bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centrality of Event and Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder After the 2011 Oslo Bombing Attack
Authors: Blix Ines , Solberg Øivind , Heir Trond
Published: December 2013

It has been proposed that a highly integrated trauma leads to more accessible and vivid memories of the traumatic event, in turn heightening symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. The relationship between the centrality of a traumatic event and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder after the 2011 Oslo bombing attack was investigated in the present study. A high degree of perceived centrality was associated with higher symptom levels of posttraumatic stress as shown in the results. This association was found after controlling for gender, age and educational background. The relationship between types and level of trauma exposure, peritraumatic reactions and centrality of event was also investigated in the present study. Higher levels of trauma exposure and peritraumatic reactions were associated with higher levels of centrality of event as shown in the results. When a traumatic event becomes a reference point in the individual's life story and central to their identity, this is associated with an increased risk of symptomatology as suggested in the findings. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Cost of Detecting Deception: Judging Veracity Makes Eyewitnesses Remember a Suspect Less Accurately but With More Certainty
Authors: Pickel Kerri L. , Klauser Brittney M. , Bauer Heather M.
Published: December 2013

The current study extends previous research demonstrating the detrimental effects of divided attention during encoding on eyewitness memory. Previous data indicate that judging the veracity of a suspect causes witnesses to scrutinize him or her carefully and requires relatively high cognitive effort. We therefore hypothesized that performing this task while simultaneously observing the suspect should impair witnesses' memory for his or her appearance and message while ironically inflating their certainty and other testimony‐relevant judgments. Our results supported these predictions. Moreover, inducing witnesses to be suspicious about the suspect's truthfulness (Experiment 1) and motivating them to judge veracity as accurately as possible (Experiment 2) amplified the memory impairment effect and further increased several testimony‐relevant ratings. Additionally, compared with witnesses who incorrectly identified the suspect in a line‐up, those who made a correct decision expressed greater certainty about their line‐up accuracy and also provided higher ratings on some other testimony‐relevant measures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photophysical Investigation of the Thermally Activated Delayed Emission from Films of m‐MTDATA:PBD Exciplex
Authors: Graves David , Jankus Vygintas , Dias Fernando B. , Monkman Andrew
Published: December 2013

Understanding the delayed fluorescence mechanism behind the creation of emissive singlets from the non‐emissive triplets in exciplexes is vital for the fabrication of highly efficient blue fluorescent emitters, and subsequent white light applications. In this article we report the spectroscopic investigation of the exciplex formed between 4,4′,4′′‐tris[3‐methylphenyl(phenyl)amino]triphenylamine (m‐MTDATA) and 2‐(biphenyl‐4‐yl)‐5‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (PBD) in a 50:50 blended film. The mechanism behind extra singlet production in the blend is of E‐type nature, that is, "thermally activated" delayed fluorescence. The exciplex singlet‐triplet energy splitting is estimated to be around 5 meV, smaller than previously estimated at ≈ 50 meV. The absence of a well defined separation between prompt emission and emission components with very long lifetimes, >100 ns, is indicative of such a small exchange energy, and arises through multiple cycling between the resonant singlet and triplet manifolds before eventually being emitted from a singlet state. An observed redshift of the exciplex emission with time and increasing temperature is attributed to different exciplex species being formed between the m‐MTDATA and PBD molecules.
Exploring the spinning and operations of multibore hollow fiber membranes for vacuum membrane distillation
Authors: Wang Peng , Chung Tai‐Shung
Published: December 2013

Hollow fiber membranes with a multibore configuration have demonstrated their advantages with high mechanical strength, easy module fabrication, and excellent stability for membrane distillation (MD). In this work, the microstructure of multibore fibers was optimized for vacuum MD (VMD). A microstructure consisting of a tight liquid contact surface and a fully porous cross‐section is proposed and fabricated to maximize the wetting resistance and VMD desalination performance. The new membrane exhibited a high VMD flux of 71.8 L m−2 h−1 with a 78°C model seawater feed. Investigations were also carried to examine various effects of VMD operational conditions on desalination performance. The 7‐bore membrane showed higher flux and superior thermal efficiency under the VMD configuration than the direct contact MD configuration. Different from the traditional single‐bore hollow fiber, the VMD flux of multibore membrane at the lumen‐side feed configuration was higher than that of the shell‐side feed due to the additional evaporation surface of multibore geometry. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 1078–1090, 2014
Characterizing the nature of home care work and occupational hazards: A Developmental intervention study
Authors: Markkanen Pia , Quinn Margaret , Galligan Catherine , Sama Susan , Brouillette Natalie , Okyere Daniel
Published: December 2013

Background

Home care (HC) aide is the fastest growing occupation, yet job hazards are under‐studied. This study documents the context of HC aide work, characterizes occupational safety and health (OSH) hazards, and identifies preventive interventions using qualitative methods.

Methods

We conducted 12 focus groups among aides and 26 in‐depth interviews comprising 15 HC agency, union, and insurance company representatives as well as 11 HC recipients in Massachusetts. All focus groups and interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and coded with NVIVO software.

Results

Major OSH concerns were musculoskeletal disorders from client care tasks and verbal abuse. Performing tasks beyond specified job duties may be an OSH risk factor. HC aides' safety and clients' safety are closely linked. Client handling devices, client evaluation, care plan development, and training are key interventions for both aides' and clients' safety.

Conclusions

Promoting OSH in HC is essential for maintaining a viable workforce. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:445–457, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alcoholic ketoacidosis that developed with a hypoglycemic attack after eating a high‐fat meal
Authors: Suzuki Kei , Tamai Yasuyuki , Urade Shinji , Ino Kazuko , Sugawara Yumiko , Katayama Naoyuki , Hoshino Tamotsu
Published: December 2013

Case

Alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA) usually occurs in patients with a history of prolonged alcohol abuse and recent binge drinking followed by abrupt cessation of alcohol consumption.

Outcome

A 61‐year‐old man was brought to our emergency department. He had a history of eating barbecued beef with beer the previous night. He had unexplained hypoglycemia with high anion gap metabolic acidosis and fatty liver, and we strongly suspected AKA. After hydration with saline solution, dextrose, and thiamine, given i.v., his metabolic acidosis rapidly improved. A history of alcohol abuse and high serum β‐hydroxybutyrate concentration were subsequently confirmed, and the diagnosis of AKA was finally made.

Conclusion

Our case suggests that a high‐fat meal can induce AKA without abrupt cessation of alcohol consumption and that AKA should be considered when encountering patients with unexplained high anion gap metabolic acidosis with hypoglycemia and fatty liver, even if the past history of alcohol abuse is unknown.
Synthesis and characterization of a soybean oil‐based macromonomer
Authors: Delatte David , Kaya Ethem , Kolibal Laura G. , Mendon Sharathkumar K. , Rawlins James W. , Thames Shelby F.
Published: December 2013

An acrylate‐functional soybean oil‐based macromonomer (SoyAA‐1) was synthesized in high yields utilizing sequential amidation and acrylation processes to serve as an internal plasticizer in emulsion polymers. The structure and structure–property relationships of this unique macromonomer were validated with FTIR, NMR, and LC‐MS. The viability of SoyAA‐1 as a comonomer in emulsion polymerization was established via copolymerization with methyl methacrylate (MMA) at varying copolymer weight compositions. The effect of increasing SoyAA‐1 levels and concomitantly higher allylic functionality was measured through film coalescence, minimum film forming temperature, and initial and progressively increasing glass transition temperature(s). The results indicate that synthetic modification of a renewable resource, soybean oil, can yield a valuable monomer that can be copolymerized in high yields via emulsion polymerization to produce practical and mechanically stable latexes for a variety of coatings applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40249.
Gross anatomical observations of attachments of the middle pharyngeal constrictor
Authors: Sakamoto Yujiro
Published: December 2013

The pharyngeal muscles overlap each other and some of their parts have different areas of origin. Such arrangements make the interrelationships among pharyngeal muscles complicated. This study investigated the attachments of the middle constrictor to clarify its configuration and re‐examine its functions. The gross anatomies of the pharyngeal and neighboring muscles were examined in 41 cadavers. The middle constrictor arose from the stylohyoid ligament and the hyoid bone, and its fibers were divided into three overlapping groups. The anterosuperior group ascended posterosuperiorly from the ligament and the lesser horn and fanned out. The middle group ascended posterosuperiorly from the greater horn and fanned out. The posteroinferior group fanned out from the posterior part of the greater horn, while the middle constrictor arose internally to the hyoglossus; some fibers often passed externally, and their fibers sometimes intersected around the lingual artery, which ran between them. Some fibers attached to the hyoglossus, occasionally to the stylohyoid and the posterior belly of the digastric, but seldom to the lingual artery and the triticeal cartilage in the thyrohyoid ligament. The three groups were inserted into the pharyngeal raphe, and the descending fibers joined the longitudinal pharyngeal muscles. The ascending and descending fibers rarely reached the top of the pharynx and the thyroid cartilage, respectively. The fiber arrangement suggested that, besides constriction of the pharynx, the ascending and descending fibers of the middle constrictor can act as an elevator muscle, and the irregular attachments could affect the functions of the muscles and vessels. Clin. Anat. 603–609, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison between numerical results and PIV experimental data for gas–solid flow in ducts
Authors: Decker Rodrigo K. , Betto Monica C. , Noriler Dirceu , Meier Henry F.
Published: December 2013

To analyse the behaviour of gas–solid flow, the experimental, nonintrusive technique of particle image velocimetry (PIV) was applied. This technique enables the acquisition of information regarding the microscopic velocity field in a bidimensional plane. The physical experiments were conducted in the vertical and horizontal sections of a test facility. The operating conditions at the inlet were 140 m3/h of air and a 40 g/m3 mass load ratio, which are typical conditions for dilute flows. Solid‐phase catalyst particles with a Sauter mean diameter of 56.7 µm, similar to those applied in the petroleum industry for FCC systems, were used. Experimental radial profiles for the axial velocity data of the solid phase were compared with the respective numerical results obtained by the CFD code in FLUENT 13. Turbulence in the gas phase was modelled with a k − ϵ model, and second‐order versions of this model were used for turbulence in the solid phase. Turbulence was induced by the drag force with direct numerical simulation (inviscid model) and was modelled using the kinetic theory for granular material with the equilibrium model (KTGF equilibrium). The results showed that both the inviscid and KTGF models produced good agreement with the experimental data for dilute gas–solid flow in ducts, particularly in regions of developed flow.
vglut2 and gad expression reveal distinct patterns of dual GABAergic versus glutamatergic cotransmitter phenotypes of dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons in the zebrafish brain
Authors: Filippi Alida , Mueller Thomas , Driever Wolfgang
Published: December 2013

Throughout the vertebrate lineage, dopaminergic neurons form important neuromodulatory systems that influence motor behavior, mood, cognition, and physiology. Studies in mammals have established that dopaminergic neurons often use γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) or glutamatergic cotransmission during development and physiological function. Here, we analyze vglut2, gad1b and gad2 expression in combination with tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in 4‐day‐old larval and 30‐day‐old juvenile zebrafish brains to determine which dopaminergic and noradrenergic groups may use GABA or glutamate as a second transmitter. Our results show that most dopaminergic neurons also express GABAergic markers, including the dopaminergic groups of the olfactory bulb (homologous to mammalian A16) and the subpallium, the hypothalamic groups (A12, A14), the prethalamic zona incerta group (A13), the preoptic groups (A15), and the pretectal group. Thus, the majority of catecholaminergic neurons are gad1b/2‐positive and coexpress GABA. A very few gad1/2‐negative dopaminergic groups, however, express vglut2 instead and use glutamate as a second transmitter. These glutamatergic dual transmitter phenotypes are the Orthopedia transcription factor–dependent, A11‐type dopaminergic neurons of the posterior tuberculum. All together, our results demonstrate that all catecholaminergic groups in zebrafish are either GABAergic or glutamatergic. Thus, cotransmission of dopamine and noradrenaline with either GABA or glutamate appears to be a regular feature of zebrafish catecholaminergic systems. We compare our results with those that have been described for mammalian systems, discuss the phenomenon of transmitter dualism in the context of developmental specification of GABAergic and glutamatergic regions in the brain, and put this phenomenon in an evolutionary perspective. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2019–2037, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A lightweight software fault‐tolerance system in the cloud environment
Authors: Chen Gang , Jin Hai , Zou Deqing , Zhou Bing Bing , Qiang Weizhong
Published: December 2013

With the development of cloud computing, the demand of high availability for services is growing. Unfortunately, software failures greatly reduce system availability. This paper presents a lightweight software fault‐tolerance system, called SHelp, which can effectively recover programs from many types of software bugs in the cloud environment. With error virtualization techniques, it proposes ‘weighted’ rescue points techniques to effectively survive software failures through bypassing the faulty path. For multiple application instances running on different virtual machine, a three‐level storage hierarchy with several comprehensive cache updating algorithms for rescue points management is adopted to share error handling information. On the one hand, SHelp can reduce the redundancy for multiple application instances; on the other hand, it can more effectively and quickly recover from faults caused by the same bugs. A Linux prototype is implemented on an open‐source virtual machine monitor platform, Xen, and evaluated using four Web server applications that contain various types of bugs. The experimental results show that SHelp can recover server applications from these bugs in just a few seconds with modest performance overhead. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial quantitation of FISH signals in diploid versus aneuploid nuclei
Authors: Shete Amol , Rao Pulivarthi , Pati Debananda , Merchant Fatima
Published: December 2013

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is the most widely used molecular technique to visualize chromosomal abnormalities. Here, we describe a novel 3D modeling approach to allow precise shape estimation and localization of FISH signals in the nucleus of human embryonic stem cells (hES) undergoing progressive but defined aneuploidy. The hES cell line WA09 acquires an extra copy of chromosome 12 in culture with increasing passages. Both diploid and aneuploid nuclei were analyzed to quantitate the differences in the localization of centromeric FISH signals for chromosome 12 as it transitions from euploidy to aneuploidy. We employed superquadric modeling primitives coupled with principal component analysis to determine the 3D position of FISH signals within the nucleus. A novel aspect of our modeling approach is that it allows comparison of FISH signals across multiple cells by normalizing the position of the centromeric signals relative to a reference landmark in oriented nuclei. Using this model we present evidence of changes in the relative positioning of centromeres in trisomy‐12 cells when compared with diploid cells from the same population. Our analysis also suggests a significant change in the spatial distribution of at least one of the FISH signals in the aneuploid chromosome complements implicating that an overall change in centromere position may occur in trisomy‐12 due to the addition of an extra chromosome. These studies underscore the unique utility of our modeling algorithms in quantifying FISH signals in three dimensions. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
One‐Step Stereoselective Synthesis of (2Z,4Z,6Z,8Z)‐Decatetraene Diketone from Pyrylium Salts
Authors: Yang Lijian , Ye Junwei , Gao Yuan , Deng Dai , Lin Yuan , Ning Guiling
Published: December 2013

A strategy for the stereoselective synthesis of (2Z,4Z,6Z,8Z)‐decatetraene diketone by the one‐step metal reduction of pyrylium salts is described. Reduction of α‐active pyrylium salts (at least one H at the α‐C positon) leads to only linear decatetraene diketone derivatives, whereas reduction of α‐non‐active pyrylium salts (no H at the α‐C position) generates two unexpected structures and one linear decatetraene diketone. The reaction conditions were optimized, and a reaction mechanism was proposed. Single‐crystal structures of decatetraene diketone derivatives demonstrate the twisted configuration of the backbones and the all‐(Z) geometry of the double bonds. In addition, the thermal, optical, and electrochemical properties of these compounds were studied in detail.
Cross‐validation based assessment of a new Bayesian palaeoclimate model
Authors: Mukhopadhyay S. , Bhattacharya S.
Published: December 2013

Fossil‐based palaeoclimate reconstruction is an important area of ecological science that has gained momentum in the backdrop of the global climate change debate. The hierarchical Bayesian paradigm provides an interesting platform for studying such important scientific issue. However, our cross‐validation based assessment of the existing Bayesian hierarchical models with respect to two modern proxy data sets based on chironomid and pollen, respectively, revealed that the models are inadequate for the data sets.

In this paper, we model the species assemblages (compositional data) by the zero‐inflated multinomial distribution while modelling the species response functions using Dirichlet process‐based Gaussian mixtures. This modelling strategy yielded significantly improved performances, and a formal Bayesian test of model adequacy, developed recently, showed that our new model is adequate for both the modern data sets. Furthermore, combining together the zero‐inflated assumption, Importance Resampling Markov Chain Monte Carlo (IRMCMC) and the recently developed Transformation‐based Markov Chain Monte Carlo (TMCMC), we develop a powerful and efficient computational methodology. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the selection of true incident cases of low back pain by screening retrospective administrative data
Authors: Beaudet N. , Courteau J. , Sarret P. , Vanasse A.
Published: December 2013

Background

The difficulty in identifying the onset of low back pain (LBP) limits the capacity to determine the incidence of LBP at the population level and, further, to identify risk factors. In the literature, incidence cohorts have been built with patients initially considered LBP‐free for 6–12 months prior to their selection. This ‘clearance period’ might not be sufficient to exclude recurrent patients having experienced previous LBP episodes and might result in a misclassification bias.

Methods

Using the Canadian province of Quebec's medical administrative physicians' claims database, a cohort of prevalent claims‐based recurrent LBP patients was built for 2007. The medical history of 81,329 patients was screened for a period of 11 years. Positive predictive values (PPVs), kappa statistics and a survival function were calculated to determine the optimal clearance period for capturing first‐time events.

Results

The 2007 annual incidence of adult claims‐based recurrent LBP was estimated at 242 per 100,000 persons. Men between 18 and 34 years of age were found to be 1.18 times more at risk than their counterparts. Altogether, the elderly (over 80 years) had 52% more new cases than the 18–34 age group. A very good convergence for PPV and kappa was found for a 7‐year clearance period. This allowed determining the annual incidence from 2000 to 2007, showing a decrease of 26%.

Conclusion

Screening the medical history of LBP patients can provide more accurate incidence estimates by limiting the over‐ascertainment of first‐time LBP patients. A 4‐ to 7‐year clearance period should be considered.
Hyperspectral darkfield microscopy of PEGylated gold nanoparticles targeting CD44‐expressing cancer cells
Authors: Patskovsky Sergiy , Bergeron Eric , Meunier Michel
Published: December 2013

We present a new hyperspectral darkfield imaging system with a scanned broadband supercontinuum light source. We observed the specific attachment of the functionalized gold plasmonic nanoparticles (AuNPs) targeting CD44+ human breast cancer cells by conventional and by proposed hyperspectral darkfield microscopy. This wide‐field and low phototoxic hyperspectral imaging system has been successful for performing spectral three‐dimensional (3D) localization and spectroscopic identification of CD44‐targeted PEGylated AuNPs in fixed cell preparations. Such spatial and spectral information is essential for the improvement of nanoplasmonic‐based imaging, disease detection and treatment in complex biological environment. Presented system capability for 3D NP tracking will also enable investigation of specific sub‐cellular activity with the use of NPs as spectral sensors. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
ObamaCare: Impact on Business Combinations
Authors: Woodlock Peter
Published: December 2013

The Affordable Care Act (ACA)—popularly known as “ObamaCare”—may have consequences that go way beyond health care. The author discusses possible ACA effects on M&A activity and resulting company valuations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overcoming Insurance and Financial Risks for M&A
Authors: Shapiro David
Published: December 2013

Business combinations face insurance and financial risks arising from the incomplete convergence of International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) rules. What are some practical solutions? The author of this article offers some answers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retaining Majority Ownership and Control After the IPO
Authors: Jensen Marlin R. H. , Marshall Beverly B. , Jahera John S.
Published: December 2013

This article examines the issues pertaining to ownership and control of U.S. firms at their initial public offering (IPO). Several recent Wall Street Journal articles have discussed the potential advantages and disadvantages of company founders using dual‐class shares at the IPO to maintain control of the firms they have created. If dual‐class shares are not offered, the management of the company needs to de‐termine what percentage of company shares should be sold at the IPO. The authors discuss the pros and cons associated with dual‐class shares for a firm. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Intersection of Emotional Intelligence and Corporate Financial Decision Making
Authors: Caldarola Richard A. L.
Published: December 2013

Financial decisions are now so complicated that financial managers need strong “people” skills to ac‐company their technical and financial strengths. Choosing the right mix of raw intellect and emotional balance can often determine not only how complete your financial proposals are but also how well re‐ceived they will be by the management team that has to implement the concepts. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesizing 4′,4″(5″) Di‐tert‐butyldibenzo 18‐crown‐6 Monitored by Online FTIR
Authors: Fan Juan , Yi Chunhai , Lan Xiaorong , Yang Bolun
Published: December 2013

4′,4″(5″) Di‐tert‐butyldibenzo 18‐crown‐6 (DTBB18C6) was successfully synthesized by SN2 nucleophilic substitution with 4‐tert‐butyl catechol as starting material. Effects of cyclization reagents, solvents, and templates were investigated. Reaction process was monitored by the real‐time online FTIR to study the actual reaction route. The highest DTBB18C6 yield (above 33%) was obtained by using Cs2CO3 as the template, 2,2′‐diethylene glycol ditosylate as the cyclization reagent, and THF as the solvent. From the result of FTIR, four different reaction stages of DTBB18C6 synthesis process were proposed.
The Synthesis of 6‐Substituted Pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine‐2,4(1H,3H)‐diones Using Aminomethylene Malondialdehydes and 6‐Aminouracils
Authors: Rashidi A. , Baradarani M. M. , Joule J. A.
Published: December 2013

Variously substituted aminomethylene malondialdehydes (2‐(3,3‐dimethylindolin‐2‐ylidene)malondialdehydes) were reacted with some 6‐aminouracils, to give 6‐(3,3‐dimethyl‐3H‐indol‐2‐yl)pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine‐2,4‐(1H,3H)‐diones in good yields.
Studies on Synthesis of Novel Pyrido[3,2‐e]tetrazolo[1,5‐c]pyrimidine Derivatives and Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Veeraswamy B. , Santhosh Kumar G. , Sambasiva Rao P. , Kurumurthy C. , Narsaiah B.
Published: December 2013

A series of novel pyrido[3,2‐e]tetrazolo[1,5‐c]pyrimidine derivative 4 were synthesized starting from 2‐amino‐4‐trifluoromethyl‐6‐phenyl nicotinonitrile 1 via construction of tetrazole followed by fusion of pyrimidine ring. All final products were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities.
Diffusion tensor imaging and tractography of the human language pathways: Moving into the clinical realm
Authors: Muthusami Prakash , James Jija , Thomas Bejoy , Kapilamoorthy T.R. , Kesavadas Chandrasekharan
Published: December 2013

The functional correlates of anatomical derangements are of interest to the neurological clinician. Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) is a relatively new tool in the arsenal of functional neuroimaging, by which to assess white matter tracts in the brain. While much import has been given to tracking corticospinal tracts in neurological disease, studying language pathway interconnections using DTT has largely remained in the research realm. Hardware and software advances have allowed this tool to ease into clinical practice, with several radiologists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons now familiar with its applications. DTT images, although visually appealing, are founded in mathematical equations and assumptions, and require a more than basic understanding of principles and limitations before they can be integrated into routine clinical practice. Cognitive pathways like that of language, that are normally hard to assess and especially more so when pathologically affected, have been at the receiving end of several opposing and often controversial hypotheses, and the past decade has seen the clarification, validation or rejection of several of these by the in vivo charting of functional connectivity using DTT. The focus of this review is to illustrate DTT of the language pathways with emphasis on practical considerations, clinical applications, and limitations.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1041–1053. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison between T1 relaxation time of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI and liver stiffness measurement of ultrasound elastography in the evaluation of cirrhotic liver
Authors: Okada Masahiro , Murakami Takamichi , Yada Norihisa , Numata Kazushi , Onoda Minori , Hyodo Tomoko , Inoue Tatsuo , Ishii Kazunari , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: December 2013

Purpose

To compare four imaging approaches in cirrhotic estimation; pre‐enhancement T1 relaxation time (T1RT), reduction rate (RR) of T1RT, signal‐based liver‐to‐muscle ratio (L/M ratio) on gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA)‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) of US elastography.

Materials and Methods

Consecutive 58 patients with chronic liver diseases who underwent both Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI and FibroScan were analyzed. Four imaging approaches were evaluated by fibrosis score from liver biopsy and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

RR was found to be inversely correlated with LSM (r = −0.65). RR decreased with degree of fibrosis (F0‐F1, 58.5 ± 6.2%, versus F2‐F3‐F4, 48.8 ± 11.7%, P = 0.010, F0‐F1‐F2, 58.2 ± 6.2% versus F3‐F4, 45.5 ± 12.3%, P = 0.010 and F0‐F1, 58.5 ± 6.2%, versus F2‐F3, 52.1 ± 12.0%, P = 0.0038). LSM increased with degree of fibrosis (F0‐F1, 5.4 ± 2.2 kPa versus F2‐F3‐F3, 19.3 ± 15.5 kPa, P = 0.0011 and F0‐F1‐F2, 6.8 ± 3.6 kPa versus F3‐F4, 23.8 ± 17.1 kPa, P = 0.0029 and F0‐F1, 5.4 ± 2.2 kPa, versus F2‐F3, 11.4 ± 7.2 kPa, P = 0.0098). Area under ROC curves were 0.83 (F3‐F4), 0.72 (F2‐F3‐F4), 0.68 (F2‐F3) for RR and 0.83 (F3‐F4), 0.88 (F2‐F3‐F4), 0.81 (F2‐F3) for LSM in discriminating between patients with fibrosis.

Conclusion

The capability by LSM was better than those by RR of T1RT, pre‐enhancement T1RT, and L/M ratio to differentiate F ≥ 2, but LSM and RR of T1RT showed the same value to differentiate F ≥ 3. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:329–338.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fish oil in comparison to folinic acid for protection against adverse effects of methotrexate chemotherapy on bone
Authors: Raghu Nadhanan Rethi , Fan Chia‐Ming , Su Yu‐Wen , Howe Peter R.C. , Xian Cory J.
Published: December 2013

Methotrexate (MTX) chemotherapy is known to cause bone loss which lacks specific preventative treatments, although clinically folinic acid is often used to reduce MTX toxicity in soft tissues. This study investigated damaging effects of MTX injections (0.75 mg/kg/day for 5 days) in rats and potential protective benefits of fish oil (0.25, 0.5, or 0.75 ml/100 g/day) in comparison to folinic acid (0.75 mg/kg) in the tibial metaphysis. MTX treatment significantly reduced height of primary spongiosa and volume of trabecular bone while reducing density of osteoblasts. Consistently, MTX reduced osteogenic differentiation but increased adipogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells, accompanied by lower mRNA expression of osteogenic transcription factors Runx2 and Osx, but an up‐regulation of adipogenesis‐related genes FABP4 and PPAR‐γ. MTX also increased osteoclast density, bone marrow osteoclast formation, and mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and RANKL/OPG ratio in bone. Fish oil (0.5 or 0.75 ml/100 g) or folinic acid supplementation preserved bone volume, osteoblast density, and osteogenic differentiation, and suppressed MTX‐induced cytokine expression, osteoclastogenesis, and adipogenesis. Thus, fish oil at 0.5 ml/100 g or above is as effective as folinic acid in counteracting MTX‐induced bone damage, conserving bone formation, suppressing resorption and marrow adiposity, suggesting its therapeutic potential in preventing bone loss during MTX chemotherapy. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:587–596, 2014.
Resilience as a universal criterion of health
Authors: Döring Thomas F , Vieweger Anja , Pautasso Marco , Vaarst Mette , Finckh Maria R , Wolfe Martin S
Published: December 2013

To promote and maintain health in agricultural and food systems, appropriate criteria are needed for the description and assessment of the health of soils, plants, animals, humans and ecosystems. Here we identify the concept of resilience as a universally applicable and fundamentally important criterion of health in all relevant areas of agriculture. We discuss definitions of resilience for soils, plants, animals, humans and ecosystems, and explore ways in which resilience can be applied as a criterion of health in different agricultural contexts. We show how and why resilience can be seen as a key criterion of health. Based on this, we discuss how resilience can be used as a link between soil, plant, animal, human and ecosystem health. Finally, we highlight four key areas for future research on resilience in agriculture, namely spatial and temporal scaling of resilience; effects of diversity; the role of networks for resilience; and stakeholder involvement. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Pediatric temporal bone fractures: Current trends and comparison of classification schemes
Authors: Dunklebarger Joshua , Branstetter Barton , Lincoln Anne , Sippey Megan , Cohen Michael , Gaines Barbara , Chi David
Published: December 2013

Objectives

1) Characterize the current presentation of pediatric temporal bone fractures, 2) compare two classification schemes for temporal bone fractures and illustrate complications in each fracture type.

Design

Retrospective medical record review.

Setting

Tertiary‐care, academic children's hospital.

Patients

All children presenting from 1999 to 2009 with CT‐proven temporal bone fracture and audiology examination with follow‐up.

Intervention

All CT scans were reinterpreted by a dedicated head and neck radiologist. All fractures were characterized as otic capsule sparing (OCS) or otic capsule violating (OCV), as well as transverse (T) or longitudinal (L).

Outcome

CT findings, mechanisms of injury, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), conductive hearing loss (CHL), and facial nerve injury (FNI).

Results

Seventy‐one children met inclusion criteria. Fifty‐four (76%) children had longitudinal fractures versus 17 (24%) with transverse fractures. Sixty‐four (90%) had OCS versus 7 (10%) with OCV. The otic capsule was involved in 7.4% of longitudinal fractures and 17.6% of transverse fractures. Eleven (15%) had facial weakness, 72% of whom had a visualized fracture through the facial nerve course. SNHL was detected in 14 (20%) patients and CHL in 17(23.9%). All patients with fractures classified as both transverse and OCV had SNHL. The OCS versus OCV and T versus L classification schemes were directly compared for statistical significance in predicting SNHL, CHL, and FNI using the Fisher's exact test. Both OCS/OCV and T/L were predictors of SNHL (P = .0025 and P = .0143, respectively), but the OCS/OCV scheme was more accurate. Neither classification significantly predicted CHL or FNI (P = .787 versus .825; P = .705 vs. .755).

Conclusions

In this pediatric series, approximately 75% of the fractures are longitudinal and 25% are transverse. The otic capsule is spared in 90% and violated in 10%. Both OCS/OCV and L/T classification schemes predict SNHL, but the OCV/OCS scheme is more accurate in this prediction. Although the negative predictive value of the two schemes is similar, the positive predictive value is higher with the OCS/OCV system. The presence of conductive hearing loss and facial nerve symptoms was not predicted by either classification system.

Level of Evidence: 2b. Laryngoscope, 124:781–784, 2014
Sleep surgery and medical malpractice
Authors: Tolisano Anthony M. , Bager Jennifer M.
Published: December 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To describe and analyze the causes and outcomes of lawsuits pertaining to sleep surgery to mitigate future litigation and improve physician education.

Study Design

A retrospective review of a publicly available database containing jury verdicts and settlements.

Methods

The LexisNexis MEGA Jury Verdicts and Settlements database was reviewed for all lawsuits including settlements and trial verdicts related to sleep surgery. Data including type of surgery performed, plaintiff allegation, nature of injury, outcomes, and indemnities were collected and analyzed.

Results

Fifty‐one cases met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 30 were decided by a jury, nine were settled out of court, and 10 were resolved by other means. Overall, 57% of known outcomes favored the defendant. The most common surgery performed was tonsillectomy (57%), followed by uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (45%), adenoidectomy (31%), and septoplasty (31%). No difference was found between outcomes when comparing the most common injuries cited, including wrongful death (P = .572), airway compromise (P = .376), and drug reaction (P = .443). If failure to recognize a complication (P = .034) or delay in diagnosis (P = .026) was a component of the legal allegations, the outcome significantly favored the plaintiff. The median settlement ($545,000) and plaintiff award ($1.45 million) were not significantly different (P = .13).

Conclusions

The majority of outcomes favored the defendant. Type of injury did not predict outcome. Failure to recognize complications and delay in diagnosis strongly predicted a verdict in favor of the plaintiff.

Level of Evidence

2c Laryngoscope, 124:E250–E254, 2014
Anatomical brain imaging at 7T using two‐dimensional GRASE
Authors: Trampel Robert , Reimer Enrico , Huber Laurentius , Ivanov Dimo , Heidemann Robin M. , Schäfer Andreas , Turner Robert
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Specific absorption rate is a serious problem at high field strengths, especially for sequences involving many high power radiofrequency pulses, such as turbo spin echo (TSE). GRASE (gradient and spin echo) may overcome this problem by omitting a certain number of refocusing pulses of a TSE sequence, and replacing them with segmented echo‐planar imaging readouts.

Methods

GRASE and TSE were compared using similar sequence parameters at a field strength of 7T. The signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) per unit time, contrast, and point spread function (PSF) were determined. High‐resolution human brain images were acquired and the implementation of an inversion recovery preparation for T1 weighting was evaluated.

Results

TSE and GRASE images at 7T showed very similar SNR and contrast. The slightly worse PSF for GRASE is balanced by a significant reduction in scan time or increase in spatial coverage compared with TSE. Furthermore, implementing an additional inversion recovery preparation enables the acquisition of T1‐weighted images with high SNR per unit time.

Conclusion

GRASE is highly suitable for structural scanning at ultra‐high field strengths and is a valid alternative to the commonly used TSE sequence. Magn Reson Med 72:1291–1301, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous dual contrast weighting using double echo rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) imaging
Authors: Fuchs Katharina , Hezel Fabian , Klix Sabrina , Mekle Ralf , Wuerfel Jens , Niendorf Thoralf
Published: December 2013

Purpose

This work proposes a dual contrast rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) variant (2in1‐RARE), which provides simultaneous proton density (PD) and T2* contrast in a single acquisition.

Theory and Methods

The underlying concept of 2in1‐RARE is the strict separation of spin echoes and stimulated echoes. This approach offers independent weighting of spin echoes and stimulated echoes. 2in1‐RARE was evaluated in phantoms including signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and point spread function assessment. 2in1‐RARE was benchmarked versus coherent RARE and a split‐echo RARE variant. The applicability of 2in1‐RARE for brain imaging was demonstrated in a small cohort of healthy subjects (n = 10) and, exemplary, a multiple sclerosis patient at 3 Tesla as a precursor to a broader clinical study.

Results

2in1‐RARE enables the simultaneous acquisition of dual contrast weighted images without any significant image degradation and without sacrificing SNR versus split‐echo RARE. This translates into a factor of two speed gain over multi‐contrast, sequential split‐echo RARE. A 15% broadening of the point spread function was observed in 2in1‐RARE. T1 relaxation effects during the mixing time can be neglected for brain tissue.

Conclusion

2in1‐RARE offers simultaneous acquisition of images of anatomical (PD) and functional (T2*) contrast. It presents an alternative to address scan time constraints frequently encountered during sequential acquisition of T2* or PD‐weighted RARE. Magn Reson Med 72:1590–1598, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Four dimensional spectral‐spatial fat saturation pulse design
Authors: Zhao Feng , Nielsen Jon‐Fredrik , Noll Douglas C.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

The conventional spectrally selective fat saturation pulse may perform poorly with inhomogeneous amplitude of static (polarizing) field (B0) and/or amplitude of (excitation) radiofrequency field (B1) fields. We propose a four dimensional spectral‐spatial fat saturation pulse that is more robust to
inhomogeneity and also shorter than the conventional fat saturation pulse.

Theory

The proposed pulse is tailored for local B0 inhomogeneity, which avoids the need of a sharp transition band in the spectral domain, so it improves both performance and pulse length. Furthermore, it can also compensate for B1 inhomogeneity. The pulse is designed sequentially by small‐tip‐angle approximation design and an automatic rescaling procedure.

Methods

The proposed method is compared to the conventional fat saturation in phantom experiments and in vivo knee imaging at 3 T for both single‐channel and parallel excitation versions.

Results

Compared to the conventional method, the proposed method produces superior fat suppression in the presence of B0 and B1 inhomogeneity and reduces pulse length by up to half of the standard length.

Conclusion

The proposed four dimensional spectral‐spatial fat saturation suppresses fat more robustly with shorter pulse length than the conventional fat saturation in the presence of B0 and B1 inhomogeneity. Magn Reson Med 72:1637–1647, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Automatic cardiac LV segmentation in MRI using modified graph cuts with smoothness and interslice constraints
Authors: Albà Xènia , Figueras i Ventura Rosa M. , Lekadir Karim , Tobon‐Gomez Catalina , Hoogendoorn Corné , Frangi Alejandro F.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), specifically late‐enhanced MRI, is the standard clinical imaging protocol to assess cardiac viability. Segmentation of myocardial walls is a prerequisite for this assessment. Automatic and robust multisequence segmentation is required to support processing massive quantities of data.

Methods

A generic rule‐based framework to automatically segment the left ventricle myocardium is presented here. We use intensity information, and include shape and interslice smoothness constraints, providing robustness to subject‐ and study‐specific changes. Our automatic initialization considers the geometrical and appearance properties of the left ventricle, as well as interslice information. The segmentation algorithm uses a decoupled, modified graph cut approach with control points, providing a good balance between flexibility and robustness.

Results

The method was evaluated on late‐enhanced MRI images from a 20‐patient in‐house database, and on cine‐MRI images from a 15‐patient open access database, both using as reference manually delineated contours. Segmentation agreement, measured using the Dice coefficient, was
and
for late‐enhanced MRI and cine‐MRI, respectively. The method was also compared favorably to a three‐dimensional Active Shape Model approach.

Conclusion

The experimental validation with two magnetic resonance sequences demonstrates increased accuracy and versatility. Magn Reson Med 72:1775–1784, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of health‐insurance access and hospital retention policies on childhood cancer treatment in Kenya
Authors: Mostert S. , Njuguna F. , van de Ven P.M. , Olbara G. , Kemps L.J.P.A. , Musimbi J. , Strother R.M. , Aluoch L.M. , Skiles J. , Buziba N.G. , Sitaresmi M.N. , Vreeman R.C. , Kaspers G.J.L.
Published: December 2013

Background

Kenyan national policies for public hospitals dictate that patients are retained on hospital wards until their hospital bills are paid, but this payment process differs for patients with or without access to National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) at diagnosis. Whether these differences impact treatment outcomes has not been described. Our study explores whether childhood cancer treatment outcomes in Kenya are influenced by health‐insurance status and hospital retention policies.

Procedure

This study combined retrospective review of medical records with an illustrative case report. We identified children diagnosed with malignancies at a large Kenyan academic hospital between 2007 and 2009, their treatment outcomes, and health‐insurance status at diagnosis.

Results

Between 2007 and 2009, 222 children were diagnosed with malignancies. Among 180 patients with documented treatment outcome, 54% abandoned treatment, 22% had treatment‐related death, 4% progressive/relapsed disease, and 19% event‐free survival. Health‐insurance status at diagnosis was recorded in 148 children: 23% had NHIF and 77% had no NHIF. For children whose families had NHIF compared with those who did not, the relative risk for treatment abandonment relative to event‐free survival was significantly smaller (relative‐risk ratio = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.12–0.81, P = 0.016). The case report illustrates difficulties that Kenyan families might face when their child is diagnosed with cancer, has no NHIF, and is retained in hospital.

Conclusions

Children with NHIF at diagnosis had significantly lower chance of abandoning treatment and higher chance of survival. Childhood cancer treatment outcomes could be improved by interventions that prevent treatment abandonment and improve access to NHIF. Hospital retention of patients over unpaid medical bills must stop. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:913–918. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CdS/CdTe thin‐film solar cells with Cu‐free transition metal oxide/Au back contacts
Authors: Paudel Naba Raj , Xiao Chuanxiao , Yan Yanfa
Published: December 2013

Superstrate CdS/CdTe thin‐film solar cells with Cu‐free transition metal oxide (TMO)/Au and Au‐only back contacts have been fabricated. The TMOs include MoO3‐x, V2O5‐x, and WO3‐x. The incorporation of the TMO buffer layers at the back contacts resulted in significant improvement on open‐circuit voltage (VOC) as compared with the cells with Cu‐free Au‐only back contacts. Among the cells using TMO buffer layers, the ones with MoO3‐x buffer layers exhibited the best performance, yielding an efficiency of 14.1% under AM1.5 illumination with VOC of 815 mV and a fill factor of 67.9%. Though the performance is slightly behind the best reference cell with a Cu/Au back contact fabricated in our lab with VOC of 844 mV, fill factor of 76.3%, and efficiency of 15.7%, the use of Cu‐free back contacts may lead to improved long‐term cell stability. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.