bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of NCCTG N0275 (Alliance) – a phase II trial evaluating resection followed by adjuvant radiation therapy for patients with desmoplastic melanoma
Authors: Rule William G. , Allred Jacob B. , Pockaj Barbara A. , Markovic Svetomir N. , DiCaudo David J. , Erickson Lori A. , Deming Richard L. , Schild Steven E.
Published: July 2016

To examine, in a prospective fashion, the utilization and efficacy of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) in patients with resected desmoplastic melanoma (DM). Adult patients with resected, margin‐negative, and nonmetastatic DM were eligible for this single‐arm prospective phase II study. Patients were to receive postoperative RT, 30 Gy in five fractions, to the operative bed with 2‐ to 3‐cm margins (depending on the tumor location). Nodal basin RT was not allowed. The primary study endpoint was the 2‐year local recurrence rate (LRR). Secondary endpoints included the incidence of regional and distant metastatic disease, progression‐free survival, overall survival (OS), and treatment‐related toxicity. Twenty patients with a single de novo DM lesion meeting trial eligibility criteria were enrolled and treated. The 2‐year LRR was 10%, with two patients demonstrating a LR within 2 years of completion of protocol therapy. No regional or distant failures occurred. OS at 2 and 5 years was 95 and 77%, respectively. There were no grade 3 or higher acute or late adverse events that were related to the protocol therapy. Adjuvant RT after wide local excision (WLE) for DM is efficacious and well tolerated. It should be considered for DM patients after margin‐negative WLE. Additional study is needed to further refine low‐risk patient populations that can potentially have adjuvant RT omitted as part of the treatment plan.
Effectiveness of endoscopic gastric cancer screening in a rural area of Linzhou, China: results from a case–control study
Authors: Chen Qiong , Yu Liang , Hao Chang‐qing , Wang Jin‐wu , Liu Shu‐zheng , Zhang Meng , Zhang Shao‐kai , Guo Lan‐wei , Quan Pei‐liang , Zhao Nan , Zhang Ya‐wei , Sun Xi‐bin
Published: July 2016

In China, a large burden of gastric cancer has remained, and endoscopic screening was expected to reduce gastric cancer mortality. Therefore, a population‐based case–control study was conducted to evaluate the screening effect. The gastric cancer screening program was initiated in Linzhou in the year 2005, and endoscopic examination with indicative biopsy, for residents aged 40–69 years, was used to detect early cancer and precancerous lesion. In this study, cases were defined as individuals who had died of gastric cancer, which were selected from Linzhou Cancer Registry database. Controls were residents (six per case), who had not died of gastric cancer, from the same area as the case, and matched by gender and age (±2 years). The exposure status, whether cases and controls ever attended the screening or not, was acquired by inspecting the well‐documented screening records. Conditional logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A total of 313 cases and 1876 controls were included in our analysis. Compared with subjects who never participated in screening, the overall OR for individuals who ever participated in screening was 0.72(95% CI: 0.54–0.97). The OR for lag time 4 years or longer was 0.68(95% CI: 0.47–0.98) and the OR for those who were aged 50–59 years were 0.56 (0.37–0.85). The results suggest a 28% reduction in risk of gastric cancer mortality by endoscopic screening, which may have significant implications for gastric cancer screening in rural areas of China.
Informational nudges as an effective approach in raising awareness among young adults about the risk of future disability
Authors: Miesler Linda , Scherrer Corinne , Seiler Roger , Bearth Angela
Published: July 2016

As many consumers have neither sufficient time nor the cognitive and motivational resources to deal with complex insurance decisions, the mere provision of information might not be enough to influence consumer perception and choice. The way such information is presented might also affect any decision made. This paper focuses on the risk of becoming unable to continue in a profession as a result of illness or an accident. In collaboration with an insurance company, we examined the effectiveness of ‘informational nudging’ (i.e. providing information which acts as a nudge) in sensitizing young adults to the potential risk of disability. In a pre‐study, an online survey (n = 1003) was conducted to assess the main barriers preventing young Swiss adults from participating in private provision. Based on the results of the pre‐study, we developed four ‘informational nudges’ and tested their effects on risk awareness and insurance choices among young adults using an online experiment (n = 240). We found that by presenting information on a company website in such a way that heuristics such as availability or loss aversion were exploited, enhanced risk awareness and a corresponding increase in insurance preferences were observed to some degree. However, the informational nudges did not motivate the participants to investigate the issues any further. Indeed, the results suggested that informational nudging could be an effective tool in raising participant awareness, but that future research is needed to understand better the interplay between automatic and deliberate processes activated by the informational nudges. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Quantitative Method for Comparing the Brightness of Antibody‐dye Reagents and Estimating Antibodies Bound per Cell
Authors: Kantor Aaron B. , Moore Wayne A. , Meehan Stephen , Parks David R.
Published: July 2016

We present a quantitative method for comparing the brightness of antibody‐dye reagents and estimating antibodies bound per cell. The method is based on complementary binding of test and fill reagents to antibody capture microspheres. Several aliquots of antibody capture beads are stained with varying amounts of the test conjugate. The remaining binding sites on the beads are then filled with a second conjugate containing a different fluorophore. Finally, the fluorescence of the test conjugate compared to the fill conjugate is used to measure the relative brightness of the test conjugate. The fundamental assumption of the test‐fill method is that if it takes X molecules of one test antibody to lower the fill signal by Y units, it will take the same X molecules of any other test antibody to give the same effect. We apply a quadratic fit to evaluate the test‐fill signal relationship across different amounts of test reagent. If the fit is close to linear, we consider the test reagent to be suitable for quantitative evaluation of antibody binding. To calibrate the antibodies bound per bead, a PE conjugate with 1 PE molecule per antibody is used as a test reagent and the fluorescence scale is calibrated with Quantibrite PE beads. When the fluorescence per antibody molecule has been determined for a particular conjugate, that conjugate can be used for measurement of antibodies bound per cell. This provides comparisons of the brightness of different conjugates when conducted on an instrument whose statistical photoelectron (Spe) scales are known. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
High‐Content Microscopy Analysis of Subcellular Structures: Assay Development and Application to Focal Adhesion Quantification
Authors: Kroll Torsten , Schmidt David , Schwanitz Georg , Ahmad Mubashir , Hamann Jana , Schlosser Corinne , Lin Yu‐Chieh , Böhm Konrad J. , Tuckermann Jan , Ploubidou Aspasia
Published: July 2016

High‐content analysis (HCA) converts raw light microscopy images to quantitative data through the automated extraction, multiparametric analysis, and classification of the relevant information content. Combined with automated high‐throughput image acquisition, HCA applied to the screening of chemicals or RNAi‐reagents is termed high‐content screening (HCS). Its power in quantifying cell phenotypes makes HCA applicable also to routine microscopy. However, developing effective HCA and bioinformatic analysis pipelines for acquisition of biologically meaningful data in HCS is challenging. Here, the step‐by‐step development of an HCA assay protocol and an HCS bioinformatics analysis pipeline are described. The protocol's power is demonstrated by application to focal adhesion (FA) detection, quantitative analysis of multiple FA features, and functional annotation of signaling pathways regulating FA size, using primary data of a published RNAi screen. The assay and the underlying strategy are aimed at researchers performing microscopy‐based quantitative analysis of subcellular features, on a small scale or in large HCS experiments. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dose‐Dependent Effect of Piragliatin, a Glucokinase Activator, on the QT Interval Following Short‐Term Multiple Doses in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhi Jianguo , Zhai Suoping , Boldrin Mark
Published: July 2016

To determine the effect of piragliatin on the QTcS (QT‐corrected study‐specific) interval, a double‐blind, double‐dummy, placebo‐controlled, active‐comparator, 4‐period, 4‐treatment, 4‐sequence randomized crossover trial was performed in 42 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who received 100 and 200 mg piragliatin twice daily, placebo, and 400 mg moxifloxacin (on day 1 and day 5 only) for 5 days. In the categorical analyses, piragliatin did not have a clinically significant effect on the QTcS interval at either dose, and the majority of patients were categorized with low risk for maximum change from baseline (≤30 milliseconds) and a maximum postbaseline QTcS interval as normal (≤450 milliseconds). However, in the analysis of variance model, both piragliatin doses crossed the 10‐millisecond threshold (100 mg twice daily on day 5, hour 1; 200 mg twice daily on days 1 and 5, hours 1 and 2) with P values indicating statistical significance. Headache and mild hypoglycemia were the most frequent adverse events associated with piragliatin treatment. There appeared that the effect of piragliatin treatment on the QTc interval was dose/exposure dependent following short‐term multiple doses. Longer‐term monitoring of electrocardiograms with pharmacokinetic exposure should continue, especially at conditions for potentially higher pharmacokinetic exposure.
Comparison of Capillary and Venous Plasma Drug Concentrations After Repeated Administration of Risperidone, Paliperidone, Quetiapine, Olanzapine, or Aripiprazole
Authors: Remmerie Bart , De Meulder Marc , Ariyawansa Jay , Savitz Adam
Published: July 2016

Quantification of blood levels of antipsychotic drugs may be useful for managing medication therapy. This open‐label, parallel‐group study was performed to compare finger‐stick‐based capillary with corresponding venous plasma concentrations for risperidone, paliperidone, quetiapine, olanzapine, and aripiprazole and their major metabolites after repeated dosing in patients with schizophrenia or related illnesses. Finger‐stick‐based capillary and venous blood samples were collected at various times within a dosing interval. All drug concentration measurements in the derived plasma samples were performed with validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry methods. Finger‐stick‐based capillary and venous plasma drug concentrations after repeated dosing were generally similar. Olanzapine capillary plasma concentrations, however, were on average approximately 20% higher than venous concentrations, with a trend for a relatively greater difference occurring shortly after dosing. In addition, smaller capillary–venous differences were observed for extended‐release and long‐acting intramuscular formulations and for aripiprazole, a drug with a long half‐life, compared with drugs administered as an immediate‐release formulation (risperidone, olanzapine). After repeated dosing, plasma derived from finger‐stick‐based blood was observed to be predictive of the venous concentrations. Capillary sampling may be an appropriate alternative to venous sampling to readily evaluate systemic drug concentrations.
Sequence Variant Descriptions: HGVS Nomenclature and Mutalyzer
Authors: den Dunnen Johan T.
Published: July 2016

Consistent and unambiguous description of sequence variants is essential to report and exchange information on the analysis of a genome, in particular in DNA diagnostics. The HGVS nomenclature—recommendations for the description of sequence variants as originally proposed by the Human Genome Variation Society—has gradually been accepted as the international standard for variant description. In this unit, we describe the current recommendations (HGVS version 15.11) regarding how to describe variants at the DNA, RNA, and protein level. We explain the rationale and give example descriptions for all variant types: substitution, deletion, duplication, insertion, inversion, conversion, and complex, as well as special types occurring only on the RNA (splicing) or protein level (nonsense, frame shift, extension). Finally, we point users to available support tools and give examples for the use of the freely available Mutalyzer suite. An extensive version of the HGVS recommendations is available online at http://varnomen.hgvs.org/. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Detection of Cell Proliferation Markers by Immunofluorescence Staining and Microscopy Imaging in Paraffin‐Embedded Tissue Sections
Authors: Eminaga Seda , Teekakirikul Polakit , Seidman Christine E. , Seidman Jonathan G.
Published: July 2016

This unit describes a step‐by‐step protocol to detect and quantify proliferating cells in paraffin‐embedded tissue sections. Two well‐established markers of proliferation (incorporation of BrdU into newly synthesized DNA and expression of the nuclear protein Ki67) are detected after antigen‐retrieval and subsequent immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Practical Considerations for Using Pooled Lentiviral CRISPR Libraries
Authors: McDade Joel R. , Waxmonsky Nicole C. , Swanson Lianna E. , Fan Melina
Published: July 2016

CRISPR/Cas9 technology is ideally suited for genome‐wide screening applications due to the ease of generating guide RNAs (gRNAs) and the versatility of Cas9 or Cas9 derivatives to knockout, repress, or activate expression of target genes. Several pooled lentiviral CRISPR libraries have been developed and are now publicly available, but while using CRISPR/Cas9 for genetic experiments has become widely adopted, genome‐wide screening experiments remain technically challenging. This review covers the basics of CRISPR/Cas9, describes several publicly available CRISPR libraries, and provides a general protocol for conducting genome‐wide screening experiments using CRISPR/Cas9. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
AAV9 Delivery of shRNA to the Mouse Heart
Authors: Wakimoto Hiroko , Seidman J.G. , Foo Roger S.Y. , Jiang Jianming
Published: July 2016

RNA interference (RNAi) is a rapid approach to dissect loss‐of‐function phenotype for a gene of interest. However, it is challenging to perform RNAi in specific organs and tissues in vivo. Engineered viruses can provide a useful tool for delivery of small RNAs in vivo. Recombinant adeno‐associated viruses (rAAVs) are the preferred method for delivering genes or gene modulators to target cells due to their high titer, low immune response, ability to transduce many types of cell, and overall safety. In this unit, we describe protocols for use of rAAVs as a cargo to deliver miRNA backbone‐based shRNA controlled by a cardiac‐specific promoter into the mouse heart. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Extraction, Identification, and Quantification of Histones from Small Quantities of Specific Brain Tissue
Authors: Beldjoud Hassiba , Messanvi Fany , Nadif Kasri Nael , Roozendaal Benno
Published: July 2016

Histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs), by their action on the chromatin state, play a central role in the regulation of gene expression. The discovery that some PTMs in the brain are dynamically regulated by experience and environmental factors makes them an important subject for the study of plasticity changes in learning and memory, addiction, and psychiatric disorders. Current histone isolation protocols, however, require large amounts of tissue, which limits their application for analyzing small tissue samples from a specific brain region. We describe here a step‐by‐step protocol for histone extraction and isolation from 1 mm3 of tissue from brain punches, which allows reproducible and reliable results for histone PTM identification and quantification without losing anatomical precision. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ibrutinib Dosing Strategies Based on Interaction Potential of CYP3A4 Perpetrators Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: de Zwart L , Snoeys J , De Jong J , Sukbuntherng J , Mannaert E , Monshouwer M
Published: July 2016

Based on ibrutinib pharmacokinetics and potential sensitivity towards CYP3A4‐mediated drug–drug interactions (DDIs), a physiologically based pharmacokinetic approach was developed to mechanistically describe DDI with various CYP3A4 perpetrators in healthy men under fasting conditions. These models were verified using clinical data for ketoconazole (strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) and used to prospectively predict and confirm the inducing effect of rifampin (strong CYP3A4 inducer); DDIs with mild (fluvoxamine, azithromycin) and moderate inhibitors (diltiazem, voriconazole, clarithromycin, itraconazole, erythromycin), and moderate (efavirenz) and strong CYP3A4 inducers (carbamazepine), were also predicted. Ketoconazole increased ibrutinib area under the curve (AUC) by 24‐fold, while rifampin decreased ibrutinib AUC by 10‐fold; coadministration of ibrutinib with strong inhibitors or inducers should be avoided. The ibrutinib dose should be reduced to 140 mg (quarter of maximal prescribed dose) when coadministered with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors so that exposures remain within observed ranges at therapeutic doses. Thus, dose recommendations for CYP3A4 perpetrator use during ibrutinib treatment were developed and approved for labeling.
Novel Disease–Drug Database Demonstrating Applicability for Pharmacogenomic‐Based Prescribing
Authors: Whirl‐Carrillo M , Sangkuhl K , Gong L , Klein TE
Published: July 2016

Significant advances have been made in the clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics in recent years with tools for clinical decision support (CDS) being developed and integrated in the electronic health record (EHR). In this issue, the article by Hussain et al. describes the creation of a disease–drug association tool that enables providers to search by disease indications to receive a list of treatment options marked with pharmacogenomics annotations at the point of prescribing.
Report of the results of the International Clinical Cytometry Society and American Society for Clinical Pathology workload survey of clinical flow cytometry laboratories
Authors: Wolniak Kristy , Goolsby Charles , Choi Sarah , Ali Asma , Serdy Nina , Stetler‐Stevenson Maryalice
Published: July 2016

Background

Thorough review of current workload, staffing, and testing practices in clinical laboratories allows for optimization of laboratory efficiency and quality. This information is largely missing with regard to clinical flow cytometry laboratories. The purpose of this survey is to provide comprehensive, current, and accurate data on testing practices and laboratory staffing in clinical laboratories performing flow cytometric studies.

Methods

Survey data was collected from flow cytometry laboratories through the ASCP website. Data was collected on the workload during a 1‐year time period of full‐time and part‐time technical and professional (M.D./D.O./Ph.D. or equivalent) flow cytometry employees. Workload was examined as number of specimens and tubes per full time equivalent (FTE) technical and professional staff. Test complexity, test result interpretation, and reporting practices were also evaluated.

Results

There were 205 respondent laboratories affiliated predominantly with academic and health system institutions. Overall, 1,132 FTE employees were reported with 29% professional FTE employees and 71% technical. Fifty‐one percent of the testing performed was considered high complexity and 49% was low complexity. The average number of tubes per FTE technologist was 1,194 per year and the average number of specimens per FTE professional was 1,659 per year. The flow cytometry reports were predominantly written by pathologists (57%) and were typically written as a separate report (58%).

Conclusions

This survey evaluates the overall status of the current practice of clinical flow cytometry and provides a comprehensive dataset as a framework to help laboratory departments, directors, and managers make appropriate, cost‐effective staffing decisions. © 2016 International Clinical Cytometry Society
The effects of prenatal “psychological” stressor exposure on lung inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in adult rat offspring
Authors: Barreto do Carmo Maria Beatriz , Righetti Renato Fraga , Tibério Iolanda de Fátima Lopes Calvo , Hunziker Maria Helena Leite
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to establish whether exposure of pregnant rats to uncontrollable (psychological) stressors might change the likelihood of their offspring to exhibit functional and histopathological abnormalities suggestive of asthma in adulthood. Pregnant rats (n = 16) underwent one of three treatments: electric shocks of a maximum duration of 10 s that could be escaped (controllable group; C) those that could not be escaped (uncontrollable group; U) or no shocks (control group; N). The offspring (n = 54) were kept in animal house under standard conditions until 3 months of age, when lung hyperresponsiveness, histopathology, immunohistochemical measurements of the cytokines interleukin (IL) 2, IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 and actin as well as oxidative stress based on iNOS‐positive cell counts and isoprostane PGF2α contents were assessed. The results showed that prenatal exposure to physical stressors (shocks) caused lung hyperresponsiveness and increased cytokine expression; exposure to uncontrollable shock (group U) had a differential effect on the expression of IL‐2, IL‐5, and IL‐13 in inflammatory cells compared to exposure to controllable shock (group C), which characterizes the “psychological” aspect of stress. The results show that not only stress but also its uncontrollability during gestation might increase the likelihood that the offspring will exhibit functional and histopathological abnormalities suggestive of asthma. These findings strengthen the importance of psychological control with regard to environmental stimuli for the occurrence of several illnesses, suggesting the desirability of integration among various fields of science.
A shift from exploitation to interference competition with increasing density affects population and community dynamics
Authors: Holdridge Erica M. , Cuellar‐Gempeler Catalina , terHorst Casey P.
Published: July 2016

Intraspecific competition influences population and community dynamics and occurs via two mechanisms. Exploitative competition is an indirect effect that occurs through use of a shared resource and depends on resource availability. Interference competition occurs by obstructing access to a resource and may not depend on resource availability. Our study tested whether the strength of interference competition changes with protozoa population density. We grew experimental microcosms of protozoa and bacteria under different combinations of protozoan density and basal resource availability. We then solved a dynamic predator–prey model for parameters of the functional response using population growth rates measured in our experiment. As population density increased, competition shifted from exploitation to interference, and competition was less dependent on resource levels. Surprisingly, the effect of resources was weakest when competition was the most intense. We found that at low population densities, competition was largely exploitative and resource availability had a large effect on population growth rates, but the effect of resources was much weaker at high densities. This shift in competitive mechanism could have implications for interspecific competition, trophic interactions, community diversity, and natural selection. We also tested whether this shift in the mechanism of competition with protozoa density affected the structure of the bacterial prey community. We found that both resources and protozoa density affected the structure of the bacterial prey community, suggesting that competitive mechanism may also affect trophic interactions.
The eco‐hydrologic influence of the Three Gorges Reservoir on the abundance of larval fish of four carp species in the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Ban Xuan , Chen Si , Pan Bao‐Zhu , Du Yun , Yin Da‐Cong , Bai Mu‐Chen
Published: July 2016

The natural abundance of larval fish of four carp species has been affected adversely by the Three Gorges Reservoir in the Yangtze River. One of the methods to conserve fish is to regulate hydrology regimes to keep them optimal for species spawning. Thirty‐two hydrologic indicators (HIs) associated with the hydrologic regime of the spawning sites at the Jianli reach were analyzed with the range of variability approach. Outputs were correlated with abundance of larval fish by a genetic programming approach to explore the relationship between the hydrologic regime and fish abundance. Results showed that rate of rise for discharge and average monthly discharge in June, October, and December; rate of rise for water level, average monthly water level in May, June, July, October, and November, and 1‐, 3‐, 7‐, and 30‐day maximum water level; and high pulse duration for sediment concentration and average monthly sediment concentration in June, July, and October were key factors that affected fish species abundance. All of these HIs changed greatly after impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir since 2003. Discharge and water level played the dominant role in reproduction of four carp species when the change of sediment concentration kept stable. However, when the sediment concentration declined over the limited range, it replaced discharge and water level as having the dominant role in reproduction. Two relationships between abundance of larval fish and HIs were identified from genetic programming results to explore an indicator impact matrix for use in eco‐hydrologic management through change of some HIs to improve fish abundance.
Does avoidance‐attachment style attenuate the benefits of being listened to?
Authors: Castro Dotan R. , Kluger Avraham N. , Itzchakov Guy
Published: July 2016

We tested both Rogers's hypothesis that listening enables speakers to experience psychological safety and our hypothesis that the benefit of listening for psychological safety is attenuated by avoidance‐attachment style. We tested these hypotheses in six laboratory experiments, a field correlational study, and a scenario experiment. We meta‐analyzed the results of the laboratory experiments and found that listening increased psychological safety on average but that the variance between the experiments was also significant. The between experiment variance in the effect of listening manipulation on psychological safety exposes a methodological challenge in choosing a research paradigm of good‐versus‐normal listening, as opposed to normal‐versus‐poor listening. More importantly, we found, as expected and across all designs, that the higher the avoidance‐attachment style was, the lower the effect of listening on psychological safety. This finding has implications both for practice and for placing a theoretical boundary on Rogers's theory.
Predicting aggressive collective action based on the efficacy of peaceful and aggressive actions
Authors: Saab Rim , Spears Russell , Tausch Nicole , Sasse Julia
Published: July 2016

We examine whether aggressive forms of collective action are predicted by their perceived efficacy and the perceived efficacy of peaceful collective action, and whether the two predictors interact. We present data from surveys examining support for and tendencies toward aggressive collective action among university students who are opposed to increases in tuition fees in Britain (Study 1) and support for suicide bombings against Israeli civilians among Palestinians during the Second Intifada (Study 2). Our results reveal an interaction between the efficacy of peaceful and aggressive collective actions: The more efficacious aggression is perceived to be, the greater its appeal and the less it is assuaged by the efficacy of peaceful action. This implies that (i) people may consider aggressive action whenever it works, even if peaceful action is efficacious, and (ii) people may consider aggressive action even when it seems unpromising, if peaceful action is not efficacious, in an apparent nothing‐to‐lose strategy.
The good, the bad and the central of group identification: Evidence of a U‐shaped quadratic relation between in‐group affect and identity centrality
Authors: Kachanoff Frank J. , Ysseldyk Renate , Taylor Donald M. , de la Sablonnière Roxane , Crush Jonathan
Published: July 2016

The present research investigates the interrelation between two widely studied dimensions of social group identity—in‐group affect and centrality. Specifically, we test the validity of a quadratic curvilinear relation between in‐group affect and identity centrality. We propose that group members who feel either decidedly positive affect or decidedly negative affect towards their group are more likely to feel that their identity is a central component of their self‐concept relative to group members with neutral affect. We find evidence for a quadratic relation between in‐group affect and identity centrality with respect to people's cultural identity (N = 512), ethnic identity (N = 462), religious identity (N = 61,N = 384) and racial identity (N = 3600,N = 2400). Theoretical and practical implications for the measurement and conceptualization of group identification are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Opportunistic vector channel estimation based on scalar feedback
Authors: Kakşi Ömer , Özdemir Özgür , Torlak Murat
Published: July 2016

Multi‐user diversity exploits channel fluctuations by favouring the user with the best channel. In slow fading environments, channel fluctuations are artificially created by the use of random beamforming at the transmitter, a technique called opportunistic beamforming. One drawback of opportunistic beamforming is that, it needs large number of users to achieve the capacity of a true beamforming system. On the other hand, if partial channel state information is available at the transmitter, this can be used to reduce the necessary number of users to reach this capacity. Opportunistic beamforming systems require scalar feedback from users in the system instead of the complete channel vector to reduce the feedback load. In conventional systems, these feedback values are used for scheduling only. In this letter, we propose three channel estimation methods that solely rely on the scalar feedback already available at the transmitter. We also propose an accompanying scheduling method where these estimates are used to form the beamforming vectors. Although we use the same information available in a conventional opportunistic beamforming system, the proposed scheduling scheme in conjunction with channel estimation is able to achieve higher throughput and also achieve better fairness which is verified by simulations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Haptic contents of a movie dynamically engage the spectator's sensorimotor cortex
Authors: Lankinen Kaisu , Smeds Eero , Tikka Pia , Pihko Elina , Hari Riitta , Koskinen Miika
Published: July 2016

Observation of another person's actions and feelings activates brain areas that support similar functions in the observer, thereby facilitating inferences about the other's mental and bodily states. In real life, events eliciting this kind of vicarious brain activations are intermingled with other complex, ever‐changing stimuli in the environment. One practical approach to study the neural underpinnings of real‐life vicarious perception is to image brain activity during movie viewing. Here the goal was to find out how observed haptic events in a silent movie would affect the spectator's sensorimotor cortex. The functional state of the sensorimotor cortex was monitored by analyzing, in 16 healthy subjects, magnetoencephalographic (MEG) responses to tactile finger stimuli that were presented once per second throughout the session. Using canonical correlation analysis and spatial filtering, consistent single‐trial responses across subjects were uncovered, and their waveform changes throughout the movie were quantified. The long‐latency (85–175 ms) parts of the responses were modulated in concordance with the participants’ average moment‐by‐moment ratings of own engagement in the haptic content of the movie (correlation r = 0.49; ratings collected after the MEG session). The results, obtained by using novel signal‐analysis approaches, demonstrate that the functional state of the human sensorimotor cortex fluctuates in a fine‐grained manner even during passive observation of temporally varying haptic events. Hum Brain Mapp 37:4061–4068, 2016. © 2016 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytokine‐mediated blood brain barrier disruption as a conduit for cancer/chemotherapy‐associated neurotoxicity and cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Wardill Hannah R. , Mander Kimberley A. , Van Sebille Ysabella Z.A. , Gibson Rachel J. , Logan Richard M. , Bowen Joanne M. , Sonis Stephen T.
Published: July 2016

Neurotoxicity is a common side effect of chemotherapy treatment, with unclear molecular mechanisms. Clinical studies suggest that the most frequent neurotoxic adverse events affect memory and learning, attention, concentration, processing speeds and executive function. Emerging preclinical research points toward direct cellular toxicity and induction of neuroinflammation as key drivers of neurotoxicity and subsequent cognitive impairment. Emerging data now show detectable levels of some chemotherapeutic agents within the CNS, indicating potential disruption of blood brain barrier integrity or transport mechanisms. Blood brain barrier disruption is a key aspect of many neurocognitive disorders, particularly those characterized by a proinflammatory state. Importantly, many proinflammatory mediators able to modulate the blood brain barrier are generated by tissues and organs that are targets for chemotherapy‐associated toxicities. This review therefore aims to explore the hypothesis that peripherally derived inflammatory cytokines disrupt blood brain barrier permeability, thereby increasing direct access of chemotherapeutic agents into the CNS to facilitate neuroinflammation and central neurotoxicity.
Progressive Temporal Change in Serum SHBG, But Not in Serum Testosterone or Estradiol, Is Associated With Bone Loss and Incident Fractures in Older Men: The Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project
Authors: Hsu Benjumin , Seibel Markus J , Cumming Robert G , Blyth Fiona M , Naganathan Vasi , Bleicher Kerrin , Le Couteur David G , Waite Louise M , Handelsman David J
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to examine progressive temporal relationships between changes in major reproductive hormones across three waves of a cohort study of older men and (1) changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and (2) incident fractures (any, hip or non-vertebral) over an average of 6 years of follow-up. The CHAMP cohort of men aged 70 years and older were assessed at baseline (2005 to 2007, n = 1705), 2-year follow-up (n = 1367), and 5-year follow-up (n = 958). Serum testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), and estrone (E1) (by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry [LC-MS/MS]), and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (by immunoassay) were measured at all time-points, whereas free testosterone (cFT) was calculated using a well-validated formula. Hip BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at all three time-points, and fracture data were verified radiographically. Statistical modeling was done using general estimating equations (GEEs). For total hip BMD, univariable analyses revealed inverse associations with temporal changes in serum SHBG, FSH, and LH and positive associations for serum E1 and cFT across the three time-points. In models adjusted for multiple covariables, serum SHBG (β = –0.029), FSH (β = –0.065), LH (β = –0.049), E1 (β = 0.019), and cFT (β = 0.033) remained significantly associated with hip BMD. However for femoral neck BMD, only FSH (β = –0.048) and LH (β = –0.036) remained associated in multivariable-adjusted models. Temporal change in serum SHBG, but not T, E2, or other hormonal variables, was significantly associated with any, nonvertebral or hip fracture incidence in univariable analyses. In multivariable-adjusted models, temporal increase in serum SHBG over time remained associated with any fracture (β = 0.060) and hip fracture (β = 0.041) incidence, but not nonvertebral fracture incidence. These data indicate that a progressive increase in circulating SHBG over time predicts bone loss and fracture risk in older men. Further studies are warranted to further characterize changes in circulating SHBG as a mechanism and/or biomarker of bone health during male ageing. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
molSimplify: A toolkit for automating discovery in inorganic chemistry
Authors: Ioannidis Efthymios I. , Gani Terry Z. H. , Kulik Heather J.
Published: July 2016

We present an automated, open source toolkit for the first‐principles screening and discovery of new inorganic molecules and intermolecular complexes. Challenges remain in the automatic generation of candidate inorganic molecule structures due to the high variability in coordination and bonding, which we overcome through a divide‐and‐conquer tactic that flexibly combines force‐field preoptimization of organic fragments with alignment to first‐principles‐trained metal‐ligand distances. Exploration of chemical space is enabled through random generation of ligands and intermolecular complexes from large chemical databases. We validate the generated structures with the root mean squared (RMS) gradients evaluated from density functional theory (DFT), which are around 0.02 Ha/au across a large 150 molecule test set. Comparison of molSimplify results to full optimization with the universal force field reveals that RMS DFT gradients are improved by 40%. Seamless generation of input files, preparation and execution of electronic structure calculations, and post‐processing for each generated structure aids interpretation of underlying chemical and energetic trends. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utility of Model‐Based Approaches for Informing Dosing Recommendations in Specific Populations: Report From the Public AAPS Workshop
Authors: Younis Islam R. , Robert Powell J. , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , Corrigan Brian , Stockbridge Norman , Sinha Vikram , Zhao Ping , Jadhav Pravin , Flamion Bruno , Cook Jack
Published: July 2016

This report summarizes the discussions and recommendations of the workshop titled “Specific Population Drug Dosing Recommendations: Shifting from Clinical Studies to Predict and Confirm,” which preceded the 2015 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists annual meeting. Participants from the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies (FDA and EMA), and academia discussed the current state, challenges, opportunities, and future direction of utilizing model‐based approaches to inform dosing recommendations in specific populations.
Espindolol for the treatment and prevention of cachexia in patients with stage III/IV non‐small cell lung cancer or colorectal cancer: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, international multicentre phase II study (the ACT‐ONE trial)
Authors: Stewart Coats Andrew J. , Ho Gwo Fuang , Prabhash Kumar , von Haehling Stephan , Tilson Julia , Brown Richard , Beadle John , Anker Stefan D. ,   for and on behalf of the ACT‐ONE study group
Published: July 2016

Background

Cancer cachexia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality with no widely approved treatment.

Methods

The ACT‐ONE trial is a randomized, double‐blind, parallel group, placebo‐controlled, phase II multicentre trial in patients (25‐80 years) with stages III or IV colorectal cancer or non‐small cell lung cancer‐related cachexia that tested two doses of espindolol (a novel non‐selective β blocker with central 5‐HT1a and partial β2 receptor agonist effects). The primary endpoint was the difference in the rate of weight change over 16 weeks (linear mixed‐effect model for repeated measures) between high‐dose espindolol and placebo.

Results

Eighty‐seven patients were randomized centrally in blocks in a ratio 3:2:1 [42 high dose, 10 mg twice daily (bd):31 placebo:14 low dose, 2.5 mg bd]. High‐dose espindolol produced a statistically and clinically significant weight gain (+0.54 kg/4 weeks, 95% CI 0.38–0.70) compared with a weight loss on placebo (−0.21 kg/4 weeks, 95% CI ‐0.37–0.05); P < 0.0001. High‐dose espindolol produced a statistically significant increase in lean body mass, whilst changes in fat mass were neutral. Hand grip strength significantly (high dose −1.15 ± 0.7 kg, placebo −3.51 ± 0.8 kg change per 4 weeks; P = 0.0134), stair climbing power, and 6‐min walk test non‐significantly were all directionally in favour of high‐dose espindolol. There were no clinically significant differences in safety signals or survival between treatment groups, although a numerical excess of dyspnoea was seen with high‐dose espindolol (19.1%) compared with placebo (3.2%).

Conclusions

This positive trial showed that espindolol 10 mg bd significantly reversed weight loss, improved fat free mass, and maintained fat mass in advanced colorectal cancer and non‐small cell lung cancer‐related cachexia. This was associated with a significant improvement in handgrip strength, supporting the further investigation of 10 mg bd espindolol for the treatment of cancer cachexia. Although not powered to look at dose response, most treatment effects for low dose lay between high dose and placebo, suggesting that there may be a dose response in the effects of espindolol.
Successful Black Men From Absent‐Father Homes and Their Resilient Single Mothers: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Wilson Angie D. , Henriksen Richard C. , Bustamante Rebecca , Irby Beverly
Published: July 2016

The phenomenon of absent fathers is a common occurrence in today's homes that appears to be escalating, especially in Black households across the United States. The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experiences of successful Black men who were raised in absent‐father homes as well as the lived experiences of their resilient single mothers. The authors share themes that captured the participants' experiences and provide recommendations for community counselors, school counselors, and counselor educators.

El fenómeno de padres ausentes es una situación común en los hogares actuales que parece estar en crecimiento, especialmente en hogares de familias negras en Estados Unidos. El propósito de este estudio era describir las experiencias vividas por hombres negros exitosos que fueron educados en hogares con padres ausentes, además de las experiencias vividas por sus resilientes madres solteras. Los autores comparten temas que capturaron las experiencias de los participantes y proporcionan recomendaciones para consejeros comunitarios, consejeros en escuelas y capacitadores de consejeros.
Distinctive gut microbial community structure in both the wild and farmed Swan goose (Anser cygnoides)
Authors: Wang Wen , Zheng Sisi , Sharshov Kirill , Cao Jian , Sun Hao , Yang Fang , Wang Xuelian , Li Laixing
Published: July 2016

Swan goose (Anser cygnoides) is currently one of the most popular economic wildfowl for rare birds breeding industries in several provinces of China. However, the farmed Swan geese, reared in artificial environment and fed on both natural and artificial diets, display a reduced reproductive rate compared to wild species. Little is known about the gut microbiota of this species, which could play a role in nutrient and energy metabolism, immune homeostasis and reproduction. The present comparative study was designed to provide a first characterization of gut microbial communities related to both wild and farmed Swan geese by 16 S rRNA sequences using the Illumina HiSeq platform. The results showed that dominant microbial components in both groups consisted of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. The abundances of these four phyla were not statistically different between the groups. At the genus level, significantly decreased abundance of Clostridium and increased abundance of SMB53, Enterococcus and Paenibacillus were observed in farmed group compared to wild group. The marked differences of genus level group‐specific microbes create a baseline for future Swan goose microbiology research and make a valuable contribution to forming relationships between gut microbiota and domestic bird reproduction.
Authenticity in Ethical Decision Making: Reflections for Professional Counselors
Authors: JUNGERS CHRISTIN M. , GREGOIRE JOCELYN
Published: July 2016

Ethical competence, maturity, and autonomy are foundations of good counseling; however, ethical autonomy can be eroded by a risk‐management approach to ethics that tends to constrict counselors' creative responses to dilemmas. This article offers reflections on the notion of authenticity as described by existentialist philosophers Søren Kierkegaard and Martin Heidegger, as a means by which to balance risk‐management and reductionist perspectives on ethics and to foster ethical autonomy. Applications of authenticity to counselors' approach to ethics are suggested, as are limitations of this concept as a stand‐alone framework for decision making.
Does Adlerian Theory Stand the Test of Time?: Examining Individual Psychology From a Neuroscience Perspective
Authors: MILLER RAISSA , DILLMAN TAYLOR DALENA
Published: July 2016

The authors explored foundational principles of individual psychology through a neuroscience lens. In particular, the authors identified neuroscience support for the principles of social embeddedness, purposefulness of behavior, and holism. The authors also offered suggestions for expanding Adlerian theory through the integration of neuroscience‐informed developmental theory, conceptualization of functionality, and interventions.
Number‐of‐layer, pressure, and temperature resolved bond–phonon–photon cooperative relaxation of layered black phosphorus
Authors: Liu Yonghui , Yang Xuexian , Bo Maolin , Zhang Xi , Liu Xinjuan , Sun Chang Q. , Huang Yongli
Published: July 2016

We systematically examined the effects of number‐of‐layer, pressure, and temperature on the bond length and energy, Debye temperature, atomic cohesive energy, and binding energy density for layered black phosphorus using bond–phonon–photon spectrometric methods. We clarified the following: (1) atomic under‐coordination shortens and stiffens the PP bond, which raises the B2g and Ag2 phonon frequency and widens the bandgap, (2) bond thermal elongation and weakening soften all phonon modes, and (3) bond mechanical compression has the opposite effect of heating on phonon frequency relaxation. The phonon and photon energy depends on the bond length and energy, which determines the relevant elasticity and thermal stability of layered structure. More broadly, the approaches and findings of this work provide both insight into and efficient tools for further exploration of unusual behaviors of other two‐dimensional substance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.