bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Size and age are important factors for marine sanctuaries: evidence from a decade of systematic sampling in a subtropical marine park
Authors: Malcolm Hamish A. , Jordan Alan , Creese Robert G. , Knott Nathan A.
Published: October 2015

Meta‐analyses of disparate studies suggest that size and age of a 'no‐take’ area (marine sanctuary) can influence its ecological response to protection. Few studies, however, have been designed explicitly to test how these factors influence the abundance trajectories of key species within sanctuaries.

Diver surveys on reef habitat were conducted within a subtropical marine park in eastern Australia, to test for differences in abundances of targeted fishes between sanctuaries differing in size and age and compared with fished zones. Four management zones were sampled: (i) small sanctuaries established 1991 (<15 ha of reef and <200 m wide); (ii) large sanctuaries established 2002 (>100 ha of reef and > 500 m wide); (iii) zones which allowed recreational fishing but not commercial fish trapping (>200 ha of reef); and (iv) zones which allowed both recreational fishing and commercial fish trapping (>200 ha of reef). Multiple sites in each management zone were sampled for selected taxa eight times during the austral winter from 2002 to 2012.

Many of the targeted taxa examined were more abundant in large sanctuary sites within a few years of the establishment of protection compared with the small sanctuary sites and the fished sites. Red morwong Cheilodactylus fuscus increased in large sanctuaries but were more abundant in the older smaller sanctuaries throughout the study. Similar increases were not observed in fished zones. There was considerable variability among years not associated with management type, including a peak in abundance for several species in 2005 and reduced abundance of many taxa following a destructive storm in 2009.

This study provides strong empirical evidence that size and age of ‘no take’ areas are important for fish, and indicates that larger sanctuaries can rapidly reach levels of fish abundance similar to smaller older sanctuaries.

© 2015 Commonwealth of Australia.
School‐age outcomes of infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Miller Meghan , Iosif Ana‐Maria , Young Gregory S. , Hill Monique , Phelps Hanzel Elise , Hutman Ted , Johnson Scott , Ozonoff Sally
Published: October 2015

Studies of infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have proliferated, but few of these samples have been followed longer‐term. We conducted a follow‐up study, at age 5.5–9 years, of younger siblings of children with ASD (high‐risk group, n = 79) or typical development (low‐risk group, n = 60), originally recruited as infants. Children with ASD were excluded because of the focus on understanding the range of non‐ASD outcomes among high‐risk siblings. Using examiner ratings, parent ratings, and standardized assessments, we evaluated differences in clinical outcomes, psychopathology symptoms, autism symptoms, language skills, and nonverbal cognitive abilities. After adjusting for covariates, the high‐risk group had increased odds of any clinically elevated/impaired score across measures relative to the low‐risk group (43% vs. 12%, respectively). The high‐risk group also had increased odds of examiner‐rated Clinical Concerns (CC) outcomes (e.g., ADHD concerns, broader autism phenotype, speech‐language difficulties, anxiety/mood problems, learning problems) relative to the low‐risk group (38% vs. 13%, respectively). The high‐risk group with CC outcomes had higher parent‐reported psychopathology and autism symptoms, and lower directly‐assessed language skills, than the Low‐Risk Typically Developing (TD) and High‐Risk TD groups, which did not differ. There were no differences in nonverbal cognitive skills. For some in the high‐risk group, clinical concerns persisted from early childhood, whereas for others clinical concerns were first evident at school‐age. Results suggest continued vulnerability in at least a subgroup of school‐age children with a family history of ASD and suggest that this population may benefit from continued screening and monitoring into the school‐age years. Autism Res 2016, 9: 632–642. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modified DNA Aptamer Immobilization via Cu(I)‐Stabilizing Ligand‐assisted Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition for Surface Plasmon Resonance Measurement
Authors: Kim Nak‐Hyeon , Le Hoa Thi , Yang YongSuk , Byun Kyung Min , Kim Tae Woo
Published: October 2015

The synthesis and binding integrity of an ErbB2‐binding modified DNA aptamer (E2Ap) with 5‐naphtyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine is confirmed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and by a
32P dot blotting experiment. E2Ap degradation in a conventional Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) condition is efficiently prevented by using tris(3‐hydroxypropyltriazolylmethyl)amine (THPTA). The immobilization of E2Ap on a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) chip is performed by azido‐functionalization and THPTA‐assisted CuAAC reaction. The folding, target binding, regeneration, and nonspecific interaction of E2Ap on the SPR chip are verified by both classical and kinetic titration experiments.
Nanocrystalline Mo2C as a Bifunctional Water Splitting Electrocatalyst
Authors: Regmi Yagya N. , Wan Cheng , Duffee Kyle D. , Leonard Brian M.
Published: October 2015

Mo2C is a well‐known low cost catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), but the other water splitting half reaction, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), has not been previously reported. To investigate both reactions and the origin of the catalytic sites, four synthesis methods were employed to prepare hexagonal Fe2N type Mo2C. A comparison of the HER activities in acidic and alkaline electrolyte and OER activities in alkaline electrolyte revealed that changes in synthesis route leads to morphological and surface composition variations resulting in different catalytic activities. In general, the trend in HER and OER activities show remarkably similar trends across the carbides synthesized via different routes irrespective of either electrolyte employed or reaction probed for electrocatalytic activities. Mo2C templated on multiwalled carbon nanotubes demonstrated the highest bifunctional catalytic activities, as well as superior electrochemical stability for both HER and OER.
Operando Characterization of Catalysts through use of a Portable Microreactor
Authors: Zhao Shen , Li Yuanyuan , Stavitski Eli , Tappero Ryan , Crowley Stephen , Castaldi Marco J. , Zakharov Dmitri N. , Nuzzo Ralph G. , Frenkel Anatoly I. , Stach Eric A.
Published: October 2015

In order to more deeply understand the mechanisms of catalytic reactions, improved methods are needed to monitor changes that occur in the electronic, structural, and chemical properties of catalytic systems under the conditions in which they work. We describe here a microreactor‐based approach that integrates the capabilities of advanced X‐ray, electron, optical, and gas‐phase compositional analysis techniques under operando conditions. For several exemplary catalytic systems, we demonstrate how this approach enables the characterization of three of the major factors that contribute to structure–property correlations in heterogeneous catalysis. Specifically, we describe how this approach can be used to better understand the atomic structure and elemental composition of nanocatalysts, the physiochemical properties of the support and catalyst/support interfaces, and the gas‐ and surface‐phase chemistry that occurs under operando conditions. We highlight the generality of the approach, as well as opportunities for future developments.
Stability Study on Ethylene Oxide Industrial Reaction from the Management of Critical Process Variables
Authors: Ribeiro Luciano Gonçalves , Taqueda Maria Elena Santos
Published: October 2015

The performance of an ethylene oxide process is measured by the selectivity reaction. A production unit was studied in order to maximize selectivity by developing a strategy to manage key process variables. A statistical analysis of data indicated that four variables account for the influence over selectivity. Regression models were developed in order to represent the process selectivity as a function of these variables. The model proposed was statistically and phenomenologically validated, demonstrating consistency with the current data process. The model was deployed in subsets, representing possible operational conditions. Surface responses were evaluated for each model deployed and provided to identify the optimum operational conditions.
Charge Effects in PCP Pincer Complexes of NiII bearing Phosphinite and Imidazol(i)ophosphine Coordinating Jaws: From Synthesis to Catalysis through Bonding Analysis
Authors: Vabre Boris , Canac Yves , Lepetit Christine , Duhayon Carine , Chauvin Remi , Zargarian Davit
Published: October 2015

This contribution reports on a new family of NiII pincer complexes featuring phosphinite and functional imidazolyl arms. The proligands RPIMCHOPR′ react at room temperature with NiII precursors to give the corresponding complexes [(RPIMCOPR′)NiBr], where RPIMCOPR=κP,κC,κP‐{2‐(R′2PO),6‐(R2PC3H2N2)C6H3}, R=iPr, R′=iPr (3 b, 84 %) or Ph (3 c, 45 %). Selective N‐methylation of the imidazole imine moiety in 3 b by MeOTf (OTf=OSO2CF3) gave the corresponding imidazoliophosphine [(iPrPIMIOCOPiPr)NiBr][OTf], 4 b, in 89 % yield (iPrPIMIOCOPiPr=κP,κC,κP‐{2‐(iPr2PO),6‐(iPr2PC4H5N2)C6H3}). Treating 4 b with NaOEt led to the NHC derivative [(NHCCOPiPr)NiBr], 5 b, in 47 % yield (NHCCOPiPr=κP,κC,κC‐{2‐(iPr2PO),6‐(C4H5N2)C6H3)}). The bromo derivatives 3–5 were then treated with AgOTf in acetonitrile to give the corresponding cationic species [(RPIMCOPR)Ni(MeCN)][OTf] [R=Ph, 6 a (89 %) or iPr, 6 b (90 %)], [(RPIMIOCOPR)Ni(MeCN)][OTf]2 [R=Ph, 7 a (79 %) or iPr, 7 b (88 %)], and [(NHCCOPR)Ni(MeCN)][OTf] [R=Ph, 8 a (85 %) or iPr, 8 b (84 %)]. All new complexes have been characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, whereas 3 b, 3 c, 5 b, 6 b, and 8 a were also subjected to X‐ray diffraction studies. The acetonitrile adducts 6–8 were further studied by using various theoretical analysis tools. In the presence of excess nitrile and amine, the cationic acetonitrile adducts 6–8 catalyze hydroamination of nitriles to give unsymmetrical amidines with catalytic turnover numbers of up to 95.
A Versatile AlIII‐Based Metal–Organic Framework with High Physicochemical Stability
Authors: Wang Zhuo‐Wei , Chen Min , Liu Chun‐Sen , Wang Xi , Zhao Hui , Du Miao
Published: October 2015

A unique AlIII‐based metal–organic framework (467‐MOF) with two types of square channels has been designed and synthesized by using a flexible tricarboxylate ligand under solvothermal conditions. 467‐MOF exhibits superior thermal and chemical stability and, moreover, shows high CO2 sorption selectivity over H2, with a selectivity, based on the ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) of approximately 45 at 273 or 293 K. Furthermore, its solvent‐dependent photoluminescence makes it an applicable sensor in the detection of nitrobenzene explosives through fluorescence quenching.
Crystal Structures of a Molecule Designed Not To Pack Tightly
Authors: Kohl Bernd , Rominger Frank , Mastalerz Michael
Published: October 2015

Organic molecules of intrinsic microporosity (OMIMs) are structurally constructed to not pack tightly. Consequently, only weak interactions between OMIM molecules can occur, which is the reason that almost all OMIMs have been described and investigated in their amorphous states. For the same reason it is very difficult to grow single crystals of OMIMs for X‐ray structural analysis. Here we describe four different polymorphs of an OMIM that was before only described in the amorphous state.
Reconstruction of Covalent Organic Frameworks by Dynamic Equilibrium
Authors: Gao Qiang , Bai Linyi , Zeng Yongfei , Wang Peng , Zhang Xiaojing , Zou Ruqiang , Zhao Yanli
Published: October 2015

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are periodic two‐ or three‐dimensional polymeric networks with high surface areas, low density, and designed structures. Because COFs are normally prepared based on reversible formation of covalent bonds with relatively weak stability, their structures can be easily broken or damaged due to changes in the surrounding environment. Thus, developing strategies to realize the reconstruction of COFs in order to extend their usage lifetime is crucial for practical applications. In addition, exploring the kinetics of COF growth under varied reaction conditions is important for better understanding the nucleation and growth processes of COFs. In this work, the reformation mechanism of an imine‐based COF using an ex situ characterization method was investigated, disclosing an interesting COF reconstruction progress from disorder to order. The present study shows the regeneration ability of COFs, and the developed method could be generalized for broader use in the field.
Application of an Alkali Functionalized Material for Treating Pharmaceutical Wastewater Containing Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Cetrimide
Authors: Banerjee Debasree , Jana Shyamal , Sarkar Ujjaini , Roy Debasri
Published: October 2015

Two different types of mesoporous adsorbents and one microporous adsorbent were used for the adsorption of chlorhexidine gluconate and Cetrimide. Chlorhexidine gluconate and Cetrimide are widely used in antiseptic solutions, mouthwashes, and germicidal hand rinses, etc. Scanning electron microscopy images, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, pore size distribution, Fourier transform infrared spectra and points of zero charge illustrate that significant changes occur on the activated carbon after functionalization with NH4OH when compared to the precursor granular activated carbon (GAC). The adsorption capacity of the novel alkali functionalized activated carbon (FAC‐NH3) was found to be comparable with the highly expensive mesoporous aluminosilicate MCM‐41 for both chlorhexidine gluconate and cetrimide. For a wide concentration range, adsorption with FAC‐NH3 is approximately three times more in comparison to GAC for both compounds. Chlorhexidine gluconate forms surface complexes with the functional groups present in the super microporous FAC‐NH3. This fact is also supported by kinetic studies, where pseudo first‐order and second‐order models, intra‐particle diffusion, and Boyd's plots showed evidences to support chemisorption, on top of pure physical adsorption.
Use of the lung cancer–specific Quality of Life Questionnaire EORTC QLQ‐LC13 in clinical trials: A systematic review of the literature 20 years after its development
Authors: Koller Michael , Warncke Sophie , Hjermstad Marianne J. , Arraras Juan , Pompili Cecilia , Harle Amelie , Johnson Colin D. , Chie Wei‐Chu , Schulz Christian , Zeman Florian , van Meerbeeck Jan P. , Kuliś Dagmara , Bottomley Andrew ,   on behalf of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group and the EORTC Lung Cancer Group
Published: October 2015

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Lung Cancer 13 (QLQ‐LC13) covers 13 typical symptoms of lung cancer patients and was the first module developed in conjunction with the EORTC core quality‐of‐life (QL) questionnaire. This review investigates how the module has been used and reported in cancer clinical trials in the 20 years since its publication. Thirty‐six databases were searched with a prespecified algorithm. This search plus an additional hand search generated 770 hits, 240 of which were clinical studies. Two raters extracted data using a coding scheme. Analyses focused on the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Of the 240 clinical studies that were identified using the LC13, 109 (45%) were RCTs. More than half of the RCTs were phase 3 trials (n = 58). Twenty RCTs considered QL as the primary endpoint, and 68 considered it as a secondary endpoint. QL results were addressed in the results section of the article (n = 89) or in the abstract (n = 92); and, in half of the articles, QL results were presented in the form of tables (n = 53) or figures (n = 43). Furthermore, QL results had an impact on the evaluation of the therapy that could be clearly demonstrated in the 47 RCTs that yielded QL differences between treatment and control groups. The EORTC QLQ‐LC13 fulfilled its mission to be used as a standard instrument in lung cancer clinical trials. An update of the LC13 is underway to keep up with new therapeutic trends and to ensure optimized and relevant QL assessment in future trials. Cancer 2015;121:4300–23. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
The right heart in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: insights from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and invasive haemodynamics
Authors: Aschauer Stefan , Kammerlander Andreas A. , Zotter‐Tufaro Caroline , Ristl Robin , Pfaffenberger Stefan , Bachmann Alina , Duca Franz , Marzluf Beatrice A. , Bonderman Diana , Mascherbauer Julia
Published: October 2015

Aims

Recent data indicate that right ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVSD) by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a strong predictor of outcome in heart failure. However, the prognostic significance of RVSD by CMR in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is unknown.

Methods and results

We prospectively enrolled 171 HFpEF patients who underwent CMR in addition to invasive and non‐invasive testing. RVSD, defined as right ventricular (RV) EF <45% by CMR, was present in 33 (19.3 %) patients. Patients were followed for 573 ± 387 days, during which 41 had a cardiac event. Patients with RVSD presented with more frequent history of AF (P = 0.038), significantly higher resting heart rate (P = 0.009), shorter 6‐min walk distance (P = 0.036), and higher NT‐pro BNP serum levels (P < 0.001), and were more symptomatic (P < 0.001). With respect to haemodynamic parameters, RVSD was associated with respect to haemodynamic parameters, RVSD was associated with higher diastolic pulmonary artery pressure (P = 0.045), with higher pulmonary vascular resistance (P = 0.048), higher transpulmonary gradient (P = 0.042), and higher diastolic pulmonary vascular pressure gradient (P = 0.007). In the multivariable Cox analysis, RVSD (P < 0.001) remained significantly associated with cardiac events, in addition to diabetes (P = 0.011), 6‐min walk distance (P = 0.018), and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Although HFpEF is considered a disease of the left ventricle, respective imaging parameters are not related to outcome. In contrast, RVSD by CMR is independently associated with mortality and clinical status in these patients, and provides a useful tool for risk stratification.
To Vaccinate or to Procrastinate? That is the Prevention Question
Authors: Nuscheler Robert , Roeder Kerstin
Published: October 2015

Invoking Yaari's dual theory, we develop a model of individual vaccination decisions that incorporates quasi‐hyperbolic discounting, risk aversion, and information. We test the resulting hypotheses for the flu season 2010/2011 using a representative German data set. We find a significant impact of time preferences on immunization decisions. The impact of the discount factor is significantly negative for exponential discounters. While present‐biased individuals' demand for vaccination is not statistically different from the one of exponential discounters, future‐biased individuals have a significantly higher probability to vaccinate. Stratification by gender reveals that these effects are entirely driven by men. That is, time preferences have no explanatory power for the vaccination decisions of women. This also applies to risk aversion, where more risk aversion implies a significantly higher probability to vaccinate for men but not women. All information measures turn out significant. Well‐informed individuals have a much higher propensity to vaccinate than poorly informed individuals. If policy makers aim at improving immunization rates, then our results suggest that public policy should concentrate on providing easily accessible and concise information on the flu and the flu shot. Our results on time preferences and risk preferences imply a rather inactive role for public policy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thiol versus hydroxamate as zinc binding group in HDAC inhibition: An Ab initioQM/MM molecular dynamics study
Authors: Gong Wenjing , Wu Ruibo , Zhang Yingkai
Published: October 2015

Zinc‐dependent histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a critical role in transcriptional repression and gene silencing, and are among the most attractive targets for the development of new therapeutics against cancer and various other diseases. Two HDAC inhibitors have been approved by FDA as anti‐cancer drugs: one is SAHA whose hydroxamate is directly bound to zinc, the other is FK228 whose active form may use thiol as the zinc binding group. In spite of extensive studies, it remains to be ambiguous regarding how thiol and hydroxamate are bound to the zinc active site of HDACs. In this work, our computational approaches center on Born–Oppenheimer ab initio quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) molecular dynamics with umbrella sampling, which allow for modeling of the zinc active site with reasonable accuracy while properly including dynamics and effects of protein environment. Meanwhile, an improved short–long effective function (SLEF2) to describe non‐bonded interactions between zinc and other atoms has been employed in initial MM equilibrations. Our ab initio QM/MM MD simulations have confirmed that hydroxamate is neutral when it is bound to HDAC8, and found that thiol is deprotonated when directly bound to zinc in the HDAC active site. By comparing thiol and hydroxamate, our results elucidated the differences in their binding environment in the HDAC active sites, and emphasized the importance of the linker design to achieve more specific binding toward class IIa HDACs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solvent‐free Chemoselective Synthesis of 1,1‐diacetates Catalyzed by Iron Zirconium Phosphate
Authors: Karimi Hirbod
Published: October 2015

In the present study, a mild, rapid, and efficient method for the protection of aldehydes with acetic anhydride (AA) in the presence of iron zirconium phosphate (ZPFe), at room temperature is reported. Selective conversion of aldehydes was observed in the presence of ketones. Under these conditions, different aldehydes bearing electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating substituents were reacted with AA and the corresponding 1,1‐diacetates (acylals) were obtained in high to excellent yields. The steric and electronic properties of the different substrates had a significant influence on the reaction conditions. Also, the deprotection of 1,1‐diacetates has been achieved using this catalyst in water. The catalyst was characterized by several physico‐chemical techniques. It was recovered easily from the reaction mixture, regenerated, and reused at least 7 times without significant loss in catalytic activity. This protocol has the advantages of easy availability, stability, reusability of the eco‐friendly catalyst, chemoselectivity, simple experimental and work‐up procedure, solvent‐free conditions and only a stoichiometric amount of AA is needed.
Quantification of the oxygen uptake rate in a dissolved oxygen controlled oscillating jet‐driven microbioreactor
Authors: Kirk Timothy V , Marques Marco PC , Radhakrishnan Anand N Pallipurath , Szita Nicolas
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Microbioreactors have emerged as a new tool for early bioprocess development. The technology has advanced rapidly in the last decade and obtaining real‐time quantitative data of process variables is nowadays state of the art. In addition, control over process variables has also been achieved. The aim of this study was to build a microbioreactor capable of controlling dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations and to determine oxygen uptake rate in real time.

RESULTS

An oscillating jet driven, membrane‐aerated microbioreactor was developed without comprising any moving parts. Mixing times of ∼7 s, and kLa values of ∼170 h−1 were achieved. DO control was achieved by varying the duty cycle of a solenoid microvalve, which changed the gas mixture in the reactor incubator chamber. The microbioreactor supported Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth over 30 h and cell densities of 6.7 gdcw L−1. Oxygen uptake rates of ∼34 mmol L−1 h−1 were achieved.

CONCLUSION

The results highlight the potential of DO‐controlled microbioreactors to obtain real‐time information on oxygen uptake rate, and by extension on cellular metabolism for a variety of cell types over a broad range of processing conditions. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Observed changes in precipitation extremes across 11 basins in China during 1961–2013
Authors: Wu Xushu , Wang Zhaoli , Zhou Xiaowen , Lai Chengguang , Lin Wenxin , Chen Xiaohong
Published: October 2015

Extremes of weather and climate can cause disasters such as floods and droughts. Further studies of precipitation extremes are crucial for enabling reliable projections of future changes. In this study, we used a high‐resolution (0.5° × 0.5°) gridded precipitation data set to analyse these events across the 11 basins in China between 1961 and 2013 mainly by the Mann–Kendall and generalized extreme value methods. Our results indicated a wetter trend in the Tarim River Basin (TRB) but drier conditions in the central Yangtze River Basin (YRB), western Pearl River Basin and eastern Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin. There was an increasing risk of flooding in the mid‐lower YRB and Minjiang River Basin (MRB), and an increasing risk of drought in the central Lantsang River Basin. The results revealed strengthened maximum 1‐day precipitation (RX1DAY) in the Liaohe River Basin (LB), YRB, MRB and TRB, together with strengthened maximum 5‐day precipitation (RX5DAY) in the Songhua River Basin, MRB and TRB during 1987–2013. RX1DAY and RX5DAY for return periods of 20 and 50 years gradually decreased from southeast to northwest. Along the south‐eastern coastline of the Mainland and on Hainan Island, the RX1DAY for the 20‐ and 50‐year return periods would exceed 165 and 195 mm, respectively, whereas the RX5DAY would exceed 270 and 320 mm for the same return periods. Furthermore, summer Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) positively impacted precipitation extremes in the Yellow River Basin and YRB, and autumn SOI negatively impacted the extremes of the next year in LB and YRB, while winter SOI negatively impacted the extremes of the next year in YRB. Additionally, the East Asia summer monsoon (EASM) and the South Asia summer monsoon (SASM) were both associated with precipitation extremes across China; however, EASM contributed more to these events than did the SASM.
The effect of self‐directed virtual reality simulation on dissection training performance in mastoidectomy
Authors: Andersen Steven Arild Wuyts , Foghsgaard Søren , Konge Lars , Cayé‐Thomasen Per , Sørensen Mads Sølvsten
Published: October 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To establish the effect of self‐directed virtual reality (VR) simulation training on cadaveric dissection training performance in mastoidectomy and the transferability of skills acquired in VR simulation training to the cadaveric dissection training setting.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Methods

Two cohorts of 20 novice otorhinolaryngology residents received either self‐directed VR simulation training before cadaveric dissection training or vice versa. Cadaveric and VR simulation performances were assessed using final‐product analysis with three blinded expert raters.

Results

The group receiving VR simulation training before cadaveric dissection had a mean final‐product score of 14.9 (95 % confidence interval [CI] [12.9–16.9]) compared with 9.8 (95% CI [8.4–11.1]) in the group not receiving VR simulation training before cadaveric dissection. This 52% increase in performance was statistically significantly (P < 0.0001). A single dissection mastoidectomy did not increase VR simulation performance (P = 0.22).

Conclusions

Two hours of self‐directed VR simulation training was effective in increasing cadaveric dissection mastoidectomy performance and suggests that mastoidectomy skills are transferable from VR simulation to the traditional dissection setting. Virtual reality simulation training can therefore be employed to optimize training, and can spare the use of donated material and instructional resources for more advanced training after basic competencies have been acquired in the VR simulation environment.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 126:1883–1888, 2016
Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the major salivary glands: A population‐level study of 509 cases
Authors: Zhan Kevin Y. , Lentsch Eric J.
Published: October 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

We sought to better characterize patient, tumor, and long‐term survival characteristics of basal cell adenocarcinoma (BCAC) of the major salivary glands with the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Study Design

Retrospective database review of the NCDB (1998–2012).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the NCDB for all cases of major salivary gland BCAC with histologic code 8147/3. Relevant demographic, tumor, and survival variables were extracted and analyzed. COX multivariate regression was performed to identify prognosticators.

Results

Out of 36,224 major salivary gland cancers in the NCDB, we found 509 cases of BCAC (1.4%), 88% of which were in the parotid glands, 11.2% in the submandibular glands, and 0.8% in the sublingual glands. Age at diagnosis ranged from 18 to 92 years (average 64). No gender preference was found (50.7% male). Most tumors were 2 to 4 cm in size (47.3%). Regional (11.9%) and distant metastasis (1.8%) were uncommon. Overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 79% and 62%, respectively. Although numerous variables were found to significantly impact survival on univariate regression analysis, only age ≥ 65 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56–4.19; P < 0.001) and high primary tumor (T)‐stage (HR 1.85; 95% CI, 1.16–2.95; P = 0.010) remained significant prognosticators in our multivariate model. For high T‐stage disease, surgery with radiation had significantly better survival than surgery alone.

Conclusion

Basal cell adenocarcinoma is a rare salivary malignancy with a good prognosis. Regional and distant metastasis were uncommon. Radiation with surgery may help for higher T‐stage disease. Old age and high T‐stage were significant predictors of worse survival.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:1086–1090, 2016
A self‐gating method for time‐resolved imaging of nonuniform motion
Authors: Wundrak Stefan , Paul Jan , Ulrici Johannes , Hell Erich , Geibel Margrit‐Ann , Bernhardt Peter , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Rasche Volker
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To develop a self‐gating method capable of assessing nonuniform motion, e.g., in cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging of patients with severe arrhythmia, or for imaging of the temporomandibular joint.

Methods

The proposed method allows cyclic motion trajectories with a nonuniform pace by replacing the one‐dimensional gating signal of conventional image‐based self‐gating with a two‐dimensional gating matrix. The resulting image quality is compared with conventional self‐gating and real‐time MRI.

Results

Nonuniform self‐gating resulted in superior image quality compared with conventional self‐gating and the feasibility study showed significantly improved image sharpness (P < 0.01). Further, improvements in image quality were shown compared with golden angle radial parallel sparse MRI.

Conclusion

A new self‐gating method was proposed that allows cardiovascular magnetic resonance of arrhythmic patients, which is a common problem in clinical practice. Further, the proposed method enables self‐gated imaging of the temporomandibular joint. Magn Reson Med 76:919–925, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pragmatism and integrated knowledge translation: exploring the compatabilities and tensions
Authors: Nowell Lorelli
Published: October 2015

Aim

This paper presents a discussion of the role of the philosophy of pragmatism in the integrated knowledge translation approach to research.

Design

Critical inquiry is used to discuss bringing pragmatic philosophy and the integrated knowledge translation approach to research together to advance nursing knowledge.

Methods

This paper draws from the literature written on the philosophy of pragmatism and from the current literature on knowledge translation. The possibilities, tensions and limitations for underpinning an integrated knowledge translation research approach with pragmatic philosophy are discussed while highlighting the implications this has for creating knowledge aimed at advancing the practice of nursing.

Results

The implications for how nursing knowledge is created in using an integrated knowledge translation approach that is underpinned by pragmatic philosophy are important. Creating nursing knowledge that address the complex problems found in nursing practice is needed. In acknowledging the inseparability of knowledge and practice, researchers, practitioners, policy makers and the public can come together to co‐create knowledge that is useful for the practice of nursing. It is these implications of underpinning an integrated knowledge translation research approach with pragmatic philosophy that are significant in creating nursing knowledge that advances the practice of nursing.
Parental Leave Legislation and Women's Work: A Story of Unequal Opportunities
Authors: Kerr Sari Pekkala
Published: October 2015

U.S. federal and state family leave legislation requires employers to provide job‐protected parental leave for new mothers covered under the legislation. In most cases the leave is unpaid, and rarely longer than 12 weeks in duration. This study evaluates disparities in parental leave eligibility, access, and usage across the family income distribution in the United States. It also describes the links between leave‐taking and women's labor market careers. The focus is especially on low‐income families, as their leave coverage and ability to afford taking unpaid leave is particularly poor. This study shows that the introduction of both state and federal legislation increased overall leave coverage, leave provision, and leave‐taking. For example, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leads to an increased probability of leave‐taking by nearly 20 percentage points and increased average leave length by almost five weeks across all states. The new policies did not, however, reduce gaps between low‐ and high‐income families’ eligibility, leave‐taking, or leave length. In addition, the FMLA effects on leave‐taking were very similar across states with and without prior leave legislation, and the FMLA did not disproportionately increase leave‐taking for women who worked in firms and jobs covered by the new legislation, as these women were already relatively well covered by other parental leave arrangements.
The Influence of Homebuyer Education on Default and Foreclosure Risk: A Natural Experiment
Authors: Brown Scott R.
Published: October 2015

The recent housing crisis has generated debate over the benefits and risks of policies and programs promoting homeownership for low and moderate income households. One important facet of this conversation is whether prepurchase homebuyer education (HBE) is effective in reducing default or foreclosure risk. Studies to date have primarily focused on default risk and have faced challenges in accounting for borrower selection into HBE. This study analyzes the outcomes of a natural experiment in the provision of a classroom‐based HBE program during the start‐up phase of a down payment assistance loan program at Tennessee's state housing finance agency in 2002. A competing risks analysis of monthly payment data from 2002 to 2009 for 732 mortgages indicates that, after controlling for borrower, mortgage, and economic factors, HBE did not reduce default risk, but was associated with 42 percent lower odds of foreclosure. Among borrowers who defaulted, HBE was associated with an increased probability of curing a first default and of avoiding foreclosure post‐default. Policymakers should consider the timing and intensity of HBE programs needed to influence default risk and how HBE may promote sustainable homeownership by influencing borrowers’ help‐seeking behavior and strategies for resolving defaults.
Successful Treatment of Recurrent Autoimmune Cytopenias in the Context of Sinus Histiocytosis With Massive Lymphadenopathy Using Sirolimus
Authors: Cooper Stacy L. , Arceci Robert J. , Gamper Christopher J. , Teachey David T. , Schafer Eric S.
Published: October 2015

Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHML), or Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD), is a non‐neoplastic, lymphoproliferative disorder that usually resolves spontaneously or with minimal conventional chemotherapy. Rarely, SHML can be associated with autoimmune findings. Such cases are often treatment resistant and have high rates of morbidity and mortality. We present a case of a patient with long‐standing autoimmunity in the context of SHML, dependent on standard‐treatment until he was transitioned to novel monotherapy with sirolimus. Sirolimus treatment resulted in a complete remission, now sustained after discontinuation of all treatments for over 23 months, with no observable long‐term sequelae. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of prolonged water absorption on mechanical properties in cellulose fiber reinforced vinyl‐ester composites
Authors: Alhuthali Abdullah M. , Low It‐Meng
Published: October 2015

With the increasing of worldwide societal awareness about environmental impact, sustainability, and renewable energy sources, the polymer natural fiber composites recently have attracted the attention of researchers due to the fact that they are recyclable and biodegradable. This study conducted a new infiltration method that involved very thin sheets of recycled cellulose fibers (RCF) being fully soaked in vinyl‐ester resin for the development of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. The effect of prolonged water absorption on the mechanical behavior of cellulose fiber (0–50 wt%) reinforced vinyl‐ester composites was investigated. The elastic modulus of these composites was measured and the data were validated with various mathematical models. The modeling results revealed that the experimental data matched the prediction data obtained by the Cox–Krenchel model. Prolonged exposure of these composites to water absorption caused a reduction in elastic modulus, strength, and toughness. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2685–2697, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Strongly Coupled 3D Hybrids of N‐doped Porous Carbon Nanosheet/CoNi Alloy‐Encapsulated Carbon Nanotubes for Enhanced Electrocatalysis
Authors: Hou Yang , Cui Shumao , Wen Zhenhai , Guo Xiaoru , Feng Xinliang , Chen Junhong
Published: October 2015

A novel 3D nanoarchitecture comprising in situ‐formed N‐doped CoNi alloy‐encapsulated carbon nanotubes (CoNi‐NCNTs) grown on N‐doped porous carbon nanosheets (NPCNs) is designed and constructed for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). When evaluated as an electrocatalyst for ORR, the hybrid shows efficient catalytic activity, high selectivity, superior durability, and strong tolerance against methanol crossover compared with the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Such good oxygen reduction reaction performance is comparable to most of the previously reported results and the synergistic effect is found to boost the catalytic performance. Moreover, the constructed hybrid exhibits an excellent ORR activity with a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at 1.59 V and an onset potential of 1.57 V, even beyond the state‐of‐the‐art Ir/C catalyst in alkaline media. The enhancement in electrochemical performance can be attributed to the unique morphology and defect structures, high porosity, good conductive networks, and strongly interacting CoNi‐NCNT and NPCN in the hybrid. These results suggest the possibility for the development of effective nanocarbon electrocatalysts to replace commercial noble metal catalysts for direct use in fuel cells and water splitting devices.
Study of a New Operating Practice for Refining High Silicon Hot Metal in a BOF Converter
Authors: Barella Silvia , Di Cecca Cosmo , Mapelli Carlo , Gruttadauria Andrea , Bondi Enrico , Marinari Andrea
Published: October 2015

Within the context of Basic Oxygen Steelmaking, the refinement of high silicon hot metal is a cumbersome operation due to the strong tendency for slopping as the silicon concentration in the hot metal increases. According to generally recognized steel working practices, this issue could be resolved by a double‐deslagging (slag removal) operation. In the present study, a new operating practice has been defined that eliminates slopping and increases productivity. The new tested procedure is a single‐slag operation that results in a reduction in the tap to ‐tap time and greater gas recovery, affecting neither the slopping control nor the quality of the steel obtained at the end of the oxygen blow. The feasibility of such a new practice has been verified through a critical analysis of the results from thirty 30 experimental tests carried out at the industrial converters of a steel plant.
Integrated power transformer diagnosis using hybrid fuzzy dissolved gas analysis
Authors: Liu Chih‐Hsuan , Lin Tung‐Bin , Yao Leehter , Wang Shun‐Yuan
Published: October 2015

For diagnosing power transformer faults, this study uses hybrid fuzzy technology to integrate five dissolved gas analysis (DGA) approaches: IEEE Standard Doernenburg and Roger ratio methods, IEC60599 Standard ratio method, Electric Technology Research Association of Japan (ETRAJ) Standard ratio method, and Duval triangle method. The IEC TC 10 database and substation equipment maintenance and management web system (SEMMWS) of Taiwan Power Company (TPC) are then used for simulation and verification. Practical cases demonstrate that the integrated approach is more accurate than conventional methods. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Exponentially decaying DC offset removal for phasor measurement using second‐order differential
Authors: Chen Ya , Ji Tianyao , Wu Qinghua , Li Mengshi
Published: October 2015

This letter proposes an exponentially decaying DC offset removal scheme for phasor measurement in power systems. Considering the features of the parameters of the transmission lines (i.e., the reactance X is much larger than the resistance R of a transmission line), the second‐order differential of a faulted current signal can be utilized to suppress the DC offset to a great degree. Then the full‐cycle Fourier algorithm (FFA) is employed to calculate the phasors of the periodic components correctly. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed scheme can remove the DC offset to a great degree, leading to higher accuracy and faster convergence in phasor calculation than FFA. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Social Networks and Civic Participation and Efficacy in Two Evangelical Protestant Churches
Authors: Schwadel Philip , Cheadle Jacob E. , Malone Sarah E. , Stout Michael
Published: October 2015

This research note examines the proposition that participation in church—particularly the social interaction that accompanies church participation—is an important source of social capital that promotes civic activity and efficacy. Employing survey data from over 600 attendees of two evangelical Protestant churches, we tested hypotheses linking churchgoers’ social networks to their levels of civic efficacy and participation. Three key findings emerged. First, the number of friends in church was positively associated with churchgoers’ civic efficacy, religious civic activity, and secular civic activity, while the number of friends outside of church was unrelated to these outcomes. Second, the association between in-church networks and secular civic activity was partially mediated by civic efficacy. Third, church attendance moderated the association between in-church friends and secular civic activities such that high attending churchgoers with few in-church friends were far less likely to participate in secular civic activities. Taken together, these findings illustrate the importance of in-church social networks for Evangelical Protestants’ civic participation and feelings of civic efficacy, in contrast to out of church social networks which had little overall impact on these factors.
THE TYPICAL STRUCTURE OF MAXIMAL TRIANGLE-FREE GRAPHS
Authors: BALOGH JÓZSEF , LIU HONG , PETŘÍČKOVÁ ŠÁRKA , SHARIFZADEH MARYAM
Published: October 2015

Recently, settling a question of Erdős, Balogh, and Petříčková showed that there are at most $2^{n^{2}/8+o(n^{2})}$$n$-vertex maximal triangle-free graphs, matching the previously known lower bound. Here, we characterize the typical structure of maximal triangle-free graphs. We show that almost every maximal triangle-free graph $G$ admits a vertex partition $X\cup Y$ such that $G[X]$ is a perfect matching and $Y$ is an independent set.

Our proof uses the Ruzsa–Szemerédi removal lemma, the Erdős–Simonovits stability theorem, and recent results of Balogh, Morris, and Samotij and Saxton and Thomason on characterization of the structure of independent sets in hypergraphs. The proof also relies on a new bound on the number of maximal independent sets in triangle-free graphs with many vertex-disjoint $P_{3}$s, which is of independent interest.
On the self-sustained nature of large-scale motions in turbulent Couette flow
Authors: Rawat Subhandu , Cossu Carlo , Hwang Yongyun , Rincon François
Published: October 2015

Large-scale motions in wall-bounded turbulent flows are frequently interpreted as resulting from an aggregation process of smaller-scale structures. Here, we explore the alternative possibility that such large-scale motions are themselves self-sustained and do not draw their energy from smaller-scale turbulent motions activated in buffer layers. To this end, it is first shown that large-scale motions in turbulent Couette flow at $Re=2150$ self-sustain, even when active processes at smaller scales are artificially quenched by increasing the Smagorinsky constant $C_{s}$ in large-eddy simulations (LES). These results are in agreement with earlier results on pressure-driven turbulent channel flows. We further investigate the nature of the large-scale coherent motions by computing upper- and lower-branch nonlinear steady solutions of the filtered (LES) equations with a Newton–Krylov solver, and find that they are connected by a saddle–node bifurcation at large values of $C_{s}$. Upper-branch solutions for the filtered large-scale motions are computed for Reynolds numbers up to $Re=2187$ using specific paths in the $Re{-}C_{s}$ parameter plane and compared to large-scale coherent motions. Continuation to $C_{s}=0$ reveals that these large-scale steady solutions of the filtered equations are connected to the Nagata–Clever–Busse–Waleffe branch of steady solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations. In contrast, we find it impossible to connect the latter to buffer-layer motions through a continuation to higher Reynolds numbers in minimal flow units.