bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐spin Fe2+ and Fe3+ in single‐crystal aluminous bridgmanite in the lower mantle
Authors: Lin Jung‐Fu , Mao Zhu , Yang Jing , Liu Jin , Xiao Yuming , Chow Paul , Okuchi Takuo
Published: July 2016

Spin and valence states of iron in single‐crystal bridgmanite (Mg0.89Fe0.12Al0.11Si0.89O3) are investigated using X‐ray emission and Mössbauer spectroscopies with laser annealing up to 115 GPa. The results show that Fe predominantly substitutes for Mg2+ in the pseudo‐dodecahedral A site, in which 80% of the iron is Fe3+ that enters the lattice via the charge‐coupled substitution with Al3+ in the octahedral B site. The total spin momentum and hyperfine parameters indicate that these ions remain in the high‐spin state with Fe2+ having extremely high quadrupole splitting due to lattice distortion. (Al,Fe)‐bearing bridgmanite is expected to contain mostly high‐spin, A‐site Fe3+, together with a smaller amount of A‐site Fe2+, that remains stable throughout the region. Even though the spin transition of B‐site Fe3+ in bridgmanite was reported to cause changes in its elasticity at high pressures, (Fe,Al)‐bearing bridgmanite with predominantly A‐site Fe will not exhibit elastic anomalies associated with the spin transition.
A wide field of view plasma spectrometer
Authors: Skoug R. M. , Funsten H. O. , Möbius E. , Harper R. W. , Kihara K. H. , Bower J. S.
Published: July 2016

We present a fundamentally new type of space plasma spectrometer, the wide field of view plasma spectrometer, whose field of view is > 1.25π ster using fewer resources than traditional methods. The enabling component is analogous to a pinhole camera with an electrostatic energy‐angle filter at the image plane. Particle energy‐per‐charge is selected with a tunable bias voltage applied to the filter plate relative to the pinhole aperture plate. For a given bias voltage, charged particles from different directions are focused by different angles to different locations. Particles with appropriate locations and angles can transit the filter plate and are measured using a microchannel plate detector with a position‐sensitive anode. Full energy and angle coverage are obtained using a single high‐voltage power supply, resulting in considerable resource savings and allowing measurements at fast timescales. We present laboratory prototype measurements and simulations demonstrating the instrument concept and discuss optimizations of the instrument design for application to space measurements.
LSWS linked with the low‐latitude Es and its implications for the growth of the R‐T instability
Authors: Joshi L. M.
Published: July 2016

A comprehensive investigation of spread F irregularities over the Indian sector has been carried out using VHF radar and ionosonde observations. Two different categories of spread F observations, one where the onset of the range spread F (RSF) was concurrent with the peak h′F (category 1) and another where the RSF onset happened ~90 min after the peak h′F time (category 2), are presented. RSF in category 2 was preceded by the presence of oblique echoes in ionograms, indicating the irregularity genesis westward of Sriharikota. The average peak h′F in category 1 was ~30 km higher than that in category 2 indicating the presence of standing large‐scale wave structure (LSWS). Occurrence of the blanketing Es during 19:30 to 20:30 Indian Standard Time in category 1 (category 2) was 0% (>50%). Model computation is also carried out to further substantiate the observational results. Model computation indicates that zonal variation of low‐latitude Es can generate zonal modulation in the F layer height rise. It is found that the modulation of the F layer height, linked with the low‐latitude Es, assists the equatorial spread F onset by modifying both the growth rate of the collisional Rayleigh‐Taylor (R‐T) instability and also its efficiency. A predominant presence of low‐latitude Es has been observed, but the increase in the F layer height and the R‐T instability growth in the evening hours will maximize with complete absence of low‐latitude Es. A new mechanism for the generation of LSWS and its implications on R‐T instability is discussed.
Rapid increase in relativistic electron flux controlled by nonlinear phase trapping of whistler chorus elements
Authors: Saito Shinji , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Seki Kanako
Published: July 2016

Wave‐particle interactions with whistler chorus waves are believed to provide a primary acceleration for electrons in the outer radiation belt. Previous models for flux enhancement of the radiation belt have assumed the stochastic process as a diffusion manner of successive random‐phase interactions, but physical mechanisms for the acceleration are not fully incorporated in these models because of the lack of a nonlinear scattering process. Here we report rapid increase in relativistic electron flux by using an innovative computer simulation model that incorporates not only diffusive process but also nonlinear scattering processes. The simulations show that three types of scattering simultaneously occur, which are diffusive, phase trapping, and phase bunching. It is found that the phase trapping is the most efficient mechanism to produce the MeV electrons rapidly in the scattering processes. The electrons are accelerated from 400 keV to over 1 MeV in time scale less than 60 s. On the other hand, as the phase trapping is suppressed by the breaking of relative phase angle between waves and gyrating electrons during the interaction, the increase of electron flux at MeV energy is clearly reduced. Our simulations conclude that the phase‐trapping process causes a significant effect for the increase in relativistic electron flux and suggest that a quasi‐linear diffusion model is not always valid to fully describe the relativistic electron acceleration.
Poly(2‐ethyloxazoline) as matrix for highly active electrospun enzymes in organic solvents
Authors: Plothe Ramona , Sittko Ina , Lanfer Franziska , Fortmann Maximilian , Roth Meike , Kolbach Vivien , Tiller Joerg C.
Published: July 2016

Nanofibers are advantageous carriers for biocatalysts, because they show lower diffusion limitations due to their high surface/volume ratio. Only a few samples are known where enzymes are directly spun into nanofibers, mostly because there are not many suited polymer carriers. In this study, poly(2‐ethyloxazoline) (PEtOx) was explored regarding its usefulness to activate various enzymes in organic solvents by directly electrospinning them from aqueous solutions containing the polymer. It was found that the concentration of PEtOx in the spinning solution and also the swellability of the fibers play a great role in the activity of the enzymes in organic solvents. Using electrospun lipase B from Candida antarctica (CaLB) under optimized conditions revealed a higher carrier activity than the commercial Novozyme 435 with 10 times less immobilized protein. The electrospinning of PEtOx/CaLB fibers onto a stirrer is used to realize a biocatalytic stirrer for organic solvents. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 39–45. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Land use intensification in the humid tropics increased both alpha and beta diversity of soil bacteria
Authors: de Carvalho Teotonio Soares , Jesus Ederson da Conceição , Barlow Jos , Gardner Toby A. , Soares Isaac Carvalho , Tiedje James M. , Moreira Fatima Maria de Souza
Published: July 2016

Anthropogenic pressures on tropical forests are rapidly intensifying, but our understanding of their implications for biological diversity is still very limited, especially with regard to soil biota, and in particular soil bacterial communities. Here we evaluated bacterial community composition and diversity across a gradient of land use intensity in the eastern Amazon from undisturbed primary forest, through primary forests varyingly disturbed by fire, regenerating secondary forest, pasture, and mechanized agriculture. Soil bacteria were assessed by paired‐end Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments (V4 region). The resulting sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units (OTU) at a 97% similarity threshold. Land use intensification increased the observed bacterial diversity (both OTU richness and community heterogeneity across space) and this effect was strongly associated with changes in soil pH. Moreover, land use intensification and subsequent changes in soil fertility, especially pH, altered the bacterial community composition, with pastures and areas of mechanized agriculture displaying the most contrasting communities in relation to undisturbed primary forest. Together, these results indicate that tropical forest conversion impacts soil bacteria not through loss of diversity, as previously thought, but mainly by imposing marked shifts on bacterial community composition, with unknown yet potentially important implications for ecological functions and services performed by these communities.
Interaction of single-walled carbon nanotubes and saxitoxin: Ab initio simulations and biological responses in hippocampal cell line HT-22
Authors: Ramos Patrícia , Schmitz Marcos , Filgueira Daza , Votto Ana Paula , Durruthy Michael , Gelesky Marcos , Ruas Caroline , Yunes João , Tonel Mariana , Fagan Solange , Monserrat José
Published: July 2016

Saxitoxins (STXs) are potent neurotoxins that also induce cytotoxicity through the generation of reactive oxygen species. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nanomaterials that can promote a Trojan horse effect, facilitating the entry of toxic molecules to cells when adsorbed to nanomaterials. The interaction of pristine single-walled (SW)CNTs and carboxylated (SWCNT-COOH) nanotubes with STX was evaluated by ab initio simulation and bioassays using the cell line HT-22. Cells (5 × 104 cells/mL) were exposed to SWCNT and SWCNT-COOH (5 μg mL−1), STX (200 μg L−1), SWCNT+STX, and SWCNT-COOH+STX for 30 min or 24 h. Results of ab initio simulation showed that the interaction between SWCNT and SWCNT-COOH with STX occurs in a physisorption. The interaction of SWCNT+STX induced a decrease in cell viability. Cell proliferation was not affected in any treatment after 30 min or 24 h of exposure (p > 0.05). Treatment with SWCNT-COOH induced high reactive oxygen species levels, an effect attenuated in SWCNT-COOH+STX treatment. In terms of cellular oxygen consumption, both CNTs when coexposed with STX antagonize the toxin effect. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the results obtained in vitro corroborate the semiempirical evidence found using density functional theory ab initio simulation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1728–1737. © 2016 SETAC
A Comparison Study of Fixed and Mixed Effect Models for Gene Level Association Studies of Complex Traits
Authors: Fan Ruzong , Chiu Chi‐yang , Jung Jeesun , Weeks Daniel E. , Wilson Alexander F. , Bailey‐Wilson Joan E. , Amos Christopher I. , Chen Zhen , Mills James L. , Xiong Momiao
Published: July 2016

In association studies of complex traits, fixed‐effect regression models are usually used to test for association between traits and major gene loci. In recent years, variance‐component tests based on mixed models were developed for region‐based genetic variant association tests. In the mixed models, the association is tested by a null hypothesis of zero variance via a sequence kernel association test (SKAT), its optimal unified test (SKAT‐O), and a combined sum test of rare and common variant effect (SKAT‐C). Although there are some comparison studies to evaluate the performance of mixed and fixed models, there is no systematic analysis to determine when the mixed models perform better and when the fixed models perform better. Here we evaluated, based on extensive simulations, the performance of the fixed and mixed model statistics, using genetic variants located in 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 kb simulated regions. We compared the performance of three models: (i) mixed models that lead to SKAT, SKAT‐O, and SKAT‐C, (ii) traditional fixed‐effect additive models, and (iii) fixed‐effect functional regression models. To evaluate the type I error rates of the tests of fixed models, we generated genotype data by two methods: (i) using all variants, (ii) using only rare variants. We found that the fixed‐effect tests accurately control or have low false positive rates. We performed simulation analyses to compare power for two scenarios: (i) all causal variants are rare, (ii) some causal variants are rare and some are common. Either one or both of the fixed‐effect models performed better than or similar to the mixed models except when (1) the region sizes are 12 and 15 kb and (2) effect sizes are small. Therefore, the assumption of mixed models could be satisfied and SKAT/SKAT‐O/SKAT‐C could perform better if the number of causal variants is large and each causal variant contributes a small amount to the traits (i.e., polygenes). In major gene association studies, we argue that the fixed‐effect models perform better or similarly to mixed models in most cases because some variants should affect the traits relatively large. In practice, it makes sense to perform analysis by both the fixed and mixed effect models and to make a comparison, and this can be readily done using our R codes and the SKAT packages.
Inflammatory Markers and the Risk of Hip and Vertebral Fractures in Men: the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS)
Authors: Cauley Jane A , Barbour Kamil E , Harrison Stephanie L , Cloonan Yona K , Danielson Michelle E , Ensrud Kristine E , Fink Howard A , Orwoll Eric S , Boudreau Robert
Published: July 2016

Cytokines play major roles in regulating bone remodeling, but their relationship to incident fractures in older men is uncertain. We tested the hypothesis that men with higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory markers have a higher risk of fracture. We used a case-cohort design and measured inflammatory markers in a random sample of 961 men and in men with incident fractures including 120 clinical vertebral, 117 hip, and 577 non-spine fractures; average follow-up 6.13 years (7.88 years for vertebral fractures). We measured interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), soluble receptors (SR) of IL-6 (IL-6SR) and TNF (TNFαSR1 and TNFαSR2), and IL-10. The risk of non-spine, hip, and clinical vertebral fracture was compared across quartiles (Q) of inflammatory markers using Cox proportional hazard models with tests for linear trend. In multivariable-adjusted models, men with the highest (Q4) TNFa cytokine concentrations and their receptors had a 2.0–4.2-fold higher risk of hip and clinical vertebral fracture than men with the lowest (Q1). Results were similar for all non-spine fractures, but associations were smaller. There was no association between CRP and IL-6SR and fracture. Men in the highest Q of IL-10 had a 49% lower risk of vertebral fracture compared with men in Q1. Among men with ≥3 inflammatory markers in the highest Q, the hazard ratio (HR) for hip fractures was 2.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–3.71) and for vertebral fracture 3.06 (1.66–5.63). The HRs for hip fracture were attenuated by 27%, 27%, and 15%, respectively, after adjusting for appendicular lean mass (ALM), disability, and bone density, suggesting mediating roles. ALM also attenuated the HR for vertebral fractures by 10%. There was no association between inflammation and rate of hip BMD loss. We conclude that inflammation may play an important role in the etiology of fractures in older men. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Comparison of three whole genome amplification methods for detection of genomic aberrations in single cells
Authors: Normand Elizabeth , Qdaisat Sadeem , Bi Weimin , Shaw Chad , Van den Veyver Ignatia , Beaudet Arthur , Breman Amy
Published: July 2016

Objective

Detection of genomic copy number abnormalities in a single cell using array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) offers a promising non‐invasive alternative for prenatal diagnosis. Our objective was to compare three commercially available whole‐genome amplification (WGA) kits for their capacity to produce high quality DNA from single cells that is suitable for both molecular genotyping and array CGH.

Methods

We examined kit performance on unfixed, fixed and fixed/permeabilized lymphoblastoid cells. Molecular genotyping methods were used to evaluate the fidelity of amplified DNA for genomic profiling, while array CGH was used to assess copy number from single cells harboring trisomy 21, a DiGeorge syndrome deletion, a CMT1A duplication or a MECP2 duplication.

Results

Molecular genotyping was achieved from single cells but performance varied between WGA kits. Furthermore, we consistently detected a dosage difference in sex chromosomes for gender mismatched hybridizations and for chromosome 21 in trisomy 21 cells. The 2.5 Mb DiGeorge syndrome deletion was also detected using all three WGA platforms, whereas the 1.3 Mb CMT1A and the 0.6 Mb MECP2 duplications were not consistently detected.

Conclusion

These data suggest that single cell molecular genotyping and copy number analysis can be accomplished when WGA conditions are optimized. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of ligand backbone substituents of nickel α‐diimine complexes on livingness/controllability of olefin polymerization: Competition between monomer isomerization and propagation
Authors: Sokolohorskyj Anatolij , Mundil Robert , Lederer Albena , Merna Jan
Published: July 2016

Four α‐diimine nickel complexes [(ArNC(R) C(R)NAr)NiBr2; RH, CH3, cyclohexane‐1,2‐diyl, naphthalene‐1,8‐diyl, Ar2,6‐i‐Pr2‐C6H3‐) were investigated in propene and hex‐1‐ene polymerization to identify the limits of backbone substituent R size needed to provide living/controlled α‐olefins polymerization by the sufficient suppression of β–H elimination transfer. Propagation kinetics measurements, molar mass on monomer conversion dependencies and reinitiation tests were used to evaluate the livingness of hex‐1‐ene polymerization. Interestingly, living/controlled hex‐1‐ene polymerization was observed in the case of all diimine derivatives including the one bearing only hydrogen atom in backbone positions. Unexpectedly, in the case of catalysts bearing H and CH3 backbone substituents, we observed the unusual isomerization of hex‐1‐ene into internal hexenes in parallel with its polymerization. Nevertheless, by subtracting the amount of monomer consumed in isomerization side reaction, polymerization still keeps the features of living/controlled process. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 3193–3202
Alveolar‐filling growth pattern of sarcomatoid malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Hayakawa Takamitsu , Tajima Shogo , Takanashi Yusuke , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Neyatani Hiroshi , Funai Kazuhito
Published: July 2016

A case of sarcomatoid malignant pleural mesothelioma showing extremely rare growth pattern is described. A 63‐year‐old man presented to our hospital with left pleural effusion. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed diffusely thickened left visceral and parietal pleura associated with intermingled pulmonary infiltrative shadowing. Biopsy of the pleura under general anaesthesia confirmed the diagnosis of sarcomatoid malignant pleural mesothelioma. The patient underwent left extra‐pleural pneumonectomy. Histopathologically, the sarcomatoid spindle tumour cells changed their morphology to polygonal cells in the pulmonary parenchyma and grew upwards, filling the alveolar space without the destruction of its septa, showing an alveolar‐filling growth pattern. The current report indicates a case of sarcomatoid pleural mesothelioma that shows an alveolar‐filling growth pattern, despite having not been thoroughly categorized in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification.
Parental Meta-Emotion Philosophy and Emotion Coaching in Families of Children and Adolescents with an Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Hurrell Katherine E. , Houwing Frances L. , Hudson Jennifer L.
Published: July 2016

Using a multi-method approach, this study examined differences in parental meta-emotional philosophy (including, parental emotional awareness and emotion coaching) for families with anxiety disordered (AD; n = 74) and non-AD (n = 35) children (aged 7 to 15). Further, it was investigated whether children’s emotion regulation (ER) varied across the AD and non-AD groups. Parent(s) were interviewed about their awareness of emotions and emotion coaching; completed a battery of questionnaires that included a measure assessing children’s emotion regulation; and engaged in a parent-child discussion task. Results indicated that compared to parents of non-AD youth, parents of AD youth were less aware of their own emotions and their children’s emotions, and these results varied by emotion type. Parents of AD youth engaged in significantly less emotion coaching than parents of non-AD youth. AD youth were identified as having significantly greater difficulty regulating their emotions when compared to non-AD youth. Implications for the role of parental meta-emotional philosophy and AD youth’s emotion regulation are discussed.
Twenty-first century macro-trends in the institutional fabric of science: bibliometric monitoring and analysis
Authors: Tijssen Robert J. W. , Winnink Jos
Published: July 2016

Some say that world science has become more ‘applied’, or at least more ‘application-oriented’, in recent years. Replacing the ill-defined distinction between ‘basic research’ and ‘applied research’, we introduce ‘research application orientation’ domains as an alternative conceptual and analytical framework for examining research output growth patterns. To distinguish possible developmental trajectories we define three institutional domains: ‘university’, ‘industry’, ‘hospitals’. Our macro-level bibliometric analysis takes a closer look at general trends within and across some 750 of the world’s largest research-intensive universities. To correct for database changes, our time-series analysis was applied to both a fixed journal set (same research journals and conference proceedings over time) and a dynamic journal set (changing set of publication outlets). We find that output growth in the ‘hospital research orientation’ has significantly outpaced the other two application domains, especially since 2006/2007. This happened mainly because of the introduction of new publication outlets in the WoS, but also partially because some universities—especially in China—seem to have become more visible in this domain. Our analytical approach needs further broadening and deepening to provide a more definitive answer whether hospitals and the medical sector are becoming increasingly dominant as a domain of scientific knowledge production and an environment for research applications.
Long time behavior for a dissipative shallow water model
Authors: Sciacca V. , Schonbek M.E. , Sammartino M.
Published: July 2016

We consider the two-dimensional shallow water model derived in [29], describing the motion of an incompressible fluid, confined in a shallow basin, with varying bottom topography. We construct the approximate inertial manifolds for the associated dynamical system and estimate its order. Finally, working in the whole space

\mathbb{R}^{2}

, under suitable conditions on the time dependent forcing term, we prove the

L^{2}

asymptotic decay of the weak solutions.

Nous considérons le modèle d'eau peu profonde à deux dimensions dérivé dans [29], décrivant le mouvement d'un fluide incompressible, confinèe dans un bassin peu profond, avec topographie du fond variable. Nous construisons des variétés inertielles approximatives pour le système dynamique associé et nous estimons son ordre. Finalement, pour le espace

\mathbb{R}^{2}

avec des conditions appropriées pour la force, nous prouvons la

L^{2}

décroissance asymptotique des solutions faibles.
A critical literature review of the effectiveness of various instruments in the diagnosis of dementia in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Elliott‐King Jordan , Shaw Sarah , Bandelow Stephan , Devshi Rajal , Kassam Shelina , Hogervorst Eef
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Currently, there is no consensus on dementia diagnostics in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). There are three types of assessments available: direct cognitive tests, test batteries, and informant reports.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in four databases yielding 9840 records. Relevant studies were identified and selected using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and then coded and classified according to assessment type. This was completed by two independent researchers, with a third consulted when discrepancies arose. The review collates diagnostic instruments and presents strengths and weaknesses.

Results

Overall 47 studies met the search criteria, and 43 instruments were extracted from the selected studies. Of which, 10 instruments were classified as test batteries, 23 were classified as direct cognitive tests, and the remaining 10 were informant reports.

Discussion

This review can recommend that cognitive test batteries can offer the most practical and efficient method for dementia diagnosis in individuals with ID.
Relation Between Erectile Dysfunction and Silent Myocardial Ischemia in Diabetic Patients: A Multidetector Computed Tomographic Coronary Angiographic Study
Authors: Abdelhamed Amr , Hisasue Shin-ichi , Nada Essam A. , Kassem Ali M. , Abdel-Kareem Mohammed , Horie Shigeo
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can precede coronary artery disease. In addition, silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) is more common in diabetic patients and is a strong predictor of cardiac events and death.

Aim

To evaluate the presence of SMI in patients with diabetes and ED using multidetector computed tomographic coronary angiography (MDCT-CA).

Methods

This study evaluated patients with diabetes and ED without any history of cardiac symptoms or signs. Erectile function was evaluated with the Sexual Health Inventory for Men score, erection hardness score (EHS), and maximal penile circumferential change by an erectometer. MDCT-CA was used for the detection of coronary artery stenosis.

Main Outcome Measures

Sexual Health Inventory for Men score, EHS, maximal penile circumferential change, and coronary artery stenosis by MDCT-CA.

Results

Of 20 patients (mean age = 61.45 ± 10.7 years), MDCT-CA showed coronary artery stenosis in 13 (65%) in the form of one-vessel disease (n = 6, 30%), two-vessel disease (n = 2, 10%), and three-vessel disease (n = 5, 25%). Fifty percent of patients showed at least 50% vessel lumen obstruction of the left anterior descending coronary artery, which was the most commonly affected vessel (55%). Fifteen percent (3 of 20) of patients had greater than 90% stenosis, and two of them underwent an immediate coronary angioplasty with stenting to prevent myocardial infarction. Maximum coronary artery stenosis was positively correlated with age (P = 0.016, r = 0.529) and negatively correlated with EHS (P = .046, r = −0.449). Multivariate regression analysis using age and EHS showed that age was the only independent predictor of SMI (P = .04).

Conclusion

MDCT-CA can be a useful tool to identify SMI in diabetic patients with ED, especially in those of advanced age and/or with severe ED.
Data-mining modeling for the prediction of wear on forming-taps in the threading of steel components
Authors: Bustillo Andres , López de Lacalle Luis N. , Fernández-Valdivielso Asier , Santos Pedro
Published: July 2016

An experimental approach is presented for the measurement of wear that is common in the threading of cold-forged steel. In this work, the first objective is to measure wear on various types of roll taps manufactured to tapping holes in microalloyed HR45 steel. Different geometries and levels of wear are tested and measured. Taking their geometry as the critical factor, the types of forming tap with the least wear and the best performance are identified. Abrasive wear was observed on the forming lobes. A higher number of lobes in the chamber zone and around the nominal diameter meant a more uniform load distribution and a more gradual forming process. A second objective is to identify the most accurate data-mining technique for the prediction of form-tap wear. Different data-mining techniques are tested to select the most accurate one: from standard versions such as Multilayer Perceptrons, Support Vector Machines and Regression Trees to the most recent ones such as Rotation Forest ensembles and Iterated Bagging ensembles. The best results were obtained with ensembles of Rotation Forest with unpruned Regression Trees as base regressors that reduced the RMS error of the best-tested baseline technique for the lower length output by 33%, and Additive Regression with unpruned M5P as base regressors that reduced the RMS errors of the linear fit for the upper and total lengths by 25% and 39%, respectively. However, the lower length was statistically more difficult to model in Additive Regression than in Rotation Forest. Rotation Forest with unpruned Regression Trees as base regressors therefore appeared to be the most suitable regressor for the modeling of this industrial problem.

Highlights Analysis of the shape and geometry of the best roll taps for cold forged Steel, concluding useful features. Study of influence of metal forming in the close area to thread made by roll tapping. Careful study of worn areas on forming edges. A new study about a not very well-known threading process. A data mining approach for the best modelling of experimental results.
Geometric and mechanical properties evaluation of scaffolds for bone tissue applications designing by a reaction-diffusion models and manufactured with a material jetting system
Authors: Velasco Marco A. , Lancheros Yadira , Garzón-Alvarado Diego A.
Published: July 2016

Scaffolds are essential in bone tissue engineering, as they provide support to cells and growth factors necessary to regenerate tissue. In addition, they meet the mechanical function of the bone while it regenerates. Currently, the multiple methods for designing and manufacturing scaffolds are based on regular structures from a unit cell that repeats in a given domain. However, these methods do not resemble the actual structure of the trabecular bone which may work against osseous tissue regeneration. To explore the design of porous structures with similar mechanical properties to native bone, a geometric generation scheme from a reaction-diffusion model and its manufacturing via a material jetting system is proposed. This article presents the methodology used, the geometric characteristics and the modulus of elasticity of the scaffolds designed and manufactured. The method proposed shows its potential to generate structures that allow to control the basic scaffold properties for bone tissue engineering such as the width of the channels and porosity. The mechanical properties of our scaffolds are similar to trabecular tissue present in vertebrae and tibia bones. Tests on the manufactured scaffolds show that it is necessary to consider the orientation of the object relative to the printing system because the channel geometry, mechanical properties and roughness are heavily influenced by the position of the surface analyzed with respect to the printing axis. A possible line for future work may be the establishment of a set of guidelines to consider the effects of manufacturing processes in designing stages.

Highlights We model scaffolds structures for bone tissue engineering using a reaction-diffusion system. Geometrical properties such as channel width can be adjusted using this methodology. Mechanical and geometrical features of parts made using a material jetting system are described.
Long-term results of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for management of anal fistula
Authors: Anaraki Fakhrosadat , Bagherzade Gholamreza , Behboo Roubik , Etemad Omid
Published: July 2016

Background Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract technique is a new sphincter saving method with good results in management of anal fistula, but few studies report long-term follow-up data.

Material and methods This study investigated the use of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract as a sphincter saving method based on long term results. This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. The study was conducted at two tertiary care university medical centers. 36 patients with complex fistula from January 2010 to January 2014 treated with classic ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract were retrospectively followed. Demographic data, previous repair attempts, the type of the fistula and score of fecal continence were collected. The procedure was performed by colorectal surgeons. Primary healing rate, failures and fecal incontinence score of patients were followed for 6–48 months.

Results A total of 36 patients underwent ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract during 24 months. The mean age of the patients was 35 years and 50% had two previous attempts at surgery. A total of 25 patients (69/5%) had high transsphincteric fistula. The mean follow up was 27 months. Successful fistula closure was achieved in 63/8% of the patients (23 of 36). The mean time of recurrence was 4.5 weeks. Only one (2/77%) patient reported gas incontinence (score: 3) after the procedure.

Conclusion The recurrence rate and fecal incontinence were measured. The ligation of intersphincteric fistula is a promising sphincter-preserving procedure that is simple and safe. Our study demonstrates favorable long-term results of ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract for management of complex anal fistulas.
Rectal cancer survival in a Brazilian Cancer Reference Unit
Authors: Corrêa Romualdo da Silva , Pinto Junior Francisco Edílson Leite , Santos Lucas Vinícius Silva dos , Góis Mariana Carlos de , Silva Rumenick Pereira da , Silva Hylarina Montenegro Diniz
Published: July 2016

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malign tumors in men and women all over the world. In spite of prevention advances in the last few years, worldwide incidence remains significant, about one million per year.

Objectives Evaluate rectal cancer survival in patients diagnosed and surgically treated at the Cancer Reference Unit at Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil.

Methods Observational retrospective study composed by 135 patients assisted from 2007 to 2014 at Doctor Luiz Antonio Hospital, Natal, Brazil. Data were collected from the patient records revision and survival rates were calculated and analyzed by non-parametric Kaplan–Meier and Wilcoxon tests, respectively. All patients were submitted to surgical treatment, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

Results Overall survival was 62% in seven years, while disease-free survival in one, three and five years was 91.7%, 75.5% and 72.1%, respectively.

Conclusion Overall survival and disease-free survival remained enhanced until the end of the study, suggesting that the treatment protocols used in the institution have shown to be effective.
Functional outcome and quality of life following treatment for rectal cancer
Authors: Campelo Pedro , Barbosa Elisabete
Published: July 2016

Introduction Over the last decades, treatment for rectal cancer has substantially improved with development of new surgical options and treatment modalities. With the improvement of survival, functional outcome and quality of life are getting more attention.

Study objective To provide an overview of current modalities in rectal cancer treatment, with particular emphasis on functional outcomes and quality of life.

Results Functional outcomes after rectal cancer treatment are influenced by patient and tumor characteristics, surgical technique, the use of preoperative radiotherapy and the method and level of anastomosis. Sphincter preserving surgery for low rectal cancer often results in poor functional outcomes that impair quality of life, referred to as low anterior resection syndrome. Abdominoperineal resection imposes the need for a permanent stoma but avoids the risk of this syndrome. Contrary to general belief, long-term quality of life in patients with a permanent stoma is similar to those after sphincter preserving surgery for low rectal cancer.

Conclusion All patients should be informed about the risks of treatment modalities. Decision on rectal cancer treatment should be individualized since not all patients may benefit from a sphincter preserving surgery “at any price”. Non-resection treatment should be the future focus to avoid the need of a permanent stoma and bowel dysfunction.
Identification and management of right ventricular perforation using pacemaker and cardioverter‐defibrillator leads: A case series and mini review
Authors: Akbarzadeh Mohammad Ali , Mollazadeh Reza , Sefidbakht Salma , Shahrzad Soraya , Bahrololoumi Bafruee Negar
Published: July 2016

Right ventricular perforation is a rare but serious complication of permanent pacemaker and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation, with a reported prevalence rate of 0.1–6%. Generally, there is a high incidence of asymptomatic lead perforation with otherwise normal function. Some patients present with a stabbing chest pain and shortness of breath or pacemaker malfunction. However, in some cases, tamponade or adjacent tissue injury may be seen. The exact risk factors for lead perforation are not yet clear. Furthermore, there are many controversies in the management of lead perforation. Extraction of an asymptomatic, incidentally detected, chronically perforating lead does not seem to be necessary. Patients with symptoms or device malfunction will require treatment appropriate for their problem.
Natural disasters, the economy and population vulnerability as a vicious cycle with exogenous hazards
Authors: Sodhi ManMohan S.
Published: July 2016

One way to understand the growing impact of disasters is as the output of a positive feedback, or reinforcing, loop. This paper hypothesizes that population vulnerability of a country transforms exogenous hazards to disaster impact for that country, which negatively impacts its economy as measured by per capita income and its growth. This impact in turn increases the vulnerability of the country's population thus creating a reinforcing loop. Therefore, like the output of any positive feedback loop, disaster impact would grow exponentially. Having analysed data over 50 years (1963–2012) and 179 countries, we find the results to be consistent with this conceptual model. We also find that disaster impact worldwide has indeed grown exponentially over this period even after normalizing for the growing global population and global income. These findings indicate the existence of a feedback loop that requires strategic rethinking about disaster management and development jointly to break this vicious cycle.
First‐line Helicobacter pylori eradication among patients with chronic liver diseases in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Cheng‐En , Liang Chih‐Ming , Lee Chen‐Hsiang , Kuo Yuan‐Hung , Wu Keng‐Liang , Chiu Yi‐Chun , Tai Wei‐Chen , Chuah Seng‐Kee
Published: July 2016

Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs) and liver cirrhosis is seldom reported. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of 7‐day standard triple therapy in patients with CLD including cirrhosis and to investigate the clinical factors influencing the success of eradication. A total of 592 H. pylori‐infected patients, who received 7‐day standard first‐line triple therapy between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014, were recruited. Patients were divided into two groups: CLD group (N = 136) and non‐CLD group (N = 456). The eradication rates attained by the CLD and non‐CLD groups were 86.0% and 84.2%, respectively, in the per‐protocol analysis (p = 0.606). The eradication rates of liver cirrhosis and noncirrhosis CLD were 88.5% and 84.3%, respectively (p = 0.783). The adverse events were similar between the two groups (8.8% vs. 9.2%, p = 0.891). Compliance between the two groups was good (99.3% vs. 99.6%, p = 0.670). The univariate analysis showed male sex to be the significant clinical factor in the non‐CLD group (p = 0.001) and alcohol consumption to be the significant clinical factor influencing H. pylori eradication rate in patients with CLD (p = 0.022). Alcohol consumption was the only significant factor influencing H. pylori eradication in multivariate analysis (odds ratio = 3.786, p = 0.031). The results of this study suggest that H. pylori eradication rates in patients with CLD may be comparable with non‐CLD patients. Alcohol consumption was the significant factor influencing H. pylori eradication in patients with CLD.
A validated microRNA profile with predictive potential in glioblastoma patients treated with bevacizumab
Authors: Hayes Josie , Thygesen Helene , Gregory Walter , Westhead David R. , French Pim J. , Van Den Bent Martin J. , Lawler Sean E. , Short Susan C.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

We investigated whether microRNA expression data from glioblastoma could be used to produce a profile that defines a bevacizumab responsive group of patients.

Patients and methods

TCGA microRNA expression data from tumors resected at first diagnosis of glioblastoma in patients treated with bevacizumab at any time during the course of their disease were randomly separated into training (n = 50) and test (n = 37) groups for model generation. MicroRNA‐seq data for 51 patients whose treatment included bevacizumab in the BELOB trial were used as an independent validation cohort.

Results

Using penalized regression we identified 8 microRNAs as potential predictors of overall survival in the training set. We dichotomized the response score based on the most prognostic minimum of a density plot of the response scores (log‐rank HR = 0.16, p = 1.2e−5) and validated the profile in the test cohort (one‐sided log‐rank HR = 0.34, p = 0.026). Analysis of the profile using all samples in the TCGA glioblastoma dataset, regardless of treatment received, (n = 473) showed that the prediction of patient benefit was not significant (HR = 0.84, p = 0.083) suggesting the profile is specific to bevacizumab. Further independent validation of our microRNA profile in RNA‐seq data from patients treated with bevacizumab (alone or in combination with CCNU) at glioblastoma recurrence in the BELOB trial confirmed that our microRNA profile predicted patient benefit from bevacizumab (HR = 0.59, p = 0.043).

Conclusion

We have identified and validated an 8‐microRNA profile that predicts overall survival in patients with glioblastoma treated with bevacizumab. This may be useful for identifying patients who are likely to benefit from this agent.
Take-all or nothing
Authors: Hernández-Restrepo M. , Groenewald J.Z. , Elliott M.L. , Canning G. , McMillan V.E. , Crous P.W.
Published: July 2016

Take-all disease ofPoaceaeis caused byGaeumannomyces graminis(Magnaporthaceae). Four varieties are recognised inG. graminisbased on ascospore size, hyphopodial morphology and host preference. The aim of the present study was to clarify boundaries among species and varieties inGaeumannomycesby combining morphology and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses based on partial gene sequences of ITS, LSU,tef1andrpb1. Two new genera,FalciphoriellaandGaeumannomycellawere subsequently introduced inMagnaporthaceae. The resulting phylogeny revealed several cryptic species previously overlooked withinGaeumannomyces. Isolates ofGaeumannomyceswere distributed in four main clades, from which 19 species could be delimited, 12 of which were new to science. Our results show that the former varietiesGaeumannomyces graminisvar.avenaeandGaeumannomyces graminisvar.triticirepresent species phylogenetically distinct fromG. graminis, for which the new combinationsG. avenaeandG. triticiare introduced. Based on molecular data, morphology and host preferences,Gaeumannomyces graminisvar.maydisis proposed as a synonym ofG. radicicola. Furthermore, an epitype forGaeumannomyces graminisvar.avenaewas designated to help stabilise the application of that name.
Use the Best; Leave the Rest: The Productivity Measurement and Enhancement System (ProMES) for Performance Ratings
Authors: Schmerling Daniel , Scaduto Anne
Published: July 2016

Adler et al. (2016) effectively discuss the shortcomings of performance ratings as well as performance management solutions. However, they leave out one important performance management solution from their review and discussion, the Productivity Measurement and Enhancement System (ProMES; Pritchard, 1990; Pritchard, Harrell, DiazGranados, & Guzman, 2008; Scaduto, Hunt, & Schmerling, 2015). We intend to respond to Adler et al. by explaining how ProMES could make up for some of the shortcomings described in performance ratings and performance management, as well as challenge the field to further consider this well-researched and established evidence based solution as a viable alternative.
Time To Change the Bathwater: Correcting Misconceptions About Performance Ratings
Authors: Gorman C. Allen , Cunningham Christopher J. L. , Bergman Shawn M. , Meriac John P.
Published: July 2016

Recent commentary has suggested that performance management (PM) is fundamentally “broken,” with negative feelings from managers and employees toward the process at an all-time high (Pulakos, Hanson, Arad, & Moye, 2015; Pulakos & O'Leary, 2011). In response, some high-profile organizations have decided to eliminate performance ratings altogether as a solution to the growing disenchantment. Adler et al. (2016) offer arguments both in support of and against eliminating performance ratings in organizations. Although both sides of the debate in the focal article make some strong arguments both for and against utilizing performance ratings in organizations, we believe there continue to be misunderstandings, mischaracterizations, and misinformation with respect to some of the measurement issues in PM. We offer the following commentary not to persuade readers to adopt one particular side over another but as a call to critically reconsider and reevaluate some of the assumptions underlying measurement issues in PM and to dispel some of the pervasive beliefs throughout the performance rating literature.
The Future of Performance Ratings: Collected Thoughts From Six Emerging Scholars
Authors: Bleckman Andrew M. , Guarino Sarah N. , Russell Wesley , Toomey Eileen C. , Werth Paul M. , Whitaker Victoria L. , Rudolph Cort W.
Published: July 2016

During the fall 2015 semester, I (i.e., the last author of this response) taught a doctoral seminar on performance appraisal. Although this course was a general survey of research and theory regarding work performance and performance appraisal processes and methods, we also talked extensively about the value of performance ratings to organizations, raters, and ratees. It was indeed serendipitous that this focal article came out when it did. As part of the final examination requirements (and, admittedly, as a pedagogical experiment), I asked the six PhD students in this course (i.e., the first six authors of this response) to read and respond to the Adler et al. (2016) debate regarding the relative merits of performance ratings. To highlight the perspectives of this next generation of industrial and organizational psychologists, I have collected here various representative comments offered by each of these emerging scholars on this issue.
Highlights from the 51st EUCHEM conference on stereochemistry, Bürgenstock, Switzerland, May 2016
Authors: Watson Allan J. B. , Frost James R.
Published: July 2016

On Sunday 1st May 2016, 104 chemists made their way to the picturesque town of Brunnen, located on the banks of the Vierwalstättersee (Lake Lucerne) to participate in the 51st EUCHEM conference on stereochemistry.
A simple procedure for the production of large ferromagnetic cobalt nanoparticles
Authors: Fuller Rebecca O. , Goh Bee-Min , Koutsantonis George A. , Loedolff Matthys J. , Saunders Martin , Woodward Robert C.
Published: July 2016

Epsilon cobalt (ε-Co) nanoparticles in a number of octahedral morphologies have been synthesised.
Aluminum complexes containing biphenolate phosphine ligands: synthesis and living ring-opening polymerization catalysis
Authors: Chang Yu-Ning , Lee Pei-Ying , Zou Xue-Ru , Huang Han-Fan , Chen Yi-Wei , Liang Lan-Chang
Published: July 2016

The first examples of aluminum complexes containing biphenolate phosphine ligands are prepared, structurally characterized, and demonstrated to have catalytic competence in the living ring-opening (co)polymerization of ε-caprolactone and rac-lactide.