bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperspectral Imaging to Determine the Properties and Homogeneity of Renewable Carbon Materials
Authors: Mäkelä Mikko , Geladi Paul
Published: May 2017

Hyperspectral imaging within the near infrared (NIR) region offers a fast and reliable way for determining the properties of renewable carbon materials. The chemical information provided by a spectrum combined with the spatial information of an image allows mathematical operations that can be performed in both the spectral and spatial domains. Here, we show that hyperspectral NIR imaging can be successfully used to determine the properties of hydrothermally prepared carbon on the material and pixel levels. Materials produced from different feedstocks or prepared under different temperatures can also be distinguished, and their homogeneity can be evaluated. As hyperspectral imaging within the NIR region is non‐destructive and requires very little sample preparation, it can be used for controlling the quality of renewable carbon materials destined for a wide range of different applications.
Energy efficient routing formation technique for hybrid ad hoc network using fusion of artificial intelligence techniques
Authors: Das Santosh Kumar , Tripathi Sachin
Published: May 2017

Hybrid Ad‐hoc NETwork (HANET) is a fusion of both the static and dynamic topologies. Each node of this network consists of low capacity battery. Because of heterogeneous characteristic of the topology, network parameters are imprecise in nature. This, in effect, the performance and lifetime of the network degrade. To overcome these issues, this paper proposes an optimized energy efficient routing (OE2R) method. This method is inspired by artificial intelligence techniques such as multiobjective optimization, geometric programming, aspiration level, and tolerance limit. The fusion of such stated artificial intelligence techniques provide an effective tool to optimize multiple conflict objectives and estimate imprecise parameters of the network, simultaneously. The proposed technique OE2R is simulated using LINGO optimization software. To justify the effectiveness of the proposed technique, its performance is compared with some existing methods such as approximate linear programming technique for average cost bounds and linear programming‐based efficient message delivery approach in hybrid network in several passes of performance metrics. The simulation results show that the proposed OE2R method performs much better with the comparative methods and may be implemented as energy‐efficient routing for HANET.
Affiliation with substance‐using peers: Examining gene‐environment correlations among parent monitoring, polygenic risk, and children's impulsivity
Authors: Elam Kit K. , Chassin Laurie , Lemery‐Chalfant Kathryn , Pandika Danielle , Wang Frances L. , Bountress Kaitlin , Dick Danielle , Agrawal Arpana
Published: May 2017

Parental monitoring can buffer the effect of deviant peers on adolescents’ substance use by reducing affiliation with substance‐using peers. However, children's genetic predispositions may evoke poorer monitoring, contributing to negative child outcomes. We examined evocative genotype‐environment correlations underlying children's genetic predisposition for behavioral undercontrol and parental monitoring in early adolescence via children's impulsivity in middle childhood, and the influence of parental monitoring on affiliation with substance‐using peers a year and a half later (n = 359). Genetic predisposition for behavioral undercontrol was captured using a polygenic risk score, and a portion of passive rGE was controlled by including parents’ polygenic risk scores. Children's polygenic risk predicted poorer parental monitoring via greater children's impulsivity, indicating evocative rGE, controlling for a portion of passive rGE. Poorer parental monitoring predicted greater children's affiliation with substance‐using peers a year and a half later. Results are discussed with respect to gene‐environment correlations within developmental cascades.
Neonatal abstinence syndrome: Neurobehavior at 6 weeks of age in infants with or without pharmacological treatment for withdrawal
Authors: Heller Nicole A. , Logan Beth A. , Morrison Deborah G. , Paul Jonathan A. , Brown Mark S. , Hayes Marie J.
Published: May 2017

Use and abuse of prescription opioids and concomitant increase in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a condition that may lead to protracted pharmacological treatment in more than 60% of infants, has tripled since 2000. This study assessed neurobehavioral development using the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale in 6‐week old infants with prenatal methadone exposure who did (NAS+; n = 23) or did not (NAS−; n = 16) require pharmacological treatment for NAS severity determined by Finnegan Scale. An unexposed, demographically similar group of infants matched for age served as comparison (COMP; n = 21). NAS+, but not NAS− group, had significantly lower scores on the regulation (p < .01) and quality of movement (p < .01) summary scales than the COMP group. The NAS+ and NAS− groups had higher scores on the stress‐abstinence scale than the COMP group (p < .05). NAS diagnosis (NAS +) was associated with poorer regulation and quality of movement at 6 weeks of age compared to infants without prenatal methadone exposure from the same demographic.
Neonatal oxytocin and vasopressin manipulation alter social behavior during the juvenile period in Mongolian gerbils
Authors: Taylor Jack H. , Cavanaugh Jon , French Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2017

Oxytocin and vasopressin are important modulators of a wide variety of social behaviors, and increasing evidence is showing that these neuropeptides are important organizational effectors of later‐life behavior as well. We treated day‐old gerbil pups with oxytocin, vasopressin, an oxytocin receptor antagonist, a vasopressin V1a receptor antagonist, or saline control, and then measured received parental responsiveness during the early postnatal period and juvenile social behavior during weaning. Neonatal vasopressin treatment enhanced sociality in males, but not females, at both developmental time points. When pups were individually placed outside the nest, parents were more responsive to male pups treated with vasopressin compared with littermates, and vasopressin treated male pups exhibited increased play with littermates as juveniles. These results show that vasopressin during very early life can enhance social interactions throughout early development.
The significant effects of puberty on the genetic diathesis of binge eating in girls
Authors: Klump Kelly L. , Culbert Kristen M. , O'Connor Shannon , Fowler Natasha , Burt S. Alexandra
Published: May 2017

Objective

Recent data show significant phenotypic and genetic associations between ovarian hormones and binge eating in adulthood. Theories of hormonal risk focus on puberty and the possibility that hormone activation induces changes in genetic effects that then lead to differential risk for binge eating in postpuberty and adulthood. Although this theory is difficult to test in humans, an indirect test is to examine whether genetic influences on binge eating increase during the pubertal period in girls. Prior work has shown pubertal increases in genetic influences on overall disordered eating symptoms, but no study to date has examined binge eating. The present study was the first to examine these increases for binge eating.

Methods

Participants included 1,568 female twins (aged 8–25 years) from the Michigan State University Twin Registry. Binge eating and pubertal development were assessed with self‐report questionnaires.

Results

Twin moderation models showed significant linear increases in genetic effects from prepuberty (5%) to postpuberty (42%), even after controlling for the effects of age and body mass index.

Discussion

Results provide critical support for increased genetic influences on binge eating during puberty. Additional studies are needed to identify hormonal mechanisms and fully test contemporary models of ovarian hormone risk.
The mitochondrial genome of a sea anemone Bolocera sp. exhibits novel genetic structures potentially involved in adaptation to the deep‐sea environment
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhang Yan‐Hong , Wang Xin , Zhang Hui‐Xian , Lin Qiang
Published: May 2017

The deep sea is one of the most extensive ecosystems on earth. Organisms living there survive in an extremely harsh environment, and their mitochondrial energy metabolism might be a result of evolution. As one of the most important organelles, mitochondria generate energy through energy metabolism and play an important role in almost all biological activities. In this study, the mitogenome of a deep‐sea sea anemone (Bolocera sp.) was sequenced and characterized. Like other metazoans, it contained 13 energy pathway protein‐coding genes and two ribosomal RNAs. However, it also exhibited some unique features: just two transfer RNA genes, two group I introns, two transposon‐like noncanonical open reading frames (ORFs), and a control region‐like (CR‐like) element. All of the mitochondrial genes were coded by the same strand (the H‐strand). The genetic order and orientation were identical to those of most sequenced actiniarians. Phylogenetic analyses showed that this species was closely related to Bolocera tuediae. Positive selection analysis showed that three residues (31 L and 42 N in ATP6, 570 S in ND5) of Bolocera sp. were positively selected sites. By comparing these features with those of shallow sea anemone species, we deduced that these novel gene features may influence the activity of mitochondrial genes. This study may provide some clues regarding the adaptation of Bolocera sp. to the deep‐sea environment.
Effects of flood inundation and invasion byPhalaris arundinaceaon nitrogen cycling in an Upper Mississippi River floodplain forest
Authors: Swanson Whitney , De Jager Nathan R. , Strauss Eric , Thomsen Meredith
Published: May 2017

Although floodplains are thought to serve as important buffers against nitrogen (N) transport to aquatic systems, frequent flooding and high levels of nutrient availability also make these systems prone to invasion by exotic plant species. Invasive plants could modify the cycling and availability of nutrients within floodplains, with effects that could feedback to promote the persistence of the invasive species and impact N export to riverine and coastal areas. We examined the effect of flooding on soil properties and N cycling at a floodplain site in Pool 8 of the Upper Mississippi River with 2 plant communities: mature native forest (Acer saccharinum) and patches of an invasive grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Plots were established within each vegetation type along an elevation gradient and sampled throughout the summers of 2013 and 2014. Spatial trends in flooding resulted in higher soil organic matter, porosity, and total nitrogen and carbon in low elevations. Nutrient processes and NH4+and NO3−availability, however, were best explained by vegetation type and time after flooding.Phalarisplots maintained higher rates of nitrification and higher concentrations of available NH4+and NO3−. These results suggest that invasion byPhalarismay make nitrogen more readily available and could help to reinforce this species' persistence in floodplain wetlands. They also raise the possibility thatPhalarismay decrease floodplain N storage capacity and influence downstream transport of N to coastal zones.
Reduced regional cerebral blood flow in patients with heart failure
Authors: Roy Bhaswati , Woo Mary A. , Wang Danny J.J. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Harper Ronald M. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: May 2017

Aims

Heart failure (HF) patients show significant lateralized neural injury, accompanied by autonomic, mood and cognitive deficits. Both gray and white matter damage occurs and probably develops from altered cerebral blood flow (CBF), a consequence of impaired cardiac output. However, the distribution of regional CBF changes in HF patients is unknown, but is an issue in determining mechanisms of neural injury. Our aim was to compare regional CBF changes in HF with CBF in control subjects using non‐invasive pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labelling (ASL) procedures.

Methods and results

We collected pseudo‐continuous ASL data from 19 HF patients [mean age 55.5 ± 9.1 years; mean body mass index 27.7 ± 5.3 kg/m2; 13 male) and 29 control subjects (mean age 51.4 ± 5.3 years; mean body mass index 25.7 ± 3.6 kg/m2; 18 male), using a 3.0‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Whole‐brain CBF maps were calculated, normalized to a common space, smoothed and compared between groups using ANCOVA (covariates; age, gender and gray matter volume). Reduced CBF appeared in multiple sites in HF patients in comparison with controls, with principally lateralized lower flow in temporal, parietal and occipital regions. Areas with decreased CBF included the bilateral prefrontal, frontal, temporal and occipital cortex, thalamus, cerebellum, corona radiate, corpus callosum, hippocampus and amygdala.

Conclusions

Heart failure patients showed lower, and largely lateralized, CBF in multiple autonomic, mood and cognitive regulatory sites. The reduced CBF is likely to contribute to the lateralized brain injury, leading to the autonomic and neuropsychological deficits found in the condition.
The Role of Side‐Arms for Supramolecular Affinity Materials Based on 9,9′‐Spirobifluorenes
Authors: Pyka Isabella , Nikl Joachim , Schollmeyer Dieter , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: May 2017

An eightfold functionalized D2d‐symmetric 9,9′‐spirobifluorene was condensed with a collection of diketones with elaborated structural features to form three‐dimensional supramolecular architectures with active surfaces. Gas‐sorption measurements performed with quartz crystal microbalances indicateded remarkable molecular interactions for the application as affinity materials in the detection of volatile organic compounds. Packing motifs obtained by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis gave further insights into potential host–guest interactions.
Improved ALE mesh velocities for complex flows
Authors: Bakosi Jozsef , Waltz Jacob , Morgan Nathaniel
Published: May 2017

A key choice in the development of arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian solution algorithms is how to move the computational mesh. The most common approaches are smoothing and relaxation techniques, or to compute a mesh velocity field that produces smooth mesh displacements. We present a method in which the mesh velocity is specified by the irrotational component of the fluid velocity as computed from a Helmholtz decomposition, and excess compression of mesh cells is treated through a noniterative, local spring‐force model. This approach allows distinct and separate control over rotational and translational modes. The utility of the new mesh motion algorithm is demonstrated on a number of 3D test problems, including problems that involve both shocks and significant amounts of vorticity.
Occurrence of BAP1 germline mutations in cutaneous melanocytic tumors with loss of BAP1‐expression: A pilot study
Authors: Cabaret Odile , Perron Emilie , Bressac‐ de Paillerets Brigitte , Soufir Nadem , de la Fouchardière Arnaud
Published: May 2017

Melanocytic BAP1‐associated intradermal tumors (MBAITs) can either be sporadic or associated with a cancer‐predisposition syndrome. In this study we explored the clinical status of 136 patients in which at least one MBAIT was found. 49/136 (36%) of them gave their signed consent for an oncogenetic BAP1 blood test. 28/136 patients (20%) diagnosed with an MBAIT had other MBAITs and/or a personal or familial history of BAP1‐related cancers that could clinically designate them as potential carriers of a BAP1 germline mutation. 17 of these 28 patients underwent oncogenetic testing. A deleterious mutation of BAP1 was confirmed in 12/17 cases. 4/17 cases were wild‐type; all had a single MBAIT and a history of skin melanoma. A variant of unknown significance was found in one case with multiple MBAITs. Among the 12 mutated cases, multiple MBAITs were present in 10/12 cases and were the only clinical sign in 4/12 cases. The remaining 32/49 blood‐tested cases with an isolated MBAIT were wild type for BAP1 in 25/32 cases or showed a variant of unknown significance in 7/32 cases. We recommend, following the diagnosis of a MBAIT, performing a BAP1 immunohistochemistry in all other cutaneous melanocytic tumors removed previously or simultaneously and all skin melanomas. This screening could help clinicians prioritize which patients would most benefit from oncogenetic testing.
Decreasing hazards ofAlzheimer's disease with the use of antidepressants: mitigating the risk of depression and apolipoproteinE
Authors: Burke Shanna L. , Maramaldi Peter , Cadet Tamara , Kukull Walter
Published: May 2017

Objective

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease, manifesting in clinically observable deficits in memory, thinking, and behavior that disproportionately affects older adults. Susceptibility genes, such as apolipoprotein ε4, have long been associated with an increased risk of AD diagnosis. Studies have shown associations between depression and increased risk of AD development. Furthermore, findings from previous investigations suggest mixed effects in the use of psychotropic medication in older adults. The hypothesis for this study is that antidepressant use modifies the increased hazard of depression or such that a non‐significant hazard will result with respect to eventual AD development.

Methods

Utilizing data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center, we examined evaluations of 11,443 cognitively intact participants. Survival analysis was used to explore relationships between depression, apolipoprotein E, AD diagnosis, and antidepressant use.

Results

An analytical sample of 8732 participants with normal cognition was examined. Among users of antidepressant medication, the hazard, in most cases, was no longer statistically significant. One generic medication showed protective benefits for users (p < 0.001). In addition, there was a statistically significant relationship between recent depression (n = 2083;p < 0.001), lifetime depression (n = 2068;p < 0.05), and ε4 carrier status (n = 2470;p < 0.001) and AD development.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that a mechanism related to antidepressant use may reduce the hazard of eventual AD. Furthermore, the findings reinforce the association between depression, apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4, and AD diagnosis. This study contributes to the emerging literature exploring interventions aimed at decreasing the risk of AD by targeting potentially modifiable psychosocial risk factors such as depression. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In child and adult migraineurs the somatosensory cortex stands out … again: An arterial spin labeling investigation
Authors: Youssef Andrew M. , Ludwick Allison , Wilcox Sophie L. , Lebel Alyssa , Peng Ke , Colon Elisabeth , Danehy Amy , Burstein Rami , Becerra Lino , Borsook David
Published: May 2017

Over the past decade, human brain imaging investigations have reported altered regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the interictal phase of migraine. However, there have been conflicting findings across different investigations, making the use of perfusion imaging in migraine pathophysiology more difficult to define. These inconsistencies may reflect technical constraints with traditional perfusion imaging methods such as single‐photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography. Comparatively, pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) is a recently developed magnetic resonance imaging technique that is noninvasive and offers superior spatial resolution and increased sensitivity. Using pCASL, we have previously shown increased rCBF within the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in adult migraineurs, where blood flow was positively associated with migraine frequency. Whether these observations are present in pediatric and young adult populations remains unknown. This is an important question given the age‐related variants of migraine prevalence, symptomology, and treatments. In this investigation, we used pCASL to quantitatively compare and contrast blood flow within S1 in pediatric and young adult migraineurs as compared with healthy controls. In migraine patients, we found significant resting rCBF increases within bilateral S1 as compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, within the right S1, we report a positive correlation between blood flow value with migraine attack frequency and cutaneous allodynia symptom profile. Our results reveal that pediatric and young adult migraineurs exhibit analogous rCBF changes with adult migraineurs, further supporting the possibility that these alterations within S1 are a consequence of repeated migraine attacks. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4078–4087, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Network component analysis reveals developmental trajectories of structural connectivity and specific alterations in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ball Gareth , Beare Richard , Seal Marc L.
Published: May 2017

The structural organization of the brain can be characterized as a hierarchical ensemble of segregated modules linked by densely interconnected hub regions that facilitate distributed functional interactions. Disturbances to this network may be an important marker of abnormal development. Recently, several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), have been framed as disorders of connectivity but the full nature and timing of these disturbances remain unclear. In this study, we use non‐negative matrix factorization, a data‐driven, multivariate approach, to model the structural network architecture of the brain as a set of superposed subnetworks, or network components. In an openly available dataset of 196 subjects scanned between 5 and 85 years we identify a set of robust and reliable subnetworks that develop in tandem with age and reflect both anatomically local and long‐range, network hub connections. In a second experiment, we compare network components in a cohort of 51 high‐functioning ASD adolescents to a group of age‐matched controls. We identify a specific subnetwork representing an increase in local connection strength in the cingulate cortex in ASD (t = 3.44, P < 0.001). This work highlights possible long‐term implications of alterations to the developmental trajectories of specific cortical subnetworks. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4169–4184, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current trends and future perspectives of dental pulp capping materials: A systematic review
Authors: da Rosa Wellington L. O. , Cocco Alexandra R. , Silva Tiago M. da , Mesquita Luana C. , Galarça Arthur Dias , Silva Adriana F. da , Piva Evandro
Published: May 2017

To systematically review the literature to analyze the current trends and future perspectives of dental pulp capping materials through an analysis of scientific and technological data. This study is reported in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. Nine databases were screened: PubMed (MedLine), Lilacs, IBECS, BBO, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, Google Scholar, and The Cochrane Library. Additionally, the following patent applications were searched online in Questel Orbit (Paris, France), USPTO, EPO, JPO, INPI, and Patentscope databases. A total of 716 papers and 83 patents were included. Calcium hydroxide was the main type of material studied, especially for direct pulp capping, followed by MTA. Patents related to adhesives or resins increased from 1998 e 2008, while in the last years, a major increase was observed in bioactive materials (containing bioactive proteins), materials derived from MTA (calcium silicate, calcium phosphate and calcium aluminate‐based cements) and MTA. It was possible to obtain a scientific and technological overview of pulp capping materials. MTA has shown favorable results in vital pulp therapy that seem to surpass the disadvantages of calcium hydroxide. Recent advances in bioactive materials and those derived from MTA have shown promising results that could improve biomaterials used in vital pulp treatments. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1358–1368, 2018.
A Large‐Scale Study of Misophonia
Authors: Rouw Romke , Erfanian Mercede
Published: May 2017

Objective

We aim to elucidate misophonia, a condition in which particular sounds elicit disproportionally strong aversive reactions.

Method

A large online study extensively surveyed personal, developmental, and clinical characteristics of over 300 misophonics.

Results

Most participants indicated that their symptoms started in childhood or early teenage years. Severity of misophonic responses increases over time. One third of participants reported having family members with similar symptoms. Half of our participants reported no comorbid clinical conditions, and the other half reported a variety of conditions. Only posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was related to the severity of the misophonic symptoms. Remarkably, half of the participants reported experiencing euphoric, relaxing, and tingling sensations with particular sounds or sights, a relatively unfamiliar phenomenon called autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR).

Conclusion

It is unlikely that another “real” underlying clinical, psychiatric, or psychological disorder can explain away the misophonia. The possible relationship with PTSD and ASMR warrants further investigation.
Recommendations for Use of Affirmative Psychotherapy With LGBT Older Adults
Authors: Hinrichs Kate L.M. , Donaldson Weston
Published: May 2017

Affirmative therapy is a type of psychotherapy used to validate and advocate for the needs of sexual and gender minority clients. Therapists use verbal and nonverbal means to demonstrate an affirming stance toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) clients. Although this therapeutic approach can be used with LGBT individuals across the lifespan, the case presented in this paper highlights the benefit of using this approach with older LGBT individuals. Discussion of the unique challenges faced by older LGBT people will be followed with an illustrative case that shows ways that affirmative therapy can help individuals achieve greater self‐actualization. The case formulation and conclusion will highlight specific ways that therapists can convey an affirmative stance and help clients feel welcome and accepted in the therapeutic setting. Recommendations for environmental cues, intake questions, and treatment skills will be offered at the conclusion.
Synthesis of Highly Substituted Pyrrole and Dihydro‐1H‐Pyrrole Containing Barbituric Acids via Catalyst‐Free One‐Pot Four‐Component Reactions
Authors: Ghandi Mehdi , Jourablou Ali , Abbasi Alireza
Published: May 2017

A new one‐pot, four‐component reaction of phenylglyoxal or ethylglyoxalate, 1,3‐dicarbonyls, N,N‐dimethylbarbituric acid, and aromatic amines for the synthesis of highly substituted pyrroles or dihydro‐1H‐pyrrole containing barbituric acid in moderate‐to‐good yields is described. Short reaction time, mild reaction condition, use of simple experimental procedure, and prompt isolation of the products are some advantages of this protocol.
Impact of sea breeze penetration over urban areas on midsummer temperature distributions in the Tokyo Metropolitan area
Authors: Yamato Hiroaki , Mikami Takehiko , Takahashi Hideo
Published: May 2017

We investigate the relationship between sea breeze penetration and anomalously high summer daytime temperatures in the inland suburbs of Tokyo, with consideration of the relative position of sea breeze fronts. We use data from the high‐density temperature observation network (Extended‐METROS) established by our research group to clarify in detail the mechanisms creating these high‐temperature areas.

We conducted case and composite analyses of the temperature and wind distributions when typical sea breeze fronts developed. The observations showed that the highest temperatures were near Kawagoe City in the early afternoon, which is 40 km leeward of central Tokyo, on all days analysed, and that the high‐temperature inland areas were located leeward of Tokyo. The high temperatures near Kawagoe City were not observed by the Automated Meteorological Data Acquisition System (AMeDAS). From the case and composite analyses, there was a 2‐h time lag between the sea breeze front penetrating the area leeward of Tokyo and extreme high temperatures being observed around Kawagoe City. Significant divergence was also observed during this time, and a decrease in the dew point temperature was also observed around Kawagoe City on the case study day; these conditions persisted for approximately 2 h. These results suggest the existence of a subsidence flow near Kawagoe City, and the resulting adiabatic compression heating contributed to the observed extreme high temperatures. In the late evening, a high‐temperature band was observed leeward of the northern suburbs of Tokyo, even though southerly sea breezes were recorded over the entire Kanto Plain, and cold advection dominated at that time. However, the cold advection in this high‐temperature band was less notable than in the periphery. Thus, temperature declines were small in this area, and overall temperatures remained relatively high.
The contribution of human migration to tourism: The VFR travel between the EU28 member states
Authors: Provenzano Davide , Baggio Rodolfo
Published: May 2017

This study explores the correlation between human migration and that part of tourism due to people visiting friends and relatives in a foreign country. We first compared the network structure of migration stocks and tourism flows between the 28 member countries of the European Union over the period 2000–2012. Then, we performed several econometric analyses to study the main tourism determinants and the correlations between migration to tourism. The paper derives from the discussion of the results an estimate of the contribution to the overall tourism phenomenon due to visiting friends and relatives. Complex network analysis and gravity models were the investigation methods preferred.
Beta Blocker Administration During Emergency Department Evaluation for Acute Coronary Syndrome Is Associated With Lower Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms 1‐Month Later
Authors: Meli Laura , Chang Bernard P. , Shimbo Daichi , Swan Brendan W. , Edmondson Donald , Sumner Jennifer A.
Published: May 2017

We examined whether beta blocker administration in the emergency department (ED) during evaluation for suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms 1‐month later. Participants (N = 350) were enrolled in the Reactions to Acute Care and Hospitalization (REACH) study, an ongoing observational cohort study of ED predictors of medical and psychological outcomes after evaluation for suspected ACS. Beta blockade during evaluation in the ED was extracted from medical records, and PTSD symptoms in response to the experience of suspected ACS were assessed 1‐month later via telephone. Beta blockade in the ED was associated with lower PTSD symptoms 1‐month later, b = −2.80, β = −.09, p = .045, after adjustment for demographics, preexisting psychological and medical covariates, and participants’ distress during ED evaluation. Despite small effects, findings suggest that beta blockade during ED evaluation for suspected ACS—a time period relevant to fear consolidation of the memory of this potentially life‐threatening event—may have protective effects for later psychological health.
Adjunct steroids in the treatment of peritonsillar abscess: A systematic review
Authors: Hur Kevin , Zhou Sheng , Kysh Lynn
Published: May 2017

Objectives

This study systematically reviews the existing literature on the efficacy of adjuvant corticosteroids in improving clinical outcomes after peritonsillar abscess (PTA) drainage.

Study Design

Systematic review.

Methods

We performed a literature search of MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to June 2016. Inclusion criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating adjuvant corticosteroids after PTA drainage. Data were systematically collected on study design, patient demographics, and clinical characteristics. Two independent investigators reviewed all manuscripts and summarized the data.

Results

Three RCTs comprising 153 patients were included. The results were not pooled due to heterogeneity in the method in which outcomes were measured and reported. The trials also varied on the type of steroid (dexamethasone, methylprednisolone) administered and method of drainage (incision, aspiration). All three RCTs reported statistically significant improvement in body temperature from adjuvant steroid administration compared to placebo. Pain scores, mouth opening, time to painless oral intake, and duration of hospitalization were significantly improved in only one or two of the three RCTs between the steroid and control group. No adverse side effects from steroid administration were reported.

Conclusions

Steroids as an adjunct therapy to the treatment of PTA may result in faster recovery. However, further investigation with larger RCTs and standardized outcomes are warranted.

Level of Evidence

1a. Laryngoscope, 128:72–77, 2018
Inferior thyroid artery ligation increases hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sanabria Alvaro , Kowalski Luiz P. , Tartaglia Francesco
Published: May 2017

Objective

To assess the effect of truncal ligation of the inferior thyroid artery in comparison with ligation of secondary branches as a risk factor for postoperative hypocalcemia.

Data Sources

A search was conducted using the Medical Subject Headings and free‐text terms “thyroid*” and “truncal ligation*” in PubMed Central, PubMed, Embase, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature databases for trials published between January 1985 and October 2016. A Google search with the same terms, and a “snowball” approach was designed to retrieve the largest number of articles.

Review Methods

Controlled trials (randomized or not) of adults who underwent total/bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy were searched, and truncal ligation versus nontruncal ligation of the inferior thyroid artery was compared. Data were acquired following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Methodological quality of randomized controlled trials was assessed in accordance with Cochrane Collaboration guidelines, and for nonrandomized controlled trials, the Newcastle‐Ottawa quality assessment scale for cohort studies was used. Pooled results are presented as risk differences with a random effects model. The main outcome was postoperative temporary and definitive hypocalcemia.

Results

We found 11 nonrandomized controlled trials and nine randomized controlled trials with 1940 patients: 977 patients in the trunk ligation group and 963 patients in the nontruncal ligation group. The risk difference for biochemical hypocalcemia was 6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2% to 11%), for symptomatic hypocalcemia 6% (95% CI: 1% to 10%), and definitive hypocalcemia 0% (95% CI: −1% to 1%) in the whole group.

Conclusions

Truncal ligation of the inferior thyroid artery increases the risk of temporary and symptomatic hypocalcemia but not the risk of definitive hypocalcemia. Laryngoscope, 128:534–541, 2018
The impact of developing a speech and swallow rehab program: Improving patient satisfaction and multidisciplinary care
Authors: Starmer Heather M. , Ayoub Noel , Byward Cynthia , Kizner Jennifer , Le Quynh , Hara Wendy , Holsinger F. Christopher
Published: May 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of developing an integrated head and neck cancer speech and swallowing rehabilitation program on physician/team focus on functional outcomes.

Study Design

Prospective cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Surveys regarding physician behavior and patient satisfaction with speech and swallowing were administered in an academic oncology practice prior to and 1 year following establishment of a dedicated head and neck speech and swallowing rehabilitation program. Participants included new and established head and neck cancer patients recruited consecutively. The primary outcome was physician behavior regarding speech and swallowing outcomes (as measured by discussion of function, providing suggestions regarding function, and referral to speech‐language pathology services).

Results

A total of 199 surveys were returned at the first time point and 271 at the second. Demographic variables were comparable between the two groups. The later cohort was more likely to report team discussion and suggestions regarding speech and swallowing function than the former (P < .001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.775 to −0.265; P < .001, 95% CI: −0.928 to −0.035, respectively). Although there was no significant difference between the groups in regard to satisfaction with speech (P = .07), more favorable satisfaction with swallowing was reported by the later cohort (P = .028, 95% CI: −0.531 to −0.029).

Conclusions

Integration of speech and swallowing rehabilitation into head and neck cancer programs is associated with increased physician focus on functional outcomes and greater patient satisfaction in regard to swallowing function. We advocate for standard integration of such services into the multidisciplinary head and neck cancer care team.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2578–2581, 2017
Photoinitiated Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly of Glycidyl Methacrylate for the Synthesis of Epoxy‐Functionalized Block Copolymer Nano‐Objects
Authors: Tan Jianbo , Liu Dongdong , Huang Chundong , Li Xueliang , He Jun , Xu Qin , Zhang Li
Published: May 2017

Herein, a novel photoinitiated polymerization‐induced self‐assembly formulation via photoinitiated reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer dispersion polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (PGMA) in ethanol–water at room temperature is reported. It is demonstrated that conducting polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) at low temperatures is crucial for obtaining colloidal stable PGMA‐based diblock copolymer nano‐objects. Good control is maintained during the photo‐PISA process with a high rate of polymerization. The polymerization can be switched between “ON” and “OFF” in response to visible light. A phase diagram is constructed by varying monomer concentration and degree of polymerization. The PGMA‐based diblock copolymer nano‐objects can be further cross‐linked by using a bifunctional primary amine reagent. Finally, silver nanoparticles are loaded within cross‐linked vesicles via in situ reduction, exhibiting good catalytic properties.

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Light‐Driven, Caterpillar‐Inspired Miniature Inching Robot
Authors: Zeng Hao , Wani Owies M. , Wasylczyk Piotr , Priimagi Arri
Published: May 2017

Liquid crystal elastomers are among the best candidates for artificial muscles, and the materials of choice when constructing microscale robotic systems. Recently, significant efforts are dedicated to designing stimuli‐responsive actuators that can reproduce the shape‐change of soft bodies of animals by means of proper external energy source. However, transferring material deformation efficiently into autonomous robotic locomotion remains a challenge. This paper reports on a miniature inching robot fabricated from a monolithic liquid crystal elastomer film, which upon visible‐light excitation is capable of mimicking caterpillar locomotion on different substrates like a blazed grating and a paper surface. The motion is driven by spatially uniform visible light with relatively low intensity, rendering the robot “human‐friendly,” i.e., operational also on human skin. The design paves the way toward light‐driven, soft, mobile microdevices capable of operating in various environments, including the close proximity of humans.

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Improving symptom management for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Nicholson Katharine , Murphy Alyssa , McDonnell Erin , Shapiro Jordan , Simpson Ericka , Glass Jonathan , Mitsumoto Hiroshi , Forshew Dallas , Miller Robert , Atassi Nazem
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Symptomatic management is the main focus of ALS clinical care. We aim to report the prevalence of ALS‐related symptoms and characterize self‐reported symptomatic management.

Methods

A symptom management survey developed by the Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinical Research Network was completed by ALS registrants. Logistic regression identified potential predictors of symptom prevalence, severity, and treatment.

Results

A total of 567 ALS participants reported fatigue (90%), muscle stiffness (84%), and muscle cramps (74%) as most prevalent symptoms. Fatigue (18%), muscle stiffness (14%), and shortness of breath (12%) were most bothersome. Although fatigue was the most prevalent symptom, it was also least treated (10%). Neither location of care nor disease duration was associated with symptom prevalence, severity, or probability of receiving treatment.

Discussion

This large patient‐reported symptom survey suggests that fatigue is the most prevalent, bothersome, and undertreated ALS symptom. Improving ALS symptom management is an unmet medical need and clinical trials of symptomatic treatments are needed. Muscle Nerve 57: 20–24, 2018
Quantitative sonographic assessment of myotonia
Authors: Abraham Alon , Breiner Ari , Barnett Carolina , Bril Vera , Katzberg Hans D.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

This study explores ultrasound imaging for qualitative and quantitative assessment of myotonia.

Methods

Sixteen patients with myotonia and 16 controls underwent sonographic evaluation of the thenar eminence muscles to assess the relaxation time after muscle percussion.

Results

The mean time for complete muscle relaxation in patients with myotonia was longer than that of controls. A cutoff of > 0.9 s for myotonia detection had a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 100%. The interrater reliability was moderate for qualitative assessment but was high for quantitative assessment. The relaxation time did not correlate with the number of trinucleotide repeats in patients with myotonic dystrophy.

Discussion

Sonographic evaluation for the presence of myotonia is feasible, sensitive, and specific but does not correlate with disease severity in myotonic dystrophy. Muscle Nerve 57: 146–149, 2018
Gastrointestinal tract carcinoma in pediatric and adolescent age: The Italian TREP project experience
Authors: Indini Alice , Bisogno Gianni , Cecchetto Giovanni , Vitellaro Marco , Signoroni Stefano , Massimino Maura , Riccipetitoni Giovanna , Zecca Marco , Dall'Igna Patrizia , Debora De Pasquale Maria , Inserra Alessandro , Chiaravalli Stefano , Basso Eleonora , Virgone Calogero , Sorbara Silvia , Di Bartolomeo Maria , D'Angelo Paolo , Ferrari Andrea
Published: May 2017

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI) carcinomas are very rare in the pediatric and adolescent age range. We report the clinical features, treatment, and outcome of a series of children and adolescents with GI carcinoma prospectively registered in the Italian Tumori Rari in Età Pediatrica (TREP) project.

Methods

The TREP project developed diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines based on recommendations currently in use for adults. Clinical data were centrally registered and reviewed.

Results

Fifteen patients were registered over the years 2000–2016. Most of the tumors were colorectal carcinomas (12 cases). All but one patient had advanced‐stage disease (American Joint Committee on Cancer stages III–IV), and the majority of patients had aggressive histological subtypes, i.e. poorly differentiated (G3) (five patients), mucinous (four patients), and signet ring (two patients) adenocarcinomas. Surgery was performed in 13 of 15 patients, and was radical in nine of 13 patients. Only one patient received postoperative radiotherapy. All patients received chemotherapy, with the addition of bevacizumab in two cases. Nine patients were still alive at the time of the present report, but two of them had only just completed their treatment program and one patient is still on treatment. Six patients died due to disease progression.

Conclusions

This prospective report on pediatric GI tract carcinomas confirms the rarity and biological aggressiveness of these diseases in pediatric and adolescent age. Further prospective studies are needed to explore the distinct biology of tumor in this age group in order to find new therapeutic targeted agents.
Defining moments for conscious time and content
Authors: van Wassenhove Virginie
Published: May 2017

The spatiotemporal scales of natural phenomena define the observational granularity needed for scientific characterization. In cognitive neurosciences, neural oscillations delineate temporal scales that may naturally provide the computational resolution for information processing in the brain. Do neural oscillations define moments for the perception of time?
Design and interaction mechanism of ligand targeted with folate receptor α and β
Authors: Wang C. , Jiang Y. , Fei X. , Gu Y.
Published: May 2017

Four compounds 1 to 4 (folic acid, methotrexate and 2 dyes) were used to interact with folate receptor (FR)α and FRβ. The interaction structures and binding energies of the bound complexes were investigated. In order to analyze the differences between FRα and FRβ complexes, the details of the weak intermolecular interactions were analyzed, and the frontier orbital properties of the FR complexes were studied by a dispersion complemented density functional tight‐binding method. By comparing the different interaction properties of the 4 compounds with FRα and FRβ, the basic strategies for design of novel compound targeted with FR subtype were suggested. Further, a novel compound with high selectively with FRα based on compound 3 was designed to illustrate our conclusion. These data should be helpful for the design of novel molecules with extreme discerningly with FRα and FRβ.
Clinician agreement and influence of medication‐related characteristics on assessment of polypharmacy
Authors: Ong Gao‐Jing , Page Amy , Caughey Gillian , Johns Sally , Reeve Emily , Shakib Sepehr
Published: May 2017

It is not known how clinicians assess polypharmacy or the medication‐related characteristics that influence their assessment. The aim of this study was to examine the level of agreement between clinicians when assessing polypharmacy and to identify medication‐related characteristics that influence their assessment. Twenty cases of patients with varying levels of comorbidity and polypharmacy were used to examine clinician assessment of polypharmacy. Medicine‐related factors within the cases included Beers and STOPP Criteria medicines, falls‐risk medicines, drug burden index (DBI) medicines, medicines causing postural hypotension, and pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions. Clinicians were asked to rate cases on the degree of polypharmacy, likelihood of harm, and potential for the medication list to be simplified. Inter‐rater reliability analysis, correlations, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify medicine factors associated with clinicians' assessment. Eighteen expert clinicians were recruited (69.2% response rate). Strong agreement was observed in clinicians' assessment of polypharmacy (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC] = 0.94), likelihood to cause harm (ICC = 0.89), and ability to simplify medication list (ICC = 0.90). Multivariate analyses demonstrated number of medicines (P < 0.0001) and DBI scores (P = 0.047) were significantly associated with assessment of polypharmacy. Medicines associated with harm were significantly associated with the number of medicines (P = 0.01) and Beers criteria medicines (P = 0.003). Ability to simplify the medication regimen was significantly associated with number of medicines (P = 0.03) and medicines from the STOPP criteria (P = 0.018). Among clinicians, strong consensus exists with regard to assessment of polypharmacy, medication harm, and ability to simplify medications. Definitions of polypharmacy need to take into account not only the numbers of medicines but also potential for medicines to cause harm or be inappropriate, and validate them against clinical outcomes.