bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absolute photoionization cross sections of furanic fuels: 2‐ethylfuran, 2‐acetylfuran and furfural
Authors: Smith Audrey R. , Meloni Giovanni
Published: September 2015

Absolute photoionization cross sections of the molecules 2‐ethylfuran, 2‐acetylfuran and furfural, including partial ionization cross sections for the dissociative ionized fragments, are measured for the first time. These measurements are important because they allow fuel quantification via photoionization mass spectrometry and the development of quantitative kinetic modeling for the complex combustion of potential fuels. The experiments are carried out using synchrotron photoionization mass spectrometry with an orthogonal time‐of‐flight spectrometer used for mass analysis at the Advanced Light Source of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The CBS‐QB3 calculations of adiabatic ionization energies and appearance energies agree well with the experimental results. Several bond dissociation energies are also derived and presented. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of ice‐tea quality by DART‐TOF/MS
Authors: Rajchl Aleš , Prchalová Jana , Kružík Vojtěch , Ševčík Rudolf , Čížková Helena
Published: September 2015

DART (Direct Analysis in Real Time) coupled with Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOF/MS) has been used for analyses of ice‐teas. The article focuses on quality and authenticity of ice‐teas as one of the most important tea‐based products on the market. Twenty‐one samples of ice‐teas (black and green) were analysed. Selected compounds of ice‐teas were determined: theobromine, caffeine, total phenolic compounds, total soluble solids, total amino acid concentration, preservatives and saccharides were determined. Fingerprints of DART‐TOF/MS spectra were used for comprehensive assessment of the ice‐tea samples. The DART‐TOF/MS method was used for monitoring the following compounds: citric acid, caffeine, saccharides, artificial sweeteners (saccharin, acesulphame K), and preservatives (sorbic and benzoic acid), phosphoric acid and phenolic compounds. The measured data were subjected to a principal components analysis. The HPLC and DART‐TOF/MS methods were compared in terms of determination of selected compounds (caffeine, benzoic acid, sorbic acid and saccharides) in the ice‐teas. The DART‐TOF/MS technique seems to be a suitable method for fast screening, testing quality and authenticity of tea‐based products. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nucleotide and phylogenetic analysis of human papillomavirus type 11 isolated from juvenile‐onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in China
Authors: Xiao Yang , Wang Jun , Ma Lijing , Ren Jiaming , Yang Molei
Published: September 2015

To assess the association between sequence variants of human papillomavirus (HPV) 11 and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and the taxonomy and evolutionary history of HPV 11. Complete HPV 11 nucleotide sequences were sequenced by Illumina HiSeq2000 Analyzers and compared with the HPV 11 prototype isolate (GenBank accession number: M14119) using Blast 2.0 server software. Eighteen full‐length HPV 11 genomic sequences were amplified and sequenced. A total of 49 nucleotide mutations were identified, 12 of which resulted in amino acid changes. HPV 11 variants were highly conserved; the maximum pairwise difference was approximately 0.49%. The maximum pairwise difference of the 18 variants in our research was 0.39%. HPV 11 is less polymorphic than the majority of studied HPV genotypes. J. Med. Virol. 88:686–694, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Strategic Impact of Information Technology Deployment, Part I
Authors: White Gareth R.T. , Jones Paul , Beynon‐Davies Paul
Published: September 2015

The implementation of information technologies can cause disruption to the very fabric of the organizations in which they are employed, but they can also underpin initiatives to improve society at large.
Surgery versus endoscopic cauterization in patients with third or fourth branchial pouch sinuses: A systematic review
Authors: Derks Laura S. M. , Veenstra Hidde J. , Oomen Karin P. Q. , Speleman Lucienne , Stegeman Inge
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To systematically review the current literature on treatment of third and fourth branchial pouch sinuses with endoscopic cauterization, including chemocauterization and electrocauterization, in comparison to surgical treatment.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library.

Review Methods

We conducted a systematic search. Studies reporting original study data were included. After assessing the directness of evidence and risk of bias, studies with a low directness of evidence or a high risk of bias were excluded from analysis. Cumulative success rates after initial and recurrent treatments were calculated for both methods. A meta‐analysis was conducted comparing the success rate of electrocauterization and surgery.

Results

A total of 2,263 articles were retrieved, of which seven retrospective and one prospective article were eligible for analysis. The cumulative success rate after primary treatment with cauterization ranged from 66.7% to 100%, and ranged from 77.8% to 100% after a second cauterization. The cumulative success rate after the first surgical treatment ranged from 50% to 100% and was 100% after the second surgical attempt. Meta‐analysis on electrocauterization showed a nonsignificant risk ratio of 1.35 (95% confidence interval: 0.78–2.33).

Conclusions

The effectiveness of cauterization in preventing recurrence seems to be comparable to surgical treatment. However, we suggest endoscopic cauterization as the treatment of choice for third and fourth branchial pouch sinuses because of the lower morbidity rate.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:212–217, 2016
Comparison of interstitial brachytherapy and surgery as primary treatments for nasal vestibule carcinomas
Authors: Bussu Francesco , Tagliaferri Luca , Mattiucci Giancarlo , Parrilla Claudio , Dinapoli Nicola , Miccichè Francesco , Artuso Alberto , Galli Jacopo , Almadori Giovanni , Valentini Vincenzo , Paludetti Gaetano
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from the nasal vestibule is a rare condition accounting for about 1% of head and neck malignancies with several peculiarities concerning both staging and treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the oncological and functional results of two different treatment modalities for the primary site: surgery and brachytherapy.

Study Design

A case series with the comparison of two different treatment modalities.

Methods

We evaluate clinical and survival data of 12 untreated patients, enrolled by a multidisciplinary tumor board, comparing oncological, functional, and esthetic results after surgery or after interstitial brachytherapy as exclusive treatments for the primary site. The functional and esthetic outcome was subjectively rated by the patients using a five‐point scale.

Results

Locoregional control and survival are not significantly different between patients primarily treated by surgery and by brachytherapy. The functional and esthetic outcome, as assessed by the degree of satisfaction of the patients, is significantly better after primary brachytherapy than after primary surgery (P = .014).

Conclusions

In our experience brachytherapy, accomplished in close cooperation between surgeons and radiation oncologists, achieves oncological results that are not different from surgery, but with a higher degree of patient satisfaction, mainly due to the esthetic outcome.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 126:367–371, 2016
Alternaria and Cladosporium calendar of Western Thrace: Relationship with allergic rhinitis symptoms
Authors: Katotomichelakis Michael , Nikolaidis Christos , Makris Michael , Proimos Efklidis , Aggelides Xenophon , Constantinidis Theodoros C. , Papadakis Chariton E. , Danielides Vassilios
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Alternaria and Cladosporium are the most important outdoor moulds. The aim of this study was to present fungal spore monitoring data, investigate the relationship of fungal counts with climate conditions, and to explore the clinical significance of Alternaria and Cladosporium species monitoring in allergic rhinitis (AR).

Study Design

Analytic observational study.

Methods

A 7‐day volumetric trap was used to collect circulating Alternaria and Cladosporium fungi. Sixty‐nine AR patients were studied and recorded their symptoms by Total 5 Symptoms Score (T5SS). Sensitization prevalence to fungi species was detected by skin prick tests. Monitoring data were correlated to climate conditions and patients symptoms score.

Results

Alternaria and Cladosporium were detected throughout the calendar year in ranges of 0 to 217 spores/m3 and 6.5 to 1,600 spores/m3 per day, respectively. Highest daily concentrations of both fungi were detected during the summer (73.9 ± 34.4 spores/m3 for Alternaria and 595.8 ± 288.0 spores/m3 for Cladosporium) and lowest during the winter (2.4 ± 3.0 spores/m3 for Alternaria and 24.3 ± 15.7 spores/m3 for Cladosporium). Both were positively correlated to mean daily temperature and negatively to relative humidity (all P < 0.001). Clinically, a strong significant correlation between T5SS and airborne fungi levels, both for Alternaria (r = 0.822, P = 0.001) and Cladosporium (r = 0.787, P = 0.002) species was observed.

Conclusions

We found Cladosporium to be the most frequently detected airborne mould, whereas Alternaria was the most prevalent with regard to sensitization rate. Patients' symptoms score was significantly correlated to spore concentrations. Both fungi were clearly affected by climate factors, such as temperature and relative humidity. These findings are important in AR management.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:E51–E56, 2016
Oropharyngeal trauma mimicking a first branchial cleft anomaly
Authors: Larem Aisha , Sheikh Rashid , Al Qahtani Abdulsalam , Khais Frat , Ganesan Shanmugam , Haidar Hassan
Published: September 2015

We present a unique and challenging case of a remnant foreign body that presented to us in a child disguised as a strongly suspected congenital branchial cleft anomaly. This case entailed oropharyngeal trauma, with a delayed presentation as a retroauricular cyst accompanied by otorrhea that mimicked the classic presentation of an infected first branchial cleft anomaly. During surgical excision of the presumed branchial anomaly, a large wooden stick was found in the tract. The diagnostic and therapeutic obstacles in the management of such cases are highlighted. In addition to exploring the existing literature, we retrospectively analyzed a plausible explanation of the findings of this case. Laryngoscope, 126:E224–E226, 2016
Effect of airway dynamics on the development of larynx cancer
Authors: Taylan Mahsuk , Can Omer Faruk , Cetincakmak Mehmet Guli , Ozbay Musa
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study aimed to investigate and measure airway dynamics in anatomical regions where laryngeal cancer was most common in comparison to other regions of the larynx, thereby determining the effect of airway dynamics on the development of laryngeal cancer.

Study Design and Methods

Pulmonary function test airflow data and larynx anatomy measurement data obtained by three‐dimensional computed tomography. A healthy male adult was modeled by simulation using the ANSYS program. Analysis of air flow rates, pressure, and force were also made.

Results

The supraglottic region average pressure was higher when compared to the subglottic region and clearly lower when compared to the glottic region. The subglottic had the lowest pressure and force levels. The glottic region was the first ranked location for laryngeal cancer; the supraglottic region was the second; and the frequency of laryngeal cancer was much lower in the subglottic region. Our data suggests that the high pressure and force contribute to an increased amount of contact and interaction between toxic particles and mucosa and to increased diffusion of the particles, leading to an increased carcinogenic effect and frequency of cancer.

Conclusion

Laryngeal cancer was found more frequently in regions with an increased pressure and force stress and reduced air velocity, with a subsequent increase in penetration of the inhaled toxic agents. These findings demonstrate the importance of basic physical fluid mechanics in cancer pathogenesis.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 126:1136–1142, 2016
Interobserver agreement of confocal laser endomicroscopy for detection of head and neck neoplasia
Authors: Moore Charles , Mehta Vikas , Ma Xiaohui , Chaudhery Shabnum , Shi Runhua , Moore‐Medlin Tara , Lian Timothy , Nathan Cherie‐Ann O.
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

We have described the feasibility of using the probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) in differentiating benign from malignant lesions of the head and neck. Therefore, we wanted to determine the interobserver agreement of pCLE offline images of noncancerous, precancerous, and cancerous lesions of the head and neck.

Study Design

Single tertiary referral center.

Methods

In the feasibility study, image criteria for nondysplasia, dysplasia, and cancer were defined. The pCLE was performed before lesions were biopsied. Fifty offline images and 10 videos of good quality were selected. Seven surgeons and one pathologist were asked to review and categorize the images into the three categories above. The overall accuracy of 29 offline pCLE images and six videos were compared with histopathology. Interobserver agreement and accuracy kappa (κ) scores were measured with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

There were six nondysplasia, seven dysplasia, and 11 squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) cases, each with multiple images. There was substantial agreement between the eight reviewers on the pCLE images and videos (κ = 0.66; 95% CI 0.51–0.82 and κ = 0.71; 95% CI 0.42–0.97, respectively). The overall agreement with the final histopathology was also substantial for both the images and video sequences (κ = 0.70; 95% CI 0.50–0.88 and κ = 0.73; 95% CI 0.39–1.00, respectively).

Conclusion

The ability to differentiate normal mucosa, dysplasia, and invasive SCCA using pCLE with high accuracy and reliability was demonstrated. This technology has the potential to decrease sampling error of lesions in the head and neck. This is the first study to test the reliability of this technology in mucosal lesions of the head and neck.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 126:632–637, 2016
Facial nerve stimulation in the narrow bony cochlear nerve canal after cochlear implantation
Authors: Rah Yoon Chan , Yoon Young‐sun , Chang Moon Young , Lee Ji Young , Suh Myung‐Whan , Lee Jun Ho , Oh Seung‐ha , Chang Sun O. , Park Moo Kyun
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the correlation between a narrow bony cochlear nerve canal (BCNC) and facial nerve stimulation (FNS) after cochlear implantation (CI) and their underlying mechanisms and to predict the risk of FNS preoperatively.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 64 pediatric cases that underwent CI were included. Among them, 32 cases experienced FNS after CI, and another 32 cases were selected from 817 pediatric implantees by stratified random sampling. The width of the BCNC, the status of the cochlear nerve (CN) and the internal auditory canal (IAC), T level, and C level were compared and analyzed. Strategies for eliminating FNS were also analyzed.

Results

The FNS group showed a narrower BCNC (1.09 ± 0.52 mm) than the control group (1.99 ± 0.61 mm; P < .01), a lower CN/facial nerve ratio (0.32 ± 0.36) than the control group (1.34 ± 0.76; P < .01), and narrower IAC diameter (4.06 ± 1.71 mm) than the control group (5.66 ± 1.36 mm; P < .01). The FNS group also showed higher T level (165.7 ± 28.3 μA) than the control group (142.2 ± 21.2 μA; P < .01). Adjustment of the C levels and/or pulse width and switching off offending electrodes were attempted to eliminate FNS, with a 75.0% success rate. The FNS group still showed low Categories of Auditory Performance scores (3.00 ± 1.90) compared with the control group (5.94 ± 1.41, P < .01) after adjustment.

Conclusions

A narrow BCNC could be a cause of FNS after CI. Therefore, careful selection of the side for CI and programming strategies are required to reduce FNS.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:1433–1439, 2016
A systematic review of patient‐reported outcome measures for chronic suppurative otitis media
Authors: Phillips John S. , Yung Matthew W.
Published: September 2015

Objective

The purpose of this review was to systematically appraise the world literature to identify existing patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) for the assessment of outcomes in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media, to verify the diversity of the individual questionnaire items, to report the methods employed to evaluate the questionnaires, and to identify areas for development in the future.

Data Sources

Embase (January 1980–November 2014), MEDLINE (January 1946–November 2014), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (January 1981–November 2014), and PsycINFO (January 1806–November 2014).

Review Methods

A systematic literature search was independently undertaken by the two authors according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Nine original articles were identified, which overall outlined the evaluation of four different questionnaires.

Conclusions

This systematic appraisal of the world literature has identified four PROM questionnaires for use in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media. All four questionnaires evaluate reliability and validity using different psychometric methods. The Chronic Ear Survey questionnaire has been most broadly evaluated and disseminated. All four questionnaires assess static health status. There are many advantages to developing a dynamic one‐hit questionnaire to assess the health status of patients having undergone an intervention for chronic suppurative otitis media.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:1458–1463, 2016
Surgical risk factors for recurrence of inverted papilloma
Authors: Healy David Y. , Chhabra Nipun , Metson Ralph , Holbrook Eric H. , Gray Stacey T.
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To identify variations in surgical technique that impact the recurrence of inverted papilloma following endoscopic excision.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort.

Methods

Data from 127 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic excision of inverted papilloma and oncocytic papilloma at a tertiary care medical center from 1998 to 2011 were reviewed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, tumor stage, and intraoperative details, including tumor location and management of the base, were evaluated to identify factors associated with tumor recurrence.

Results

Recurrence of papilloma occurred in 16 patients (12.6%). Mean time to recurrence was 31.0 months (range, 5.2–110.0 months). Mucosal stripping alone was associated with a recurrence rate of 52.2% (12/23 patients), compared to 4.9% (3/61 patients) when the tumor base was drilled, 4.7% (1/21 patients) when it was cauterized, and 0.0% (0/22 patients) when it was completely excised (P = .001). Increased recurrence rate was associated with tumors located in the maxillary sinus (P = .03), as well as the performance of endoscopic medial maxillectomy (P = .001) and external frontal approaches (P = .02).

Conclusions

Drilling, cauterizing, or completely excising the bone underlying the tumor base during endoscopic resection reduces the recurrence rate of inverted and oncocytic papilloma, when compared to mucosal stripping alone. Surgeons who perform endoscopic resection of these tumors should consider utilization of these techniques when possible.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 126:796–801, 2016
New clinical trials for nonmotor manifestations of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Schrag Anette , Sauerbier Anna , Chaudhuri Kallol Ray
Published: September 2015

Nonmotor manifestations in Parkinson's disease (PD) encompass a range of clinical features, including neuropsychiatric problems, autonomic dysfunction, sleep disorders, fatigue, and pain. Despite their importance for patients' quality of life, the evidence base for their treatment is relatively sparse. Nevertheless, the last few years have seen a number of new trials starting that specifically address nonmotor features as an outcome measure in clinical trials. Large randomized, controlled trials in the last 3 years reported improvement of psychosis with the new selective serotonin 5‐HT2A inverse agonist pimavanserin and of postural hypotension with the oral norepinephrine precursor droxidopa. Smaller new randomized, controlled trials support the effectiveness of Deep Brain Stimulation and opiates for pain, of rivastigmine for apathy and piribedil for apathy post‐DBS, group cognitive behavioral therapy for depression and/or anxiety, continuous positive airway pressure for sleep apnea in PD and doxepin for insomnia, and of solifenacin succinate and transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for urinary symptoms. A number of new smaller or open trials as well as post‐hoc analyses of randomized, controlled trials have suggested usefulness of other treatments, and new randomized, controlled trials are currently ongoing. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Guidelines for ethical behavior relating to clinical practice issues in neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic medicine
Authors: Abel Naomi A. , De Sousa Eduardo A. , Govindarajan Raghav , Mayer Matthew P. , Simpson David A.
Published: September 2015

The American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) developed guidelines to formalize the ethical standards that neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic (EDx) physicians should observe in their clinical and scientific activities. Neuromuscular and EDx medicine is a subspecialty of medicine that focuses on evaluation, diagnosis, and comprehensive medical management, including rehabilitation of individuals with neuromuscular disorders. Physicians working in this subspecialty focus on disorders of the motor unit, including muscle, neuromuscular junction, axon, plexus, nerve root, anterior horn cell, and the peripheral nerves (motor and sensory). The neuromuscular and EDx physician's goal is to diagnose and treat these conditions to mitigate their impact and improve the patient's quality of life. The guidelines are consistent with the Principles of Medical Ethics adopted by the American Medical Association and represent a revision of previous AANEM guidelines. Muscle Nerve 52: 1122–1129, 2015
Use these 10 tips for website redesign success
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: September 2015

From videos and pictures to stories and background information, there are so many things to think about when creating a website with appealing and effective content.
Overcome challenges to cultivate women leaders on your campus
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2015

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — In a packed session sponsored by the American Association for Women in Community Colleges at the recent American Association of Community Colleges annual convention, a group of female leaders in higher education spoke to the challenges of cultivating female leadership within higher education. The panel consisted of Allatia Harris, vice chancellor for the San Jacinto College District; Marie Gnage, campus president at Florida State College at Jacksonville; Maria Harper‐Marinick, executive vice chancellor and provost at Maricopa Community Colleges; and Dawn DeWolf, vice president of academic and student affairs at Lane Community College.
Morphology of polyacrylamide in solution: effect of water quality on viscosity
Authors: Sui Xin , Wang Baohui , Wu Haiming , Dong Jing , Feng Shide
Published: September 2015

When used in polymer flooding for enhanced oil recovery, polyacrylamide (PAM) is an effective viscosifying agent and has been widely used for polymer flooding in oilfields in China for many years. Practical experience has shown that the use of oilfield treated produced water instead of fresh water, driven by economic and environmental considerations, leads to reduced viscosity of PAM solutions and hence poorer performance. To better understand the causes of viscosity degradation and to be able to control it, the morphology of polymer in different water quality conditions was investigated to reveal the relationship between the morphology and viscosity of PAM solutions. The effect of water quality on viscosity of PAM solution was also analyzed. The results show that the morphology of PAM solution prepared with deionized water exhibited a uniform three‐dimensional network structure. Both divalent metal ions and suspended substances have significant effects on PAM morphology and viscosity, but the effect of suspended substances is larger than that of divalent metal ions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel ABC miktoarm star terpolyphosphoesters: Facile construction and high‐flame retardant property
Authors: Qiu Jun , Zhang Jiawen , Yu Fangli , Wei Jun , Ding Liang
Published: September 2015

A combination of ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), ring‐opening polymerization (ROP), and acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization approach was first time utilized in the preparation of novel ABC miktoarm star terpolyphosphoesters (PPEs). Acrylate‐terminated monotelechelic PPE was first prepared through ROMP of 7‐membered cyclic phosphate monomer in the presence of a terminating agent, and then terminal acrylate group was readily converted, by thiol‐Michael addition click reaction and esterification, to a heterodifunctional PPE with hydroxyl and acrylate groups, which was a key precursor for the preparation of ABC miktoarm terpolymers. ROP of the cyclic phosphoester monomer initiated by this PPE was successively carried out to generate the acrylate‐functionalized block PPE, which utilized as a selective macromolecular chain stopper in subsequent ADMET polymerization of α,ω‐diene phosphate monomer, finally producing miktoarm terpolyphosphoester. These prepared miktoarm star terpolyphosphoesters demonstrated superior thermal and flame retardant properties via TGA, limiting oxygen index, and microscale combustion calorimetry tests. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 692–701
Shortening a loop can increase protein native state entropy
Authors: Gavrilov Yulian , Dagan Shlomi , Levy Yaakov
Published: September 2015

Protein loops are essential structural elements that influence not only function but also protein stability and folding rates. It was recently reported that shortening a loop in the AcP protein may increase its native state conformational entropy. This effect on the entropy of the folded state can be much larger than the lower entropic penalty of ordering a shorter loop upon folding, and can therefore result in a more pronounced stabilization than predicted by polymer model for loop closure entropy. In this study, which aims at generalizing the effect of loop length shortening on native state dynamics, we use all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations to study how gradual shortening a very long or solvent‐exposed loop region in four different proteins can affect their stability. For two proteins, AcP and Ubc7, we show an increase in native state entropy in addition to the known effect of the loop length on the unfolded state entropy. However, for two permutants of SH3 domain, shortening a loop results only with the expected change in the entropy of the unfolded state, which nicely reproduces the observed experimental stabilization. Here, we show that an increase in the native state entropy following loop shortening is not unique to the AcP protein, yet nor is it a general rule that applies to all proteins following the truncation of any loop. This modification of the loop length on the folded state and on the unfolded state may result with a greater effect on protein stability. Proteins 2015; 83:2137–2146. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Real‐Time Orbital Image Analysis Using Decision Forests, with a Deployment Onboard the IPEX Spacecraft
Authors: Altinok Alphan , Thompson David R. , Bornstein Benjamin , Chien Steve A. , Doubleday Joshua , Bellardo John
Published: September 2015

Automatic cloud recognition promises significant improvements in Earth science remote sensing. At any time, more than half of Earth's surface is covered by clouds, obscuring images and atmospheric measurements. This is particularly problematic for CubeSats, a new generation of small, low‐orbiting spacecraft with very limited communications bandwidth. Such spacecraft can use image analysis to autonomously select clear scenes for prioritized downlink. More agile spacecraft can also benefit from cloud screening by retargeting observations to cloud‐free areas. This could significantly improve the science yield of instruments such as the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 3 mission. However, most existing cloud detection algorithms are not suitable for these applications, because they require calibrated and georectified spectral data, which is not typically available onboard. Here, we describe a statistical machine‐learning method for real‐time autonomous scene interpretation using a visible camera with no radiometric calibration. A random forest classifies cloud and clear pixels based on local patterns of image texture. We report on experimental evaluation of images from the International Space Station (ISS) and present results from a deployment onboard the IPEX spacecraft. This demonstrates actual execution in flight and provides some preliminary lessons learned about operational use. It is a rare example of a machine‐learning system deployed to an autonomous spacecraft. To our knowledge, it is also the first instance of significant artificial intelligence deployed on board a CubeSat and the first ever deployment of visible image‐based cloud screening onboard any operational spacecraft.
Early green lacewings (Insecta: Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) from the Jurassic of China and Kazakhstan
Authors: Khramov Alexander V. , Liu Qing , Zhang Haichun , Jarzembowski Edmund A.
Published: September 2015

Two new species of Jurassic Chrysopidae are described: Mesypochrysa sinica sp. nov. (Limaiinae) from the Middle–Upper Jurassic boundary interval of Daohugou (China) and Baisochrysa pumila sp. nov. (Limaiinae) from the Upper Jurassic of Karatau (Kazakhstan). Mesypochrysa intermedia Panfilov, 1980, previously known from Karatau, is recorded from Daohugou. Mesypochrysa sinica sp. nov. and M. cf. intermedia from Daohugou are considered to be the earliest known, unquestionable green lacewings. Lembochrysa Ren and Guo, 1996 is synonymized with Mesypochrysa Martynov, 1927. Mesypochrysa makarkini Nel et al., 2005 is synonymized with M. intermedia, and the size range of their forewings is discussed. Male and female terminalia of the Mesozoic green lacewings are described for the first time. The diversification of ants is considered a possible cause of the extinction of Limaiinae during the early Eocene.
Climate change and Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Hopkins Debbie , Campbell‐Hunt Colin , Carter Lynette , Higham James E. S. , Rosin Chris
Published: September 2015

With a population of 4.5 million, New Zealand's contribution to total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is relatively low. On aper capitabasis, however, New Zealand'sGHGemissions are the fifth highest among Annex 1 countries, due in part to the relative size of the pastoral agricultural sector. Biophysical impacts of climate change will largely extend current climate trends, with high regional variability. A review of climate change literature identifies three key risks for New Zealand relating to economic connectedness, perceptions of ‘clean, green’ New Zealand, and social equity. Since 2008, New Zealand's main mitigation response has been the emissions trading scheme (NZ ETS), yet theETSis currently providing little by way of meaningful incentives for behavior change and low‐carbon investment. Moreover, since declining to enter the second commitment period of the Kyoto protocol, engagement with global climate governance has been modest, and recently released emissions reduction targets have raised questions over New Zealand's responsibilities as a global citizen. In this paper, adaptive responses are considered in connection to key industries (agriculture, tourism) and communities (coastal, Māori), and examine the devolved structure of adaptation. Mainstream media reporting of climate change in New Zealand appears to be aligned with the scientific consensus position, yet it continues to frame climate change as a political issue, prioritizing political over scientific voices. Public perceptions of climate change provide evidence of continued uncertainty relating to human attribution, and depict climate change as a spatially distanced risk which could affect support for government action on climate change.WIREs Clim Change2015, 6:559–583. doi: 10.1002/wcc.355

This article is categorized under:

Trans‐Disciplinary Perspectives > National Reviews
Nanoparticle‐based imaging of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Wu Yingwei , Briley Karen , Tao Xiaofeng
Published: September 2015

Although inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been extensively studied, the pathogenesis is still not completely understood. As a result, the treatment options remain unsatisfactory and nonspecific. With the rapid advancement of diagnostic imaging techniques, imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are playing a more important role in IBD diagnosis and evaluation. Recent developments in nanotechnology utilize an interdisciplinary approach to specifically target molecular or cellular IBD pathological process thereby generating nanoparticles (NPs) with high specificity and diagnostic and/or therapeutic efficacy. Nano‐based imaging, which incorporates nanotechnology and imaging modalities, may allow for the early detection of IBD, the monitoring of disease activity, and may be used to monitor the therapeutic response at cellular and/or molecular level. In this review, we highlight issues related to nano‐based imaging and its application in IBD field. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:300–315. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1357

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
The interplay of parental support, parental pressure and test anxiety – Gender differences in adolescents
Authors: Ringeisen Tobias , Raufelder Diana
Published: September 2015

This study examined gender‐specific relationships between adolescents' perceptions of school‐related support/pressure from their parents and test anxiety. A sample of German students (N = 845; Mage = 15.32; SD = .49) completed questionnaires that measured their perceived parental support/pressure (for mother and father separately) as well as the four main components of test anxiety (worry, interference, lack of confidence, and emotionality). Gender‐specific relations were identified using multigroup structural equation modeling: For girls, perceived maternal pressure was positively associated with emotionality and interference; for boys, perceived father pressure and father support were positively associated with interference and worry, respectively. For both genders, perceived mother pressure and support were related to lack of confidence. Our findings suggest that adolescents' perceptions of maternal attitudes are associated with students' self‐confidence irrespective of the child's gender, whereas the remaining facets of test anxiety follow same‐sex trajectories between perceived parental attitudes and adolescents' test anxiety.
The Difference that Religion Makes: Transplanting Legal Ideas from the West to Japan and India
Authors: SHAH Prakash
Published: September 2015

What is the fate of legal transplants when they arrive from one culture to another? Using the theoretical framework of legal transplantation developed by Masaji Chiba and the theory of religion developed by S.N. Balagangadhara the problem is tested with two different types of indigenous law, in Japan and India, which do not have religion. When certain kinds of legal ideas, embedded as norms within the Western culture, which is constituted by a religion, Christianity, enter non-Western cultures that do not have religion, those ideas break down, become distorted, absurd or nonsensical, and induce conflict. The secular state engages in the process of suppressing what it implicitly regards as false religion or idolatrous practices. As Chiba foresaw, this process can even lead to the identity postulate of a legal culture being altered or destroyed.
Twentieth-Century Enterprise Forms: Japan in Comparative Perspective
Authors: HANNAH LESLIE , KASUYA MAKOTO
Published: September 2015

La Porta et al. see common law as most favorable to corporate development and economic growth, but Japanese legislators explicitly based their system on German civil law. However, Japan’s commercial code of 1899 omitted the GmbH (private company) form, which Guinnane et al. see as the jewel in the crown of Germany’s organizational menu. Neither apparent “mistake” retarded Japan’s adoption of the corporate form, because its commercial code offered flexible governance and liability options, implemented liberally. It was this liberal flexibility, not choice of legal family or hybrid corporate forms emphasized by previous writers, that drove corporatization forward in Japan and more widely. Surprisingly (given that Germany’s superficially fuller organizational menu predated Japan’s by many decades and the country was wealthier), by the 1930s Japan already had not only more corporations than Germany, but also morecommanditepartnerships (with some corporate characteristics). After the introduction of theyugen kaisha(private company) in 1940, corporate forms became nearly as widely used in Japan as in the United States, United Kingdom, or Switzerland.
Optimal Wine Pricing for Restaurants
Authors: Coqueret Guillaume
Published: September 2015

We present a simple static way of optimizing the prices of bottles of wine for restaurants with a given cellar. In contrast to classical assortment pricing models, we posit that the cellar (i.e., inventory) is given and is not taken as a variable entering the optimization program. In our model, the optimal price is driven mainly by a rating parameter after the effect of initial cost is removed. This parameter plays the role of a dominant characteristic in hedonic models, even though the levels of stocks may also be determinant when they are very low. We provide a numerical sensitivity analysis of prices to various parameters and study a realistic large-scale example based on two wine lists with 50 bottles each. Finally, several extensions are discussed. (JEL Classifications: C61, L11, L83)
Dietary protein ingested before and during short photoperiods makes an impact on affect-related behaviours and plasma composition of amino acids in mice
Authors: Otsuka Tsuyoshi , Goda Ryosei , Iwamoto Ayaka , Kawai Misato , Shibata Satomi , Oka Yoshiaki , Mizunoya Wataru , Furuse Mitsuhiro , Yasuo Shinobu
Published: September 2015

In mammals, short photoperiod is associated with high depression- and anxiety-like behaviours with low levels of the brain serotonin and its precursor tryptophan (Trp). Because the brain Trp levels are regulated by its ratio to large neutral amino acids (Trp:LNAA) in circulation, this study elucidated whether diets of various protein sources that contain different Trp:LNAA affect depression- and anxiety-like behaviours in C57BL/6J mice under short-day conditions (SD). In the control mice on a casein diet, time spent in the central area in the open field test (OFT) was lower in the mice under SD than in those under long-day conditions (LD), indicating that SD exposure induces anxiety-like behaviour. The SD-induced anxiety-like behaviour was countered by anα-lactalbumin diet given under SD. In the mice that were on a gluten diet before transition to SD, the time spent in the central area in the OFT under SD was higher than that in the SD control mice. Alternatively, mice that ingested soya protein before the transition to SD had lower immobility in the forced swim test, a depression-like behaviour, compared with the SD control. Analysis of Trp:LNAA revealed lower Trp:LNAA in the SD control compared with the LD control, which was counteracted by anα-lactalbumin diet under SD. Furthermore, mice on gluten or soya protein diets before transition to SD exhibited high Trp:LNAA levels in plasma under SD. In conclusion, ingestion of specific proteins at different times relative to photoperiodic transition may modulate anxiety- and/or depression-like behaviours, partially through changes in plasma Trp:LNAA.
Using encounter rates as surrogates for density estimates makes monitoring of heavily-traded grey parrots achievable across Africa
Authors: Marsden Stuart J. , Loqueh Emmanuel , Takuo Jean Michel , Hart John A. , Abani Robert , Ahon Dibié Bernard , Annorbah Nathaniel N. D. , Johnson Robin , Valle Simon
Published: September 2015

Estimating population sizes in the heavily traded grey parrots of West and Central Africa would provide insights into conservation status and sustainability of harvests. Ideally, density estimates would be derived from a standardized method such as distance sampling, but survey efforts are hampered by the extensive ranges, patchy distribution, variable abundance, cryptic habits and high mobility of the parrots as well as by logistical difficulties and limited resources. We carried out line transect distance sampling alongside a simpler encounter rate method at 10 sites across five West and Central African countries. Density estimates were variable across sites, from 0–0.5 individuals km−2in Côte d'Ivoire and central Democratic Republic of the Congo to c. 30 km−2in Cameroon and > 70 km−2on the island of Príncipe. Most significantly, we identified the relationship between densities estimated from distance sampling and simple encounter rates, which has important applications in monitoring grey parrots: (1) to convert records of parrot groups encountered in a day's activities by anti-poaching patrols within protected areas into indicative density estimates, (2) to confirm low density in areas where parrots are so rare that distance sampling is not feasible, and (3) to provide a link between anecdotal records and local density estimates. Encounter rates of less than one parrot group per day of walking are a reality in most forests within the species’ ranges. Densities in these areas are expected to be one individual km−2or lower, and local harvest should be disallowed on this basis.
Altered emotion regulation in obsessive–compulsive disorder as evidenced by the late positive potential
Authors: Paul S. , Simon D. , Endrass T. , Kathmann N.
Published: September 2015

Background.

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with marked anxiety, which triggers repetitive behaviours or mental rituals. The persistence of pathological anxiety and maladaptive strategies to reduce anxiety point to altered emotion regulation. The late positive potential (LPP) is an event-related brain potential (ERP) that reflects sustained attention to emotional stimuli and is sensitive to emotion-regulation instructions. We hypothesized that patients with OCD show altered electrocortical responses during reappraisal of stimuli triggering their symptoms.

Method.

To test our hypothesis, ERPs to disorder-relevant, generally aversive and neutral pictures were recorded while participants were instructed to either maintain or reduce emotional responding using cognitive distraction or cognitive reappraisal.

Results.

Relative to healthy controls, patients with OCD showed enhanced LPPs in response to disorder-relevant pictures, indicating their prioritized processing. While both distraction and reappraisal successfully reduced the LPP in healthy controls, patients with OCD failed to show corresponding LPP modulation during cognitive reappraisal despite successfully reduced subjective arousal ratings.

Conclusions.

The results point to sustained attention towards emotional stimuli during cognitive reappraisal in OCD and suggest that abnormal emotion regulation should be integrated in models of OCD.
Self-injurious thoughts and behaviors as risk factors for future suicide ideation, attempts, and death: a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies
Authors: Ribeiro J. D. , Franklin J. C. , Fox K. R. , Bentley K. H. , Kleiman E. M. , Chang B. P. , Nock M. K.
Published: September 2015

Background

A history of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) is consistently cited as one of the strongest predictors of future suicidal behavior. However, stark discrepancies in the literature raise questions about the true magnitude of these associations. The objective of this study is to examine the magnitude and clinical utility of the associations between SITBs and subsequent suicide ideation, attempts, and death.

Method

We searched PubMed, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar for papers published through December 2014. Inclusion required that studies include at least one longitudinal analysis predicting suicide ideation, attempts, or death using any SITB variable. We identified 2179 longitudinal studies; 172 met inclusion criteria.

Results

The most common outcome was suicide attempt (47.80%), followed by death (40.50%) and ideation (11.60%). Median follow-up was 52 months (mean = 82.52,s.d.= 102.29). Overall prediction was weak, with weighted mean odds ratios (ORs) of 2.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.76–2.43] for ideation, 2.14 (95% CI 2.00–2.30) for attempts, and 1.54 (95% CI 1.39–1.71) for death. Adjusting for publication bias further reduced estimates. Diagnostic accuracy analyses indicated acceptable specificity (86–87%) and poor sensitivity (10–26%), with areas under the curve marginally above chance (0.60–0.62). Most risk factors generated OR estimates of <2.0 and no risk factor exceeded 4.5. Effects were consistent regardless of sample severity, sample age groups, or follow-up length.

Conclusions

Prior SITBs confer risk for later suicidal thoughts and behaviors. However, they only provide a marginal improvement in diagnostic accuracy above chance. Addressing gaps in study design, assessment, and underlying mechanisms may prove useful in improving prediction and prevention of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.