bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term preclinical magnetic resonance imaging alterations in sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
Authors: Zanusso Gianluigi , Camporese Giulia , Ferrari Sergio , Santelli Luca , Bongianni Matilde , Fiorini Michele , Monaco Salvatore , Manara Renzo , Cagnin Annachiara
Published: August 2016

An asymptomatic 74‐year‐old woman, on follow‐up for a carotid body tumor, showed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) focal restricted diffusion confined to the left temporal and occipital cortices. Thirteen months later, diffusion‐weighted images revealed a bilateral cortical ribbon sign involving all lobes. After 1 month, the patient developed gait instability and cognitive decline rapidly evolving to severe dementia and death within 3 months. Prion protein gene sequence, molecular, and neuropathological studies confirmed the diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD) MM1 subtype. Here we show the kinetics of MRI changes and prion spreading in preclinical sCJD MM1. Ann Neurol 2016;80:629–632
Morphogenesis of the middle ear ossicles and spatial relationships with the external and inner ears during the embryonic period
Authors: Ozeki‐Satoh Maimi , Ishikawa Aoi , Yamada Shigehito , Uwabe Chigako , Takakuwa Tetsuya
Published: August 2016

We describe the three‐dimensional morphogenesis of the middle ear ossicles (MEOs) according to Carnegie stage (CS) in human embryos. Seventeen samples including 33 MEOs from CS18 to 23 were selected from the Kyoto Collection. The primordia of the MEOs and related structures were histologically observed and three‐dimensionally reconstructed from digital images. The timing of chondrogenesis was variable among structures. The stapes was recognizable as a vague condensation of the mesenchymal cells in all samples from CS18, whereas the malleus and incus were recognizable at CS19. Chondrogenesis of all MEOs was evident in all samples after CS21. The chondrocranium was recognizable in all samples by CS18, and the perichondrium border of the auricular cartilage and otic capsule was distinct in all samples at CS23. At CS19, the MEOs were positioned in the anterior to posterior direction, following the order malleus, incus, stapes, which adjusted gradually during development. The MEOs connected in all samples after CS22. The stapes was located close to the vestibular part of the inner ear, although the basal part was not differentiated into the “footplate” form, even at CS23. The handles of the malleus were close to the tubotympanic recess at CS23, but were distant from the external auditory meatus. Determining the timeline of the formation of MEOs and connection of the external and inner ears can be informative for understanding hearing loss caused by failure of this connection. These data may provide a useful standard for morphogenesis, and will contribute to distinguishing between normal and abnormal MEO development. Anat Rec, 299:1325–1337, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metabolic engineering of methanotrophs and its application to production of chemicals and biofuels from methane
Authors: Lee Ok Kyung , Hur Dong Hoon , Nguyen Diep Thi Ngoc , Lee Eun Yeol
Published: August 2016

Methane‐assimilating bacteria, methanotrophs, can play an important role in producing various value‐added chemicals and biofuels from methane, which is considered a next‐generation carbon feedstock. The capability to engineer the metabolic pathway of methanotrophs is a key success factor for enhancing methane‐to‐product conversion efficiency. Recently, OMICS studies on several model methanotrophs have been conducted and provided strategies to engineer methanotrophs. Here, we present a review on the current progresses and future prospects of metabolic engineering of methanotrophs and its application to chemical and biofuel production from methane. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Effect of appendicectomy on colonic inflammation and neoplasia in experimental ulcerative colitis
Authors: Harnoy Y , Bouhnik Y , Gault N , Maggiori L , Sulpice L , Cazals-Hatem D , Boudjema K , Panis Y , Ogier-Denis E , Treton X
Published: August 2016

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) promotes cancer, and can be ameliorated by early appendicectomy for appendicitis. The aim of the study was to explore the effect of appendicectomy on colitis and colonic neoplasia in an animal model of colitis and a cohort of patients with UC.

Methods

Five-week old IL10/Nox1DKO mice with nascent colitis and 8-week-old IL10/Nox1DKO mice with established colitis underwent appendicectomy (for experimental appendicitis or no appendicitis) or sham laparotomy. The severity and extent of colitis was assessed by histopathological examination, and a clinical disease activity score was given. From a cohort of consecutive patients with UC who underwent colectomy, the prevalence of appendicectomy and pathological findings were collected from two institutional databases.

Results

Appendicectomy for appendicitis ameliorated experimental colitis in the mice; the effect was more pronounced in the 5-week-old animals. Appendicectomy in the no-appendicitis group was associated with an increased rate of colonic high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or cancer compared with rates in sham and appendicitis groups (13 of 20 versus 0 of 20 and 0 of 20 respectively; P < 0·001). Fifteen of 232 patients who underwent colectomy for UC had previously had an appendicectomy, and nine of these had colonic cancer or HGD. Thirty (13·8 per cent) of 217 patients with the appendix in situ had colonic neoplastic lesions. Multivariable analysis showed that previous appendicectomy was associated with colorectal neoplasia (odds ratio 16·88, 95 per cent c.i. 3·32 to 112·69).

Conclusion

Appendicectomy for experimental appendicitis ameliorated colitis. The risk of colorectal neoplasia appeared to increase following appendicectomy without induced appendicitis in a mouse model of colitis, and in patients with UC who had undergone appendicectomy.
Highly Crystalline Mesoporous Silicon Spheres for Efficient Visible Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Song Hongguang , Liu Dong , Yang Jia , Wang Lei , Xu Hangxun , Xiong Yujie
Published: August 2016

High‐performance and low‐cost photocatalysts from earth‐abundant sources are of great importance to realize large‐scale hydrogen production. Silicon, a naturally abundant semiconductor with narrow bandgap, is an ideal photocatalyst due to its high solar energy utilization efficiency; however, its application in photocatalytic H2 production is mainly limited by energy band and surface structures. Here we report the facile synthesis of highly crystalline mesoporous silicon spheres to overcome the limitations by combining salt‐assisted aerosol synthesis with magnesiothermic reduction. The mesoporous silicon spheres possess high crystallinity, large specific surface area and optimal band structure, enabling efficient and stable photocatalytic H2 evolution (1785 μmol h−1 g−1) under visible light without precious metal cocatalysts. This work offers a scalable approach to highly crystalline mesoporous materials and provides new prospects in developing silicon photocatalysts for solar fuel production.
Design and Fabrication of a Tip‐Like ZnO Nanotube Array Structure with Condensate Microdrop Self‐Propelling Function
Authors: Luo Yuting , Gong Xiaojing , Chen Ying , Zhu Jie , Wei Jiandong , Gao Xuefeng
Published: August 2016

Here, we present a type of tip‐like nanotube array with condensate microdrop self‐propelling (CMDSP) function. Based on the basic principle that condensate microdrops can self‐remove via coalescence‐released weak surface energy as long as interface adhesion induced energy dissipation is sufficiently low, we design tip‐like nanotubes with extremely low solid–liquid interface adhesion. To verify the feasibility of this idea, we propose a strategy of preferential etching of six corners and the interior of ZnO nanopencils to achieve tip‐like nanotubes. Our studies demonstrate that this nanostructure can be achieved by immersing ZnO nanopencils in 0.006 m HCl aqueous solution at 80 °C for 3 h. After silane modification, the resulting nanostructure shows CMDSP function. This work offers a new avenue for developing CMDSP functional films, which can find a variety of technological applications such as moisture self‐cleaning, antifrosting and enhancing heat transfer.
Considerations for assessing model averaging of regression coefficients
Authors: Banner Katharine M. , Higgs Megan D.
Published: August 2016

Model choice is usually an inevitable source of uncertainty in model‐based statistical analyses. While the focus of model choice was traditionally on methods for choosing a single model, methods to formally account for multiple models within a single analysis are now accessible to many researchers. The specific technique of model averaging was developed to improve predictive ability by combining predictions from a set of models. However, it is now often used to average regression coefficients across multiple models with the ultimate goal of capturing a variable's overall effect. This use of model averaging implicitly assumes the same parameter exists across models so that averaging is sensible. While this assumption may initially seem tenable, regression coefficients associated with particular explanatory variables may not hold equivalent interpretations across all of the models in which they appear, making explanatory inference about covariates challenging. Accessibility to easily implementable software, concerns about being criticized for ignoring model uncertainty, and the chance to avoid having to justify choice of a final model have all led to the increasing popularity of model averaging in practice. We see a gap between the theoretical development of model averaging and its current use in practice, potentially leaving well‐intentioned researchers with unclear inferences or difficulties justifying reasons for using (or not using) model averaging. We attempt to narrow this gap by revisiting some relevant foundations of regression modeling, suggesting more explicit notation and graphical tools, and discussing how individual model results are combined to obtain a model averaged result. Our goal is to help researchers make informed decisions about model averaging and to encourage question‐focused modeling over method‐focused modeling.
Adaptive and neutral markers both show continent‐wide population structure of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae)
Authors: Batista Philip D. , Janes Jasmine K. , Boone Celia K. , Murray Brent W. , Sperling Felix A. H.
Published: August 2016

Assessments of population genetic structure and demographic history have traditionally been based on neutral markers while explicitly excluding adaptive markers. In this study, we compared the utility of putatively adaptive and neutral single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for inferring mountain pine beetle population structure across its geographic range. Both adaptive and neutral SNPs, and their combination, allowed range‐wide structure to be distinguished and delimited a population that has recently undergone range expansion across northern British Columbia and Alberta. Using an equal number of both adaptive and neutral SNPs revealed that adaptive SNPs resulted in a stronger correlation between sampled populations and inferred clustering. Our results suggest that adaptive SNPs should not be excluded prior to analysis from neutral SNPs as a combination of both marker sets resulted in better resolution of genetic differentiation between populations than either marker set alone. These results demonstrate the utility of adaptive loci for resolving population genetic structure in a nonmodel organism.
Fabrication and electrokinetic motion of electrically anisotropic Janus droplets in microchannels
Authors: Li Mengqi , Li Dongqing
Published: August 2016

This paper presents experimental investigations of the fabrication and the motion of electrically anisotropic Janus droplets in a microchannel under externally applied direct current (DC) electrical field. The fabrication method of the Janus droplets is presented first. To begin, oil droplets are coated uniformly with positively charged nanoparticles in the aluminum oxide nanoparticle suspension. The electrically anisotropic Janus droplets are formed when the nanoparticles are accumulated to one side of the droplets in response to externally applied DC electric field. The surface coverage of the Janus droplets by nanoparticles can be adjusted by controlling the concentration of the nanoparticle suspension. The flow fields around the Janus droplets moving in a microchannel were observed with tracing particles. Finally, the electrokinetic velocity of the Janus droplets in a microchannel was measured. The effects of the strength of the electrical field, the surface coverage of the Janus droplets by nanoparticles, the size of the droplets as well as the electrolyte concentration on the electrokinetic velocity of the Janus droplets were studied.
RAMA casein zymography: Time‐saving and highly sensitive casein zymography for MMP7 and trypsin
Authors: Yasumitsu Hidetaro , Ozeki Yasuhiro , Kanaly Robert A.
Published: August 2016

To detect metalloproteinase‐7 (MMP7), zymography is conducted using a casein substrate and conventional CBB stain. It has disadvantages because it is time consuming and has low sensitivity. Previously, a sensitive method to detect MMP7 up to 30 pg was reported, however it required special substrates and complicated handlings. RAMA casein zymography described herein is rapid, sensitive, and reproducible. By applying high‐sensitivity staining with low substrate conditions, the staining process is completed within 1 h and sensitivity was increased 100‐fold. The method can detect 10 pg MMP7 by using commercially available casein without complicated handlings. Moreover, it increases detection sensitivity for trypsin.
Risk of convulsive epilepsy following acute seizures in Kenyan children
Authors: Bistervels Ingrid M. , Kariuki Symon M. , Newton Charles R. J. C.
Published: August 2016

Objective

The prevalence of epilepsy is high in Africa, and people with epilepsy often have a history of acute seizures. We determined whether acute seizures are associated with risk for epilepsy in rural Africa, where both conditions are common and may have shared risk factors.

Methods

A total of 16,438 children (2,991 with acute seizures and 13,447 without seizures) admitted to Kilifi County Hospital from 2002 to 2008 were followed up with epidemiological surveys conducted in 2003 and 2008 to assess the prevalence of epilepsy and the associated risk factors. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify the risk factors. Prevalence ratios were computed using log binomial regression models.

Results

The prevalence of epilepsy was higher in admissions with acute seizures (5.0% [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.3–5.9%]) than in those without seizures (0.7% [95% CI, 0.5–0.8%]), p < 0.0001). Acute seizures were associated with epilepsy after accounting for potential confounders in a Cox regression model (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.53 [95% CI, 1.10–2.14]). Prevalence was greater in complex acute seizures (5.9%; prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.58 [95% CI, 1.13–2.20]) or status epilepticus (7.5%; PR = 1.96 [95% CI, 1.32–2.91]) than in simple acute seizures (3.7%). Factors independently associated with epilepsy following acute seizures in Cox regression models were perinatal complications (HR = 3.60 [95% CI, 1.89–6.87]), cerebral palsy (HR = 1491.51 [95% CI, 144.30–15,416.21]), duration of follow‐up (HR = 1.21 [95% CI, 1.09–1.35]), and malnutrition (relative risk [RR] = 0.24 [95% CI, 0.08–0.69]).

Significance

Acute seizures in children are associated with subsequent risk for epilepsy that is greater than in the general population. The burden of epilepsy may be reduced by control of causes of acute seizures.
New insights in the homotopic and heterotopic connectivity of the frontal portion of the human corpus callosum revealed by microdissection and diffusion tractography
Authors: De Benedictis Alessandro , Petit Laurent , Descoteaux Maxime , Marras Carlo Efisio , Barbareschi Mattia , Corsini Francesco , Dallabona Monica , Chioffi Franco , Sarubbo Silvio
Published: August 2016

Extensive studies revealed that the human corpus callosum (CC) plays a crucial role in providing large–scale bi‐hemispheric integration of sensory, motor and cognitive processing, especially within the frontal lobe. However, the literature lacks of conclusive data regarding the structural macroscopic connectivity of the frontal CC. In this study, a novel microdissection approach was adopted, to expose the frontal fibers of CC from the dorsum to the lateral cortex in eight hemispheres and in one entire brain. Post‐mortem results were then combined with data from advanced constrained spherical deconvolution in 130 healthy subjects. We demonstrated as the frontal CC provides dense inter‐hemispheric connections. In particular, we found three types of fronto‐callosal fibers, having a dorso‐ventral organization. First, the dorso‐medial CC fibers subserve homotopic connections between the homologous medial cortices of the superior frontal gyrus. Second, the ventro‐lateral CC fibers subserve homotopic connections between lateral frontal cortices, including both the middle frontal gyrus and the inferior frontal gyrus, as well as heterotopic connections between the medial and lateral frontal cortices. Third, the ventro‐striatal CC fibers connect the medial and lateral frontal cortices with the contralateral putamen and caudate nucleus. We also highlighted an intricate crossing of CC fibers with the main association pathways terminating in the lateral regions of the frontal lobes. This combined approach of ex vivo microdissection and in vivo diffusion tractography allowed demonstrating a previously unappreciated three‐dimensional architecture of the anterior frontal CC, thus clarifying the functional role of the CC in mediating the inter‐hemispheric connectivity. Hum Brain Mapp 37:4718–4735, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti‐tumor activity of the ATR inhibitor AZD6738 in HER2 positive breast cancer cells
Authors: Kim Hee‐Jun , Min Ahrum , Im Seock‐Ah , Jang Hyemin , Lee Kyung Hun , Lau Alan , Lee Miso , Kim Seongyeong , Yang Yaewon , Kim Jungeun , Kim Tae Yong , Oh Do‐Youn , Brown Jeffrey , O'Connor Mark J. , Bang Yung‐Jue
Published: August 2016

Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3‐related (ATR) proteins are sensors of DNA damage, which induces homologous recombination (HR)‐dependent repair. ATR is a master regulator of DNA damage repair (DDR), signaling to control DNA replication, DNA repair and apoptosis. Therefore, the ATR pathway might be an attractive target for developing new drugs. This study was designed to investigate the antitumor effects of the ATR inhibitor, AZD6738 and its underlying mechanism in human breast cancer cells. Growth inhibitory effects of AZD6738 against human breast cancer cell lines were studied using a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)−2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium, MTT) assay. Cell cycle analysis, Western blotting, immunofluorescence and comet assays were also performed to elucidate underlying mechanisms of AZD6738 action. Anti‐proliferative and DDR inhibitory effects of AZD6738 were demonstrated in human breast cancer cell lines. Among 13 cell lines, the IC50 values of nine cell lines were less than 1 μmol/L using MTT assay. Two cell lines, SK‐BR‐3 and BT‐474, were chosen for further evaluation focused on human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive breast cancer cells. Sensitive SK‐BR‐3 but not the less sensitive BT‐474 breast cancer cells showed increased level of apoptosis and S phase arrest and reduced expression levels of phosphorylated check‐point kinase 1 (CHK1) and other repair markers. Decreased functional CHK1 expression induced DNA damage accumulation due to HR inactivation. AZD6738 showed synergistic activity with cisplatin. Understanding the antitumor activity and mechanisms of AZD6738 in HER2‐positive breast cancer cells creates the possibility for future clinical trials targeting DDR in HER2‐positive breast cancer treatment.
Combination gemcitabine/cisplatin therapy and ERCC1 expression for resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Results of a Phase II prospective trial
Authors: Postlewait Lauren M. , Ethun Cecilia G. , Kooby David A. , Sarmiento Juan M. , Chen Zhengjia , Staley Charles A. , Brutcher Edith , Adsay Volkan , El‐Rayes Bassel , Maithel Shishir K.
Published: August 2016

Background

Standard adjuvant treatment for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is gemcitabine [Gem(CONKO‐001: Gem vs. placebo DFS:13.4 vs. 6.7 mo; P < 0.001; OS:22.8 vs. 20.2 mo; P = 0.01)]. Addition of cisplatin (Cis) to Gem has resulted in increased PFS for advanced and metastatic disease, which may be predicted by low expression of excision repair cross‐complementing group–1 (ERCC1), the key enzyme in nucleotide excision repair. This Phase II prospective trial assesses outcomes of patients treated with adjuvant Gem/Cis, stratifying results by tumor ERCC1 expression.

Methods

Patients with resected PDAC were enrolled (2010–2013) and received Gem(1,000 mg/m2)/Cis(50 mg/m2). Tumor ERCC1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and dichotomized into low or high expression. Primary outcomes were recurrence‐free and overall survival (RFS/OS).

Results

Of 22 pts, 16(73%) were Stage IIB, 5(23%) Stage IIA, and 1(4%) Stage IA. Grade 3/4 toxicity occurred in 13 pts (59%); neutropenia was most common (n = 9;41%). Median follow‐up was 37.5 months. Median RFS was 16.7 mo; OS was 35.5 mo. Low ERCC1 (n = 15;75%) compared to high ERCC1 (n = 5;25%) was not associated with improved RFS (12.4 vs. 16.7 mo; P = 0.68) or OS (Median not reached vs. 21.6 mo; P = 0.22).

Conclusions

Adjuvant Gem/Cis is feasible in patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma. RFS and OS for Gem/Cis appear promising compared to historic control. Tumor ERCC1 expression can be reliably evaluated, and low expression is present in most patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:336–341. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inflationary effects of oil price shocks in Indian economy
Authors: Varghese George
Published: August 2016

Stabilising inflation around certain preconceived level remains the predominant objective of monetary authorities all over the world as its variability has crucial ramifications on the real economy. However, the effective operation of monetary policy to this end largely hinges on the nature and dynamics of inflation both in the short‐run and long‐run. In this context, the present study focuses on theoretical investigation of how crude oil price fluctuations affect inflation in a real economy. Moreover, the study examines the nature of relationship between crude oil price fluctuations and inflation and its impact with reference to Indian economy.

The study suggest that, in India, although the price of petroleum products are insulated against international crude oil price fluctuations by way of subsidies in order to curb inflation, in the long run, inflation manifest itself in the form of worsening fiscal deficit and undermine the sustainability of public debt. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A genotype–phenotype correlation study reveals that a non‐coding RNA might be associated with cardiovascular anomalies in fetuses with WHS
Authors: Wu Yi , Tao Jiong , Wang Yan‐Lin , Hu Wen‐Jing , Han Xu , Cheng Wei‐Wei
Published: August 2016

What's Already Known About This Topic?

Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by partial deletion of the short arm of chromosome

It consists of a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. The deletion size also varies significantly.

What Does This Study Add?

This study found that a non‐coding RNA (NR_130734) might be involved in cardiovascular development by analyzing the genotype–phenotype correlation of two fetuses with Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome.
Bisphosphonate use and the risk of endometrial cancer: a meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Ou Ying‐Ju , Chiu Hui‐Fen , Wong Yun‐Hong , Yang Yi‐Hsin
Published: August 2016

Background

The association of bisphosphonate use and the risk of endometrial cancer is still unclear. No meta‐analysis was conducted to review the evidence concerning this topic.

Methods

Relevant studies were identified through PubMed and EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases. The adjusted relative risk (RR) or odds ratios were determined using a fixed effects or random effects model, depending on the overall heterogeneity.

Results

Seven studies, including four cohort studies and three case–control studies, met the method criteria and were included. The random effects model showed a significant reduction in the risk association between bisphosphonate use and endometrial cancer incidence (RR 0.75, 95%CI 0.60–0.94, p = 0.064, I2 = 49.6%). A significantly protective effect was observed with the use of bisphosphonate for more than 1 year, and we found a statistically significant risk reduction with the use of bisphosphonate for more than 1 to 3 years (RR 0.58, 95%CI 0.47–0.72) and for more than 3 years (RR 0.44, 95%CI 0.28–0.70). However, with the use of bisphosphonate for less than 1 year (RR 0.92, 95%CI 0.64–1.34), we found no protective effect against endometrial cancer.

Conclusions

We found that the use of bisphosphonate was significantly associated with a 25% risk reduction in the incidence of endometrial cancer in the overall analysis. Furthermore, the use of bisphosphonate for more than 1 year but not less than 1 year may have a more beneficial effect on endometrial cancer risk. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Red deer bone and antler collagen are not isotopically equivalent in carbon and nitrogen
Authors: Stevens Rhiannon E. , O'Connell Tamsin C.
Published: August 2016

Rationale

Bone and antler collagen δ13C and δ15N values are often assumed to be equivalent when measured in palaeodietary, palaeoclimate and palaeocological studies. Although compositionally similar, bone grows slowly and is remodelled whereas antler growth is rapid and remodelling does not occur. These different patterns of growth could result in isotopic difference within antler and between the two tissue types. Here we test whether red deer (Cervus elaphus) bone and antler δ13C and δ15N values are equivalent, and whether intra‐antler isotopic values are uniform.

Methods

Bone and antler were isotopically analysed from six stags that lived in a temperate maritime climate on the Isle of Rum, Scotland. Multiple antlers from different years were sampled per individual, together with a single bone sample per individual. Up to 12 samples were taken along the length of each antler (total of 25 antlers, 259 samples) so that a chronological record of the isotopic composition during antler growth could be obtained. Collagen was extracted and its δ13C and δ15N values were measured by continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

Results

Intra‐antler collagen isotope signatures vary, and show that not all antlers from an individual or a growth year are equivalent in carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios. δ15N values typically increase with distance along antler length, but no overall trend is observed in δ13C values. An isotopic offset is visible between bone and antler, with bone δ13C and δ15N values being higher in most cases.

Conclusions

Bone and antler collagen δ13C and δ15N values are not isotopically equivalent and are therefore not directly comparable in palaeodietary, palaeoclimate and palaeocological studies. Bone and antler collagen isotopic differences probably relate to differential metabolic processes during the formation of the two tissues. Intra‐ and inter‐antler isotopic variations probably reflect the isotopic composition of an individual‘s diet rather than physiological parameters, and may have the potential to provide high‐resolution individual‐specific information in modern and ancient cervid populations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface study of sintered alumina substrates using solution‐processed ZnO nanorods as a microscopic wettability indicator
Authors: Shinagawa Tsutomu , Watanabe Mitsuru , Chigane Masaya , Takahashi Hisaya
Published: August 2016

Wettability and its distribution are crucial factors that indicate the surface conditions of substrates. We report a surface study of sintered alumina substrates using solution‐processed ZnO nanorods as a microscopic wettability indicator. The alumina substrates comprising of micrometer‐sized sintered grains were treated separately with ultraviolet/ozone (dry process) or ozone water (wet process), and their surface conditions were characterized by conventional surface analysis methods, such as water contact angle, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and grazing angle attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the alumina substrates treated with ultraviolet/ozone and ozone water had distinct clean surfaces compared to those without treatments, but no significant differences were noted between these two ozone‐based treatments. Then, as a wettability‐sensitive deposition technique, Pd‐catalyzed chemical deposition of ZnO nanorods was performed on the alumina substrates, which involved dip coating of Pd nanoparticles on the substrates in aqueous solutions, followed by the chemical solution growth of ZnO. Vertically aligned ZnO nanorods of ~85 nm in diameter were densely formed along a rough surface of the substrates. Morphological uniformity of the nanorods varied depending on the treatment condition; local surfaces with sufficient wettability provided uniform nanorods but those with insufficient wettability gave irregular nanorods, making the visualization of the microscopic surface wettability possible. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling zero‐modified count and semicontinuous data in health services research Part 1: background and overview
Authors: Neelon Brian , O'Malley A. James , Smith Valerie A.
Published: August 2016

Health services data often contain a high proportion of zeros. In studies examining patient hospitalization rates, for instance, many patients will have no hospitalizations, resulting in a count of zero. When the number of zeros is greater or less than expected under a standard count model, the data are said to bezero modifiedrelative to the standard model. A similar phenomenon arises withsemicontinuousdata, which are characterized by a spike at zero followed by a continuous distribution with positive support. When analyzing zero‐modified count and semicontinuous data, flexible mixture distributions are often needed to accommodate both the excess zeros and the typically skewed distribution of nonzero values. Various models have been introduced over the past three decades to accommodate such data, including hurdle models, zero‐inflated models, and two‐part semicontinuous models. This tutorial describes recent modeling strategies for zero‐modified count and semicontinuous data and highlights their role in health services research studies. Part 1 of the tutorial, presented here, provides a general overview of the topic. Part 2, appearing as a companion piece in this issue ofStatistics in Medicine, discusses three case studies illustrating applications of the methods to health services research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mathematics of random mutation and natural selection for multiple simultaneous selection pressures and the evolution of antimicrobial drug resistance
Authors: Kleinman Alan
Published: August 2016

The random mutation and natural selection phenomenon act in a mathematically predictable behavior, which when understood leads to approaches to reduce and prevent the failure of the use of these selection pressures when treating infections and cancers. The underlying principle to impair the random mutation and natural selection phenomenon is to use combination therapy, which forces the population to evolve to multiple selection pressures simultaneously that invoke the multiplication rule of probabilities simultaneously as well. Recently, it has been seen that combination therapy for the treatment of malaria has failed to prevent the emergence of drug‐resistant variants. Using this empirical example and the principles of probability theory, the derivation of the equations describing this treatment failure is carried out. These equations give guidance as to how to use combination therapy for the treatment of cancers and infectious diseases and prevent the emergence of drug resistance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capturing the Active Ingredients of Multicomponent Participatory Organizational Stress Interventions Using an Adapted Study Design
Authors: Biron Caroline , Ivers Hans , Brun Jean‐Pierre
Published: August 2016

Adapted study designs use process evaluation to incorporate a measure of intervention exposure and create an artificial control and intervention groups. Taking into account exposure levels to interventions combines process and outcome evaluation and strengthens the design of the study when exposure levels cannot be controlled. This study includes longitudinal data (two assessments) with added process measures at time 2 gathered from three complex participatory intervention projects in Canada in a hospital and a university. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the specific working mechanisms of particular interventions on stress outcomes. Results showed that higher exposure to interventions aiming to modify tasks and working conditions reduced demands and improved social support, but not job control, which in turn, reduced psychological distress. Exposure to interventions aiming to improve relationships was not related to psychosocial risks. Most studies cannot explain how interventions produce their effects on outcomes, especially when there are multiple concurrent interventions delivered in several contexts. This study advances knowledge on process evaluation by using an adapted study design to capture the active ingredients of multicomponent interventions and suggesting some mechanisms by which the interventions produce their effects on stress outcomes. It provides an illustration of how to conduct process evaluation and relate exposure levels to observed outcomes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stress and preterm birth: biological and vascular mechanisms affecting the feto‐placental circulation and the length of gestation
Authors: Najafzadeh Afrooz
Published: August 2016

Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Women experiencing high levels of stress in pregnancy are at an increased risk of preterm delivery. This review examines the biological pathways of the maternal stress response, in particular, the functioning of the maternal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, and investigates the role of the placenta in altering this response mechanism. Furthermore, the impact of the products of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis on the blood flow resistance of the feto‐placental arteries is explained. Prior Doppler studies of maternal stress were reviewed. The study of correlations between maternal stress and resistive indices of feto‐placental arteries was common themes in these studies. Their conclusions, however, were inconsistently explained by their methodological differences and limited control for potential confounders. The biological mechanisms of stress control provide the impression that it is plausible that antenatal stress could affect the placental function and influence preterm delivery, but to date, this has not been conclusively established. If the investigation is further expanded to include measures of fetal biometry, additional blood vessels and an assessment over a longer period in gestation, subtle changes in the feto‐placental blood supply may be revealed, and a link to preterm birth is feasible.
Chronic and low exposure to a pharmaceutical cocktail induces mitochondrial dysfunction in liver and hyperglycemia: Differential responses between lean and obese mice
Authors: Buron Nelly , Porceddu Mathieu , Roussel Célestin , Begriche Karima , Trak‐Smayra Viviane , Gicquel Thomas , Fromenty Bernard , Borgne‐Sanchez Annie
Published: August 2016

Pharmaceuticals are found in the environment but the impact of this contamination on human and animal health is poorly known. The liver could be particularly targeted since a significant number of these drugs are hepatotoxic, in particular via oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Notably, the latter events can also be observed in liver diseases linked to obesity, so that the obese liver might be more sensitive to drug toxicity. In this study, we determined the effects of a chronic exposure to low doses of pharmaceuticals in wild‐type and obese mice, with a particular focus on mitochondrial function. To this end, wild‐type and ob/ob mice were exposed for 4 months to a cocktail of 11 pharmaceuticals provided in drinking water containing 0.01, 0.1, or 1 mg/L of each drug. At the end of the treatment, liver mitochondria were isolated and different parameters were measured. Chronic exposure to the pharmaceuticals reduced mitochondrial respiration driven by succinate and palmitoyl‐l‐carnitine in wild‐type mice and increased antimycin‐induced ROS production in ob/ob mice. Hyperglycemia and hepatic histological abnormalities were also observed in treated ob/ob mice. Investigations were also carried out in isolated liver mitochondria incubated with the mixture, or with each individual drug. The mitochondrial effects of the mixture were different from those observed in treated mice and could not be predicted from the results obtained with each drug. Because some of the 11 drugs included in our cocktail can be found in water at relatively high concentrations, our data could be relevant in environmental toxicology. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1375–1389, 2017.
A systematic review of the effects of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on cognition
Authors: Lage Claudia , Wiles Katherine , Shergill Sukhwinder S. , Tracy Derek K.
Published: August 2016

rTMS is increasingly used for a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions. There are data to support ‘fast’ rTMS (≥10 Hz) having some positive effects on cognitive functioning, but a dearth of research looking at any such effects of ‘slow’ rTMS. This question is important as cognitive dysfunction accompanies many neuropsychiatric conditions and neuromodulation that potentially enhances or hinders such functioning has important clinical consequences. To determine cognitive effects of slow (≤1 Hz) rTMS, a systematic review of randomized control trials assayed cognition in neurological, psychiatric, and healthy volunteer ≤1 Hz rTMS paradigms. Both active (fast rTMS) and placebo comparators were included. 497 Records were initially obtained; 20 met inclusion criteria for evaluation. Four major categories emerged: mood disorders; psychotic disorders; cerebrovascular accidents; and ‘other’ (PTSD, OCD, epilepsy, anxiety, and tinnitus). Cognitive effects were measured across several domains: attention, executive functioning, learning, and psychomotor speed. Variability of study paradigms and reporting precluded meta-analytical analysis. No statistically significant improvement or deterioration was consistently found in any cognitive domain or illness category. These data support the overall safety of rTMS in not adversely affecting cognitive functioning. There are some data indicating that rTMS might have cognitive enhancing potential, but these are too limited at this time to make any firm conclusions, and the literature is marked by considerable heterogeneity in study parameters that hinder interpretation. Greater consensus is required in future studies in cognitive markers, and particularly in reporting of protocols. Future work should evaluate the effects of rTMS on cognitive training.
The information value of early career productivity in mathematics: a ROC analysis of prediction errors in bibliometricly informed decision making
Authors: Lindahl Jonas , Danell Rickard
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to provide a framework to evaluate bibliometric indicators as decision support tools from a decision making perspective and to examine the information value of early career publication rate as a predictor of future productivity. We used ROC analysis to evaluate a bibliometric indicator as a tool for binary decision making. The dataset consisted of 451 early career researchers in the mathematical sub-field of number theory. We investigated the effect of three different definitions of top performance groups—top 10, top 25, and top 50 %; the consequences of using different thresholds in the prediction models; and the added prediction value of information on early career research collaboration and publications in prestige journals. We conclude that early career performance productivity has an information value in all tested decision scenarios, but future performance is more predictable if the definition of a high performance group is more exclusive. Estimated optimal decision thresholds using the Youden index indicated that the top 10 % decision scenario should use 7 articles, the top 25 % scenario should use 7 articles, and the top 50 % should use 5 articles to minimize prediction errors. A comparative analysis between the decision thresholds provided by the Youden index which take consequences into consideration and a method commonly used in evaluative bibliometrics which do not take consequences into consideration when determining decision thresholds, indicated that differences are trivial for the top 25 and the 50 % groups. However, a statistically significant difference between the methods was found for the top 10 % group. Information on early career collaboration and publication strategies did not add any prediction value to the bibliometric indicator publication rate in any of the models. The key contributions of this research is the focus on consequences in terms of prediction errors and the notion of transforming uncertainty into risk when we are choosing decision thresholds in bibliometricly informed decision making. The significance of our results are discussed from the point of view of a science policy and management.
Geographic Variation in the Cumulative Risk of Imprisonment and Parental Imprisonment in the United States
Authors: Muller Christopher , Wildeman Christopher
Published: August 2016

This article reports estimates of the cumulative risk of imprisonment and parental imprisonment for demographic groups in four regions and four states. Regional and state-level cumulative risks were markedly higher for African Americans and Latinos than for whites. African Americans faced the highest cumulative risks of imprisonment in the Midwest, Northeast, and two southern states. Latinos were most likely to serve time in state prison in the West, where their cumulative risk was comparable to that of African Americans. Latino children had a relatively high risk of having a parent imprisoned in the Northeast as well. Racial disparities in the cumulative risk of imprisonment and parental imprisonment did not increase linearly with increases in the cumulative risk for all groups.
Assessment of observed behavior of soil reinforced by rigid inclusions
Authors: Boussetta Samia , Bouassida Mounir , Zouabi Mondher
Published: August 2016

The numerical behavior of rafted foundation resting on soil reinforced by rigid inclusions is undertaken. Axisymmetric modeling of scaled test model investigated primarily in the framework of ASIRI research project is investigated by the FE code Plaxis V9.2D. The predictions of settlement and efficiency of the reinforced soil are compared to measurements obtained from tests carried out in the calibration chamber. A parametric study was conducted and allowed to observe the effect of the thickness and the constitutive material of mattress layer, the cover rate and type of compressible soil on the efficiency of the reinforcement by rigid inclusion. Main findings were: the best efficiency is obtained for minimum thickness of mattress layer. The increase in cover rate leads to an increased maximum efficiency and settlement reduction.
Use of potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser Dermastat in the treatment of recurrent anterior epistaxis – a new technique
Authors: Jain A , Frampton S J , Sachidananda R , Jain P K
Published: August 2016

Objective:

To evaluate the short- to medium-term effectiveness of potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser Dermastat in patients with recurrent anterior epistaxis.

Method:

Fifty-eight patients presenting with recurrent anterior epistaxis were treated using potassium titanyl phosphate laser Dermastat. Those with recurrent epistaxis arising from prominent vessels in Little's area, and/or those for whom treatment with silver nitrate cautery failed, were included. The main outcome measure was resolution of epistaxis at two months.

Results:

Fifty-eight patients were treated; 27 were under 18 years old. Thirty patients had prominent vessels. Thirty-one patients had undergone previous cautery treatment. Thirty-eight patients had treatment to the left side, 19 to the right and 1 to both. At two months, 74 per cent reported resolution of epistaxis with no complications. This increased to 78 per cent at further follow up.

Conclusion:

Our technique is a successful, safe treatment for recurrent anterior epistaxis in an otherwise treatment-resistant group. A single procedure is effective. The handpiece and tip are reusable and sterilisable, resulting in cost-effectiveness.
Cedric Smith – a mathematical castaway
Authors: Crilly Tony
Published: August 2016

C. A. B. Smith (c.1918-2002) holder of the Weldon Chair of Biometry at the Galton Laboratory was a member of the Mathematical Association for over sixty years. Amongst his scientific work, he developed the standard statistical methods now used to map genes onto chromosomes and he wrote a text book Biomathematics. He recently contributed a poem written by the mysterious ‘Blanche Descartes’ to the Gazette and it was published posthumously.
Mersenne composites and cyclotomic primes
Authors: MacDougall Jim
Published: August 2016

One of the long-standing problems of number theory, appealing to professional and recreational mathematicians alike, is the existence of Mersenne primes. These puzzling primes, for example 7, 31, 127 and 8191, are of the form 2P - 1, where p is itself a prime. The problem of their existence originated some 2400 years ago with the early Greek mathematicians' quest for the so-called perfect numbers, those like 6 and 28 which are the sum of their proper divisors. The connection was given in Euclid's Elements in 300 BC: if 2P - 1 is prime, then 2P-1(2P - 1) is a perfect number. Much later, Euler proved that all the even perfect numbers correspond to Mersenne primes. So the interest for many years has been in finding Mersenne primes. Only 39 are known, including several monsters discovered in recent years using thousands of PCs coordinated via the internet (see [1] for information on the project). Many of us would like to know if there is any way of predicting which exponents yield Mersenne primes and whether there is an infinite number of them.
On the scientific explanation of parhelia
Authors: Reade John B.
Published: August 2016

The cover picture shows a 22° halo seen in Preston on Sunday 28 October 2001 at 10 am. In contrast with a rainbow, the red band is on the inside rather than the outside, the colour bands are much thinner, and the arc is centred round the sun instead of being opposite to the sun. Also, it is not raining. Haloes occur on still sunny days when there is plenty of cirrus cloud. It is possible to see a full circle depending on how high the sun is in the sky. This never happens with a rainbow except when seen from an aeroplane. Sometimes the colours are particularly vivid at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock points. These vivid areas are called parhelia or mock suns. Sometimes the parhelia are all that can be seen.