the accessibility of transit system in urban areas, this paper presents a flexible feeder transit routing model that can serve irregular‐shaped networks. By integrating the cost efficiency of fixed‐route transit system and the flexibility of demand responsive transit system, the proposed model is capable of letting operating feeder busses temporarily deviate from their current route so as to serve the reported demand locations. With an objective of minimizing total bus travel time, a new operational mode is then proposed to allow busses to serve passengers on both street sides. In addition, when multiple feeder busses are operating in the target service area, the proposed model can provide an optimal plan to locate the nearest one to response to the demands. A three‐stage solution algorithm is also developed to yield meta‐optimal solutions to the problem in a reasonable amount of time by transforming the problem into a traveling salesman problem. Numerical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed model as well as the heuristic solution approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organoids and the genetically encoded self‐assembly of embryonic stem cells
Authors: Turner David A. , Baillie‐Johnson Peter , Martinez Arias Alfonso
Published: December 2015

Understanding the mechanisms of early embryonic patterning and the timely allocation of specific cells to embryonic regions and fates as well as their development into tissues and organs, is a fundamental problem in Developmental Biology. The classical explanation for this process had been built around the notion of positional information. Accordingly the programmed appearance of sources of Morphogens at localized positions within a field of cells directs their differentiation. Recently, the development of organs and tissues from unpatterned and initially identical stem cells (adult and embryonic) has challenged the need for positional information and even the integrity of the embryo, for pattern formation. Here we review the emerging area of organoid biology from the perspective of Developmental Biology. We argue that the events underlying the development of these systems are not purely linked to “self‐organization,” as often suggested, but rather to a process of genetically encoded self‐assembly where genetic programs encode and control the emergence of biological structures.
Adhesive small bowel obstruction after laparotomy during infancy
Authors: Fredriksson F , Christofferson R H , Lilja H E
Published: December 2015

Background

Intra-abdominal adhesions can cause adhesive small bowel obstruction, chronic abdominal pain and female infertility. Reports on long-term outcomes following laparotomy during infancy are scarce. The aims of this study were to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for long-term adhesive small bowel obstruction and associated morbidity after laparotomy during infancy.

Methods

Infants who underwent laparotomy between 1976 and 2011 were identified. Data were extracted from medical records and a questionnaire was sent to the patients.

Results

Some 898 of 1185 eligible patients were included, with a median follow-up time of 14·7 (range 0·0–36·0) years. Median age at first laparotomy was 6 (range 1·0–365·0) days. There were 113 patients (12·6 per cent) with adhesive small bowel obstruction who underwent relaparotomy, 79 (69·9 per cent) occurring during the first 2 years after the initial laparotomy. The highest incidence of small bowel obstruction was found in patients with Hirschsprung's disease (19 of 65, 29 per cent), malrotation (13 of 45, 29 per cent), intestinal atresia (11 of 40, 28 per cent) and necrotizing enterocolitis (16 of 64, 25 per cent). Lengthy duration of surgery (hazard ratio (HR) 1·25, 95 per cent c.i. 1·07 to 1·45), stoma formation (HR 1·72, 1·15 to 2·56) and postoperative complications (HR 1·81, 1·12 to 2·92) were independent risk factors. Chronic abdominal pain was reported in 180 (24·0 per cent) of 750 patients, and 17 (13·8 per cent) of 123 women reported infertility.

Conclusion

The incidence of adhesive small bowel obstruction after laparotomy in infants is high.
Disablism, Identity and Self: Discrimination as a Traumatic Assault on Subjectivity
Authors: Watermeyer Brian , Swartz Leslie
Published: December 2015

The international disability movement has favoured a political strategy which relies on historical materialism, eschewing subjective aspects of disability. From this perspective, rehabilitationist and psychological constructions of the subjectivities of disabled people are rejected as victim‐blaming pathologisation. Recently, feminist work has begun to explore psychological aspects of the lives of disabled people, within various paradigms. Drawing loosely on ideas from psychoanalysis, this paper explores the impressions left on subjectivity by symbolic assaults often associated with the disabled identity, thus connecting intra‐psychic and socio‐political arenas. The conceptual ideas employed emerged from psychoanalytically oriented group psychotherapy with severely physically impaired adults performed by the first author. The authors argue that the ongoing nature of socially engendered trauma suffered by disabled persons perpetuates marginality, through internalization of self‐punitive psychological defences, which corrode the entitlement necessary for an assertive political movement. Surviving in a world which continually questions one's belonging, leaves little personal resources for debunking oppressive social phenomena. Material as well as discursive changes are essential if internal narratives are to be reclaimed, overcoming the subjective imprints of ongoing social trauma. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversible Photomodulation of Electronic Communication in a π‐Conjugated Photoswitch‐Fluorophore Molecular Dyad
Authors: Moreno Javier , Schweighöfer Felix , Wachtveitl Josef , Hecht Stefan
Published: December 2015

The extent of electronic coupling between a boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) fluorophore and a diarylethene (DAE) photoswitch has been modulated in a covalently linked molecular dyad by irradiation with either UV or visible light. In the open isomer, both moieties can be regarded as individual chromophores, while in the closed form the lowest electronic (S0→S1) transition of the dyad is slightly shifted, enabling photomodulation of its fluorescence. Transient spectroscopy confirms that the dyad behaves dramatically different in the two switching states: while in the open isomer it resembles an undisturbed BODIPY fluorophore, in the closed isomer no fluorescence occurs and instead a red‐shifted DAE behavior prevails.
InspIRED by Nature: NADPH‐Dependent Imine Reductases (IREDs) as Catalysts for the Preparation of Chiral Amines
Authors: Grogan Gideon , Turner Nicholas J.
Published: December 2015

Imine reductases (IREDs) are NADPH‐dependent oxidoreductases that catalyse the asymmetric reduction of cyclic prochiral imines to amines, with excellent stereoselectivity. Since their discovery, stereocomplementary IREDs have been applied to the production of both (S) and (R) cyclic secondary amines, and the expansion in gene sequences recently identified has hinted at new substrate ranges that extend into acyclic imines and even suggest the possibility of asymmetric reductive amination from suitable ketone and amine precursors. Structural studies of various IREDs are beginning to reveal the complexities inherent in determining substrate range, stereoselectivity and mechanism in these enzymes, which represent a valuable emerging addition to the toolbox of available biocatalysts for chiral amine production.
Acetaldehyde: A Small Organic Molecule with Big Impact on Organocatalytic Reactions
Authors: Kim Sun Min , Kim Young Sug , Kim Dong Wan , Rios Ramon , Yang Jung Woon
Published: December 2015

Stereocontrolled formation of carbon−carbon and carbon−heteroatom bonds through asymmetric organocatalysis is a formidable challenge for modern synthetic chemistry. Among the most significant contributions to this field are the transformations involving the use of acetaldehyde or α‐heteroatom‐substituted acetaldehydes for constructing valuable synthons (e.g., amino acid derivatives and hydroxycarbonyl). In this Minireview, versatile (enantioselective) organocatalytic transformations are discussed.
Research Progress of Metal‐Organic Frameworks Based on Aromatic Polycarboxylic Acid
Authors: Li Ling , Cao Xinyu , Huang Rudan
Published: December 2015

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted tremendous attention due to their fascinating structure types and extensive application prospect in many fields. In the process of synthesis, aromatic polycarboxylic acid as ligand plays an important role in constructing functional MOFs. In this review, we have summarized the research progress on the synthesis and structures analysis of MOFs based on aromatic polycarboxylic acids as well as their potential applications in magnetism, gas adsorption, separation, photodegradation, catalysis and emission.
Young investigator challenge: Cadherin‐17 and SATB2 in cytology specimens: Do these new immunostains help in differentiating metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma from adenocarcinomas of other origins?
Authors: Brandler Tamar C. , Jelloul Fatima‐Zahra , Soto Daniel , Das Kasturi , Rosen Lisa , Bhuiya Tawfiqul A.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Cadherin‐17 (intestinal peptide‐associated transporter) and SATB2 (SATB homeobox 2) immunoexpression has recently been described in surgical pathology to have value in establishing the colorectal origin of metastatic adenocarcinoma. However, to the authors' knowledge, the role of these markers in metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma (MCA) in cytology has not been addressed to date. In the current study, the authors evaluated the contribution of cadherin‐17 and SATB2 to the diagnosis of MCA in cytology specimens and compared these two novel markers with the standard gastrointestinal immunohistochemistry panel in an attempt to identify the optimal panel.

METHODS

A total of 43 MCA cytology cases and 68 metastatic noncolorectal adenocarcinoma (non‐MCA) cytology controls were stained for SATB2; cadherin‐17; and the standard panel of cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK20, and Caudal‐Type Homeobox Transcription Factor 2 (CDX2). Staining intensity and percentage of positive cells were recorded. Sensitivity and specificity values for immunostains individually and in combination were computed and compared.

RESULTS

Despite specificities of 83.8% and 91.2%, respectively, for cadherin‐17 and SATB2, when critically examining the new immunostains together with the standard panel, there was no significant difference noted with regard to prediction of MCA (vs non‐MCA) compared with the standard panel alone (P < .6).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study reinforce that the standard gastrointestinal immunohistochemistry panel remains the gold standard for distinguishing MCA from non‐MCA in cytology. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:706‐12. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Thermal Indices and Thermophysiological Modeling for Heat Stress
Authors: Havenith George , Fiala Dusan
Published: December 2015

The assessment of the risk of human exposure to heat is a topic as relevant today as a century ago. The introduction and use of heat stress indices and models to predict and quantify heat stress and heat strain has helped to reduce morbidity and mortality in industrial, military, sports, and leisure activities dramatically. Models used range from simple instruments that attempt to mimic the human‐environment heat exchange to complex thermophysiological models that simulate both internal and external heat and mass transfer, including related processes through (protective) clothing. This article discusses the most commonly used indices and models and looks at how these are deployed in the different contexts of industrial, military, and biometeorological applications, with focus on use to predict related thermal sensations, acute risk of heat illness, and epidemiological analysis of morbidity and mortality. A critical assessment is made of tendencies to use simple indices such as WBGT in more complex conditions (e.g., while wearing protective clothing), or when employed in conjunction with inappropriate sensors. Regarding the more complex thermophysiological models, the article discusses more recent developments including model individualization approaches and advanced systems that combine simulation models with (body worn) sensors to provide real‐time risk assessment. The models discussed in the article range from historical indices to recent developments in using thermophysiological models in (bio) meteorological applications as an indicator of the combined effect of outdoor weather settings on humans. © 2016 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol6:255‐302, 2016.
Measuring Selection on Physiology in the Wild and Manipulating Phenotypes (in Terrestrial Nonhuman Vertebrates)
Authors: Husak Jerry F.
Published: December 2015

To understand why organisms function the way that they do, we must understand how evolution shapes physiology. This requires knowledge of how selection acts on physiological traits in nature. Selection studies in the wild allow us to determine how variation in physiology causes variation in fitness, revealing how evolution molds physiology over evolutionary time. Manipulating phenotypes experimentally in a selection study shifts the distribution of trait variation in a population to better explore potential constraints and the adaptive value of physiological traits. There is a large database of selection studies in the wild on a variety of traits, but very few of those are physiological traits. Nevertheless, data available so far suggest that physiological traits, including metabolic rate, thermal physiology, whole‐organism performance, and hormone levels, are commonly subjected to directional selection in nature, with stabilizing and disruptive selection less common than predicted if physiological traits are optimized to an environment. Selection studies on manipulated phenotypes, including circulating testosterone and glucocorticoid levels, reinforce this notion, but reveal that trade‐offs between survival and reproduction or correlational selection can constrain the evolution of physiology. More studies of selection on physiological traits in nature that quantify multiple traits are necessary to better determine the manner in which physiological traits evolve and whether different types of traits (dynamic performance vs. regulatory) evolve differently. © 2016 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol6:63‐85, 2016.
Pathophysiological Functions of
Rnd
3/
RhoE
Authors: Jie Wei , Andrade Kelsey C. , Lin Xi , Yang Xiangsheng , Yue Xiaojing , Chang Jiang
Published: December 2015

Rnd3, also known as RhoE, belongs to the Rnd subclass of the Rho family of small guanosine triphosphate (GTP)‐binding proteins. Rnd proteins are unique due to their inability to switch from a GTP‐bound to GDP‐bound conformation. Even though studies of the biological function of Rnd3 are far from being concluded, information is available regarding its expression pattern, cellular localization, and its activity, which can be altered depending on the conditions. The compiled data from these studies implies that Rnd3 may not be a traditional small GTPase. The basic role of Rnd3 is to report as an endogenous antagonist of RhoA signaling‐mediated actin cytoskeleton dynamics, which specifically contributes to cell migration and neuron polarity. In addition, Rnd3 also plays a critical role in arresting cell cycle distribution, inhibiting cell growth, and inducing apoptosis and differentiation. Increasing data have shown that aberrant Rnd3 expression may be the leading cause of some systemic diseases; particularly highlighted in apoptotic cardiomyopathy, developmental arrhythmogenesis and heart failure, hydrocephalus, as well as tumor metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, a better understanding of the function of Rnd3 under different physiological and pathological conditions, through the use of suitable models, would provide a novel insight into the origin and treatment of multiple human diseases. © 2016 American Physiological Society.
Compr Physiol
6:169‐186, 2016.
Homocysteine Metabolism, Atherosclerosis, and Diseases of Aging
Authors: McCully Kilmer S.
Published: December 2015

The importance of homocysteine in vascular function and arteriosclerosis was discovered by demonstration of arteriosclerotic plaques in children with homocystinuria caused by inherited enzymatic deficiencies of cystathionine synthase, methionine synthase, or methylene‐tetrahydrofolate reductase. According to the homocysteine theory of arteriosclerosis, an elevated blood homocysteine level is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis in subjects without these rare enzymatic abnormalities. The homocysteine theory is supported by demonstration of arterial plaques in experimental animals with hyperhomocysteinemia, by discovery of a pathway for conversion of homocysteine thiolactone to sulfate in cell cultures from children with homocystinuria, and by demonstration of growth promotion by homocysteic acid in normal and hypophysectomized animals. Studies with cultured malignant cells revealed abnormal homocysteine thiolactone metabolism, resulting in homocysteinylation of proteins, nucleic acids, and glycosaminoglycans, explaining the abnormal oxidative metabolism, abnormalities of cellular membranes, and altered genetic expression observed in malignancy. Abnormal homocysteine metabolism in malignant cells is attributed to deficiency of thioretinamide, the amide synthesized from retinoic acid and homocysteine thiolactone. Two molecules of thioretinamide combine with cobalamin to form thioretinaco. Based on the molecular structure of thioretinaco, a theory of oxidative phosphorylation was proposed, involving oxidation to a disulfonium derivative by ozone, and binding of oxygen, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and phosphate as the active site of adenosine triphosphate synthesis in mitochondria. Obstruction of vasa vasorum by aggregates of microorganisms with homocysteinylated low‐density lipoproteins is proposed to cause ischemia of arterial wall and a microabscess of the intima, the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque. © 2016 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol6:471‐505, 2016.
Capacitance Performance of Nanostructured CoNi2S4 with Different Morphology Grown on Carbon Cloth for Supercapacitors
Authors: Ai Zhihong , Hu Zhonghua , Liu Yafei , Yao Mingming
Published: December 2015

Nanostructured CoNi2S4 materials with different morphologies were successfully grown on carbon cloth through a facile precursor transformation method by adjusting the anions in nickel cobalt salts. The resulting samples were characterized by XRD, EDS, FESEM, and TEM and were found to display different morphologies. Their electrochemical performance was investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cycle life. The as‐obtained CoNi2S4 sample with NO3− as the anion in the nickel cobalt salt displayed an ultrahigh specific capacitance of 2714 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and excellent rate capability (64.8 % capacity retention at 20 A g−1). However, the as‐obtained CoNi2S4 samples with SO42− and Cl− as the anions in the precursors displayed a limited specific capacitance of only 1750 and 1334 F g−1, respectively. Besides, they also displayed different performances in the cycle life test. The study indicates that the as‐obtained CoNi2S4 grown on carbon cloth prepared with NO3− as the anion will be a promising electrode material for supercapacitors.
Transitioning from undergraduate studies to medical education: The top 5 things students with disabilities want (and need) to know
Authors: Fahey Katherine , Murray Joseph
Published: December 2015

Transitioning from an undergraduate program to medical school can present challenges to students with disabilities. Whether you work with undergraduates preparing for medical school or with new medical students, sharing the following tips with them can help make the transition easier.
Ecological differentiation and habitat unsuitability maintaining a ground beetle hybrid zone
Authors: Takami Yasuoki , Osawa Takeshi
Published: December 2015

Exogenous selection via interactions between organisms and environments may influence the dynamics of hybrid zones between species in multiple ways. Two major models of a hybrid zone allowed us to hypothesize that environmental conditions influence hybrid zone dynamics in two ways. In the first model, an environmental gradient determines the mosaic distribution at the boundary between ecologically differentiated species (mosaic hybrid zone model). In the second model, a patch of unsuitable habitat traps a hybrid zone between species whose hybrids are unfit (tension zone model). To test these, we examined the environmental factors influencing the spatial structure of a hybrid zone between the ground beetlesCarabus maiyasanusandC. iwawakianususingGIS‐based quantification of environmental factors and a statistical comparison of species distribution models (SDMs). We determined that both of the hypothetical processes can be important in the hybrid zone. We detected interspecific differences in the environmental factors in presence localities and their relative contribution inSDMs.SDMs were not identical between species even within contact areas, but tended to be similar within the range of each species. These results suggest an association between environments and species, and provide evidence that ecological differentiation between species plays a role in the maintenance of the hybrid zone. Contact areas were characterized by a relatively high temperature, low precipitation, and high topological wetness. Thus, the contact areas were regarded as being located in an unsuitable habitat with a drier climate, where those populations are likely to occur in patches with limited precipitation concentrated. A comparison of spatial scales suggests that exogenous selection via environmental factors may be weaker than endogenous selection via genitalic incompatibility.
Where do the treeless tundra areas of northern highlands fit in the global biome system: toward an ecologically natural subdivision of the tundra biome
Authors: Virtanen Risto , Oksanen Lauri , Oksanen Tarja , Cohen Juval , Forbes Bruce C. , Johansen Bernt , Käyhkö Jukka , Olofsson Johan , Pulliainen Jouni , Tømmervik Hans
Published: December 2015

According to some treatises, arctic and alpine sub‐biomes are ecologically similar, whereas others find them highly dissimilar. Most peculiarly, large areas of northern tundra highlands fall outside of the two recent subdivisions of the tundra biome. We seek an ecologically natural resolution to this long‐standing and far‐reaching problem. We studied broad‐scale patterns in climate and vegetation along the gradient from Siberian tundra via northernmost Fennoscandia to the alpine habitats of European middle‐latitude mountains, as well as explored those patterns within Fennoscandian tundra based on climate–vegetation patterns obtained from a fine‐scale vegetation map. Our analyses reveal that ecologically meaningful January–February snow and thermal conditions differ between different types of tundra. High precipitation and mild winter temperatures prevail on middle‐latitude mountains, low precipitation and usually cold winters prevail on high‐latitude tundra, and Scandinavian mountains show intermediate conditions. Similarly, heath‐like plant communities differ clearly between middle latitude mountains (alpine) and high‐latitude tundra vegetation, including its altitudinal extension on Scandinavian mountains. Conversely, high abundance of snowbeds and large differences in the composition of dwarf shrub heaths distinguish the Scandinavian mountain tundra from its counterparts in Russia and the north Fennoscandian inland. The European tundra areas fall into three ecologically rather homogeneous categories: the arctic tundra, the oroarctic tundra of northern heights and mountains, and the genuinely alpine tundra of middle‐latitude mountains. Attempts to divide the tundra into two sub‐biomes have resulted in major discrepancies and confusions, as the oroarctic areas are included in the arctic tundra in some biogeographic maps and in the alpine tundra in others. Our analyses based on climate and vegetation criteria thus seem to resolve the long‐standing biome delimitation problem, help in consistent characterization of research sites, and create a basis for further biogeographic and ecological research in global tundra environments.
The Reversible Formation of Tight Ion Pairs within Platinum(II) Complexes – A Study of Thermodynamic Parameters Governing Noncovalent Interactions
Authors: Ielo Ileana , Lanza Santo , Campagna Sebastiano , Giannetto Antonino
Published: December 2015

Compounds like [(HR2DTO)Pt(H2R2DTO)][Cl] (DTO = dithiooxamidate; R = ethyl or benzyl) can be involved in acid–base reactions in chloroform, playing the role of either the acid or the base partner. When the complexes react with pyridines, neutral complexes like [(HR2DTO)2Pt] are formed. Such processes are characterized by small enthalpy changes, so they are substantially entropy‐driven. We explained this as a consequence of the solvent released when HCl is transferred from tight‐ion‐pair platinum compounds to pyridines. When [(HR2DTO)Pt(H2R2DTO)][Cl] species react with HCl, complexes like [(H2R2DTO)Pt(H2R2DTO)][Cl]2 are formed, where a new weak hydrogen‐bonding‐based interaction of the type N···H–Cl is present; however, the measured enthalpy changes show values typical of a strong interaction (R = ethyl, ΔH° = –146.3 ± 9.7 kJ mol–1; R = benzyl, ΔH° = –67.7 ± 2.0 kJ mol–1), apparently too large for hydrogen bonding. Also, the entropy lowering is too large to be attributable to a simple association process (R = ethyl, ΔS° = –398 ± 32 J K–1 mol–1; R = benzyl, ΔS° = –154 ± 7 J K–1 mol–1). Both large enthalpy and entropy lowering have been attributed to the role played by the solvent in the acid–base processes. In the present systems, the solvent strongly affects not only the entropy factor, but also the enthalpy factor. Such conclusions can be generalized to give useful information for controlling similar noncovalent, electrostatic interactions.
Label‐free Electrochemical Aptasensor for Carcino‐embryonic Antigen Based on Ternary Nanocomposite of Gold Nanoparticles, Hemin and Graphene
Authors: Liu Zhiguang , Wang Yuxuan , Guo Yujing , Dong Chuan
Published: December 2015

In this report, a label‐free electrochemical aptasensor for carcino‐embryonic antigen (CEA) was successfully developed based on a ternary nanocomposite of gold nanoparticles, hemin and graphene nanosheets (AuNPs‐HGNs). This nanocomposite was prepared by decorating gold nanoparticles on the surface of hemin functionalized graphene nanosheets via a simple wet‐chemical strategy. The aptamer can be assembled on the surface of AuNPs‐HGNs/GCE (glassy carbon electrode) through Au‐S covalent bond to form the sensing interface. Hemin absorbed on the graphene nanosheets not only acts as a protective agent of graphene sheets, but also as an in situ probe base on its excellent redox properties. Gold nanoparticles provide with both numerous binding sites for loading CEA binding aptamer (CBA) and good conductivity to promote the electron transfer. The current changes, which are caused by CEA specifically binding on the modified electrode, are exploited for the label‐free detection of CEA in a very rapid and convenient protocol. Therefore, the method has advantages of high sensitivity, wide linear range (0.0001–10 ng mL−1), low detection limit (40 fg mL−1) and attractive specificity. The results illustrate that the proposed label‐free electrochemical aptasensor has a potential application in the biological or clinical target analysis for its simple operation and low cost.
Voltammetric Determination of Cymoxanil and Famoxadone at Different Types of Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Bavol Dmytro , Zima Jiri , Barek Jiri , Dejmkova Hana
Published: December 2015

Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) at a carbon fibre rod electrode (CFRE) and a capillary carbon paste electrode (CPE) have been used for the determination of pesticides cymoxanil and famoxadone, respectively. In the cathodic potential range, optimum conditions were found for the determination of cymoxanil by DPV at CFRE at pH 4 with limit of quantification (LQ) of 5.9×10−7 mol L−1. In the anodic area, determination of famoxadone by DPV at CPE was performed at optimum pH 2 with LQ=1.4×10−7 mol L−1. Practical applicability of the newly developed methods was verified on spiked samples of river water and soil.
Encouraging Health Insurance for the Informal Sector: A Cluster Randomized Experiment in Vietnam
Authors: Wagstaff Adam , Nguyen Ha Thi Hong , Dao Huyen , Bales Sarah
Published: December 2015

Subsidized voluntary enrollment in government‐run health insurance schemes is often proposed as a way of increasing coverage among informal sector workers and their families. We report the results of a cluster randomized experiment, in which 3000 households in 20 communes in Vietnam were randomly assigned at baseline to a control group or one of three treatments: an information leaflet about Vietnam's government‐run scheme and the benefits of health insurance, a voucher entitling eligible household members to 25% off their annual premium, and both. At baseline, the four groups had similar enrollment rates (4%) and were balanced on plausible enrollment determinants. The interventions all had small and insignificant effects (around 1 percentage point or ppt). Among those reporting sickness in the 12 months prior to the baseline survey the subsidy‐only intervention raised enrollment by 3.5 ppts (p = 0.08) while the combined intervention raised enrollment by 4.5 ppts (p = 0.02); however, the differences in the effect sizes between the sick and non‐sick were just shy of being significant. Our results suggest that information campaigns and subsidies may have limited effects on voluntary health insurance enrollment in Vietnam and that such interventions might exacerbate adverse selection. Copyright © The World Bank Health Economics © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical study of excited states of DNA base dimers and tetramers using optimally tuned range‐separated density functional theory
Authors: Sun Haitao , Zhang Shian , Zhong Cheng , Sun Zhenrong
Published: December 2015

Excited states of various DNA base dimers and tetramers including Watson‐Crick H‐bonding and stacking interactions have been investigated by time‐dependent density functional theory using nonempirically tuned range‐separated exchange (RSE) functionals. Significant improvements are found in the prediction of excitation energies and oscillator strengths, with results comparable to those of high‐level coupled‐cluster (CC) models (RI‐CC2 and EOM‐CCSD(T)). The optimally‐tuned RSE functional significantly outperforms its non‐tuned (default) version and widely‐used B3LYP functional. Compared to those high‐level CC benchmarks, the large mean absolute deviations of conventional functionals can be attributed to their inappropriate amount of exact exchange and large delocalization errors which can be greatly eliminated by tuning approach. Furthermore, the impacts of H‐bonding and π‐stacking interactions in various DNA dimers and tetramers are analyzed through peak shift of simulated absorption spectra as well as corresponding change of absorption intensity. The result indicates the stacking interaction in DNA tetramers mainly contributes to the hypochromicity effect. The present work provides an efficient theoretical tool for accurate prediction of optical properties and excited states of nucleobase and other biological systems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of Elecsys Anti‐HCV II Assay With Other HCV Screening Assays
Authors: Li Dongdong , Zhu Siyuan , Wang Tingting , An Jingna , Wang Lanlan , Tao Chuanmin
Published: December 2015

Objective

Early detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important step in preventing progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Serologic assays for anti‐HCV antibody are valuable first‐line tests in the screening and diagnosis of HCV infection. This study's aim was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Elecsys Anti‐HCV II assay for HCV screening.

Design and Methods

A total of 1,044 routine sera, 20 known HCV‐positive samples, plus 54 preselected weakly positive samples were tested for anti‐HCV with Elecsys Anti‐HCV II assay, Elecsys Anti‐HCV assays, InTec HCV enzymoimmunoassay (EIA), and Livzon Anti‐HCV EIA. Interference test was assessed with additional 423 specimens without clinical evidence of HCV infection: preselected HCV weak reactive samples; dialysis samples; anti‐HBc (antibody to HBV core antigen) (+), anti‐Treponema pallidum (+), and anti‐HIV (+) sera; and samples form autoimmune/alcoholic hepatitis or systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE). Discrepant results were evaluated with recombinant immunoblot assay. The seroconversion panels were evaluated to assess how early each assay could detect HCV infection.

Results

The specificity (99.81%) of the Elecsys Anti‐HCV II assay was less than that with the two EIA comparison methods. However, false‐negative results were easily seen in the EIA assays. When serial bleeds of HCV panels were compared with the above‐mentioned methods, the assay detected acute HCV infection only 3.5 days after a positive HCV‐RNA nucleic acid test and earlier than the comparator assays.

Conclusion

Sensitivities and specificities of the anti‐HCV assays were sufficiently high for use in this study. The Elecsys Anti‐HCV II assay is suitable for screening and reliable early detection of HCV infection.
Direct Identification of Aerobic Bacteria by Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry Is Accurate and Robust
Authors: Mestas Javier , Quias Teephany , Dien Bard Jennifer
Published: December 2015

Background

Bacterial identification in the clinical laboratory can be laborious and expensive. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) is a rapid and cost‐effective diagnostic tool for the identification of organisms routinely found in the microbiology laboratory. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that identification of aerobic Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative organisms could be performed accurately and efficiently by MALDI‐TOF MS and the Bruker Biotyper system without the use of time‐consuming extraction methodologies.

Methods

Isolates previously recovered by routine culture and workup from clinical specimens were cultured to appropriate media, identified directly by MALDI‐TOF MS, and compared to results from various biochemical identification methods.

Results

Using the direct‐smear method, 99.5% and 98.0% of aerobic Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria, respectively, were identified to the genus level. At a score of ≥1.9, 97.6% Gram‐negative organisms and 94.6% Gram‐positive organisms were correctly identified to the species level by direct‐smear method. Only 1.1% of isolates required further reflex to direct‐plate extraction. The direct‐smear method proved to be robust, as various growth temperatures, media, culture age, and different operators had no notable impact on the bacterial identification rate.

Conclusion

The direct‐smear method is an accurate and time‐saving method for routine species‐level bacterial identification.
The Association Between Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio and Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Mercan Ridvan , Bitik Berivan , Tufan Abdurrahman , Bozbulut Utku Burak , Atas Nuh , Ozturk Mehmet Akif , Haznedaroglu Seminur , Goker Berna
Published: December 2015

Background

Elevated neutrophil count is associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality in many conditions. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has emerged as a marker of inflammation in neoplastic and cardiovascular disorders. Herein, we investigated utility of this simple tool in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

The study consisted of 136 RA and 140 AS patients, along with 117 healthy control subjects. RA and AS activities were determined with Disease Activity Score (DAS) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity indices (BASDAI), respectively. The association between NLR and disease activity was analyzed.

Results

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in RA and AS patients compared to healthy controls. Similarly, NLR was higher compared to control subjects, both in RA (2.53 ± 1.4 vs. 2.16 ± 1.0, P = 0.019) and AS (2.43 ± 1.4 vs. 2.16 ± 1.0, P = 0.077). NLR correlated well with ESR and CRP, both in RA and AS. Moreover, NLR increased across worsening DAS28 activity groups (2.1 ± 1.0 in patients with remission, 2.5 ± 1.0 in low–moderate, 3.8 ± 2.5 in high disease activity). However, no association was found between NLR and BASDAI.

Conclusion

NLR is a cheap and readily available marker for the assessment of disease activity in RA.
Ultrasound measures of supraspinatus tendon thickness and acromiohumeral distance in rotator cuff tendinopathy are reliable
Authors: McCreesh Karen M. , Anjum Shakeel , Crotty James M. , Lewis Jeremy S.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy has been widely ascribed to impingement of the supraspinatus tendon (SsT) in the subacromial space, measured as the acromiohumeral distance (AHD). Ultrasound (US) is suitable for measuring AHD and SsT thickness, but few reliability studies have been carried out in symptomatic populations, and interrater reliability is unconfirmed. This study aimed to examine the intrarater and interrater reliability of US measurements of AHD and SsT thickness in asymptomatic control subjects and patients with RC tendinopathy.

Methods

Seventy participants were recruited and grouped as healthy controls (n = 25) and RC tendinopathy (n = 45). Repeated US measurements of AHD and SsT thickness were obtained by one rater in both groups and by two raters in the RC tendinopathy group.

Results

Intrarater and interrater reliability coefficients were excellent for both measurements (intraclass correlation > 0.92), but the intrarater reliability was superior. The minimal detectable change values in the symptomatic group were 0.7 mm for AHD and 0.6 mm for SsT thickness for a single experienced examiner; the values rose to 1.2 mm and 1.3 mm, respectively, for the pair of examiners.

Conclusions

The results support the reliability of US for the measurement of AHD and SsT thickness in patients with symptomatic RC tendinopathy and provide minimal detectable change values for use in future research studies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:159–166, 2016
Does Moral Leadership Conflict With Organizational Innovation?
Authors: Nunn Sandra G. , Avella John T.
Published: December 2015

The current article explores the concept of moral leadership and the potential for conflict with organizational innovation. After exploring the organizational prioritization of profitability with the exclusion of moral and ethical implications, the article asserts that moral leadership need not be the center of conflict with organizational innovation. Instead, research reveals that moral leadership can serve to enhance, inspire, and provide the foundation needed for innovation. For this reason, organizations must strive to make the identification of ethical leadership as a priority and stakeholders must remain flexible while upholding ethical standards. Through enhanced moral leadership, organizations can achieve greater levels of innovative excellence and competitive advantage in the global economy.
New strategies in model order reduction of trajectory piecewise‐linear models
Authors: Mohseni Seyed Saleh , Yazdanpanah Mohammad Javad , Ranjbar N. Abolfazl
Published: December 2015

Model order reduction based on trajectory piecewise linearization (TPWL) is a beneficial technique for approximating nonlinear models. One efficient method for building projection matrix in TPWL reduction is by aggregation of projection matrices of linearization points (LPs). However, in this method, the size of projection matrix will also grow up by increasing the number of LPs, which yield the increment of the size of reduced model. In other words, the size of reduced model will depend on the number of LPs. In this paper, we will address this issue and propose two new strategies for obviating this problem. Contrarily to former works in TPWL modeling, we established a model via TWPL based on output weighting of parallel linear models. Then, we proposed two reduction strategies for suggested TPWL model. The first algorithm inspires from former works in this field but in a parallel structure that enable segregation of projection matrices whereas the second algorithm remedies the problem by considering the high‐order TPWL model as a unit linear model and reduces this model like a linear model but uses back projection method for constructing different outputs. The efficiency of methods is shown by comparison with former TPWL methods through vast simulations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatiotemporal structure of the moisture sources feeding heavy precipitation events over the Sichuan Basin
Authors: Bin Chen , Xiang‐De Xu
Published: December 2015

The Sichuan Basin (SCB), in southwest China, is characterized by a high frequency of heavy precipitation (HP) events in the boreal summer. In this study, the top 50 HP events that occurred in the SCB were selected, based on daily precipitation gauge data during 1980–2013, and the moisture sources for these events have been identified. Taking advantage of the Lagrangian approach, we particularly examined the spatiotemporal structure of the moisture sources, both in their magnitude and temporal sequence. The results of this study can be summarized as follows: (1) the quantification of the contribution of the moisture sources indicated that the remote sources of moisture originating from the Tibetan Plateau, Indian Peninsula, Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea made considerable contributions to the moisture in the HP events; however, these areas were only the third most important factor in climatology, following the stronger influence of moisture uptake from the SCB local regions and the nearby Indo‐China Peninsula and South China Sea regions; (2) the time that moisture involved in the HP events varies between a few hours to more than a week before the HP events. Most of the moisture uptakes happened 1–5 days before the events, with maximum uptake occurring about 1 day before; (3) individual event‐to‐event variability of moisture sources was apparent. However, in contrast to the primary moisture contributors, this event‐to‐event variation depended largely on the externally imported moisture, particularly water vapor conveyed by both dominant southwest circulations and the moisture exported from the Tibetan Plateau, rather than the local SCB region. These results have established the atmospheric flow patterns that are prerequisites for HP events; meanwhile, regional moisture availability over the SCB region could also be an essential component of forecasting the HP events and needs to be better understood.
Comparison of fecal pooling methods and DNA extraction kits for the detection of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
Authors: Mita Akiko , Mori Yasuyuki , Nakagawa Tetsuo , Tasaki Tomoko , Utiyama Katsuo , Mori Hitomi
Published: December 2015

The aim of the study was to develop a sensitive method using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with pooled fecal samples for the screening of Johne's disease (JD). Manufacturer‐specified and our new pooling method in combination with five commercial kits for DNA extraction and purification were compared. Different volumes of pooled fecal suspensions were tested, and the results were compared for individual samples and three pool sizes (5, 10, and 50 samples); each of the fecal suspensions, which were prepared from healthy dairy and beef cattle was spiked with 0, 10, 100, or 1000 cultured Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) organisms or was mixed with fecal suspensions from experimentally infected cattle. The MAP DNA detection proportion with our pooling method in combination with Johne‐Spin kit (Fasmac, Japan) was 100% for all models and all pool sizes, except for the low shedder model with a pool size of 50. There was no loss of sensitivity in pools of 10 subjects or less by using the new method. These results suggest that new method is a sensitive, practical, and cost‐effective screening test for the detection of MAP‐infected cattle and the monitoring of JD‐free herds.
Successful treatment of early‐stage lower extremity lymphedema with side‐to‐end lymphovenous anastomosis with indocyanine green lymphography assisted
Authors: Ito Ran , Wu Chieh‐Tsai , Lin Miffy Chia‐Yu , Cheng Ming‐Huei
Published: December 2015

Purpose

This study was to investigate intraoperative assessment of side‐to‐end lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) with indocyanine green (ICG) and the correlation between its patency and surgical outcome.

Methods

LVA was applied to five patients with early‐stage lower extremity lymphedema. Side‐to‐end anastomosis and then end‐to‐end anastomosis were created as a second alternative. Immediately after the anastomosis, ICG was used to confirm its patency.

Results

The mean number of anastomoses was 2.0 ± 0.7, and the types of anastomoses were primarily side‐to‐end and secondarily end‐to‐end. The mean reduction rate was 63.8 ± 20.2% after LVA at 10 ± 6.4 months of follow‐up. In all cases, the affected extremities became soft immediately after surgery, and no cellulitis episodes were observed.

Conclusion

Side‐to‐end LVA can be an effective treatment for early‐stage lower extremity lymphedema. ICG lymphodynamic assessment is useful not only in the preoperative identification of functional lymphatics but also in the intraoperative visualization of new drainage routes in LVA surgery. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:310–315, 2016.
Phase‐cycled simultaneous multislice balanced SSFP imaging with CAIPIRINHA for efficient banding reduction
Authors: Wang Yi , Shao Xingfeng , Martin Thomas , Moeller Steen , Yacoub Essa , Wang Danny J.J.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To present a time‐efficient technique for banding reduction in balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) imaging using phase‐cycled simultaneous multislice (SMS) acquisition with CAIPIRINHA (controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration).

Theory

The proposed technique exploits the inherent phase modulation of SMS imaging with CAIPIRINHA to acquire multiple phase‐cycled images, which can be combined for efficient banding reduction within the same scan time of a single‐band bSSFP scan.

Methods

Bloch equation simulation, phantom and in vivo brain, abdominal and cardiac imaging experiments were performed on healthy volunteers at 3T using multi‐channel head and body array coils with SMS acceleration factors of two to four. The performance of banding reduction was quantitatively evaluated based on the percent ripple of signal distribution and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) efficiency in both phantom and human studies.

Results

The banding artifact was successfully removed or suppressed using phase‐cycled SMS bSSFP imaging across SMS factors of two to four. The performance of banding reduction improved with higher SMS factors along with increased SNR efficiency.

Conclusion

Phase‐cycled SMS bSSFP with CAIPIRINHA is a promising technique for efficient band reduction in bSSFP without prolonged scan time. Further evaluation of this technique in clinical applications is warranted. Magn Reson Med 76:1764–1774, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine