bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doing collaborative deconstruction as an ‘exorbitant’ strategy in qualitative research
Authors: Lenz Taguchi Hillevi
Published: December 2014

This paper aims to challenge qualitative research from within our own spaces and practices, by putting to work deconstruction as an ‘exorbitant’ and collaborative methodological strategy. During a seven month period, PhD students used their research-data aiming at doing deconstruction as collaborative processes of writing and talking, rather than treating deconstruction as an object of philosophical study or applying theory to practice. The process was constituted by a turning, bending and twisting of your own analysis, questioning it and trying to displace the meanings of it: in order to identify how and why you do the analysis you do, and foremost, what other analysis might be possible. A piece of interview-data featuring a six-year-old boy is used as an example. A strong desire among the participants was to do better justice to our data using this strategy. The (im)possibilities of doing justice in deconstructive analysis are thus discussed.
The implications for qualitative research methodology of the struggle between the individualised subject of phenomenology and the emergent multiplicities of the poststructuralist subject: the problem of agency
Authors: Davies Bronwyn
Published: December 2014

This paper re-visits the problem of how we re-conceptualize human subjects within poststructuralist research. The turn to poststructuralist theory to inform research in the social sciences is complicated by the difficulty in thinking through what it means to put the subject under erasure. Drawing on a study in a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool in Sweden, and a study of neoliberalism's impact on academic work, this paper opens up thought about poststructuralism's subject. It argues that agency is the province of that subject.
In the Midst of Participatory Action Research Practices: Moving towards Decolonizing and Decolonial Praxis
Authors: Gill Hartej , Purru Kadi , Lin Gloria
Published: December 2014

Where disenfranchised groups such as women, immigrants and people of color more generally were either excluded from the academy or not thought to have important 'stories' to tell, several qualitative methodologies now value these voices, in large measure because disenfranchised research participants have an understanding in their bodies of what it means to be exposed to patriarchy, racism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, xenophobia and other complex forms of oppression (Gitlin, 2007, p.1).
Top‐Coat Dewetting for the Highly Ordered Lateral Alignment of Block Copolymer Microdomains in Thin Films
Authors: Yoon Eunkyoung , Kim Eunjin , Kim Daeheum , Son Jeong Gon
Published: December 2014

Extremely straight and laterally aligned cylindrical microdomains of block copolymer (BCP) films have been prepared by simply covering the BCP films with a top coat and dewetting the latter via thermal annealing to generate shear flow in the BCP underlayer. The polystyrene‐block‐polydimethylsiloxane microdomains are perfectly aligned with sunburst direction along the polyvinyl alcohol top‐coat dewetting front from the nucleation point to the end of the dewetting front. This alignment is at least 150 μm long and the aspect ratio is higher than 15 000:1. Studying the morphologies obtained as a function of top‐coat and BCP film thickness at various annealing temperatures, highly ordered BCP patterns are obtained for a wide range of shear rates, while higher (but not the highest) temperatures and thicker BCP films lead to more ordered microdomain patterns, because of increased polymer mobility and a reduced surface/interface effect. An imprinting process is also introduced to pattern top coats, which then provide selective control of the dewetting direction so that unidirectionally aligned BCP patterns can be created in specific areas.
Risk Premiums and Forward Basis: Evidence from the Soybean Oil Market
Authors: Lewis Karen E. , Altman Ira J. , Manfredo Mark R. , Sanders Dwight R.
Published: December 2014

Forward pricing contracts for soybean oil are important supply chain arrangements in both the biodiesel and food industries. Forward pricing is often extended to end‐users by soybean oil processors where the forward price quote is a function of the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) futures price and the cash‐futures basis. Upon entering a forward pricing agreement, the processor (seller) assumes the risk associated with basis fluctuations. This research examines if soybean oil processors extract a market premium for assuming this risk. Using forward basis quotes and subsequent realized basis values for soybean oil, it is found that soybean oil processors do not charge an embedded cost for their forward pricing services. Furthermore, the results suggest that the absence of a statistically significant embedded cost may be due to the lack of predictability in the basis or the inability of soybean oil processors to adequately forecast soybean oil basis levels.
Cyclical konzo epidemics and climate variability
Authors: Oluwole Olusegun Steven A.
Published: December 2014

Konzo epidemics have occurred during droughts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) for >70 years, but also in Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Central African Republic. The illness is attributed to exposure to cyanide from cassava foods, on which the population depends almost exclusively during droughts. Production of cassava, a drought‐resistant crop, has been shown to correlate with cyclical changes in precipitation in konzo‐affected countries. Here we review the epidemiology of konzo as well as models of its pathogenesis. A spectral analysis of precipitation and konzo is performed to determine whether konzo epidemics are cyclical and whether there is spectral coherence. Time series of environmental temperature, precipitation, and konzo show cyclical changes. Periodicities of dominant frequencies in the spectra of precipitation and konzo range from 3 to 6 years in DR Congo. There is coherence of the spectra of precipitation and konzo. The magnitude squared coherence of 0.9 indicates a strong relationship between variability of climate and konzo epidemics. Thus, it appears that low precipitation phases of climate variability reduce the yield of food crops except cassava, upon which the population depends for supply of calories during droughts. Presence of very high concentrations of thiocyanate (SCN−), the major metabolite of cyanide, in the bodily fluids of konzo subjects is a consequence of dietary exposure to cyanide, which follows intake of poorly processed cassava roots. Because cyanogens and minor metabolites of cyanide have not induced konzo‐like illnesses, SCN− remains the most likely neurotoxicant of konzo. Public health control of konzo will require food and water programs during droughts. [Correction added on 26 February 2015, after first online publication: abstract reformatted per journal style] Ann Neurol 2015;77:371–380
Poly(ether ether ketone)/wrapped graphite nanosheets with poly(ether sulfone) composites: Preparation, mechanical properties, and tribological behavior
Authors: Jiang Wenlong , Jin Xu , Zhang Haibo , Jiang Bo , Jiang Zhenhua , Zhang Yunhe
Published: December 2014

Antiwear composites with extraordinary tribological performances and good mechanical/thermal properties were developed by the dispersion of poly(ether sulfone) (PES) wrapped graphite nanosheets (GNSs) inside a poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) matrix via melt blending. The tribological behaviors and the mechanical/thermal properties of the composites were carefully investigated. Compared with pure PEEK and PEEK/GNS composites, the PEEK/wrapped GNS composites exhibited considerable enhancements in those performances; these were attributed to the eliminated layer of PES; this elimination not only eliminated the GNS aggregation inside the PEEK matrix for homogeneous distribution inside the PEEK matrix but also enhanced the interfacial adhesion between the PEEK and wrapped GNSs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41728.
Tuning CO2 Uptake and Reversible Iodine Adsorption in Two Isoreticular MOFs through Ligand Functionalization
Authors: Parshamoni Srinivasulu , Sanda Suresh , Jena Himanshu Sekhar , Konar Sanjit
Published: December 2014

The synthesis and characterization of two isoreticular metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Cd(bdc)(4‐bpmh)]}n⋅2 n(H2O) (1) and {[Cd(2‐NH2bdc)(4‐bpmh)]}n⋅2 n(H2O) (2) [bdc=benzene dicarboxylic acid; 2‐NH2bdc=2‐amino benzene dicarboxylic acid; 4‐bpmh=N,N‐bis‐pyridin‐4‐ylmethylene‐hydrazine], are reported. Both compounds possess similar two‐fold interpenetrated 3D frameworks bridged by dicarboxylates and a 4‐bpmh linker. The 2D Cd‐dicarboxylate layers are extended along the a‐axis to form distorted square grids which are further pillared by 4‐bpmh linkers to result in a 3D pillared‐bilayer interpenetrated framework. Gas adsorption studies demonstrate that the amino‐functionalized MOF 2 shows high selectivity for CO2 (8.4 wt % 273 K and 7.0 wt % 298 K) over CH4, and the uptake amounts are almost double that of non‐functional MOF 1. Iodine (I2) adsorption studies reveal that amino‐functionalized MOF 2 exhibits a faster I2 adsorption rate and controlled delivery of I2 over the non‐functionalized homolog 1.
Failure probability estimation with differently sized reference products for semiconductor burn‐in studies
Authors: Kurz Daniel , Lewitschnig Horst , Pilz Jürgen
Published: December 2014

A burn‐in study is applied to demonstrate compliance with a targeted early life failure probability of semiconductor products. This is achieved by investigating a sample of the produced chips for reliability‐relevant failures. Usually, a burn‐in study is carried out for a specific reference product with the aim to scale the reference product's failure probability to follower products with different chip sizes. It also appears, however, that there are multiple, differently sized reference products for which burn‐in studies are performed. In this paper, we present a novel model for estimating the failure probability of a chip, which is capable of handling burn‐in studies on multiple reference products. We discuss the model from a combinatorial and a Bayesian perspective; both approaches are shown to provide more accurate estimation results in comparison with a simple area‐based approach. Moreover, we discuss the required modifications of the model if the observed failures are tackled by countermeasures implemented in the chip production process. Finally, the model is applied to the problem of determining the failure probabilities of follower products on the basis of multiple reference products.
Randomized clinical trial of the effect of gum chewing on postoperative ileus and inflammation in colorectal surgery
Authors: van den Heijkant T C , Costes L M M , van der Lee D G C , Aerts B , Osinga-de Jong M , Rutten H R M , Hulsewé K W E , de Jonge W J , Buurman W A , Luyer M D P
Published: December 2014

Background

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common complication following colorectal surgery that delays recovery and increases length of hospital stay. Gum chewing may reduce POI and therefore enhance recovery after surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of gum chewing on POI, length of hospital stay and inflammatory parameters.

Methods

Patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery in one of two centres were randomized to either chewing gum or a dermal patch (control). Chewing gum was started before surgery and stopped when oral intake was resumed. Primary endpoints were POI and length of stay. Secondary endpoints were systemic and local inflammation, and surgical complications. Gastric emptying was measured by ultrasonography. Soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFRSF1A) and interleukin (IL) 8 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Between May 2009 and September 2012, 120 patients were randomized to chewing gum (58) or dermal patch (control group; 62). Mean(s.d.) length of hospital stay was shorter in the chewing gum group than in controls, but this difference was not significant: 9·5(4·9) versus 14·0(14·5) days respectively. Some 14 (27 per cent) of 52 analysed patients allocated to chewing gum developed POI compared with 29 (48 per cent) of 60 patients in the control group (P = 0·020). More patients in the chewing gum group first defaecated within 4 days of surgery (85 versus 57 per cent; P = 0·006) and passed first flatus within 48 h (65 versus 50 per cent; P = 0·044). The decrease in antral area measured by ultrasonography following a standard meal was significantly greater among patients who chewed gum: median 25 (range –36 to 54) per cent compared with 10 (range –152 to 54) per cent in controls (P = 0·004). Levels of IL-8 (133 versus 288 pg/ml; P = 0·045) and TNFRSF1A (0·74 versus 0·92 ng/ml; P = 0·043) were lower among patients in the chewing gum group. Fewer patients in this group developed a grade IIIb complication (2 of 58 versus 10 of 62; P = 0·031).

Conclusion

Gum chewing is a safe and simple treatment to reduce POI, and is associated with a reduction in systemic inflammatory markers and complications. Registration number: NTR2867 (http://www.trialregister.nl).
A unique complication of SEMS
Authors: Kaleem Ahmed Z. , Kallam Ramana , Ahmad Syed M.
Published: December 2014

Key Clinical Message

Intraperitoneal stent migration should also be considered in any individual with no clinical success post stent insertion.
Heat Transfer Phenomena of Power Law Fluids in Double‐Pass Heat Exchangers with Isoflux Conditions
Authors: Ho Chii‐Dong , Lin Gwo‐Geng , Chew Thiam Leng , Lan Wei‐Hao , Lin Cheng‐Yi
Published: December 2014

A new design of conjugated heat transfer in double‐pass parallel‐plate laminar countercurrent operations of power law fluids under wall isoflux was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The analytical solutions were obtained with a superposition model by introducing an eigenfunction expansion in terms of a power series for the homogeneous part and an asymptotic solution for the inhomogeneous part. The influence of the power law index on the average Nusselt numbers with the various design and operating parameters is also delineated. The theoretical predictions of the experimental results are represented graphically. The heat transfer performance was considerably improved when compared with a single‐pass parallel‐plate heat exchanger (without inserting a solid separator sheet). Suitable adjustments of the solid separator sheet position can effectively enhance the heat transfer efficiencies for such a recycling double‐pass device, as compared with the efficiencies of single‐ and double‐pass devices.
Highly Efficient and Chemoselective Zinc‐Catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Esters under Mild Conditions
Authors: Kovalenko Oleksandr O. , Adolfsson Hans
Published: December 2014

A mild and highly efficient catalytic hydrosilylation protocol for room‐temperature ester reductions has been developed using diethylzinc as the catalyst. The methodology is operationally simple, displays high functional group tolerance and provides for a facile access to a broad range of different alcohols in excellent yields.
Innovatives Inline‐Rheometer zur Bestimmung des Stärkeabbaus im Extruder
Authors: Hochstein Bernhard , Kizilbay Zeynep , Horvat Mario , Schuchmann Heike P. , Willenbacher Norbert
Published: December 2014

In der Lebensmitteltechnik werden Cerealien oft durch Extrusion von Stärkeschmelzen hergestellt. Zur Charakterisierung der rheologischen Eigenschaften der Stärkeschmelze im Prozess wurde ein neues Inline‐Rheometer entwickelt, das eine im Betrieb verstellbare Messgeometrie besitzt und dessen einstellbarer Druckverlust Rückwirkungen des Rheometers auf die Beanspruchung der Stärke im Extruder auszuschließen vermag. Mithilfe dieses Inline‐Rheometers konnte gezeigt werden, dass aus der inline ermittelten Viskositätsfunktion Rückschlüsse auf die Molmassenverteilung der Stärke möglich sind.
Leadership and motivation in the African Diaspora: The United States and Canada
Authors: Galperin Bella L. , Lituchy Terri R. , Acquaah Moses , Bewaji Tolulope , Ford David
Published: December 2014

This study examines the similarities and differences in the perceptions of effective leadership and motivation among the African Diaspora in the United States and Canada (LEAD). Ten focus groups with a total of 56 participants were conducted in the US and Canada. Using NVivo, results show both similarities and differences in these perceptions. The African Diaspora in both countries described an effective leader as one who is wise and knowledgeable. The African Diaspora in the US also focused on charisma and humility, while those in Canada stressed motivation and inspiration. Moreover, the US participants stated that support and nonmonetary rewards were the major motivators for leaders, whereas Canadian participants indicated task completion and monetary rewards as major motivators. Future directions and practical implications are discussed. Copyright © 2014 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The importance of disclosure: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, queer/questioning, and intersex individuals and the cancer continuum
Authors: Quinn Gwendolyn P. , Schabath Matthew B. , Sanchez Julian A. , Sutton Steven K. , Green B. Lee
Published: December 2014

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, queer/questioning, and intersex population experiences cancer health disparities due to a lack of disclosure and knowledge regarding increased cancer risk. Oncology health care providers and institutions should create environments that encourage the disclosure of sexual orientation and identity.
Operability Improvement of Joystick Mouse by Using a Microcomputer
Authors: Gushiken Sho , Kamisato Shihoko , Noguchi Kentaro , Satake Takahiko , Yamada Chikatoshi
Published: December 2014

In recent years, welfare equipment has been developed to support disabled children. We are developing a joystick mouse to enable computer operation by disabled children. In this study, we develop such a joystick mouse using a microcontroller. In addition we intend to improve the operability of the equipment by ensuring software‐like assistance. We believe that the equipment can respond flexibly to differences in disabilities among disabled children by providing software‐like assistance. The result of experiments confirm that the proposed method is effective in improving operability.
An advanced signal processing technique for deriving grain size information of bedload transport from impact plate vibration measurements
Authors: Barrière Julien , Krein Andreas , Oth Adrien , Schenkluhn Reimar
Published: December 2014

A reliable characterization of bedload transport is required to gauge the engineering and theoretical issues related to the dynamics of sediments transport in rivers. However, while significant advances have been made in the development of monitoring techniques, robust quantitative predictive relationships have proven difficult to derive. In this article, we develop a dedicated signal processing technique aimed at improving the usage of impact plate measurements for material transport characterization. Our set‐up consists of a piezoelectric hydrophone mounted on the bottom side of a stainless steel plate, thus acting as a ‘sediment vibration sensor’. While the classical analysis with such systems is usually limited to rather simple procedures, such as impact counting, a large amount of useful information is contained in the actual waveform of the impact signal, which conveys the force and the contact time that the bedload imposes on the plate. An advanced signal processing technique called ‘first arrival atomic decomposition’ is used to improve the characterization of bedload transport by analysing the amplitude and frequency attributes of each single impact. This new processing approach proves to be well suited for bedload transport monitoring using plate systems and allows us to establish a relationship between the median grain size (D50) and the impact signal properties. This link is first observed and validated with controlled flume experiments and then applied to continuous impact records in a small gravel‐bed river during a flood event. The estimated D50 offers a novel possibility to observe the time‐varying grain size distribution of bedload transport. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of glacier advance on the development of the multipart Riffeltal rock glacier, Central Austrian Alps
Authors: Dusik Jana‐Marie , Leopold Matthias , Heckmann Tobias , Haas Florian , Hilger Ludwig , Morche David , Neugirg Fabian , Becht Michael
Published: December 2014

The multipart Riffeltal rock glacier, located in a tributary valley of the Kaunertal, Tyrol, Austria is investigated to enlarge the knowledge about spatial and temporal development of rock glaciers in and at the margins of pro‐glacial areas and to get a better understanding of glacier–rock glacier interactions. The subject of interest consists of a complex system of two adjacent rock glacier tongues and various superposed lobes with differing ages, origin and root zones, and therefore diverse development.

To determine the reasons for their diverging development, the internal structure and permafrost occurrence on and in the surrounding area of the rock glacier were studied by application of geomorphological mapping, geophysical methods and measurement of the basal temperature of the winter snow cover (BTS). Permafrost modelling was performed on the basis of BTS data and land surface parameters derived from a high resolution airborne laser scanning (ALS) digital elevation model (DEM). Additionally, the ALS data were used to measure vertical and horizontal changes of the rock glacier surface between 2006 and 2012. Glacier–rock glacier interactions during and since the Little Ice Age (LIA) are evident for the development of the studied rock glacier. A geomorphic map gives important information about the connection between glacial advance or retreat and permafrost or ground ice occurrence. The combination of all information helps in the analysis of diverse kinematic action of neighbouring rock glacier tongues. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term variability of proglacial groundwater‐fed hydrological systems in an area of glacier retreat, Skeiðarársandur, Iceland
Authors: Levy Amir , Robinson Zoe , Krause Stefan , Waller Richard , Weatherill John
Published: December 2014

Proglacial groundwater‐fed features, such as seeps, substantially impact proglacial geomorphology, hydrology, and ecology. However, there is a paucity of research on the impacts of climate change and glacier retreat on the extent of these important features. This paper aims to investigate the impact of glacier retreat on proglacial groundwater levels and on the extent of groundwater‐fed seeps. Research has taken place in western Skeiðarársandur, the large proglacial outwash plain of Skeiðarárjökull, a retreating temperate glacier in southeast Iceland. Changes in the extent of proglacial groundwater seeps were mapped using historical aerial photographs from 1986, 1997, and 2012. Proglacial groundwater levels were monitored in shallow boreholes between 2000 and 2012. The western margin of Skeiðarárjökull has retreated approximately 1 km beyond its position in 1986. However, this retreat was punctuated by short periods of readvance. The geomorphology and groundwater systems at the site were substantially impacted by the November 1996 jökulhlaup, whose deposits altered approximately 18% of the area of groundwater seeps. The surface areas of groundwater seeps and lakes in the study area have declined by ~97% between 1986 and 2012. Most of the decline took place after 1997, when the mean annual rate of retreat increased three‐fold. Groundwater levels also declined substantially between 2000 and 2012, although this trend varies spatially. The paper provides a conceptual model of the controls on proglacial shallow groundwater systems. Direct impacts of glacier retreat are suggested as the main cause for the declines in proglacial groundwater levels and in the extent of groundwater seeps. These declines are expected to adversely impact sandur ecology. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A lattice Boltzmann model for simulation of compressible flows
Authors: Li Kai , Zhong Chengwen
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a new model of lattice Boltzmann method for full compressible flows. On the basis of multi‐speed model, an extra potential energy distribution function is introduced to recover the full compressible Navier–Stokes equations with a flexible specific‐heat ratio and Prandtl number. The Chapman–Enskog expansion of the kinetic equations is performed, and the two‐dimension‐seventeen‐velocity density equilibrium distribution functions are obtained. The governing equations are discretized using the third order monotone upwind scheme for scalar conservation laws finite volume scheme. The van Albada limiter is used to avoid spurious oscillations. In order to verify the accuracy of this double‐distribution‐function model, the Riemann problems, Couette flows, and flows around a NACA0012 airfoil are simulated. It is found that the proposed lattice Boltzmann model is suitable for compressible flows, even for strong shock wave problem, which has an extremely large pressure ratio, 100,000. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical study of PPE source term errors in the incompressible SPH models
Authors: Gui Qinqin , Dong Ping , Shao Songdong
Published: December 2014

In a recent work by Gui et al. , an incompressible SPH model was presented that employs a mixed pressure Poisson equation (PPE) source term combining both the density‐invariant and velocity divergence‐free formulations. The present work intends to apply the model to a wider range of fluid impact situations in order to quantify the numerical errors associated with different formulations of the PPE source term in incompressible SPH (ISPH) models. The good agreement achieved between the model predictions and the documented data is taken as a further demonstration that the mixed source term formulation can accurately predict the fluid impact pressures and forces, both in the magnitude and in the spatial and temporal patterns. Furthermore, an in‐depth numerical analysis using either the pure density‐invariant or velocity divergence‐free formulation has revealed that the pure density‐invariant formulation can lead to relatively large divergence errors while the velocity divergence‐free formulation may cause relatively large density errors. As compared with these two approaches, the mixed source term formulation performs much better having the minimum total errors in all test cases. Although some recent studies found that the weakly compressible SPH models perform somewhat better than the incompressible SPH models in certain fluid impact problems, we have shown that this could be largely caused by the particular formulation of PPE source term in the previous ISPH models and a better formulation of the source term can significantly improve the accuracy of ISPH models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Early‐Exercise‐Probability Perspective of American Put Options in the Low‐Interest‐Rate Era
Authors: Miao Daniel Wei‐Chung , Lee Yung‐Hsin , Chao Wan‐Ling
Published: December 2014

One consequence of near zero global interest rates is that American put options are unlikely to be exercised early, making them almost indistinguishable from their European counterparts. This study examines the dependence of the early exercise probability (EEP) on the dividend yield to interest rate ratio and other parameters. A numerical procedure for accurate calculation of the EEP along with an easy‐to‐check condition for almost‐never‐early‐exercise (ANEE) are developed. An examination of 100 CBOE actively traded American put options on dividend‐paying stocks from September 1, 2011 through August 31, 2013 shows that most of them satisfy the ANEE condition under today's low interest rates. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 35:1154–1172, 2015
Sex differences in normal age trajectories of functional brain networks
Authors: Scheinost Dustin , Finn Emily S. , Tokoglu Fuyuze , Shen Xilin , Papademetris Xenophon , Hampson Michelle , Constable R. Todd
Published: December 2014

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance image (rs‐fMRI) is increasingly used to study functional brain networks. Nevertheless, variability in these networks due to factors such as sex and aging is not fully understood. This study explored sex differences in normal age trajectories of resting‐state networks (RSNs) using a novel voxel‐wise measure of functional connectivity, the intrinsic connectivity distribution (ICD). Males and females showed differential patterns of changing connectivity in large‐scale RSNs during normal aging from early adulthood to late middle‐age. In some networks, such as the default‐mode network, males and females both showed decreases in connectivity with age, albeit at different rates. In other networks, such as the fronto‐parietal network, males and females showed divergent connectivity trajectories with age. Main effects of sex and age were found in many of the same regions showing sex‐related differences in aging. Finally, these sex differences in aging trajectories were robust to choice of preprocessing strategy, such as global signal regression. Our findings resolve some discrepancies in the literature, especially with respect to the trajectory of connectivity in the default mode, which can be explained by our observed interactions between sex and aging. Overall, results indicate that RSNs show different aging trajectories for males and females. Characterizing effects of sex and age on RSNs are critical first steps in understanding the functional organization of the human brain. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1524–1535, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pretreatment maximum standardized uptake value of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography as a predictor of distant metastasis in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Kim Wontaek , Lee Joohye , Ki Yongkan , Lee Byungjoo , Cho Kyusup , Kim Seongjang , Nam Jiho , Lee Jinchoon , Kim Dongwon
Published: December 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumor on pretreatment 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET) has prognostic significance in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck.

Methods

A retrospective review was carried out on 34 patients with ACC of the head and neck who underwent pretreatment 18F‐FDG PET imaging from June 2005 through July 2009. All patients underwent surgery with curative intent, and 26 of them received adjuvant radiotherapy (RT).

Results

When subjects were stratified into 2 groups according to a cutoff value for SUVmax of 4.15, the risk of distant metastasis was significantly high in patients with high SUVmax (p = .014). Multivariate analysis showed that high SUVmax and histologic grade 3 were independent poor prognostic factors for distant metastasis‐free and disease‐free survival.

Conclusion

Pretreatment SUVmax of the primary tumor is an independent prognostic factor in patients with ACC of the head and neck. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 755–761, 2016
Acoustic parameters of speech: Lack of correlation with perceptual and questionnaire‐based speech evaluation in patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer treated with primary surgery
Authors: Dwivedi Raghav C. , St.Rose Suzanne , Chisholm Edward J. , Clarke Peter M. , Kerawala Cyrus J. , Nutting Christopher M. , Rhys‐Evans Peter H. , Kazi Rehan , Harrington Kevin J.
Published: December 2014

Background

Acoustic evaluation of speech is the least explored method of speech evaluation in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore acoustic parameters of speech and their correlation with questionnaire evaluation and perceptual evaluation in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.

Methods

One hundred seventeen subjects (65 consecutive patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer and 52 controls) participated in this study. Formant frequencies (by Linear Predictive Coding), Speech Handicap Index, and London Speech Evaluation scale were used for acoustic evaluation, questionnaire evaluation, and perceptual evaluation, respectively.

Results

Men showed significant elevation in second formant (F2) values for patients with oral cavity cancer and those who underwent surgery alone. Female patients with early T classification cancers and those who underwent surgery and chemoradiation showed significant reduction in the mean F2 values. Importantly, however, acoustic evaluation parameters did not correlate with either perceptual evaluation or questionnaire evaluation parameters, although there was moderate correlation between questionnaire evaluation and perceptual evaluation speech parameters.

Conclusion

Acoustic evaluation modalities have no clear role in the management of patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 670–676, 2016
The impact of phlebotomy in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Adams Leon A. , Crawford Darrell H. , Stuart Katherine , House Michael J. , St. Pierre Timothy G. , Webb Malcolm , Ching Helena L.I. , Kava Jenny , Bynevelt Michael , MacQuillan Gerry C. , Garas George , Ayonrinde Oyekoya T. , Mori Trevor A. , Croft Kevin D. , Niu Xianwa , Jeffrey Gary P. , Olynyk John K.
Published: December 2014

Iron is implicated in the pathogenesis of liver injury and insulin resistance (IR) and thus phlebotomy has been proposed as a treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We performed a prospective 6‐month randomized, controlled trial examining the impact of phlebotomy on the background of lifestyle advice in patients with NAFLD. Primary endpoints were hepatic steatosis (HS; quantified by magnetic resonance imaging) and liver injury (determined by alanine aminotransaminase [ALT] and cytokeratin‐18 [CK‐18]). Secondary endpoints included insulin resistance measured by the insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA), and systemic lipid peroxidation determined by plasma F2‐isoprostane levels. A total of 74 subjects were randomized (33 phlebotomy and 41 control). The phlebotomy group underwent a median (range) of 7 (1‐19) venesection sessions and had a significantly greater reduction in ferritin levels over 6 months, compared to controls (−148 ± 114 vs. −38 ± 89 ng/mL; P < 0.001). At 6 months, there was no difference between phlebotomy and control groups in HS (17.7% vs. 15.5%; P = 0.4), serum ALT (36 vs. 46 IU/L; P = 0.4), or CK‐18 levels (175 vs. 196 U/L; P = 0.9). Similarly, there was no difference in end‐of‐study ISI (2.5 vs. 2.7; P = 0.9), HOMA (3.2 vs. 3.2; P = 0.6), or F2‐isoprostane levels (1,332 vs. 1,190 pmmol/L; P = 0.6) between phlebotomy and control groups. No differences in any endpoint were noted in patients with hyperferritinemia at baseline. Among patients undergoing phlebotomy, there was no correlation between number of phlebotomy sessions and change in HS, liver injury, or IR from baseline to end of study. Conclusion: Reduction in ferritin by phlebotomy does not improve liver enzymes, hepatic fat, or IR in subjects with NAFLD. (Hepatology 2015;61:1555–1564)
MicroRNA‐196a promotes an oncogenic effect in head and neck cancer cells by suppressing annexin A1 and enhancing radioresistance
Authors: Suh Yae‐Eun , Raulf Nina , Gäken Joop , Lawler Katherine , Urbano Teresa Guerrero , Bullenkamp Jessica , Gobeil Stéphane , Huot Jacques , Odell Eddy , Tavassoli Mahvash
Published: December 2014

Radiotherapy is a major treatment modality for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Up to 50% of patients with locally advanced disease relapse after radical treatment and there is therefore a need to develop predictive bomarkers for clinical use that allow the selection of patients who are likely to respond. MicroRNA (miRNA) expression profiling of a panel of HNSCC tumours with and without recurrent disease after surgery and radiotherapy detected miR‐196a as one of the highest upregulated miRNAs in the poor prognostic group. To further study the role of miR‐196a, its expression was determined in eight head and neck cancer cell lines. Overexpression of miR‐196a in HNSCC cells, with low endogenous miR‐196a expression, significantly increased cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Conversely, miR‐196a knockdown in cells with high endogenous expression levels significantly reduced oncogenic behaviour. Importantly, overexpression of miR‐196a increased radioresistance of cells as measured by gamma H2AX staining and MTT survival assay. Annexin A1 (ANXA1), a known target of miR‐196a, was found to be directly modulated by miR‐196a as measured by luciferase assay and confirmed by Western blot analysis. ANXA1 knockdown in HNSCC exhibited similar phenotypic effects to miR‐196a overexpression, suggesting the oncogenic effect of miR‐196a may at least be partly regulated through suppression of ANXA1. In conclusion, this study identifies miR‐196a as a potential important biomarker of prognosis and response of HNSCC to radiotherapy. Furthermore, our data suggest that miR‐196a and/or its target gene ANXA1 could represent important therapeutic targets in HNSCC.
The structure and ultrastructure of the egg capsule of Brachyptera risi (Plecoptera, Nemouroidea, Taeniopterygidae) with some remarks concerning choriogenesis
Authors: Michalik Anna , Rościszewska Elżbieta , Miliša Marko
Published: December 2014

The organization of the egg capsule of the euholognathan stonefly, which represents the family Taeniopterygidae (Nemuroidea) was investigated using light and electron microscopy techniques. The presence of a complex, multilayered egg capsule, composed of a vitelline envelope, multilayered chorion, and extrachorion is described. The morphology of the eggshell of Brachyptera risi was compared with that of euholognthan and systellognathan egg coverings and the ground plan of the egg capsule in Plecoptera was discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:180–186, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
3 Tesla high‐resolution and delayed gadolinium enhanced MR imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) after autologous chondrocyte transplantation in the hip
Authors: Lazik Andrea , Körsmeier Konrad , Claßen Tim , Jäger Marcus , Kamminga Michael , Kraff Oliver , Lauenstein Thomas C. , Theysohn Jens M. , Landgraeber Stefan
Published: December 2014

Background

To evaluate the feasibility of 3 Tesla (T) high‐resolution and gadolinium enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) in the thin and rounded hip cartilage of patients after acetabular matrix‐based autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT).

Methods

Under general ethics approval, 24 patients were prospectively examined 6–31 months after acetabular MACT at 3T using high‐resolution proton‐density weighted (PDw) images (bilateral PD SPACE, 0.8 mm isotropic; unilateral PD‐TSE coronal/sagittal, 0.8 × 0.8 resp. 0.5 × 0.5 × 2.5 mm) as well as T1 mapping (3D‐FLASH, 0.78 mm isotropic) in dGEMRIC technique, and clinically scored. The cartilage transplant was evaluated using an adapted MOCART score (maximum 85 points). T1 relaxation times were measured independently by two radiologists. Here, regions of interest were placed manually in automatically calculated relaxation‐maps, both in the transplant and adjacent healthy cartilage regions. Interobserver reliability was estimated by means of intraclass‐correlation (ICC).

Results

The transplant was morphologically definable in the PDw images of 23 patients with a mean MOCART score of 69 points (60–80 points, SD 6.5). T1 maps showed a clear differentiation between acetabular and femoral cartilage, but correlation with PDw images was necessary to identify the transplant. Mean T1 relaxation times of the transplant were 616.3 ms (observer 1) resp. 610.1 ms (observer 2), and of adjacent healthy acetabular cartilage 574.5 ms (observer 1) resp. 604.9 ms (observer 2). Interobserver reliability of the relaxation times in the transplant was excellent (ICC‐coefficient 0.88) and in adjacent healthy regions good (0.77).

Conclusion

High‐resolution PDw imaging with adapted MOCART scoring and dGEMRIC is feasible after MACT in the thin and rounded hip cartilage. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:624–633.
Thermoresponsive Gold Nanoparticles with Positive UCST‐Type Thermoresponsivity
Authors: Liu Fangyao , Agarwal Seema
Published: December 2014

Trithiocarbonate end‐functionalized poly(N‐acryloylglycinamide) (PNAGA), synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization of different molecular weights, is grafted onto gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by ligand exchange in phosphate‐buffered saline. The PNAGA‐grafted AuNPs display upper critical solution temperature (UCST)‐type transitions: stable colloidal distribution and aggregation above and below the cloud points, respectively. Cloud points of PNAGA are not affected by the grafting procedure, and PNAGA@AuNPs show similar cloud points as that of the trithiocarbonate end‐functionalized free‐PNAGAs used for grafting. The UCST‐type phase transition is reversible for many cycles. The reversible control of the phase transition is proved by turbidity measurements and UV–vis spectroscopy, as well as by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

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Self‐Regulation in Flow‐Induced Structure Formation of Polypropylene
Authors: Roozemond Peter C. , van Drongelen Martin , Ma Zhe , Spoelstra Anne B. , Hermida‐Merino Daniel , Peters Gerrit W. M.
Published: December 2014

Flow‐induced structure formation is investigated with in situ wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction with high acquisition rate (30 Hz) using isotactic polypropylene in a piston‐driven slit flow with high wall shear rates (up to ≈900 s−1). We focus on crystallization within the shear layers that form in the high shear rate regions near the walls. Remarkably, the kinetics of the crystallization process show no dependence on either flow rate or flow time; the crystallization progresses identically regardless. Stronger or longer flows only increase the thickness of the layers. A conceptual model is proposed to explain the phenomenon. Above a certain threshold, the number of shish‐kebabs formed affects the rheology such that further structure formation is halted. The critical amount is reached already within 0.1 s under the current flow conditions. The change in rheology is hypothesized to be a consequence of the “hairy” nature of shish. Our results have large implications for process modelling, since they suggest that for injection molding type flows, crystallization kinetics can be considered independent of deformation history.

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Fredholm boundary value problems for perturbed systems of dynamic equations on time scales
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P. , Bohner Martin , Boı̆chuk Alexandr , Strakh Olexandr
Published: December 2014

This paper offers conditions ensuring the existence of solutions of linear boundary value problems for systems of dynamic equations on time scales. Utilizing a method of Moore–Penrose pseudo‐inverse matrices leads to an analytical form of a criterion for the existence of solutions in a relevant space and, moreover, to the construction of a family of linearly independent solutions of such problems in a general case with the number of boundary conditions (defined by a linear vector functional) not coinciding with the number of unknowns of a system of dynamic equations. As an example of an application of the presented results, the problem of bifurcation of solutions of boundary value problems for systems of dynamic equations on time scales with a small parameter is considered.
Auditory Exostoses in Pre‐Hispanic Populations of the Lower Paraná Wetlands, Argentina
Authors: Mazza B.
Published: December 2014

Auditory exostosis (AE) has been characterised from the medical and anthropological perspectives as an adaptive biological response to repeated immersion in cold water as well as exposure to cold environmental temperatures and wind chill. At the archaeological level, the highest prevalence has been found in societies living in coastal environments in areas located at 30–45° north or south latitude with a subsistence pattern based on fishing and mollusc gathering.

The region of the lower Paraná River wetlands in Argentina is an area dissected by multiple rivers, streams, and lakes, especially in the Paraná delta near Buenos Aires where these features create a landscape composed of many islands. A variety of archaeological analyses performed on faunal remains, stone tools, bone, and ceramic artefacts are consistent with the interpretation that towards the end of the late Holocene (2000–700 BP), this region was inhabited by hunter–gatherer populations with a subsistence pattern based mainly on fishing and hunting along with the gathering of molluscs. In this work, we present an analysis of 176 crania of individuals recovered from 21 archaeological sites in the region. Results indicate the presence of AE in 6.25% of the cases, with all of these corresponding to adult male individuals. This moderate prevalence coincides with the expected levels for populations where contact with water is frequent in regions located at 30–45° latitude. The absence of female individuals showing evidence of AE allows us to suggest a possible sex‐based division of labour. We hope that this work can contribute to ongoing discussion of the economic and social aspects that characterised pre‐Hispanic life in the study area, while also expanding the available information on AE at the worldwide level. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adiabatic potential and elastic properties of compressed rare‐gas crystals in the model of deformable atoms
Authors: Varyukhin V. N. , Troitskaya E. P. , Gorbenko Ie. Ie. , Pilipenko E. A. , Chabanenko V. V.
Published: December 2014

The quantum‐mechanical model of deformable and polarizable atoms has been developed for the purpose of investigating the elastic properties of crystals of rare gases Ne, Kr, and Xe over a wide range of pressures. The inclusion of the deformable electron shells in the analysis is particularly important for the shear moduli of heavy rare‐gas crystals. It has been shown that the observed deviation from the Cauchy relation δ(p) for Kr and Xe cannot be adequately reproduced when considering only the many‐body interaction. The individual dependence δ(p) for each of the rare‐gas crystals is the result of two competitive interactions, namely, the many‐body and electron–phonon interactions, which manifests itself in a quadrupole deformation of the electron shells of the atoms due to displacements of the nuclei. The contributions of these interactions in Ne, Kr, and Xe are compensated with good accuracy, which provides a weakly pressure‐dependent value for the parameter δ. The ab initio calculated dependences δ(p) for the entire series Ne–Xe are in good agreement with the experiment.
Nonlinear robust sliding mode control of a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle based on immersion and invariance method
Authors: Zhao Bo , Xian Bin , Zhang Yao , Zhang Xu
Published: December 2014

We present an asymptotic tracking controller for an underactuated quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle using the sliding mode control method and immersion and invariance based adaptive control strategy in this paper. The control system is divided into two loops: the inner‐loop for the attitude control and the outer‐loop for the position. The sliding mode control technology is applied in the inner‐loop to compensate the unmatched nonlinear disturbances, and the immersion and invariance approach is chosen for the outer‐loop to address the parametric uncertainties. The asymptotic tracking of the position and the yaw motion is proven with the Lyapunov based stability analysis and LaSalle's invariance theorem. Real‐time experiment results performed on a hardware‐in‐the‐loop‐simulation testbed are presented to validate the good control performance of the proposed scheme. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.