bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solvent‐Templated Electrodeposition of Mesoporous Nickel Oxide Layers for Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Koussi‐Daoud Sana , Planchat Aurélien , Renaud Adèle , Pellegrin Yann , Odobel Fabrice , Pauporté Thierry
Published: June 2017

Solvent engineering for the electrochemical preparation of porous, thick, and adherent nickel oxide layers is investigated. The deposition of this oxide is studied in pure aprotic dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) medium and in DMSO/water mixtures through the cathodic reduction of a nickel nitrate precursor. In pure DMSO, the as‐grown layers were a mixture of directly obtained NiO and metallic nickel. On the other hand, in the presence of water, β‐Ni(OH)2 and Ni° mixed layers were formed. In the absence of water or at low water contents, we show that the solvent is included in the layer. After annealing at a sufficient temperature to eliminate DMSO, pores are released and mesoporous films are formed. These solvent‐templated electrodeposited layers have been applied in p‐type dye‐sensitized solar cells (p‐DSSCs) after sensitization by the P1 dye. For high water content (25 vol.%), the electrodeposited layers were non‐porous and were consequently unsuitable for p‐DSSC application.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed ortho‐C−H Functionalization/Alkyne Annulation of Benzylamine Derivatives: Access to Dihydroisoquinolines
Authors: Martínez Ángel Manu , Rodríguez Nuria , Gómez‐Arrayás Ramón , Carretero Juan C.
Published: June 2017

A practical picolinamide‐directed C−H functionalization/alkyne annulation of benzylamine derivatives enabling access to the previously elusive 1,4‐dihydroisoquinoline skeleton was developed using molecular O2 as the sole oxidant and Co(OAc)2 as precatalyst. The method is compatible with both internal and terminal alkynes and shows high versatility and functional‐group tolerance. Furthermore, full preservation of enantiopurity is observed when using non‐racemic α‐substituted benzylamine derivatives. Kinetic analysis of the reagents and catalyst, labeling experiments, and the isolation and identification of catalytically competent Co‐complexes revealed important insights about the mechanism.
SERNOTATE: An automated approach for business service description annotation for efficient service retrieval and composition
Authors: Chotipant Supannada , Hussain Farookh Khadeer , Hussain Omar Khadeer
Published: June 2017

Business service advertisements are today published online to convey essential information about services to customers. However, current Web search engines are unable to search and combine online service advertisements. Semantic service annotation is important for its ability to enable machines to understand the meaning of services and support in effective service retrieval and service composition. Existing research in the area of semantic service annotation has focused on the annotation of Web services in a semi‐automated approach. It cannot be applied to business service information as it is not in the form of Web Services Description Language but in free text format. Moreover, semi‐automated approaches are inappropriate for annotating a large amount of online service information which changes dynamically and they are therefore not suitable for the timely dissemination of service information to customers. To solve these issues, we propose SERNOTATE, which is an automated approach for business service description annotation for efficient service retrieval and composition. We propose new semantic‐based linking approaches, namely, Extended Case‐based Reasoning, vector‐based, and classification‐based, that automatically annotate business services to relevant service concepts. Each approach assists in the single‐label and multi‐label annotation of service terms to concept terms to provide a better representation of services. The experimental results test and validate the applicability of the proposed approaches to the automatic annotation of business service descriptions to service concepts on a real‐world dataset.
Manipulation of habitat isolation and area implicates deterministic factors and limited neutrality in community assembly
Authors: Ord Terry J. , Emblen Jack , Hagman Mattias , Shofner Ryan , Unruh Sara
Published: June 2017

Theory predicts deterministic and stochastic factors will contribute to community assembly in different ways: Environmental filters should regulate those species that establish in a particular area resulting in the ecological requirements of species being the primary driver of species distributions, while chance and dispersal limitation should dictate the likelihood of species reaching certain areas with the ecology of species being largely neutral. These factors are specifically relevant for understanding how the area and isolation of different habitats or islands interact to affect community composition. Our review of the literature found few experimental studies have examined the interactive effect of habitat area and isolation on community assembly, and the results of those experiments have been mixed. We manipulated the area and isolation of rock “islands” created de novo in a grassland matrix to experimentally test how deterministic and stochastic factors shape colonizing animal communities. Over 64 weeks, the experiment revealed the primacy of deterministic factors in community assembly, with habitat islands of the same size exhibiting remarkable consistency in community composition and diversity, irrespective of isolation. Nevertheless, tangible differences still existed in abundance inequality among taxa: Large, near islands had consistently higher numbers of common taxa compared to all other island types. Dispersal limitation is often assumed to be negligible at small spatial scales, but our data shows this not to be the case. Furthermore, the dispersal limitation of a subset of species has potentially complex flow‐on effects for dictating the type of deterministic factors affecting other colonizing species.
Antibody fingerprints in lyme disease deciphered with high density peptide arrays
Authors: Weber Laura K. , Isse Awale , Rentschler Simone , Kneusel Richard E. , Palermo Andrea , Hubbuch Jürgen , Nesterov‐Mueller Alexander , Breitling Frank , Loeffler Felix F.
Published: June 2017

Lyme disease is the most common tick‐borne infectious disease in Europe and North America. Previous studies discovered the immunogenic role of a surface‐exposed lipoprotein (VlsE) of Borreliella burgdorferi. We employed high density peptide arrays to investigate the antibody response to the VlsE protein in VlsE‐positive patients by mapping the protein as overlapping peptides and subsequent in‐depth epitope substitution analyses. These investigations led to the identification of antibody fingerprints represented by a number of key residues that are indispensable for the binding of the respective antibody. This approach allows us to compare the antibody specificities of different patients to the resolution of single amino acids. Our study revealed that the sera of VlsE‐positive patients recognize different epitopes on the protein. Remarkably, in those cases where the same epitope is targeted, the antibody fingerprint is almost identical. Furthermore, we could correlate two fingerprints with human autoantigens and an Epstein‐Barr virus epitope; yet, the link to autoimmune disorders seems unlikely and must be investigated in further studies. The other three fingerprints are much more specific for B. burgdorferi. Since antibody fingerprints of longer sequences have proven to be highly disease specific, our findings suggest that the fingerprints could function as diagnostic markers that can reduce false positive test results.
Estimation of vanadium water quality benchmarks for the protection of aquatic life with relevance to the Athabasca Oil Sands region using species sensitivity distributions
Authors: Schiffer Stephanie , Liber Karsten
Published: June 2017

Elevated vanadium (V) concentrations in oil sands coke, which is produced and stored on site of some major Athabasca Oil Sands companies, could pose a risk to aquatic ecosystems in northern Alberta, Canada, depending on its future storage and utilization. In the present study, V toxicity was determined in reconstituted Athabasca River water to various freshwater organisms, including 2 midge species (Chironomus dilutus and Chironomus riparius; 4-d and 30-d to 40-d exposures) and 2 freshwater fish species (Oncorhynchus mykiss and Pimephales promelas; 4-d and 28-d exposures) to facilitate estimation of water quality benchmarks. The acute toxicity of V was 52.0 and 63.2 mg/L for C. dilutus and C. riparius, respectively, and 4.0 and 14.8 mg V/L for P. promelas and O. mykiss, respectively. Vanadium exposure significantly impaired adult emergence of C. dilutus and C. riparius at concentrations ≥16.7 (31.6% reduction) and 8.3 (18.0% reduction) mg/L, respectively. Chronic toxicity in fish presented as lethality, with chronic 28-d LC50s of 0.5 and 4.3 mg/L for P. promelas and O. mykiss, respectively. These data were combined with data from the peer-reviewed literature, and separate acute and chronic species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) were constructed. The acute and chronic hazardous concentrations endangering only 5% of species (HC5) were estimated as 0.64 and 0.05 mg V/L, respectively. These new data for V toxicity to aquatic organisms ensure that there are now adequate data available for regulatory agencies to develop appropriate water quality guidelines for use in the Athabasca Oil Sands region and elsewhere. Until then, the HC5 values presented in the present study could serve as interim benchmarks for the protection of aquatic life from exposure to hazardous levels of V in local aquatic environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3034–3044. © 2017 SETAC
Nutritional quality of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus) as affected by osmotic pretreatments and drying methods
Authors: Tolera Kumela D. , Abera Solomon
Published: June 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of osmotic pretreatments prior to drying and different drying methods on nutritional quality of dried mushroom slices. The experiment consisted of sun, solar, and oven drying after dipping the slices in salt solutions of 5 and 10% concentrations for 50 minutes, the control being untreated mushroom sample. Significant differences in proximate composition were observed between the fresh and dried mushroom samples. The average mean value of crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, and carbohydrates of the fresh mushroom samples were 28.85, 2.47, 12.87, 9.76 and 48.16% as compared to 25.91, 2.18, 10.41, 10.91 and 42.14% for dried samples. Oven drying resulted in higher content of ash (11.06%) and carbohydrates (43.64%) and lower contents of crude protein (24.99%), crude fat (2.12%), and crude fiber (10.21%). The osmotic pretreatments significantly affected the composition of the dried mushroom samples. As salt concentration increased from 0 to 5 and 10%, the protein content reduced from 26.78 to 25.99 and 24. 95%, the fat reduced from 2.42 to 2.19 and 1.94, and fiber from 12.82 to 9.41 and 9.01%, respectively. Contrarily, the ash increased from 9.75 to 12.20%, and the carbohydrate from 38.16 to 43.08 and 45.18%, respectively.
A genetic stochastic process model for genome‐wide joint analysis of biomarker dynamics and disease susceptibility with longitudinal data
Authors: He Liang , Zhbannikov Ilya , Arbeev Konstantin G. , Yashin Anatoliy I. , Kulminski Alexander M.
Published: June 2017

Unraveling the underlying biological mechanisms or pathways behind the effects of genetic variations on complex diseases remains one of the major challenges in the post‐GWAS (where GWAS is genome‐wide association study) era. To further explore the relationship between genetic variations, biomarkers, and diseases for elucidating underlying pathological mechanism, a huge effort has been placed on examining pleiotropic and gene‐environmental interaction effects. We propose a novel genetic stochastic process model (GSPM) that can be applied to GWAS and jointly investigate the genetic effects on longitudinally measured biomarkers and risks of diseases. This model is characterized by more profound biological interpretation and takes into account the dynamics of biomarkers during follow‐up when investigating the hazards of a disease. We illustrate the rationale and evaluate the performance of the proposed model through two GWAS. One is to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) having interaction effects on type 2 diabetes (T2D) with body mass index (BMI) and the other is to detect SNPs affecting the optimal BMI level for protecting from T2D. We identified multiple SNPs that showed interaction effects with BMI on T2D, including a novel SNP rs11757677 in theCDKAL1gene (P= 5.77 × 10−7). We also found a SNP rs1551133 located on 2q14.2 that reversed the effect of BMI on T2D (P= 6.70 × 10−7). In conclusion, the proposed GSPM provides a promising and useful tool in GWAS of longitudinal data for interrogating pleiotropic and interaction effects to gain more insights into the relationship between genes, quantitative biomarkers, and risks of complex diseases.
Structural, stratigraphic, and petrological clues for a Cretaceous–Paleogene abortive rift in the southern Adria domain (southern Apennines, Italy)
Authors: Vitale Stefano , Amore Ornella Filomena , Ciarcia Sabatino , Fedele Lorenzo , Grifa Celestino , Prinzi Ernesto Paolo , Tavani Stefano , Tramparulo Francesco D'Assisi
Published: June 2017

This study provides new structural, stratigraphic, and geochemical data and a literature review of the Cretaceous–Paleogene stratigraphy, biostratigraphy, tectonics, and magmatism in the southern Apennines belt, Italy, with the aim to demonstrate the occurrence of an Albian to Eocene abortive rifting stage in the southern Adria domain. During this time, the tectono‐stratigraphic evolution of the Adria domain is characterized by episodes of coeval uplift and drowning. Different sectors of the Apennine and Apulian platforms were so characterized by changes in the paleoenvironments, leading to different stratigraphic records (from shallow‐water to slope and basin), as well as the development of thick bauxitic levels. Contemporaneously, a large amount of calciclastic sediments supply from the emerging sectors was deposited in the basins surrounding the carbonate platforms (i.e., Ligurian and Lagonegro–Molise basins). The Albian–Eocene interval was also characterized by the occurrence of anorogenic magmatism and synsedimentary extensional faulting that, along with the changed sedimentary facies distribution, points out for a crustal‐scale extensional tectonics. We suggest that such tectonics is the result of a rifting episode, characterized by limited anorogenic magmatism, starting in the Albian and reaching its climax in the uppermost Cretaceous–Eocene times. In this scenario, the extensional tectonics recorded in the Adria domain was the product during an event of a single abortive rift system, which extended toward the south, from the southern margin of the Ligurian Ocean to the Hyblean (Sicily), Pelagian (Tunisia), and Sirte Basin Province Rift (Libya).
Early Carboniferous tectonic evolution of the northern Heihe–Nenjiang–Hegenshan suture zone, NE China: Constraints from the mylonitized Nenjiang rhyolites and the Moguqi gabbros
Authors: Feng Zhi‐Qiang , Li Wei‐Min , Liu Yong‐Jiang , Jin Wei , Wen Quan‐Bo , Liu Bin‐Qiang , Zhou Jian‐Ping , Zhang Tie‐An , Li Xiao‐Yu
Published: June 2017

The Heihe–Nenjiang–Hegenshan suture zone has long been accepted as the major tectonic boundary between the Xing'an and Songliao blocks and extends through the Great Xing'an Range in NE China, but its location of the northern segment between the Moguqi and Nenjiang areas and its timing remain unclear. We address these issues by presenting zircon LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb ages, Lu‐Hf isotopes, bulk‐rock major, and trace elemental data for mylonitized rhyolites collected from the Moergenhe Formation in the Nenjiang area and for gabbros of the Moguqi area, respectively. The mylonitized rhyolites, which display an arc‐related geochemical affinity with enrichment in Th and U, and depletion of Nb, Ta, and Ti, and gently right‐tilted rare earth element (REE) patterns (light REE [LREE]/heavy REE [HREE] =4.53–7.60), as well as the εHf (t) values (+6.4 to +11.8) of analyzed zircons, indicate an origin by partial melting of potentially young lower continental crust of a subducting slab. The zircon LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb data show the formation age of the mylonitized rhyolites is 352.4 Ma. The analyzed gabbros with an emplacement age of 352.6 Ma have high concentrations of Th and U, slightly enriched LREE patterns and relative low LREE/HREE ratios (4.3 to 4.6). These features, together with their high positive εHf (t) values (+7.7 to +15.2), suggest that they were likely derived from the partial melting of a depleted mantle source that was metasomatized by subduction‐related fluids. Combined with the geochemical features of the coeval igneous rocks from the northern Great Xing'an Range, these results reveal that the existence of an early Carboniferous NE‐trending magmatic arc (ca. 350–330 Ma), extending along the west of the Heihe–Nenjiang–Hegenshan suture zone, gives more constraints on the amalgamation of the Xing'an and Songliao blocks along the Nenjiang–Moguqi areas and indicates that the amalgamation should have terminated by at least the end of the early Carboniferous.
Ratiometric analysis of optical coherence tomography–measured in vivo retinal layer thicknesses for the detection of early diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Bhaduri Basanta , Shelton Ryan L. , Nolan Ryan M. , Hendren Lucas , Almasov Alexandra , Labriola Leanne T. , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: June 2017

Influence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) on parafoveal retinal thicknesses and their ratios was evaluated. Six retinal layer boundaries were segmented from spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography images using open‐source software. Five study groups: (1) healthy control (HC) subjects, and subjects with (2) controlled DM, (3) uncontrolled DM, (4) controlled DR and (5) uncontrolled DR, were identified. The one‐way analyses of variance (ANOVA) between adjacent study groups (i. e. 1 with 2, 2 with 3, etc) indicated differences in retinal thicknesses and ratios. Overall retinal thickness, ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness, inner plexiform layer (IPL) thickness, and their combination (GCL+ IPL), appeared to be significantly less in the uncontrolled DM group when compared to controlled DM and controlled DR groups. Although the combination of nerve fiber layer (NFL) and GCL, and IPL thicknesses were not different, their ratio, (NFL+GCL)/IPL, was found to be significantly higher in the controlled DM group compared to the HC group. Comparisons of the controlled DR group with the controlled DM group, and with the uncontrolled DR group, do not show any differences in the layer thicknesses, though several significant ratios were obtained. Ratiometric analysis may provide more sensitive parameters for detecting changes in DR. Picture: A representative segmented OCT image of the human retina is shown.
Evaluation of the Parent‐Report Inventory of Callous–Unemotional Traits in a Sample of Children Recruited from Intimate Partner Violence Services: A Multidimensional Rasch Analysis
Authors: McDonald Shelby Elaine , Ma Lin , Green Kathy E. , Hitti Stephanie A. , Cody Anna M. , Donovan Courtney , Williams James Herbert , Ascione Frank R.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Our study applied multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) to compare structural models of the parent‐report version of the Inventory of Callous and Unemotional Traits (ICU; English and North American Spanish translations).

Method

A total of 291 maternal caregivers were recruited from community‐based domestic violence services and reported on their children (77.9% ethnic minority; 47% female), who ranged in age from 7 to 12 years (mean = 9.07, standard deviation = 1.64). We compared 9 models that were based on prior psychometric evaluations of the ICU.

Results

MIRT analyses indicated that a revised 18‐item version comprising 2 factors (callous–unemotional and empathic–prosocial) was more suitable for our sample. Differential item functioning was found for several items across ethnic and language groups, but not for child gender or age. Evidence of construct validity was found.

Conclusion

We recommend continued research and revisions to the ICU to better assess the presence of callous–unemotional traits in community samples of school‐age children.
Irreversible metronidazole encephalopathy in an elderly woman with primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Onuma Yuki , Oki Masayuki , Komatsu Masamichi , Ishitani Sho , Kijima Kei , Fukuda Ryuki , Moriya Yusuke , Ozawa Hideki , Takagi Atsushi
Published: June 2017

An 82‐year‐old woman with primary biliary cholangitis was diagnosed with an irreversible neurological disorder, caused by metronidazole (MNZ)‐induced encephalopathy. Although the disorder is a reversible pathological condition, in rare cases, it can cause serious sequelae or could even be fatal. Therefore, medications should be administered carefully, particularly in patients who require long‐term administration of large doses or those with liver dysfunction.
One‐Pot, Step‐Wise, Alternative Syntheses of Quinoline‐Substituted Bis(Indolyl)Methanes Using a Green Approach
Authors: Bandi Madhu , Ch. Venkata Ramana Reddy
Published: June 2017

A green and highly efficient protocol for one‐pot, step‐wise, alternative syntheses of quinoline‐substituted bi(indolyl)methanes has been described by the condensation of N‐methyl or N‐ethyl quinolone‐4‐one‐3‐carbaldehydes 1a and b with indole 2a–f in water containing a catalytic amount of l‐proline to afford the title compounds 5a–l in high yields and in shorter reaction times. This reaction involves easy workup without using column chromatography.
Convenient Synthesis and Biological Activity of Mono and Diacyl 2,5‐Dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole Derivatives
Authors: Jasiak Karolina , Kudelko Agnieszka , Wróblowska Monika , Biernasiuk Anna , Malm Anna , Krawczyk Maria
Published: June 2017

New derivatives of 2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole substituted both at one or two exocyclic sulfur atoms with a series of aroyl or ethoxycarbonyl groups were synthesized in reactions of 2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole salts with appropriate acid chlorides or ethyl chloroformate in mild conditions. The products were characterized by spectroscopy (1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, and HRMS). Some from the synthesized compounds were screened in vitro and in vivo for antibacterial and antifungal activities against a panel of reference strains of microorganisms. The study revealed that ethyl S‐(5‐mercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl) carbonothioate seems to be the most active and versatile compound against Gram‐positive bacteria, Gram‐negative bacteria, and plant pathogenic fungi.
How common are cranial sesamoids among squamates?
Authors: Montero Ricardo , Daza Juan D. , Bauer Aaron M. , Abdala Virginia
Published: June 2017

Sesamoids are elements that originate as intratendinous structures due to genetic and epigenetic factors. These elements have been reported frequently in vertebrates, although cranial sesamoids have been recorded almost exclusively in non‐tetrapod Osteichthyes. The only tetrapod cranial sesamoids reported until now have been the transiliens cartilage (of crocodiles and turtles), and another one located in the quadrate‐mandibular joint of birds. Here, we examined seven squamate species using histological sections, dissections of preserved specimens, dry skeletons, cleared and stained specimens, computed tomographies (CT), and report the presence of other cranial sesamoids. One is attached to the cephalic condyle of the quadrate, embedded in the bodenaponeurosis and jaw adductor muscles of Ophiodes intermedius (Anguidae). The other sesamoid is found at the base of the basicranium of several squamates, capping the sphenoccipital tubercle, on the lateral side of the basioccipital–basisphenoid suture. This bone has previously been reported as “element X.” We reinterpret it as a basicranial sesamoid, as it is associated with tendons of the cranio‐cervical muscles. This bone seems to have the function of resisting tension‐compression forces generated by the muscle during flexion the head. This element was previously known in several squamates, and we confirmed its presence in three additional squamate families: Gymnophthalmidae, Gekkonidae, and Pygopodidae. The evidence suggests that cranial sesamoids are a widespread character in squamates, and it is possible that this feature has been present since the origin of the group.
Capillary zone electrophorsis for the analysis of naturally occurring 2‐hydroxycitric acids and their lactones
Authors: Abhijith B. L. , Mohan Moolya , Joseph David , Haleema Simimole , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y. , Ibnusaud Ibrahim
Published: June 2017

A simple capillary zone electrophoresis method with direct ultraviolet detection has been developed for the analysis of naturally occurring diastereomeric 2‐hydroxycitric acid lactones. Using 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer of pH 7, a baseline resolution Rs > 3.0 was observed for all organic acids selected for the present study. This method was employed for the quantitative determination of title acids present in the plant sources namely Garcinia cambogia fruit rinds and Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx. Conversion of 2‐hydroxycitric acids to their lactones on heating the above plant sources is deliberated. The Hydrolysis of hydroxycitric acid lactones in aqueous solution is reported for the first time.
Time‐driven activity‐based costing to estimate cost of care at multidisciplinary aerodigestive centers
Authors: Garcia Jordan A. , Mistry Bipin , Hardy Stephen , Fracchia Mary Shannon , Hersh Cheryl , Wentland Carissa , Vadakekalam Joseph , Kaplan Robert , Hartnick Christopher J.
Published: June 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Providing high‐value healthcare to patients is increasingly becoming an objective for providers including those at multidisciplinary aerodigestive centers. Measuring value has two components: 1) identify relevant health outcomes and 2) determine relevant treatment costs. Via their inherent structure, multidisciplinary care units consolidate care for complex patients. However, their potential impact on decreasing healthcare costs is less clear. The goal of this study was to estimate the potential cost savings of treating patients with laryngeal clefts at multidisciplinary aerodigestive centers.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Time‐driven activity‐based costing was used to estimate the cost of care for patients with laryngeal cleft seen between 2008 and 2013 at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Pediatric Aerodigestive Center. Retrospective chart review was performed to identify clinic utilization by patients as well as patient diet outcomes after treatment. Patients were stratified into neurologically complex and neurologically noncomplex groups.

Results

The cost of care for patients requiring surgical intervention was five and three times as expensive of the cost of care for patients not requiring surgery for neurologically noncomplex and complex patients, respectively. Following treatment, 50% and 55% of complex and noncomplex patients returned to normal diet, whereas 83% and 87% of patients experienced improved diets, respectively. Additionally, multidisciplinary team‐based care for children with laryngeal clefts potentially achieves 20% to 40% cost savings.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate how time‐driven activity‐based costing can be used to estimate and compare patient costs in multidisciplinary aerodigestive centers.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 127:2152–2158, 2017
A hybrid phantom system for patient skin and organ dosimetry in fluoroscopically guided interventions
Authors: Borrego David , Siragusa Daniel A. , Balter Stephen , Bolch Wesley E.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate calibrations for improved estimates of skin dose and to develop software for computing absorbed organ doses for fluoroscopically guided interventions (FGIs) with the use of radiation dose structured reports (RDSR) and the UF/NCI family of hybrid computational phantoms.

Methods and materials

Institutional review board approval was obtained for this retrospective study in which ten RDSRs were selected for their high cumulative reference air kerma values. Skin doses were computed using the University of Florida's rapid in‐clinic peak skin dose algorithm (or UF‐RIPSA). Kerma‐area product (KAP) meter calibrations and attenuation of the tabletop with pad were incorporated into the UF‐RIPSA. To compute absorbed organ doses the RDSRs were coupled with software to develop Monte Carlo input decks for each irradiation event. The effects of spectrum matching were explored by modeling (a) a polychromatic x‐ray energy beam made to match measured first half‐value layers of aluminum, (b) an unmatched spectrum, (c) and a mono‐energetic beam equivalent to the effective x‐ray energy. The authors also considered the practicality of computing organ doses for each irradiation event within a RDSR.

Results

The KAP meter is highly dependent on the quality of the x‐ray spectra. Monte Carlo based attenuation coefficients for configurations in which the beam is transmitted through the tabletop with pad reduced the amount by which the software overestimated skin doses. For absorbed organ dose computations, the average ratios of computed organ doses for a non‐fitted to fitted spectrum and effective energy to fitted spectrum were 0.45 and 0.03, respectively. Monte Carlo simulations on average took 38 min per patient. All in‐field organ tallies converged with a relative error of less than 1% and out‐of‐field organs tallies within 10% relative error.

Conclusions

This work details changes to the UF‐RIPSA software that include an expanded library of computational phantoms, attenuation coefficients for tabletop with pad, and calibration curves for the KAP meter. For the computation of absorbed organ dose, it is possible to model each irradiation event separately on a patient‐dependent model that best morphometrically matches the patient, thus providing a full report of internal organ doses for FGI patients.
Effects of electronic device overuse by university students in relation to clinical status and anatomical variations of the median nerve and transverse carpal ligament
Authors: Woo Eugenia Hoi Chi , White Peter , Lai Christopher Wai Keung
Published: June 2017

Introduction

This study investigates the results of a questionnaire, provocative tests, and ultrasonographic measurements of carpal tunnel morphological parameters in intensive and nonintensive electronic device users.

Methods

Forty‐eight university students (equal numbers of intensive and nonintensive users, ≥5 h/day and <5 h/day of electronic device usage, respectively) were randomly selected after questionnaire responses were received and evaluated clinically and by ultrasonography. All participants were right‐handed.

Results

Intensive users had significantly more positive results in Phalen's and Durkan's tests and reported more wrist/hand pain compared with nonintensive users (P < 0.05). Intensive users also had significantly larger median nerve cross‐sectional areas, flattening ratios, and perimeters as well as greater bowing of the transverse carpal ligament compared with nonintensive users (P < 0.05).

Discussion

Overuse of electronic devices may adversely affect the median nerve within the carpal tunnel and the transverse carpal ligament, resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand. Caution may be warranted when using handheld electronic devices. Muscle Nerve 56: 873–880, 2017
Experience and psychological impact of anal cancer screening in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: a qualitative study
Authors: Russo S. , Mccaffery K. , Ellard J. , Poynten M. , Prestage G. , Templeton D.J. , Hillman R. , Law C. , Grulich A.E.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Human papillomavirus–related anal cancer rates are increasing and are particularly high in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM/MSM), especially HIV‐positive individuals. Although screening programs for high‐risk populations have been advocated, concerns about possible adverse psychological consequences exist. This study aimed to investigate GBM/MSM's experience, understanding and emotional response to screening techniques for anal cancer to determine how best to minimise psychological distress in future programs.

Methods

In‐depth qualitative face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 21 GBM/MSM participating in the “Study of the Prevention of Anal Cancer” in Sydney, Australia, between June 2013 and June 2014. Nonrandom, purposive sampling was used to ensure heterogeneity with respect to HIV status and screening test results. Framework analysis method was used to organise the data and identify emerging themes.

Results

Knowledge about anal cancer, human papillomavirus and the link between them was limited. Abnormal screening results affected participants' sense of well‐being and were associated with anxiety and concern about developing anal cancer. HIV‐negative men receiving abnormal results showed higher levels of distress compared to their HIV‐positive counterparts. Consultations with general practitioners about abnormal results had an important role in increasing participants' understanding and in moderating their anxiety.

Conclusion

Anal cancer screening should be accompanied by health education around anal cancer, its aetiology and the meaning of associated test results. Simple and effective communication strategies should be encouraged. Collaboration with general practitioners could assist the process of education and reporting test results.
Positive aspects of having had cancer: A mixed‐methods analysis of responses from the American Cancer Society Study of Cancer Survivors‐II (SCS‐II)
Authors: Adorno Gail , Lopez Ellen , Burg Mary Ann , Loerzel Victoria , Killian Michael , Dailey Amy B. , Iennaco Joanne D. , Wallace Cara , Sharma Dinghy Kristine B. , Stein Kevin
Published: June 2017

Objective

This study focused on understanding positive aspects of cancer among a large, national sample of survivors, 2, 5, and 10 years' postcancer diagnosis, who responded to the American Cancer Society Study of Cancer Survivors ‐ II (SCS‐II) survey “Please tell us about any positive aspects of having cancer.”

Methods

A sequential mixed methods approach examined (1) thematic categories of positive aspects from cancer survivors (n = 5149) and (2) variation in themes by sociodemographics, cancer type, stage of disease, and length of survivorship.

Results

Themes comprised 21 positive aspects within Thornton's typology of benefits that cancer survivors attribute to their illness: life perspectives, self, and relationships. New themes pertaining to gratitude and medical support during diagnosis and treatment, health‐related changes, follow‐up/surveillance, and helping others emerged that are not otherwise included in widely used existing benefit finding cancer scales. Gratitude and appreciation for life were the most frequently endorsed themes. Sociodemographics and stage of disease were associated with positive aspect themes. Themes were not associated with survivor cohorts.

Conclusions

No differences in perceived positive aspects across survivor cohorts suggest that positive aspects of cancer may exist long after diagnosis for many survivors. However, variation across sociodemographics and clinical variables suggests cancer survivors differentially experience positive aspects from their cancer diagnosis.

Implications for cancer survivors

This analysis provides new information about cancer survivors' perceptions of positive aspects from their cancer and factors associated with benefit finding and personal growth. This information can be useful in further refining quality‐of‐life measures and interventions for cancer survivors.
Changes in spiritual well‐being and psychological outcomes in ovarian cancer survivors
Authors: Davis Lauren Z. , Cuneo Michaela , Thaker Premal H. , Goodheart Michael J. , Bender David , Lutgendorf Susan K.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Because of the poor prognosis of ovarian cancer and concomitant distress, understanding contributors to positive well‐being is critical. This study examines spiritual growth as a domain of posttraumatic growth and its contribution to longitudinal emotional outcomes in ovarian cancer.

Methods

Ovarian cancer patients (N = 241) completed measures assessing spirituality (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well‐being−12; subscales: faith, meaning, and peace), depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), cancer‐specific anxiety (Impact of Event Scale), and total mood disturbance (TMD; Profile of Mood States) prior to surgery and 1‐year postsurgery. Stressful life events in the year after diagnosis were measured at 1‐year postsurgery. Regressions examined the association between changes in spirituality and depression, anxiety, and TMD at 1‐year postsurgery. Additionally, spiritual change was examined as a moderator of the effect of recent life events on mood.

Results

Increases in peace were related to lower depression (β = −.40, P < .001), anxiety (β = −.20, P = .004), and TMD (β = −.41, P < .001) at 1 year. Changes in meaning and faith were unrelated to all outcomes. Additionally, changes in peace moderated the effect of stressful life events on depression (β = −.14, P = .027), anxiety (β = −.16, P = .05), and TMD (β = −.17, P = .01), such that those with a high number of life events paired with a decrease in peace experienced the worst psychological outcomes at 1 year.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the quality of peace may be the most adaptive facet of spiritual growth in cancer patients. Furthermore, changes in peace appear to moderate the effect of life events on psychological well‐being.
Topical Silymarin Administration for Prevention of Capecitabine‐Induced Hand–Foot Syndrome: A Randomized, Double‐Blinded, Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Elyasi Sepideh , Shojaee Farzaneh Sadat Rezazadeh , Allahyari Abolghasem , Karimi Gholamreza
Published: June 2017

Hand–foot syndrome (HFS) is a frequent dose‐limiting adverse reaction of capecitabine in patient with gastrointestinal cancers. Silymarin is a polyphenolic flavonoid extracted from the Silybum marianum that exhibits strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. In this study, we evaluated silymarin efficacy in prevention of capecitabine‐induced HFS in patients with gastrointestinal cancers, as the first human study. During this pilot, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, the effect of silymarin gel 1%, which is applied on the palms and soles twice daily starting at the first day of chemotherapy for 9 weeks, on HFS occurrence was assessed. Forty patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria assigned to the silymarin or placebo group. World Health Organization HFS grading scale scores were recorded at baseline and every 3 weeks during these 9 weeks. The median WHO HFS scores were significantly lower in silymarin group at the end of the 9th week (p < 0.05). The scores increased significantly in both placebo and silymarin groups during chemotherapy, but there was a delay for HFS development and progression in silymarin group. Prophylactic administration of silymarin topical formulation could significantly reduce the severity of capecitabine‐induced HFS and delays its occurrence in patients with gastrointestinal cancer after 9 weeks of application. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Key parameters for the life cycle of nocturnal radiation fog: a comprehensive large‐eddy simulation study
Authors: Maronga B. , Bosveld F. C.
Published: June 2017

High‐resolution large‐eddy simulations (LESs) are used to investigate the effect of turbulence as well as the interaction between atmosphere and soil on the life cycle of nocturnal radiation fog. The first part of the article focuses on the validation of the LES model system for simulating radiation fog against measurement data from the meteorological super‐site at Cabauw (Netherlands). As in former studies, differences found in the fog life cycle, depth, and liquid water content between LES and observations can be largely ascribed to the presence of local advection processes in the observational data and uncertainty in the measurement data used to initialize the model. Moreover it is found that the choice of the droplet number concentration within the cloud microphysical representation has a high impact on the liquid water content within the fog layer, but a rather small effect on its life cycle. In the second part of the article, a set of LES runs is analysed with idealized initial conditions in order to study the effect of turbulent mixing as well as the initial state of the soil on the development of radiation fog. As expected, the results show that turbulent mixing has a strong impact on the time of fog formation, which is complicated by the interaction with both radiative cooling and water vapour removal by dew deposition. Furthermore, it is found that the near‐surface soil temperature plays a key role for the exact time of fog formation, whereas near‐surface soil moisture is decisive for the lifting and dissipation time of the fog layer.
After 12 consecutive miscarriages, a patient received immunosuppressive treatment and delivered an intact baby
Authors: Nakagawa Koji , Kuroda Keiji , Sugiyama Rikikazu , Yamaguchi Koushi
Published: June 2017

Aim

An immune etiology for idiopathic recurrent miscarriage is an important issue because a fetus is allogenetically different from the mother. Type 1 T helper (Th1) and Type 2 (Th2) cells have important functions in immune responses and there is a general agreement that pregnancy is associated with Th2 cell dominance. The purpose of this case report is to establish the effectiveness of an immunosuppressive treatment for a patient who had 11 consecutive miscarriages despite several treatments, such as anticoagulation, that showed elevated Th1/Th2 cell ratios.

Methods

This patient visited our clinic following 11 consecutive miscarriages between 2009 and 2014 that occurred between 5 and 8 weeks’ gestation. The Th1/Th2 cell ratio was evaluated after the 12th conception and she received an immunosuppressive treatment (tacrolimus; 1 mg/d).

Results

The Th1/Th2 cell ratio was elevated after the 12th conception, but the patient miscarried, with a normal karyotype of chorionic villi despite the immunosuppressive treatment. After the 13th conception, she began receiving treatment with 2 mg/d of tacrolimus at 4 weeks’ gestation, which was continued until delivery.

Conclusion

For recurrent miscarriage cases that show an elevated Th1/Th2 cell ratio after achieving pregnancy, immunosuppressive treatment with tacrolimus could be effective.
An investigation of effort distribution among development phases: A four‐stage progressive software cost estimation model
Authors: Papatheocharous Efi , Bibi Stamatia , Stamelos Ioannis , Andreou Andreas S.
Published: June 2017

Software cost estimation is a key process in project management. Estimations in the initial project phases are made with a lot of uncertainty that influences estimation accuracy which typically increases as the project progresses in time. Project data collected during the various project phases can be used in a progressive time‐dependent fashion to train software cost estimation models. Our motivation is to reduce uncertainty and increase confidence based on the understanding of patterns of effort distributions in development phases of real‐world projects. In this work, we study effort distributions and suggest a four‐stage progressive software cost estimation model, adjusting the initial effort estimates during the development life‐cycle based on newly available data. Initial estimates are reviewed on the basis of the experience gained as development progresses and as new information becomes available. The proposed model provides an early, a post‐planning, a post‐specifications, and a post‐design estimate, while it uses industrial data from the ISBSG (R10) dataset. The results reveal emerging patterns of effort distributions and indicate that the model provides effective estimations and exhibits high explanatory value. Contributions in lessons learned and practical implications are also provided.
An area‐based intensity measure for incremental dynamic analysis under two‐dimensional ground motion input
Authors: Zhou Ying , Ge Pinglan , Li Mengjie , Han Jianping
Published: June 2017

Incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) is a useful method in performance‐based earthquake engineering. IDA curves combine the intensity measure (IM) of ground motions with structural responses (as measured by engineering demand parameter) from nonlinear dynamic analysis. However, the curves display large record‐to‐record variability. And various IMs can lead to different results. Therefore, it is important to find a desirable IM to reduce the discreteness of the IDA results. So far, the studies on IM for IDA have been carried out by many scholars from scalar‐valued to vector‐valued, but few were based on 2‐dimensional ground motion input. To make the analysis more reasonable and practical as well as investigate the desirable IM under 2‐dimensional ground motion input, incremental dynamic analyses when ground motions are inputted in 2 directions should be investigated. In this paper, 2 combinational types of area‐based IM incorporating the influence of ground motion record components in secondary directions were proposed. To investigate the applicability, efficiency and desirable combinational form of the area‐based IM under 2‐dimensional ground motion input, incremental dynamic analysis were carried out using 2 reinforced concrete frames. Then the efficiency of the IMs was measured by the residual sum of squares and R2. It is concluded that the area‐based IM with a combination by the square root of the sum of the squares (SRSS) method is the most efficient for IDA under 2‐dimensional ground motion input. The methods and conclusions will provide significant reference for studying IMs under 2‐dimensional ground motion input. Further research will focus on the applicability of the area‐based IM for tall buildings whose higher modes need to be considered.