bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Moderating Role of Purging Behaviour in the Relationship Between Sexual/Physical Abuse and Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury in Eating Disorder Patients
Authors: Gonçalves Sónia , Machado Bárbara , Silva Cátia , Crosby Ross D. , Lavender Jason M. , Cao Li. , Machado Paulo P. P.
Published: November 2015

This study sought to examine predictors of nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) in eating disorder patients and to evaluate the moderating role of purging behaviours in the relationship between a theorised predictor (i.e. sexual/physical abuse) and NSSI. Participants in this study were 177 female patients with eating disorders (age range = 14–38 years) who completed semistructured interviews assessing eating disorder symptoms and eating disorder‐related risk factors (e.g. history of sexual and physical abuse, history of NSSI and feelings of fatness). Results revealed that 65 participants (36.7%) reported lifetime engagement in NSSI, and 48 participants (27.1%) reported a history of sexual/physical abuse. Early onset of eating problems, lower BMI, feeling fat, a history of sexual/physical abuse and the presence of purging behaviours were all positively associated with the lifetime occurrence of NSSI. The relationship between sexual/physical abuse before eating disorder onset and lifetime NSSI was moderated by the presence of purging behaviours, such that the relationship was stronger in the absence of purging. These findings are consistent with the notion that purging and NSSI may serve similar functions in eating disorder patients (e.g. emotion regulation), such that the presence of purging may attenuate the strength of the association between sexual/physical abuse history (which is also associated with elevated NSSI risk) and engagement in NSSI behaviours. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
A study of the annual performance of bifacial photovoltaic modules in the case of vertical facade integration
Authors: Soria Bruno , Gerritsen Eric , Lefillastre Paul , Broquin Jean‐Emmanuel
Published: November 2015

Despite the apparent benefits of bifacial modules, their application still suffers from a lack of visibility on the performance gain that they can actually provide. In this work, we consider the specific application of vertically oriented bifacial modules, notably for facade integration. We have developed a methodology to evaluate the annual electrical performance of bifacial modules based on three tools. First, a double illumination characterization setup is used in a solar simulator for comparing module architectures. Then, a reduced scale outdoor test bench allows us to evaluate bifacial module performance in a variety of configurations. Finally, a ray‐tracing model validated with short‐term outdoor data leads to the determination of the annual performance gain. This methodology allowed us to find optimal performance according to the most important parameters of application and module. Specifically, a module architecture using half‐cut cells, a parallel cell interconnection, and textured glasses have been analyzed with respect to their influence on the resistive losses which increase in dual side illumination as well as to their influence on the effect of non‐ uniform and diffuse irradiance on the backside of the module. This work enabled us to give directions for innovative full‐size module architectures.
An improved unstructured WENO method for compressible multi‐fluids flow
Authors: Zheng Hongwei , Zhao Wengeng
Published: November 2015

An improved high‐order accurate WENO finite volume method based on unstructured grids for compressible multi‐fluids flow is proposed in this paper. The third‐order accuracy WENO finite volume method based on triangle cell is used to discretize the governing equations. To have higher order of accuracy, the P1 polynomial is reconstructed firstly. After that, the P2 polynomial is reconstructed from the combination of the P1. The reconstructed coefficients are calculated by analytical form of inverse matrix rather than the numerical inversion. This greatly improved the efficiency and the robustness. Four examples are presented to examine this algorithm. Numerical results show that there is no spurious oscillation of velocity and pressure across the interface and high‐order accurate result can be achieved. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hybrid time stepping scheme combining explicit Runge–Kutta with implicit LU‐SGS for Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Lu Fengling
Published: November 2015

A hybrid time stepping scheme is developed and implemented by a combination of explicit Runge–Kutta with implicit LU‐SGS scheme at the level of system matrix. In this method, the explicit scheme is applied to those grid cells of blocks that have large local time steps; meanwhile, the implicit scheme is applied to other grid cells of blocks that have smaller allowable local time steps in the same flow field. As a result, the discretized governing equations can be expressed as a compound of explicit and implicit matrix operator. The proposed method has been used to compute the steady transonic turbulent flow over the RAE 2822 airfoil. The numerical results are found to be in excellent agreement with the experimental data. In the validation case, the present scheme saved at least 50% of the memory resources compared with the fully implicit LU‐SGS. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐Time Signal Extraction with Regularized Multivariate Direct Filter Approach
Authors: Buss Ginters
Published: November 2015

The paper studies the regularized direct filter approach as a tool for real‐time signal extraction using high‐dimensional datasets. It is shown that the filter is able to process high‐dimensional datasets by controlling for effective degrees of freedom through longitudinal and cross‐sectional regularization. The paper illustrates the merit of the proposed approach by tracking the medium‐ to long‐run component in euro area gross domestic product growth. The created real‐time indicators outperform Eurocoin with respect to timeliness. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecasting High‐Frequency Risk Measures
Authors: Banulescu Denisa , Colletaz Gilbert , Hurlin Christophe , Tokpavi Sessi
Published: November 2015

This article proposes intraday high‐frequency risk (HFR) measures for market risk in the case of irregularly spaced high‐frequency data. In this context, we distinguish three concepts of value‐at‐risk (VaR): the total VaR, the marginal (or per‐time‐unit) VaR and the instantaneous VaR. Since the market risk is obviously related to the duration between two consecutive trades, these measures are completed with a duration risk measure, i.e. the time‐at‐risk (TaR). We propose a forecasting procedure for VaR and TaR for each trade or other market microstructure event. Subsequently, we perform a backtesting procedure specifically designed to assess the validity of the VaR and TaR forecasts on irregularly spaced data. The performance of the HFR measure is illustrated in an empirical application for two stocks (Bank of America and Microsoft) and an exchange‐traded fund based on Standard & Poor's 500 index. We show that the intraday HFR forecasts capture accurately the volatility and duration dynamics for these three assets. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating the Out‐of‐Sample Predictive Ability of Trading Rules: A Robust Bootstrap Approach
Authors: Hambuckers Julien , Heuchenne Cédric
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we provide a novel way to estimate the out‐of‐sample predictive ability of a trading rule. Usually, this ability is estimated using a sample‐splitting scheme, true out‐of‐sample data being rarely available. We argue that this method makes poor use of the available data and creates data‐mining possibilities. Instead, we introduce an alternative.632 bootstrap approach. This method enables building in‐sample and out‐of‐sample bootstrap datasets that do not overlap but exhibit the same time dependencies. We show in a simulation study that this technique drastically reduces the mean squared error of the estimated predictive ability. We illustrate our methodology on IBM, MSFT and DJIA stock prices, where we compare 11 trading rules specifications. For the considered datasets, two different filter rule specifications have the highest out‐of‐sample mean excess returns. However, all tested rules cannot beat a simple buy‐and‐hold strategy when trading at a daily frequency. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecasting Based on Decomposed Financial Return Series: A Wavelet Analysis
Authors: Berger Theo
Published: November 2015

We transform financial return series into its frequency and time domain via wavelet decomposition to separate short‐run noise from long‐run trends and assess the relevance of each frequency to value‐at‐risk (VaR) forecast. Furthermore, we analyze financial assets in calm and turmoil market times and show that daily 95% VaR forecasts are mainly driven by the volatility that is captured by the first scales comprising the short‐run information, whereas more timescales are needed to adequately forecast 99% VaR. As a result, individual timescales linked via copulas outperform classical parametric VaR approaches that incorporate all information available. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion of responsibility attenuates altruistic punishment: A functional magnetic resonance imaging effective connectivity study
Authors: Feng Chunliang , Deshpande Gopikrishna , Liu Chao , Gu Ruolei , Luo Yue‐Jia , Krueger Frank
Published: November 2015

Humans altruistically punish violators of social norms to enforce cooperation and pro‐social behaviors. However, such altruistic behaviors diminish when others are present, due to a diffusion of responsibility. We investigated the neural signatures underlying the modulations of diffusion of responsibility on altruistic punishment, conjoining a third‐party punishment task with event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging and multivariate Granger causality mapping. In our study, participants acted as impartial third‐party decision‐makers and decided how to punish norm violations under two different social contexts: alone (i.e., full responsibility) or in the presence of putative other third‐party decision makers (i.e., diffused responsibility). Our behavioral results demonstrated that the diffusion of responsibility served as a mediator of context‐dependent punishment. In the presence of putative others, participants who felt less responsible also punished less severely in response to norm violations. Our neural results revealed that underlying this behavioral effect was a network of interconnected brain regions. For unfair relative to fair splits, the presence of others led to attenuated responses in brain regions implicated in signaling norm violations (e.g., AI) and to increased responses in brain regions implicated in calculating values of norm violations (e.g., vmPFC, precuneus) and mentalizing about others (dmPFC). The dmPFC acted as the driver of the punishment network, modulating target regions, such as AI, vmPFC, and precuneus, to adjust altruistic punishment behavior. Our results uncovered the neural basis of the influence of diffusion of responsibility on altruistic punishment and highlighted the role of the mentalizing network in this important phenomenon. Hum Brain Mapp 37:663–677, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reliable determination of the few‐layer graphene oxide thickness using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Kostiuk Dmytro , Bodik Michal , Siffalovic Peter , Jergel Matej , Halahovets Yuriy , Hodas Martin , Pelletta Marco , Pelach Michal , Hulman Martin , Spitalsky Zdenko , Omastova Maria , Majkova Eva
Published: November 2015

We report on a reference‐free Raman spectroscopy method for a precise thickness determination of the multilayered graphene oxide flakes. The method is based on the normalization of the total integral intensity of D and G Raman bands to the integral intensity of the second‐order optical phonon peak of the silicon substrate in the Raman spectrum. The normalization provides discrete ratio values corresponding to the number of graphene oxide layers in the respective flakes with the intensity linearly increasing with the number of layers. This provides a fast and robust determination of the thickness of graphene oxide flakes in terms of the layer number up to high values. A comparison with conventional spectrally resolved reflectivity mapping shows similar sensitivity, while selectivity to particular functional chemical groups is a bonus of the Raman‐based method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combinative application of pH‐zone‐refining and conventional high‐speed counter‐current chromatography for preparative separation of caged polyprenylated xanthones from gamboge
Authors: Xu Min , Fu Wenwei , Zhang Baojun , Tan Hongsheng , Xiu Yanfeng , Xu Hongxi
Published: November 2015

An efficient method for the preparative separation of four structurally similar caged xanthones from the crude extracts of gamboge was established, which involves the combination of pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography and conventional high‐speed counter‐current chromatography for the first time. pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography was performed with the solvent system composed of n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (7:3:8:2, v/v/v/v), where 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid was added to the upper organic stationary phase as a retainer and 0.03% triethylamine was added to the aqueous mobile phase as an eluter. From 3.157 g of the crude extract, 1.134 g of gambogic acid, 180.5 mg of gambogenic acid and 572.9 mg of a mixture of two other caged polyprenylated xanthones were obtained. The mixture was further separated by conventional high‐speed counter‐current chromatography with a solvent system composed of n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (5:5:10:5, v/v/v/v) and n‐hexane/methyl tert‐butyl ether/acetonitrile/water (8:2:6:4,v/v/v/v), yielding 11.6 mg of isogambogenic acid and 10.4 mg of β‐morellic acid from 218.0 mg of the mixture, respectively. The purities of all four of the compounds were over 95%, as determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography, and the chemical structures of the four compounds were confirmed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The combinative application of pH‐zone‐refining counter‐current chromatography and conventional high‐speed counter‐current chromatography shows great advantages in isolating and enriching the caged polyprenylated xanthones.
Multiple monolithic fiber solid‐phase microextraction based on a polymeric ionic liquid with high‐performance liquid chromatography for the determination of steroid sex hormones in water and urine
Authors: Liao Keren , Mei Meng , Li Haonan , Huang Xiaojia , Wu Cuiqin
Published: November 2015

The development of a simple and sensitive analytical approach that combines multiple monolithic fiber solid‐phase microextraction with liquid desorption followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection is proposed for the determination of trace levels of seven steroid sex hormones (estriol, 17β‐estradiol, testosterone, ethinylestradiol, estrone, progesterone and mestranol) in water and urine matrices. To extract the target analytes effectively, multiple monolithic fiber solid‐phase microextraction based on a polymeric ionic liquid was used to concentrate hormones. Several key extraction parameters including desorption solvent, extraction and desorption time, pH value and ionic strength in sample matrix were investigated in detail. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the limits of detection were found to be in the range of 0.027–0.12 μg/L. The linear range was 0.10–200 μg/L for 17β‐estradiol, 0.25–200 μg/L estriol, ethinylestradiol and estrone, and 0.50–200 μg/L for the other hormones. Satisfactory linearities were achieved for analytes with the correlation coefficients above 0.99. Acceptable method reproducibility was achieved by evaluating the repeatability and intermediate precision with relative standard deviations of both less than 8%. The enrichment factors ranged from 54‐ to 74‐fold. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of steroid sex hormones in environmental water samples and human urines with spiking recoveries ranged from 75.6 to 116%.
Habitat influences distribution of chronic wasting disease in white‐tailed deer
Authors: Evans Tyler S. , Kirchgessner Megan S. , Eyler Brian , Ryan Christopher W. , Walter W. David
Published: November 2015

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy that was first detected in 1967 in a captive research facility in Colorado. In the northeastern United States, CWD was first confirmed in white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in 2005. Because CWD is a new and emerging disease with a spatial distribution that had yet to be assessed in the Northeast, we examined demographic, environmental, and spatial effects to determine how each related to this spatial distribution. The objectives of our study were to identify environmental and spatial effects that best described the spatial distribution of CWD in free‐ranging white‐tailed deer and identify areas that support deer that are at risk for CWD infection in the Northeast. We used Bayesian hierarchical modeling that incorporated demographic covariates, such as sex and age, along with environmental covariates, which included elevation, slope, riparian corridor, percent clay, and 3 landscapes (i.e., developed, forested, open). The model with the most support contained landscape covariates and spatial effects that represented clustering of CWD in adjacent grid cells. Forested landscapes had the strongest relationship with the distribution of CWD, with increased risk of CWD occurring in areas that had lesser amounts of forest. Our results will assist resource managers in understanding the spatial distribution of CWD within the study area, and in surrounding areas where CWD has yet to be found. Efficiency of disease surveillance and containment efforts can be improved by allocating resources used for surveillance in areas with deer populations that are at greatest risk for infection. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Revision neural monitored surgery for recurrent thyroid cancer: Safety and thyroglobulin response
Authors: Salari Behzad , Ren Yin , Kamani Dipti , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: November 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the quantitative biochemical response, recurrence rate, and rate of surgical complications for thyroid cancer revision surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

This is a single institution analysis of a prospective database of 181 patients undergoing reoperation for local recurrent thyroid cancer by the same surgeon from 2004 to 2013 with intraoperative neural monitoring. Main outcome measures included pathologic findings, surgical complications, effect of reoperation on thyroglobulin (Tg) levels, and recurrence rate. We defined biochemical complete remission as postoperative stimulated Tg of 0.2 ng/mL or less.

Results

Fourteen percent of the patients presented with permanent vocal cord palsy (VCP), and 20% of the patients presented with hypocalcemia prior to surgery. Among them, 70% of the patients underwent first revision surgery; whereas in 30% the surgery represented second or higher revision surgery, with 8% being a third or higher revision. None developed temporary or permanent VCP. Temporary hypocalcemia occurred in 9% of the patients, and permanent hypocalcemia occurred in 4.2%. The rate of cervical node recurrence was 5% at a median follow‐up of 3.4 years. There were no disease‐specific deaths. Mean preoperative basal Tg was 22.3 ng/mL and mean postoperative Tg was 5.7 ng/mL, a decline of 74% (P = 0.023, paired t test). Biochemical complete remission was achieved in 58% of all revision cases.

Conclusion

Reoperative neural monitored surgery for recurrent thyroid cancer is a safe and effective procedure with limited morbidity in experienced hands, even in the setting of multiple prior revision surgeries and existing comorbidities such as VCP and hypocalcemia.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:1020–1025, 2016
Eosinophilic esophagitis strongly linked to chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Padia Reema , Curtin Karen , Peterson Kathryn , Orlandi Richard R. , Alt Jeremiah
Published: November 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the relative risk of having eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) coexist with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in probands and their families using the Utah Population Database (UPDB).

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study with population‐based matched controls utilized the UPDB, a genealogical database linked to medical records. It was used to identify CRS and EoE patients diagnosed at any age between 2008 and 2012. The familial risks of an EoE diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 530.13) in CRS probands, and vice versa, and their first‐ through fifth‐degree relatives and spouses were calculated using logistic regression models in comparison to controls randomly selected from the Utah population and individually matched 6:1 on sex and birth year.

Results

Probands with CRS demonstrated a 3.4‐fold increased risk of having EoE themselves (P < 10−15). First‐degree relatives (parents, siblings, and children) of CRS probands had a 1.5‐fold increased risk of having EoE (P < 10−4), whereas more distant relatives did not show a significant increased risk. Spouses of probands had a 1.4‐fold increased risk of having EoE (P = 0.055). Conversely, risk estimates of having CRS in EoE probands were consistent.

Conclusion

We observed an increased risk of comorbid EoE in patients with CRS and their families. An association between CRS and EoE as comorbid conditions suggests that a familial component is contributing to the etiology of both diseases. Further analyses regarding the pathophysiology of the development of CRS in these specific patients will lead to a better understanding of both disease processes and may help target therapy.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 126:1279–1283, 2016
Neck recurrence and mortality in esthesioneuroblastoma: Implications for management of the N0 neck
Authors: Naples James G. , Spiro Jeffrey , Tessema Belachew , Kuwada Clinton , Kuo Chia‐Ling , Brown Seth M.
Published: November 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To review the literature on neck recurrence in esthesioneuroblastoma.

Study Design

PubMed database.

Methods

A PubMed database search was performed using keywords “esthesioneuroblastoma,” “olfactory neuroblastoma,” and “esthesioneuroblastoma neck metastasis.” Articles written in English with greater than 10 subjects that had data regarding the association of neck recurrence and mortality and/or the association of neck recurrence with Kadish stage were included for analysis.

Results

Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria with information regarding the association of neck recurrence and mortality, and 15 studies had data associating neck recurrence and Kadish stage. The neck recurrence rate was 14.1% in studies analyzing mortality. Among those patients who developed regional metastases, mortality was 60%. Of patients without regional recurrence, the mortality rate from disease was 26% (P < 0.0001) and overall mortality was 32% (P < 0.0001).

The rate of neck recurrence within each Kadish stage was 0%, 11%, 21%, and 18% for Kadish stages A, B, C, and D, respectively. The trend toward an increased incidence of neck recurrence from stage A to stage D is statistically significant, with P value 0.003.

Conclusion

The rate of neck recurrence in esthesioneuroblastoma is close to 15%. There is a strong association of recurrence with Kadish stage B and C. Mortality from disease in patients with recurrence in cervical lymph nodes is significant when compared to those who never develop neck disease. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate a potential role for elective neck dissection versus elective neck radiation for patients with esthesioneuroblastoma.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:1373–1379, 2016
Safety and efficacy of cryolipolysis for non‐invasive reduction of submental fat
Authors: Kilmer Suzanne L. , Burns A. Jay , Zelickson Brian D.
Published: November 2015

Background and Objectives

Cryolipolysis has previously received FDA clearance for fat reduction in the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. There is also interest in small volume fat reduction for areas such as the chin, knees, and axilla. This article reports the results of a cryolipolysis pivotal IDE study for reduction of submental fullness.

Study Design/Material and Methods

A prototype small volume vacuum applicator (CoolMini applicator, CoolSculpting System, ZELTIQ Aesthetics) was used to treat 60 subjects in the submental area. At each treatment visit, a single treatment cycle was delivered at −10°C for 60 minutes, the same temperature and duration used in current commercially‐available cryolipolysis vacuum applicators. At the investigator's discretion, an optional second treatment was delivered 6 weeks after the initial treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was 80% correct identification of baseline photographs by independent physician review. The primary safety endpoint was monitoring incidence of device‐ and/or procedure‐related serious adverse events. Secondary endpoints included assessment of fat layer thickness by ultrasound and subject satisfaction surveys administered 12 weeks after final cryolipolysis treatment.

Results

Independent photo review from 3 blinded physicians found 91% correct identification of baseline clinical photographs. Ultrasound data indicated mean fat layer reduction of 2.0 mm. Patient questionnaires revealed 83% of subjects were satisfied, 80% would recommend submental cryolipolysis to a friend, 77% reported visible fat reduction, 77% felt that their appearance improved following the treatment, and 76% found the procedure to be comfortable. No device‐ or procedure‐related serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

The results of this clinical evaluation of 60 patients treated in a pivotal IDE study demonstrate that submental fat can be reduced safely and effectively with a small volume cryolipolysis applicator. Patient surveys revealed that submental cryolipolysis was well‐tolerated, produced visible improvement in the neck contour, and generated high patient satisfaction. These study results led to FDA clearance of cryolipolysis for submental fat treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:3–13, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biliary complications after living donor hepatectomy: A first report from India
Authors: Pamecha Viniyendra , Bharathy Kishore Gurumoorthy Subramanya , Kumar Senthil , Sasturkar Shridhar Vasantrao , Sinha Piyush Kumar
Published: November 2015

Biliary complications after donor hepatectomy can result in significant morbidity. We herein present our experience of donor hepatectomy, highlighting surgical techniques that prevent complications. Data were reviewed from a prospectively maintained database of all donors who underwent hepatectomy from April 2011 to April 2015. Standard operative technique as described was followed in all patients. Biliary complications and morbidity were recorded and stratified as per Clavien‐Dindo classification. Results were compared with published literature. During the study period, 160 donors underwent hepatectomy. The majority of the graft types were right hemiliver without the middle hepatic vein (71.9%). Major complications (grade III and above) occurred in 5.6% of the donors. There was no donor mortality. Only 1 out of the 160 donors (0.6%) has had a grade III biliary complication requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and papillotomy. There were 3 grade II biliary complications, all occurring after left lateral sectionectomy, necessitating prolonged retention of the intra‐abdominal drain. The median duration of hospital stay was 11 days (range, 5‐67 days), and the duration of follow‐up was 16 months (range, 3‐52 months). There was no loss to follow‐up, and no donor required readmission or outpatient procedures for any biliary complication. In conclusion, with careful donor selection and a standardized surgical technique, biliary complications can be minimized. Liver Transplantation 22 607‐614 2016 AASLD.
Ex vivo evaluation of 4 different viscoelastic assays for detecting moderate to severe coagulopathy during liver transplantation
Authors: Abuelkasem Ezeldeen , Mazzeffi Michael A. , Lu Shu Yang , Planinsic Raymond M. , Sakai Tetsuro , Tanaka Kenichi A.
Published: November 2015

Prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and its ratio are routinely used for the assessment of candidates for liver transplantation (LT), but intraoperative coagulation management of transfusion is hindered by its long turnaround time. Abnormal reaction time (R time) on thromboelastography (TEG) or clotting time (CT) of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) are presumably an alternative, but there is a paucity of clinical data on abnormal R time/CT values compared to PT during LT. After receiving institutional review board approval and informed consent, we obtained blood samples from 36 LT patients for international normalized ratio (INR), factor (F) X level, and viscoelastic tests (EXTEM/INTEM and kaolin/rapid TEG) at baseline and 30 minutes after graft reperfusion. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated for INR > 1.5 and viscoelastic R time/CT thresholds to assess the ability to diagnose FX deficiency at the moderate (<50%) or severe (<35%) level. The FX deficiency data were calculated using cutoff values of INR (>1.5) and abnormal R time/CT for TEG and ROTEM. Tissue factor (TF)–activated INR and EXTEM‐CT performed well in diagnosing FX below 50%, but rapid TEG with combined TF and kaolin activators failed. Improved performance of INTEM‐CT in diagnosing FX below 35% underlies multifactorial deficiency involving both intrinsic and common pathways. In conclusion, the differences among different viscoelastic tests and clinical situations should be carefully considered when they are used to guide transfusion during LT.
Quercetin inhibits multiple pathways involved in interleukin 6 secretion from human lung fibroblasts and activity in bronchial epithelial cell transformation induced by benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide
Authors: Chen Wenshu , Padilla Mabel T. , Xu Xiuling , Desai Dhimant , Krzeminski Jacek , Amin Shantu , Lin Yong
Published: November 2015

The interaction between epithelial and stromal cells through soluble factors such as cytokines plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Breaking this cancer‐promoting interaction poses an opportunity for cancer prevention. The tumor‐promoting function of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) has been documented; however, the underlying mechanisms of this function in lung carcinogenesis are not well elucidated. Here, we show that benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE, the active metabolite of cigarette smoke carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene)‐induced human bronchial epithelial cell (HBEC) transformation was enhanced by IL‐6 in vitro. The carcinogen/IL‐6‐transformed cells exhibited higher expression of STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) when compared with cells transformed by BPDE alone. Constitutive STAT3 activation drove cell proliferation and survival through anti‐apoptosis gene expression. We further show that quercetin, a dietary compound having preventive properties for lung cancer, decreased BPDE‐stimulated IL‐6 secretion from human lung fibroblasts through inhibition of the NF‐κB and ERK pathways. The inhibition was accomplished at clinically achievable concentrations of the compound. Finally, quercetin blocked IL‐6‐induced STAT3 activation in HBECs, and IL‐6 enhancement of HBEC transformation by BPDE was abolished by quercetin treatment. Altogether, our data reveal novel mechanisms for IL‐6 in lung carcinogenesis and for the preventive role of quercetin in the process. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimization of neural networks for precipitation analysis in a humid region to detect drought and wet year alarms
Authors: Valipour Mohammad
Published: November 2015

In this study, annual precipitation was forecast by coding in MATLAB software environment based on a non‐linear autoregressive neural network (NARNN), non‐linear input–output (NIO) and NARNN with exogenous input (NARNNX). Historical precipitation data (27 precipitation gauge stations located in Gilan, Iran) were used as two 21 year sets from 1968 to 1988 and from 1989 to 2009 for calibration and testing of the networks, respectively. Results showed that the accuracy of the NARNNX was better than that of the NARNN and NIO, based on r values. However, performance of the networks was not satisfactory because the number of neurons in the hidden layer and the roles of training, validation and testing phases were lacking flexibility and change. Optimization of the number of neurons in the hidden layer and the determination of the best role among the different phases led to improvement of network accuracy. The r values were <0.73 only for five stations in the optimized NARNN and <0.74 only for those stations with optimized NIO.
Modelling of daily maximum temperatures over Australia from 1970 to 2012
Authors: Wanishsakpong Wandee , McNeil Nittaya
Published: November 2015

The variations of daily maximum temperatures over consecutive 5 day periods from 1970 to 2012 in Australia are described. The data were obtained from the Australia Bureau of Meteorology, comprising measurements from 85 weather stations. Linear regression was used initially to model the seasonally adjusted daily maximum temperatures. Factor analysis was used to classify the temperatures from the 85 stations into seven factors which correspond to seven geographical regions. The average maximum annual temperature in these seven regions ranged from 23 to 36 °C. A 6th order polynomial regression model was then fitted to investigate the trend and pattern of the temperatures in these seven regions. Similar increasing temperature trends occurred in the central, eastern, southern and southeastern parts of the country.
Redox modulation of curcumin stability: Redox active antioxidants increase chemical stability of curcumin
Authors: Nimiya Yoshiki , Wang Weicang , Du Zheyuan , Sukamtoh Elvira , Zhu Julia , Decker Eric , Zhang Guodong
Published: November 2015

Scope

Substantial studies have shown that curcumin, a dietary compound from turmeric, has beneficial effects on many diseases. However, curcumin rapidly degrades at physiological pH, making it difficult to interpret whether the observed actions of curcumin are from curcumin itself or its degradation products. Therefore, it is important to better understand the mechanisms involved in curcumin degradation and the roles of degradation in its biological actions.

Methods and results

Here, we show that a series of redox active antioxidants with diverse chemical structures, including gallic acid, ascorbate (vitamin C), tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and Trolox (a water‐soluble analog of vitamin E), dramatically increased curcumin stability in phosphate buffer at physiological pH. When treated in basal cell culture medium in MC38 colon cancer cells, curcumin rapidly degraded with a half‐life of several minutes and showed a weak antiproliferative effect; co‐addition of antioxidants enhanced stability and antiproliferative effect of curcumin. Finally, co‐administration of antioxidant significantly increased plasma level of curcumin in animal models.

Conclusion

Together, these studies strongly suggest that a redox‐dependent mechanism plays a critical role in mediating curcumin degradation. In addition, curcumin itself, instead of its degradation products, is largely responsible for the observed biological actions of curcumin.
Simultaneous and interleaved acquisition of NMR signals from different nuclei with a clinical MRI scanner
Authors: Meyerspeer Martin , Magill Arthur W. , Kuehne Andre , Gruetter Rolf , Moser Ewald , Schmid Albrecht Ingo
Published: November 2015

Purpose

Modification of a clinical MRI scanner to enable simultaneous or rapid interleaved acquisition of signals from two different nuclei.

Methods

A device was developed to modify the local oscillator signal fed to the receive channel(s) of an MRI console. This enables external modification of the frequency at which the receiver is sensitive and rapid switching between different frequencies. Use of the device was demonstrated with interleaved and simultaneous 31P and 1H spectroscopic acquisitions, and with interleaved 31P and 1H imaging.

Results

Signal amplitudes and signal‐to‐noise ratios were found to be unchanged for the modified system, compared with data acquired with the MRI system in the standard configuration.

Conclusion

Interleaved and simultaneous 1H and 31P signal acquisition was successfully demonstrated with a clinical MRI scanner, with only minor modification of the RF architecture. While demonstrated with 31P, the modification is applicable to any detectable nucleus without further modification, enabling a wide range of simultaneous and interleaved experiments to be performed within a clinical setting. Magn Reson Med 76:1636–1641, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Correction of inter‐scan motion artifacts in quantitative R1 mapping by accounting for receive coil sensitivity effects
Authors: Papp Daniel , Callaghan Martina F. , Meyer Heiko , Buckley Craig , Weiskopf Nikolaus
Published: November 2015

Purpose

Inter‐scan motion causes differential receive field modulation between scans, leading to errors when they are combined to quantify MRI parameters. We present a robust and efficient method that accounts for inter‐scan motion by removing this modulation before parameter quantification.

Theory and Methods

Five participants moved between two high‐resolution structural scans acquired with different flip angles. Before each high‐resolution scan, the effective relative sensitivity of the receive head coil was estimated by combining two rapid low‐resolution scans acquired receiving on each of the body and head coils. All data were co‐registered and sensitivity variations were removed from the high‐resolution scans by division with the effective relative sensitivity. R1 maps with and without this correction were calculated and compared against reference maps unaffected by inter‐scan motion.

Results

Even after coregistration, inter‐scan motion significantly biased the R1 maps, leading to spurious variation in R1 in brain tissue and deviations with respect to a no‐motion reference. The proposed correction scheme reduced the error to within the typical scan–rescan error observed in datasets unaffected by motion.

Conclusion

Inter‐scan motion negatively impacts the accuracy and precision of R1 mapping. We present a validated correction method that accounts for position‐specific receive field modulation. Magn Reson Med 76:1478–1485, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Controlling confounding of treatment effects in administrative data in the presence of time‐varying baseline confounders
Authors: Gilbertson David T. , Bradbury Brian D. , Wetmore James B. , Weinhandl Eric D. , Monda Keri L. , Liu Jiannong , Brookhart M. Alan , Gustafson Sally K. , Roberts Tricia , Collins Allan J. , Rothman Kenneth J.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

Confounding, a concern in nonexperimental research using administrative claims, is nearly ubiquitous in claims‐based pharmacoepidemiology studies. A fixed‐length look‐back window for assessing comorbidity from claims is common, but it may be advantageous to use all historical claims. We assessed how the strength of association between a baseline‐identified condition and subsequent mortality varied by when the condition was measured and investigated methods to control for confounding.

Methods

For Medicare beneficiaries undergoing maintenance hemodialysis on 1 January 2008 (n = 222 343), we searched all Medicare claims, 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2007, for four conditions representing chronic and acute diseases, and classified claims by number of months preceding the index date. We used proportional hazard models to estimate the association between time of condition and subsequent mortality. We simulated a confounded comorbidity–exposure relationship and investigated an alternative method of adjustment when the association between the condition and mortality varied by proximity to follow‐up start.

Results

The magnitude of the mortality hazard ratio estimates for each condition investigated decreased toward unity as time increased between index date and most recent manifestation of the condition. Simulation showed more biased estimates of exposure–outcome associations if proximity to follow‐up start was not considered.

Conclusions

Using all‐available claims information during a baseline period, we found that for all conditions investigated, the association between a comorbid condition and subsequent mortality varied considerably depending on when the condition was measured. Improved confounding control may be achieved by considering the timing of claims relative to follow‐up start. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between brightness and roughness of polypropylene abraded surfaces
Authors: Van Gorp Adrien , Bigerelle Maxence , Najjar Denis
Published: November 2015

This article proposes to analyze the relation between gloss and roughness of surfaces of polypropylene samples abraded at different magnitudes. Experiments consist of mechanical polishing at different grades, roughness profiles measurement, and specular light reflectometry with three incidence angles of resulting surfaces. About 100 roughness parameters were considered in this investigation and an original statistical methodology combining the conventional one‐way ANOVA to the recent and powerful Computer Based Bootstrap Method (CBBM) is presented to select which of them is the most relevant, first, to characterize the polypropylene surfaces abraded at different magnitude and, second, to model the physical interaction of these abraded surfaces with a white light beam. The statistical treatment of the experimental results of this investigation shows that the fractal dimension is the most relevant roughness parameter in the two cases. As far as the optical properties are concerned, it is shown that the fractal dimension of an abraded surface is closely related to the local curvature radii of peaks which are known to play a major role in physical interactions with a white light beam. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:103–117, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fuel Cell Electrodes From Organometallic Platinum Precursors: An Easy Atmospheric Plasma Approach
Authors: Merche Delphine , Dufour Thierry , Baneton Joffrey , Caldarella Giuseppe , Debaille Vinciane , Job Nathalie , Reniers François
Published: November 2015

An organometallic powder (platinum (II) acetylacetonate) is decomposed in the post‐discharge of an atmospheric RF plasma torch to deposit Pt nanoparticles on carbon black supports. The resulting nanohybrid materials are characterized by FEG‐SEM and XPS techniques to highlight their high content in Pt, their oxidation degree, and the dispersion of the Pt nanoparticles on the substrate. ICP‐MS and electrochemical characterizations in a single fuel cell (cyclic voltammetry, dynamic polarization curves) are also performed on electrodes realized by treating the powder mixture overlaid on gas diffusion layers. The comparison of the catalytic activity and the Pt loading with commercially available electrodes shows the great potential of this simple innovative, fast, and robust deposition method.
Evolution of a protein folding nucleus
Authors: Xia Xue , Longo Liam M. , Sutherland Mason A. , Blaber Michael
Published: November 2015

The folding nucleus (FN) is a cryptic element within protein primary structure that enables an efficient folding pathway and is the postulated heritable element in the evolution of protein architecture; however, almost nothing is known regarding how the FN structurally changes as complex protein architecture evolves from simpler peptide motifs. We report characterization of the FN of a designed purely symmetric β‐trefoil protein byϕ‐value analysis. We compare the structure and folding properties of key foldable intermediates along the evolutionary trajectory of the β‐trefoil. The results show structural acquisition of the FN during gene fusion events, incorporating novel turn structure created by gene fusion. Furthermore, the FN is adjusted by circular permutation in response to destabilizing functional mutation. FN plasticity by way of circular permutation is made possible by the intrinsic C3cyclic symmetry of the β‐trefoil architecture, identifying a possible selective advantage that helps explain the prevalence of cyclic structural symmetry in the proteome.
PSM auditing: Thinking beyond compliance
Authors: Gill Stephen
Published: November 2015

The process safety management (PSM) rule requires a “compliance audit” at least every 3 years. This description implies that the purpose of the audit is to ensure that legal requirements are met. Thoughtful companies recognize that meeting the minimum legal requirements may not be sufficient, and also audit for conformance with their internal company standards and procedures. However, in audit programs designed to check compliance with either legal or legal + internal requirements, there is an implicit assumption that conformance will result in an acceptable process safety performance. In other words, if all of the “inputs” are right (i.e., there is compliance with the standards and procedures), then process safety is being managed effectively—and the desired “outputs” will follow. This assumption may not be valid! In reality, managing process safety requires the meshing or connecting of several related work processes or activities in order to effectively deliver the desired results. Checking each activity for compliance with standards does not necessarily ensure that the sum of the connected activities is delivering what was intended.

Take, for example, the identification and control of major risk scenarios. The PSM intention is that risk scenarios are identified in either the initial Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) or subsequent revalidation, sufficient controls are provided to meet the corporate risk criteria, the controls are maintained throughout the operating life, the operating, technical, and management teams are trained in and understand the scenarios and the scenarios are well documented in the operating procedures. Compliance auditing typically checks that all of the individual activities are “compliant” (PHA conducted on time and actions closed, trip system testing completed per schedule, training records complete, operating procedures updated on time, etc.). Such an approach does not typically track that the content is carried consistently through the collection of processes, and that the knowledge and controls for the identified scenarios are in place and robust.

This article proposes an audit approach which checks both that the organization is compliant with the prescribed activities and procedures, and that the activities and procedures are effectively delivering the intended results. The main focus is on applying this approach to the aspects of PSM that address specific risk scenarios and their associated controls. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 35: 295–299, 2016