bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Investigation of the Intermolecular Charge‐Transfer Interactions of Poly‐p‐Phenylene Oligomers
Authors: Yeh Mei‐Yu , Lin Hsin‐Chieh
Published: October 2017

A composite molecule (CM) model is used to investigate the nature of intermolecular interactions in the excited states of π‐conjugated oligomers of poly‐(p‐phenylene) (PPP). The dependence of the charge‐transfer (CT) interactions in low‐lying excited states as a function of intermolecular distance, conjugation length, and the translation shifts is examined. We demonstrate how the amplitude of CT mixing in two low‐lying excited states of PPP dimer is sensitive to various aspects of molecular packing. The largest CT mixing in the two excited states is consistently obtained for cofacial packing. However, from a detailed examination of molecular orbital shapes and interactions, it is seen that specific arrangements promote the CT mixing in two low‐lying transitions. With cofacial arrangements, it shows a larger percentage of CT in the first excited states than the corresponding second excited states for phenyl rings on the top of Csp2─Csp2 single bonds. This work illustrates the importance of molecular packing–CT mixing relationship of functional π‐conjugated materials.
Interdependent self‐construal matters in the community context: Relationships of self‐construal with community identity and participation
Authors: Xin Ziqiang , Yang Zhixu , Ling Xihuan
Published: October 2017

Two studies investigate the relationship between self‐construal (SC), community identity, and community participation among Chinese urban residents. Study 1 (n = 261) measured SC, community identity, and community participation behavior. Using cluster analysis, 4 distinct subgroups emerged: those with (a) independent SC, (b) interdependent SC, (c) dual SC, and (d) marginal SC. Results indicated that individuals in the interdependent SC subgroup reported higher community identity, particularly emotional identity, and more participation behavior than those in the independent and dual SC subgroups. Study 2 (n = 53) experimentally activated SC before measuring community identity and community participation intention. Results indicated that individuals primed with interdependent SC reported greater community identity, particularly emotional identity, and higher participation intention than those primed with independent SC. Findings are discussed in terms of theoretical and practical implications.
Mined pyrite and chalcopyrite as catalysts for spontaneous acidic pH adjustment in Fenton and LED photo‐Fenton‐like processes
Authors: Ltaïef Aziza Hadj , Pastrana‐Martínez Luisa M , Ammar Salah , Gadri Abdellatif , Faria Joaquim L , Silva Adrián MT
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

The Fenton‐based processes have been extensively studied for the treatment of pollutants contained in olive mill wastewater (OMW). These processes have some limitations, such as the need for acidic pH control, the generation of a sludge, and the separation of soluble iron species. Mined pyrite (FeS2) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) avoid the problem associated with sludge formation and the acidic pH adjustment. The catalytic activity of pyrite and chalcopyrite was investigated for the Fenton and LED (light emitting diode) photo‐Fenton‐like oxidation of tyrosol (TY) and in the treatment of aqueous mixtures containing phenolic compounds.

RESULTS

The highest mineralization of TY (85%) and lowest Fe leaching (0.89 mg L‐1) was obtained by using chalcopyrite and the LED photo‐Fenton‐like process (0.50 mmol L‐1 of TY initial concentration and 19.0 mmol L‐1 of H2O2 stoichiometric dosage). Complete degradation of the phenolic pollutants and mineralization of 98% was also achieved.

CONCLUSION

Mined chalcopyrite can be an appropriate photo‐Fenton‐like catalyst in the degradation of phenolic compounds found in OMW because it can provide a high TOC removal, proper acidic pH conditions, low leaching of iron species and spontaneous formation of a small amount of H2O2. However, the catalyst stability must be improved to minimize the leaching of metals. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Spatiotemporal variability of temperature trends on the southeast Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Wang Shun‐Jiu
Published: October 2017

Based on the monthly mean temperatures recorded between 1961 and 2012 at 14 meteorological stations on the southeast Tibetan Plateau (STP), the temporal and spatial variations in mean seasonal and annual temperature trends were investigated using the Mann–Kendall test. The temperature time series on the STP are mainly characterized by increasing trends, and the rate of warming on the STP is far higher than that in other areas in China and even in other parts of the world. Statistically significant increasing trends in mean seasonal and annual temperatures were observed during the study period at the α = 0.01 level, and the increasing trend in winter was more significant than those in other seasons. The mean annual temperature increased by 0.0247 °C per year, and the mean winter temperature increased by 0.0353 °C per year. The mean temperature decreased obviously with increasing elevation, and the temperature variation due to the complex topography of the STP was more obvious than that associated with elevation. This result illustrates the important influence of complex topography on local climate change in the STP region. This study is beneficial for understanding the characteristics of local climate change on the STP in the context of global warming.
Long‐term change of potential evapotranspiration over southwest China and teleconnections with large‐scale climate anomalies
Authors: Liu Bingjun , Chen Xiuhong , Li Yuan , Chen Xiaohong
Published: October 2017

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is a sensitive factor for atmospheric and ecological systems over southwest China which is characterized by intensive karst geomorphology and fragile environment. Based on daily meteorological data of 94 stations during 1961–2013, the spatiotemporal characteristics of PET are analysed. The changing characteristics of local meteorological factors and large‐scale climatic features are also investigated to explain the potential reasons for changing PET. Study results are as follows: (1) The high‐value centre of PET with a mean value of 1097 mm a−1locates in the south mainly resulted from the regional climatic features of higher air temperature (TEM), sunshine duration (SSD) and lower relative humidity (RHU), and the low‐value centre of PET with a mean value of 831 mm a−1is in the northeast primarily attributed to higher RHU and weaker SSD. (2) Annual PET decreases at −10.04 mm decade−1before the year 2000 but increases at 50.65 mm decade−1thereafter, and the dominant factors of PET change are SSD, RHU and wind speed (WIN), with the relative contributions of 33.29, 25.42 and 22.16%, respectively. (3) The abrupt change of PET in 2000 is strongly dominated by large‐scale climatic anomalies. The strengthened 850 hPa geostrophic wind (0.51 m s−1decade−1), weakened total cloud cover (−2.25% decade−1) and 500 hPa water vapour flux (−2.85% decade−1) have provided advantageous dynamic, thermal and dry conditions for PET over southwest China since the 21st century.
Core–shell microspheres with porous nanostructured shells for liquid chromatography
Authors: Ahmed Adham , Skinley Kevin , Herodotou Stephanie , Zhang Haifei
Published: October 2017

The development of new stationary phases has been the key aspect for fast and efficient high‐performance liquid chromatography separation with relatively low backpressure. Core–shell particles, with a solid core and porous shell, have been extensively investigated and commercially manufactured in the last decade. The excellent performance of core–shell particles columns has been recorded for a wide range of analytes, covering small and large molecules, neutral and ionic (acidic and basic), biomolecules and metabolites. In this review, we first introduce the advance and advantages of core–shell particles (or more widely known as superficially porous particles) against non‐porous particles and fully porous particles. This is followed by the detailed description of various methods used to fabricate core–shell particles. We then discuss the applications of common silica core–shell particles (mostly commercially manufactured), spheres‐on‐sphere particles and core–shell particles with a non‐silica shell. This review concludes with a summary and perspective on the development of stationary phase materials for high‐performance liquid chromatography applications.
Staphylococcus Aureus V8 protease disrupts the integrity of the airway epithelial barrier and impairs IL‐6 production in vitro
Authors: Murphy Jae , Ramezanpour Mahnaz , Stach Natalia , Dubin Grzegorz , Psaltis Alkis James , Wormald Peter‐John , Vreugde Sarah
Published: October 2017

Objective

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection is known to contribute to the severity and recalcitrance of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and its secreted products have been shown to alter the airway barrier. Extracellular proteases secreted by S. aureus are thought to be important in epithelial infection and immune evasion; however, their effect on airway mucosal barrier function is not known.

Methods

To investigate the impact of extracellular proteases on airway epithelial integrity, the purified S. aureus proteases V8 protease, Staphopain A, Staphopain B, Exfoliative toxin A, and serine protease‐like A–F were applied to human nasal epithelial cell air–liquid interface (HNEC‐ALI) cultures. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), permeability (Papp) measurements, and immuno‐localization of the tight junction proteins claudin‐1 and ZO‐1 were used to assess barrier integrity. Effects of the proteases on inflammation and cell viability were measured using interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) ELISA and a lactate dehydrogenase assay.

Results

Application of V8 protease to HNEC‐ALI cultures caused a significant concentration and time‐dependent decrease in TEER (22.67%, P < 0.0001), a reciprocal Papp increase (20.14‐fold, P < 0.05), and a discontinuous ZO‐1 immuno‐localization compared to control. IL‐6 production was significantly reduced in V8 protease‐treated cells (153.5 pg/mL, P = 0.0069) compared to control (548.3 pg/mL), whereas no difference in cell viability was observed.

Conclusion

S. aureus V8 protease causes dysfunction of mucosal barrier structure and function indicative of a leaky barrier. A reduction in IL‐6 levels suggests that the mucosal immunity is impaired by this protease and thus has the potential to contribute to CRS recalcitrance.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E8–E15, 2018
Structural Behavior of Cylindrical Polystyrene‐block‐Poly(ethylene‐butylene)‐block‐Polystyrene (SEBS) Triblock Copolymer Containing MWCNTs: On the Influence of Nanoparticle Surface Modification
Authors: Hasanabadi Noushin , Nazockdast Hossein , Gajewska Bernadetta , Balog Sandor , Gunkel Ilja , Bruns Nico , Lattuada Marco
Published: October 2017

In this work, the influence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the self‐assembly of nanocomposite materials made of cylinder‐forming polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (SEBS) is studied. CNTs are modified with polystyrene (PS) brushes by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization to facilitate both their dispersion and the orientation of neighboring PS domains of the block copolymer (BCP) along modified CNT‐PS. Dynamic rheology is utilized to probe the viscoelastic and thermal response of the nanoscopic structure of BCP nanocomposites. The results indicate that nonmodified CNTs increase the BCP microphase separation temperature because of BCP segmental confinement in the existing 3D network formed between CNTs, while the opposite holds for the samples filled with modified CNT‐PS. This is explained by severely retarded segmental motion of the matrix chains due to their preferential interactions with the PS chains of the CNT‐PS. Moreover, transient viscoelastic analysis reveals that modified CNT‐PS have a more pronounced effect on flow‐induced BCP structural orientation with much lower structural recovery rate. It is demonstrated that dynamic‐mechanical thermal analysis can provide valuable insights in understanding the role of CNT incorporation on the microstructure of BCP nanocomposite samples. Accordingly, the presence of CNT has a significant promoting effect on microstructural development, comparable to that of annealing.
To post or not to post: social media sharing and sporting event performance
Authors: Prado‐Gascó Vicente , Calabuig Moreno Ferran , Añó Sanz Vicente , Núñez‐Pomar Juan , Crespo Hervás Josep
Published: October 2017

Social networks are becoming increasingly important for consumers, especially in the context of sport, where the service experience is highly intense. Few studies have combined subjective event performance variables and social network variables to analyze social network content sharing by sports practitioners. This article investigates the use of social networks in relation to sporting events. An empirical study examined the role of social network variables and sporting event performance variables in social media use. The sample consisted of 410 triathletes (72.2% male) aged between 18 and 66 years (mean 37.03 ± 8.62). Four analyses were performed using fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis to examine the causes of sharing comments through social media, sharing photos and videos on social media, participant satisfaction, and word‐of‐mouth (WOM). The event's general image was a necessary condition in all cases. The combination of participants’ satisfaction and positive event image and the combination of social network use and positive event image lead to social network content sharing by athletes. The combination of positive event image and participant satisfaction leads to a positive WOM.
Entrepreneurial competencies and motivations to enhance marketing innovation in Europe
Authors: Cruz‐Ros Sonia , Garzón Dolores , Mas‐Tur Alicia
Published: October 2017

Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) country profile variables were analyzed using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). This analysis identified which combinations of entrepreneurs’ competencies and motivations boost marketing innovation. Marketing innovation contributes to defining and reinforcing competitive advantages, goal setting, and business performance. The findings of this study can help policymakers design strategies to foster regional marketing innovation and economic growth.
A blind deconvolution method incorporated with anatomical‐based filtering for partial volume correction: Validations with 123I‐mIBG cardiac SPECT/CT
Authors: Wu Jing , Liu Hui , Hashemi Zonouz Taraneh , Sandoval Veronica M. , Mohy‐ud‐Din Hassan , Lampert Rachel J. , Sinusas Albert J. , Liu Chi , Liu Yi‐Hwa
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Segmentation of contrast‐enhanced CT and measurement of SPECT point spread function (PSF) are usually required for conventional partial volume correction (PVC). This study was to develop a segmentation‐free method with blind deconvolution (BD) and anatomical‐based filtering for SPECT PVC.

Methods

The proposed method was implemented using an iterative BD algorithm to estimate the restored image and the PSF simultaneously. An anatomical‐based filtering was implemented at each iteration to reduce Gibbs artifact and suppress noise amplification in the deconvolution process. The proposed method was validated with 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I‐mIBG) SPECT/CT imaging of NCAT phantoms with and without myocardial perfusion defect and a physical cardiac phantom. Fifteen heart‐to‐mediastinum ratios (HMRs) were configured in the NCAT and physical phantoms. Correlations between SPECT‐quantified and true HMRs were calculated from images without PVC as well as from BD restored images. The proposed method was also performed on a human 123I‐mIBG study.

Results

Relative bias and standard deviation images of NCAT phantoms showed that the proposed method reduced both bias and noise. Mean relative bias in the simulated normal myocardium was markedly improved (−16.8% ± 0.4% versus −0.8% ± 0.6% for low noise level; −16.7% ± 0.7% versus −2.3% ± 0.9% for high noise level). Mean relative bias in the simulated myocardial defect was also noticeably improved (−12.7% ± 1.2% versus 1.2% ± 1.6% for low noise level; −13.5% ± 2.4% versus −0.9% ± 2.8% for high noise level). The signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the defect was improved from 2.95 ± 0.09 to 4.07 ± 0.16 for low noise level (38% increase of mean), and from 2.56 ± 0.15 to 3.62 ± 0.22 for high noise level (41% increase of mean). For both NCAT and physical phantoms, HMRs calculated from images without PVC were underestimated (correlations between SPECT‐quantified and true HMRs: y = 0.81x + 0.1 for NCAT phantom; y = 0.82x + 0.14 for physical phantom). HMRs from BD restored images were markedly improved (correlations between SPECT‐quantified and true HMRs: y = x + 0.05 for NCAT phantom; y = 0.97x − 0.12 for physical phantom). After applying the proposed PVC method, the estimation error between the SPECT‐quantified and true HMRs was significantly reduced from −0.75 ± 0.57 to 0.04 ± 0.17 for NCAT phantom (P = 8e‐05), and from −0.68 ± 0.67 to −0.26 ± 0.42 for physical phantom (P = 0.005). The human study demonstrated that the HMR increased by 8% with PVC.

Conclusions

The proposed segmentation‐free PVC method has the potential of improving SPECT quantification accuracy and reducing noise without the need for premeasuring the image PSF.
Impact of PET/CT system, reconstruction protocol, data analysis method, and repositioning on PET/CT precision: An experimental evaluation using an oncology and brain phantom
Authors: Mansor Syahir , Pfaehler Elisabeth , Heijtel Dennis , Lodge Martin A. , Boellaard Ronald , Yaqub Maqsood
Published: October 2017

Purpose

In longitudinal oncological and brain PET/CT studies, it is important to understand the repeatability of quantitative PET metrics in order to assess change in tracer uptake. The present studies were performed in order to assess precision as function of PET/CT system, reconstruction protocol, analysis method, scan duration (or image noise), and repositioning in the field of view.

Methods

Multiple (repeated) scans have been performed using a NEMA image quality (IQ) phantom and a 3D Hoffman brain phantom filled with 18F solutions on two systems. Studies were performed with and without randomly (< 2 cm) repositioning the phantom and all scans (12 replicates for IQ phantom and 10 replicates for Hoffman brain phantom) were performed at equal count statistics. For the NEMA IQ phantom, we studied the recovery coefficients (RC) of the maximum (SUVmax), peak (SUVpeak), and mean (SUVmean) uptake in each sphere as a function of experimental conditions (noise level, reconstruction settings, and phantom repositioning). For the 3D Hoffman phantom, the mean activity concentration was determined within several volumes of interest and activity recovery and its precision was studied as function of experimental conditions.

Results

The impact of phantom repositioning on RC precision was mainly seen on the Philips Ingenuity PET/CT, especially in the case of smaller spheres (< 17 mm diameter, P < 0.05). This effect was much smaller for the Siemens Biograph system. When exploring SUVmax, SUVpeak, or SUVmean of the spheres in the NEMA IQ phantom, it was observed that precision depended on phantom repositioning, reconstruction algorithm, and scan duration, with SUVmax being most and SUVpeak least sensitive to phantom repositioning. For the brain phantom, regional averaged SUVs were only minimally affected by phantom repositioning (< 2 cm).

Conclusion

The precision of quantitative PET metrics depends on the combination of reconstruction protocol, data analysis methods and scan duration (scan statistics). Moreover, precision was also affected by phantom repositioning but its impact depended on the data analysis method in combination with the reconstructed voxel size (tissue fraction effect). This study suggests that for oncological PET studies the use of SUVpeak may be preferred over SUVmax because SUVpeak is less sensitive to patient repositioning/tumor sampling.
Mitigation of near‐band balanced steady‐state free precession through‐plane flow artifacts using partial dephasing
Authors: Datta Anjali , Cheng Joseph Y. , Hargreaves Brian A. , Baron Corey A. , Nishimura Dwight G.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To mitigate artifacts from through‐plane flow at the locations of steady‐state stopbands in balanced steady‐state free precession (SSFP) using partial dephasing.

Methods

A
range in the phase accrual during a TR was created over the voxel by slightly unbalancing the slice‐select dephaser. The spectral profiles of SSFP with partial dephasing for various constant flow rates and during pulsatile flow were simulated to determine if partial dephasing decreases through‐plane flow artifacts originating near SSFP dark bands while maintaining on‐resonant signal. Simulations were then validated in a flow phantom. Lastly, phase‐cycled SSFP cardiac cine images were acquired with and without partial dephasing in six subjects.

Results

Partial dephasing decreased the strength and non‐linearity of the dependence of the signal at the stopbands on the through‐plane flow rate. It thus mitigated hyper‐enhancement from out‐of‐slice signal contributions and transient‐related artifacts caused by variable flow both in the phantom and in vivo. In six volunteers, partial dephasing noticeably decreased artifacts in all of the phase‐cycled cardiac cine datasets.

Conclusion

Partial dephasing can mitigate the flow artifacts seen at the stopbands in balanced SSFP while maintaining the sequence's desired signal. By mitigating hyper‐enhancement and transient‐related artifacts originating from the stopbands, partial dephasing facilitates robust multiple‐acquisition phase‐cycled SSFP in the heart. Magn Reson Med 79:2944–2953, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Instability criteria for quasi‐saturated viscous soils
Authors: Marinelli Ferdinando , Buscarnera Giuseppe
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a theoretical framework to interpret the inception of unstable undrained creep in quasi‐saturated soils. For this purpose, the effect of gas bubbles occluded in the fluid phase is embedded into an augmented compressibility of the fluid mixture, while the mechanical characteristics of the solid skeleton have been simulated through a viscoplastic strain‐hardening model. This constitutive framework has been been used to formulate a theoretical platform able to detect runaway failures resulting from extended stages of undrained creep. It is shown that the conditions identifying the onset of spontaneous accelerations are governed by the same stability index associated with the initiation of static liquefaction. At variance with soils saturated by incompressible fluids, the conditions for undrained instability are altered by the appearance of the Skempton coefficient B, thus reflecting the beneficial effect of the fluid compressibility and its ability to decrease the liquefaction potential. The capabilities of the theory are verified through a sequence of undrained creep simulations showing the transition from stable to unstable behavior resulting from an increase of the degree of saturation. The proposed findings provide a conceptual framework to interpret the effects of gas bubbles in loose soils, as well as to assess effectiveness and longevity of liquefaction mitigation strategies based on desaturation technologies.
Evaluation of the right and left ventricles: An integrated approach measuring the area, length, and width of the chambers in normal fetuses
Authors: DeVore Greggory R. , Klas Berthold , Satou Gary , Sklansky Mark
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to simultaneously measure with speckle tracking software the end‐diastolic ventricular area (A), basal transverse width (BW), mid‐chamber transverse width (MW), and basal‐apical length (BAL) in normal fetuses and those with pathology.

Methods

The 4‐chamber view of the fetal heart was obtained in 200 control fetuses between 20 and 40 weeks of gestation and in 9 third‐trimester fetuses with heart malformations. The mean and standard deviation for the A, BW, MW, and BAL were computed from the control fetuses and Z scores computed from the 9 fetuses with cardiac malformations.

Results

The A, BAL, BW, and MW were correlated with 7 somatic and age‐independent variables (R2 = .63‐.85). The highest R2 values occurred for the head circumference, estimated fetal weight, and ultrasound mean gestational age (.82‐.85). Z‐score values and centiles from the 9 fetuses with cardiac malformations suggested that the A, BW, MW, and BAL were below or above the 5th and 95th centiles as expected for the corresponding ventricular pathology.

Conclusions

This study reports an integrated approach to evaluate the end‐diastolic size of the right and left ventricular chambers and demonstrated clinical utility in fetuses with cardiac malformations.
Thickness dependent penetrant gas transport properties and separation performance within ultrathin polysulfone membrane: Insights from atomistic molecular simulation
Authors: Lock Serene Sow Mun , Lau Kok Keong , Shariff Azmi Mohd , Yeong Yin Fong , Bustam Mohamad Azmi
Published: October 2017

Simulation technique has been employed to elucidate the effect of thickness upon confinement to gas transport properties in pure and binary mixtures within ultrathin polysulfone membranes. It is found that the gas diffusivity, solubility, and permeability are improved with increment in membrane thickness, which can be rationalized through bigger free volume in thicker polymeric membranes attributed to diminishing chains relaxation. The effect is found to be exceptionally perceptible in thinner polymeric films beneath 400 Å. Accuracy of the simulation methodology has been validated by demonstrating good accordance with actual gas permeability data. As for binary condition, the gas transport properties are demonstrated to be comparatively lower than its pure counterpart due to competitive sorption and barrier for diffusion in the presence of secondary gas molecules. In addition, quantitative re‐evaluation of published correlations and establishment of new empirical models have been conducted to associate membrane thickness effect to gas transport characteristics. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 131–158
Modified risk stratification grouping using standard clinical and biopsy information for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: Results from SEARCH
Authors: Zumsteg Zachary S. , Chen Zinan , Howard Lauren E. , Amling Christopher L. , Aronson William J. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Kane Christopher J. , Terris Martha K. , Spratt Daniel E. , Sandler Howard M. , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and risk stratification systems have been proposed to guide treatment decisions. However, significant heterogeneity remains for those with unfavorable‐risk disease.

Methods

This study included 3335 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy without adjuvant radiotherapy in the SEARCH database. High‐risk patients were dichotomized into standard and very high‐risk (VHR) groups based on primary Gleason pattern, percentage of positive biopsy cores (PPBC), number of NCCN high‐risk factors, and stage T3b‐T4 disease. Similarly, intermediate‐risk prostate cancer was separated into favorable and unfavorable groups based on primary Gleason pattern, PPBC, and number of NCCN intermediate‐risk factors.

Results

Median follow‐up was 78 months. Patients with VHR prostate cancer had significantly worse PSA relapse‐free survival (PSA‐RFS, P < 0.001), distant metastasis (DM, P = 0.004), and prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM, P = 0.015) in comparison to standard high‐risk (SHR) patients in multivariable analyses. By contrast, there was no significant difference in PSA‐RFS, DM, or PCSM between SHR and unfavorable intermediate‐risk (UIR) patients. Therefore, we propose a novel risk stratification system: Group 1 (low‐risk), Group 2 (favorable intermediate‐risk), Group 3 (UIR and SHR), and Group 4 (VHR). The c‐index of this new grouping was 0.683 for PSA‐RFS and 0.800 for metastases, compared to NCCN‐risk groups which yield 0.666 for PSA‐RFS and 0.764 for metastases.

Conclusions

Patients classified as VHR have markedly increased rates of PSA relapse, DM, and PCSM in comparison to SHR patients, whereas UIR and SHR patients have similar prognosis. Novel therapeutic strategies are needed for patients with VHR, likely involving multimodality therapy.
Measuring the effectiveness of management interventions at regional scales by integrating ecological monitoring and modelling
Authors: Freckleton Robert P , Hicks Helen L , Comont David , Crook Laura , Hull Richard , Neve Paul , Childs Dylan Z
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Because of site‐specific effects and outcomes, it is often difficult to know whether a management strategy for the control of pests has worked or not. Population dynamics of pests are typically spatially and temporally variable. Moreover, interventions at the scale of individual fields or farms are essentially unreplicated experiments; a decrease in a target population following management cannot safely be interpreted as success because, for example, it might simply be a poor year for that species. Here, we argue that if large‐scale data are available, population models can be used to measure outcomes against the prevailing mean and variance. We apply this approach to the problem of rotational management of the weed Alopecurus myosuroides.

RESULTS

We derived density‐structured population models for a set of fields that were not subject to rotational management (continuous winter wheat) and another group that were (rotated into spring barley to control A. myosuroides). We used these models to construct means and variances of the outcomes of management for given starting conditions, and to conduct transient growth analysis. We show that, overall, this management strategy is successful in reducing densities of weeds, albeit with considerable variance. However, we also show that one variant (rotation to spring barley along with variable sowing) shows little evidence for additional control.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that rotational strategies can be effective in the control of this weed, but also that strategies require careful evaluation against a background of spatiotemporal variation. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Performance Enhancement of Solution‐Derived Zinc–Tin–Oxide Thin Film Transistors by Low‐Temperature Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Cho Won‐Ju , Ahn Min‐Ju , Jo Kwang‐Won
Published: October 2017

In this work, high‐performance solution‐derived zinc–tin–oxide (ZTO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) are developed by employing low‐temperature microwave irradiation (MWI) for post‐deposition annealing (PDA). The MWI‐treated ZTO TFTs exhibit electrical properties superior to those of the ZTO TFTs treated using conventional thermal annealing despite the relatively lower temperature and shorter processing time. A large drain current on/off ratio of 1.7 × 108, small hysteresis of 0.96 V, steep subthreshold swing of 194 mV/dec, and high field‐effect mobility of 13.6 cm2 V −1 s−1 were obtained from the MWI‐treated TFTs. In addition, the instability of the solution‐derived ZTO TFTs is significantly reduced by MWI treatment. We also analyze the ZTO films before and after PDA using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy to determine the dependences of the electrical properties and instability on the chemical bonding and defect structures.
Second‐Harmonic Generation in Integrated Photonics on Silicon
Authors: Rao Ashutosh , Fathpour Sasan
Published: October 2017

This paper presents the recent progress on integrated second‐order nonlinear waveguides on silicon substrates for second‐harmonic generation. In particular, demonstrations of thin‐film lithium niobate, III–V compound semiconductor and dielectric waveguides integrated on silicon substrates are reviewed. For completeness, the fundamentals of the nonlinear optical processes involved are briefly introduced. Methods demonstrated for phase matching, e.g., periodic poling and mode‐shape modulation, in the compact integrated devices are discussed. Finally, an outlook for how integrated photonics may benefit from the progress in this field is provided.
Effects of Vernonia cinerea Compounds on Drug‐metabolizing Cytochrome P450s in Human Liver Microsomes
Authors: Pouyfung Phisit , Sarapusit Songklod , Rongnoparut Pornpimol
Published: October 2017

Vernonia cinerea has been widely used in traditional medicines for various diseases and shown to aid in smoking abstinence and has anticancer properties. V. cinerea bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and hirsutinolide‐type sesquiterpene lactones, have shown an inhibition effect on the nicotine‐metabolizing cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) enzyme and hirsutinolides reported suppressing cancer growth. In this study, V. cinerea ethanol extract and its bioactive compounds, including four flavonoids and four hirsutinolides, were investigated for an inhibitory effect on human liver microsomal CYPs 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4 using cocktail inhibition assays combined with LC‐MS/MS analysis. Among tested flavonoids, chrysoeriol was more potent in inhibition on CYP2A6 and CYP1A2 than other liver CYPs, with better binding efficiency toward CYP2A6 than CYP1A2 (Ki values in competitive mode of 1.93 ± 0.05 versus 3.39 ± 0.21 μM, respectively). Hirsutinolides were prominent inhibitors of CYP2A6 and CYP2D6, with IC50 values of 12–23 and 15–41 μM, respectively. These hirsutinolides demonstrated time‐dependent inhibition, an indication of mechanism‐based inactivation, toward CYP2A6. Quantitative prediction of microsomal metabolism of these flavonoids and hirsutinolides, including half‐lives and hepatic clearance rate, was examined. These findings may have implications for further in vivo studies of V. cinerea. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modified covariance intersection for data fusion in distributed nonhomogeneous monitoring systems network
Authors: Daeichian Abolghasem , Honarvar Elham
Published: October 2017

Monitoring networks contain monitoring nodes that observe an area of interest to detect any possible existing object and estimate its states. Each node has characteristics such as probability of detection and clutter density that may have different values for distinct nodes in nonhomogeneous monitoring networks. This paper proposes a modified covariance intersection method for data fusion in such networks. It is derived by formulating a mixed game model between neighbor monitoring nodes as players and considering the inverse of the trace of fused covariance matrix as players' utility function. Monitoring nodes estimate the states of any possible existing object by applying joint target detection and tracking filter on their own observations. Processing nodes fuse the estimated states received from neighbor monitoring nodes by the proposed modified covariance intersection. It is validated by simulating target detection and tracking problem in 2 situations: 1 target and unknown number of targets.
Effect of Vacuum Treatment on the Characteristics of Oxidized Starches Prepared Using a Green Method
Authors: Zhang Qing , Zhang Shuai , Deng Liling , Wu Chunmei , Zhong Geng
Published: October 2017

Vacuum‐assisted oxidized corn, cassava, and canna starches are prepared using a green method (based on hydrogen peroxide with microwave heating) under optimized conditions. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of vacuum treatment on the oxidation of starch. The physicochemical, pasting, thermal, and structural characteristics of vacuum oxidized starches are investigated, and native and non‐vacuum oxidized starches are used for comparison. Physicochemical properties are confirmed by solubility, light transmittance, and freeze–thaw stability; pasting properties are observed using a rapid visco analyzer (RAV); thermal properties are measured via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and structures are described using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Vacuum oxidized starches show greater solubility and light transmittance, but lower viscosity and swelling power than native and non‐vacuum oxidized starches, and they are more effective in decreasing peak, breakdown, setback, and final viscosities than non‐vacuum oxidized starches. Gelatinization enthalpies of the oxidized starches are reduced, especially for the vacuum‐assisted starches. The results of structural work suggest that the oxidation reaction for both the vacuum and non‐vacuum oxidation occurs in the amorphous starch regions. This green method of vacuum‐assisted oxidation of starch is concluded to be feasible.
SimRank similarity preserving projection for shape‐based 3D model auto‐annotation
Authors: Tatsuma Atsushi , Aono Masaki
Published: October 2017

We present a new dimensionality reduction method, called SimRank similarity preserving projection (SSPP), that finds a subspace preserving semantic similarity among data represented with SimRank similarity on a bipartite graph. The relationship between 3D models and keywords in a tagged 3D model dataset is represented with bipartite graph. For shape‐based 3D model auto‐annotation, we try to capture the relationship of tagged 3D models by SSPP. Experimental results show that our method outperforms the baseline and previous methods.
Long‐Term Follow‐Up of Retromuscular Incisional Hernia Repairs: Recurrence and Quality of Life
Authors: Rogmark Peder , Smedberg Sam , Montgomery Agneta
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Incisional hernia repair (IHR) with a mesh is necessary to achieve low recurrence rates and pain relief. In the short term, quality of life (QoL) is restored by IHR. Two centers pioneered the IHR in Sweden with the highly standardized Rives–Stoppa technique using a retromuscular mesh. We assessed long‐term follow‐up of recurrence rate and QoL.

Methods

Medical records were searched for IHRs performed from 1998 to 2006 and included living patients with midline repairs. Questionnaires about physical status, complaints, and QoL (SF‐36) were mailed, offering a clinical examination. Assessment of medical records of later surgery was performed in 2015.

Results

Three hundred and one patients with midline incisional repairs were identified, and 217 accepted participation. Of these, 103 attended a clinical examination. Follow‐up was 7 years until examination and 11 years to reassessment of medical records. In 26%, recurrent hernias were repaired. Postoperative complications were 26% Clavien–Dindo grade I–II and 1% grade III–IV. Mesh infections occurred in 1.4% without mesh removals, and 4% were reoperated because of complications. Overall recurrence rate was 8.1% and two‐third of which were diagnosed at clinical examination. Recurrence after primary and recurrent hernia repair was 7.1 and 10.9%, respectively. Of all patients, 80% were satisfied; dissatisfaction was primarily caused by recurrence and chronic pain. SF‐36 scores were 0.2 SD lower than the norm in all subscales, similar to those with 1–2 chronic conditions.

Conclusions

Midline retromuscular mesh IHR has a low long‐term recurrence rate even after recurrent repair. Patient satisfaction was high although QoL was reduced.
The Effect of a Surgery Residency Program and Enhanced Educational Activities on Trauma Mortality in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Grudziak Joana , Gallaher Jared , Banza Leonard , Cairns Bruce , Varela Carlos , Young Sven , Charles Anthony
Published: October 2017

Introduction

To address the need for more surgical providers in low‐resource settings, a collaboration to create a surgical residency‐training program for local Malawian physicians was established in 2009. This study sought to describe the short‐term independent effect of a surgical residency program on trauma mortality at a tertiary trauma center in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients recorded in the trauma surveillance registry of Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi, from 2009 (three residents) through 2014 (11 residents). Log‐binominal regression modeling was used to compare the risk ratio of death compared to the referent year of 2009, when the program was started, after adjusting for relevant covariates. Primary injury type was used as a surrogate for injury severity.

Results

In total, 82,534 patients were recorded into the KCH Trauma Registry during the study period. Mean age was 23.1 years (SD 15.7) with a male preponderance (72.1%). Trauma patient volume increased from 8725 patients in 2009 to 15,998 patients in 2014. Each year had a significantly decreased risk of death compared to 2009 when adjusted for primary injury type, age, and gender, with an adjusted risk ratio of 0.73 (95% CI 0.58, 0.90) in 2010 and 0.52 (95% CI 0.43, 0.62) in 2014.

Conclusion

The global burden of surgical diseases cannot be attenuated in the presence of an inadequate surgical workforce. After institution of a surgery residency program, adjusted injury‐associated mortality decreased each year despite substantial increases in trauma patient volume. In low‐resource settings, establishment of a surgical residency program significantly improves trauma‐associated outcomes.
A Flexible Bayesian Model for Estimating Subnational Mortality
Authors: Alexander Monica , Zagheni Emilio , Barbieri Magali
Published: October 2017

Reliable subnational mortality estimates are essential in the study of health inequalities within a country. One of the difficulties in producing such estimates is the presence of small populations among which the stochastic variation in death counts is relatively high, and thus the underlying mortality levels are unclear. We present a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate mortality at the subnational level. The model builds on characteristic age patterns in mortality curves, which are constructed using principal components from a set of reference mortality curves. Information on mortality rates are pooled across geographic space and are smoothed over time. Testing of the model shows reasonable estimates and uncertainty levels when it is applied both to simulated data that mimic U.S. counties and to real data for French départements. The model estimates have direct applications to the study of subregional health patterns and disparities.
Healthy Grandparenthood: How Long Is It, and How Has It Changed?
Authors: Margolis Rachel , Wright Laura
Published: October 2017

Healthy grandparenthood represents the period of overlap during which grandparents and grandchildren can build relationships, and grandparents can make intergenerational transfers to younger kin. The health of grandparents has important implications for upward and downward intergenerational transfers within kinship networks in aging societies. Although the length of grandparenthood is determined by fertility and mortality patterns, the amount of time spent as a healthy grandparent is also affected by morbidity. In this study, we estimate the length of healthy grandparenthood for the first time. Using U.S. and Canadian data, we examine changes in the length of healthy grandparenthood during years when grandparenthood was postponed, health improved, and mortality declined. We also examine variation in healthy grandparenthood by education and race/ethnicity within the United States. Our findings show that the period of healthy grandparenthood is becoming longer because of improvements in health and mortality, which more than offset delays in grandparenthood. Important variation exists within the United States by race/ethnicity and education, which has important implications for family relationships and transfers.
Mass Casualty Triage in the Case of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Lessons Learned
Authors: Pasquier Mathieu , Dami Fabrice , Carron Pierre-Nicolas , Yersin Bertrand , Pignel Rodrigue , Hugli Olivier
Published: October 2017

Carbon monoxide (CO) can cause mass intoxication, but no standard triage algorithm specifically addresses CO poisoning. The roles of some recent diagnostic tools in triage as well as treatment with hyperbaric oxygen are controversial. We describe a mass casualty case of CO poisoning involving 77 patients, with a focus on the triage and treatment options decided on-site. The reasons for choosing these options are reviewed, and the pitfalls that occurred and the lessons learned from this major incident are described. We discuss the potential to improve the management of such an event and strategies to accomplish this, including simplifying triage and administering oxygen to all exposed persons for 6 h. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018; 12: 373–378)
The “Riskification” of European Data Protection Law through a two-fold Shift
Authors: MACENAITE Milda
Published: October 2017

The importance of the concept of risk and risk management in the data protection field has grown explosively with the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation (2016/679). The article explores the concept and the role of risk, as well as associated risk regulation mechanisms in EU data protection law. It shows that with the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation there is evidence of a two-fold shift: first on a practical level, a shift towards risk-based data protection enforcement and compliance, and second a shift towards risk regulation on the broader regulatory level. The article analyses these shifts to enhance the understanding of the changing relationship between risk and EU data protection law. The article also discusses associated potential challenges when trying to manage multiple and heterogeneous risks to the rights and freedoms of individuals resulting from the processing of personal data.
THE SIZE OF PLAZAS IN MESOAMERICAN CITIES AND TOWNS: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: Ossa Alanna , Smith Michael E. , Lobo José
Published: October 2017

We present quantitative data on population size and plaza area in three groups of ancient Mesoamerican settlements: a sample of 30 Late Postclassic cities and towns from throughout Mesoamerica and two regional settlement systems from the Classic period, including south-central Veracruz (the Mixtequilla) and the Palenque region. Plaza size scales with population in a sublinear relationship in all three groups, meaning that larger settlements had considerably less plaza area per capita than smaller settlements. These results suggest that the currently popular interpretation drawn from Classic Maya archaeology that plazas were places designed to hold the entire urban population for passive viewing of spectacles may be incomplete. We argue that the observed quantitative relationships between population and plaza area support the notion that plazas were designed to be used for a variety of purposes—including several types of ceremonies and marketplaces—held at different times following a regular schedule.
Evangelical Global Engagement and the American State after World War II
Authors: SCHÄFER AXEL R.
Published: October 2017

The resurgence of American evangelicalism since the 1940s unfolded in conjunction with efforts by policymakers to instrumentalize religion for the assertion of empire. Missions and foreign aid are two key areas where these dynamics intersected. They show that evangelicals were both at home in the “American century” and deeply critical of global power. Rather than being a weakness, however, these tensions enabled the movement to become a crucial arbiter at a time when the country's new role was not yet firmly legitimized at home. In particular, evangelicalism helped reconcile isolationist, antistatist, and antimilitarist sentiments with hegemonic aspirations, the national security state, and the military–industrial complex.