bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enantioselective Synthesis of Spiro[1,3‐­indanedione–tetrahydrothiophene]s by ­Organocatalytic Sulfa‐Michael/Michael Domino Reaction
Authors: Duan Jindian , Cheng Jing , Li Bing , Qi Fei , Li Pengfei
Published: September 2015

The organocatalytic asymmetric domino reaction between 2‐arylidene‐1,3‐indanediones and 4‐mercapto‐2‐butenoates for the construction of chiral spiro[indane‐1,3‐dione–tetrahydrothiophene] skeletons was developed. In the presence of a tertiary amine–thiourea organocatalyst, a series of 2‐arylidene‐1,3‐indanediones reacted with tert‐butyl 4‐mercapto‐2‐butenoate smoothly to furnish chiral spiro heterocycles in good yields (75–99 %) with high enantioselectivities (89–99 % ee) and diastereoselectivities (75.4:24.6 to 97.1:2.9 dr). Notably, functionalized chiral spiro heterocycles were also built in one pot through an aldol condensation/sulfa‐Michael/Michael domino reaction in similarly high yields with high asymmetric induction.
Phase‐Transfer‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral N‐Substituted Pyr­azoles by Aza‐Michael Reaction
Authors: Lee Su‐Jeong , Bae Ju‐Yeon , Cho Chang‐Woo
Published: September 2015

An efficient cinchona‐based phase‐transfer‐catalyzed asymmetric aza‐Michael reaction of pyrazole with various α,β‐unsaturated ketones has been developed for the preparation of chiral N‐substituted pyrazoles. This reaction provided the desired products in good yields (up to 99 %) with excellent enantioselectivities (87–94 % ee). In addition, the reaction of 3‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole, an unsymmetrically substituted pyrazole, was treated with α,β‐unsaturated ketones to afford the corresponding chiral N‐substituted pyrazoles in good yields (up to 99 %) with excellent enantioselectivities (90–92 % ee) and regioisomeric ratios of up to 9:1.
Gold Supported on Silica Catalyzes the Aerobic Oxidation of N,N‐Disubstituted Hydroxylamines to Nitrones
Authors: D'Adamio Giampiero , Parmeggiani Camilla , Goti Andrea , Cardona Francesca
Published: September 2015

A new method for the preparation of nitrones through the aerobic oxidation of the corresponding N,N‐disubstituted hydroxylamines has been developed by exploring a new catalytic reactivity of gold supported on silica. The oxidation occurs under very mild conditions (flux of air, methanol or water, room temperature). The oxidation of a range of highly functionalized hydroxylamines with complete conversions and excellent yields of nitrones illustrates the selectivity, efficiency, and reliability of this practical method. The oxidation was shown to take place chemoselectively in competition experiments with benzyl alcohol and dibutylamine.
No association between posture and musculoskeletal complaints in a professional bassist sample
Authors: Woldendorp K.H. , Boonstra A.M. , Tijsma A. , Arendzen J.H. , Reneman M.F.
Published: September 2015

Background

Professional musicians receive little attention in pain medicine despite reports of high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints. This study aims to investigate the association between work‐related postures and musculoskeletal complaints of professional bass players.

Method

Participants were 141 professional and professional student double bassists and bass guitarists. Data about self‐reported functioning, general and mental health status, location and intensity of musculoskeletal complaints and psychosocial distress were collected online with self constructed and existing questionnaires. Logistic regression analyses were performed to analyse associations between work‐related postural stress (including type of instrument and accompanying specific exposures) and physical complains, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Logistic regression analyses revealed no association between complaints and the playing position of the left shoulder area in double bassists (p = 0.30), the right wrist area in the bass guitarists (p = 0.70), the right wrist area for the German versus French bowing style (p = 0.59).

Conclusion

All three hypotheses were rejected. This study shows that in this sample of professional bass players’ long‐lasting exposures to postural stress were not associated with musculoskeletal complaints. This challenges a dominant model in pain medicine to focus on ergonomic postures.
Genetic diversity and haplotype structure of 21 Y‐STRs, including nine noncore loci, in South Tunisian Population: Forensic relevance
Authors: Makki‐Rmida Faten , Kammoun Arwa , Mahfoudh Nadia , Ayadi Adnene , Gibriel Abdullah Ahmed , Mallek Bakhta , Maalej Leila , Hammami Zouheir , Maatoug Samir , Makni Hafedh , Masmoudi Saber
Published: September 2015

Y chromosome STRs (Y‐STRs) are being used frequently in forensic laboratories. Previous studies of Y‐STR polymorphisms in different groups of the Tunisian population identified low levels of diversity and discrimination capacity (DC) using various commercial marker sets. This definitely limits the use of such systems for Y‐STRs genotyping in Tunisia. In our investigation on South Tunisia, 200 unrelated males were typed for the 12 conventional Y‐STRs included in the PowerPlex® Y System. Additional set of nine noncore Y‐STRs including DYS446, DYS456, DYS458, DYS388, DYS444, DYS445, DYS449, DYS710, and DYS464 markers were genotyped and evaluated for their potential in improving DC. Allele frequency, gene diversity, haplotype diversity (HD), and DC calculation revealed that DYS464 was the most diverse marker followed by DYS710 and DYS449 markers. The standard panel of 12 Y‐STRs (DC = 80.5%) and the nine markers were combined to obtain DC of 99%. Among the 198 different haplotypes observed, 196 haplotypes were unique (HD = 99.999). Out of the nine noncore set, six Y‐STRs (DYS458, DYS456, DYS449, DYS710, DYS444, and DYS464) had the greatest impact on enhancing DC. Our data provided putative Y‐STRs combination to be used for genetic and forensic applications.
In‐line sample concentration by evaporation through porous hollow fibers and micromachined membranes embedded in microfluidic devices
Authors: Zhang Hainan , Tiggelaar Roald M. , Schlautmann Stefan , Bart Jacob , Gardeniers Han
Published: September 2015

Two types of microfluidic systems, a porous hollow fiber and a thin supported membrane with an array of micromachined holes, are investigated for concentrating mass‐limited analyte samples. Water evaporation is driven by the partial pressure difference across the hydrophobic membrane, induced by dry sweeping gas on the permeate side. An analytical model permitting clarification of the contribution of design and process parameters on acquisition of concentrated solution and prediction of achievable concentration factors is presented. Concentrating an exemplary solution utilizing the two systems has been studied at different experimental conditions to validate the model. The results show that the hollow fiber gives controllable concentration factors of more than 10. For the micromachined membrane concentrator concentration factors of 6–8 were achieved, at much lower flow rates than predicted by the model. Because of the asymptotic dependence of concentration factor on flow rate, accurate control of the liquid feed is extremely critical in the flow rate range where high concentration factors are obtained, and the smallest variations in liquid flow rate may easily lead to supersaturation and deposition of solutes in the pores. This changes membrane porosity in an unpredictable way and limits the maximum attainable concentration factor.
Tailoring MoO2/Graphene Oxide Nanostructures for Stable, High‐Density Sodium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Huang Jianfeng , Xu Zhanwei , Cao Liyun , Zhang Qinglin , Ouyang Haibo , Li Jiayin
Published: September 2015

A preform‐decomposition process is employed to prepare a composite of MoO2 nanoparticles (≈100 nm) anchored on graphene oxide (MoO2/GO) for sodium‐ion battery anodes. The discharge gravimetric (volumetric) capacity of the MoO2/GO is 483 mAh g−1 (by active material ≈2318 mAh cm−3) at the current density of 100 mA g−1 after 10 cycles. After 100 cycles, the discharge gravimetric (volumetric) capacity was maintained at 345 mAh g−1 (≈1656 mAh cm−3) and stabilized. During the first 1000 cycles, the capacity degradation is only 1.9 % for each 100 cycles, and the electrode is still able to deliver 276 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles. Moreover, the nanostructures are able to withstand high rate cycling, the capacity can be fully recovered after being cycled at a rate as high as 2000 mA g−1. The promising electrochemical performance can be attributed to the high electronic conductivity of MoO2 and the connected nanostructures, which facilitate both fast electronic and ionic transport.
Activated carbons prepared from Thymelaea hirsuta wood: Sustainable adsorbents for polyvinyl alcohol
Authors: Omri Abdessalem , Benzina Mourad
Published: September 2015

In this study, activated carbon as novel adsorbent was prepared from low cost and locally available source such as Thymelaea hirsuta wood. Characterization of the adsorbent was carried out and BET surface area of the adsorbent was found to be 1496 m2/g. Subsequently, the Thymelaea hirsuta wood activated carbon (TWAC) was applied for the removal of polyvinyl alcohol from aqueous solutions. It was found that adsorption efficiency significantly depend to the level of initial solution pH and polymer concentration, metal addition, temperature, and adsorption time. Among the various conventional isotherm models, Langmuir is more suitable for analyzing the explanation data. The process of removal of polyvinyl alcohol was better governed by second order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.0079 g mg−1 min at initial concentration 20 mg/L. The calculated thermodynamic parameters indicate the entropy‐driven and endothermic nature of polymer adsorption process. For desorption study, more than 86.2% of polyvinyl alcohol could be desorbed from the adsorbent. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 70–79, 2016
Feasibility of using tuberose (P. tuberosa L.) in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland for heavy metal removal from domestic wastewater
Authors: Singh Mohini , Srivastava Rajeev K.
Published: September 2015

Constructed wetlands (CW) are well known for removal of organics, suspended solids, nutrients, and bacteria. However, the information on removal of heavy metals and their sequestration in plants especially, the ornamental plants is very limited. In this experimental study, efficiency of horizontal subsurface‐flow constructed wetland (HSCW) planted with an ornamental species Polianthus tuberosa L. was evaluated for heavy metal sequestration in the phytomass. The plants were harvested during the peak standing crop in early September, divided into leaves, inflorescence, roots, and rhizomes, and analyzed for six trace elements (Cu, Zn, Ni, Al, Pb, and Fe). Metal concentrations decreased in the order of roots > rhizomes > leaves > inflorescence. The highest concentration in aboveground biomass were recorded for Al (3.66 mg kg−1) and Fe (1.35 mg kg−1), while the lowest concentration was recorded for Pb (0.06 mg kg−1). Belowground biomass also followed the same decreasing trend, the highest concentrations being recorded for Al (6.28 mg kg−1) with 5.78 mg kg−1 and 6.09 mg kg−1 concentration in rhizomes and roots, respectively. The lowest concentration in belowground biomass was recorded for Ni (0.28 mg kg−1) and Pb (0.17 mg kg−1). The belowground/aboveground concentration ratio ranged between 1.19 and 5.13 with an average value of 2.50. Due to average belowground/aboveground biomass ratio < 1, the belowground/aboveground standing stock ratios for all the metals were > 1 except Fe (0.79). The maximum values for bioconcentration factor (BCF) were found for Al and Zn 81.5 and 16.3, respectively. Biological accumulation factor (BAF) and transfer factor (TF) values were > 1 and <1, respectively for most of the heavy metals, which suggests their immobilization in the roots/rhizosphere and therefore, the species can be best suited for phytostabilization. The results of this study therefore provide the comprehensive information on sequestration of Cu, Zn, Ni, Al, Pb, and Fe in vegetation during domestic wastewater treatment in CW with horizontal subsurface flow. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 125–132, 2016
Magical Presence
Authors: von den Hoff Ralf
Published: September 2015

Revered and crowned, but also vilified, remade and destroyed: in Ancient Greece, portrait statues of rulers and intellectuals were an important part of cultural, social and political communication. A German‐French team of classical archaeologists, ancient historians and epigraphers is taking a closer look at the complex ways in which these images were used.
Goodbye Carats, Hello Quanta
Authors: Wrachtrup Jörg
Published: September 2015

The properties that make diamonds so spectacular as precious gems also give them incredible applications in quantum technology. A Research Unit is investigating the basic characteristics of diamond in quantum physics and opening up new avenues in semiconductor technology, quantum information processing and medicine.
Effectiveness and toxicity of hypofractionated high‐dose intensity‐modulated radiotherapy versus 2‐ and 3‐dimensional radiotherapy in incurable head and neck cancer
Authors: van Beek Kirsty M. , Kaanders Johannes H. A. M. , Janssens Geert O. , Takes Robert P. , Span Paul N. , Verhoef Cornelia G.
Published: September 2015

Background

This retrospective study evaluates efficacy and tolerability of high‐dose hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) in patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods

All patients with head and neck cancer treated between September 2003 and September 2013 with 12 × 4 Gy RT were included. Two and 3D‐RT or intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) were used. Overall survival (OS), tumor response, and palliative effect were evaluated.

Results

Palliative effect occurred in 63% of 81 included patients, lasted a median of 4.6 months, and was correlated with tumor response (p = .006). Median OS was 7.2 months. Confluent mucositis occurred more often in patients treated with 2D/3D‐RT than IMRT (26% vs 44%; p = .04) and lasted for a median of 2 weeks.

Conclusion

High‐dose hypofractionated RT resulted in meaningful palliation in 63%, lasting for almost 5 months. IMRT should be the technique of choice, as it results in less high‐grade toxicity. The 12 × 4 schedule should be opted for patients with reasonable functional capacities and a life expectancy of >6 months. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1264–E1270, 2016
Further Higher Moments in Portfolio Selection and A Priori Detection of Bankruptcy, Under Multi‐layer Perceptron Neural Networks, Hybrid Neuro‐genetic MLPs, and the Voted Perceptron
Authors: Loukeris Nikolaos , Eleftheriadis Iordanis
Published: September 2015

A novel approach on the portfolio selection theory is given with regard to advanced utility performance that incorporates more accurate investor patterns up to the fifth moment. Bankruptcy detection, a priori, on an investment portfolio of stocks is a significant process that can eliminate potential losses. Even in case of corporate fraud, efficient funds can maximize their net present value by reforming the assets. Multi‐layer perceptron neural networks are compared with hybrids of neuro‐genetic multi‐layer perceptrons and the voted‐perceptron algorithm to define the most efficient classification method into the perceptrons family, implementing extensive network topologies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Pilot Evaluation of the ARRAY Program With Offenders With Mental Illness
Authors: Cox Robert m , Lenz A. Stephen , James Richard K.
Published: September 2015

The authors implemented a small, A‐B‐A single‐case research design (n = 3) to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive behavior counseling intervention for offenders with mental illness who were incarcerated in a large correctional facility. Visual and nonoverlap analyses revealed that the intervention was within the effective to very effective range for decreasing psychiatric symptoms for 2 of the participants; 1 participant showed little change throughout treatment. Implications for program development and evaluation are discussed.
Short‐Term Repeatability of Magnetic Resonance Elastography at 3.0T: Effects of Motion‐Encoding Gradient Direction, Slice Position, and Meal Ingestion
Authors: Zhang Jiming , Arena Claudio , Pednekar Amol , Lambert Brenda , Dees Debra , Lee Vei Vei , Muthupillai Raja
Published: September 2015

Purpose

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) can estimate liver stiffness (LS) noninvasively. We prospectively assessed whether motion‐encoding gradient (MEG) direction, slice position, or high‐caloric food intake affects the repeatability of MRE measurements of LS.

Materials and Methods

Twenty healthy volunteers (8 women, 12 men; age, 48 ± 12 years) were imaged in a 3.0T scanner at four timepoints: twice after overnight fasting (B1, B2) and twice after consuming a 1050‐calorie standardized meal (A1, A2; after 30 and 60 min, respectively). Each session comprised sequential MRE acquisitions in which MEG was applied in three orthogonal directions with three slices positioned over the liver for each. Between sessions, the participants were repositioned to assess test–retest reproducibility.

Results

The LS measurements before/after food intake were 3.36 ± 1.31 kPa/3.22 ± 1.03 kPa, 2.04 ± 0.33 kPa/2.27 ± 0.38 kPa, and 2.47 ± 0.50 kPa/2.64 ± 0.76 kPa for MEG superimposed along the anterior–posterior (AP), foot–head (FH), and right–left (RL) directions, respectively. Before and after food intake, LS estimates were lower and more reproducible (<10% coefficient of variation) when the MEG was in the FH direction, not the AP or RL direction. Liver stiffness estimates were significantly elevated after meal consumption when the MEG was in the FH direction (P < 0.05 for B1 vs. A1, B1 vs. A2, B2 vs. A1, and B2 vs. A2).

Conclusion

MRE estimates of LS were highly reproducible, particularly when MEG was applied in the FH direction, suggesting that this method could be used for long‐term monitoring of antifibrotic therapy without repeated biopsies. High‐caloric food intake resulted in slightly elevated LS on MRE. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;43:704–712.
Pharmacokinetic modeling of multislice dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI in normal‐healing radial fractures: A pilot study
Authors: Lewis Mark , Ebreo Darren , Malcolm Paul N. , Greenwood Richard , Patel Amratlal D. , Kasmai Bahman , Johnson Glyn , Toms Andoni P.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To define the range of quantitative pharmacokinetic parameters in normal‐healing bone with dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI). DCE‐MRI is an established technique for characterizing abnormal tissue microvasculature within solid tumors, but has also shown promise for assessing bone and bone marrow.

Materials and Methods

In this study ethical approval for eight patients was obtained. Inclusion criteria were an extra‐articular distal radial fracture in patients aged 20–50 years which had united by 6 weeks in plaster cast. This was assessed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon. DCE‐MRI was performed at 1.5T 6 weeks after initial injury. The transfer constant (Ktrans), transfer rate (Kep), and initial area under the curve (IAUC) values for the fracture site and adjacent marrow were obtained for each patient.

Results

The mean T1, Ktrans, Kep, and IAUC at the fracture site were 1713 (standard deviation [SD] 645), 0.09 (SD 0.07), 0.17 (SD 0.17) and 4.9 (SD 4.4). The relative standard deviation (RSD) for the fracture site ranged from 0.38 to 0.97 and for the adjacent marrow ranged from 0.95–3.88. Within each patient the range of RSDs was 0.04–0.42 for T1, 0.26–0.91 for Ktrans, 0.14–1.06 for Kep, and 0.35–0.96 for the IAUC.

Conclusion

Pharmacokinetic measures of perfusion can be obtained from healing fractures using DCE‐MRI with “excellent” intraclass correlation coefficients for inter‐ and intrarater reliability. The use of these perfusion parameters is limited by wide patient‐to‐patient variation and slice‐to‐slice variation within patients. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;43:611–619.
The effect of X‐ray beam distortion on the Edwards Sapien XT™ trans‐catheter aortic valve replacement prosthesis
Authors: Crowhurst James A. , Poon Karl K. , Murdoch Dale , Incani Alexander , Raffel Owen C. , Liddicoat Annelise , Walters Darren
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Profiling the Aortic root perpendicular to the fluoroscopic image plane will achieve a more successful implant position for trans‐catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study aimed to investigate whether the divergent nature of the X‐ray beam from the C‐arm altered the appearance of the TAVR device.

Methods

Under bench‐top testing, a 23, 26 and 29 mm Edwards Sapien XT valve was positioned coaxially at the bottom of a fluoroscopic image utilising 22 and 32 cm fields of view (FOV). The table was then moved so that the valve was positioned at the top of the image. The valve's appearance was scored using a previously published three tier classification tool (excellent, satisfactory and poor) and quantified with measurements. The number of degrees of C‐arm rotation that were required to bring the valve back to a coaxial appearance was recorded.

Results

When using the 32 cm FOV, the valve's appearance changes from excellent to satisfactory. When a 22 cm FOV was used, the change is less marked. More C‐arm rotation is required to bring the appearance back to coaxial with the 32 cm FOV.

Conclusion

Not maintaining the valve in the centre of the image can distort the valves appearance. This has the potential to affect the final implantation depth.
Genetic characterization of a novel hepatitis a virus strain in irrigation water in South Africa
Authors: Rachida Saïd , Matsapola Peter N. , Wolfaardt Marianne , Taylor Maureen B.
Published: September 2015

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) was detected, by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, in irrigation water from a dam on a commercial fresh produce farm in South Africa (SA). The virus was characterized by nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic analysis of a consensus sequence spanning the VP1 and VP1/P2B genomic regions. Amino acid sequence and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the HAV strain was closely related to HAV genotype V and possibly of simian origin. This suggests that a novel HAV may be circulating in SA and its presence in irrigation water highlights the potential for zoonotic or anthroponotic cross‐species transmission via environmental food and water sources. J. Med. Virol. 88:734–737, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Employment as a Poverty Trap
Authors: Korn Liran , Malul Miki , Luski Israel
Published: September 2015

Using an experiment conducted with 384 young Israelis, the authors find that if young people are actually working as unskilled workers, the status quo bias increases the premium that they require for giving up their jobs and seeking more education. This excess premium may make some individuals choose to remain employed as unskilled workers rather than pursue higher education. Such a decision may trap them in a life of poverty. The authors maintain that their results prompt a reexamination of the widely held belief that early employment is an advantage for young people.
Development of an Attitudes and Intentions Scale for Construction Skills Training Programs
Authors: Elliott Jonathan , Lopez del Puerto Carla
Published: September 2015

Attrition is a major problem in construction skills training programs for young adults, with dropout rates ranging between 45% and 65%. Training resources could be used more efficiently if trainees' completion rates were increased. Understanding and measuring the psychological characteristics contributing to attrition allows training practitioners to implement interventions to reduce dropout. This article reports the development of an instrument designed to measure constructs that inform participants' performance and success within the construction training domain. Instrument reliability and validity as well as areas of further research are discussed.
Enantioselective determination of (R)‐ and (S)‐lansoprazole in human plasma by chiral liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry and its application to a stereoselective pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Sun Luning , Cao Yang , Jiao Huiwen , Fang Yunqian , Yang Zhicheng , Bian Mingliang , Zhang Hongwen , Gong Xiaojian , Wang Yongqing
Published: September 2015

A simple and enantioselective method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of (R)‐ and (S)‐lansoprazole in human plasma by chiral liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Lansoprazole enantiomers and internal standard (esomeprazole) were extracted from plasma using acetonitrile as protein precipitating agent. Baseline chiral separation was achieved within 9.0 min on a Chiralpak IC column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) with the column temperature of 30°C. The mobile phase consisted of 10 mM ammonium acetate solution containing 0.05% acetic acid/acetonitrile (50:50, v/v). The mass spectrometric analysis was performed using a QTrap 5500 mass spectrometer coupled with an electrospray ionization source in positive ion mode. The multiple reactions monitoring transitions of m/z 370.1→252.1 and 346.1→198.1 were used to quantify lansoprazole enantiomers and esomeprazole, respectively. For each enantiomer, no apparent matrix effect was found, the calibration curve was linear over 5.00–3000 ng/mL, the intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were below 10.0%, and the accuracy was –3.8 to 3.3%. Analytes were stable during the study. No chiral inversion was observed during sample storage, preparation procedure and analysis. The method was applied to the stereoselective pharmacokinetic studies in human after intravenous administration of dexlansoprazole or racemic lansoprazole.
Tumor volume as a prognostic factor for local control and overall survival in advanced larynx cancer
Authors: Timmermans Adriana J. , Lange Charlotte A. H. , de Bois Josien A. , van Werkhoven Erik , Hamming‐Vrieze Olga , Hilgers Frans J. M. , van den Brekel Michiel W. M.
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Tumor volume has been postulated to be an important prognostic factor for oncological outcome after radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. This postulate was retrospectively investigated in a consecutively treated cohort of T3–T4 larynx cancer patients.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

For 166 patients with T3–T4 larynx cancer (1999–2008), pretreatment computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans were available for tumor volume delineation. Patients were treated with radiotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, or total laryngectomy with postoperative radiotherapy. Both a dedicated head and neck radiologist and the first author determined all tumor volumes. Statistical analysis was by Kaplan‐Meier plots and Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Patients with T3 larynx cancer had significantly smaller tumor volumes than patients with T4 larynx cancer (median = 8.1 cm3 and 15.8 cm3, respectively; P < .0001). In the group treated with total laryngectomy and postoperative radiotherapy, no association was found between tumor volume and local or locoregional control or overall survival. In the group treated with radiotherapy, a nonsignificant trend was observed between local control and tumor volume. In the chemoradiotherapy group, however, a significant impact of tumor volume was found on local control (hazard ratio = 1.07; 95% confidence interval = 1.01‐1.13; P = .028).

Conclusions

Tumor volume was not significantly associated with local control, locoregional control, or overall survival in the surgically treated group. In the group treated with radiotherapy, there was no statistically significant association, but a trend was observed between local control and tumor volume. Only in patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy was a significant impact of tumor volume on local control found.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:E60–E67, 2016
A systematic review of the effect of different crimping techniques in stapes surgery for otosclerosis
Authors: Wegner Inge , Swartz Justin E. , Bance Manohar L. , Grolman Wilko
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the effect of crimping techniques in stapes surgery for otosclerosis patients measured by hearing outcomes on pure‐tone audiometry.

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted. Studies comparing the effect of different crimping methods on pure‐tone audiometric results in patients undergoing stapes surgery for otosclerosis were included. Relevance and risk of bias were assessed. Absolute risks and risk differences, means and mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals were extracted or calculated for the primary and secondary outcomes, which were air‐bone gap closure to 10 dB or less, mean postoperative air‐bone gap, and postoperative sensorineural hearing loss.

Results

Twenty‐two studies with moderate or high risk of bias were included for data extraction. Air‐bone gap closure to 10 dB or less was assessed in 17 studies and mean postoperative air‐bone gap in 20 studies. The hearing outcomes did not consistently favor one crimping method. However, the differences that were statistically significant were consistently in favor of heat crimping over manual and no crimping (difference in air‐bone gap closure to 10 dB or less ranged between 22% and 42% in these studies and difference in mean postoperative air‐bone gap between 2.8 dB and 7.4 dB) and in favor of manual crimping over no crimping (30% difference in air‐bone gap closure to 10 dB or less and difference in mean postoperative air‐bone gap between 2.6 dB and 6.0 dB).

Conclusion

Moderate to high risk of bias and inconsistent results characterize the current evidence. Laryngoscope, 126:1207–1217, 2016
Longterm health‐related quality of life after living liver donation
Authors: Humphreville Vanessa R. , Radosevich David M. , Humar Abhinav , Payne William D. , Kandaswamy Raja , Lake John R. , Matas Arthur J. , Pruett Timothy L. , Chinnakotla Srinath
Published: September 2015

There are little data on longterm outcomes, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), and issues related to living donor right hepatectomy specifically. We studied longterm HRQoL in 127 living liver donors. A donor‐specific survey (DSS) was used to evaluate the living liver donor morbidity, and the 36‐item short‐form health survey (short‐form 36 health survey, version 1 [SF‐36]) was used to assess generic outcomes. The DSS was completed by 107 (84.3%) donors and the SF‐36 by 62 (49%) donors. Median follow‐up was 6.9 years. Of the 107 donors, 12 (11.2%) donors reported their health as better, whereas 84 (78.5%) reported their health the same as before donation. Ninety‐seven (90.7%) are currently employed. The most common postdonation symptom was incisional discomfort (34%). Twenty‐four donors (22.4%) self‐reported depression symptoms after donation. Ninety‐eight (91.6%) rated their satisfaction with the donation process ≥ 8 (scale of 1‐10). Three factors—increased vitality (correlation, 0.44), decreased pain (correlation, 0.34), and a recipient who was living (correlation, 0.44)—were independently related to satisfaction with the donor experience. Vitality showed the strongest association with satisfaction with the donor experience. Mental and physical component summary scale scores for donors were statistically higher compared to the US population norm (P < 0.001). Donors reported a high satisfaction rate with the donation process, and almost all donors (n = 104, 97.2%) would donate again independent of experiencing complications. Our study suggests that over a longterm period, liver donors continue to have above average HRQoL compared to the general population. Liver Transpl 22:53‐62, 2016. © 2015 AASLD.
Accurate grading of brain gliomas by soft independent modeling of class analogy based on non‐negative matrix factorization of proton magnetic resonance spectra
Authors: Ghasemi K. , Khanmohammadi M. , Saligheh Rad H.
Published: September 2015

Hydrogen magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) is a non‐invasive technique which provides a ‘frequency‐signal intensity’ spectrum of biochemical compounds of tissues in the body. Although this method is currently used in human brain studies, accurate classification of in‐vivo 1H‐MRS is a challenging task in the diagnosis of brain tumors. Problems such as overlapping metabolite peaks, incomplete information on background component and low signal‐to‐noise ratio disturb classification results of this spectroscopic method. This study presents an alternative approach to the soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) technique, using non‐negative matrix factorization (NMF) for dimensionality reduction. In the adopted strategy, the performance of SIMCA was improved by application of a robust algorithm for classification in the presence of noisy measurements. Total of 219 spectra from two databases were taken by water‐suppressed short echo‐time 1H‐MRS, acquired from different subjects with different stages of glial brain tumors (Grade II (26 cases), grade III (24 cases), grade IV (41 cases), as well as 25 healthy cases). The SIMCA was performed using two approaches: (i) principal component analysis (PCA) and (ii) non‐negative matrix factorization (NMF), as a modified approach. Square prediction error was considered to assess the class membership of the external validation set. Finally, several figures of merit such as the correct classification rate (CCR), sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results of SIMCA based on NMF showed significant improvement in percentage of correctly classified samples, 91.4% versus 83.5% for PCA‐based model in an independent test set. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An effective algorithm for computing all‐terminal reliability bounds
Authors: Silva Jaime , Gomes Teresa , Tipper David , Martins Lúcia , Kounev Velin
Published: September 2015

The exact calculation of all‐terminal reliability is not feasible in large networks. Hence estimation techniques and lower and upper bounds for all‐terminal reliability have been utilized. Here, we propose using an ordered subset of the mincuts and an ordered subset of the minpaths to calculate an all‐terminal reliability upper and lower bound, respectively. The advantage of the proposed new approach results from the fact that it does not require the enumeration of all mincuts or all minpaths as required by other bounds. The proposed algorithm uses maximally disjoint minpaths, prior to their sequential generation, and also uses a binary decision diagram for the calculation of their union probability. The numerical results show that the proposed approach is computationally feasible, reasonably accurate and much faster than the previous version of the algorithm. This allows one to obtain tight bounds when it not possible to enumerate all mincuts or all minpaths as revealed by extensive tests on real‐world networks. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 66(4), 282–295 2015
Nonhierarchical multi‐model fusion using spatial random processes
Authors: Chen Shishi , Jiang Zhen , Yang Shuxing , Apley Daniel W. , Chen Wei
Published: September 2015

New model fusion techniques based on spatial‐random‐process modeling are developed in this work for combining multi‐fidelity data from simulations and experiments. Existing works in multi‐fidelity modeling generally assume a hierarchical structure in which the levels of fidelity of the simulation models can be clearly ranked. In contrast, we consider the nonhierarchical situation in which one wishes to incorporate multiple models whose levels of fidelity are unknown or cannot be differentiated (e.g., if the fidelity of the models changes over the input domain). We propose three new nonhierarchical multi‐model fusion approaches with different assumptions or structures regarding the relationships between the simulation models and physical observations. One approach models the true response as a weighted sum of the multiple simulation models and a single discrepancy function. The other two approaches model the true response as the sum of one simulation model and a corresponding discrepancy function, and differ in their assumptions regarding the statistical behavior of the discrepancy functions, such as independence with the true response or a common spatial correlation function. The proposed approaches are compared via numerical examples and a real engineering application. Furthermore, the effectiveness and relative merits of the different approaches are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hunger and satiety responses to high‐fat meals of varying fatty acid composition in women with obesity
Authors: Stevenson Jada L. , Clevenger Hui C. , Cooper Jamie A.
Published: September 2015

Objective

Determine subjective and physiological appetite responses and ad libitum intake to high‐fat (HF) meals rich in either monounsaturated (MUFAs), polyunsaturated (PUFAs), or saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in women with obesity.

Methods

In this single‐blind crossover study, three HF meals (70% of energy) rich in MUFAs, PUFAs, or SFAs in 16 women with obesity were tested. At each visit, anthropometrics and a fasting blood sample were collected. Participants then consumed one of the HF meals, and postprandial blood draws and visual analog scale (VAS) measures were collected over 5 h. An ad libitum buffet lunch was provided 5 h after the HF meal.

Results

Decrease in ghrelin was significantly greater for PUFA (P < 0.05) and MUFA (P < 0.01) vs. SFA while the increase in peptide YY was significantly greater for PUFA vs. both SFA and MUFA (P < 0.05). Change in glucagon‐like peptide‐1, VAS measurements, or total energy consumed at the buffet showed no differences between HF meals (ns).

Conclusions

Fatty acid composition differentially affected physiological markers of hunger and satiety. However, it was unable to show changes in subjective appetite ratings or changes in energy intake when alterations were made to fatty acid composition from an acute HF meal.
A study on thermal degradation kinetics and flammability properties of poly(lactic acid)/banana fiber/nanoclay hybrid bionanocomposites
Authors: Sajna V.P. , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K.
Published: September 2015

The current research focuses on the degradation kinetics of fully bio‐based hybrid bionanocomposites of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), utilizing banana fiber and nanoclay as reinforcing fillers. The bionanocomposites were prepared using melt blending technique followed by injection molding. The reinforcing effect of silane treated banana fiber (SiB) and Closite 30B (C30B) nanoclay on the thermal stability and fire retardancy of PLA has been studied. Isoconversional kinetic analysis using Friedman and Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa method as well as analysis based on parameters at the maximum degradation rate (Kissinger method) were employed to understand the thermal degradation kinetics in the bionanocomposites. The results from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that bionanocomposites have improved thermal stability. The UL‐94 horizontal burning test and cone calorimetry have been used to screen the flammability performance of PLA and its biocomposites as well as bionanocomposites. The results revealed that the incorporation of SiB and C30B nanoclay improved fire retardancy. Further, the structural characterization has been carried out using FTIR. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2067–2079, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quantenphysik angezapft
Authors: Rosenow Bernd
Published: September 2015

Eine normale Flüssigkeit beginnt schneller zu fließen, wenn der sie begrenzende Kanal sich verengt. Aber was passiert, wenn eine Röhre so unglaublich eng ist, dass sich nur ein paar Atome von supraflüssigem Helium auf einmal durch die Verengung quetschen können? Unserem Team von der kanadischen McGill‐Universität in Zusammenarbeit mit Theoretikern an der University of Vermont und der Universität Leipzig gelang ein solches Experimente mit einem nur 3,1 nm dünnen Kanal. Erstaunlicherweise verlangsamte sich die Strömung.
Resonanzen mit Spectrum View Plus messen
Authors: Hirth Michael , Kuhn Jochen , Wilhelm Thomas
Published: September 2015

Der Mensch ist ständig Geräuschen und Klängen ausgesetzt. Die subjektiv verschiedenen Schallereignisse unterscheiden sich objektiv insbesondere in deren Frequenzzusammensetzung und der Dynamik der einzelnen Frequenzbestandteile. Die Untersuchung dieser spektralen Zusammensetzung von Schall ist heute mit mobilen Endgeräten möglich [1], wie der iOS‐App Spectrum View Plus.
Sterne, Sterbetabellen und Kriminalstatistiken
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: September 2015

Bereits als Schüler entfaltet der Gesuchte ein ausgeprägtes mathematisches Talent, gilt aber als vielseitig begabt. Als junger Mann zeichnet er, dichtet und übersetzt Werke von Lord Byron und Friedrich Schiller ins Französische und schreibt gemeinsam mit einem Freund ein Opernlibretto. Doch es sind die Zahlen, die es ihm besonders angetan haben: Massenhaft auftretende Zahlen, die die Massen beschreiben sollen. Und nicht zuletzt gehört sein Herz den Sternen.
Psychological distress and coping strategies in parents of children with cancer in Lebanon
Authors: Lakkis Najla A. , Khoury Joseph M. , Mahmassani Dina M. , Ramia Maria S. , Hamadeh Ghassan N.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of psychological distress (PD) among parents of Lebanese children with cancer and to investigate the associated stressors and coping strategies.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study conducted at the American University of Beirut Medical Center–Children Cancer Center of Lebanon in 2012. Parents of all children with cancer admitted for treatment were eligible participants. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12) was used to estimate the prevalence of PD. Coping strategies were measured via the Coping Health Inventory for Parents (CHIP). Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between GHQ‐12 (scores 0–36), stressors, family/social support, and coping strategies.

Results

One hundred fourteen parents (68.2%) completed the anonymous questionnaire. Based on GHQ‐12, significant PD was considered among 56.0% of the parents. It was found to be significantly positively associated with the degree of family financial problems and significantly negatively associated with the child's disease duration. A significant negative relationship was also found between PD and Coping (CHIP) scale, coping pattern I (Maintaining Family Integration and an Optimistic Outlook for the Situation), pattern II (Seeking Social Support), yet not with pattern III (Seeking Information).

Conclusions

PD is prevalent among parents of Lebanese children hospitalized because of cancer. Screening for PD in the latter population is feasible, would identify those who are at risk for disruptive PD, and facilitate the provision of support towards better adjustment and coping. Alleviating parental PD may facilitate the realization of optimal health outcomes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Template based protein structure modeling by global optimization in CASP11
Authors: Joo Keehyoung , Joung InSuk , Lee Sun Young , Kim Jong Yun , Cheng Qianyi , Manavalan Balachandran , Joung Jong Young , Heo Seungryong , Lee Juyong , Nam Mikyung , Lee In‐Ho , Lee Sung Jong , Lee Jooyoung
Published: September 2015

For the template‐based modeling (TBM) of CASP11 targets, we have developed three new protein modeling protocols (nns for server prediction and LEE and LEER for human prediction) by improving upon our previous CASP protocols (CASP7 through CASP10). We applied the powerful global optimization method of conformational space annealing to three stages of optimization, including multiple sequence‐structure alignment, three‐dimensional (3D) chain building, and side‐chain remodeling. For more successful fold recognition, a new alignment method called CRFalign was developed. It can incorporate sensitive positional and environmental dependence in alignment scores as well as strong nonlinear correlations among various features. Modifications and adjustments were made to the form of the energy function and weight parameters pertaining to the chain building procedure. For the side‐chain remodeling step, residue‐type dependence was introduced to the cutoff value that determines the entry of a rotamer to the side‐chain modeling library. The improved performance of the nns server method is attributed to successful fold recognition achieved by combining several methods including CRFalign and to the current modeling formulation that can incorporate native‐like structural aspects present in multiple templates. The LEE protocol is identical to the nns one except that CASP11‐released server models are used as templates. The success of LEE in utilizing CASP11 server models indicates that proper template screening and template clustering assisted by appropriate cluster ranking promises a new direction to enhance protein 3D modeling. Proteins 2016; 84(Suppl 1):221–232. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using vertical capacitance–voltage measurements for fast on‐wafer characterization of epitaxial GaN‐on‐Si material
Authors: Schuster M. , Wachowiak A. , Groh L. , Szabó N. , Merkel U. , Jahn A. , Mikolajick T.
Published: September 2015

We propose and demonstrate an efficient approach to extract key parameters of GaN‐based 2DEG heterostructures grown on conducting Silicon substrates. The methodology enables an electrical feedback on different epitaxial design or MOCVD growth conditions in a very short‐time frame by means of vertical capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurement on simple gate‐metal top‐electrodes, which are evaporated through a shadow mask. Key parameters such as sheet charge carrier density of the 2DEG‐channel, (AlGaN) barrier thickness between 2DEG and top‐electrode and threshold voltage of 2DEG depletion can be extracted with minimum effort. All respective parameters can be logged across the entire wafer without the need for a sophisticated device process and reveal the lateral (in‐) homogeneity of the wafer material. In addition, this method can be used to mimic the gate‐module of metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS)‐HEMTs and, therefore, to study different charge‐related properties of the dielectric‐GaN interface or the dielectric layer itself.
New view on InxGa1‐xNyAs1‐yalloys
Authors: Elyukhin Vyacheslav A.
Published: September 2015

Semiconductors with isoelectronic centers are actively studied to fabricate arrays of identical single photon emitters. Self‐assembling of 4N10In and 1N4In clusters in GaAs‐rich InxGa1‐xNyAs1‐y is represented. All or almost all In atoms are in 4N10In clusters from 0 to 800 °C in InxGa1‐xNyAs1‐y with x = 1×10‐4, y = 1×10‐4 and x = 1×10‐5, y = 1×10‐5. All or almost all nitrogen atoms are in 1N4In clusters if x = 0.01, y = 1×10‐4 and x = 1×10‐3, y = 1×10‐6. There are both types of clusters in alloys with x = 5×10‐5, y = 5×10‐7; x = 2×10‐4, y = 2×10‐6; x = 1×10‐4, y = 1×10‐5 and x = 2×10‐3, y = 2×10‐4 and portions of nitrogen atoms in clusters depend on the composition and temperature. Thus, InxGa1‐xNyAs1‐y are promising semiconductors to obtain arrays of identical isoelectronic clusters with the desirable density. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)