bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone extracellular matrix hydrogel enhances osteogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts and mouse primary calvarial cells
Authors: Alom Noura , Peto Heather , Kirkham Glen R. , Shakesheff Kevin M. , White Lisa J.
Published: April 2017

Hydrogel scaffolds derived from the extracellular matrix (ECM) of mammalian tissues have been successfully used to promote tissue repair in vitro and in vivo. The objective of this study was to evaluate the osteogenic potential of ECM hydrogels prepared from demineralized and decellularized bovine bone in the presence and absence of osteogenic medium. Culture of C2C12 and mouse primary calvarial cells (mPCs) on decellularized bone ECM (bECM) and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) gels resulted in increased expression of osteogenic gene markers, including a 3.6‐ and 13.4‐fold increase in osteopontin and 15.7‐ and 27.1‐fold increase in osteocalcin when mPCs were cultured upon bECM with basal and osteogenic media, respectively. bECM hydrogels stimulated the osteogenic differentiation of C2C12 and mPCs even in the absence of osteogenic medium. These results suggest that bECM hydrogel scaffolds may have great utility in future clinical applications for bone tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 900–908, 2018.
How Would the Stock Exchange Monitoring Role Affect the Performance of U.S. Firms: Evidence From Cross‐Listed Firms in the United States
Authors: Hassan Enas A.
Published: April 2017

Stock exchanges perform governance activities, among these activities, monitoring is considered as one of the stock exchanges most distinctive and important activities, since it increases shareholders' ability to evaluate managerial performance, and put in place effective managerial incentive schemes; yet little research attention has focused on the effects of stock exchanges as an external mechanism on firm performance. This article provides empirical evidence on whether stock exchange monitoring is successful. Using a comprehensive measure comprising a range of stock exchange monitoring factors suggested by prior literature as important determinants of stock exchange monitoring role, the results indicate that the strength of stock exchange monitoring is positively associated with firm performance as measured by return on assets, return on equity and Tobin's Q. A more comprehensive analysis provides additional evidence suggests that U.S. firms are more likely to be influenced by U.S. stock exchanges monitoring than their non‐U.S. counterparts and the incremental legal bonding benefit provided by the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX) for U.S. firms was exceeded by SOX's incremental costs. Finally, the findings of this study highlight a number of implications for academics, the SEC and other international standard setters, securities regulators, and stock exchange operators. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The FASB Simplifies the Accounting for Share‐Based Payments
Authors: Nichols Nancy , Betancourt Luis , Scott Irana
Published: April 2017

In this article, the authors explain the FASB's recently issued simplifications to accounting for share‐based payments. The areas of simplification include accounting for income taxes and award forfeitures and providing flexibility in statutory tax rates to meet withholding requirements. The authors provide examples of the revised accounting entries and examine the impact of the change in accounting for income taxes on the seven largest U.S. companies. With an effective date for years beginning after December 15, 2016, corporate accountants and financial executives need to understand the financial reporting implications of the changes that will add volatility to reported income tax expense, earnings, and effective tax rates of companies that rely heavily on share‐based payments. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing a sustainable child and family service system after a community tragedy: Lessons from Sandy Hook
Authors: Hoagwood Kimberly Eaton , Olin Su‐chin Serene , Wang Nicole M. , Pollock Michele , Acri Mary , Glaeser Elizabeth , Whitmyre Emma D. , Storfer‐Isser Amy , Horwitz Sarah McCue
Published: April 2017

This article describes a systematic approach to assessing community services post‐Sandy Hook shooting. An evaluation team was invited to develop a sustainability plan for community services in Newtown. Service organizations, providers, and families were interviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the range of services; respondent perspectives were coded using content analysis. We found that Newtown has a broad array of community services, but respondent groups varied in their perceptions of service adequacy. Consensus existed about core components of an ideal service system, including centralizing access; coordinating care, personalizing and tailoring services for families, and providing evidence‐based care. The strategic community assessment approach developed here may inform how communities examine their service capacity and develop sustainability plans post‐disaster.
Radiotherapy for liver cancer
Authors: Fukumitsu Nobuyoshi , Okumura Toshiyuki , Sakurai Hideyuki
Published: April 2017

In recent years, radiotherapy for liver cancer has accomplished much technical progress. The history of radiotherapy for liver cancer shows an endeavor to overcome the problem of how to raise the irradiation dose to lesions while suppressing the unnecessary irradiation dose to normal liver tissue. With the appearance of treatment using X‐ray radiotherapy represented by three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy and particle beam therapy using proton beams and carbon ion beams, radiotherapy has become a safe and effective treatment option for liver cancers.
General practice departments of university hospitals and certified training programs for general practitioners in Japan: A nationwide questionnaire survey
Authors: Matsumoto Masatoshi , Mizooka Masafumi , Tazuma Susumu
Published: April 2017

Background

In the reform of specialist training by Japanese Medical Specialty Board, general practice is expected to be one of 19 core specialties. University departments of general practice can play a central role in training board‐certified generalists, but whether they are actually preparing to do so is unknown.

Method

We sent a questionnaire to 79 universities and requested to forward it to the general practice department. Fifty‐six departments of general practice (37 public and 19 private universities) completed the questionnaire (response rate 71%).

Results

Fifty‐one (91.9%) universities planned to be the base institutes of certified programs. The annual seats per program ranged from 2 to 20 (median 5). In these 51 university‐based programs, 33 (64.7%) departments provide the general practice II element. Twenty‐eight (54.9%) require the program trainees to belong to the departments (do nyukyoku) and 11 (21.6%) recommend that they do so. Forty‐seven (92.2%) programs had affiliated institutions in rural areas. Thirty‐nine (76.5%) were willing to accept graduates of regional quota (chiikiwaku). Twenty‐nine (56.9%) program directors took into account the obligatory service of regional quota when making the programs. Programs that accept regional quota graduates were more likely to be affiliated with rural institutions (P=.002) and conscious of the obligatory service in making the program than other programs (P<.001).

Conclusion

Most of the university departments have their own training programs. Many of them are willing to accept nyukyoku doctors and regional quota graduates. Universities intend to play an important role in graduating generalists and supporting their careers.
Extracting List Colorings from Large Independent Sets
Authors: Kierstead H. A. , Rabern Landon
Published: April 2017

We take an application of the Kernel Lemma by Kostochka and Yancey [11] to its logical conclusion. The consequence is a sort of magical way to draw conclusions about list coloring (and online list coloring) just from the existence of an independent set incident to many edges. We use this to prove an Ore‐degree version of Brooks' Theorem for online list‐coloring. The Ore‐degree of an edge in a graph G is . The Ore‐degree of G is . We show that every graph with and is online ‐choosable. In addition, we prove an upper bound for online list‐coloring triangle‐free graphs: . Finally, we characterize Gallai trees as the connected graphs G with no independent set incident to at least edges.
Flip angle optimization for balanced SSFP: Cardiac cine imaging following the application of standard extracellular contrast agent (gadobutrol)
Authors: Kuetting Daniel L.R. , Dabir Darius , Luetkens Julian , Feisst Andreas , Homsi Rami , Thomas Daniel , Schild Hans H. , Sprinkart Alois M.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To investigate the effect of the flip angle (FA) on the blood‐myocardium contrast and to define the FA leading to highest image quality in contrast‐enhanced balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) images. bSSFP images provide excellent contrast between myocardium and blood with high signal‐to‐noise and contrast‐to‐noise ratios (SNR, CNR). In clinical practice, bSSFP images are typically acquired following the injection of extracellular contrast agents (ECAs), although ECAs decrease the blood‐myocardium contrast.

Materials and Methods

First, a theoretical optimization was performed to determine the FA that maximizes CNR in bSSFP imaging 2–20 minutes after application of ECA. Second signal‐ratios, contrast, SNR, and CNR were assessed in vivo in 25 patients in bSSFP images at 1.5T acquired before (FA = 50°) and 10–15 minutes after (FAs = 50°, 80°, 90°, 100°) application of a double‐dose contrast agent. Image quality was assessed by two readers.

Results

Simulations yielded FAs in the range of 85–100° for optimal CNR in contrast‐enhanced images. In vivo comparison of conventionally acquired cine images (FA 50°) showed an increase in CNR between blood and myocardium by 57% in diastole and 78% in systole in adapted contrast‐enhanced bSSFP images (FA 100°). Contrast‐enhanced images with an FA of 100° were rated highest in image quality assessment.

Conclusion

By means of FA adaptation a similar blood‐myocardium contrast can be achieved in contrast‐enhanced bSSFP as in unenhanced bSSFP imaging with an increase in CNR.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:255–261.
Deodorization of Arthrospira platensis biomass for further scale‐up food applications
Authors: Cuellar‐Bermúdez Sara P , Barba‐Davila Bertha , Serna‐Saldivar Sergio O , Parra‐Saldivar Roberto , Rodriguez‐Rodriguez José , Morales‐Davila Sandra , Goiris Koen , Muylaert Koenraad , Chuck‐Hernández Cristina
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Given the importance of A. platensis as a potential food protein source, we describe an affordable deodorization process that does not significantly affect the nutritional value of algae biomass.

RESULTS

Ethanol, acetone or hexane were used to deodorize algae biomass and then to identify the profile of volatile compounds associated with its distinctive odor. Sensorial characteristics were improved in the biomass cake after the proposed solvent extraction. Panelists identified the ethanolic extract with the most pronounced algae‐related odor. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed that a mixture of 20 different compounds derived from fatty acids and amino acids contributed to the characteristic smell of A. platensis biomass. The results of the present study show that the ethanol solvent‐free A. platensis biomass contained > 600 g kg−1 protein, < 10 g kg−1 crude fat and > 65% in vitro protein digestibility, similar to the original biomass. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy secondary protein structure was comparable among samples, indicating that the only change after ethanol extraction was a reduction of the algae smell.

CONCLUSION

The various extraction procedures investigated in the present study were effective in deodorizing the algae biomass. The most effective protocol was the removal of odoriferous compounds with ethanol. This particular procedure yielded an algae biomass with an improved sensorial traits. The results of the present study should help with the identification of odoriferous compounds derived from fatty acids, pigments and proteins associated with A. platensis. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Size fractionated phytoplankton biomass and net metabolism along a tropical estuarine gradient
Authors: Soria‐Píriz Sara , García‐Robledo Emilio , Papaspyrou Sokratis , Aguilar Virginia , Seguro Isabel , Acuña Jenaro , Morales Álvaro , Corzo Alfonso
Published: April 2017

Size structure of phytoplankton determines to a large degree the trophic interactions in oceanic and coastal waters and eventually the destiny of its biomass. Although, tropical estuarine systems are some of the most productive systems worldwide compared to temperate systems, little is known about phytoplankton biomass size fractions, their contribution to net metabolism, or the ecological factors driving phytoplankton size distribution in tropical estuaries. Hence, we measured the size‐fractionated biomass and net metabolism of the plankton community along a salinity and nutrient gradient in the Gulf of Nicoya estuary (Costa Rica), during the dry season. Respiration (23.6 mmol O2 m−3 h−1) was highest at the estuary head, whereas maximum net primary production (23.1 mmol O2 m−3 h−1) was observed in the middle of the estuary, coinciding with the chlorophyll a maximum (15.9 mg m−3). Thus, only the middle section of the estuary was net autotrophic (2.9 g C m−2 d−1), with the rest of the estuary being net heterotrophic. Regression analysis identified light availability, and not nutrients, as the principal factor limiting primary production in the estuary due to increased turbidity. The changes in net metabolism along the estuary were also reflected in the phytoplankton's size structure. Although micro‐ and picophytoplankton were the most productive fractions overall, in the middle section of the estuary nanophytoplankton dominated primary production, chlorophyll, and autotrophic biomass.
Micro‐macro concurrent topology optimization for nonlinear solids with a decoupling multiscale analysis
Authors: Kato Junji , Yachi Daishun , Kyoya Takashi , Terada Kenjiro
Published: April 2017

The present study proposes a method of micro‐macro concurrent topology optimization for a two‐phase nonlinear solid to minimize the end compliance of its macrostructure undergoing large deformation. To reduce the computational costs to solve a 2‐scale boundary value problem under geometrically nonlinear setting, we use the so‐called method of decoupling multiscale structural analysis, in which the microscopic and macroscopic boundary value problems are decoupled in the homogenization process. An isotropic hyperelasticity model is used for the constitutive model for microstructures, while an orthotropic one is assumed to represent the macroscopic material behavior. Owing to this decoupling framework, the micro‐macro concurrent optimization problem can be split into 2 individual problems at the microscale and macroscale for the sake of algorithmic simplicity. Also, a 2‐scale adjoint sensitivity analysis can be performed within the framework of computational homogenization. It is verified from a series numerical examples that the proposed method is capable of computing the optimal structures at both microscale and macroscale, according to the level of applied load.
A fast numerical method for solving coupled Burgers' equations
Authors: Shi Feng , Zheng Haibiao , Cao Yong , Li Jingzhi , Zhao Ren
Published: April 2017

A new fast numerical scheme is proposed for solving time‐dependent coupled Burgers' equations. The idea of operator splitting is used to decompose the original problem into nonlinear pure convection subproblems and diffusion subproblems at each time step. Using Taylor's expansion, the nonlinearity in convection subproblems is explicitly treated by resolving a linear convection system with artificial inflow boundary conditions that can be independently solved. A multistep technique is proposed to rescue the possible instability caused by the explicit treatment of the convection system. Meanwhile, the diffusion subproblems are always self‐adjoint and coercive at each time step, and they can be efficiently solved by some existing preconditioned iterative solvers like the preconditioned conjugate galerkin method, and so forth. With the help of finite element discretization, all the major stiffness matrices remain invariant during the time marching process, which makes the present approach extremely fast for the time‐dependent nonlinear problems. Finally, several numerical examples are performed to verify the stability, convergence and performance of the new method.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1823–1838, 2017
Reclaiming Our Spirits: Development and Pilot Testing of a Health Promotion Intervention for Indigenous Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Varcoe Colleen , Browne Annette J. , Ford‐Gilboe Marilyn , Dion Stout Madeleine , McKenzie Holly , Price Roberta , Bungay Victoria , Smye Victoria , Inyallie Jane , Day Linda , Khan Koushambhi , Heino Angela , Merritt‐Gray Marilyn
Published: April 2017

Indigenous women are subjected to high rates of multiple forms of violence, including intimate partner violence (IPV), in the context of ongoing colonization and neo‐colonization. Health promotion interventions for women who experience violence have not been tailored specifically for Indigenous women. Reclaiming Our Spirits (ROS) is a health promotion intervention designed for Indigenous women living in an urban context in Canada. In this paper, we describe the development of the intervention, results of a pilot study, and the revised subsequent intervention. Building on a theory‐based health promotion intervention (iHEAL) showing promising results in feasibility studies, ROS was developed using a series of related approaches including (a) guidance from Indigenous women with research expertise specific to IPV and Indigenous women's experiences; (b) articulation of an Indigenous lens, including using Cree (one of the largest Indigenous language groups in North America) concepts to identify key aspects; and (c) interviews with Elders (n = 10) living in the study setting. Offered over 6–8 months, ROS consists of a Circle, led by an Indigenous Elder, and 1:1 visits with a Registered Nurse, focused on six areas for health promotion derived from previous research. Pilot testing with Indigenous women (n = 21) produced signs of improvement in most measures of health from pre‐ to post‐intervention. Women found the pilot intervention acceptable and helpful but also offered valuable suggestions for improvement. A revised intervention, with greater structure within the Circle and nurses with stronger knowledge of Indigenous women's experience and community health, is currently undergoing testing. © 2017 The Authors.Research in Nursing & HealthPublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental and theoretical study of the use of multifunctional initiators in the high impact polystyrene bulk process
Authors: Berkenwald E. , Laganá M. L. , Maffi J.M. , Acuña P. , Morales G. , Estenoz D.
Published: April 2017

The performance of three multifunctional peroxide initiators in a bulk high impact polystyrene (HIPS) process was experimentally and theoretically investigated. For the experimental work, a series of batch reactions was carried out, comprising the main stages of an industrial HIPS bulk process using multifunctional initiators with varying functionality and structure: DEKTP (cyclic trifunctional), PDP (cyclic bifunctional) and L331 (linear bifunctional). The theoretical work consisted of the development of a comprehensive, generic yet detailed mathematical model for bulk HIPS polymerization using multifunctional initiators. The model predicts the evolution of the main polymerization variables (including conversion, molecular weights, grafting efficiency) as well as the detailed molecular structure of the polymeric species (free polystyrene, residual polybutadiene and graft copolymer), and the melt flow index of the obtained HIPS. The model was adjusted and validated using experimental results, obtaining a good agreement between measured and predicted values. The model was used to theoretically evaluate the effect of the operating conditions on the molecular and physical characteristics of the obtained polymer. It was found that the use of multifunctional initiators leads to high polymerization rates and high molecular weights simultaneously, while promoting the grafting of styrene onto butadiene, generating a microstructure with salami‐type morphologies. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:198–212, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Molecular dynamics simulation of brushes formed by star polyelectrolytes under theta solvent conditions
Authors: Miliou Kalliopi , Gergidis Leonidas N. , Vlahos Costas
Published: April 2017

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we have studied polyelectrolyte brushes formed by partially or fully charged star polymers tethered on a planar surface under theta solvent conditions. The diagram of states for salt‐free solutions differs in the location of osmotic regime (OB) compared with the respective diagram reported by Borisov and Zhulina. In contrast, simulation results dictate that the OB regime appears for values of the ratio F/α−1/2 lB−1 much larger than unity, which is the threshold of counterion localization, with F denoting the branch functionality, α the charged units fraction and lB the Bjerrum length. The simulation results support that the brush height scaling laws H∼ α2 lB F1.049S3s−1 and H∼ α0.302 F0.23S for the charged Pincus Brush (PB) and osmotic (OB) regimes, respectively, where S is the spacer length and s is the grafted area per star chain. The respective theoretical scaling laws are H∼ α2 lB F1.88S3s−1 and H∼ α1/2 F0.44S. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1110–1117
Direct current atmospheric pressure glow discharge generated between a pin‐type solid cathode and a flowing liquid anode as a new tool for silver nanoparticles production
Authors: Dzimitrowicz Anna , Jamroz Piotr , Pogoda Dorota , Nyk Marcin , Pohl Pawel
Published: April 2017

Direct current atmospheric pressure glow discharge (dc‐APGD), generated between a pin‐type tungsten solid cathode and the surface of a flowing liquid anode (FLA), was used to synthesize Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gelatin‐stabilized Ag nanoparticles (GEL‐AgNPs) in a flow‐through plasma‐reaction system. To characterize the nanostructures, UV/Vis absorption spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied. Resulting GEL‐capped AgNPs were more stable and lower in size than AgNPs. By applying attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT‐IR) and FT‐Raman spectroscopy, possible functionalization of the AgNPs surface by GEL after dc‐APGD treatment was examined. The described method was robust and provided high amounts of the suspensions of nanocolloidal Ag.
Long‐term clinical impact of PSA surge in castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients treated with abiraterone
Authors: Conteduca Vincenza , Caffo Orazio , Lolli Cristian , Aieta Michele , Scarpi Emanuela , Bianchi Emanuela , Maines Francesca , Schepisi Giuseppe , Salvi Samanta , Massari Francesco , Carrozza Francesco , Veccia Antonello , Chiuri Vincenzo E. , Campadelli Enrico , Facchini Gaetano , De Giorgi Ugo
Published: April 2017

Background: Early changes in PSA have been evaluated in association to treatment outcome. The aim of this study was to assess PSA surge phenomenon in castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients treated with abiraterone and to correlate those variations with long‐term treatment outcome.

Patients and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 330 CRPC patients in 11 Italian hospitals, monitoring PSA levels at baseline and every 4 weeks. Other clinical, biochemical and molecular parameters were determined at baseline. We considered PSA surge as PSA increase within the first 8 weeks from starting abiraterone more than 1% from baseline followed by a PSA decline. The log‐rank test was applied to compare survival between groups of patients according to PSA surge. The impact of PSA surge on survival was evaluated by Cox regression analyses.

Results: A total of 330 patients with CRPC, median age 74 years (range, 45–90), received abiraterone (281 chemotherapy‐treated and 49 chemotherapy‐naïve). PSA surge was observed in 20 (7%) post‐chemotherapy and 2 (4%) chemotherapy‐naïve patients. For overall patients presenting PSA surge, timing of PSA peak from baseline was 5 ± 1.8 weeks and PSA rise from baseline was 21 ± 18.4%. The overall median follow‐up was 23 months (range 1–62). No significant differences in progression‐free survival and overall survival were observed between patients with and without PSA surge (P = 0.16 and =0.86, respectively). In addition, uni‐ and multivariate analyses showed no baseline factors related to PSA surge.

Conclusion: PSA surge occurs in both chemotherapy‐treated and chemotherapy‐naïve patients treated with abiraterone resulting, however, in no long‐term impact on outcome. Physicians and patients should be aware of PSA surge challenge to prevent a premature discontinuation of potentially effective therapy with abiraterone. Further larger and prospective studies are warranted to investigate this not infrequent phenomenon.
Methodology to separate urban from regional heat advection by use of the Weather Research and Forecasting mesoscale model
Authors: Bassett Richard , Cai Xiao‐Ming , Chapman Lee , Heaviside Clare , Thornes John E.
Published: April 2017

Recent studies have identified the significance of urban heat advection (UHA) as the process whereby heat, originally generated through urban modifications to the Earth's surface, is transported downwind of urban areas. Current techniques to separate UHA from local heat signals do not exclude the additional potential impacts of regional heat advection (RHA). For example, large‐scale coastal effects, in addition to latitude and longitude variations, could cause downwind temperature gradients to exist. In this study, the numerical Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with the Building Effect Parameterization (BEP) urban scheme is used to simulate meteorological fields for Birmingham, UK, at a high horizontal resolution (1 km2). The model is run over six case‐studies to provide over 1600 h of simulations (called ‘urban‐case’), and evaluated using a unique high‐resolution dataset from 32 weather stations across Birmingham. The UHA component is decomposed from RHA by conducting a second set of simulations (called ‘rural‐case’), where all urban land‐use is replaced with vegetation. Simulated directional ‘rural‐case’ time‐mean temperature fields, that show RHA, are then subtracted from the equivalent ‘urban‐case’ time‐mean fields. This effectively separates UHA from RHA and shows that a significant portion of heat, previously attributed to UHA in mesoscale modelling, is found to be due to RHA. Using the new methodology, a UHA signal up to 1.9 °C is found largely confined to within, and several kilometres downwind of, the urban areas. These UHA effects highlight the importance of using wind direction segmentation when determining local climate.
Microstructural characterization of oxide layers formed on Ni–20Cr–8Al alloy foam using transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Kim Hyung Giun , Lim Sung Hwan
Published: April 2017

Microstructural characterization was carried out during the pre‐oxidation of Ni–20Cr–8Al alloy foam using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). During the pre‐oxidation at 1000 °C for 1, 30, and 60 min in air, the sequential formations of NiO, NiCr2O4, Cr2O3, and α‐Al2O3 1‐μm‐thick oxide layers were, respectively, characterized. Initially, during pre‐oxidization, the layers formed abnormally in an island growth mode, but they grew to be morphologically uniform after 30 min. Pores were found after only 1 min in the middle region of the oxide layers, near the Cr2O3 layer, and then these developed into critical micro‐cracks after 60 min. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cover Image, Volume 6, Issue 3
Authors: Jussila Maria , Ciruna Brian
Published: April 2017

The cover image, by Maria Jussila and Brian Ciruna, is based on the Focus Article Zebrafish models of non‐canonical Wnt/planar cell polarity signalling: fishing for valuable insight into vertebrate polarized cell behavior, DOI: 10.1002/wdev.267.

image
The Principles and Practice of Change
Authors: Price Deborah
Published: April 2017

A reader aimed at undergraduate, post-graduate and MBA students taking a module in Change Management. It brings together a collection of highly-cited articles on change and will provide core reading for any change management course from undergraduate to postgraduate and MBA.
Families, Households and Society
Authors: Allan Graham , Crow Graham
Published: April 2017

Recent decades have witnessed remarkable changes in family patterns and household organisation. In particular, contemporary family and household relationships have become far more diverse than they were previously. This book examines the character of these changes, providing a systematic overview of the ways in which domestic arrangements have been altering. Moreover, it places these developments in family and domestic life in their wider economic, social and demographic contexts, showing how family patterns can be understood only by linking what happens inside families with the broader environments in which they operate.

Particular attention is paid in the text to the growth of new forms of solidarity and fragmentation within families and households, including cohabitation, divorce, lone-parent households and step-families. The book also focuses on the dynamics of family and household organisation, emphasising the changes that occur in people's domestic relationships as their life course position alters. Thus, in addition to examining the contemporary organisation of marriage, including the domestic division of labour and patterns of resource allocation, it also analyses the household and family circumstances of young adults and people over retirement age.

In focusing on diversity and change in domestic relationships the book reflects the revitalisation evident in the sociology of family life in recent years, a period in which new research questions and fresh understandings have emerged about the ways in which people organise their lives as members of households and families.

Graham Allan is Reader in Sociology at the University of Southampton. His interests include sociology of the family, community and friendship.

Graham Crow is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Southampton. His interests include the sociology of domestic life, community, sociological theory and comparative sociology.
Contemporary British Poetry
Authors: Wheatley David
Published: April 2017

This Reader's Guide provides a timely critical overview that allows readers to orient themselves authoritatively in the rapidly-evolving field of contemporary British poetry. Focusing on key themes and issues, and a wide range of poets, the Guide captures the intersection between the historical and cultural contexts of critical debate today.
Humeral Lengthening with the PRECICE Magnetic Lengthening Nail
Authors: Hammouda Ahmed I. , Standard Shawn C. , Robert Rozbruch S. , Herzenberg John E.
Published: April 2017

Background

Different types of external fixators have been used for humeral lengthening with successful outcomes reported in literature. Motorized intramedullary (IM) lengthening nails have been developed as an alternative to external fixators for long bone lengthening in the lower extremity.

Questions/Purposes

This case series reports on using the new technology of IM lengthening nails for humeral lengthening. We assessed the radiological healing and functional outcomes after using the PRECICE IM nail for humeral lengthening.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study included a total of six humeri in five patients (mean age was 20 years) that underwent lengthening with the magnetic IM PRECICE nail in two centers in the USA. The etiology was humeral growth arrest post-bone cyst (two segments), post-septic growth arrest (two segments), and multiple hereditary exostosis (bilateral segments in one patient). The outcomes measured were the length achieved, distraction index (DI; the length achieved in mm divided by the duration of lengthening in days), consolidation index (CI; number of days from surgery until consolidation divided by the length of the regenerate in cm), complications encountered, and functional outcomes (shoulder and elbow range of motion, the upper extremity functional index (UEFI), and QuickDASH functional scores).

Results

The mean follow-up period was 1.8 years (0.9 to 2.4 years). All segments achieved the goal of lengthening; the mean was 5.1 cm (4.5 to 5.8 cm). Mean DI was 0.7 mm/day (0.5 to 0.8). Mean CI was 36 days/cm (25 to 45 days/cm). No complications were observed. At the last follow-up, all patients maintained their preoperative range of motion (ROM) except one patient had reduced shoulder ROM. QuickDASH score and upper extremity functional index showed postoperative improvement compared to the preoperative scores.

Conclusion

IM lengthening nails can provide successful and safe humeral lengthening. Specifically, the PRECICE nail has accurate control over the lengthening process.
Comparison of human erythrocyte purine nucleotide metabolism and blood purine and pyrimidine degradation product concentrations before and after acute exercise in trained and sedentary subjects
Authors: Dudzinska Wioleta , Suska M. , Lubkowska A. , Jakubowska K. , Olszewska M. , Safranow K. , Chlubek D.
Published: April 2017

This study aimed at evaluating the concentration of erythrocyte purine nucleotides (ATP, ADP, AMP, IMP) in trained and sedentary subjects before and after maximal physical exercise together with measuring the activity of purine metabolism enzymes as well as the concentration of purine (hypoxanthine, xanthine, uric acid) and pyrimidine (uridine) degradation products in blood. The study included 15 male elite rowers [mean age 24.3 ± 2.56 years; maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) 52.8 ± 4.54 mL/kg/min; endurance and strength training 8.2 ± 0.33 h per week for 6.4 ± 2.52 years] and 15 sedentary control subjects (mean age 23.1 ± 3.41 years; VO2max 43.2 ± 5.20 mL/kg/min). Progressive incremental exercise testing until refusal to continue exercising was conducted on a bicycle ergometer. The concentrations of ATP, ADP, AMP, IMP and the activities of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT), hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase (PRPP-S) were determined in erythrocytes. The concentrations of hypoxanthine, xanthine, uric acid and uridine were determined in the whole blood before exercise, after exercise, and 30 min after exercise testing. The study demonstrated a significantly higher concentration of ATP in the erythrocytes of trained subjects which, in part, may be explained by higher metabolic activity on the purine re-synthesis pathway (significantly higher PRPP-S, APRT and HGPRT activities). The ATP concentration, just as the ATP/ADP ratio, as well as an exercise-induced increase in this ratio, correlates with the VO2max level in these subjects which allows them to be considered as the important factors characterising physical capacity and exercise tolerance. Maximal physical exercise in the group of trained subjects results not only in a lower post-exercise increase in the concentration of hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid but also in that of uridine. This indicates the possibility of performing high-intensity work with a lower loss of not only purine but also pyrimidine.
The Marriage Wealth Premium Revisited: Gender Disparities and Within-Individual Changes in Personal Wealth in Germany
Authors: Lersch Philipp M.
Published: April 2017

This study examines the association between marriage and economic wealth of women and men. Going beyond previous research that focused on household wealth, I examine personal wealth, which allows identifying gender disparities in the association between marriage and wealth. Using unique data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (2002, 2007, and 2012), I apply random-effects and fixed-effects regression models to test my expectations. I find that both women and men experience substantial marriage wealth premiums not only in household wealth but also in personal wealth. However, I do not find consistent evidence for gender disparities in these general marriage premiums. Additional analyses indicate, however, that women’s marriage premiums are substantially lower than men’s premiums in older cohorts and when only nonhousing wealth is considered. Overall, this study provides new evidence that women and men gain unequally in their wealth attainment through marriage.
Resolved Parental Infertility and Children’s Educational Achievement
Authors: Branigan Amelia R. , Helgertz Jonas
Published: April 2017

Although difficulty conceiving a child has long been a major medical and social preoccupation, it has not been considered as a predictor of long-term outcomes in children ultimately conceived. This is consistent with a broader gap in knowledge regarding the consequences of parental health for educational performance in offspring. Here we address that omission, asking how resolved parental infertility relates to children’s academic achievement. In a sample of all Swedish births between 1988 and 1995, we find that involuntary childlessness prior to either a first or a second birth is associated with lower academic achievement (both test scores and GPA) in children at age 16, even if the period of infertility was prior to a sibling’s birth rather than the child’s own. Our results support a conceptualization of infertility as a cumulative physical and social experience with effects extending well beyond the point at which a child is born, and emphasize the need to better understand how specific parental health conditions constrain children’s educational outcomes.
Intradiscal O2O3: Rationale, Injection Technique, Short- and Long-term Outcomes for the Treatment of Low Back Pain Due to Disc Herniation
Authors: Giurazza Francesco , Guarnieri Gianluigi , Murphy Kieran J. , Muto Mario
Published: April 2017

The management of low back pain should always start with a conservative approach; however, when it fails, intervention is required and at that moment the most appropriate choice remains unclear. Before invasive surgery, minimally invasive techniques can be adopted. In European trials and in a trans-Canadian clinical trial 03 ozone has been used successfully. In total over 50,000 patients have been treated safely. Ozone is a gas normally present in the atmosphere with potent oxidizing power; it has been used for percutaneous intradiscal injection combined with oxygen (O2O3) at very low concentrations for 15 years in Europe. The main indication is back pain with or without radicular pain but without motor deficits, which is refractory to 4-6 weeks of conservative therapies. Its mechanism of action on the disc is mechanical (volume reduction by subtle dehydration of the nucleus pulposis) and antinflammatory. The intradiscal ozone injection is performed with a thin needle (18-22 gauge) image guided by computed tomography or angiofluoroscopy and is usually complimented by periganglionic injection of corticosteroids and anesthetics. This combination gives immediate pain relief and allows time for the ozone to act. It is a cost-effective procedure that presents a very low complication rate (0.1%). The radicular pain is resolved before the back pain does, as is seen with microdiscectomy. Peer-reviewed publications of large randomized trials, case series, and meta analysis from large samples of patients have demonstrated the procedure to be safe and effective in the short and the long terms, with benefits recognized up to 10 years after treatment. We aim to review the principles of action of O2O3 and report the injection techniques, complications, and short- and long-term outcomes.
Fungal Rhinosinusitis: A Radiological Review with Intraoperative Correlation
Authors: Ni Mhurchu Elaine , Ospina Javier , Janjua Arif S. , Shewchuk Jason R. , Vertinsky Alexandra T.
Published: April 2017

The interaction between fungi and the sinonasal tract results in a range of clinical presentations with a broad spectrum of clinical severity. The most commonly accepted classification system divides fungal rhinosinusitis into invasive and noninvasive subtypes based on histopathological evidence of tissue invasion by fungi. Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is subdivided into acute invasive and chronic invasive categories. The chronic invasive category includes a subcategory of chronic granulomatous disease. Noninvasive fungal disease includes localized fungal colonization, fungal ball, and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. Noninvasive disease is simply fungal material (or the products of the inflammatory reaction of the sinus mucosa) that fills the sinuses but does not invade tissue. Bone loss is related to expansion of the sinus(es). Invasive disease causes tissue destruction, such that it expands past the bony confines of the sinuses. It can rapidly spread, causing acute necrosis. Alternatively, there may be slow tissue invasion characterized by symptoms confused with normal sinusitis, but destruction of normal nasal and paranasal structures.
Sexual dysfunction and central obesity in patients with first episode psychosis
Authors: Theleritis C. , Bonaccorso S. , Habib N. , Stahl D. , Gaughran F. , Vitoratou S. , Atakan Z. , Kolliakou A. , Gardner Sood P. , Dazzan P. , Marques T.R. , McGuire P. , Greenwood K. , Eberhard J. , Breedvelt J. , Ferracuti S. , Di Forti M. , Murray R.M. , Smith S.
Published: April 2017

Background

In recent years the association between sexual dysfunction (SD) and obesity in the general population has drawn major attention. Although sexual dysfunction is common in psychosis, its relationship with weight gain and obesity remains unclear.

Aims

To investigate the association between sexual dysfunction and obesity in a cohort of patients with first episode psychosis.

Method

Sexual function was assessed in a cohort of patients with first episode psychosis using the Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ). Anthropometric measures, including weight, BMI, waist, waist–hip ratio were investigated. Additionally, leptin and testosterone were investigated in male patients.

Results

A total of 116 patients (61 males and 55 females) were included. Of these 59% of males and 67.3% of females showed sexual dysfunction (SD) according to the SFQ. In males, higher SFQ scores were significantly correlated with higher BMI (Std. β = 0.36,P= 0.01), higher leptin levels (Std. β = 0.34,P= 0.02), higher waist–hip ratio (Std. β = 0.32,P= 0.04) and lower testosterone levels (Std. β = −0.44,P= 0.002). In contrast, in females, SFQ scores were not associated with any of these factors.

Conclusions

While sexual dysfunction is present in both female and male patients with their first episode of psychosis, only in males is sexual dysfunction associated with increased BMI and waist–hip ratio. The association between SD, BMI, low levels of testosterone and high levels of leptin suggest that policies that lead to healthier diets and more active lifestyles can be beneficial at least, to male patients.
“This Post is Sponsored” Effects of Sponsorship Disclosure on Persuasion Knowledge and Electronic Word of Mouth in the Context of Facebook
Authors: Boerman Sophie C. , Willemsen Lotte M. , Van Der Aa Eva P.
Published: April 2017

Social media, such as Facebook, offer brands the opportunity to reach their target audience in a less obtrusive way than traditional media, through sponsored posts. Regulations require marketers to explicitly inform consumers about the commercial nature of these posts. This study addresses the effects of sponsorship disclosures by means of a 2 (no disclosure vs. the sponsorship disclosure ‘Sponsored’) × 2 (source: celebrity endorser vs. brand) experiment. Results suggest that a sponsorship disclosure only influences the use of persuasion knowledge when the post is disseminated by a celebrity. Moreover, a disclosure starts a process in which the recognition of advertising (i.e., the activation of conceptual persuasion knowledge) causes consumers to develop distrusting beliefs about the post (i.e., higher attitudinal persuasion knowledge), and in turn, decreases their intention to engage in electronic word of mouth.
2D wavelet transform data compression with error level guarantee for Z-map models
Authors: Umezu Nobuyuki , Yokota Keisuke , Inui Masatomo
Published: April 2017

Most of workpiece shapes in NC milling simulations are in Z-map representations that require a very large amount of data to precisely hold a high resolution model. An irreversible compression algorithm for Z-map models using a two-dimensional Haar wavelet transform is proposed to resolve this tight memory situation for an ordinary PC. A shape model is first transformed by using Haar wavelet to build a wavelet synopsis tree while the maximum errors caused by virtually truncating high-frequency components are simultaneously calculated. The total amount of the shape data can be reduced by truncating particular sections of the wavelet components that satisfy the error threshold given by the user. Our algorithm guarantees that any error due to its irreversible compression processes is smaller than the specified level measured against the original model. A series of experiments were conducted using an Apple iMac with a 3.2 GHz CPU and 8 GB of memory. The experiments were performed with 16 sample shape models on 512×512 to 8192×8192 grids to evaluate the compression efficiency of the proposed method. Experimental results confirmed that our compression algorithm requires approximately 20–30 ms for 512×512 models and 7 s for 8192×8192 models under a maximum error level of 10× 10−6 m (a typical criteria for NC milling simulations). The compressed binaries outputted by the proposed method are generally 25–35% smaller than the baseline results by gzip, one of common reversible compression libraries, while these two methods require almost the same level of computational costs.

Highlights Discarding diagonal components in WT significantly reduces data amount. The proposed method outperforms a reversible method by 25–35% in size reduction. Most of computational time is consumed by the reversible compression step. The proposed method compresses 5122 models in 20 ms, 81922 models in 7 s.