bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing regional‐scale spatio‐temporal patterns of groundwater–surface water interactions using a coupled SWAT‐MODFLOW model
Authors: Bailey Ryan T. , Wible Tyler C. , Arabi Mazdak , Records Rosemary M. , Ditty Jeffrey
Published: June 2016

Interaction between groundwater and surface water in watersheds has significant impacts on water management and water rights, nutrient loading from aquifers to streams, and in‐stream flow requirements for aquatic species. Of particular importance are the spatial patterns of these interactions. This study explores the spatio‐temporal patterns of groundwater discharge to a river system in a semi‐arid region, with methods applied to the Sprague River Watershed (4100 km2) within the Upper Klamath Basin in Oregon, USA. Patterns of groundwater–surface water interaction are explored throughout the watershed during the 1970–2003 time period using a coupled SWAT‐MODFLOW model tested against streamflow, groundwater level and field‐estimated reach‐specific groundwater discharge rates. Daily time steps and coupling are used, with groundwater discharge rates calculated for each model computational point along the stream. Model results also are averaged by month and by year to determine seasonal and decadal trends in groundwater discharge rates. Results show high spatial variability in groundwater discharge, with several locations showing no groundwater/surface water interaction. Average annual groundwater discharge is 20.5 m3/s, with maximum and minimum rates occurring in September–October and March–April, respectively. Annual average rates increase by approximately 0.02 m3/s per year over the 34‐year period, negligible compared with the average annual rate, although 70% of the stream network experiences an increase in groundwater discharge rate between 1970 and 2003. Results can assist with water management, identifying potential locations of heavy nutrient mass loading from the aquifer to streams and ecological assessment and planning focused on locations of high groundwater discharge. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic investigations of DKK‐1 and PDCD5 expression levels as independent prognostic markers of human chondrosarcoma
Authors: Zarea Mojtaba , Mohammadian Bajgiran Amirhossein , Sedaghati Farnoush , Hatami Negin , Taheriazam Afshin , Yahaghi Emad , Shakeri Mohammadreza
Published: June 2016

In this study, we investigated the expression levels of Dickkopf‐1 (DKK‐1) and programmed cell death 5 (PDCD5) by using quantitative real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry in patients with chondrosarcoma. The DKK‐1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in chondrosarcoma when compared with the corresponding nontumor tissues (mean ± SD: 4.23 ± 1.54; 1.54 ± 0.87; P = 0.001). PDCD5 mRNA levels were remarkably deceased in tumor tissues when compared with corresponding nontumor tissues (mean ± SD: 1.94 ± 0.73; 5.42 ± 1.73; P = 0.001). The high and moderate DKK‐1 expressions were observed for 60% of chondrosarcoma samples in comparison with 27.5% of corresponding nontumor tissues (P  =  0.001). Moreover, low expression of PDCD5 was found in 67.5% of the tumor tissues when compared with the nontumor tissues (32.5%; P = 0.002). The results of this study showed that high DKK‐1 expression levels were strongly related to MSTS stage (P = 0.011) and the advancement of histological grade (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the PDCD5 expression levels were correlated with histological grade (P < 0.001), MSTS stage (P = 0.016), and distant metastasis (P = 0.001). Kaplan‐Meier survival and log‐rank survival showed that patients with high DKK‐1 levels and low PDCD5 levels were correlated with shorter overall survival (log‐rank test P < 0.001). PDCD5 levels, histological grade, and tumor stage were independent predictors of overall survival. In conclusion, DKK‐1 and PDCD5 can be independent predictors of overall survival in patients suffering from chondrosarcoma. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(7):597–601, 2016
Oxidative Status Profile in Different Tissues of Parastacus brasiliensis promatensis (Crustacea, Decapoda, Parastacidae) over a Seasonal Cycle
Authors: Pinheiro Ludimila Carneiro , Oliveira Guendalina Turcato
Published: June 2016

The objective of this study was to assess annual redox balance by quantifying activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S‐transferase (GST), as well as measuring lipid peroxidation levels by determination of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, in different tissues of male and female crayfish collected from an area little affected by anthropogenic impacts. A total of 37 male and 32 female of Parastacus brasiliensis promatensis were collected over an annual cycle, and gill, muscle, hepatopancreas, and gonad samples were harvested and subjected to the aforementioned analyses via spectrophotometry. Comparison of the annual oxidative status response profile in gill and in hepatopancreas between males and females revealed differences only in SOD activity. In abdominal muscle, this comparison revealed a distinct profile of SOD and GST activity, as well as of lipid peroxidation. SOD activity in gonads of females increased in the summer when compared to autumn; conversely, CAT and GST levels did not differ over the year. During reproduction, a possible increase of the energy requirements led to an increase in lipid peroxidation in all tested tissues, in males and females alike. It was least evident in female gonad tissue, which suggests this tissue type is relatively protected; within this context, one may establish a tissue‐specific grading of Lipid Peroxidation intensity in females of the species during the spring: gonads < muscle < gills < hepatopancreas. Our results show that the responses of the defenses analyzed antioxidants, as well as lipid peroxidation levels, were sex and tissue dependent and a clear pattern of seasonal variation.
The neuropilin‐1 receptor mediates enhanced tumor delivery of H2K polyplexes
Authors: Leng Qixin , Mixson A. James
Published: June 2016

Background

Promising plasmid‐based treatments have limited value without an effective delivery system. Recently, the linear H2K with a repeating ‐KHHK‐ pattern was determined to be an effective plasmid carrier to tumor xenografts in vivo. Although unpacking of the H2K polyplex within the tumor may have a role, the mechanism for the enhanced efficacy remains unclear.

Methods

After solid‐phase synthesis of linear and branched histidine‐lysine (HK) peptide carriers of plasmids, the peptides were compared for their ability to lyse endosomes with a red blood cell model and to transfect MDA‐MB‐435 xenografts in the presence or absence of neuropilin‐1 receptor (NRP‐1) antibodies. To examine stability, polyplexes were incubated with trypsin or NaCl and then analyzed by electrophoresis.

Results

After screening peptides with a model for endosomal lysis at two pHs, the 33‐mer H3K peptide lysed red blood cells effectively at the lower pH. Combining H3K and H2K peptides as carriers of plasmids expressing luciferase were more effective than H2K alone. Based on the repeating ‐KHHK‐ sequences of H2K, we studied whether the widespread gene expression in the tumor may be mediated by NRP‐1. By blocking NRP‐1 in tumor‐bearing mice, luciferase activity in tumors delivered by HK polyplexes was reduced by 96%, whereas activity in normal tissues was minimally reduced.

Conclusions

Combining an endosomolytic peptide, H3K, with H2K polyplexes as a carrier further enhanced transfection in vivo. Moreover, the widespread distribution of H2K polyplexes is mediated by NRP‐1, suggesting that transcytosis of these polyplexes through the tumor endothelium may lead to efficient transfection. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CYP gene family variants as potential protective factors in drug addiction in Han Chinese
Authors: Zhang Hongxing , Yang Qi , Zheng Wenkai , Ouyang Yongri , Yang Min , Wang Fengjiao , Jin Tianbo , Zhang Ji , Wang Zhenyuan
Published: June 2016

Background

There is growing evidence that genetic factors also contribute to drug addiction. The human cytochrome P450 has shown special interest because of pharmacokinetic variation in different individuals and populations, which is largely determined by the relevant genes. The present study aimed to investigate the polymorphism of the CYP/addicts relationship.

Methods

We genotyped 13 tag single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) from three genes, including 692 cases and 700 controls. Sequenom MassARRAY RS1000 (Sequenom, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) was used for SNP genotyping. Statistical analysis of the association between tSNPs and drug addiction was performed using the chi‐squared test and SNP Stats software (http://bioinfo.iconcologia.net).

Results

The T/T genotype of rs2242480 in CYP3A4 was associated with decreased risk in the recessive model (p = 0.0002). Allele frequency at rs3743484 in CYP1A2 showed significant differences between addicts and controls (p = 0.046; odds ratio = 0.80; 95% confidence interval = 0.65–1.00). In genetic model analyses, the minor C allele of rs3743484 in CYP1A2 was associated with a reduced risk of drug addiction based on analysis using codominant and additive models (p = 0.027 dominant model; p =0.038 additive model).

Conclusions

Our findings show that at allelic and genotypic level polymorphisms in CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 are significantly associated with a reduced risk of drug addiction in X'ian Han Chinese individuals. However, this result needs to be confirmed in additional studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medications associated with geriatric syndromes and their prevalence in older hospitalized adults discharged to skilled nursing facilities
Authors: Saraf Avantika A. , Petersen Alec W. , Simmons Sandra F. , Schnelle John F. , Bell Susan P. , Kripalani Sunil , Myers Amy P. , Mixon Amanda S. , Long Emily A. , Jacobsen J. Mary Lou , Vasilevskis Eduard E.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

More than half of the hospitalized older adults discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have more than 3 geriatric syndromes. Pharmacotherapy may be contributing to geriatric syndromes in this population.

OBJECTIVES

Develop a list of medications associated with geriatric syndromes and describe their prevalence in patients discharged from acute care to SNFs.

DESIGN

Literature review and multidisciplinary expert panel discussion, followed by cross‐sectional analysis.

SETTING

Academic medical center in the United States

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred fifty‐four hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries discharged to SNFs.

MEASUREMENTS

Development of a list of medications that are associated with 6 geriatric syndromes. Prevalence of the medications associated with geriatric syndromes was examined in the hospital discharge sample.

RESULTS

A list of 513 medications was developed as potentially contributing to 6 geriatric syndromes: cognitive impairment, delirium, falls, reduced appetite or weight loss, urinary incontinence, and depression. Medications included 18 categories. Antiepileptics were associated with all syndromes, whereas antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiparkinsonism, and opioid agonists were associated with 5 geriatric syndromes. In the prevalence sample, patients were discharged to SNFs with an overall average of 14.0 (±4.7) medications, including an average of 5.9 (±2.2) medications that could contribute to geriatric syndromes, with falls having the most associated medications at discharge at 5.5 (±2.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Many commonly prescribed medications are associated with geriatric syndromes. Over 40% of all medications ordered upon discharge to SNFs were associated with geriatric syndromes and could be contributing to the high prevalence of geriatric syndromes experienced by this population. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:694–700. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Predictors of short‐ and long‐term mortality in hospitalized veterans with elevated troponin
Authors: Winchester David E. , Burke Lucas , Agarwal Nayan , Schmalfuss Carsten , Pepine Carl J.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Cardiac troponin elevation is associated with mortality. We compared the mortality risk related to elevated troponin from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and non‐ACS causes in a hospitalized elderly veteran population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

As part of a quality initiative at our Veterans Affairs hospital, all patients with elevated troponin were evaluated by a cardiologist to determine if ACS was present and to recommend management. We selected a sample (n = 761) of consecutive patients studied between February 2006 and February 2007 and examined all‐cause mortality over extended follow‐up. Nearly all were men (99.1%), and about half had coronary disease (n = 385, 50.5%) and diabetes (n = 339, 44.4%). ACS patients had lower mortality that non‐ACS patients. Mortality began to diverge at 30 days; at 1 year it was 42.0% versus 29.0% (odds ratio [OR]: 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41‐0.78) and at 6 years 77.7% versus 58.7% (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.30‐0.56). Cox regression models for mortality at multiple time points yielded several independent factors associated with mortality; however, the distribution of the factors was not sufficient to explain the observed difference in mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In this elderly, male veteran population, mortality related to an elevated troponin was higher at 1 and 6 years for non‐ACS patients compared with ACS patients. Factors independently associated with a higher mortality risk were predominantly markers of general systemic illness, but did not elucidate the reasons why troponin elevation secondary to non‐ACS causes carries this higher risk. A better understanding of these cardiac troponin elevations and implications for future mortality requires additional investigation. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:773–777. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Conserved form and function of the germinal epithelium through 500 million years of vertebrate evolution
Authors: Grier Harry J. , Uribe Mari Carmen , Lo Nostro Fabiana L. , Mims Steven D. , Parenti Lynne R.
Published: June 2016

The germinal epithelium, i.e., the site of germ cell production in males and females, has maintained a constant form and function throughout 500 million years of vertebrate evolution. The distinguishing characteristic of germinal epithelia among all vertebrates, males, and females, is the presence of germ cells among somatic epithelial cells. The somatic epithelial cells, Sertoli cells in males or follicle (granulosa) cells in females, encompass and isolate germ cells. Morphology of all vertebrate germinal epithelia conforms to the standard definition of an epithelium: epithelial cells are interconnected, border a body surface or lumen, are avascular and are supported by a basement membrane. Variation in morphology of gonads, which develop from the germinal epithelium, is correlated with the evolution of reproductive modes. In hagfishes, lampreys, and elasmobranchs, the germinal epithelia of males produce spermatocysts. A major rearrangement of testis morphology diagnoses osteichthyans: the spermatocysts are arranged in tubules or lobules. In protogynous (female to male) sex reversal in teleost fishes, female germinal epithelial cells (prefollicle cells) and oogonia transform into the first male somatic cells (Sertoli cells) and spermatogonia in the developing testis lobules. This common origin of cell types from the germinal epithelium in fishes with protogynous sex reversal supports the homology of Sertoli cells and follicle cells. Spermatogenesis in amphibians develops within spermatocysts in testis lobules. In amniotes vertebrates, the testis is composed of seminiferous tubules wherein spermatogenesis occurs radially. Emerging research indicates that some mammals do not have lifetime determinate fecundity. The fact emerged that germinal epithelia occur in the gonads of all vertebrates examined herein of both sexes and has the same form and function across all vertebrate taxa. Continued study of the form and function of the germinal epithelium in vertebrates will increasingly clarify our understanding of vertebrate reproduction. J. Morphol. 277:1014–1044, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sustainable intensification: a multifaceted, systemic approach to international development
Authors: Himmelstein Jennifer , Ares Adrian , van Houweling Emily
Published: June 2016

Sustainable intensification (SI) is a term increasingly used to describe a type of approach applied to international agricultural projects. Despite its widespread use, there is still little understanding or knowledge of the various facets of this composite paradigm. A review of the literature has led to the formalization of three principles that convey the current characterization of SI, comprising a whole system, participatory, agroecological approach. Specific examples of potential bottlenecks to the SI approach are cited, in addition to various technologies and techniques that can be applied to overcome these obstacles. Models of similar, succcessful approaches to agricultural development are examined, along with higher level processes. Additionally, this review explores the desired end points of SI and argues for the inclusion of gender and nutrition throughout the process. To properly apply the SI approach, its various aspects need to be understood and adapted to different cultural and geographic situations. New modeling systems and examples of the effective execution of SI strategies can assist with the successful application of the SI paradigm within complex developing communities. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
PAMAM‐Conjugated Alumina Nanotubes as Novel Noncytotoxic Nanocarriers with Enhanced Drug Loading and Releasing Performances
Authors: Campos Cristian H. , Díaz Carola F. , Guzmán José L. , Alderete Joel B. , Torres Cecilia C. , Jiménez Verónica A.
Published: June 2016

Alumina nanotubes are surface‐conjugated with polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers of the third generation, aimed at obtaining novel nanomaterials for drug delivery applications. The structure and surface properties of PAMAM‐conjugated alumina nanotubes (PAMAM‐Al2O3NT) are characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, solid state13C‐RMN, transmission electron microscopy, N2adsorption–desorption isotherms, X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which supported for a 3.0 wt% of PAMAM grafting in the prepared product. The drug loading and releasing properties of PAMAM‐Al2O3NT are examined using three model therapeutic compounds, namely, curcumin, methotrexate, and silibinin, showing that PAMAM conjugation enhances the drug loading capacity and drug‐adsorbent affinity compared to pristine Al2O3NT systems. Additionally, Alamar Blue cell viability assays reveal that PAMAM‐Al2O3NT are not cytotoxic materials over a wide concentration range. These results suggest that PAMAM–Al2O3NT are potential nanostructured vehicles for drug delivery applications.

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Ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi respond differently to long‐term experimentally increased snow depth in the High Arctic
Authors: Mundra Sunil , Halvorsen Rune , Kauserud Håvard , Bahram Mohammad , Tedersoo Leho , Elberling Bo , Cooper Elisabeth J. , Eidesen Pernille Bronken
Published: June 2016

Changing climate is expected to alter precipitation patterns in the Arctic, with consequences for subsurface temperature and moisture conditions, community structure, and nutrient mobilization through microbial belowground processes. Here, we address the effect of increased snow depth on the variation in species richness and community structure of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and saprotrophic fungi. Soil samples were collected weekly from mid‐July to mid‐September in both control and deep snow plots. Richness of ECM fungi was lower, while saprotrophic fungi was higher in increased snow depth plots relative to controls. [Correction added on 23 September 2016 after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, the richness of ECM and saprotrophic fungi were wrongly interchanged and have been fixed in this current version.] ECM fungal richness was related to soil NO3‐N, NH4‐N, and K; and saprotrophic fungi to NO3‐N and pH. Small but significant changes in the composition of saprotrophic fungi could be attributed to snow treatment and sampling time, but not so for the ECM fungi. Delayed snow melt did not influence the temporal variation in fungal communities between the treatments. Results suggest that some fungal species are favored, while others are disfavored resulting in their local extinction due to long‐term changes in snow amount. Shifts in species composition of fungal functional groups are likely to affect nutrient cycling, ecosystem respiration, and stored permafrost carbon.
A comprehensive numerical analysis of background phase correction with V‐SHARP
Authors: Özbay Pinar Senay , Deistung Andreas , Feng Xiang , Nanz Daniel , Reichenbach Jürgen Rainer , Schweser Ferdinand
Published: June 2016

Sophisticated harmonic artifact reduction for phase data (SHARP) is a method to remove background field contributions in MRI phase images, which is an essential processing step for quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). To perform SHARP, a spherical kernel radius and a regularization parameter need to be defined. In this study, we carried out an extensive analysis of the effect of these two parameters on the corrected phase images and on the reconstructed susceptibility maps. As a result of the dependence of the parameters on acquisition and processing characteristics, we propose a new SHARP scheme with generalized parameters. The new SHARP scheme uses a high‐pass filtering approach to define the regularization parameter. We employed the variable‐kernel SHARP (V‐SHARP) approach, using different maximum radii (Rm) between 1 and 15 mm and varying regularization parameters (f) in a numerical brain model. The local root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) between the ground‐truth, background‐corrected field map and the results from SHARP decreased towards the center of the brain. RMSE of susceptibility maps calculated with a spatial domain algorithm was smallest for Rm between 6 and 10 mm and f between 0 and 0.01 mm−1, and for maps calculated with a Fourier domain algorithm for Rm between 10 and 15 mm and f between 0 and 0.0091 mm−1. We demonstrated and confirmed the new parameter scheme in vivo. The novel regularization scheme allows the use of the same regularization parameter irrespective of other imaging parameters, such as image resolution. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Skeletal muscle diffusion tensor‐MRI fiber tracking: rationale, data acquisition and analysis methods, applications and future directions
Authors: Damon Bruce M. , Froeling Martijn , Buck Amanda K. W. , Oudeman Jos , Ding Zhaohua , Nederveen Aart J. , Bush Emily C. , Strijkers Gustav J.
Published: June 2016

The mechanical functions of muscles involve the generation of force and the actuation of movement by shortening or lengthening under load. These functions are influenced, in part, by the internal arrangement of muscle fibers with respect to the muscle's mechanical line of action. This property is known as muscle architecture. In this review, we describe the use of diffusion tensor (DT)‐MRI muscle fiber tracking for the study of muscle architecture. In the first section, the importance of skeletal muscle architecture to function is discussed. In addition, traditional and complementary methods for the assessment of muscle architecture (brightness‐mode ultrasound imaging and cadaver analysis) are presented. Next, DT‐MRI is introduced and the structural basis for the reduced and anisotropic diffusion of water in muscle is discussed. The third section discusses issues related to the acquisition of skeletal muscle DT‐MRI data and presents recommendations for optimal strategies. The fourth section discusses methods for the pre‐processing of DT‐MRI data, the available approaches for the calculation of the diffusion tensor and the seeding and propagating of fiber tracts, and the analysis of the tracking results to measure structural properties pertinent to muscle biomechanics. Lastly, examples are presented of how DT‐MRI fiber tracking has been used to provide new insights into how muscles function, and important future research directions are highlighted. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dispositional mindfulness and employment status as predictors of resilience in third year nursing students: a quantitative study
Authors: Chamberlain Diane , Williams Allison , Stanley David , Mellor Peter , Cross Wendy , Siegloff Lesley
Published: June 2016

Background

Nursing students will graduate into stressful workplace environments and resilience is an essential acquired ability for surviving the workplace. Few studies have explored the relationship between resilience and the degree of innate dispositional mindfulness, compassion, compassion fatigue and burnout in nursing students, including those who find themselves in the position of needing to work in addition to their academic responsibilities.

Aim

This paper investigates the predictors of resilience, including dispositional mindfulness and employment status of third year nursing students from three Australian universities.

Design

Participants were 240 undergraduate, third year, nursing students. Participants completed a resilience measure (Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, CD‐RISC), measures of dispositional mindfulness (Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale Revised, CAMS‐R) and professional quality of life (The Professional Quality of Life Scale version 5, PROQOL5), such as compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue and burnout.

Method

An observational quantitative successive independent samples survey design was employed. A stepwise linear regression was used to evaluate the extent to which predictive variables were related each to resilience.

Results

The predictive model explained 57% of the variance in resilience. Dispositional mindfulness subset acceptance made the strongest contribution, followed by the expectation of a graduate nurse transition programme acceptance, with dispositional mindfulness total score and employment greater than 20 hours per week making the smallest contribution. This was a resilient group of nursing students who rated high with dispositional mindfulness and exhibited hopeful and positive aspirations for obtaining a position in a competitive graduate nurse transition programme after graduation.
Going Beyond Heroic Leaders in Development
Authors: Andrews Matt
Published: June 2016

Leadership is an under‐studied topic in international development. When the topic is broached it is usually to support what might be called a “hero dependency”: One or other individual is identified as the hero of a past event (or the hero‐to‐be of a future event). This article argues that this dependency is problematic, however, because (i) heroes have not emerged in many contexts for long periods and individuals who may have been considered heroes in the past often turned out less than heroic, (ii) heroes are at least as much the product of their contexts as they turned out to be the shapers of such, and (iii) stories about hero‐leaders doing special things mask the way such special things emerge from the complex interactions of many actors—some important and some mundane. Notions of hero‐leadership in development are less convincing when one appreciates these arguments. Referencing broader work on leadership (and some in the development space itself) the article calls development theorists and practitioners to go beyond the heroic leader perspective in thinking about who leads development. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Denosumab‐associated hypocalcaemia: incidence, severity and patient characteristics in a tertiary hospital setting
Authors: Huynh Andrew Liem Hieu , Baker Scott Thomas , Stewardson Andrew James , Johnson Douglas Forsyth
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Denosumab‐associated hypocalcaemia (DAH) has been reported in patients with osteoporosis or metastatic bone disease and is associated with stages 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD, estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73m2). Other risk factors for hypocalcaemia have not been fully elucidated.

We aimed to investigate the incidence of hypocalcaemia amongst patients receiving denosumab and to identify clinical features associated with this adverse event.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study between June 2013 and June 2014 of patients administered denosumab (60/120 mg) at a tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia, to identify the incidence of an albumin‐adjusted serum calcium concentration <2.10 mmol/L or ionized calcium <1.13 mmol/L within 6 months of treatment. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify clinical features associated with DAH.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐five patients were administered denosumab (100 osteoporosis, 55 bone metastases). Twenty‐two patients (14% [95%CI 9.1–20.7]) developed hypocalcaemia: 55% were men, and 55% had osteoporosis. Eighty‐six per cent had a 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration >50 nmol/L, and 91% were on calcium/colecalciferol supplementation. Stages 4 and 5 CKD (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] 4.71, 95%CI 1.61–13.79, p = 0.005) and male sex (aOR 4.30, 95%CI 1.69–10.96, p = 0.002) were associated with DAH. No patients were documented as having hypocalcaemic symptoms. One patient received intravenous calcium gluconate treatment.

Conclusions

The incidence of denosumab‐associated hypocalcaemia was 14% (95%CI 9.1–20.7) within 6 months of treatment despite widespread use of appropriate calcium/colecalciferol supplementation. Stages 4 and 5 CKD and male sex were associated with subsequent hypocalcaemia. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Periodic density functional theory study of the high‐pressure behavior of crystalline 7,2′‐anhydro‐β‐d‐arabinosylorotidine
Authors: Guo Ying , Liu Qingqing , Zhao Xingqiang
Published: June 2016

In this work, a detailed study of the structural, electronic, and absorption properties of crystalline 7,2′‐anhydro‐β‐d‐arabinosylorotidine (Cyclo ara‐O) in the pressure range of 0–350 GPa is performed by density functional theory calculations. The detail analysis of the crystal with increasing pressure shows that complex transformations occur in Cyclo ara‐O under compression. In addition, the b‐direction is much stiffer than the a‐ and c‐axis at 0–330 GPa, suggesting that the Cyclo ara‐O crystal is anisotropic in the certain pressure region. In the pressure range of 110–290 GPa, repeated formations and disconnections of covalent bonds in O7–O6* and C3–C6* occur several times, resulting in a new six‐atom ring that forms at 220, 270, and 290 GPa, while a five‐atom ring and seven‐atom ring form between two adjacent molecules at 300 and 340 GPa, respectively. Then, the analysis of the band gap and DOS (PDOS) of Cyclo ara‐O indicates that its electronic character has changed at 300 GPa into an excellent insulator, but the electron transition is much easier at 350 GPa. Moreover, the relatively high optical activity with the pressure increases of Cyclo ara‐O is seen from the absorption spectra, and two obvious structural transformations are also observed at 180 and 230 GPa, respectively. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism and origin of stereoselectivity in Robinson annulations leading to bicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes: a rare Curtin–Hammet scenario
Authors: Wang Dong , Miao Longfei , Feng Lixia , Yao Qingwei , Mkrtchyan Gnel , Crowe William E. , Nesterov Evgueni E. , Wang Yuekui , Zhang Xiaoting , Yu Peng
Published: June 2016

Computational studies on the mechanism and diastereoselectivity of base catalyzed synthesis of bicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes by Robinson annulation are reported. Three possible mechanisms were considered, and only the methanol assisted H‐shift process could be the favorable pathway. We have discovered a rare Curtin–Hammet scenario: rate determining steps for the two diastereomeric products formed are completely different reactions, and a correction factor should be considered when gauging the ratio of products from competing pathways. The pathway leading to the anti product is kinetically preferred, which is consistent with experimental results. Finally, the ratio of the two products was rationalized. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrathin gold nanowires for transparent electronics: Soft sintering and temperature stability
Authors: Maurer Johannes H. M. , Gonzalez‐Garcia Lola , Reiser Beate , Kanelidis Ioannis , Kraus Tobias
Published: June 2016

Ultrathin gold nanowires (AuNWs) show prospects as components of materials for transparent and flexible electronics that exploit the wires’ high aspect ratio and mechanical flexibility. High junction resistances that are caused by the insulating oleylamine ligand shells and the wires’ intrinsic susceptibility to decomposition by the Rayleigh instability impede their use in the as‐synthesized state. Treatment by H2/Ar  plasma has been shown to improve conductivity and stability. We study the effects of a plasma treatment on morphology, chemistry, and temperature stability of AuNW layers by electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. Plasma treatment effectively removes oleylamine and sinters the individual ultrathin wires to superstructures with enhanced conductivity and temperature stability.

Bundles of single ultrathin AuNWs can be sintered to continuous superstructures with enhanced conductivity and stability by H2/Ar plasma treatment.
Jan Vanhellemont – 35 years of materials research in microelectronics
Authors: Kissinger Gudrun , Simoen Eddy , Claeys Cor , Clauws Paul , Śpiewak Piotr , Sueoka Koji , Yang Deren
Published: June 2016

On the occasion of the decease of Prof. Jan Vanhellemont, a brief overview of his scientific career, covering more than 35 years in semiconductor materials science, is given in this paper. The main scientific highlights are summarized. Besides the different positions he has taken in his career at different universities and companies, he has also been very active in establishing a world‐wide network of collaborations and contacts, who often became also good friends. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Deposition of a‐Si:H thin films using tailored voltage waveform plasmas: impact on microstructure and stability
Authors: Wang Junkang , Longeaud Christophe , Ventosinos Federico , Daineka Dmitri , Yaakoubi Mustapha El , Johnson Erik V.
Published: June 2016

Exciting processing plasmas using non‐sinusoidal, “Tailored” voltage waveforms (TVWs), have recently been shown to be effective to separately control the maximum ion bombardment energy (IBE) and the ion flux on each electrode in the capacitively coupled plasma (RF‐CCP) processes. In this work, we use it to deposit hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) thin films from hydrogen‐diluted silane by low temperature plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The impact of using TVWs on the material's structural and electronic properties is examined. Excessively low IBE can lead to a high Si‐H2bonded hydrogen content within the deposited films, which results in a deterioration of the material stability upon light‐soaking, detectable at a microstructure level. A low content of hydrogen bonded in a Si‐H2configuration and a low sub‐gap density of states was observed in the film deposited using a “sawtooth‐down” type of waveform. Such excitation also produced the a‐Si:H films with the best transport properties (majority and minority carrier μτ‐products and the ambipolar diffusion length) and stability under light‐soaking. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of substrate temperature on change in percolation properties of ultra thin dielectric films
Authors: Milanović Zeljka , Zulim Ivan , Pivac Branko
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we explored the impact of surface roughness on ultra‐thin dielectrics characteristics. Simple cubic lattice is used as a base for depositing spheres of radius R, designed as a thin film, as the base for simulation of defects generation and deposition. Continuum percolation model, used to generate a rough surface in order to analyse how roughness and temperature influence the conductivity, consists of randomly placed spheres of either one or some distribution of radii, which then form a thin, rough layer in question. It is shown that when the temperature of the substrate is increased material defects tend to form within the film contributing to a faster cluster growth and greater film conductivity. The influence of temperature on average cluster size for homogeneous distribution of defects is assumed according to the applied temperature (depending on the free carrier's diffusion length) is researched. It is evident from the performed simulations that temperature has an important influence on thin film conductivity in several different ways; it can contribute to the increase of the number of spanning clusters or the average size of clusters. This way, defects can either provide starting points for new spanning clusters or can encourage clusters merging. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Using Bayesian Variable Selection to Analyze Regular Resolution IV Two‐level Fractional Factorial Designs
Authors: Chipman Hugh A. , Hamada Michael S.
Published: June 2016

Regular two‐level fractional factorial designs have complete aliasing in which the associated columns of multiple effects are identical. In this article, we show how Bayesian variable selection can be used to analyze experiments that use such designs. Bayesian variable selection naturally incorporates heredity in addition to sparsity and hierarchy. This prior information is used to identify the most likely combinations of active terms. The method is demonstrated on simulated and real experiments. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiac Disease‐Induced Post‐traumatic Stress Symptoms (CDI‐PTSS) Among Patients' Partners
Authors: Fait Keren , Vilchinsky Noa , Dekel Rachel , Levi Nitza , Hod Hanoch , Matetzky Shlomi
Published: June 2016

It is well established that a patient's partner can be deeply affected by the traumatizing nature of the patient's illness. Yet, no study to date has focused on post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among partners of patients coping with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The current study's main aims were to address this gap and to evaluate cardiac disease‐induced (CDI) PTSS prevalence in partners of patients who experienced ACS. Patients who experienced ACS and their partners were interviewed by telephone 2 to 6 months after patients' hospitalization. All patients and partners were screened for CDI‐PTSS. Demographic and medical variables as well as partners' level of exposure to the cardiac event were assessed. Prevalence of CDI‐PTSS was higher among partners than among patients. Partners' number of CDI‐PTSS was not significantly associated with patients' number of CDI‐PTSS or with any of the other explanatory factors measured, except for education level. The preliminary results that arose from the current study point to the vast number of individuals who must act as caregivers for their ill partners while having to cope with their own PTSS. Much effort should be channelled into integrating partners into cardiac recovery programmes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polypyrrole‐Coated Zinc Ferrite Hollow Spheres with Improved Cycling Stability for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Xiaoran , Zhang Hongwei , Zhou Liang , Huang Xiaodan , Yu Chengzhong
Published: June 2016

Here, ZnFe2O4 double‐shell hollow microspheres are designed to accommodate the large volume expansion during lithiation. A facile and efficient vapor‐phase polymerization method has been developed to coat the ZnFe2O4 hollow spheres with polypyrrole (PPY). The thin PPY coating improves not only the electronic conductivity but also the structural integrity, and thus the cycling stability of the ZnFe2O4 hollow spheres. Our work sheds light on how to enhance the electrochemical performance of transition metal oxide‐based anode materials by designing delicate nanostructures.
Frameworks compiled from declarations: a language‐independent approach
Authors: van der Walt Paul , Consel Charles , Balland Emilie
Published: June 2016

Programming frameworks are an accepted fixture in the object‐oriented world, motivated by the need for code reuse, developer guidance and restriction. A new trend is emerging where frameworks require domain experts to provide declarations using a domain‐specific language, influencing the structure and behaviour of the resulting application. These mechanisms address concerns such as user privacy. Although many popular open platforms such as Android are based on declaration‐driven frameworks, current implementations provide ad hoc and narrow solutions to concerns raised by their openness to non‐certified developers. Most widely used frameworks fail to address serious privacy leaks and provide the user with little insight into application behaviour. To address these shortcomings, we show that declaration‐driven frameworks can limit privacy leaks, as well as guide developers, independently from the underlying programming paradigm. To do so, we identify concepts that underlie declaration‐driven frameworks and apply them systematically to an object‐oriented language, Java and a dynamic functional language, Racket. The resulting programming framework generators are used to develop a prototype mobile application, illustrating how we mitigate a common class of privacy leaks. Finally, we explore the possible design choices and propose development principles for developing domain‐specific language compilers to produce frameworks, applicable across a spectrum of programming paradigms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zur Anwendung des Eurocode 3 Teil 1‐2 für die Heißbemessung und Anregungen für dessen Novellierung
Authors: Hörenbaum Christoph , Laumann Jörg , Prokop Ines
Published: June 2016

Die Eurocodes werden bis zum Jahr 2020 im Europäischen Komitee für Normung (CEN), Technisches Komitee TC 250, überarbeitet. In Vorbereitung auf die Eurocode‐Novellierung haben engagierte Ingenieure im Rahmen der Initiative PraxisRegeln Bau (PRB) die für die praktische Anwendung häufig genutzten Teile des Eurocode 3 untersucht. Mit dem Ziel, die Praxistauglichkeit des Eurocode 3 für die Heißbemessung zu verbessern, wurden die bestehende Norm EN 1993 Teil 1‐2 insbesondere in Bezug auf die Anwenderfreundlichkeit analysiert und Vorschläge für die europäische Novellierung erarbeitet. Die Analysen zeigen, dass durch Umstrukturierungen und durch die Einführung von Tabellen die Verständlichkeit und Anwenderfreundlichkeit der Regeln für die Heißbemessung bedeutend erhöht werden können.

On the application of Eurocode 3 Part 1‐2 for structural fire design and suggestions for amendment. The Eurocodes will be revised in the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Technical Committee (TC) 250, up to 2020. In preparation on the Eurocode amendment engaged engineers have examined the most frequently used parts of Eurocode 3 within the Initiative PraxisRegeln Bau (Practice‐oriented Rules in Building Construction – PRB). With the aim to improve the user‐friendliness and ease of use of EN 1993‐1‐2 for structural fire design the existing norm was analysed and proposals were compiled for the European amendment. The analyses show that restructuring and new tables can enhance comprehensibility and ease of use of the rules for structural fire design of steel structures considerably.
Schweißnahtbewertung basierend auf 3D‐Laserscanning
Authors: Lang Robert , Lener Gerhard
Published: June 2016

Die Sichtprüfung von Schweißnähten ist die einfachste und am häufigsten durchgeführte Art der Schweißnahtprüfung. Neben laufenden Soll‐Kontrollen durch das Schweißpersonal während der Fertigung ist für alle Ausführungsklassen abschließend eine vollumfängliche Sichtprüfung nach EN 1990‐2 [1] durchzuführen. Dabei können direkte und indirekte Prüfmethoden angewendet werden, zu denen auch die Geometrieerfassung durch Laserscanning zu zählen ist. In diesem zweiten Teil des Beitrages wird die Anwendung eines mobilen Laserscansystems für den klassifizierenden Vergleich zur rein rechnerischen Ermittlung der Ermüdungsfestigkeit erläutert (Teil 1 s. Stahlbau, H. 5, S. 336–343).

Assessment of welds based on 3D laser scanning. Practical application of a mobile laser scan system for the surface assessment of welds – Part 2. The visual examination of welds is a simple and frequently used method for weld inspections. Besides the comparison between a target and performance state executed by the technical staff during the production process, a final visual inspection of the welds for all execution classes is demanded by EN 1990‐2 [1]. According to this standard, direct or indirect methods can be applied. An example for an indirect method is the scanning of the real geometry of the weld using laser scan technology. In this second part of this article the application of a mobile laser scan system is used as a base to quantify and compare the fatigue limits of scanned specimens with numerical methods only.
Dialogue Journals in Short‐Term Study Abroad: “Today I Wrote My Mind”
Authors: Dressler Roswita , Tweedie M. Gregory
Published: June 2016

Short‐term study abroad programs are growing in popularity, and educators and researchers are exploring effective tools to enhance the learning and cultural experiences of students in these programs. Dialogue journals, writing journals in which students respond to instructor prompts and in turn initiate topics for further written discussion, are a useful pedagogical tool in a variety of educational contexts, but their use in the short‐term study abroad setting remains largely unexplored. This article looks at the dialogue journal writing of eight Japanese students in a 4‐week visit to a Canadian faculty of education. Themes that emerged from their writing in conversation with their English for academic purposes instructor reveal that the dialogue journals provided a venue for students to express their feelings, draw upon their learning outside of class, and bring their intercultural learning into the dialogue. The use of dialogue journals facilitated the building of rapport between teacher and students and served to bridge cultural differences.
Mechanisms involved in reproductive toxicity caused by nickel nanoparticle in female rats
Authors: Kong Lu , Gao Xiaojie , Zhu Jiaqian , Cheng Keping , Tang Meng
Published: June 2016

Nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) are associated with reproductive toxicity. However, the mechanisms of reproductive toxicity are unclear. Our goal was to explore further reproductive toxicity induced by nickel nanoparticle and mechanisms involved in this process, including the role of oxidative stress and apoptosis. According to the one‐generation reproductive toxicity standard, rats were exposed to nickel nanoparticles by gavage and we selected indicators including ultrastructural, reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidant and antioxidant enzymes, and cell apoptosis‐related factors. Ultrastructural results of ovaries showed mitochondrion swelling, disappearance of mitochondrial cristae, and enlargement of the endoplasmic reticulum in the exposure groups. NiNPs had significantly decreased the activity of SOD and CAT, and had increased the levels of ROS, MDA, and NO in comparison with the control groups. The mRNA expressions of caspase‐3, caspase‐8, and caspase‐9 and the expressions of Fas, Cyt c, Bax, and Bid protein on the ovaries significantly increased. At the same time, the expressions of Bcl‐2 protein were significantly decreased. Based on these results, oxidative stress and cell apoptosis may play the important roles in inducing reproductive toxicity after NiNPs treatment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1674–1683, 2016.