bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More wear‐resistant and ductile UHMWPE composite prepared by the addition of radiation crosslinked UHMWPE powder
Authors: Wang Honglong , Xu Lu , Zhang Mingxing , Li Rong , Xing Zhe , Hu Jiangtao , Wang Mouhua , Wu Guozhong
Published: November 2016

Radiation crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (X‐UHMWPE) powder was prepared by γ‐ray irradiation under nitrogen atmosphere with a dose of 50–200 kGy at a dose rate of 7 kGy/h and further annealing in vacuum at 120 °C for 4 h. The crosslinked powder was characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy, gel content, and hot‐press molding. Then, X‐UHMWPE was added to pristine UHMWPE to prepare a composite with 0–25 wt % filler. The morphology, wear resistance, and tensile property of the composite were investigated. Using X‐UHMWPE as a filler could sufficiently improve the wear resistance of the composite. Adding 25 wt % X‐UHMWPE (dose: 150 kGy) improved wear resistance by 130% and retained approximately 90% tensile strength and 70% ductility. Wear‐resistant and ductile UHMWPE composite may be potentially used for artificial joint replacement and engineering devices. The proposed route is useful in fabricating UHMWPE material with excellent comprehensive performance or functional polymer composite. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44643.
Tunable wettability and tensile strength of chitosan membranes using keratin microparticles as reinforcement
Authors: Ma Bomou , Chen Weixin , Qiao Xue , Pan Gangwei , Jakpa Wizi , Hou Xiuliang , Yang Yiqi
Published: November 2016

Keratin particles with microscale are prepared by ball mill and its influences on the chitosan membrane is evaluated. Composite membranes with various content of keratin are fabricated, and their physical and chemical properties such as morphology, wettability, crystallization, thermal stability, tensile strength, and break elongation are investigated. Optical microscope and situ topographic scan mode of nano‐test system are used to examine the dispersion and aggregation of keratin on the surface of chitosan membrane. The result of contact angle (CA) and mechanical testing show that the incorporation of keratin particles decrease the CA from 98.1° to 58.2°. Tensile strength and break elongation of the composite membrane reaches a maximum of 65 ± 8 MPa and 15% when the keratin content is 6%, an increase of 80% and 88% compared with the pristine chitosan membrane. Both the increase in tensile strength and break elongation is result of the incorporation of keratin particles known for their excellent compatibility between keratin and chitosan matrix. These kind of composite material combines the antibacterial properties of chitosan with cell culture preference of keratin which may have potential biomedical application. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44667.
On the Use of Fluxgate 3‐Axis Magnetometers in Archaeology: Application with a Multi‐sensor Device on the Site of Qasr ‘Allam in the Western Desert of Egypt
Authors: Gavazzi Bruno , Alkhatib‐Alkontar Rozan , Munschy Marc , Colin Frédéric , Duvette Catherine
Published: November 2016

Fluxgate 3‐axis magnetometers are seldom used on archaeological sites due to their lack of precision. Nonetheless, they offer light weight, low power consumption and the ability of compensation of the magnetization of the prospecting device. This study proposes to use calibration and compensation processes developed for space research and aerial measurement to build a multi‐sensor and georeferenced device to assess deep and shallow objects for large‐scale archaeological investigations in Qasr 'Allam, in a context of heavy sedimentary coverage and uneven surface. The use of the device on the site in combination with potential field transformations of the signal such as the double reduction to the pole and the vertical derivative reveal a vast irrigation system as well as a large religious facility. A comparison with gradiometric measurements shows a resolution as good at least for shallow sources. The precise positioning allows targeted excavations that validate the geophysical interpretations and offer new archaeological information. These discoveries give enough proof to the local authorities to define the area to be protected from the threatening progression of agricultural fields. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brief Report: Relationship Between Serum Infliximab Concentrations and Risk of Infections in Patients Treated for Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Bejan‐Angoulvant Theodora , Ternant David , Daoued Fadela , Medina Frédéric , Bernard Louis , Mammou Saloua , Paintaud Gilles , Mulleman Denis
Published: November 2016

Objective

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors are effective in reducing inflammation in rheumatic diseases but increase the risk of infections. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between the trough serum concentration of infliximab (IFX) and the risk of a first infection episode.

Methods

We retrospectively included all patients who started IFX treatment for an approved indication in our department. Patients were followed up based on recommended IFX infusion schedules. We studied the relationship between the occurrence of a first infection episode requiring hospitalization, anti‐infection treatment, or IFX infusion deferral, and the last trough IFX concentration and mean of the last 3 trough IFX concentrations measured before the infection episode.

Results

Of the 201 patients included in the analysis, 173 had spondyloarthritis (SpA). The SpA patients had a mean ± SD age of 46 ± 12 years and a disease duration of 6.2 ± 6.1 years. During a median follow‐up of 1.1 year, 87 SpA patients had at least 1 infection episode. Using Cox models, we found that the probability of survival without infection was significantly higher in patients with a mean of the last 3 trough IFX concentrations lower than the median (<11.3 mg/liter) than in patients with a mean concentration greater than the median (P = 0.048 by log‐rank test). Glucocorticoid use and IFX concentration were significantly associated with the risk of a first infection episode in the multivariable analysis (P = 0.004 for both). The risk of infection episode was significantly increased in the highest quartile of the mean of the last 3 trough IFX concentrations (>20.3 mg/liter) (hazard ratio 2.65 [95% confidence interval 1.14–6.14], P = 0.023).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that a high IFX concentration is correlated with a higher risk of a first infection episode, but these findings need to be replicated in further prospective studies.
Robust Stabilization of Nonlinear PVTOL Aircraft with Parameter Uncertainties
Authors: Yu‐Chan Chen , Bao‐Li Ma , Wen‐Jing Xie
Published: November 2016

In this work, the stabilization control problem is investigated for the planar vertical take‐off and landing (PVTOL) aircraft with unknown model parameters. To cope with the challenges caused by non‐minimum phase and parametric uncertainties, a new appropriate output, different from the general centroid position output, is carefully constructed to ensure the zero dynamics asymptotically stable, then the sliding‐mode technique is applied to design a state feedback control law. The proposed robust control law is proved able to asymptotically stabilize the PVTOL aircraft to the desired fixed position with null velocities and roll angle despite the unknown model parameters. Simulation examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.
Panel‐based stratified cluster sampling and analysis for photovoltaic outdoor measurements
Authors: Pepelyshev Andrey , Sovetkin Evgenii , Steland Ansgar
Published: November 2016

We study a stratified multisite cluster‐sampling panel time series approach in order to analyse and evaluate the quality and reliability of produced items, motivated by the problem to sample and analyse multisite outdoor measurements from photovoltaic systems. The specific stratified sampling in spatial clusters reduces sampling costs and allows for heterogeneity as well as for the analysis of spatial correlations due to defects and damages that tend to occur in clusters. The analysis is based on weighted least squares using data‐dependent weights. We show that this does not affect consistency and asymptotic normality of the least squares estimator under the proposed sampling design under general conditions. The estimation of the relevant variance–covariance matrices is discussed in detail for various models including nested designs and random effects. The strata corresponding to damages or manufacturers are modelled via a quality feature by means of a threshold approach. The analysis of outdoor electroluminescence images shows that spatial correlations and local clusters may arise in such photovoltaic data. Further, relevant statistics such as the mean pixel intensity cannot be assumed to follow a Gaussian law. We investigate the proposed inferential tools in detail by simulations in order to assess the influence of spatial cluster correlations and serial correlations on the test's size and power. ©2016 The Authors. Applied Stochastic Models in Business and Industry published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On a single discrete scale for preventive maintenance with two shock processes affecting a complex system
Authors: Finkelstein Maxim , Gertsbakh Ilya , Vaisman Radislav
Published: November 2016

A new approach to optimal maintenance of systems (networks) is suggested. It is applied to systems subject to two external independent shock processes. A system ‘consists’ of two parts, and each shock process affects only its own part. A new notion of bivariate signature is suggested and used for obtaining survival characteristics of a system and further optimization of the preventive maintenance actions. The preventive maintenance optimization is considered in the univariate discrete scale that counts the overall numbers of shocks of both types. An example of a transportation network is considered. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating diagnostic bias in autism spectrum conditions: An item response theory analysis of sex bias in the AQ‐10
Authors: Murray Aja Louise , Allison Carrie , Smith Paula L. , Baron‐Cohen Simon , Booth Tom , Auyeung Bonnie
Published: November 2016

Diagnostic bias is a concern in autism spectrum conditions (ASC) where prevalence and presentation differ by sex. To ensure that females with ASC are not under‐identified, it is important that ASC screening tools do not systematically underestimate autistic traits in females relative to males. We evaluated whether the AQ‐10, a brief screen for ASC recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence in cases of suspected ASC, exhibits such a bias. Using an item response theory approach, we evaluated differential item functioning and differential test functioning. We found that although individual items showed some sex bias, these biases at times favored males and at other times favored females. Thus, at the level of test scores the item‐level biases cancelled out to give an unbiased overall score. Results support the continued use of the AQ‐10 sum score in its current form; however, suggest that caution should be exercised when interpreting responses to individual items. The nature of the item level biases could serve as a guide for future research into how ASC affects males and females differently. Autism Res 2017, 10: 790–800. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maternal autoimmune disease and birth defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Authors: Howley Meredith M. , Browne Marilyn L. , Van Zutphen Alissa R. , Richardson Sandra D. , Blossom Sarah J. , Broussard Cheryl S. , Carmichael Suzan L. , Druschel Charlotte M. ,   for the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: November 2016

Background

Little is known about the association between maternal autoimmune disease or its treatment and the risk of birth defects. We examined these associations using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a multi‐site, population‐based, case–control study.

Methods

Analyses included 25,116 case and 9897 unaffected control infants with estimated delivery dates between 1997 and 2009. Information on autoimmune disease, medication use, and other pregnancy exposures was collected by means of telephone interview. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for birth defects with five or more exposed cases; crude ORs and exact 95% CIs were estimated for birth defects with three to four exposed cases.

Results

Autoimmune disease was reported by 373 mothers (279 case and 94 control mothers). The majority of birth defects evaluated were not associated with autoimmune disease; however, a statistically significant association between maternal autoimmune disease and encephalocele was observed (OR, 4.64; 95% CI, 1.95–11.04). Eighty‐two mothers with autoimmune disease used an immune modifying/suppressing medication during pregnancy; this was associated with encephalocele (OR, 7.26; 95% CI, 1.37–24.61) and atrial septal defects (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.16–7.80).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest maternal autoimmune disease and treatment are not associated with the majority of birth defects, but may be associated with some defects, particularly encephalocele. Given the low prevalence of individual autoimmune diseases and the rare use of specific medications, we were unable to examine associations of specific autoimmune diseases and medications with birth defects. Other studies are needed to confirm these findings. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:950–962, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterizing facial features in individuals with craniofacial microsomia: A systematic approach for clinical research
Authors: Heike Carrie L. , Wallace Erin , Speltz Matthew L. , Siebold Babette , Werler Martha M. , Hing Anne V. , Birgfeld Craig B. , Collett Brent R. , Leroux Brian G. , Luquetti Daniela V.
Published: November 2016

Background

Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is a congenital condition with wide phenotypic variability, including hypoplasia of the mandible and external ear. We assembled a cohort of children with facial features within the CFM spectrum and children without known craniofacial anomalies. We sought to develop a standardized approach to assess and describe the facial characteristics of the study cohort, using multiple sources of information gathered over the course of this longitudinal study and to create case subgroups with shared phenotypic features.

Methods

Participants were enrolled between 1996 and 2002. We classified the facial phenotype from photographs, ratings using a modified version of the Orbital, Ear, Mandible, Nerve, Soft tissue (OMENS) pictorial system, data from medical record abstraction, and health history questionnaires.

Results

The participant sample included 142 cases and 290 controls. The average age was 13.5 years (standard deviation, 1.3 years; range, 11.1–17.1 years). Sixty‐one percent of cases were male, 74% were white non‐Hispanic. Among cases, the most common features were microtia (66%) and mandibular hypoplasia (50%). Case subgroups with meaningful group definitions included: (1) microtia without other CFM‐related features (n = 24), (2) microtia with mandibular hypoplasia (n = 46), (3) other combinations of CFM‐ related facial features (n = 51), and (4) atypical features (n = 21).

Conclusion

We developed a standardized approach for integrating multiple data sources to phenotype individuals with CFM, and created subgroups based on clinically‐meaningful, shared characteristics. We hope that this system can be used to explore associations between phenotype and clinical outcomes of children with CFM and to identify the etiology of CFM. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:915–926, 2016.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using insurance claims data to identify and estimate critical periods in pregnancy: An application to antidepressants
Authors: Ailes Elizabeth C. , Simeone Regina M. , Dawson April L. , Petersen Emily E. , Gilboa Suzanne M.
Published: November 2016

Background

Health insurance claims are a rich data source to examine medication use in pregnancy. Our objective was to identify pregnant women, their pregnancy outcomes, and date of their last menstrual period (LMP), and to estimate antidepressant dispensations in pregnancy.

Methods

From a literature search, we identified diagnosis and procedure codes indicating the end of a pregnancy. Using Truven Health MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Encounters Databases, we identified all inpatient admissions and outpatient service claims with these codes. We developed an algorithm to assign: (1) pregnancy outcome (ectopic pregnancy, induced or spontaneous abortion, live birth, or stillbirth), and (2) estimated gestational age, to each inpatient or outpatient visit. For each pregnancy outcome, we estimated the LMP as the admission (for inpatient visits) or service (for outpatient visits) date minus the gestational age. To differentiate visits associated with separate pregnancies, we required ≥ 2 months between one pregnancy outcomes and the LMP of the next pregnancy. We used this algorithm to identify pregnancies in 2013 and to estimate the proportion of women who filled a prescription for an antidepressant from an outpatient pharmacy at various time points in pregnancy.

Results

We identified 488,887 pregnancies in 2013; 79% resulted in a live birth. A prescription for an antidepressant was filled in 6.2% of pregnancies. Dispensations varied throughout pregnancy and were lowest (3.1%) during the second trimester.

Conclusion

This work will inform future efforts to estimate medication dispensations during critical periods of preconception, interconception, and pregnancy using health insurance claims data. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:927–934, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surveillance of ventricular septal defects in Delaware
Authors: Acheson Amy , Vaidy Anika , Stomieroski Kathleen , Thompson Dana R. , Maiden Kristin M. , Ehrenthal Deborah B. , Yezdani Samir , Bhat Abdul Majeed , Locke Robert , Bartoshesky Louis E.
Published: November 2016

Background

The prevalence of ventricular septal defects (VSDs), a birth defect in which there is an opening in the wall that separates the left and right ventricles of the heart, seemed to be substantially higher in Delaware compared with the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN). The Delaware Birth Defects Registry (BDR) noted their high prevalence of VSDs in comparison with other states.

Methods

A subset of children with a VSD born in 2007 through 2010 was identified from the complete reportable statewide defect list that the BDR creates each year. VSDs were categorized by type of VSD (muscular, perimembranous, conotruncal, or atrioventricular septal defect), by either isolated or complex, and then by spontaneously closed, surgically closed, open but clinically insignificant, lost to follow‐up, fetal or neonatal death.

Results

The BDR team found a prevalence of VSD of 83.4 per 10,000 including fetal/neonatal deaths. Excluding fetal and neonatal deaths the prevalence was 78.7 per 10,000 live births. Excluding small muscular VSDs, the prevalence in Delaware falls to 25.7 per 10,000.

Conclusion

The BDR team chose to include all babies with all types of VSDs. Using these criteria Delaware's prevalence of 78.7 was higher than that reported by other states (whose prevalence ranges from 1.6 to 70.0 per 10,000 live births) (National Birth Defects Prevention Network, ). Delaware's prevalence is similar to other states when small muscular VSDs are excluded. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:888–893, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silver nanoclusters stabilized with denatured fish sperm DNA and the application on trace mercury ions detection
Authors: Kuang Yangfang , Liang Sheng , Ma Fangfang , Chen Shu , Long Yunfei , Zeng Rongjin
Published: November 2016

In this study, fluorescent silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) were synthesized using denatured fish sperm DNA as the template. In contrast to other methods, this method did not use artificial DNA as the template. After their reaction with denatured fish sperm DNA, Ag+ ions were reduced by NaBH4 to form Ag NCs. The Ag NCs showed a strong fluorescence emission at 650 nm when excited at 585 nm. The fluorescence intensity increased fourfold at pH 3.78, controlled with Britton–Robinson buffer solution. The fluorescence of the Ag NCs was quenched in the presence of trace mercury ions (Hg2+) in a weakly acidic medium and nitrogen atmosphere. The extent of the fluorescence quenching of Ag NCs strongly depends on the Hg2+ ion concentration over a linear range from 2.0 nmol L−1 to 3.0 μmol L−1. The detection limit (3σ/k) for Hg2+ was 0.7 nmol L−1. Thus, a sensitive and rapid method was developed for the detection of Hg2+ ions.
Does radiotherapy still have a role in unresected biliary tract cancer?
Authors: Pollom Erqi L. , Alagappan Muthuraman , Park Lesley S. , Whittemore Alice S. , Koong Albert C. , Chang Daniel T.
Published: November 2016

The benefits of radiotherapy for inoperable biliary tract cancer remain unclear due to the lack of randomized data. We evaluated the impact of radiotherapy on survival in elderly patients using the SEER‐Medicare database. Patients in the SEER‐Medicare database with inoperable biliary tract tumors diagnosed between 1998 and 2011 were included. We used multivariate logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with treatment selection, and multivariate Cox regression and propensity score matching to evaluate treatment selection in relation to subsequent survival. Of the 2343 patients included, 451 (19%) received radiotherapy within 4 months of diagnosis. The use of radiotherapy declined over time, and was influenced by receipt of chemotherapy and patient age, race, marital status, poverty status, and tumor stage and type. Median survival was 9.3 (95% CI 8.7–9.7) months among patients who did not receive radiation and 10.0 (95% CI 9.1–11.3) months among those who received radiation, conditional on having survived 4 months. In patients who received chemotherapy (n = 1053), receipt of radiation was associated with improved survival, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.82 (95% 0.70–0.97, P = 0.02). In patients who did not receive chemotherapy (n = 1290), receipt of radiation was not associated with improved survival, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.09 (95% 0.91–1.30, P = 0.34). Propensity‐scored matched analyses showed similar results. Despite the survival benefit associated with the addition of radiotherapy to chemotherapy, the use of radiation for unresectable biliary tract cancers has declined over time.
Re‐Connection of Oxbow Lakes as an Effective Measure of River Restoration
Authors: Seidel Michael , Voigt Michael , Langheinrich Uta , Hoge‐Becker Anne , Gersberg Richard M. , Arévalo José Ramón , Lüderitz Volker
Published: November 2016

Six years after re‐connection of an oxbow lake from periodically to permanently connected to the main channel, the restoration success was assessed. This permanently connected oxbow lake was compared with the main channel of the Elbe River and with a periodically connected oxbow lake by means of comparisons of the aquatic macroinvertebrates, fish and aquatic macrophyte communities. The permanently connected oxbow was suited as important replacement habitat for riverine invertebrates, especially for clubtails (Odonata) and unionid mussels (Bivalvia). The periodically connected oxbow lake was colonized by typical species for shallow lakes. As expected, riverine species did not occur. Meanwhile, the invertebrate community in the main channel was poor and dominated by invasive species (Dikerogammarus villosus, Dreissena polymorpha). The results concerning fish showed a clear dominance of the rheophilic species spined loach (Cobitis taenia) in the permanently connected oxbow lake and of the indifferent species roach (Rutilus rutilus) and European perch (Perca fluviatilis) in the periodically connected oxbow lake. However, species number was highest in the main channel. For macrophytes, quantity, number of taxa and growth forms and diversity were lower in the permanently compared to the periodically connected oxbow lake. In conclusion, the re‐connection of oxbow lakes to main channels can be an important measure for native species conservation, especially macroinvertebrates, and hence for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive.
A review of cost communication in oncology: Patient attitude, provider acceptance, and outcome assessment
Authors: Shih Ya‐Chen Tina , Chien Chun‐Ru
Published: November 2016

The American Society of Clinical Oncology released its first guidance statement on the cost of cancer care in August 2009, affirming that patient‐physician cost communication is a critical component of high‐quality care. This forward‐thinking recommendation has grown increasingly important in oncology practice today as the high costs of cancer care impose tremendous financial burden to patients, their families, and the health care system. For the current review, a literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Web of Science databases to identify articles that covered 3 topics related to patient‐physician cost communication: patient attitude, physician acceptance, and the associated outcomes; and 15 articles from 12 distinct studies were identified. Although most articles that addressed patient attitude suggested that cost communication is desired by >50% of patients in the respective study cohorts, only <33% of patients in those studies had actually discussed costs with their physicians. The literature on physician acceptance indicated that, although 75% of physicians considered discussions of out‐of‐pocket costs with patients their responsibility, <30% felt comfortable with such communication. When asked about whether cost communication actually took place in their practice, percentages reported by physicians varied widely from <10% to >60%. The data suggested that cost communication was associated with improved patient satisfaction, lower out‐of‐pocket expenses, and a higher likelihood of medication nonadherence; none of the studies established causality. Both patients and physicians expressed a strong need for accurate, accessible, and transparent information about the cost of cancer care. Cancer 2017;123:928–39. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Prognostic significance of equivocal human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 results and clinical utility of alternative chromosome 17 genes in patients with invasive breast cancer: A cohort study
Authors: Sneige Nour , Hess Kenneth R. , Multani Asha S. , Gong Yun , Ibrahim Nuhad K.
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

The 2013 testing guidelines for determining the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status include new cutoff points for the HER2/chromosome enumeration probe 17 (CEP17) ratio and the average HER2 copy number per cell, and they recommend using a reflex test with alternative chromosome 17 probes (Ch17Ps) to resolve equivocal HER2 results. This study sought to determine the clinical utility of alternative Ch17Ps in equivocal cases and the effects of equivocal results and/or a change in the HER2 status on patients' outcomes.

METHODS

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center database of HER2 dual‐probe fluorescence in situ hybridization results from 2000 to 2010 was searched for cases of invasive breast cancer with HER2/CEP17 ratios < 2 and average HER2 copy numbers < 6 per cell. Cases with HER2 copy numbers of 4 to < 6 (the definition of equivocal HER2 results) were analyzed with alternative Ch17Ps for Smith‐Magenis syndrome and retinoic acid receptor α genes. Disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated with respect to the HER2 copy number with multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Among the 3630 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 137 (4%) had equivocal HER2 results. With alternative Ch17Ps, 35 of 57 equivocal HER2 cases (61%) were upgraded to a positive HER2 status, and 22 cases (39%) remained unchanged. The 5‐year DFS and OS adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for copy numbers of 4 to < 6 versus < 4 were 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3‐1.2) and 0.5 (95% CI, 0.2‐1.0) with P values of .16 and .66, respectively. In comparison with HER2‐negative cases, these CIs indicated that equivocal HER2 results were associated with either a protective effect (HR, < 0.5) or no effect (HR, 1.0).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings rule out a significant deleterious effect of equivocal HER2 results. Alternative Ch17Ps may erroneously upgrade the HER2 status; therefore, they cannot be considered reliable in clinical practice. Cancer 2017;123:1115–1123. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Young Investigator Challenge: Molecular testing in noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyin “Sara” , Harrison Grant P. , Datto Michael B.
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Molecular testing provides an important ancillary study for thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology. The nomenclature shift to “noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features” (NIFTP) will impact the performance of molecular tests. For the current study, the authors reviewed the performance of the Afirma gene‐expression classifier (GEC) and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) targeted mutation panel tests in thyroid nodules that were subsequently diagnosed as NIFTP on surgical resection.

METHODS

In total, 302 nodules were sent for molecular testing between June 2012 and June 2016. These cases were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who underwent subsequent surgical resection and were diagnosed with follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC). Twenty‐five nodules that were diagnosed as FVPTC met the initial inclusion criteria. These cases were reviewed using strict criteria to identify NIFTP.

RESULTS

Eight cases met criteria for NIFTP, and 4 NIFTPs underwent Afirma testing. Cytology diagnoses were all Bethesda category III, with 3 diagnosed as atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) and 1 diagnosed as follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS). All of these nodules were identified as “suspicious” using GEC. Four NIFTPs underwent testing at UPMC, all using ThyroSeq V2. The cytology diagnoses for these nodules also were category III, with the exception of 1 nodule that was category IV, suspicious for follicular neoplasm. All NIFTPs were positive for mutations, all of which were RAS mutations (NRAS, KRAS). One patient who had a nodule classified as NIFTP had metastatic carcinoma identified in a lymph node. Another who had a 6‐cm tumor had coexisting NRAS and TERT mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results indicate that NIFTP is a rare tumor if defined by strict criteria, that both the GEC and UPMC methods indicate abnormalities in NIFTP, and further independent study will be needed to better characterize the molecular and clinical characteristics of NIFTP. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:893–900. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Attack modeling and intrusion detection system for 5G wireless communication network
Authors: Gupta Akhil , Jha Rakesh Kumar , Jain Sanjeev
Published: November 2016

Research has been going around the globe to overcome the challenges that are associated with the increase in the number of users, such as interference management, load sharing, and increased capacity. 5G is emerging as a budding prospect for fulfilling demand and overcoming these challenges. For meeting the increased demands, new technologies such as relays in device‐to‐device communication and small cell access points have been introduced. However, these introductions have opened up security issues in the 5G wireless communication networks. This article focuses on security issues of the 5G wireless communication networks and analyzes the effect of a bandwidth spoofing attack using game theory on the small cell access point in 5G wireless communication network. This article also proposes an adaptive intrusion detection system using a hidden Markov Model for detecting an intrusion on small cell access point in a 5G wireless communication networks.
University Students with Dyslexia: A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Learning Practices, Challenges and Strategies
Authors: MacCullagh Lois , Bosanquet Agnes , Badcock Nicholas A.
Published: November 2016

People with dyslexia are vastly under‐represented in universities (Katusic et al., , Richardson & Wydell, ; Stampoltzis & Polychronopoulou, ). This situation is of concern for modern societies that value social justice. This study was designed to explore learning experiences of university students with dyslexia and factors that could contribute to their success. Thirteen students with dyslexia and 20 non‐dyslexic peers were interviewed about their university learning experiences using a semi‐structured qualitative approach. Students with dyslexia described engaging in learning activities intensively, frequently and strategically. They reported challenges and strengths relating to study skills, lectures, assessments, technology and support services. They also described helpful strategies including self‐directed adaptive techniques, provisions from lecturers and assistance from the university. These findings suggest that students with dyslexia experience broad challenges at university, but helpful strategies may be available. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of temperature shifts on the joint evolution of seed dormancy and size
Authors: Liu Yang , Barot Sébastien , El‐Kassaby Yousry A. , Loeuille Nicolas
Published: November 2016

Seed dormancy and size are two important life‐history traits that interplay as adaptation to varying environmental settings. As evolution of both traits involves correlated selective pressures, it is of interest to comparatively investigate the evolution of the two traits jointly as well as independently. We explore evolutionary trajectories of seed dormancy and size using adaptive dynamics in scenarios of deterministic or stochastic temperature variations. Ecological dynamics usually result in unbalanced population structures, and temperature shifts or fluctuations of high magnitude give rise to more balanced ecological structures. When only seed dormancy evolves, it is counter‐selected and temperature shifts hasten this evolution. Evolution of seed size results in the fixation of a given strategy and evolved seed size decreases when seed dormancy is lowered. When coevolution is allowed, evolutionary variations are reduced while the speed of evolution becomes faster given temperature shifts. Such coevolution scenarios systematically result in reduced seed dormancy and size and similar unbalanced population structures. We discuss how this may be linked to the system stability. Dormancy is counter‐selected because population dynamics lead to stable equilibrium, while small seeds are selected as the outcome of size‐number trade‐offs. Our results suggest that unlike random temperature variation between generations, temperature shifts with high magnitude can considerably alter population structures and accelerate life‐history evolution. This study increases our understanding of plant evolution and persistence in the context of climate changes.
Myocardial strain to detect subtle left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Authors: Tops Laurens F. , Delgado Victoria , Marsan Nina Ajmone , Bax Jeroen J.
Published: November 2016

In daily clinical practice, LV systolic function is routinely assessed with the use of two‐dimensional echocardiography. Using biplane LV end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes, LVEF is calculated. The introduction of real‐time three‐dimensional echocardiography has improved the accuracy of echocardiographic assessment of LVEF. However, calculated LVEF may not truly represent LV systolic function in specific cardiac diseases or when subtle LV dysfunction is present. Two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography enables assessment of myocardial strain, thereby providing detailed information on global and regional LV deformation. This is of particular interest when subtle LV systolic dysfunction is present despite preserved LVEF. In this review, the potential use of LV global longitudinal strain to detect subtle LV systolic dysfunction is illustrated in various clinical scenarios.
Acute infection with the intestinal parasite Trichuris muris has long‐term consequences on mucosal mast cell homeostasis and epithelial integrity
Authors: Sorobetea Daniel , Holm Jacob Bak , Henningsson Henrietta , Kristiansen Karsten , Svensson‐Frej Marcus
Published: November 2016

A hallmark of parasite infection is the accumulation of innate immune cells, notably granulocytes and mast cells, at the site of infection. While this is typically viewed as a transient response, with the tissue returning to steady state once the infection is cleared, we found that mast cells accumulated in the large‐intestinal epithelium following infection with the nematode Trichuris muris and persisted at this site for several months after worm expulsion. Mast cell accumulation in the epithelium was associated with the induction of type‐2 immunity and appeared to be driven by increased maturation of local progenitors in the intestinal lamina propria. Furthermore, we also detected increased local and systemic levels of the mucosal mast cell protease MCPt‐1, which correlated highly with the persistent epithelial mast cell population. Finally, the mast cells appeared to have striking consequences on epithelial barrier integrity, by regulation of gut permeability long after worm expulsion. These findings highlight the importance of mast cells not only in the early phases of infection but also at later stages, which has functional implications on the mucosal tissue.
Effects of quercetin or rutin on the oxidative stability of stripped or non‐stripped soybean oils containing α‐tocopherol
Authors: Lee Chan Kyu , Gim Seo Yeong , Kim Mi‐Ja , Lee Jae Hwan
Published: November 2016

This study investigated the effects of stripping treatment and the presence of α‐tocopherol on oxidative stability of stripped or non‐stripped soybean oils containing quercetin or rutin (0.4 mM) stored at 25°C for 45 days. The degree of oxidation of oils was determined by analyzing headspace oxygen content, conjugated dienoic acid, and p‐anisidine values. The contents of remaining α‐tocopherol and the moisture content in soybean oils were also determined. Added quercetin or rutin acted as an antioxidant in stripped soybean oils and as a prooxidant in non‐stripped soybean oils. The presence of 0.05 and 0.1 mM α‐tocopherol accelerated the rates of lipid oxidation in non‐stripped oils containing quercetin or rutin. Moisture content in non‐stripped oils with rutin was significantly higher than that in other samples, and increased with the concentration of α‐tocopherol (p < 0.05). In addition, quercetin and rutin helped increase the moisture content in stripped oils, but not in non‐stripped oils. Quercetin and rutin accelerated the decomposition of α‐tocopherol in both stripped and non‐stripped oils. The oxidative stability of oils containing tocopherols and phenolic compounds depended on the stripping process.

Practical application: Phenolic compounds are natural antioxidants and are frequently found in edible oils. The presence of quercetin and rutin, which are aglycone and its glycoside phenolic compound, respectively, altered the oxidative stability of oils depending on the stripping process. The moisture content in oils could play an important role in the oxidative stability of bulk oils. For industrial applications, phenolic compounds should be added with care because they could lower the oxidative stability of non‐stripped oils.

Added quercetin or rutin acted as an antioxidant in stripped soybean oils and as a prooxidant in non‐stripped soybean oils. Quercetin and rutin increased the moisture content in stripped oils, but not in non‐stripped oils. Quercetin and rutin accelerated the decomposition of α‐tocopherol in both stripped and non‐stripped oils. The oxidative stability of oils containing tocopherols and phenolic compounds depended on the stripping process.
An investigation into the inhibitory function of serotonin in diffuse noxious inhibitory controls in the neuropathic rat
Authors: Bannister K. , Lockwood S. , Goncalves L. , Patel R. , Dickenson A.H.
Published: November 2016

Background

Following neuropathy α2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC), whereby a noxious conditioning stimulus inhibits the activity of spinal wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons, are abolished, and spinal 5‐HT7 receptor densities are increased. Here, we manipulate spinal 5‐HT content in spinal nerve ligated (SNL) animals and investigate which 5‐HT receptor mediated actions predominate.

Methods

Using in vivo electrophysiology we recorded WDR neuronal responses to von frey filaments applied to the hind paw before, and concurrent to, a noxious ear pinch (the conditioning stimulus) in isoflurane‐anaesthetised rats. The expression of DNIC was quantified as a reduction in WDR neuronal firing in the presence of conditioning stimulus and was investigated in SNL rats following spinal application of (1) selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) citalopram or fluoxetine, or dual application of (2) SSRI plus 5‐HT7 receptor antagonist SB269970, or (3) SSRI plus α2 adrenoceptor antagonist atipamezole.

Results

DNIC were revealed in SNL animals following spinal application of SSRI, but this effect was abolished upon joint application of SSRI plus SB269970 or atipamezole.

Conclusions

We propose that in SNL animals the inhibitory actions (quantified as the presence of DNIC) of excess spinal 5‐HT (presumed present following application of SSRI) were mediated via 5‐HT7 receptors. The anti‐nociception depends upon an underlying tonic noradrenergic inhibitory tone via the α2‐adrenoceptor.

Significance

Following neuropathy enhanced spinal serotonin availability switches the predominant spinal 5‐HT receptor‐mediated actions but also alters noradrenergic signalling. We highlight the therapeutic complexity of SSRIs and monoamine modulators for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Spinal cord stimulation in experimental chronic painful diabetic polyneuropathy: Delayed effect of High‐frequency stimulation
Authors: van Beek M. , van Kleef M. , Linderoth B. , van Kuijk S.M.J. , Honig W.M. , Joosten E.A.
Published: November 2016

Background

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been shown to provide pain relief in painful diabetic polyneuropathy (PDPN). As the vasculature system plays a great role in the pathophysiology of PDPN, a potential beneficial side‐effect of SCS is peripheral vasodilation, with high frequency (HF) SCS in particular. We hypothesize that HF‐SCS (500 Hz), compared with conventional (CON) or low frequency (LF)‐SCS will result in increased alleviation of mechanical hypersensitivity in chronic experimental PDPN.

Methods

Diabetes was induced in 8‐week‐old female Sprague–Dawley rats with an intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg of streptozotocin (n = 44). Rats with a significant decrease in mechanical withdrawal response to von Frey filaments over a period of 20 weeks were implanted with SCS electrodes (n = 18). Rats were assigned to a cross‐over design with a random order of LF‐, CON‐, HF‐ and sham SCS and mechanical withdrawal thresholds were assessed with von Frey testing.

Results

Compared with sham treatment, the average 50% WT score for 5 Hz was 4.88 g higher during stimulation (p = 0.156), and 1.77 g higher post‐stimulation (p = 0.008). CON‐SCS resulted in 50% WT scores 5.7 g, and 2.51 g higher during (p = 0.064) and after stimulation (p < 0.004), respectively. HF‐SCS started out with an average difference in 50% WT score compared with sham of 1.87 g during stimulation (p = 0.279), and subsequently the steepest rise to a difference of 5.47 g post‐stimulation (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We demonstrated a delayed effect of HF‐SCS on mechanical hypersensitivity in chronic PDPN animals compared with LF‐, or CON‐SCS.

Significance

This study evaluates the effect of SCS frequency (5–500 Hz) on mechanical hypersensitivity in the chronic phase of experimental PDPN. High frequency (500 Hz) – SCS resulted in a delayed effect‐ on pain‐related behavioural outcome in chronic PDPN.
Sensitive determination of sulfonamides in environmental water by capillary electrophoresis coupled with both silvering detection window and in‐capillary optical fiber light‐emitting diode‐induced fluorescence detector
Authors: Ji Hongyun , Wu Yu , Duan Zhijuan , Yang Feng , Yuan Hongyan , Xiao Dan
Published: November 2016

A new detector, silvering detection window and in‐capillary optical fiber light‐emitting diode‐induced fluorescence detector (SDW‐ICOF‐LED‐IFD), is introduced for capillary electrophoresis (CE). The strategy of the work was that half surface of the detection window was coated with silver mirror, which could reflect the undetected fluorescence to the photomultiplier tube to be detected, consequently enhancing the detection sensitivity. Sulfonamides (SAs) are important antibiotics that achieved great applications in many fields. However, they pose a serious threat on the environment and human health when they enter into the environment. The SDW‐ICOF‐LED‐IFD‐CE system was used to determine fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labeled sulfadoxine (SDM), sulfaguanidine (SGD) and sulfamonomethoxine sodium (SMM‐Na) in environmental water. The detection results obtained by the SDW‐ICOF‐LED‐IFD‐CE system were compared to those acquired by the CE with in‐capillary optical fiber light‐emitting diode‐induced fluorescence detection (ICOF‐LED‐IFD‐CE). The limits of detection (LODs) of SDW‐ICOF‐LED‐IFD‐CE and ICOF‐LED‐IFD‐CE were 1.0–2.0 nM and 2.5–7.7 nM (S/N = 3), respectively. The intraday (n = 6) and interday (n = 6) precision of migration time and corresponding peak area for both types of CE were all less than 0.86% and 3.68%, respectively. The accuracy of the proposed method was judged by employing standard addition method, and recoveries obtained were in the range of 92.5–102.9%. The results indicated that the sensitivity of the SDW‐ICOF‐LED‐IFD‐CE system was improved, and that its reproducibility and accuracy were satisfactory. It was successfully applied to analyze SAs in environmental water.
Forecasting with Specification‐Switching VARs
Authors: Hwang Youngjin
Published: November 2016

The specification choices of vector autoregressions (VARs) in forecasting are often not straightforward, as they are complicated by various factors. To deal with model uncertainty and better utilize multiple VARs, this paper adopts the dynamic model averaging/selection (DMA/DMS) algorithm, in which forecasting models are updated and switch over time in a Bayesian manner. In an empirical application to a pool of Bayesian VAR (BVAR) models whose specifications include level and difference, along with differing lag lengths, we demonstrate that specification‐switching VARs are flexible and powerful forecast tools that yield good performance. In particular, they beat the overall best BVAR in most cases and are comparable to or better than the individual best models (for each combination of variable, forecast horizon, and evaluation metrics) for medium‐ and long‐horizon forecasts. We also examine several extensions in which forecast model pools consist of additional individual models in partial differences as well as all level/difference models, and/or time variations in VAR innovations are allowed, and discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of such specification choices. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.