bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine needle aspiration cytology of histiocytic sarcoma with dendritic cell differentiation: A case of transdifferentiation from low‐grade follicular lymphoma
Authors: Mehrotra Sanjana , Pan Zenggang
Published: May 2015

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a rare malignant tumor, and in extraordinary circumstances it can be transdifferentiated from a low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma. In our report, a 62‐year‐old female was initially diagnosed with a low‐grade follicular lymphoma, and 2 years later she presented with bilateral lung masses and lymphadenopathy. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the lung masses revealed solid nests of large pleomorphic epithelioid cells. By immunohistochemical studies, the tumor cells were positive for histiocytic markers (CD68 and CD163) and S100, supporting a diagnosis of HS with dendritic cell differentiation. Further fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses detected IGH@/BCL2 rearrangement in both the previous follicular lymphoma and the current HS, which was highly suggestive of the clonal relationship between these two tumors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of transformation of follicular lymphoma into HS diagnosed by FNA of lung masses. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:659–663. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dispersal depends on body condition and predation risk in the semi‐aquatic insect,Notonecta undulata
Authors: Baines Celina B. , McCauley Shannon J. , Rowe Locke
Published: May 2015

Dispersal is the movement of organisms across space, which has important implications for ecological and evolutionary processes, including community composition and gene flow. Previous studies have demonstrated that dispersal is influenced by body condition; however, few studies have been able to separate the effects of body condition from correlated variables such as body size. Moreover, the results of these studies have been inconsistent with respect to the direction of the relationship between condition and dispersal. We examined whether body condition influences dispersal in backswimmers (Notonecta undulata). We also tested whether an interaction between body condition and predation risk (another proximate factor that influences dispersal) could contribute to the previously observed inconsistent relationship between condition and dispersal. We imposed diet treatments on backswimmers in the laboratory, and measured the effects of food availability on body condition and dispersal in the field. We found that dispersal was a positive function of body condition, which may have important consequences for population characteristics such as the rate of gene flow and population growth. However, the effects of body condition and predation risk were additive, not interactive, and therefore, our data do not support the hypothesis that the interaction between condition and predation risk contributes to the inconsistency in the results of previous condition‐dependent dispersal studies.
IPTG can replace lactose in auto‐induction media to enhance protein expression in batch‐cultured Escherichia coli
Authors: Faust Georg , Stand Alexandra , Weuster‐Botz Dirk
Published: May 2015

Auto‐induction media containing glucose, lactose, and glycerol are a simple and efficient approach for high‐throughput protein expression in Escherichia coli with lac‐derived expression systems. Its principle is based on inducer exclusion between glucose and lactose, preventing the induction by lactose before the depletion of glucose. Isopropyl‐β‐d‐1‐thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)—at least in typically used millimolar concentrations—is thought to be unsuitable for this purpose since it can enter the cell by diffusion independently of inducer exclusion. In this study, using parallel batch cultivations in stirred‐tank bioreactors on a milliliter scale, we show that the induction by micromolar concentrations of IPTG is prevented in the presence of glucose. With up to 40 μM IPTG, full induction and heterologous protein expression start only after the depletion of glucose. Thus, auto‐induction is possible with either lactose or IPTG, and the expression greatly depends on the type and concentration of the inducer. The best expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein was achieved with 40 μM IPTG in stirred‐tank bioreactors on a milliliter scale. The IPTG‐based auto‐induction was also reproduced in shaking flasks. Therefore, IPTG can be used in auto‐induction media for protein expression in batch‐cultured E. coli. Furthermore, we show that acetate or arabinose can have significant effects on the auto‐induction mechanism.
Environmental odor perception: testing regional differences on heterogeneity with application to odor perceptions in the area of Este (Italy)
Authors: Arboretti Giancristofaro R. , Bonnini S. , Corain L. , Vidotto D.
Published: May 2015

One way to evaluate the hazard of environmental degradation of the quality of life in a place, because of bad odors, is to consider the heterogeneity of possible types and of possible sources of malodors. In the literature, the problem of comparing heterogeneities of types or of sources of odors in two geographical areas has not yet been dealt with the due attention. The main reason is that methodological proposals for tests for heterogeneity comparisons are very rare. We propose a permutation test based on the comparison of linear combinations of sampling indices of heterogeneity. The good power behavior, especially for small differences of the degrees of heterogeneity of the two compared areas, is proved through a Monte Carlo simulation study. The application of the test for heterogeneity comparisons on the data of the survey on odor perceptions in the region of Este (Italy) performed in 2010 shows the usefulness of the proposed methodology, which can be added, as a complementary analysis, to the classical established techniques for studying the environmental impact of odors like dispersion models, dynamic olfactometry, smell maps determination, and others. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bank erosion of legacy sediment at the transition from vertical to lateral stream incision
Authors: Lyons Nathan J. , Starek Michael J. , Wegmann Karl W. , Mitasova Helena
Published: May 2015

Streambank erosion is a primary source of suspended sediments in many waterways of the US Atlantic Piedmont. This problem is exacerbated where banks are comprised of fine sediment produced by the intensive land use practices of early European settlers. A stream in this region, Richland Creek incises into banks comprised of three stratigraphic layers associated with historic land use: pre‐European settlement, early European agriculture and development, and water‐powered milldam operation. This study aims to identify the bank processes along a reach of Richland Creek that is eroding towards its pre‐disturbance elevation. The volume of material that has eroded along this stream since the milldam breached was calculated by differencing a reconstructed surface of the pond bed and an aerial lidar digital terrain model (DTM). Immediately downstream from the study reach, the channel is floored by bedrock and immediately upstream the rate of channel erosion approximately doubled along the longitudinal profile of Richland Creek, which indicate that the study reach spans the transition from a channel dominated by vertical incision in the upstream direction to horizontal widening in the downstream direction.

The combined hydrometeorological conditions and dominant processes causing reach‐scale cut bank erosion were investigated with analyses of stream stage, precipitation, and streambank volumetric and surfaces change that was measured during nine terrestrial lidar surveys in 2010–2012. The spatial variability of erosion during a simulated precipitation event was examined in a field‐based experiment. Erosion was greatest where mill pond sediment columns detached along vertical desiccation and horizontal seepage cracks. This sediment accumulated on the bank toe throughout the study and was a source of readily‐entrained fine sediment contrary to the upper reaches where depositional accommodation space is more limited. Findings suggest that hotspots of sediment excavation progress upstream, indicating that restoration efforts should focus upon stabilizing banks at these locations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local topography and erosion rate control regolith thickness along a ridgeline in the Sierra Nevada, California
Authors: Gabet Emmanuel J. , Mudd Simon M. , Milodowski David T. , Yoo Kyungsoo , Hurst Martin D. , Dosseto Anthony
Published: May 2015

The ridgelines of mountain ranges are a source of geomorphic information unadulterated by the arrival of sediment from upslope. Studies along ridgecrests, therefore, can help identify and isolate the controls on important regolith properties such as thickness and texture. A 1.5 km section of ridgeline in the Sierra Nevada (CA) with a tenfold decrease in erosion rate (inferred from ridgetop convexity) provided an opportunity to conduct a high‐resolution survey of regolith properties and investigate their controls. We found that regolith along the most quickly eroding section of the ridge was the rockiest and had the lowest clay concentrations. Furthermore, a general increase in regolith thickness with a slowing of erosion rate was accompanied by an increase in biomass, changes in vegetation community, broader ridgeline profiles, and an apparent increase in total available moisture. The greatest source of variation in regolith thickness at the 10–100 m scale, however, was the local topography along the ridgeline, with the deepest regolith in the saddles and the thinnest on the knobs. Because regolith in the saddles had higher surface soil moisture than the knobs, we conclude that the hydrological conditions primarily driven by local topography (i.e. rapid vs. slow drainage and water‐storage potential) provide the fundamental controls on regolith thickness through feedbacks incorporating physical weathering by the biota and chemical weathering. Moreover, because the ridgeline saddles are the uppermost extensions of first‐order valleys, we propose that the fluvial network affects regolith properties in the furthest reaches of the watershed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radial basis function (RBF)‐based parametric models for closed and open curves within the method of regularized stokeslets
Authors: Shankar Varun , Olson Sarah D.
Published: May 2015

The method of regularized Stokeslets (MRS) is a numerical approach using regularized fundamental solutions to compute the flow due to an object in a viscous fluid where inertial effects can be neglected. The elastic object is represented as a Lagrangian structure, exerting point forces on the fluid. The forces on the structure are often determined by a bending or tension model, previously calculated using finite difference approximations. In this paper, we study spherical basis function (SBF), radial basis function (RBF), and Lagrange–Chebyshev parametric models to represent and calculate forces on elastic structures that can be represented by an open curve, motivated by the study of cilia and flagella. The evaluation error for static open curves for the different interpolants, as well as errors for calculating normals and second derivatives using different types of clustered parametric nodes, is given for the case of an open planar curve. We determine that SBF and RBF interpolants built on clustered nodes are competitive with Lagrange–Chebyshev interpolants for modeling twice‐differentiable open planar curves. We propose using SBF and RBF parametric models within the MRS for evaluating and updating the elastic structure. Results for open and closed elastic structures immersed in a 2D fluid are presented, showing the efficacy of the RBF–Stokeslets method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disease control and toxicity outcomes for T4 carcinoma of the nasopharynx treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Takiar Vinita , Ma Dominic , Garden Adam S. , Li Jing , Rosenthal David I. , Beadle Beth M. , Frank Steven J. , Fuller Clifton D. , Gunn Gary B. , Morrison William H. , Hutcheson Kate , El‐Naggar Adel K. , Gold Kathryn A. , Kupferman Michael E. , Phan Jack
Published: May 2015

Background

Treatment of T4 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is challenging because of the proximity of the tumor to the central nervous system. The purpose of this study was to present our evaluation of disease control and toxicity outcomes for patients with T4 NPC treated with intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and chemotherapy.

Methods

The medical records of 66 patients with T4 NPC treated from 2002 to 2012 with IMRT were reviewed. Endpoints included tumor control and toxicity outcomes (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [CTCAE v4.0]).

Results

Median follow‐up was 38 months. Five‐year rates of locoregional control, distant metastasis‐free survival, progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were 80%, 62%, 57%, and 69%, respectively. Nodal involvement was associated with worse PFS (p = .015). Gross target volume (GTV) volume >100 cm and planning target volume (PTV) volume >400 cm were associated with worse OS (p = .038 and p = .004, respectively). Four patients had significant cognitive impairment, and 9 had MRI evidence of brain necrosis.

Conclusion

For patients with T4 NPC treated with IMRT and chemotherapy, survival and locoregional disease control rates have improved; however, late treatment toxicity remains a concern. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E925–E933, 2016
Responsible Grammar Rebels
Authors: Simmons Amber M.
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Building off of students’ interest in popular apocalyptic/dystopian literature, this article explores how passages from Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games trilogy aided in teaching students how to successfully rebel against traditional grammar rules, looking at fragments as intentional stylistic choices. Employing the values of systemic functional linguistics, students embraced the view of grammar as a set of choices made by the author to construct meaning rather than a set of rules, as evidenced by student discussion and writing samples. This reflective practitioner piece suggests that after engaging in the learning activity, students’ use of fragments indicated an ability to control the English language and understand of the complexity and nuance of language and structure. Furthermore, the use of fragments added style and depth to students’ writing and did not detract from the clarity of their prose or the integrity of their responses to writing prompts.
Assessment of human sinus cavity air volume using tunable diode laser spectroscopy, with application to sinusitis diagnostics
Authors: Huang Jing , Zhang Hao , Li Tianqi , Lin Huiying , Svanberg Katarina , Svanberg Sune
Published: May 2015

Sinusitis is a very common disease and improved diagnostic tools are desirable also in view of reducing over‐prescription of antibiotics. A non‐intrusive optical technique called GASMAS (GAs in Scattering Media Absorption Spectroscopy), which has a true potential of being developed into an important complement to other means of detection, was utilized in this work. Water vapor in the frontal sinuses, related to the free gas volume, was studied at around 937 nm in healthy volunteers. The results show a good stability of the GASMAS signals over extended times for the frontal sinuses for all volunteers, showing promising applicability to detect anomalies due to sinusitis. Measurements were also performed following the application of a decongestion spray. No noticeable signal change was observed, which is consistent with the fact that the water vapor concentration is given by the temperature only, and is not influenced by changes in cavity ventilation.

Evaluated GASMAS data recorded on 6 consecutive days show signal stability for the left and right frontal sinus in one of the test volonteers.

magnified image

Evaluated GASMAS data recorded on 6 consecutive days show signal stability for the left and right frontal sinus in one of the test volonteers.
In situ coronary stent paving by Pluronic F127–alginate gel blends: Formulation and erosion tests
Authors: Dalmoro Annalisa , Barba Anna Angela , Grassi Mario , Grassi Gabriele , Lamberti Gaetano
Published: May 2015

In this work the development of an experimental protocol to perform the in situ gel‐paving of coronary stent is presented. Biocompatible aqueous blends of Pluronic F127 and sodium alginates are used as potential drug dosage system for pharmacological in situ treatment of coronary in‐stent restenosis. Pluronic F127/alginate aqueous blend has the unique characteristic to be liquid at room condition and to form gel at physiological temperature. The proposed protocol is based on the blend injection on stent wall previously implanted in a flexible silicon pipe mimicking the coronary artery. Injected blend is warmed up until human body temperature achieving a soft gel, then it is reticulated by copper bivalent ions to obtain an hard gel. To test the gel paving resistance to erosion phenomena when it is exposed to fluid flux (i.e. blood flux) a dedicated device, (the Simulated Artery Device, SAD), was built to simulate the human circulatory apparatus. The SAD is an hydraulic circuit in which a buffer solution (at pH 7.4) was fluxed by a peristaltic pump through the pipe hosting the covered stent. Erosion tests were performed monitoring, by gravimetric and spectrophotometric methods, the residual mass anchored to stent mesh after given times. The obtained results showed that the in situ gel‐paving developed protocol was efficacious and reliable. The gel‐paving was completely eroded in a time of the same order of magnitude of the physiological period required to restore the coronary lesion (subsequent to the atheroma removal) and of a pharmacological therapy to inhibit the in‐stent‐restenosis pathology. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1013–1022, 2016.
Evaluation of silver‐titanium implants activated by low intensity direct current for orthopedic infection control: An in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Cavanaugh Daniel L. , Tan Zhuo (George) , Norris James P. , Hardee Amelia , Weinhold Paul S. , Dahners Laurence E. , Orndorff Paul E. , Shirwaiker Rohan A.
Published: May 2015

Silver is an alternative antimicrobial of interest for the prophylaxis of prosthetic infections and electrical activation is known to augment its oligodynamic efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of a silver (Ag)‐titanium (Ti) implant activated by 30 µA direct current compared with three controls – passive Ag‐Ti, active Ti‐Ti, and passive Ti‐Ti. We hypothesized that the experimental group would provide better resistance to pathogenic colonization on the implant. Modified Kirby‐Bauer technique was used to evaluate in vitro efficacy of the four groups against five bacteria and one fungus. For in vivo evaluation, forty‐eight rats were divided into four groups. The implant was secured in a wound cavity along the posterior margin of the femur. The wound was inoculated with 7.5 × 105 CFU of Staphylococcus aureus. Rats were euthanized 14 days postsurgery and quantitative cultures were performed on the implant segments and the wound cavity tissue. In vitro tests showed that the growth of all six pathogens was inhibited around the active Ag anodes of the experimental group. In vivo, none of the four groups were able to prevent wound infection, but the experimental group resulted in reduced colonization. The mean bacterial loads on Ti segments were significantly lower in the implants which also had an Ag segment (p = 0.0007), and this effect was more pronounced with electrical activation (p = 0.0377). The results demonstrate the antimicrobial potential of LIDC‐activated Ag‐Ti implants. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1023–1031, 2016.
MOLSIM: A modular molecular simulation software
Authors: Jurij Reščič , Per Linse
Published: May 2015

The modular software MOLSIM for all‐atom molecular and coarse‐grained simulations is presented with focus on the underlying concepts used. The software possesses four unique features: (1) it is an integrated software for molecular dynamic, Monte Carlo, and Brownian dynamics simulations; (2) simulated objects are constructed in a hierarchical fashion representing atoms, rigid molecules and colloids, flexible chains, hierarchical polymers, and cross‐linked networks; (3) long‐range interactions involving charges, dipoles and/or anisotropic dipole polarizabilities are handled either with the standard Ewald sum, the smooth particle mesh Ewald sum, or the reaction‐field technique; (4) statistical uncertainties are provided for all calculated observables. In addition, MOLSIM supports various statistical ensembles, and several types of simulation cells and boundary conditions are available. Intermolecular interactions comprise tabulated pairwise potentials for speed and uniformity and many‐body interactions involve anisotropic polarizabilities. Intramolecular interactions include bond, angle, and crosslink potentials. A very large set of analyses of static and dynamic properties is provided. The capability of MOLSIM can be extended by user‐providing routines controlling, for example, start conditions, intermolecular potentials, and analyses. An extensive set of case studies in the field of soft matter is presented covering colloids, polymers, and crosslinked networks. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Computational Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preserved pharmacokinetic exposure and distinct glycemic effects of insulin degludec and liraglutide in IDegLira, a fixed‐ratio combination therapy
Authors: Kapitza Christoph , Bode Bruce , Ingwersen Steen Hvass , Jacobsen Lisbeth Vestergård , Poulsen Pernille
Published: May 2015

Insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) is a novel fixed‐ratio combination of the basal insulin insulin degludec (IDeg) and liraglutide, a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analog. The pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics of IDegLira were assessed versus its components. A single‐dose, randomized, 4‐period crossover clinical pharmacology study in healthy subjects compared the bioavailability of IDegLira with its monocomponents. Dose proportionality, covariate effects on exposure, and exposure–response for change in glycated hemoglobin were analyzed based on data from a randomized treat‐to‐target phase 3 study in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Overall, the PK properties of IDeg and liraglutide were preserved for IDegLira. Liraglutide exposure was lower when dosed as IDegLira but met the criterion for equivalence. No relevant deviations from dose proportionality for the IDegLira components were observed. Covariate effects on exposure were consistent with previous results. Glycemic response to IDegLira was larger than with IDeg or liraglutide alone, reflecting their distinct glucose‐lowering effects throughout the dose/exposure range.
Cirrhotic liver: What's that nodule? The LI‐RADS approach
Authors: Shah Amol , Tang An , Santillan Cynthia , Sirlin Claude
Published: May 2015

The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) is an American College of Radiology (ACR)‐endorsed diagnostic system of standardized terminology, interpretation, and reporting for imaging examinations of the liver in patients at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). LI‐RADS assigns a category to observations in the liver indicating the likelihood of benignity or HCC. LI‐RADS categories include LR‐1: Definitely Benign, LR‐2: Probably Benign, LR‐3: Intermediate Probability for HCC, LR‐4: Probably HCC, LR‐5: Definite HCC, LR‐5V: Definite HCC with Tumor in Vein, LR‐Treated: Treated HCC, LR‐M Probable Malignancy, not specific for HCC. This article reviews the types of nodules seen in the cirrhotic liver, examines core LI‐RADS concepts and definitions, and utilizes the LI‐RADS v2014 algorithm to categorize representative observations depicted at magnetic resonance imaging in a case‐based approach. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:281–294.
Reproducing room appearance on displays
Authors: Xu Lihao , Luo Ming Ronnier , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: May 2015

This paper aims to successfully reproduce a real lit environment as an image on a self‐luminous computer display. The International Commission on Illumination‐recommended color appearance model CIECAM02 was used as the core of the whole reproduction system. Two experiments were conducted: to verify the values of the surround parameters specified in CIECAM02 and to produce equal perceived brightness between the room and the computer display by adjusting the illuminance level of the lighting in the room to match that of the displayed image.
Nearly 3,000 salivary stones: Some clinical and epidemiologic aspects
Authors: Sigismund Paolo E. , Zenk Johannes , Koch Michael , Schapher Mirco , Rudes Mihael , Iro Heinrich
Published: May 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate epidemiological features and symptoms of sialolithiasis and their implications for diagnosis and management.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Retrospective analysis on 2,322 patients with sialolithiasis, between 1987 and 2009. The statistical significance between two sample distributions was computed using analysis of variance Student t test for two‐tailed distribution.

Results

A total of 2,959 calculi were identified by means of ultrasound. Of those, 80.4% were located in the submandibular duct system (53% hilar/proximal, 37% distal, 10% intraparenchymal) and 19.6% were parotid stones (83% in Stensen's duct, 17% intraparenchymal). Sialoliths had been discovered beforehand in the submandibular gland (P = 0.00024; t test). Symptoms, measured from first visit, lasted on average 26 months (range: 1 day–30 years). The main group suffered from swelling (50.3%), followed by painful swelling (41.6%) and pain (3.1%). Multiple stones were found in 16.9% of patients (18.1% in the submandibular gland; 14.3% in the parotid). Average stone diameter in the submandibular gland was 8.3 mm (range 1–35 mm), and the stones were in Lustmann group II (46%). In the parotid gland, the average diameter was 6.4 mm (range 1–31 mm), and 51% were in Lustmann group I.

Conclusion

Nowadays, epidemiologic features and clinical manifestations of sialolithiasis play an important role, assisting not only in diagnosis but also in determining appropriate treatment. Due to their location and smaller diameter, parotid stones in some cases can only be treated using a mini‐invasive endoscopic technique. Submandibular stones more often require a combined approach.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 125:1879–1882, 2015
Pang‐Rotenberg sign—snoring surgery prognosticator: A prospective clinical trial of 153 patients
Authors: Pang Kenny P. , Kishore Srivinas , Kit Joseph Chung Chun , Pang Edward B. , Chan Yiong Huak , Keat Siow Jin , Rotenberg Brian
Published: May 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To illustrate the reliability of the Pang‐Rotenberg (PR) sign as a prognosticator of snoring surgery. Our hypothesis was that patients who are PR‐positive have better snoring reduction scores and outcomes than PR‐negative patients after nose and palate surgery.

Study Design

A multicenter prospective series of 153 patients with snoring.

Methods

All patients graded the snoring intensity on a visual analog scale (VAS). All 137 patients enrolled had both the nose surgery and palate surgery. The control group consisted of 16 patients who underwent nasal surgery alone.

Results

There were 122 men and 15 women, the mean age was 44.6 years old, and mean body mass index was 26.1. There were 15 simple snorers and 122 obstructive sleep apnea patients. Patients who were PR‐positive showed significantly better postoperative snoring VAS reduction (from 9.04 to 1.02) compared to those patients who were PR‐negative (from 8.91 to 3.14) (P < .001). The mean follow‐up time was 7.4 months. The control group had poor snoring VAS reduction from 9.21 to 6.72. After adjusting for covariates that influence the snoring VAS change due to surgery, we found that PR‐negative patients achieved an average of 5.78 improvement in snoring VAS, whereas PR‐positive patients achieved an average of 8.02 improvement in snoring VAS (P < .001).

Conclusions

The PR sign is a reliable prognosticator of snoring reduction, after combined nose and palate surgery, for patients with troublesome snoring.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 126:260–265, 2016
Shear‐Induced Reinforcement Effect in Polymer/Fumed Silica Nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Xun , Sobkowicz Margaret J.
Published: May 2015

A solid‐like particle network structure induced by steady shear flow is observed in polymer nanocomposites for the first time. This unique structural evolution is evidenced by the stress overshoot during start‐up of steady shear. After the steady shear ordering event, the enhanced rubbery response is measured using small amplitude oscillatory shear. The particle surface chemistry dominates the formation of the percolation structure: the shear‐induced reinforcement effect is observed at lower particle loadings for hydrophobic filler than for hydrophilic filler. These results indicate that reinforcement in nanocomposites can be controlled by filler surface functionality and shearing effects, enabling improved mechanical properties with low filler loadings.
Crystallization‐Driven Self‐Assembly of Rod–Coil–Rod Pseudopolyrotaxanes into Spherical Micelles, Nanorods, and Nanorings in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Qi Rui , Jin Yong , Cheng Xinfeng , Fan Baozhu , Sun Tongbing , Peng Shaojun , Li Hanping
Published: May 2015

A novel rod‐containing block copolymer is constructed by supramacromolecular self‐assembly of α‐cyclodextrin and a triblock copolymer with methoxy polyethylene glycol as the flanking chains and the midterm block alternately connected by 2,2‐dimethylolbutyric acid and isophorone diisocyanate. The assembled rod‐containing block copolymer shows an exciting phenomenon of concentration‐ and pH‐dependent morphological switching of well‐defined nanostructures. In the solutions at pH 9.2, spherical micelles, rod‐like micelles, and hydrogel are observed successively with an increase of the concentration. Notably, the rod‐like micelles are composed of spherical segments due to the combination of the crystalline cores of the spherical micelles. In addition, 1D nanostructures with different curvatures from linear rod‐like micelles (pH 9.2) to ring‐shaped micelles (pH 7.5) can be obtained by controlling the pH values of the assembled systems.

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Computational Investigations of Arginine‐Rich Peptides Interacting with Lipid Membranes
Authors: Hu Juan‐mei , Tian Wen‐de , Ma Yu‐qiang
Published: May 2015

The translocation of hexa‐arginine peptides across the asymmetric lipid bilayer in both random and bundled state was studied by coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations. It was found that the peptides pass through the membrane by a pore‐mediated mechanism when their concentration exceeds a critical value. However, the translocation efficiency of the bundled peptides is much higher than that of the random case at the same concentration. The pore formation results from the cumulative effects of each peptide in random case, while the bundled ones disturb the membrane locally. Furthermore, we show that the role of the hydrophobic group of peptide amphiphiles is facilitating the formation of aggregation for improving their penetration efficiency.
Prediction of remission in obsessive compulsive disorder using a novel machine learning strategy
Authors: Askland Kathleen D. , Garnaat Sarah , Sibrava Nicholas J. , Boisseau Christina L. , Strong David , Mancebo Maria , Greenberg Benjamin , Rasmussen Steve , Eisen Jane
Published: May 2015

The study objective was to apply machine learning methodologies to identify predictors of remission in a longitudinal sample of 296 adults with a primary diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Random Forests is an ensemble machine learning algorithm that has been successfully applied to large‐scale data analysis across vast biomedical disciplines, though rarely in psychiatric research or for application to longitudinal data. When provided with 795 raw and composite scores primarily from baseline measures, Random Forest regression prediction explained 50.8% (5000‐run average, 95% bootstrap confidence interval [CI]: 50.3–51.3%) of the variance in proportion of time spent remitted. Machine performance improved when only the most predictive 24 items were used in a reduced analysis. Consistently high‐ranked predictors of longitudinal remission included Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y‐BOCS) items, NEO items and subscale scores, Y‐BOCS symptom checklist cleaning/washing compulsion score, and several self‐report items from social adjustment scales. Random Forest classification was able to distinguish participants according to binary remission outcomes with an error rate of 24.6% (95% bootstrap CI: 22.9–26.2%). Our results suggest that clinically‐useful prediction of remission may not require an extensive battery of measures. Rather, a small set of assessment items may efficiently distinguish high‐ and lower‐risk patients and inform clinical decision‐making. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A generalized slab‐wise framework for parallel transmit multiband RF pulse design
Authors: Wu Xiaoping , Schmitter Sebastian , Auerbach Edward J. , Uğurbil Kâmil , Van de Moortele Pierre‐François
Published: May 2015

Purpose

We propose a new slab‐wise framework to design parallel transmit multiband pulses for volumetric simultaneous multislice imaging with a large field of view along the slice direction (FOVs).

Theory and Methods

The slab‐wise framework divides FOVs into a few contiguous slabs and optimizes pulses for each slab. Effects of relevant design parameters including slab number and transmit B1 (B1+) mapping slice placement were investigated for human brain imaging by designing pulses with global or local SAR control based on electromagnetic simulations of a 7T head RF array. Pulse design using in vivo B1+ maps was demonstrated and evaluated with Bloch simulations.

Results

RF performance with respect to SAR reduction or B1+ homogenization across the entire human brain improved with increasing slabs; however, this improvement was nonlinear and leveled off at ∼12 slabs when the slab thickness reduced to ∼12 mm. The impact of using different slice placements for B1+ mapping was small.

Conclusion

Compared with slice‐wise approaches where each of the many imaging slices requires both B1+ mapping and pulse optimization, the proposed slab‐wise design framework attained comparable RF performance while drastically reducing the number of required pulses; therefore, it can be used to increase time efficiency for B1+ mapping, pulse calculation, and sequence preparation. Magn Reson Med 75:1444–1456, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cardiac perfusion imaging using hyperpolarized 13c urea using flow sensitizing gradients
Authors: Lau Angus Z. , Miller Jack J. , Robson Matthew D. , Tyler Damian J.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of imaging the first passage of a bolus of hyperpolarized 13C urea through the rodent heart using flow‐sensitizing gradients to reduce signal from the blood pool.

Methods

A flow‐sensitizing bipolar gradient was optimized to reduce the bright signal within the cardiac chambers, enabling improved contrast of the agent within the tissue capillary bed. The gradient was incorporated into a dynamic golden angle spiral 13C imaging sequence. Healthy rats were scanned during rest (n = 3) and under adenosine stress‐induced hyperemia (n = 3).

Results

A two‐fold increase in myocardial perfusion relative to rest was detected during adenosine stress‐induced hyperemia, consistent with a myocardial perfusion reserve of two in rodents.

Conclusion

The new pulse sequence was used to obtain dynamic images of the first passage of hyperpolarized 13C urea in the rodent heart, without contamination from bright signal within the neighboring cardiac lumen. This probe of myocardial perfusion is expected to enable new hyperpolarized 13C studies in which the cardiac metabolism/perfusion mismatch can be identified. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Magn Reson Med 75:1474–1483, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance.
Microstructural parameter estimation in vivo using diffusion MRI and structured prior information
Authors: Clayden Jonathan D. , Nagy Zoltan , Weiskopf Nikolaus , Alexander Daniel C. , Clark Chris A.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Diffusion MRI has recently been used with detailed models to probe tissue microstructure. Much of this work has been performed ex vivo with powerful scanner hardware, to gain sensitivity to parameters such as axon radius. By contrast, performing microstructure imaging on clinical scanners is extremely challenging.

Methods

We use an optimized dual spin‐echo diffusion protocol, and a Bayesian fitting approach, to obtain reproducible contrast (histogram overlap of up to 92%) in estimated maps of axon radius index in healthy adults at a modest, widely‐available gradient strength (35 mT m). A key innovation is the use of influential priors.

Results

We demonstrate that our priors can improve precision in axon radius estimates—a 7‐fold reduction in voxelwise coefficient of variation in vivo—without significant bias. Our results may reflect true axon radius differences between white matter regions, but this interpretation should be treated with caution due to the complexity of the tissue relative to our model.

Conclusions

Some sensitivity to relatively large axons (3–15 μm) may be available at clinical field and gradient strengths. Future applications at higher gradient strength will benefit from the favorable eddy current properties of the dual spin‐echo sequence, and greater precision available with suitable priors. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of theCreative Commons AttributionLicense, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.Magn Reson Med 75:1787–1796, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance.
Demonstration of glucose‐6‐phosphate hydrogen 5 enrichment from deuterated water by transaldolase‐mediated exchange alone
Authors: Coelho Margarida , Valente‐Silva Paula , Tylki‐Szymanska Anna , Henriques Tiago , Barosa Cristina , Carvalho Filipa , Jones John G.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Enrichment of glucose position 5 (H5) from deuterated water (2H2O) is widely used for quantifying gluconeogenesis. Exchanges of hexose and triose phosphates mediated by transaldolase have been postulated to enrich H5 independently of gluconeogenesis, but to date this mechanism has not been proven. We determined the enrichment of glucose‐6‐phosphate (G6P), the immediate precursor of endogenously produced glucose, from 2H2O in erythrocyte hemolysate preparations. Here, transaldolase exchange is active but gluconeogenesis is absent.

Methods

Hemolysates were prepared from human erythrocytes and incubated with a buffer containing 5% [U‐13C]G6P, unlabeled fructose 1,6‐bisphosphate, and 10% 2H2O. G6P 2H‐enrichment and 13C‐isotopomer distributions were analyzed by 2H and 13C NMR following derivatization to monoacetone glucose.

Results

2H NMR analysis revealed high 2H‐enrichment of G6P hydrogens 2, 4, and 5; low enrichment of hydrogen 3, and residual enrichments of hydrogens 1, 6R, and 6S. 13C NMR isotopomer analysis revealed that [U‐13C]G6P was converted to [1,2,3‐13C3]G6P, a predicted product of transaldolase‐mediated exchange, as well as [1,2‐13C2]G6P and [3‐13C]G6P, predicted products of combined transaldolase and transketolase exchanges.

Conclusion

Hydrogen 5 of G6P was enriched from 2H2O through exchanges mediated by transaldolase. These studies prove that G6P can be enriched in hydrogen 5 by 2H2O independently of gluconeogenesis. Magn Reson Med 75:1781–1786, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scoping review of adherence promotion theories in pelvic floor muscle training – 2011 ics state‐of‐the‐science seminar research paper i of iv
Authors: McClurg Doreen , Frawley Helena , Hay‐Smith Jean , Dean Sarah , Chen Shu‐Yueh , Chiarelli Pauline , Mair Frances , Dumoulin Chantale
Published: May 2015

Aims

This paper, the first of four emanating from the International Continence Society's 2011 State‐of‐the‐Science Seminar on pelvic‐floor‐muscle training (PFMT) adherence, aimed to summarize the literature on theoretical models to promote PFMT adherence, as identified in the research, or suggested by the seminar's expert panel, and recommends future directions for clinical practice and research.

Methods

Existing literature on theories of health behavior were identified through a conventional subject search of electronic databases, reference‐list checking, and input from the expert panel. A core eligibility criterion was that the study included a theoretical model to underpin adherence strategies used in an intervention to promote PFM training/exercise.

Results

A brief critique of 12 theoretical models/theories is provided and, were appropriate, their use in PFMT adherence strategies identified or examples of possible uses in future studies outlined.

Conclusion

A better theoretical‐based understanding of interventions to promote PFMT adherence through changes in health behaviors is required. The results of this scoping review and expert opinions identified several promising models. Future research should explicitly map the theories behind interventions that are thought to improve adherence in various populations (e.g., perinatal women to prevent or lessen urinary incontinence). In addition, identified behavioral theories applied to PFMT require a process whereby their impact can be evaluated. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:???–???, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pelvic‐floor‐muscle‐training adherence “modifiers”: A review of primary qualitative studies—2011 ICS State‐of‐the‐Science Seminar research paper III of IV
Authors: Hay‐Smith Jean , Dean Sarah , Burgio Kathryn , McClurg Doreen , Frawley Helena , Dumoulin Chantale
Published: May 2015

Aims

This review aims to locate and summarize the findings of qualitative studies exploring the experience of and adherence to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) to recommend future directions for practice and research.

Methods

Primary qualitative studies were identified through a conventional subject search of electronic databases, reference‐list checking, and expert contact. A core eligibility criterion was the inclusion of verbatim quotes from participants about PFMT experiences. Details of study aims, methods, and participants were extracted and tabulated. Data were inductively grouped into categories describing “modifiers” of adherence (verified by a second author) and systematically displayed with supporting illustrative quotes.

Results

Thirteen studies (14 study reports) were included; eight recruited only or predominantly women with urinary incontinence, three recruited postnatal women, and two included women with pelvic organ prolapse. The quality of methodological reporting varied. Six “modifiers” of adherence were described: knowledge; physical skill; feelings about PFMT; cognitive analysis, planning, and attention; prioritization; and service provision.

Conclusions

Individuals' experience substantial difficulties with capability (particularly knowledge and skills), motivation (especially associated with the considerable cognitive demands of PFMT), and opportunity (as external factors generate competing priorities) when adopting and maintaining a PFMT program. Expert consensus was that judicious selection and deliberate application of appropriate behavior change strategies directed to the “modifiers” of adherence identified in the review may improve PFMT outcomes. Future research is needed to explore whether the review findings are congruent with the PFMT experiences of antenatal women, men, and adults with fecal incontinence. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:???–???, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pelvic‐Floor‐Muscle Training Adherence: Tools, Measurements and Strategies—2011 ICS State‐of‐the‐Science Seminar Research Paper II of IV
Authors: Dumoulin Chantal , Alewijnse Dianne , Bo Kari , Hagen Suzanne , Stark Diane , Van Kampen Marijke , Herbert Julia , Hay‐Smith Jean , Frawley Helena , McClurg Doreen , Dean Sarah
Published: May 2015

Aims

This paper on pelvic‐floor‐muscle training (PFMT) adherence, the second of four from the International Continence Society's 2011 State‐of‐the‐Science Conference, aims to (1) identify and collate current adherence outcome measures, (2) report the determinants of adherence, (3) report on PFMT adherence strategies, and (4) make actionable clinical and research recommendations.

Method

Data were amassed from a literature review and an expert panel (2011 conference), following consensus statement methodology. Experts in pelvic floor dysfunction collated and synthesized the evidence and expert opinions on PFMT adherence for urinary incontinence (UI) and lower bowel dysfunction in men and women and pelvic organ prolapse in women.

Results

The literature was scarce for most of the studied populations except for limited research on women with UI. Outcome measures: Exercise diaries were the most widely‐used adherence outcome measure, PFMT adherence was inconsistently monitored and inadequately reported. Determinants: Research, mostly secondary analyses of RCTs, suggested that intention to adhere, self‐efficacy expectations, attitudes towards the exercises, perceived benefits and a high social pressure to engage in PFMT impacted adherence. Strategies: Few trials studied and compared adherence strategies. A structured PFMT programme, an enthusiastic physiotherapist, audio prompts, use of established theories of behavior change, and user‐consultations seem to increase adherence.

Conclusion

The literature on adherence outcome measures, determinants and strategies remains scarce for the studied populations with PFM dysfunction, except in women with UI. Although some current adherence findings can be applied to clinical practice, more effective and standardized research is urgently needed across all the sub‐populations. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:???–???, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
INTENDED AND UNINTENDED EFFECTS OF THE WAR ON POVERTY: WHAT RESEARCH TELLS US AND IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY
Authors: Bitler Marianne P. , Karoly Lynn A.
Published: May 2015

During the mid‐1960s, the United States adopted a series of cash and in‐kind transfer programs, as well as human capital investment strategies, as part of the War on Poverty. A number of other programs were first proposed as part of this “war” but were not implemented until the mid‐1970s. These programs had noble goals: to increase incomes at the bottom of the income distribution, reduce poverty, and improve nutrition, heath, and human capital. However, various features of the programs also had the potential to produce unintended consequences: for example, means‐tested programs can discourage work. In this paper, we comprehensively evaluate the main War on Poverty programs that were aimed at the low‐income nonelderly population along with several follow‐on programs. We focus on both intended and unintended consequences, drawing on the most compelling causal evidence. We conclude with a series of lessons learned and questions that are outstanding.