bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attachment and Self‐Efficacy in Career Search Activities: A Structural Model
Authors: Wright Stephen L.
Published: June 2017

The author integrated attachment theory with social cognitive career theory (SCCT) to examine how attachment styles influence the career search self‐efficacy activities of interviewing, networking, job searching, and personal exploration. Using an undergraduate sample (N = 275, 81% women), the author tested a structural model. Results indicated that anxious attachment style was negatively related to interviewing self‐efficacy, whereas avoidant attachment style was negatively related to networking, job searching, and personal exploration self‐efficacy. Theoretical implications based on these findings provide support for an integrative model of attachment theory with SCCT. Career counselors are encouraged to consider clients’ attachment styles when working with individuals who are searching for employment. To help address the limitations of the study, future researchers could test the applicability of the current model with a more diverse sample.
Contextual Factors Related to African American Adolescent Career Development
Authors: Bounds Patrice S.
Published: June 2017

African American adolescents’ career development has gained increased attention in light of various barriers affecting their educational and career development goals. The author examined relationships among career decision self‐efficacy, ethnic identity, and academic self‐concept of 104 African American high school students enrolled in Upward Bound programs. Participants responded to measures of career decision self‐efficacy, ethnic identity, and academic self‐concept. Results indicated that career decision self‐efficacy was significantly and positively correlated with ethnic identity and academic self‐concept. In addition, academic self‐concept was found to be a stronger predictor of career decision self‐efficacy than was ethnic identity. The results of this study may assist counselors, teachers, administrators, and parents to understand career decision self‐efficacy as it relates to ethnic identity, academic self‐concept, and demographic variables. This research supports the need for continued career‐related interventions within the schools designed to focus on factors related to ethnic minorities to help foster their career development.
Relative Deprivation and Career Decision Self‐Efficacy: Influences of Self‐Regulation and Parental Educational Attainment
Authors: Suh Han Na , Flores Lisa Y.
Published: June 2017

Nearly 70% of Korean women pursue postsecondary education, yet they occupy lower‐status positions than do men (K. Kim & Han, ). Therefore, the authors examined relative deprivation in equal opportunities and its effect on career‐related self‐efficacy among 603 Korean female college students. Self‐regulation was hypothesized to mediate the effects of relative deprivation on career decision self‐efficacy. This effect was hypothesized to differ according to parents’ educational attainment due to different degrees of parental support. As expected, self‐regulation mediated the relationship between relative deprivation and career decision self‐efficacy for participants whose parents had high education levels. However, participants whose parents had low education levels demonstrated less involvement in resolving relative deprivation. Findings suggest that career counselors should use different interventions based on parental education level to influence students’ self‐regulation and to enhance career decision self‐efficacy.
Coordinated distributed moving horizon state estimation for linear systems based on prediction‐driven method
Authors: An Tianrui , Yin Xunyuan , Liu Jinfeng , Forbes J. Fraser
Published: June 2017

The distributed framework has been considered as one promising framework for the control of large‐scale systems. In this work, we propose a coordination algorithm for distributed moving horizon state estimators (MHEs) for discrete‐time linear systems composed of subsystems. In particular, the class of linear system we focus on is composed of several subsystems that interact with each other via their states. In the proposed coordinated distributed MHE (CDMHE) scheme, each subsystem is associated with a local MHE. In the design of a local MHE, a coordinating term is incorporated into its cost function which is determined by an upper‐layer coordinator. At each sampling time, a local MHE estimates its local state and system noise, and then sends them to the coordinator. The coordinator calculates a price vector based on information received from all the local MHEs and sends the price vector together with the calculated interaction estimates to each local MHE. The above steps are performed iteratively every sampling time. It is shown that the CDMHE scheme is able to achieve the estimation performance of the corresponding centralized design if convergence at each sampling time is ensured. A simulation study based on a chemical process is presented to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed scheme. The cases with communication failures, and premature termination are also discussed.
Modelling Phage−Bacteria Interaction in Micro‐Bioreactors
Authors: de Leeuw Marina , Brenner Asher , Kushmaro Ariel
Published: June 2017

Biological wastewater treatment relies on the ability of bacterial populations to breakdown organic materials and nutrients into end products, and toxic ingredients into harmless substances. In addition to bacteria, bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) are ubiquitous in many ecological systems including bioreactors for wastewater treatment. This leads to predator–prey dynamics between these populations, which should be taken into consideration when modelling and applying biological treatment processes. In this study, the predator–prey relationship between bacteria and phages isolated from a wastewater treatment bioreactor was investigated. Using microtiter plates, which served as multiple micro scale eco‐systems, shifts in the bacterial population were monitored using a microplate reader. Based on this set of data, a mathematical model incorporating phage‐bacteria interactions was developed and calibrated using Matlab; the calibration process was analyzed. The microplate reader was shown to serve as a useful tool for parameter calibration and basic modelling of phage–bacteria behaviour in bioreactors.
A profile of auditory‐responsive neurons in the larval zebrafish brain
Authors: Vanwalleghem Gilles , Heap Lucy A. , Scott Ethan K.
Published: June 2017

Many features of auditory processing are conserved among vertebrates, but the degree to which these pathways are established at early stages is not well explored. In this study, we have observed single cell activity throughout the brains of larval zebrafish with the goal of identifying the cellular responses, brain regions, and brain‐wide pathways through which these larvae perceive and process auditory stimuli. Using GCaMP and selective plane illumination microscopy, we find strong responses to auditory tones ranging from 100 Hz to 400 Hz. We also identify different categories of auditory neuron with distinct frequency response profiles. Auditory responses occur in the medial octavolateral nucleus, the torus semicircularis, the medial hindbrain, and the thalamus, and the flow of information among these regions resembles the pathways described in adult fish and mammals. The details of these patterns, however, indicate that auditory processing is still rudimentary in larvae. The range of frequencies detected is small, and while different neurons have distinct response profiles, most are sensitive to multiple frequencies, and distinct categories show substantial overlap in their responses. Likewise, while there are signs of nascent spatial representations of frequency in the larval brain, this only faintly resembles the clear tonotopy seen in adult fish and mammals. Overall, our results show that many fundamental properties of the auditory system are established early in development, and suggest that zebrafish will provide a good model in which to study the development and refinement of these pathways.
Impact of spectral power distribution of daylight simulators on whiteness specification for surface colors
Authors: Wei Minchen , Chen Siyuan
Published: June 2017

The impact of spectral power distribution of daylight simulators (ie, D65 simulators) on surface whiteness specification was investigated by focusing on how CIE whiteness and tint values of 8 whiteness samples with fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) vary under different D65 simulators. Large variations in both whiteness (∼16 points) and tint (∼1.6 points) are observed under the D65 simulators above BB grade, as characterized using the CIE metamerism index. However, it is found the variations of the whiteness and tint values are smaller under the D65 simulators whose radiant power in the UVA band (ie, 300‐340 nm) was within ±30% in comparison to CIE standard D65 illuminant, as defined in BS 950, which may be a better alternative for evaluating the quality of a D65 simulator for surface white specification using CIE whiteness and tint formulas. The findings also suggest the necessity to fine‐tune or revise the CIE whiteness and tint formulas to characterize the surface whiteness under nonperfect D65 simulators or arbitrary light sources.
The Role of the Kidney in Drug Elimination: Transport, Metabolism, and the Impact of Kidney Disease on Drug Clearance
Authors: Miners JO , Yang X , Knights KM , Zhang L
Published: June 2017

Recent advances in the identification and characterization of renal drug transporters and drug‐metabolizing enzymes has led to greater understanding of their roles in drug and chemical elimination and in modulation of the intrarenal exposure and response to drugs, nephrotoxic compounds, and physiological mediators. Furthermore, there is increasing awareness of the potential importance of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) arising from inhibition of renal transporters, and regulatory agencies now provide recommendations for the evaluation of transporter‐mediated DDIs. Apart from the well‐recognized effects of kidney disease on renal drug clearance, there is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that the nonrenal clearances of drugs eliminated by certain transporters and drug‐metabolizing enzymes are decreased in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Based on these observations, renal impairment guidance documents of regulatory agencies recommend pharmacokinetic characterization of both renally cleared and nonrenally cleared drugs in CKD patients to inform possible dosage adjustment.
Scale‐dependent effects of post‐fire canopy cover on snowpack depth in montane coniferous forests
Authors: Stevens Jens T.
Published: June 2017

Winter snowpack in dry montane regions provides a valuable ecosystem service by storing water into the growing season. Wildfire in coniferous montane forests has the potential to indirectly affect snowpack accumulation and ablation (mass loss) rates by reducing canopy cover, which reduces canopy interception of snow but also increases solar radiation and wind speed. These counteracting effects create uncertainty regarding the canopy conditions that maximize post‐fire snowpack duration, which is of concern as montane regions across the western United States experience increasingly warm, dry winters with below‐average snowpack. The net effect of wildfire on snowpack depth and duration across the landscape is uncertain, and likely scale dependent. In this study, I tested whether intermediate levels of wildfire severity maximize snowpack depth by increasing accumulation while slowing ablation, using gridded, repeated snow depth measurements from three fires in the Sierra Nevada of California. Increasing fire severity had a strong negative effect on snowpack depth, suggesting that increased ablation after fire, rather than increased accumulation, was the dominant control over snowpack duration. Contrary to expectations, the unburned forest condition had the highest overall snowpack depth, and mean snow depth among all site visits was reduced by 78% from unburned forest to high‐severity fire. However, at the individual tree scale, snowpack depth was greater under canopy openings than underneath canopy, controlling for effects of fire severity and aspect. This apparent paradox in snowpack response to fire at the stand vs. individual tree scales is likely due to greater variation in canopy cover within unburned and very low severity areas, which creates smaller areas for snow accumulation while reducing ablation via shading. Management efforts to maximize snowpack duration in montane forests should focus on retaining fine‐scale heterogeneity in forest structure.
An empirical examination of consumer effects across twenty degrees of latitude
Authors: Lavender James T. , Dafforn Katherine A. , Bishop Melanie J. , Johnston Emma L.
Published: June 2017

The strength and importance of consumer effects are predicted to increase toward low latitudes, but this hypothesis has rarely been tested using a spatially consistent methodology. In a consumer‐exclusion experiment spanning twenty degrees of latitude along the east Australian coast, the magnitude of consumer effects on sub‐tidal sessile assemblage composition was not greater at low than high latitudes. Across caged and control assemblages, Shannon's diversity, Pielou's evenness, and richness of functional groups decreased with increasing latitude, but the magnitude of consumer effects on these metrics did not display consistent latitudinal gradients. Instead, latitudinal gradients in consumer effects were apparent for individual functional groups. Solitary ascidians displayed the pattern consistent with predictions of greater direct effects of predators at low than high latitude. As consumers reduced the biomass of this and other competitive dominants, groups less prone to predation (e.g., hydroids, various groups of bryozoans) were able to take advantage of freed space in the presence of consumers and show increased abundances there. This large‐scale empirical study demonstrates the complexity of species interactions, and the failure of assemblage‐level metrics to adequately capture consumer effects over large spatial gradients.
Gender differences in colorectal cancer survival: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Yafan , Wang Guiying , He Jingli , Ren Shuguang , Wu Fengpeng , Zhang Jianfeng , Wang Feifei
Published: June 2017

A meta‐analysis was conducted to determine the influence of gender on overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) in colorectal cancer patients. Major databases were searched for clinical trials, which compare survival differences between male and female for colorectal cancer patients. A list of these studies and references, published in English and Chinese from 1960 to 2017, was obtained independently by two reviewers from databases such as PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science. Overall survival and cancer‐specific survival were compared using Review Manager 5.3. Females had significantly better OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85–0.89) and CSS (HR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.89–0.95) than males after meta‐analysis. These results suggest that gender seems to be a significant factor influencing survival results among colorectal cancer patients.
An Update on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Authors: Fuller Matthew
Published: June 2017

Despite its prominence, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is often misinterpreted and misapplied. This chapter clarifies historical developments, common misconceptions, and modern applications of the law.
The Legal Implications of Storing Student Data: Preparing for and Responding to Data Breaches
Authors: Beaudin Katie
Published: June 2017

This chapter outlines the varying threats that IR professionals face when securely storing and managing data, as well as the regulatory structure in place to control data management. Advice is offered on how best to structure and manage student data.
A Primer on Employment and Intellectual Property Law: Legal Guidance for Supervisors of Assessment and Institutional Research Staff
Authors: Knight William , Lugg Elizabeth Timmerman
Published: June 2017

Institutional research (IR) leaders rely on staff members to accomplish office missions and support institutional decisions. Like any supervisors in higher education, IR leaders must be familiar with a host of employment and intellectual property laws that guide the institution/employee relationship. This chapter offers insights into specific issues IR supervisors and staff members should heed.
What Did You Know and When Did You Know It? Data's Potential for Institutional Legal Issues
Authors: Letzring Timothy D.
Published: June 2017

Data continues to grow in both importance and quantity within colleges and universities. IR professionals need to know ways data can create potential legal issues in order to be proactive rather than reactive to these situations.
When Does Institutional Research Rhetoric Create a Student Cause of Action?
Authors: Beassie Rhonda Vickers
Published: June 2017

This chapter asserts that the use and reporting of institutional research (IR) data is an area ripe for litigation. The chapter explores possible student causes of action as they relate to institutional research (IR) data and compares the probable outcomes to reported student lawsuits. The chapter concludes with recommended liability‐avoiding practices for IR offices.
A novel versatile precursor suitable for 18F‐radiolabeling via “click chemistry”
Authors: Lugato B. , Stucchi S. , Ciceri S. , Iannone M.N. , Turolla E.A. , Giuliano L. , Chinello C. , Todde S. , Ferraboschi P.
Published: June 2017

As an effort to improve 18F‐radiolabeling of biomolecules in method robustness and versatility, we report the synthesis and radiolabeling of a new azido precursor potentially useful for the so‐called “click reaction,” in particular the ligand‐free version of the copper(I)‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition. The new azido precursor may help to overcome problems sometimes exhibited by most of the currently used analogues, as it is safe to handle and it displays long‐term chemical stability, thus facilitating the development of new radiolabeling procedures. Moreover, the formed 18F‐labeled 1,2,3‐triazole is potentially metabolically stable and could enhance the in vivo circulation time. The above azido precursor was successfully radiolabeled with 18F, with 51% radiochemical yield (nondecay‐corrected). As a proof of concept, the 18F‐labeled azide was then tested with a suitable alkyne functionalized aminoacid (l‐propargylglycine), showing 94% of conversion, and a final radiochemical yield of 27% (>99% radiochemical purity), nondecay‐corrected, with a total preparation time of 104 minutes.
Preparation of 68Ga‐Mg‐Ca‐phytate colloid and its evaluation as a liver imaging agent
Authors: Tsopelas Chris , Hsieh William
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the radiosynthesis of 68Ga‐Mg‐Ca‐phytate colloid and then characterise the formulation for radiochemical purity (RCP), radioactive particle size distribution, and biodistribution in normal rats. This radiocolloid was prepared by mixing an aqueous solution of phytic acid, 68Ga3+ ions, a dispersant, Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions, and then heating the contents at 100°C for 5 minutes. After cooling the vial to 5°C, the solution was basified to pH 5 and stored in the cold. The resulting product contained 92±3% RCP 68Ga‐colloidal particles and a low level (8±3%) of soluble 68Ga‐Mg‐Ca‐phytate. Particle size experiments defined the radioactive particle population was 6±4% <20 nm, 90±6% 20 to 200 nm, and 4% were >200 nm in diameter. Intravenous injection of the 68Ga‐colloid dispersion to rats resulted in 93% uptake by the liver plus spleen, 1% lungs, 1% total blood, and 6% in the carcass after 20 minutes. This optimal formulation remained stable at 5°C for 1½ hours in vitro, and it resulted in the same biodistribution as the formulation prepared at t = 0 hours. The preclinical data so far indicate that 68Ga‐Mg‐Ca‐colloid has excellent potential as a liver imaging agent.
Climate change and variability impacts on the forests of Bangladesh – a diagnostic discussion based on CMIP5 GCMs and ENSO
Authors: Chowdhury Md. Rashed , Ndiaye Ousmane
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study is to assess the evolution of forests in Bangladesh from the perspective of changing climate, with particular emphasis on the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest. Projections for temperature and rainfall change have been made using the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change‐Fifth Assessment Report (IPCC‐AR5) general circulation models (GCMs) protocol (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5, CMIP5) with 38 various GCMs and up to 105 model runs. The GCMs findings were verified by the published results of 11 regional climate models (RCMs) in the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX)‐South Asia models with finer spatial resolution. A CMIP5 model‐based synthesis review on the future variability of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has also been made, as both the seasonal temperature and rainfall variability in Bangladesh are correlated to ENSO. Both global and regional climate change scenarios indicate that temperature would continue to rise and total annual rainfall is likely to increase in the future. However, weak increases in rainfall combined with high increases in temperature would create a high demand and competition for water because of the higher evapotranspiration environment. In addition to changing climate, the interannual variability of ENSO would further aggravate problems because it displays important correlations with the variability of rainfall, temperatures, sea‐level, lightning, and forest fires in Bangladesh. This study strongly recommends that future climate change projections should be combined with interannual variability ENSO to improve climate perspectives for stronger forest capacity building efforts in Bangladesh.
Extraction methods and food uses of a natural red colorant from dye sorghum
Authors: Akogou Folachodé UG , Kayodé AP Polycarpe , den Besten Heidy MW , Linnemann Anita R
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The interest in stable natural colorants for food applications continues to grow. A red pigment extracted from the leaf sheaths of a sorghum variety (Sorghum bicolor) with a high content of apigeninidin is widely used as a biocolorant in processed foods in West Africa. This study compared the colour and anthocyanin composition from traditional extraction methods to determine options for improvement and use of the red biocolorant from dye sorghum in the food sector.

RESULTS

Sorghum biocolorant was commonly applied in fermented and heated foods. Traditional extraction methods predominantly differed in two aspects, namely the use of an alkaline rock salt (locally known as kanwu) and the temperature of the extraction water. Cool extraction using the alkaline ingredient was more efficient than hot alkaline and hot aqueous extractions in extracting anthocyanins. The apigeninidin content was three times higher in the cool and hot alkaline extracts than in the aqueous extract.

CONCLUSION

Cool and hot alkaline extractions at pH 8–9 were the most efficient methods for extracting apigeninidin from dye sorghum leaf sheaths. Broader use of the sorghum biocolorant in foods requires further research on its effects on nutrient bioavailability and antioxidant activity. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Pilot Study of a Software‐Supported Protocol for Second‐Trimester Ultrasound Screening
Authors: Bultez Thierry , Bernard Jean‐Pierre , Metzger Ulrike , Ville Yves , Salomon Laurent Julien
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility and impact of using a software‐supported protocol for routine second‐trimester ultrasound scanning.

Methods

We conducted a comparative observational study of 2 sets of 25 randomly selected normal routine second‐trimester examinations performed by the same expert sonographer before and 1 year after the introduction of a software‐supported protocol. The scanning protocol was identical during both periods and conformed to International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines. Two independent expert sonographers reviewed the temporal sequences of fetal anatomic visualization. The examination duration, number of images, time per stored image, and number of recorded anatomic features according to the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines were compared between the periods.

Results

The mean examination duration and the number of images stored ± SD were both significantly higher during the period with the software‐supported protocol than during the previous period (18.9 ± 5.3 versus 15.3 ± 2.8 minutes, respectively; P = .005; and 52.0 ± 2.4 versus 35.2 ± 3.4; P < .001). The mean time per image was also shorter with the software‐supported protocol (19 ± 7 versus 26 ± 4 seconds; P < .001). Recording of the placental location, amniotic fluid quantification, cavum septi pellucidi, thoracic shape, both kidneys, both arms, and genitalia was significantly more consistent with the software‐supported protocol (P < .001; P = .001; P = .022; P = .050; P = .022; P < .001; and P = .048).

Conclusions

This pilot study suggests that a software‐supported protocol standardizing image acquisition may improve operator efficiency during second‐trimester ultrasound scans.
Can the Ni classification of vessels predict neoplasia? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mehlum Camilla S. , Rosenberg Tine , Dyrvig Anne‐Kirstine , Groentved Aagot Moeller , Kjaergaard Thomas , Godballe Christian
Published: June 2017

Objectives

The Ni classification of vascular change from 2011 is well documented for evaluating pharyngeal and laryngeal lesions, primarily focusing on cancer. In the planning of surgery it may be more relevant to differentiate neoplasia from non‐neoplasia. We aimed to evaluate the ability of the Ni classification to predict laryngeal or hypopharyngeal neoplasia and to investigate if a changed cutoff value would support the recent European Laryngological Society (ELS) proposal of perpendicular vascular changes as indicative of neoplasia.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases.

Review Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis statement. We systematically searched for publications from 2011 until 2016. All retrieved studies were reviewed and qualitatively assessed. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the Ni classification with two different cutoffs were calculated, and bubble and summary receiver operating characteristics plots were created.

Results

The combined sensitivity of five studies (n = 687) with Ni type IV‐V defined as test‐positive was 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76‐0.95), and specificity was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.72‐0.89). The equivalent combined sensitivity of four studies (n = 624) with Ni type V defined as test‐positive was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.75‐0.87), and specificity was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.82‐0.97).

Conclusions

The diagnostic accuracy of the Ni classification in predicting neoplasia was high, without significant difference between the two analyzed cutoff values. Implementation of the proposed ELS classification of vascular changes seems reasonable from a clinical perspective, with comparable accuracy. Attention must be drawn to the accompanying risk of exposing patients to unnecessary surgery. Laryngoscope, 128:168–176, 2018
Social media presence of otolaryngology journals: The past, present, and future
Authors: Wong Kevin , Piraquive Jacquelyn , Levi Jessica R.
Published: June 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Evaluate the use of Twitter by otolaryngology journals and determine the relationship between social media altmetrics and measures of academic impact.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Methods

Twitter profiles from the top 50 otolaryngology journals per 2016 SCImago Journal & Country Rank (SJR) were included. Twitter activity for each profile was calculated using Twitonomy analytics and Riffle software. Social media influence was measured using Klout scores. Annual SJR rank and H‐Index scores between 2008 and 2016 were recorded for each journal. Associations between social media influence and academic indices were assessed using Wilcoxon rank sum test, Spearman's rank order test, and Pearson correlation coefficients (α = .05).

Results

Average SJR was 0.86 ± 0.3 and H‐Index was 50.9 ± 24. Eighteen journals had Twitter profiles. Journals with social media accounts had significantly higher SJR (P = .03) and H‐Index (P = .01) scores compared to those without. The average Klout score of Twitter profiles was 32.5 ± 13. There was a significant association between a journal's Klout score and SJR rank (P = .004). Older Twitter profiles had higher Klout scores (P = .04). There was a direct relationship between a journal's total Twitter followers and H‐Index score (P = .009), and a direct relationship between tweets and academic influence (P = .03 and .01 for SJR and H‐Index, respectively).

Conclusions

Social media is often underutilized and remains an untapped resource by many journals to increase readership and disseminate research. Journals with social media profiles had significantly higher academic metrics, and among journals with profiles, increased online activity was a predictor for academic influence. Future studies are warranted to elucidate causal relationships.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:363–368, 2018
Diagnostic performance of 18fluorodesoxyglucose positron emission/computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in detecting T1‐T2 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chaput Anne , Robin Philippe , Podeur Fabien , Ollivier Morgan , Keromnes Nathalie , Tissot Valentin , Nonent Michel , Salaün Pierre‐Yves , Rousset Jean , Abgral Ronan
Published: June 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to assess and compare the diagnostic accuracy of 18fluorodesoxyglucose positron emission/computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect T1‐T2 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Study Design

Prospective case series.

Methods

Thirty‐five consecutive patients with histologically proven T1‐T2 HNSCC were prospectively included. All patients underwent pretherapeutic FDG‐PET/CT and MRI. Two nuclear medicine physicians and 2 radiologists blindly reviewed all FDG‐PET/CT and MRI, respectively. A five‐point qualitative scale was used to estimate tumor detection ability. Sensitivity of each modality was compared together using a McNemar test. Interobserver variability was assessed by kappa index (κ) of Cohen statistics. Maximal standardized uptake value (SUVMAX), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) in FDG‐PET/CT, and gadolinium enhancement (%GE) in MRI of each tumor were recorded and compared with T stage using a Mann‐Whitney test. Tumor‐to‐normal tissue ratios in FDG‐PET/CT and MRI (TNRPET and TNRMRI) were calculated and compared together using a Student t test.

Results

Among the 35 primary tumors, 29 were detected by FDG‐PET/CT and 22 by MRI. MRI detected none of the six lesions incorrectly identified by FDG‐PET/CT. FDG‐PET/CT correctly identified seven of the 13 MRI false‐negative results. Sensitivity of FDG‐PET/CT to detect T1‐T2 HNSCC was significantly higher than MRI (83% vs. 63%, P = .015). T stage was significantly correlated with MTV (P = .002) unlike with SUVMAX (P = .06) and %GE (P = .70). TNRPET was significantly higher than TNRMRI (3.5 ± 3.2 vs. 1.2 ± 0.3, P < .0001).

Conclusions

Our study showed a higher diagnostic accuracy of FDG‐PET/CT than MRI to detect T1‐T2 HNSCC with a good interobserver agreement.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:378–385, 2018
Immunolocalization of TAR DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) in mouse seminiferous epithelium
Authors: Osuru Hari Prasad , Pramoonjago Patcharin , Abhyankar Mayuresh M. , Swanson Eric , Roker LaToya Ann , Cathro Helen , Reddi Prabhakara P.
Published: June 2017

TAR DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) is an evolutionarily conserved, ubiquitously expressed, multi‐functional DNA/RNA‐binding protein with roles in gene transcription, mRNA splicing, stability, transport, micro RNA biogenesis, and suppression of transposons. Aberrant expression of TDP‐43 in testis and sperm was recently shown to be associated with male infertility, which highlights the need to understand better the expression of TDP‐43 in the testis. We previously cloned TDP‐43 from a mouse testis cDNA library, and showed that it functions as a transcriptional repressor and regulates the precise spatiotemporal expression of the Acrv1 gene, which encodes the acrosomal protein SP‐10, during spermatogenesis. Here, we performed immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry of the mouse testis using four separate antibodies recognizing the amino and carboxyl termini of TDP‐43. TDP‐43 is present in the nuclei of germ cells as well as Sertoli cells. TDP‐43 expression begins in type B/intermediate spermatogonia, peaks in preleptotene spermatocytes, and becomes undetectable in leptotene and zygotene spermatocytes. Pachytene spermatocytes and early round spermatids again express TDP‐43, but its abundance diminishes later in spermatids (at steps 5–8). Interestingly, two of the four antibodies showed TDP‐43 expression in spermatids at steps 9–10, which coincides with the initial phase of the histone‐to‐protamine transition. Immunoreactivity patterns observed in the study suggest that TDP‐43 assumes different conformational states at different stages of spermatogenesis. TDP‐43 pathology has been extensively studied in the context of neurodegenerative diseases; its role in spermatogenesis warrants further detailed investigation of the involvement of TDP‐43 in male infertility.
Influence of the particle size of the MgCl2 support on the performance of Ziegler catalysts in the polymerization of ethylene to ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene and the resulting polymer properties
Authors: Philippaerts An , Ensinck Richard , Baulu Nicolas , Cordier Astrid , Woike Kersten , Berthoud Romain , De Cremer Gert , Severn John R.
Published: June 2017

A highly systematic size series of Ziegler catalysts with similar porosities and surface textures are synthesized by varying the stirring speed during the MgCl2 support synthesis. Besides the mean particle size, the only substantial difference observed between the various catalysts is the size and number of nodules per particle. Varying the mean diameter of the catalyst particles between 1.5 and 11.9 µm, leads to a pronounced impact on the activity in ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) polymerization, while the Mw capabilities are only affected to a limited extend. In addition, it is observed that both the Mws as the polymer bulk density (BD) increases during the course of the polymerization. This particularity allows to optimize the Mw and/or BD at a set polymer size, by tuning the catalyst particle size. This is particularly interesting in UHMWPE production, as control of the morphological and structural properties of the UHMWPE reactor powders are critical for efficient processing as well as the performance of the final product. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2679–2690
Predicting future major depression and persistent depressive symptoms: Development of a prognostic screener and PHQ‐4 cutoffs in breast cancer patients
Authors: Weihs Karen L. , Wiley Joshua F. , Crespi Catherine M. , Krull Jennifer L. , Stanton Annette L.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Create a brief, self‐report screener for recently diagnosed breast cancer patients to identify patients at risk of future depression.

Methods

Breast cancer patients (N = 410) within 2 ± 1 months after diagnosis provided data on depression vulnerability. Depression outcomes were defined as a high depressive symptom trajectory or a major depressive episode during 16 months after diagnosis. Stochastic gradient boosting of regression trees identified 7 items highly predictive for the depression outcomes from a pool of 219 candidate depression vulnerability items. Three of the 7 items were from the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ‐4), a validated screener for current anxiety/depressive disorder that has not been tested to identify risk for future depression. Thresholds classifying patients as high or low risk on the new Depression Risk Questionnaire 7 (DRQ‐7) and the PHQ‐4 were obtained. Predictive performance of the DRQ‐7 and PHQ‐4 was assessed on a holdout validation subsample.

Findings

DRQ‐7 items assess loneliness, irritability, persistent sadness, and low acceptance of emotion as well as 3 items from the PHQ‐4 (anhedonia, depressed mood, and worry). A DRQ‐7 score of ≥6/23 identified depression outcomes with 0.73 specificity, 0.83 sensitivity, 0.68 positive predictive value, and 0.86 negative predictive value. A PHQ‐4 score of ≥3/12 performed moderately well but less accurately than the DRQ‐7 (net reclassification improvement = 10%; 95% CI [0.5–16]).

Interpretation

The DRQ‐7 and the PHQ‐4 with a new cutoff score are clinically accessible screeners for risk of depression in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Use of the screener to select patients for preventive interventions awaits validation of the screener in other samples.
Elucidation of Altered Pathways in Tumor-Initiating Cells of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Useful Cell Model System for Drug Screening
Authors: Christensen Anne G. , Ehmsen Sidse , Terp Mikkel G. , Batra Richa , Alcaraz Nicolas , Baumbach Jan , Noer Julie B. , Moreira José , Leth-Larsen Rikke , Larsen Martin R. , Ditzel Henrik J.
Published: June 2017

A limited number of cancer cells within a tumor are thought to have self-renewing and tumor-initiating capabilities that produce the remaining cancer cells in a heterogeneous tumor mass. Elucidation of central pathways preferentially used by tumor-initiating cells/cancer stem cells (CSCs) may allow their exploitation as potential cancer therapy targets. We used single cell cloning to isolate and characterize four isogenic cell clones from a triple-negative breast cancer cell line; two exhibited mesenchymal-like and two epithelial-like characteristics. Within these pairs, one, but not the other, resulted in tumors in immunodeficient NOD/Shi-scid/IL-2 Rγ null mice and efficiently formed mammospheres. Quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics were used to map signaling pathways associated with the tumor-initiating ability. Signaling associated with apoptosis was suppressed in tumor-initiating versus nontumorigenic counterparts with pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bcl2-associated agonist of cell death (BAD), FAS-associated death domain protein (FADD), and myeloid differentiation primary response protein (MYD88), downregulated in tumor-initiating epithelial-like cells. Functional studies confirmed significantly lower apoptosis in tumor-initiating versus nontumorigenic cells. Moreover, central pathways, including β-catenin and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)-related signaling, exhibited increased activation in the tumor-initiating cells. To evaluate the CSC model as a tool for drug screening, we assessed the effect of separately blocking NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and found markedly reduced mammosphere formation, particularly for tumor-initiating cells. Similar reduction was also observed using patient-derived primary cancer cells. Furthermore, blocking NF-κB signaling in mice transplanted with tumor-initiating cells significantly reduced tumor outgrowth. Our study demonstrates that suppressed apoptosis, activation of pathways associated with cell viability, and CSCs are the major differences between tumor-initiating and nontumorigenic cells independent of their epithelial-like/mesenchymal-like phenotype. These altered pathways may provide targets for future drug development to eliminate CSCs, and the cell model may be a useful tool in such drug screenings.
Brief Report: Interleukin-17A-Dependent Asymmetric Stem Cell Divisions Are Increased in Human Psoriasis: A Mechanism Underlying Benign Hyperproliferation
Authors: Charruyer Alexandra , Fong Stephen , Vitcov Giselle G. , Sklar Samuel , Tabernik Leah , Taneja Monica , Caputo Melinda , Soeung Catherine , Yue Lili , Uchida Yoshi , Arron Sarah T. , Horton Karen M. , Foster Robert D. , Sano Shigetoshi , North Jeffrey P. , Ghadially Ruby
Published: June 2017

The balance between asymmetric and symmetric stem cell (SC) divisions is key to tissue homeostasis, and dysregulation of this balance has been shown in cancers. We hypothesized that the balance between asymmetric cell divisions (ACDs) and symmetric cell divisions (SCDs) would be dysregulated in the benign hyperproliferation of psoriasis. We found that, while SCDs were increased in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (human and murine), ACDs were increased in the benign hyperproliferation of psoriasis (human and murine). Furthermore, while sonic hedgehog (linked to human cancer) and pifithrinα (p53 inhibitor) promoted SCDs, interleukin (IL)-1α and amphiregulin (associated with benign epidermal hyperproliferation) promoted ACDs. While there was dysregulation of the ACD:SCD ratio, no change in SC frequency was detected in epidermis from psoriasis patients, or in human keratinocytes treated with IL-1α or amphiregulin. We investigated the mechanism whereby immune alterations of psoriasis result in ACDs. IL17 inhibitors are effective new therapies for psoriasis. We found that IL17A increased ACDs in human keratinocytes. Additionally, studies in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model revealed that ACDs in psoriasis are IL17A-dependent. In summary, our studies suggest an association between benign hyperproliferation and increased ACDs. This work begins to elucidate the mechanisms by which immune alteration can induce keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Altogether, this work affirms that a finely tuned balance of ACDs and SCDs is important and that manipulating this balance may constitute an effective treatment strategy for hyperproliferative diseases.
Small‐for‐gestational‐age babies after 37 weeks: impact study of risk‐stratification protocol
Authors: Veglia M. , Cavallaro A. , Papageorghiou A. , Black R. , Impey L.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Although no clear evidence exists, many international guidelines advocate early‐term delivery of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) fetuses. The aim of this study was to determine whether a risk‐stratification protocol in which low‐risk SGA fetuses are managed expectantly beyond 37 weeks affects perinatal and maternal outcomes.

Methods

This was an impact study examining data collected over a 39‐month period (1 January 2013 to 30 April 2016) at a tertiary referral unit. The study included women who were referred to the fetal medicine unit with a singleton non‐anomalous fetus diagnosed antenatally as SGA (estimated fetal weight < 10th centile) from 36 + 0 weeks' gestation. In 2014, a protocol for management of SGA was introduced, which included risk stratification with surveillance and expectant management after 37 weeks for lower‐risk babies (protocol group). This was compared with the previous strategy, which recommended delivery at around 37 weeks (pre‐protocol group). Primary outcome was neonatal composite adverse outcome.

Results

In the pre‐protocol group, there were 138 SGA babies; in the protocol group there were 143. Mean gestational ages at delivery were 37.4 weeks in the pre‐protocol group and 38.2 weeks in the protocol group (P = 0.04). The incidence of neonatal composite adverse outcome was lower in the protocol group (9% vs 22%; P < 0.01), as was neonatal unit admission (13% vs 39%; P < 0.01). Induction of labor and Cesarean section rates were lower, and vaginal delivery rate (83% vs 60%; P < 0.01) was higher, in the protocol group. Most of the differences were as a result of delayed delivery of SGA babies that were stratified as low risk.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that protocol‐based management of SGA babies may improve outcome, and that identification of moderate SGA should not in isolation prompt delivery. Larger numbers are required to assess any impact on perinatal mortality. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Identification of simple sequence repeat markers for sweetpotato weevil resistance
Authors: Yada Benard , Alajo Agnes , Ssemakula Gorrettie N. , Brown-Guedira Gina , Otema Milton Anyanga , Stevenson Philip C. , Mwanga Robert O. M. , Craig Yencho G.
Published: June 2017

The development of sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas(L.) Lam] germplasm with resistance to sweetpotato weevil (SPW) requires an understanding of the biochemical and genetic mechanisms of resistance to optimize crop resistance. The African sweetpotato landrace, ‘New Kawogo’, was reported to be moderately resistant to two species of SPW,Cylas puncticollisandCylas brunneus. Resistance has been associated with the presence of hydroxycinnamic acids esters (HCAs), but the underlying genetic basis remains unknown. To determine the genetic basis of this resistance, a bi-parental sweetpotato population from a cross between the moderately resistant, white-fleshed ‘New Kawogo’ and the highly susceptible, orange-fleshed North American variety ‘Beauregard’ was evaluated for SPW resistance and genotyped with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to identify weevil resistance loci. SPW resistance was measured on the basis of field storage root SPW damage severity and total HCA ester concentrations. Moderate broad sense heritability (H2 = 0.49) was observed for weevil resistance in the population. Mean genotype SPW severity scores ranged from 1.0 to 9.0 and 25 progeny exhibited transgressive segregation for SPW resistance. Mean genotype total HCA ester concentrations were significantly different (P < 0.0001). A weak but significant correlation (r = 0.103, P = 0.015) was observed between total HCA ester concentration and SPW severity. A total of five and seven SSR markers were associated with field SPW severity and total HCA ester concentration, respectively. Markers IBS11, IbE5 and IbJ544b showed significant association with both field and HCA-based resistance, representing potential markers for the development of SPW resistant sweetpotato cultivars.
Screening for pollen tolerance to high temperatures in tomato
Authors: Paupière Marine J. , van Haperen Pauline , Rieu Ivo , Visser Richard G. F. , Tikunov Yury M. , Bovy Arnaud G.
Published: June 2017

Among the abiotic stresses affecting plant reproduction, high temperature is one of the most prominent ones because it directly affects fruit set. So far, little attention has been paid to the investigation of the variation in high temperature tolerance among wild tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) germplasm. The objective of this study was to determine the tolerance of 17 different cultivated and wild tomato accessions to high temperature, using a pollen viability screening approach. Each of the 17 genotypes of tomato was analysed for their pollen quality under a 32 °C (day)/26 °C (night) regime. The total number of pollen per flower and the fraction of viable pollen were recorded. The number of pollen per flower varied between 35,547 and 109,490 whereas the fraction of viable pollen varied between 0.03 and 0.71. No correlation was found between these two traits. However, the combination of these traits could provide the best reproductive capability under high temperature. In this study, thermo-tolerant (LA2854, LA1478 and LA0417) as well as thermo-sensitive (LA1719, LA1580, and SWEET4) genotypes have been identified. Those genotypes can be used as novel genetic resources to get more insight into pollen thermo-tolerance mechanisms and be included in breeding programs.