bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An SDN‐based scalable routing and resource management model for service provider networks
Authors: Celenlioglu Mahmud Rasih , Tuysuz Mehmet Fatih , Mantar Haci Ali
Published: February 2018

Volume of the Internet traffic has increased significantly in recent years. Service providers (SPs) are now striving to make resource management and considering dynamically changing large volume of network traffic. In this context, software defined networking (SDN) has been alluring the attention of SPs, as it provides virtualization, programmability, ease of management, and so on. Yet severe scalability issues are one of the key challenges of the SDN due to its centralized architecture. First of all, SDN controller may become the bottleneck as the number of flows and switches increase. It is because routing and admission control decisions are made per flow basis by the controller. Second, there is a signaling overhead between the controller and switches since the controller makes decisions on behalf of them. In line with the aforementioned explanations, this paper proposes an SDN‐based scalable routing and resource management model (SRRM) for SPs. The proposed model is twofold. SRRM performs routing, admission control, and signaling operations (RASOs) in a scalable manner. Additionally, resource management has also been accomplished to increase link use. To achieve high degree of scalability and resource use, pre‐established paths (PEPs) between each edge node in the domain are provided. The proposed controller performs RASOs based on PEPs. The controller also balances the load of PEPs and adjusts their path capacities dynamically to increase resource use. Experimental results show that SRRM can successfully perform RASOs in a scalable way and also increase link use even under heavy traffic loads.
Structure and cis‐regulatory analysis of a Drosophila grainyhead neuroblast enhancer
Authors: Kuzin Alexander , Smith Svetlana , Brody Thomas , Odenwald Ward F.
Published: February 2018

Evolutionary analysis of cis‐regulatory DNA reveals that enhancers consist of clusters of conserved sequence blocks (CSBs) that are made up of both unique and repeated sequence elements. This study seeks to address the basis for spatial and temporal regulation of neuroblast enhancer function. A search for temporally restricted CNS NB enhancers identified one within the transcription factor grainyhead (grh) gene locus. The intronic enhancer, grh‐15, contains two separable semi‐autonomous activities, one that drives expression predominantly within the developing brain NBs and another in ventral cord NBs. To gain insight into the function of the CSBs constituting the brain‐specific enhancer, we have systematically deleted each CSB and compared the activity of the altered enhancer to that of the full brain‐specific enhancer. While our results indicate that information regulating enhancer activity is highly redundant, we have found that individual CSBs convey expression in subsets of larval lineages that are generated from either Type I or Type II NBs. These studies also highlight how evolutionary sequence conservation can be used as a guide the functional analysis of cis‐regulatory DNA.
A 10‐session cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT‐T) for eating disorders: Outcomes from a case series of nonunderweight adult patients
Authors: Waller Glenn , Tatham Madeleine , Turner Hannah , Mountford Victoria A. , Bennetts Alison , Bramwell Kate , Dodd Julie , Ingram Lauren
Published: February 2018

Objective

Existing forms of evidence‐based cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders (CBT‐ED) are relatively effective for nonunderweight cases. However, they are also expensive compared to CBT for other disorders. This study reports the first outcomes for a shorter, 10‐session form of CBT‐ED (CBT‐T) for such cases, designed to be less demanding of resources.

Method

A case series of 106 nonunderweight eating disordered cases were considered for this effectiveness study. A protocolized 10‐session version of CBT‐ED was delivered by clinical assistants, under supervision. Measures assessed eating attitudes and behaviors, anxiety, depression, personality pathology, and the working alliance. Intention‐to‐treat analyses were used.

Results

Suitability, acceptability, working alliance ratings, and retention were all positive. Outcomes by the end of therapy and at three‐month follow‐up were positive for all symptoms, with levels of change, abstinence and remission that were comparable to those from effectiveness studies of longer forms of CBT. Higher levels of pretreatment anxiety predicted retention in treatment, but no factors predicted poorer response. Early change in eating attitudes and the working alliance were the strongest predictors of a positive response.

Discussion

This 10‐session form of CBT‐ED for nonunderweight eating disorders performed at a level that is comparable to versions of CBT‐ED that are twice as long, despite being delivered by nonspecialist therapists. Replication and longer‐term follow‐ups are needed to ensure retained effects. However, CBT‐T has promise as a therapy for use in a range of healthcare settings, to enhance access to treatment for such eating disorders.
Biodiverse cities: the nursery industry, homeowners, and neighborhood differences drive urban tree composition
Authors: Avolio Meghan L. , Pataki Diane E. , Trammell Tara L. E. , Endter‐Wada Joanna
Published: February 2018

In arid and semiarid regions, where few if any trees are native, city trees are largely human planted. Societal factors such as resident preferences for tree traits, nursery offerings, and neighborhood characteristics are potentially key drivers of urban tree community composition and diversity, however, they remain critically understudied. We investigated patterns of urban tree structure in residential neighborhoods of the Salt Lake Valley, Utah, combining biological variables, such as neighborhood and plant nursery tree species and trait composition, and sociological data comprised of resident surveys and U.S. Census data. We sampled nine neighborhoods that varied in household income and age of homes. We found more tree species were offered in locally owned nurseries compared with mass merchandiser stores and yard trees at private residences were more diverse than public street trees in the same neighborhoods. There were significant differences among neighborhoods in street and yard tree composition. Newer neighborhoods differed from older neighborhoods in street tree species composition and trait diversity, while neighborhoods varying in affluence differed in yard tree composition. Species richness of yard trees was positively correlated with neighborhood household income, while species richness of street trees was negatively correlated with home age of neighborhood residences. Tree traits differed across neighborhoods of varying ages, suggesting different tree availability and preferences over time. Last, there was a positive correlation between resident preferences for tree attributes and the number of trees that had those attributes both in residential yards and in nursery offerings. Strong relationships between social variables and urban tree composition provides evidence that resident preferences and nursery offerings affect patterns of biodiversity in cities across Salt Lake Valley. These findings can be applied toward efforts to increase taxonomic and functional diversity of city trees in semiarid regions in ways that will also provide ecosystem services of most interest to residents.
Optimal channel selection for simultaneous RF energy harvesting and data transmission in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Hooshiary Akram , Azmi Paeiz , Mokari Nader , Maleki Sina
Published: February 2018

In this paper, a radio frequency–powered cognitive radio network is considered, in which the secondary users are powered by a radio frequency energy harvester (rectenna). Unlike most existing works, we consider a realistic rectenna characteristic function and derive the actual amount of harvested energy and thus obtain the resulting actual energy level of the secondary users. We consider a system architecture at which simultaneous energy harvesting and data transmission for each secondary user is possible. We introduce a strategy to manage the challenge of network throughput decreasing because of the lack of the secondary users' energy via selecting the best possible channels for energy harvesting and, simultaneously, by allocating the best channels for data transmission. Therefore, we implement cognition in spectrum utilization and in energy harvesting. We show that the amount of harvested energy affects the available energy of the secondary user and, consequently, the throughput; therefore, the channel selection to maximize energy harvesting affects the network throughput. To maximize the network throughput, the Hungarian algorithm is employed, and then, an algorithm with lower complexity based on the matching theory is proposed. Finally, we compare our proposed approach with some existing benchmarks and show its high performance in energy harvesting and system throughput.
Sedimentary budget of the Southwest Sub‐basin, South China Sea: Controlling factors and geological implications
Authors: Wu Yanmei , Ding Weiwei , Sun Zhen , Dong Chongzhi , Fang Yinxia
Published: February 2018

Calculation of the sediment budget in the South China Sea abyssal basin lacks constraints from drilling data and reinterpretation of seismic data. On the basis of six multichannel seismic profiles across the Southwest Sub‐basin (SWSB) and the drilling data from International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 349, we divided the Cenozoic sediments into four sedimentary units. The sedimentary budget of the abyssal basin at different geological times was calculated. The previous works in the Mekong continental shelf and slope areas were integrated to calculate the sediment budget of the whole SWSB. Our researches show that the sediment budget in the SWSB increased during the Palaeogene and reached its first peak because of intensified erosion, which might have resulted from the continued uplift of the Tibetan Plateau and accelerated southeastward extrusion of the Indo‐China Peninsula. Since the Late Miocene, the sediment budget was mainly influenced by the East Asia monsoon, that is, the intensified winter monsoon decreased the sediment budget of the entire area during the Late Miocene, whereas the strengthened summer monsoon increased the sediment budget during the Pliocene and reached a peak during the Pleistocene. The sediment budgets of the Mekong continental shelf, the Mekong continental slope, and the abyssal basin have distinct characteristics, relating to the infilling sequence of the terrestrial sediments in different regions. The sediment provenance of the SWSB was mainly from the Indo‐China Peninsula, the Nansha area, and the Palawan before the Late Miocene. After that time, sediments were mainly transported from the modern Mekong River.
Role of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in T4N0 stage IV head and neck cancer: A National Cancer Database analysis
Authors: Kirke Diana N. , Qureshi Muhammad M. , Kamran Sophia C. , Ezzat Waleed , Jalisi Scharukh , Salama Andrew , Everett Peter C. , Truong Minh Tam
Published: February 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (surgery + adjuvant RT) versus adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (surgery + adjuvant CRT) in patients with T4N0M0, stage IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

Between 1998 and 2011, 3518 and 885 patients were treated with surgery + adjuvant RT and surgery + adjuvant CRT, respectively. Three‐year overall survival (OS) rates were determined and crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed.

Results

Median follow‐up was 41.8 months with 2193 reported deaths. The 3‐year OS was 67.5% for surgery + adjuvant RT and 70.5% for surgery + adjuvant CRT (P = .013). For negative margins, the corresponding 3‐year OS was 70.1% and 74.9% (P = .005). For positive margins, the corresponding 3‐year OS was 56.0% and 60.6% (P = .079). On multivariate analysis, the beneficial effect for adjuvant CRT over adjuvant RT was not significant (HR 0.90; CI 0.79‐1.03; P = .124).

Conclusion

In this cohort of patients with T4N0 HNSCC treated with surgery, there was no observed survival benefit of adjuvant CRT over adjuvant RT on multivariate analysis.
Prevalence of adverse pathological features in 1 to 4 cm low‐risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Murthy Samskruthi P. , Balasubramanian Deepak , Subramaniam Narayana , Nair Gopalakrishnan , Babu Misha J. C. , Rathod Priyank V. , Thankappan Krishnakumar , Iyer Subramania , Vijayan Smitha Nalumackal , Prasad Chaya , Nair Vasantha
Published: February 2018

Background

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) recommends thyroid lobectomy for 1 to 4 cm tumors without adverse features. We studied the prevalence of adverse pathological features in patients eligible for unilateral lobectomy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. Patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with tumors measuring 1 to 4 cm with no known preoperative adverse features were included in this study. Patients with nodal and distant metastasis, tumors <1 cm to > 4 cm, age < 17 years old, and gross extrathyroidal extension were excluded. Patients with bilateral nodularity on imaging were excluded from the final analysis on adverse features.

Results

There were 59.1% of patients undergoing thyroidectomy with tumors measuring 1 to 4 cm and no preoperatively known adverse features who were eligible for lobectomy under current ATA guidelines who would have needed a completion thyroidectomy after pathological analysis of the index tumor.

Conclusion

Two thirds of the patients may require a completion thyroidectomy if unilateral lobectomy is done in tumors measuring 1 to 4 cm based on adverse pathological features.
Endothelial Notch activation reshapes the angiocrine of sinusoidal endothelia to aggravate liver fibrosis and blunt regeneration in mice
Authors: Duan Juan‐Li , Ruan Bai , Yan Xian‐Chun , Liang Liang , Song Ping , Yang Zi‐Yan , Liu Yuan , Dou Ke‐Feng , Han Hua , Wang Lin
Published: February 2018

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) critically regulate liver homeostasis and diseases through angiocrine factors. Notch is critical in endothelial cells (ECs). In the current study, Notch signaling was activated by inducible EC‐specific expression of the Notch intracellular domain (NIC). We found that endothelial Notch activation damaged liver homeostasis. Notch activation resulted in decreased fenestration and increased basement membrane, and a gene expression profile with decreased LSEC‐associated genes and increased continuous EC‐associated genes, suggesting LSEC dedifferentiation. Consistently, endothelial Notch activation enhanced hepatic fibrosis (HF) induced by CCl4. Notch activation attenuated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)/soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) signaling, and activation of sGC by 3‐(5′‐hydroxymethyl‐2′‐furyl)‐1‐benzylindazole (YC‐1) reversed the dedifferentiation phenotype. In addition, Notch activation subverted the hepatocyte‐supporting angiocrine profile of LSECs by down‐regulating critical hepatocyte mitogens, including Wnt2a, Wnt9b, and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). This led to compromised hepatocyte proliferation under both quiescent and regenerating conditions. Whereas expression of Wnt2a and Wnt9b was dependent on eNOS‐sGC signaling, HGF expression was not rescued by the sGC activator, suggesting heterogeneous mechanisms of LSECs to maintain hepatocyte homeostasis. Conclusion: Endothelial Notch activation results in LSEC dedifferentiation and accelerated liver fibrogenesis through eNOS‐sGC signaling, and alters the angiocrine profile of LSECs to compromise hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration (LR). (Hepatology 2018).
A protocol in action: Recovery approach for patients within high secure care: A 20+ year follow‐up
Authors: Rees Cheryl , Pitcairn Jamie , Thomson Lindsay
Published: February 2018

Objectives

A person‐centred approach to recovery is increasingly represented within mainstream mental health literature. Little examination of recovery among forensic mental health patients is evidenced. This study plans to address that insufficiency.

Methods

This protocol paper details a novel approach to exploring recovery among a cohort of 241 patients detained under conditions of high secure care in Scotland during August 1992 to August 1993. Under discussion is the repurposing of previous research to circumnavigate length of inpatient stay commonly associated with forensic mental health care. The methodology adopted, while considering data leakage given the vulnerable participant group, will be discussed.

Results

Repurposing and extending previous research attempts to address the file cabinet effect with 85% of health care research being wasted and future uncertainty regarding research funding in a post‐Brexit era. This is an ongoing study. Ethical, confidentiality, privacy issues, and permissions are considered within the methodology.

Conclusions

Ethical arguments can be made for tracing and attempting contact with vulnerable groups under‐represented in the literature. A well‐considered methodology putting the focus on participant welfare and confidentiality at every step is essential. The reported methodology provides an opportunity to expand and re‐examine previously collected data through a contemporary lens.
Serum levels of interleukin 6 in schizophrenic patients during treatment augmentation with sarcosine (results of the PULSAR study)
Authors: Strzelecki Dominik , Urban‐Kowalczyk Małgorzata , Wysokiński Adam
Published: February 2018

Objective

Augmentation of sarcosine, a natural inhibitor of the glycine transporter type I, normalizes glutamatergic neurotransmission, having beneficial impact on primary negative symptoms in schizophrenia and may also influence immune system and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) levels.

Aim

Finding a relationship between initial IL‐6 serum concentrations or its changes and severity of symptoms as a result of sarcosine addition to stable antipsychotic treatment.

Method

Fifity‐eight individuals with schizophrenia with predominantly negative symptoms completed a 6‐month randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled prospective study. Patients received 2 g of sarcosine (n = 29) or placebo (n = 30) daily per os. We measured IL‐6 levels and severity of symptoms at the beginning, after 6 weeks and 6 months. As main clinical tools, we used Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Calgary depression scale for schizophrenia (CDSS).

Results

Augmentation with sarcosine had no effect on IL‐6 serum levels in all time points. We noted significant improvements in negative symptoms, general psychopathology, and total PANSS score in the sarcosine group. We found correlation of initial serum IL‐6 with severity of positive symptoms and negative association between IL‐6 levels reduction and positive symptoms reduction.

Conclusions

Sarcosine does not significantly affect IL‐6 concentrations but IL‐6 may be involved in mechanisms related to the presence of positive symptoms.
Targeting the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway and myeloid cells to improve radiation treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Lecavalier‐Barsoum Magali , Chaudary Naz , Han Kathy , Koritzinsky Marianne , Hill Richard , Milosevic Michael
Published: February 2018

Cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Approximately half of cervical cancer patients present with locally advanced disease, for which surgery is not an option. These cases are nonetheless potentially curable with radiotherapy and cisplatin chemotherapy. Unfortunately, some tumours are resistant to treatment, and lymph node and distant recurrences are major problems in patients with advanced disease at diagnosis. New targeted treatments that can overcome treatment resistance and reduce metastases are urgently needed. The CXCL12/CXCR4 chemokine pathway is ubiquitously expressed in many normal tissues and cancers, including cervical cancer. Emerging evidence indicates that it plays a central role in cervical cancer pathogenesis, malignant progression, the development of metastases and radiation treatment response. Pre‐clinical studies of standard‐of‐care fractionated radiotherapy and concurrent weekly cisplatin plus the CXCR4 inhibitor Plerixafor (AMD3100) in patient‐derived orthotopic cervical cancer xenografts have shown improved primary tumour response and reduced lymph node metastases with no increase in early or late side effects. These studies have pointed the way forward to future clinical trials of radiotherapy/cisplatin plus Plerixafor or other newly emerging CXCL12 or CXCR4 inhibitors in women with cervical cancer.
In vivo characterization of brain metabolism by 1H MRS, 13C MRS and 18FDG PET reveals significant glucose oxidation of invasively growing glioma cells
Authors: Lai Marta , Vassallo Irene , Lanz Bernard , Poitry‐Yamate Carole , Hamou Marie‐France , Cudalbu Cristina , Gruetter Rolf , Hegi Monika E.
Published: February 2018

Glioblastoma are notorious for their highly invasive growth, diffusely infiltrating adjacent brain structures that precludes complete resection, and is a major obstacle for cure. To characterize this “invisible” tumor part, we designed a high resolution multimodal imaging approach assessing in vivo the metabolism of invasively growing glioma xenografts in the mouse brain. Animals were subjected longitudinally to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 1H spectroscopy (MRS) at ultra high field (14.1 Tesla) that allowed the measurement of 16 metabolic biomarkers to characterize the metabolic profiles. As expected, the neuronal functionality was progressively compromised as indicated by decreasing N‐acetyl aspartate, glutamate and gamma‐aminobutyric acid and reduced neuronal TCA cycle (−58%) and neurotransmission (−50%). The dynamic metabolic changes observed, captured differences in invasive growth that was modulated by re‐expression of the tumor suppressor gene WNT inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) in the orthotopic xenografts that attenuates invasion. At late stage mice were subjected to 13C MRS with infusion of [1,6‐13C]glucose and 18FDG positron emission tomography (PET) to quantify cell‐specific metabolic fluxes involved in glucose metabolism. Most interestingly, this provided the first in vivo evidence for significant glucose oxidation in glioma cells. This suggests that the infiltrative front of glioma does not undergo the glycolytic switch per se, but that environmental triggers may induce metabolic reprograming of tumor cells.
A scheme of analysis for eVoting as a technological innovation system
Authors: Sambo Paul , Alexander Patricia
Published: February 2018

This paper seeks to determine whether the introduction of technology in the electoral processes can be regarded as a technological innovation system. This is done by analysing and evaluating eVoting systems using data obtained from interviews and reviewing documentation relating to a multicase study of the Namibian and South African context. The study reveals that the adapted scheme of analysis proposed for technological innovation systems can be successfully applied to an eVoting system to obtain insights into the functions of the system, the electoral processes involved, and the process of introducing the innovation (techno‐change process). From the analysis, it can be deduced that an eVoting system may be classified as technological innovation system as the researcher was able to analyse, identify, and link the 6 steps of the scheme of analysis to the electoral processes. This analytical process is expected to provide improved insights into the techno‐change processes and the electoral processes and enhance adoption of the eVoting system. The findings not only explain how to improve the usability of the electoral system and its efficiency but also help in crafting policies and strategies that can counter the barriers of implementing and adoption of the technology.
Back Cover: Characterization and application of porous gold nanoparticles as 2‐photon luminescence imaging agents: 20‐fold brighter than gold nanorods (J. Biophotonics 2/2018)
Authors: Park Joo H. , Park Jisoo , Kim Suho , Kim Se‐Hwa , Lee Tae G. , Lee Jae Y. , Wi Jung‐Sub
Published: February 2018

Gold nanoparticles serve as imaging contrast agents useful for two‐photon nonlinear microscopy of biological cells and tissues. In this study, 100‐nm‐sized gold particles with a multitude of nanopores embedded inside have been physically synthesized and investigated for the plasmonic enhancement in two‐photon luminescence. Exhibiting remarkable potential for two‐photon imaging, the porous gold nanoparticles boost near‐infrared light absorption substantially and allow emission signals 20 times brighter than gold nanorods being currently used as typical imaging agents.

Further details can be found in the article by Joo H. Park et al. (e201700174)

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Evaluation of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms (Fok‐I and Bsm‐I) in T1DM Saudi children
Authors: Ali Rabab , Fawzy Iman , Mohsen Ihsan , Settin Ahmad
Published: February 2018

Background

Vitamin D deficiency conferred strongest susceptibility to pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Altered gene expression and function have strong effect on VDR gene polymorphism.

Objectives

We aimed to check for the association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VDR gene (Fok‐I and Bsm‐I) with T1DM in Saudi children.

Subjects and Methods

Cross‐sectional study included 100 T1DM Saudi children, plus 102 unrelated healthy subjects. PCR technique was used for detection of Fok‐I and Bsm‐I SNPs in VDR gene.

Results

Regarding the Fok‐I polymorphisms, T1DM cases showed a significant increased frequency of the heterozygous genotype (Ff) than controls (33% vs 21%, OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.006‐3.587, P = .04). In the meantime, they showed significantly lower frequency of the homozygous (ff) genotype (64% vs 79%, OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.28‐0.96, P = .03). Cases showed also a significantly lower frequency of the (f) allele than controls (80.5% vs 87.7%, OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.33‐0.995, P = .04). On the other hand, cases showed significantly higher frequency of the Bsm‐I homozygous (bb) and heterozygous (Bb) genotypes (25% vs 11.8%, P = .01, OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.18‐5.31) & (45% vs 27.5%, P = .0, OR = 2.1, 95 % CI = 1.20‐3.89, respectively). Cases showed also significantly higher frequency of (b) allele compared to control (47.5% vs 25.5%, P = .0, OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.74‐4.02). Haplotype analysis showed an increased risk with the fB and fb haplotypes.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes a positive association between SNPs (Fok‐I and Bsm‐I) and T1DM among Saudi children with increased risk with the Fok‐I F and Bsm‐I b alleles.
Study Design Parameters Affecting Exposure Response Analysis of QT Data: Results From Simulation Studies
Authors: Ferber Georg , Sun Yaning , Darpo Borje , Garnett Christine , Liu Jiang
Published: February 2018

The operating characteristics of dose‐escalating studies in terms of false‐negative predictions of the QT effect and the power to exclude clinically relevant QT effects are not quantitatively established. One thousand single‐ascending‐dose (SAD) studies with 7 dose groups with 6/2 subjects on active drug/placebo were generated through simulation for each of 32 scenarios with (1) 8 different QT effects of the study drug and (2) achieved plasma concentration 2‐ or 4‐fold above therapeutic levels. For each subject, drug‐free QT data from a thorough QT study were subsampled to capture the circadian profile, on which a drug effect was added. The percentage of false‐negative studies was between 4% and 9% when the drug's QT effect was set to 10 milliseconds. If a somewhat lower effect of 6.7 milliseconds was set at therapeutic concentrations, the fraction of negative studies was higher, 40% to 60% when the variability of the QT data was well controlled. When the QT effect was set to 5 milliseconds at therapeutic plasma concentrations, the power of SAD studies to exclude 10 milliseconds QT effect was generally above 70% (74% to 94%) with well‐controlled QT variability, whereas the power was reduced to 36% to 69% if supratherapeutic plasma concentrations were not achieved. The rate of false‐negative studies was acceptably low in placebo‐controlled SAD studies. With a drug with no or a small QT effect, supratherapeutic plasma concentrations, and well‐controlled variability of QT data, the power of SAD studies to exclude a relevant effect was above 70%.
Examining the interpersonal process and consequence of leader–member exchange comparison: The role of procedural justice climate
Authors: Tse Herman H. M. , Lam Catherine K. , Gu Jun , Lin Xiao Song
Published: February 2018

Individuals are always sensitive to their relative standing in interpersonal comparison processes of leader–member exchanges (LMXs) in teams. Little research, however, has investigated whether coworkers with a higher LMX influence the emotional and behavioral reactions of individuals with a lower LMX in different dyads. Drawing on social comparison theory and the symbolic model of procedural justice (PJ) climate, we conducted 2 independent studies—an experimental study focusing on the self‐perceived upward LMX comparison (i.e., an individual perceives that a coworker's LMX is higher than the LMX that he or she has with the supervisor; N = 203; Study 1: American working adults) and a field survey study focusing on the other‐perceived downward LMX comparison (i.e., a coworker perceives that his or her own LMX is higher than the LMX that the individual has with the supervisor; N = 177; Study 2: Chinese software engineers). Results from these studies consistently revealed that a coworker's higher LMX elicits an individual's hostile emotions when the PJ climate is low but that this relationship is buffered when the PJ climate is high. Results of both studies also showed that the coworker's higher LMX arouses the individual to direct harmful behavior toward that coworker (via the individual's feelings of hostility) when the PJ climate is low but not when it is high.
Evaluation of CMIP5 retrospective simulations of temperature and precipitation in northeastern Argentina
Authors: Lovino Miguel A. , Müller Omar V. , Berbery Ernesto H. , Müller Gabriela V.
Published: February 2018

It is generally agreed that models that better simulate historical and current features of climate should also be the ones that more reliably simulate future climate. This article describes the ability of a selection of global climate models (GCMs) of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) to represent the historical and current mean climate and its variability over northeastern Argentina, a region that exhibits frequent extreme events. Two types of simulations are considered: Long‐term simulations for 1901–2005 in which the models respond to climate forcing (e.g. changes in atmospheric composition and land use) and decadal simulations for 1961–2010 that are initialized from observed climate states. Monthly simulations of precipitation and temperature are statistically evaluated for individual models and their ensembles.

Subsets of models that best represent the region's climate are further examined. First, models that have a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of at least 0.8 are taken as a subset that best represents the observed temperature fields and the mean annual cycle. Their temperature time series are in phase with observations (r > 0.92), despite systematic errors that if desired can be corrected by statistical methods. Likewise, models that have a precipitation Pearson correlation coefficient of at least 0.6 are considered that best represent regional precipitation features. GCMs are able to reproduce the annual precipitation cycle, although they underestimate precipitation amounts during the austral warm season (September through April) and slightly overestimate the cold season rainfall amounts. The ensembles for the subsets of models achieve the best evaluation metrics, exceeding the performance of the overall ensembles as well as those of the individual models.
Evaluation of phenolic profiles and antioxidant capacity of maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) berries and their relationships to drying methods
Authors: Quispe‐Fuentes Issis , Vega‐Gálvez Antonio , Aranda Mario
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Five drying methods (freeze, convective, sun, infrared, and vacuum drying) were applied to maqui berries to establish their effect on phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total anthocyanin contents were measured by spectrophotometry, anthocyanin and phenolic profiles were analyzed by chromatography, and the antioxidant capacity was determined. This study is probably the first to demonstrate the variation and stability of bioactive compounds from maqui berries after applying different drying methods.

RESULTS

The highest content of phenolic and antioxidant compounds was obtained by using the freeze‐drying method compared with fresh samples (P < 0.05). Eight anthocyanins were identified in all dehydrated maqui samples. Compared with fresh maqui, freeze‐dried samples retained 73% and 64% of delphinidin and cyanidin derivatives respectively. Sun‐ and vacuum‐dried samples conserved some phenolic acids. Vacuum‐dried maqui retained a higher amount of free flavonols.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the application of any drying method results in a final product with good levels of phenolic compounds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
In vitro evaluation of chitosan copper chelate gels as a multimicronutrient feed additive for cattle
Authors: Duffy Ciara , O'Riordan Dolores , O'Sullivan Michael , Jacquier Jean‐Christophe
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Effective micronutrient supplementation strategies are critical to ensure optimal health and productivity in livestock. The objective of this study was to develop a copper and vitamin (multimicronutrient) delivery system based on chitosan gel beads, and test its suitability, in vitro, for use as a cattle feed additive.

RESULTS

Chitosan was chelated with copper sulfate to produce millimetre‐scale gel matrices (∼2 mm). The copper content was significantly increased (from 61 to 95 mg g by adjusting pH to alkaline conditions post bead formation. The beads could subsequently be loaded with the model vitamin riboflavin to levels as high as 324 µg g−1 beads. Restricted rehydration of the dried gel matrices in simulated rumen fluid led to a sustained release of riboflavin with no copper released in these neutral conditions for up to 24 h, demonstrating copper rumen bypass. Moreover, sustained release of the mineral was observed in abomasal conditions of pH 2 over a 3 h period.

CONCLUSIONS

The matrices showed rumen bypass for copper yet supplied nutritionally relevant levels of the free mineral in abomasal conditions, as required for effective supplementation in cattle. The controlled‐release properties demonstrated by the matrices indicate their potential as a multimicronutrient functional feed additive to enhance cattle nutrition and productivity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of sunflower stalk‐carbon nitride nanosheets as a green sorbent in the solid‐phase extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Marzi Khosrowshahi Elnaz , Razmi Habib
Published: February 2018

A green biocomposite of sunflower stalks and graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets has been applied as a solid‐phase extraction adsorbent for sample preparation of five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in different solutions using high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Before the modification, sunflower stalks exhibited relatively low adsorption to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons extraction. The modified sunflower stalks showed increased adsorption to the analytes extraction due to the increase in surface and existence of a π–π interaction between the analytes and graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets on the surface. Under the optimal conditions, the limits of detection and quantification for five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons compounds could reach 0.4–32 and 1.2–95 ng/L, respectively. The method accuracy was evaluated using recovery measurements in spiked real samples and good recoveries from 71 to 115% with relative standard deviations of <10% have been achieved. The developed method was successfully applied for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons determination in various samples—well water, tap water, soil, vegetable, and barbequed meat (kebab)—with analytes contents ranging from 0.065 to 13.3 μg/L. The prepared green composite as a new sorbent has some advantages including ease of preparation, low cost, and good reusability.
Interpolating DFT Data for 15D Modeling of Methane Dissociation on an fcc Metal
Authors: Frankcombe Terry J.
Published: February 2018

Detailed simulation of reactions occurring on and with the surfaces of crystalline materials usually require a continuous representation of the potential energy surface that describes the adsorbate–surface interaction. Only a few techniques are available to describe interactions with polyatomic adsorbates that respect all of the symmetries of the interactions. The modified Shepard interpolation has recently been reformulated to ensure symmetries are rigorously imposed. In this work, the modified Shepard interpolation is used to construct a 15D potential energy surface for the reaction of methane with the {100} surface of a face‐centered cubic metal, in the Born‐‐Oppenheimer static surface (BOSS) approximation. The energy of the system is calculated using density functional theory (DFT), and the geometries around which the potential is expanded are selected by quasi‐classical trajectory calculations. The energy of the resulting continuous potential energy surface exactly matched the DFT energy at these points; there is no fitting error. It is demonstrated that the classical reaction probability converges with a reasonable number of interpolation points for this 15D system.
Olfactory and middle meatal cytokine levels correlate with olfactory function in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Wu Jeffanie , Chandra Rakesh K. , Li Ping , Hull Benjamin P. , Turner Justin H.
Published: February 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

The etiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)‐associated olfactory loss is unclear, but may result from inflammatory changes in the olfactory epithelium that result in signaling dysfunction or loss of olfactory neurons. Several proinflammatory cytokines have been associated with CRS, but their expression within the olfactory cleft microenvironment and association with olfactory function is unknown.

Study Design

Prospective case‐control study.

Methods

Mucus was collected from the olfactory cleft and middle meatus of 31 CRS without nasal polyps subjects, 36 CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) subjects, and 12 healthy controls. Olfactory function was assessed using the validated Smell Identification Test (SIT). Site‐specific levels of 14 cytokines/chemokines (interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐17A, tumor necrosis factor‐α, Eotaxin, RANTES [regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted]) were assessed using a multiplex flow cytometric bead assay and correlated with SIT scores.

Results

Mucus cytokine levels in the olfactory cleft were strongly or moderately correlated with levels in the middle meatus for all but one measured inflammatory mediators. SIT scores were inversely correlated with levels of IL‐2 (P = .006), IL‐5 (P < .0001), IL‐6 (P = .0009), IL‐10 (P < .0001), and IL‐13 (P < .0001), with significance largely driven by CRSwNP patients.

Conclusions

The inflammatory microenvironment within the olfactory cleft mirrors that within the middle meatus. Elevated levels of IL‐2, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, and IL‐13 in olfactory cleft mucus are associated with reduced olfactory identification scores in CRS patients. Altered levels of select olfactory mucus cytokines could potentially have deleterious effects on olfactory neuron function and turnover.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:E304–E310, 2018
The use of specific immunoglobulin E in nasal secretions for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Meng Yifan , Lou Hongfei , Wang Yang , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo
Published: February 2018

Objective

Although local specific immunoglobulin (sIgE) has been employed as a diagnostic criterion for allergic rhinitis (AR), the use of local sIgE has not been fully evaluated in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of nasal secretion sIgE in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.

Methods

A total of 51 patients (27 males and 24 females, mean age = 33.3 years) with rhinitis symptoms were enrolled consecutively from the allergy‐rhinology clinic of Beijing TongRen Hospital (Beijing, People's Republic of China). Questionnaires were completed by each participant at recruitment to record demographic data, nasal symptom severity, and physician‐diagnosed comorbid asthma. The severity of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal/eye itching was recorded according to a visual analogue scale (VAS) of 10 cm. Sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, mugwort, Candida albicans, Penicillium notatum, Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus were assessed according to presence of sIgE antibodies to these allergens in serum and nasal secretions.

Results

VAS scores of the participants ranged from 11 to 25 (mean = 17), and 14 (27.5%) patients had comorbid asthma. Based on serum sIgE, 31 (60.8%) patients were allergic to mugwort, 14 (27.5%) to Dermatophagoides, and three (5.9%) to fungal allergens. Based on nasal secretion sIgE, 32 (62.7%) patients were allergic to mugwort, 12 (23.5%) to Dermatophagoides, and three (5.9%) to fungal allergens. The local mugwort sIgE level and serum mugwort sIgE level were positively correlated with each other and with VAS scores.

Conclusion

sIgE level in nasal secretions of subjects with rhinitis is a reliable noninvasive alternative to serum sIgE for diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:E311–E315, 2018
Genomics of mucoepidermoid and adenoid cystic carcinomas
Authors: Yan Kenneth , Yesensky Jessica , Hasina Rifat , Agrawal Nishant
Published: February 2018

Objective

To report on the current state of the literature on the genetics of mucoepidermoid and adenoid cystic carcinomas of the salivary glands with a focus on genomic screens and recently discovered genetic translocations.

Methods

A PubMed based literature review was performed to query for genetics related basic science and preclinical studies about mucoepidermoid and adenoid cystic carcinomas of the salivary glands.

Results and conclusions

Genetic translocations between CRTC1 and MAML2 in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and between MYB and NFIB in adenoid cystic carcinoma have been recently discovered and have therapeutic implications. Key signaling pathways such as the EGFR pathway in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and the Notch pathway, chromatin regulation, and c‐kit mediated epithelial‐mesenchymal transitions in adenoid cystic carcinoma have recently been elucidated, pointing to possible therapeutic targets in both cancers.
Association between serum hepcidin level and restless legs syndrome
Authors: Dauvilliers Yves , Chenini Sofiene , Vialaret Jérôme , Delaby Constance , Guiraud Lily , Gabelle Audrey , Lopez Regis , Hirtz Christophe , Jaussent Isabelle , Lehmann Sylvain
Published: February 2018

Background: To better understand the role of iron homeostasis dysregulation in restless legs syndrome, we compared serum hepcidin and ferritin levels in drug‐free patients with primary restless legs syndrome and healthy controls and studied the relationship between hepcidin level and restless legs syndrome severity.

Methods: One hundred and eight drug‐free patients with primary restless legs syndrome (65 women; median age, 61.5 years) and 45 controls (28 women; median age, 53.9 years) were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were: normal ferritin level (>50 ng/mL) and absence of iron disorders, chronic renal or liver failure, and inflammatory or neurological diseases. Each subject underwent a thorough clinical examination and a polysomnography assessment. Serum hepcidin‐25 was quantified using a validated mass spectrometry method. Restless legs syndrome severity was evaluated according to the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group.

Results: Despite no group difference between normal ferritin levels and demographic features, serum hepcidin level and hepcidin/ferritin ratio were higher in patients than in controls. Hepcidin level and hepcidin/ferritin ratio, but not ferritin level, were positively correlated with periodic leg movements during sleep and wakefulness in the whole sample. Hepcidin level seem to be associated with restless legs syndrome severity in a complex U‐shaped relationship, without relationship with age at restless legs syndrome onset, positive family history, sleep and depressive symptoms, genetic background, and polysomnographic measurements. No relationship was found between ferritin level and restless legs syndrome severity.

Conclusion: In drug‐free patients with primary restless legs syndrome, hepcidin level is higher than in controls and may be associated with restless legs syndrome clinical severity. This result emphasizes the complex peripheral iron metabolism deregulation in restless legs syndrome, opening potential perspectives for a personalized approach with a hepcidin antagonist. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The modified Green function technique for the exterior Dirichlet problem in linear thermoelasticity
Authors: Argyropoulos Elias , Argyropoulou Eftychia , Kiriaki Kiriakie
Published: February 2018

In this work, the modified Green function technique for the exterior Dirichlet problem in linear thermoelasticity is presented. Expressing the solution of the problem as a double‐layer potential of an unknown density, we form the associated boundary integral equation that describes the problem. Exploiting that the discrete spectrum of the irregular values of the associated integral equation is identified with the spectrum of eigenvalues of the corresponding interior homogeneous Neumann problem for the transverse part of the elastic displacement field, we introduce a modification of the fundamental solution of the elastic field. We establish the sufficient conditions that the coefficients of the modification must satisfy to overcome the problem of nonuniqueness for the thermoelastic problem.