bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attributable Fractions
Authors: Sjölander Arvid
Published: February 2016

The attributable fraction (AF) for a particular exposure‐outcome pair is defined as the proportion of outcomes that would be prevented in the population if the exposure was completely eliminated. As such, it quantifies the public health impact of the exposure with respect to the outcome. The AF is traditionally defined for binary outcomes, but has recently been extended to time‐to‐event outcomes. Estimation of AFs requires that there are no unmeasured confounders and that measured confounders are properly adjusted for.
Sharing Stories: Using Student Voices to Expand Assessment Reporting
Authors: Wise Vicki L. , Hatfield Lisa J.
Published: February 2016

Vicki L. Wise and Lisa J. Hatfield share one student's academic and personal journey, demonstrating the power of the personal to communicate the value of student affairs work.
Response surface methodology for the optimization of biofuel production at a low molar ratio of supercritical methanol to used palm olein oil
Authors: Sakdasri Winatta , Sawangkeaw Ruengwit , Ngamprasertsith Somkiat
Published: February 2016

A large energy input for preheating and recovering of high excess alcohols used are the main issue in the supercritical methanol (SCM) process. This work demonstrated the production of biofuel from used palm olein oil in SCM using a low methanol to oil molar ratio. The effects of the operating temperature (350–400 °C), methanol to oil molar ratio (9:1–12:1), and reaction time (2–10 min), and their reciprocal interactions were evaluated using a central composite design. The optimum process conditions were determined to be a temperature of 395 °C, methanol to oil molar ratio of 12:1, and reaction time of approximately 9 min through the use of response surface methodology. The modified quadratic regression model demonstrated that the triglyceride conversion (%XTG) and methyl ester content (%FAME) were sensitive to changes in the operating temperature and reaction time, while the effect of the methanol to oil molar ratio was minimal. Under the optimal operating conditions, the predicted values of %XTG and %FAME were 100% and 63.67%, respectively, which were in good agreement with the experimental values. The fuel properties of biofuel obtained from optimal conditions were examined and then compared to American and European standards for biodiesel. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vinyl acetate content and electron beam irradiation directed alteration of structure, morphology, and associated properties of EVA/EPDM blends
Authors: Ray Chowdhury Subhendu , Sharma Bhuwanesh Kumar , Mahanwar Prakash , Sarma Kuppa Sivasankara
Published: February 2016

A series of ethylene vinyl acetate/ethylene–propylene diene elastomer (EVA/EPDM) blends with four types of EVAs with various vinyl acetate (VA) content, are prepared without and with crosslinker, trimethylol propane triacrylate (TMPTA). These are irradiated by electron beam (EB). As the VA content increases, the gel content, i.e., degree of crosslinking of EVA/EPDM blends, is increased. With increase in VA content, the modulus and tensile strength are decreased but elongation at break is increased due to increase in amorphousness. On EB irradiation, modulus and tensile strengths are increased but at the cost of elongation at break. Crystallinities of all blends are decreased with increase in VA and EB crosslinking. The thermal stability of EVA/EPDM blend is decreased with increase in VA content but increased after EB irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) show that with increase in VA content the miscibility of two polymers keeps on increasing, which even become more after EB irradiation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43468.
Poly ionic liquid cryogel of polyethyleneimine: Synthesis, characterization, and testing in absorption studies
Authors: Sahiner Nurettin , Demirci Sahin
Published: February 2016

Here, we report the synthesis of polyethyleneimine (PEI) cryogels for the first time via cryopolymerization technique. The crosslinking of amine groups on the branched PEI chains is accomplished with epoxy groups of glycerol diglycidyl ether (GDE) based on epoxy–amine reactions in excess water at −18 °C in about 16 h. Superporous PEI cryogels with pore sizes >100 μm were shown to have very fast equilibrium swelling behavior, e.g., 10 s to reach maximum swelling in DI water. Furthermore, the synthesized PEI cryogels were exposed to anion exchange reaction after protonation by HCl treatments to generate PEI ionic liquid cryogels containing hexafluorophosphate, thiocyanate, dicyanamide, and tetrafluoroborate. It was also demonstrated that PEI cryogels modified with [PF6]− absorbed 47.8 ± 5.7 mg/g of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Moreover, PEI cryogels were shown to be very useful as simple filtration filling materials for the direct removal of organic dyes such as methyl orange (MO) and eosin Y (EY) from their corresponding aqueous solutions with 98.5 and 98.6% yields, respectively. The separation of methylene blue (MB) from MO and EY mixture by using PEI cryogels as column filler materials was also demonstrated. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43478.
MALDI‐TOF Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Chemical Warfare Nerve Agent Simulants
Authors: Kim Eunhee , Lee Hyunji , Choi Sun‐Kyung , Yoon Myung‐Han , Oh Han Bin
Published: February 2016

To avoid possible danger, simulants of chemical warfare nerve gas agents, such as dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), triethyl phosphate (TEP), di(propylene glycol) monomethyl ether (DPGMME), methyl salicylate, and diethyl phthalate (DEP), are often used for the development of a new detection and analysis method. In the present study, several MALDI matrices were evaluated to determine the optimal matrix for the simultaneous Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) detection of the above‐mentioned five chemical warfare agent (CWA) simulants, and α‐cyanohydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) was found to be most effective in detecting all of the simulants without interference from strong background matrix peaks. Furthermore, the limits of detection for the five simulants were roughly estimated with the CHCA matrix. This information is expected to be important for the development of future electrowetting‐on‐dielectrics (EWOD)‐based sample preparation methods that can be subjected to subsequent analysis by MALDI‐TOF MS.
Stability of LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 as a Cathode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries against Air and Moisture
Authors: Park Jae‐hoon , Park Joon‐ki , Lee Jae‐won
Published: February 2016

LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (C622), a Ni‐rich cathode material, was prepared and its durability tested in air and moisture. For the test, C622 was stored in a glovebox and in a humidity chamber at 50% RH. For each sample, the cell performance was tested in terms of the specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability; the changes in the crystal structure were also investigated. The results indicate that when C622 is stored in a humidity chamber, severe degradation occurs in all measurements relating to the cell performance, whereas when it is stored in a glovebox, no degradation is seen. This indicates that C622 is very sensitive to air and moisture. A larger quantity of residual lithium compounds, which are by‐products of the reaction between the cathode material, CO2, and moisture in the air, could be seen on the surface of the C622 that was stored in a humidity chamber when compared to the one stored in a glovebox. The formation of residual lithium compounds and the corresponding changes in the crystal structure of C622 kept in the humidity chamber may be the reason for the degradation in the cell performance.
Sensitive determination of norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine and 5‐hydroxytryptamine by coupling HPLC with [Ag(HIO6)2]5−–luminol chemiluminescence detection
Authors: Wu Dong , Xie He , Lu Haifeng , Li Wei , Zhang Qunlin
Published: February 2016

Based on the enhancing effects of norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (EP), dopamine (DA) and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) on the chemiluminescence (CL) reaction between [Ag(HIO6)2]5− and luminol in alkaline solution, a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with CL detection was explored for the sensitive determination of monoamine neurotransmitters for the first time. The UV–visible absorption spectra were recorded to study the enhancement mechanism of monoamine neurotransmitters on the CL of [Ag(HIO6)2]5− and luminol reaction. The HPLC separation of NE, EP, DA and 5‐HT was achieved with isocratic elution using a mixture of aqueous 0.2% phosphoric acid and methanol (5:95, v/v) within 11.0 min. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of NE, EP, DA, and 5‐HT were 4.8, 0.9, 1.9 and 2.3 ng/mL, respectively, corresponding to 17.6–96.0 pg for 20 μL sample injection. The recoveries of monoamine neurotransmitters in rat brain were >95.6% with the precisions expressed by RSD <5.0%. The validated HPLC‐CL method was successfully applied for the quantification of NE, EP, DA and 5‐HT in rat brain. This method has promising potential for some biological and clinical investigations focusing on the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
It is not paradoxical: Risk reduction from transradial occurs across all weight classes proportional to baseline risk
Authors: Gilchrist Ian C. , Schmidt Torrey R.
Published: February 2016

Key Points

Reductions in bleeding risk through the use of transradial versus transfemoral access can be seen across the spectrum of patient body mass indexes using a large claims based database.

At both the heavy and light extremes of body mass, the radial‐associated reductions in bleeding are most evident with a mortality benefit and a reduction in retroperitoneal bleeding evident in the morbidly obese.

Expansion of radial skills to allow operators to confidently provide these procedures to all appropriate patients regardless of weight would reduce bleeding risks and mortality across the population.
SpontaneousEscherichia colibacterial meningitis mimicking heatstroke in an adult
Authors: Ishida Kenichiro , Noborio Mitsuhiro , Nakamura Masayuki , Ieki Yohei , Sogabe Taku , Sadamitsu Daikai
Published: February 2016

Key Clinical Message

Bacterial meningitis can be difficult to recognize: the meningeal triad symptoms are not always present and the alteration in mental status can mimic heatstroke.Escherichia colimeningitis is a serious disease whose early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic treatment, and hemodynamic management are essential.
Susceptibility to monocular deprivation following immersion in darkness either late into or beyond the critical period
Authors: Duffy Kevin R. , Lingley Alexander J. , Holman Kaitlyn D. , Mitchell Donald E.
Published: February 2016

An extended duration of darkness starting near the time of birth preserves immature neuronal characteristics and prolongs the accentuated plasticity observed in young animals. Brief periods of complete darkness have emerged as an effective means of restoring a high capacity for neural plasticity and of promoting recovery from the effects of monocular deprivation (MD). We examined whether 10 days of darkness imposed in adulthood or beyond the peak of the critical period could rejuvenate the ability of MD to reduce the size of neuron somata within deprived layers of the cat dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). For adult cats subjected to 10 days of darkness before 7 days of MD, we observed no alteration in neuron size or neurofilament labeling within the dLGN. At 12 weeks of age, MD that followed immediately after 10 days of darkness produced an enhanced reduction of neuron soma size within deprived dLGN layers. For this age we observed that 10 days of darkness also enhanced the loss of neurofilament protein within deprived dLGN layers. These results indicate that, although 10 days of darkness in adulthood does not enhance the susceptibility to 7 days of MD, darkness imposed near the trailing edge of the critical period can restore a heightened susceptibility to MD more typical of an earlier developmental stage. The loss of neurofilament in juveniles exposed to darkness prior to MD suggests that the enhanced capacity for structural plasticity is partially rooted in the ability of darkness to modulate molecules that inhibit plasticity. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2643–2653, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variable laterality of corticospinal tract axons that regenerate after spinal cord injury as a result of PTEN deletion or knock‐down
Authors: Willenberg Rafer , Zukor Katherine , Liu Kai , He Zhigang , Steward Oswald
Published: February 2016

Corticospinal tract (CST) axons from one hemisphere normally extend and terminate predominantly in the contralateral spinal cord. We previously showed that deleting the gene phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in the sensorimotor cortex enables CST axons to regenerate after spinal cord injury and that some regenerating axons extend along the “wrong” side. Here, we characterize the degree of specificity of regrowth in terms of laterality. PTEN was selectively deleted via cortical adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐Cre injections in neonatal PTEN‐floxed mice. As adults, mice received dorsal hemisection injuries at T12 or complete crush injuries at T9. CST axons from one hemisphere were traced by unilateral biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) injections in PTEN‐deleted mice with spinal cord injury and in noninjured PTEN‐floxed mice that had not received AAV‐Cre. In noninjured mice, 97.9 ± 0.7% of BDA‐labeled axons in white matter and 88.5 ± 1.0% of BDA‐labeled axons in gray matter were contralateral to the cortex of origin. In contrast, laterality of CST axons that extended past a lesion due to PTEN deletion varied across animals. In some cases, regenerated axons extended predominantly on the ipsilateral side; in other cases, axons extended predominantly contralaterally, and in others, axons were similar in numbers on both sides. Similar results were seen in analyses of cases from previous studies using short hairpin (sh)RNA‐mediated PTEN knock‐down. These results indicate that CST axons that extend past a lesion due to PTEN deletion or knock‐down do not maintain the contralateral rule of the noninjured CST, highlighting one aspect of how the resultant circuitry from regenerating axons may differ from that of the uninjured CST. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2654–2676, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postembryonic lineages of the Drosophila ventral nervous system: Neuroglian expression reveals the adult hemilineage associated fiber tracts in the adult thoracic neuromeres
Authors: Shepherd David , Harris Robin , Williams Darren W. , Truman James W.
Published: February 2016

During larval life most of the thoracic neuroblasts (NBs) in Drosophila undergo a second phase of neurogenesis to generate adult‐specific neurons that remain in an immature, developmentally stalled state until pupation. Using a combination of MARCM and immunostaining with a neurotactin antibody, Truman et al. (2004; Development 131:5167–5184) identified 24 adult‐specific NB lineages within each thoracic hemineuromere of the larval ventral nervous system (VNS), but because of the neurotactin labeling of lineage tracts disappearing early in metamorphosis, they were unable extend the identification of these lineages into the adult. Here we show that immunostaining with an antibody against the cell adhesion molecule neuroglian reveals the same larval secondary lineage projections through metamorphosis and bfy identifying each neuroglian‐positive tract at selected stages we have traced the larval hemilineage tracts for all three thoracic neuromeres through metamorphosis into the adult. To validate tract identifications we used the genetic toolkit developed by Harris et al. (2015; Elife 4) to preserve hemilineage‐specific GAL4 expression patterns from larval into the adult stage. The immortalized expression proved a powerful confirmation of the analysis of the neuroglian scaffold. This work has enabled us to directly link the secondary, larval NB lineages to their adult counterparts. The data provide an anatomical framework that 1) makes it possible to assign most neurons to their parent lineage and 2) allows more precise definitions of the neuronal organization of the adult VNS based in developmental units/rules. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2677–2695, 2016. © 2016 The Authors The Journal of Comparative Neurology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Uveal melanoma: An analysis of cellular features and comparison to monosomy 3 status
Authors: Hamadeh Fatima , Medina Carlos A. , Singh Arun D. , Reynolds Jordan P. , Biscotti Charles V.
Published: February 2016

Background

Choroidal and ciliary body melanomas divide into two approximately equal groups. Local therapy cures one group while the other metastasizes and proves lethal. Monosomy 3 strongly associates with aggressive behavior. We analyzed a series of choroidal and ciliary body melanomas to describe the cellular features and to compare them to monosomy 3 status using the latter as a surrogate for survival.

Methods

One hundred eleven specimens met the study's inclusion criteria. Following ThinPrep processing, samples were analyzed for cellular features including: cell type, nuclear grade, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, and the presence of necrosis and melanin. FISH analysis for monosomy 3 was performed on ThinPrep slides using a threshold of 20% monosomic cells per 200 melanoma cells.

Results

Seventy‐two tumors (65%) had a mixed cell type while spindle cell type and epithelioid cell type occurred in 37 (33%) and 2 (1.8%), respectively. Seventy‐five tumors (68%) had Grade 2 nuclear atypia. Monosomy 3 occurred in 57 tumors (51%). Significantly more tumors with Grade 3 nuclei had monosomy 3 (79% vs.43%, P = 0.002) and metastases (29% vs. 8%, P = 0.01). None of the 11 pure spindle cell tumors with Grade 1 nuclei metastasized or had monosomy 3.

Conclusions

Uveal melanoma has a relatively consistent cellular appearance, characterized by a mixed cell pattern and no more than moderate nuclear atypia. This consistent appearance aids in the cellular diagnosis but limits prognostication using cellular features. Cellular features significantly associate with monosomy 3 status only in the minority of tumors at the extremes of the morphologic spectrum. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:377–383. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased use of antimicrobial medication in bulimia nervosa and binge‐eating disorder prior to the eating disorder treatment
Authors: Raevuori Anu , Lukkariniemi Laura , Suokas Jaana T. , Gissler Mika , Suvisaari Jaana M. , Haukka Jari
Published: February 2016

Objective

We examined the use of antimicrobial medication as a proxy for infections in large patient cohort treated for binge‐eating disorder (BED), bulimia nervosa (BN), and anorexia nervosa (AN) over the five‐year period preceding eating disorder treatment.

Method

Patients (N = 1592) at the Eating Disorder Unit of Helsinki University Central Hospital between 2000 and 2010 were compared with matched general population controls (N = 6368). The study population was linked to the prescription data of antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral medication from the Register on Reimbursed Prescription Medicine. Data were analyzed using regression models.

Results

Individuals with BN and BED had received more often antimicrobial medication prescriptions compared to their controls (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3–2.1; OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.4–4.6, respectively), while no significant difference emerged in AN (OR: 0.9, 95% CI: 0.7–1.0, p = 0.10). Of the main drug categories, the respective pattern was seen in antibacterial and antifungal medication, while increased use for antivirals appeared only in BN (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.3). Measured with the mean number of prescriptions or mean Defined Daily Doses per individual, patients with BN, BED and males with AN had also higher total antimicrobial medication use.

Discussion

Indicating increased infections, we found elevated use of antimicrobial medication in BN, BED and in males with AN. Infections may be consequence of hyperglycemia, weight gain, or dysregulation of intestinal microbiota associated with core eating disorder behaviors. Or the other way round; changes in intestinal microbiota due to infections, inflammation, or antibacterial medications might contribute to eating disorders in multiple ways. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:542–552)
The medical complications associated with purging
Authors: Forney K. Jean , Buchman‐Schmitt Jennifer M. , Keel Pamela K. , Frank Guido K.W.
Published: February 2016

Objective

Purging behaviors, including self‐induced vomiting, laxative abuse, and diuretic abuse, are present across many of the eating disorders. Here we review the major medical complications of these behaviors.

Method

Although we identified over 100 scholarly articles describing medical complications associated with purging, most papers involved case studies or small, uncontrolled samples. Given the limited evidence base, we conducted a qualitative (rather than systematic) review to identify medical complications that have been attributed to purging behaviors.

Results

Medical conditions affecting the teeth, esophagus, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, skin, cardiovascular system, and musculoskeletal system were identified, with self‐induced vomiting causing the most medical complications.

Discussion

Purging behavior can be associated with severe medical complications across all body systems. Mental health professionals should refer patients with purging behaviors to medical providers for screening and treatment as needed. The medical work‐up for individuals with eating disorders should include a comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood count, and a full body exam including the teeth to prevent severe complications. Medical providers should screen patients for purging behaviors and associated medical complications, even in the absence of an eating disorder diagnosis, to increase the detection of eating disorders. Recognizing the link between purging and medical complications can aid in identifying potential eating disorders, particularly those that often elude detection such as purging disorder.
All‐Polystyrene 3D‐Printed Electrochemical Device with Embedded Carbon Nanofiber‐Graphite‐Polystyrene Composite Conductor
Authors: Rymansaib Zuhayr , Iravani Pejman , Emslie Edward , Medvidović‐Kosanović Martina , Sak‐Bosnar Milan , Verdejo Raquel , Marken Frank
Published: February 2016

Carbon nanofibres (CNFs) and graphite flake microparticles were added to thermoplastic polystyrene polymer with the aim of making new conductive blends suitable for 3D‐printing. Various polymer/carbon blends were evaluated for suitability as printable, electroactive material. An electrically conducting polystyrene composite was developed and used with commercially available polystyrene (HIPS) to manufacture electrodes suitable for electrochemical experiments. Electrodes were produced and evaluated for cyclic voltammetry of aqueous 1,1’‐ferrocenedimethanol and differential pulse voltammetry detection of aqueous Pb2+ via anodic stripping. A polystyrene/CNF/graphite (80/10/10 wt%) composite provides good conductivity and a stable electrochemical interface with well‐defined active geometric surface area. The printed electrodes form a stable interface to the polystyrene shell, give good signal to background voltammetric responses, and are reusable after polishing.
Evaluating Forecasts of a Vector of Variables: A German Forecasting Competition
Authors: Sinclair Tara , Stekler Herman O. , Muller‐Droge Hans Christian
Published: February 2016

In this paper we explore methodologies appropriate for evaluating a forecasting competition when the participants predict a number of variables that may be related to each other and are judged for a single period. Typically, forecasting competitions are judged on a variable‐by‐variable basis, but a multivariate analysis is required to determine how each competitor performed overall. We use three different multivariate tests to determine an overall winner for a forecasting competition for the German economy across 25 different institutions for a single time period using a vector of eight key economic variables. We find that neglecting the cross‐variable relationships greatly alters the outcome of the forecasting competition. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The prevalence and characteristics of hallucinations, delusions and minor phenomena in a non‐demented population sample aged 60 years and over
Authors: Soulas Thierry , Cleret de Langavant Laurent , Monod Valérie , Fénelon Gilles
Published: February 2016

Objective

Psychotic phenomena can occur in non‐clinical subjects. The goals of this study were to assess the prevalence of delusions, hallucinations and minor ‘psychotic’ phenomena (visual illusions, feeling of presence and passage hallucinations) and to describe the characteristics of the latter in a non‐clinical older population.

Methods

Three hundred and thirteen individuals aged 60 years and older, without cognitive deficits (according to mini‐mental state examination scores) or patent psychotic disease, answered a structured questionnaire focusing on delusions, hallucinations and minor phenomena that they had experienced in the previous month. The study sample was stratified by age and gender according to French demographic characteristics.

Results

Twenty per cent of participants reported one or more psychotic phenomena. These subjects did not differ from those without psychotic symptoms as regards their age, mini‐mental state examination scores or education. Minor phenomena were the most common (13%). Hallucinations, in any sensory modality, occurred in 9% of participants. No verbal auditory hallucinations or delusions were reported. The prevalence of minor phenomena increased with age and was associated with the use of psychoactive drugs.

Conclusion

By extending the spectrum of psychotic symptoms to minor phenomena, we found that psychotic symptoms were common in a non‐clinical older population. Whether the increasing prevalence of minor phenomena with age is due to prodromal neurodegenerative disease or to other factors remains to be investigated. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cervical nodal metastases from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: MRI criteria for treatment assessment
Authors: King Ann D. , Yu Kwok‐Hung , Mo Frankie Kwok Fai , Law Benjamin King Hong , Yuen Tom Wing Cheung , Bhatia Kunwar S. , Vlantis Alexander C.
Published: February 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess MRI criteria for detecting residual malignant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) nodes after chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Methods

One hundred and six metastatic nodes were assessed 6 weeks posttreatment by MRI for necrosis, extranodal neoplastic spread (ENS), size, and percentage of size change. Size measurements were reanalyzed after dividing posttreatment nodes into “discrete solid,” “discrete necrotic,” and “indiscrete” groups. Results were correlated with nodal response at 2 years.

Results

Eighty‐three residual nodes were benign and 23 were malignant. Significant predictors of outcome were percentage of change in solid volume (total‐necrotic volume; p = .0002) for all posttreatment nodes and percentage of change in total volume for “discrete solid” posttreatment nodes (p = .0003), the latter showing a ≤78% reduction of predicted residual malignant nodes with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.2% and positive predictive value (PPV) of 60%. Necrosis, ENS, and size of “discrete necrotic” and “indiscrete” nodes were not significant criteria.

Conclusion

Necrosis and ENS were inaccurate criteria for residual malignant nodes and hindered the accuracy of size measurements. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1598–E1604, 2016
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 kindred with novel tandem RET mutations: Case report with an applied in silico mutational tolerance analysis
Authors: Joshi Rohan R. , Heineman Thomas E. , Kutler David I. , Cohen Marc A. , Kuhel William I.
Published: February 2016

Background

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) has established guidelines for prophylactic thyroidectomy in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) based on rearranged during transfection (RET) mutations. In silico analysis, which uses computer modeling to predict alterations in protein structure, is a new method for studying these mutations.

Methods

We describe a kindred with MEN2A, all sharing a well‐documented RET mutation, p.C634Y, as well as a mutation of undetermined significance, p.I852M, which we analyzed via in silico analysis.

Results

The p.C634Y mutation resulted in severe predicted RET alterations, whereas the p.I852M resulted in only modest changes. Both mutations together resulted in only a small additional disruptive effect in protein structure beyond that which occurred with p.C634Y alone.

Conclusion

Although in silico analysis may be helpful in quantitating changes in protein structure that occur in patients who have novel RET mutations (single or multiple), additional factors must account for the highly variable aggressiveness of the disease (C‐cell hyperplasia/medullary thyroid carcinoma [MTC]) noted in our kindred. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1881–E1885, 2016
Estimation of Poverty Transition Matrices with Noisy Data
Authors: Lee Nayoung , Ridder Geert , Strauss John
Published: February 2016

This paper investigates measurement error biases in estimated poverty transition matrices. We compare transition matrices based on survey expenditure data to transition matrices based on measurement‐error‐free simulated expenditure. The simulation model uses estimates that correct for measurement error in expenditure. We find that time‐varying measurement error in expenditure data magnifies economic mobility. Roughly 45% of households initially in poverty at time t − 1 are found to be out of poverty at time t using data from the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study. When measurement error is removed, this drops to between 26 and 31% of households initially in poverty. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Simple Analytics of Matrix Accounting, Activity‐Based Costing, and Linear Programming
Authors: Hughes Melvin
Published: February 2016

In the 1960s, accounting scholars researched matrix accounting and linear programming. The accounting profession didn't incorporate the research into mainstream accounting. This is probably because the research was too abstract and showed no immediate use. Indeed, I built the present model from the ground up. The material was classroom tested for 6 years at an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited business school. The material was well received because students could use a company's existing activity‐based costing system to build a linear programming problem. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictors of incipient dysfunction of all cardiac chambers after treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma by tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Moustafa Sherif , Ho Thai H. , Shah Parth , Murphy Katie , Nelluri Bhargava K. , Lee Howard , Wilansky Susan , Mookadam Farouk
Published: February 2016

Purpose

We aimed to explore the hypothesis that early subclinical cardiac chamber dysfunction secondary to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma could be signaled by abnormal cardiac mechanics demonstrated by velocity vector imaging.

Methods

Echocardiographic images were acquired from the apical views in 23 metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients. All patients had baseline and at least a 3‐month follow‐up echocardiogram after receiving TKI therapy. Subendocardial borders of all the cardiac chambers were traced to obtain volumetric and deformation indices.

Results

Mean age was 67 ± 9 years with 92% men. The right ventricle peak systolic global longitudinal strain (GLɛ) and strain rate were significantly lower after TKIs (−23.49 ± 5.1 versus −19.81 ± 5.5, p = 0.002 and −1.52 ± 0.52 versus −1.24 ± 0.35 p = 0.02, respectively). LV GLɛ was not statistically different. Volumetric and deformation indices showed a minimal decrease of the right atrium reservoir and conduit functions, and no significant changes of left atrial function.

Conclusions

The right heart exhibited greater strain changes than the left heart after TKI treatment. The implications of these findings and their potential significance warrant further work. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:221–230, 2016
Serum sTREM‐1 level is quite higher in Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, a viral infection
Authors: Altay Fatma Aybala , Elaldi Nazif , Şentürk Gönül Çiçek , Altin Nilgün , Gözel Mustafa Gökhan , Albayrak Yurdagül , Şencan İrfan
Published: February 2016

Members of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) family are known as immunmodulators in several infectious or noninfectious inflammatory disorders. The information about their role in viral infections is very limited. To enlighten if there is a relation between soluble TREM‐1(sTREM‐1) and a viral infection, Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), we investigated the levels of sTREM‐1 in the sera of 39 CCHF patients both at admission and at recovery and compared with 40 healthy controls by using microELISA technique. Statistical analysis was made by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows 20 programme. Value of P < 0.05 was accepted as significant for statistical analyses. Median sTREM‐1 level was higher in CCHF group when compared to the control group (1,961 vs. 151.1 pg/ml, respectively; P < 0.001). In CCHF patients, sTREM‐1 levels were significantly decreased at recovery compared to initial level measured at hospital admission (1,961 vs. 948 pg/ml, respectively; P = 0.019). ΔsTREM‐1 is correlated with ΔCRP, ΔWBC, and ΔPlt. We found that serum levels of sTREM‐1 higher than 405.9 pg/ml existed as a cut off point for differentiating CCHF patients and control group with a sensitivity of 94.9% and specifity of 87.5%. It is proved that sTREM‐1 is increased and correlates with the clinical and laboratory findings in CCHF, a viral infection characterized by activation of inflammation. This finding may lead new studies to enlighten the pathogenesis of infections developing by activation of inflammatory cascades and high level cytokine releases, especially. J. Med. Virol. 88:1473–1478, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional neuroanatomy of amygdalohippocampal interconnections and their role in learning and memory
Authors: McDonald Alexander J. , Mott David D.
Published: February 2016

The amygdalar nuclear complex and hippocampal/parahippocampal region are key components of the limbic system that play a critical role in emotional learning and memory. This Review discusses what is currently known about the neuroanatomy and neurotransmitters involved in amygdalo‐hippocampal interconnections, their functional roles in learning and memory, and their involvement in mnemonic dysfunctions associated with neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases. Tract tracing studies have shown that the interconnections between discrete amygdalar nuclei and distinct layers of individual hippocampal/parahippocampal regions are robust and complex. Although it is well established that glutamatergic pyramidal cells in the amygdala and hippocampal region are the major players mediating interconnections between these regions, recent studies suggest that long‐range GABAergic projection neurons are also involved. Whereas neuroanatomical studies indicate that the amygdala only has direct interconnections with the ventral hippocampal region, electrophysiological studies and behavioral studies investigating fear conditioning and extinction, as well as amygdalar modulation of hippocampal‐dependent mnemonic functions, suggest that the amygdala interacts with dorsal hippocampal regions via relays in the parahippocampal cortices. Possible pathways for these indirect interconnections, based on evidence from previous tract tracing studies, are discussed in this Review. Finally, memory disorders associated with dysfunction or damage to the amygdala, hippocampal region, and/or their interconnections are discussed in relation to Alzheimer's disease, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and temporal lobe epilepsy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Uh‐Oh! What Have We Missed? A Qualitative Investigation into Everyday Insight Experience
Authors: Hill Gillian , Kemp Shelly M.
Published: February 2016

This study takes a novel qualitative approach to the investigation of everyday insight experience. It offers ecological validation to findings principally rendered, prior to this research, from a quantitative, cognitive standpoint. In addition, it considers emotional as well as cognitive components of insight. Participants were given different (or no) definitions of insight to ensure experiences collected did not simply mirror the examples of insight provided. This avoided the circularity problem of previous insight research. With the use of an open‐ended questionnaire (online or hardcopy), first‐hand textual accounts of insight instances were recorded. Data collected from 76 participants were analyzed using an adapted qualitative methodology, Integrative Thematic Analysis. This enabled the researchers to identify themes from the data, building a new typology of insight: Content (Personal, Intellectual, Practical), Process (Social Facilitation, Time Away, Active Search) and Feelings (Positive Feelings, Negative Feelings) aspects of insight. The findings suggest everyday experience of insight reaches beyond cognitive problem solving to include elements related to applied psychology, namely Personal (counseling psychology) and Social Facilitation (occupational psychology). Notably, this study offers examples of negative insight, Uh‐oh moments, for the first time. Future research should focus on the interaction of cognitive and affective components in insight moments.
Hydraulic properties of Eucalyptus grandis in response to nitrate and phosphate deficiency and sudden changes in their availability
Authors: Graciano Corina , Faustino Laura I. , Zwieniecki Maciej A.
Published: February 2016

Some herbaceous plant species have been shown to dynamically alter the hydraulic properties of their roots in response to sudden changes in the concentrations of mobile nutrients. These hydraulic adaptations effectively allow plants to ‘chase' mobile nutrients across the rhizosphere. Trees, on the other hand, could mitigate effects of heterogeneous, dynamic soil environments with extensive root systems as such systems would effectively equalize nutrient availability. In addition, large dendritic root systems would reduce the effectiveness of rapid, localized, physiological hydraulic changes as these local changes might cancel each other at lower‐order root junctions. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine if trees (Eucalyptus grandis) employ short‐term (minutes to hours), physiological hydraulic changes or rely on long‐term (days), growth‐based hydraulic acclimations to enhance mobile nutrient uptake. We used two nutrients, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), that are characterized by contrasting soil mobility: N being mobile and P immobile. Transpiration, whole‐plant hydraulic resistance (liquid phase), and the hydraulic resistance of single roots of E. grandis plants grown in high and low N combined with high and low P availability were measured. In general, plants grown with high N availability had lower whole‐plant hydraulic resistance than plants grown with low N availability. When N or P were in short supply, a sudden addition of N or P did not change either single‐root or whole‐plant hydraulic resistance at a given leaf water potential. However, addition of N reduced the transpiration rate, thus, enhancing plant water status, suggesting that E. grandis behavior prioritizes water conservation over N uptake in short‐term. Prolonged exposure to low nutrient availability resulted in high overall hydraulic resistance further suggesting prioritization of water conservation over N gain.
Phenology, photosynthesis, and phosphorus in European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) in two forest soils with contrasting P contents
Authors: Yang Nan , Zavišić Aljoša , Pena Rodica , Polle Andrea
Published: February 2016

Phosphorus (P) is often a limiting macronutrient in temperate forests, but knowledge on the phenological and physiological responses of beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) to P deficiency is scarce. In this study, young beech trees were excavated with intact soil cores from two German forests, Unterlüss (LUE) with low soil P and Bad Brückenau (BBR) with high soil P concentrations. The trees were transferred to identical climatic conditions. In the subsequent growth phase phenological stages during bud burst and leaf unfolding were recorded; biomass production and total P concentrations in different tissues were measured. Seasonal fluctuations in photosynthesis and of soluble P in wood and bark exudates were determined. BBR beeches grew faster and produced more and larger leaves than the LUE beeches. Leaf extension and unfolding were delayed in LUE compared with BBR beeches, but not the time point of bud break. All plant tissues of BBR trees contained higher total P concentrations than those of LUE trees. Strong seasonal fluctuations for P in exudates of beech transport tissues, wood and bark, indicated higher P supply in BBR than in LUE plants, especially at the beginning of the growth phase until leaf maturity. Photosynthetic activity of LUE beeches was lower than that of BBR beeches due to stomatal limitations as the result of anatomically smaller stomatal pore widths, but not as the result of acute biochemical limitation of photosynthesis. Our results suggest that developmental retardation and lower photosynthesis under low P availability may be adaptation mechanisms that adjust the acquisition and recycling of P resources to seasonal growth demand.
Effects of Task‐Oriented Training as an Added Treatment to Electromyogram‐Triggered Neuromuscular Stimulation on Upper Extremity Function in Chronic Stroke Patients
Authors: Kim Sun‐Ho , Park Ji‐Hyuk , Jung Min‐Ye , Yoo Eun‐Young
Published: February 2016

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of electromyogram‐triggered neuromuscular stimulation (EMG‐stim) combined with task‐oriented training (TOT) on upper extremity function in chronic stroke patients. Twenty chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 10) or control (n = 10) group. The intervention group conducted TOT with EMG‐stim on the wrist and finger extensor of the affected arm for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. The control group was provided EMG‐stim for 20 minutes per day for the same duration. The intervention group exhibited significant improvement relative to the control group in muscle activation, motor recovery (Fugl‐Meyer assessment) and dexterity (Box and Block Test) (p < 0.05). Significant differences in hand function between the groups were detected in the writing of short sentences and in stacking checkers (p < 0.05). It is concluded that EMG‐stim in combination with TOT may be better than EMG‐stim alone for the treatment of arm paresis in stroke patients. Further research with a larger sample is recommended to examine neurologic changes or cerebral cortex reorganization. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Spectrum of Recovery From Fracture‐Induced Vertebral Deformity in Pediatric Leukemia
Authors: Dal Osto Leo C. , Konji Victor N. , Halton Jacqueline , Matzinger Mary Ann , Bassal Mylène , Rauch Frank , Ward Leanne M.
Published: February 2016

Vertebral fractures (VF) are a frequent complication of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Some children with VF undergo vertebral body reshaping to the point of complete restoration of normal vertebral dimensions. Others are left with permanent vertebral deformity if the degree of reshaping has been incomplete by the time of final adult height attainment. In this report, we describe three children with painful VF at leukemia diagnosis or during chemotherapy. Each patient highlights different clinical trajectories in their recovery from VF and underscores the need for osteoporosis intervention trials with the goal to prevent permanent vertebral deformity in selected patients.
Determination of the unsaturated through‐thickness permeability of fibrous preforms based on flow front detection by ultrasound
Authors: Konstantopoulos Spiridon , Grössing Harald , Hergan Patrick , Weninger Markus , Schledjewski Ralf
Published: February 2016

The permeability of fibrous preforms used as reinforcements for fiber‐reinforced polymeric composites is a decisive parameter for simulation‐based predictions of common defects that occur during the filling process. This study focuses on the transverse permeability which becomes important for high thickness parts. An instrument that detects the transverse flow front by ultrasound and determines the transverse permeability has been developed. In contrast to other approaches, the developed permeameter uses a nondeflecting (metallic) tool while the selected sensing method is nonintrusive to the material. Novel electromechanical features allow a wide range of measurable preforms. The remaining limitations of the system have been identified and the model that correlates raw ultrasound measurements with flow front has been verified by visual observations. The transverse permeabilities of 18 different preforms have been determined in an experimental scheme designed to isolate the influence of preform thickness. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:360–367, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Empirical Correlation of Minimum Burning Pressures of Ammonium Nitrate Emulsions
Authors: Chan Sek Kwan , Turcotte Richard
Published: February 2016

Experimental minimum burning pressures (MBP) of emulsions with solution phase containing ammonium nitrate/water, ammonium nitrate/sodium nitrate/water, and ammonium nitrate/sodium nitrate/sodium perchlorate/water are investigated. A correlation is proposed to relate the MBP’s with the combustion temperatures. The formulations containing sodium nitrate or sodium perchlorate have much lower MBP’s and can be accounted for by an activation energy of 150.7 kJ mol−1 obtained from literature for ingredients having catalyzing effects on the reaction of ammonium nitrate, e.g. sodium nitrate. The ammonium nitrate/water formulations have a higher activation energy of 173.4 kJ mol−1 deduced from an analysis of the data. The MBP vs. combustion temperature plot is linearized by a multiplication factor to the MBP that includes the activation energy of the corresponding system. This allows the MBP to be predicted from combustion temperatures determined from the formulations and the corresponding activation energy.
Strain control in AlN top layer by inserting an ultrathin GaN interlayer on an AlN template coherently grown on SiC(0001) by PAMBE
Authors: Kaneko Mitsuaki , Kimoto Tsunenobu , Suda Jun
Published: February 2016

Abstractauthoren We propose partially relaxed ultrathin GaN interlayer for strain control of AlN on SiC substrates. According to the degree of relaxation of the GaN interlayer, the lattice constant of the interlayer changes from that of SiC to that of bulk GaN, which leads to strain control of an AlN top layer grown on the interlayer. Growth of these layers is conducted by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Before growing the interlayer, an AlN layer coherently grown on SiC is used as a template layer. The interlayers that have different degrees of relaxation are successfully obtained by changing the interlayer thickness. As a result, strain values of the AlN top layer grown on the interlayers are widely controlled from compressive (−0.53%) to tensile (+ 0.07%). TEM observation revealed the relaxation is induced by U‐shaped half‐loop dislocations originating from the GaN interlayer.