bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation into the role of endogenous abscisic acid during ripening of imported avocado cv. Hass
Authors: Meyer Marjolaine D , Chope Gemma A , Terry Leon A
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

The importance of ethylene in avocado ripening has been extensively studied. In contrast, little is known about the possible role of abscisic acid (ABA). The present work studied the effect of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) (0.3 μL L−1), e+® Ethylene Remover and the combination thereof on the quality of imported avocado cv. Hass fruit stored for 7 days at 12 °C. Ethylene production, respiration, firmness, colour, heptose (C7) sugars and ABA concentrations in mesocarp tissue were measured throughout storage.

RESULTS

Treatment with e+® Ethylene Remover reduced ethylene production, respiration rate and physiological ripening compared with controls. Fruit treated with 1‐MCP + e+® Ethylene Remover and, to a lesser extent 1‐MCP alone, had the lowest ethylene production and respiration rate and hence the best quality. Major sugars measured in mesocarp tissue were mannoheptulose and perseitol, and their content was not correlated with ripening parameters. Mesocarp ABA concentration, as determined by mass spectrometry, increased as fruit ripened and was negatively correlated with fruit firmness.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest a relationship between ABA and ethylene metabolism since blocking ethylene, and to a larger extent blocking and removing ethylene, resulted in lower ABA concentrations. Whether ABA influences avocado fruit ripening needs to be determined in future research. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of microbial inoculation and industrial by‐product phosphogypsum in growth and nutrient uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in calcareous soil
Authors: Al‐Enazy Abdul‐Aziz R , Al‐Oud Saud S , Al‐Barakah Fahad N , Usman Adel RA
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Alkaline soils with high calcium carbonate and low organic matter are deficient in plant nutrient availability. Use of organic and bio‐fertilizers has been suggested to improve their properties. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the integrative role of phosphogypsum (PG; added at 0.0, 10, 30, and 50 g PG kg−1), cow manure (CM; added at 50 g kg−1) and mixed microbial inoculation (Incl.; Azotobacter chroococcum, and phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum and Pseudomonas fluorescens) on growth and nutrients (N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) in calcareous soil. Treatment effects on soil chemical and biological properties and the Cd and Pb availability to maize plants were also investigated.

RESULTS

Applying PG decreased soil pH. The soil available P increased when soil was inoculated and/or treated with CM, especially with PG. The total microbial count and dehydrogenase activity were enhanced with PG+CM+Incl. treatments. Inoculated soils treated with PG showed significant increases in NPK uptake and maize plant growth. However, the most investigated treatments showed significant decreases in shoot micronutrients. Cd and Pb were not detected in maize shoots.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying PG with microbial inoculation improved macronutrient uptake and plant growth. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The impact of local control in the treatment of type II/III pleuropulmonary blastoma. Experience of the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS)
Authors: Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Seitz Guido , Kirsch Sylvia , Vokuhl Christian , Leuschner Ivo , Dantonello Tobias M. , Scheer Monika , von Kalle Thekla , Ljungman Gustaf , Bielack Stefan S. , Klingebiel Thomas , Fuchs Joerg , Koscielniak Ewa ,   on behalf of the CWS Study Group
Published: January 2017

Background and Objectives

This study aims at examining the potential survival benefits of primary versus secondary surgery in the management of children diagnosed with pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) type II/III.

Patients and Methods

Disease characteristics, treatment, and survival of 29 children with localized PPB type II/III, treated in six prospective Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) trials, were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Five year event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) of children treated according to CWS protocols was 72%. Patients with tumors ≤10 cm had a 5 year OS of 91% versus 57% in patients with tumors >10 cm (P = 0.025). Five year OS of patients with macroscopically incomplete upfront resections was 44% as opposed to 68% in patients with delayed/secondary microscopically or macroscopically complete resection after an initial biopsy (P = 0.476). Ten patients died of disease, one patient died of second malignancy. Tumor size and complete tumor resection at any time were significant prognostic factors (P = 0.025/0.003) for EFS. EFS for microscopically complete, microscopically incomplete, and macroscopically incomplete resection at any time was 91%, 90%, and 25%, respectively (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Primary or secondary microscopically/macroscopically complete tumor resections in combination with chemotherapy correlates with long term survival in children with PPB. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:164–172. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cost‐utility of osteoarticular allograft versus endoprosthetic reconstruction for primary bone sarcoma of the knee: A markov analysis
Authors: Wilson Robert J. , Sulieman Lina M. , VanHouten Jacob P. , Halpern Jennifer L. , Schwartz Herbert S. , Devin Clinton J. , Holt Ginger E.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

The most cost‐effective reconstruction after resection of bone sarcoma is unknown. The goal of this study was to compare the cost effectiveness of osteoarticular allograft to endoprosthetic reconstruction of the proximal tibia or distal femur.

METHODS

A Markov model was used. Revision and complication rates were taken from existing studies. Costs were based on Medicare reimbursement rates and implant prices. Health‐state utilities were derived from the Health Utilities Index 3 survey with additional assumptions. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICER) were used with less than $100 000 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) considered cost‐effective. Sensitivity analyses were performed for comparison over a range of costs, utilities, complication rates, and revisions rates.

RESULTS

Osteoarticular allografts, and a 30% price‐discounted endoprosthesis were cost‐effective with ICERs of $92.59 and $6 114.77. One‐way sensitivity analysis revealed discounted endoprostheses were favored if allografts cost over $21 900 or endoprostheses cost less than $51 900. Allograft reconstruction was favored over discounted endoprosthetic reconstruction if the allograft complication rate was less than 1.3%. Allografts were more cost‐effective than full‐price endoprostheses.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoarticular allografts and price‐discounted endoprosthetic reconstructions are cost‐effective. Sensitivity analysis, using plausible complication and revision rates, favored the use of discounted endoprostheses over allografts. Allografts are more cost‐effective than full‐price endoprostheses.
Palatoglossus coupling in selective upper airway stimulation
Authors: Heiser Clemens , Edenharter Günther , Bas Murat , Wirth Markus , Hofauer Benedikt
Published: January 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Selective upper airway stimulation (sUAS) of the hypoglossal nerve is a useful therapy to treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Is it known that multiple obstructions can be solved by this stimulation technique, even at the retropalatal region. The aim of this study was to verify the palatoglossus coupling at the soft palate during stimulation.

Study Design

Single‐center, prospective clinical trail.

Methods

Twenty patients who received an sUAS implant from April 2015 to April 2016 were included. A drug‐induced sedated endoscopy (DISE) was performed before surgery. Six to 12 months after activation of the system, patients' tongue motions were recorded, an awake transnasal endoscopy was performed with stimulation turned on, and a DISE with stimulation off and on was done.

Results

Patients with a bilateral protrusion of the tongue base showed a significantly increased opening at the retropalatal level compared to ipsilateral protrusions. Furthermore, patients with a clear activation of the geniohyoid muscle showed a better reduction in apnea‐hypopnea index.

Conclusions

A bilateral protrusion of the tongue base during sUAS seems to be accompanied with a better opening of the soft palate. This effect can be explained by the palatoglossal coupling, due to its linkage of the muscles within the soft palate to those of the lateral tongue body.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 127:E378–E383, 2017
Sediment resuspension mechanisms and their contributions to high‐turbidity events in a large lake
Authors: Valipour Reza , Boegman Leon , Bouffard Damien , Rao Yerubandi R.
Published: January 2017

High‐resolution field data, collected during April to October of 2008–2009, were analyzed to investigate the quantitative contribution of sediment resuspension to high‐turbidity events in central Lake Erie. Resuspension events were distinguished within high‐turbidity events according to turbidity, fluorescence and acoustic backscatter timeseries, as well as satellite images. We observed 16 high‐turbidity events, causing a total duration of ∼20 d (out of 344 d) with elevated nearbed turbidity (> 10 NTU). Of these events, 64% were correlated with algal biomass, with the remaining 18%, 5%, and 4% being attributed to sediment resuspension by surface waves, storm‐generated currents and enhanced nearbed turbulence induced by high‐frequency internal waves, respectively. This is the first time that resuspension by enhanced nearbed turbulence from high‐frequency linear internal wave degeneration has been observed in a large lake. Resuspension was parameterized as a function of the instantaneous critical bottom velocity, bottom shear stress and the Shields parameter. From the in situ measurements, we suggest an extended Shields diagram for silty bed material that can be used to predict resuspension in other aquatic systems with similar sediment composition (∼20% cohesive sediment).
SIPCO2: A simple, inexpensive surface water pCO2 sensor
Authors: Hunt Christopher W. , Snyder Lisle , Salisbury Joseph E. , Vandemark Douglas , McDowell William H.
Published: January 2017

Efforts to estimate air‐water carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange on regional or global scales are constrained by a lack of direct, continuous surface water CO2 observations. Sensor technology for the in situ measurement of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) has progressed, but still poses limitations including expense and biofouling concerns. We describe a simple, inexpensive, in situ pCO2 method (SIPCO2) in which a non‐dispersive infrared (NDIR) detector is paired with an air pump in an enclosed housing to produce air‐sea equilibration. We first evaluated this approach in a laboratory setting, then in an estuarine‐coastal ocean laboratory for several months to continuously monitor aquatic pCO2. An accepted, accurate NDIR‐based CO2 measurement technique was employed alongside SIPCO2 to provide an assessment of sensor performance. SIPCO2 allows for low‐cost, relatively accurate measurements of pCO2 (mean difference of −5 ± 5 μatm from validation system after laboratory calibration) without reagents or membranes, and can be assembled and operated with a minimal amount of technical skill. While not suitable for some exacting applications, this SIPCO2 approach could rapidly and effectively increase the number of quality CO2 observations in a range of aquatic environments. We also provide detailed instructions for the assembly of SIPCO2 from commercially available components.
Isopropanol precipitation method for collecting fish environmental DNA
Authors: Doi Hideyuki , Uchii Kimiko , Matsuhashi Saeko , Takahara Teruhiko , Yamanaka Hiroki , Minamoto Toshifumi
Published: January 2017

The environmental DNA (eDNA) method has been used to estimate the distributions of aquatic species, and both ethanol precipitation and filtration‐based methods are commonly employed to capture eDNA from sampled water. Although filtration‐based methods can capture more eDNA than that by ethanol precipitation, by processing larger volumes of water (e.g., 1 L vs. 15 mL), ethanol precipitation can immediately preserve eDNA on site and ease downstream processing, which are especially advantageous for eDNA studies conducted with limited resources, such as electric equipment, labor, and time. However, the ethanol precipitation method is limited by small volume of water that can be processed (i.e., 15 mL in a reaction volume of 50 mL). As an alternative, isopropanol could potentially be used to increase the volume of sample water processed, since lower volumes of isopropanol are required for precipitation. Therefore, in the present study, we compared the copy numbers of carp eDNA captured using isopropanol and ethanol precipitation in both mesocosm and field experiments. In both cases, we found that isopropanol precipitation recovered double the amount of eDNA recovered by ethanol precipitation, when the reaction volumes were equal. Therefore, isopropanol precipitation is a superior option for eDNA capture when surveys are conducted under resource‐limited conditions.
Snowfall rate estimation using C‐band polarimetric radars
Authors: Hassan Diar , Taylor Peter A. , Isaac George A.
Published: January 2017

Radar quantitative precipitation estimation plays an important role in weather forecasting, nowcasting and hydrological models. This study evaluates the Sekhon and Srivastava (1970) snow water equivalent (SWE) algorithm currently implemented by the Canadian Radar Network of Environment and Climate Change Canada, suggests an improved algorithm and also evaluates the ability of polarimetric radars in estimating SWE. The radar data were collected from the dual polarimetric King City radar (CWKR) near Toronto, Ontario, and the Doppler Holyrood radar (CWTP) in Newfoundland. SWE data were collected at Oakville, Ontario, at Pearson International Airport (CYYZ), Toronto, Ontario, and at Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. The ground observations show that the polarimetric variables could be used to infer a few of the microphysical processes during snowfall. It is suggested that the co‐polar correlation co‐efficient (ρhv) could be sensitive to the size ranges of different snow habits. Also, higher differential reflectivity (Zdr) values were measured with large aggregates. The results show a severe underestimation of SWE rates by the Sekhon and Srivastava algorithm. One hour accumulations from each site were used to develop SWE(ZeH) and SWE(ZeH, ZDR) algorithms (ZeH and ZDR are the reflectivity factor and differential reflectivity, respectively). Similarly, algorithms were developed using SWE at 10 min intervals from CYYZ and Mount Pearl but these algorithms appeared to overestimate SWE. The hourly SWE accumulations from the three sites were combined to produce an additional SWE(ZeH) algorithm which showed better statistical results. A modest difference was found between the conventional and polarimetric algorithms for estimating snowfall amounts (SWE).
Placental dysfunction is associated with altered microRNA expression in pregnant women with low folate status
Authors: Baker Bernadette C. , Mackie Fiona L. , Lean Samantha C. , Greenwood Susan L. , Heazell Alexander E. P. , Forbes Karen , Jones Rebecca L.
Published: January 2017

Scope

Low maternal folate status during pregnancy increases the risk of delivering small for gestational age (SGA) infants, but the mechanistic link between maternal folate status, SGA, and placental dysfunction is unknown. microRNAs (miRNAs) are altered in pregnancy pathologies and by folate in other systems. We hypothesized that low maternal folate status causes placental dysfunction, mediated by altered miRNA expression.

Methods and results

A prospective observational study recruited pregnant adolescents and assessed third trimester folate status and placental function. miRNA array, QPCR, and bioinformatics identified placental miRNAs and target genes. Low maternal folate status is associated with higher incidence of SGA infants (28% versus 13%, p < 0.05) and placental dysfunction, including elevated trophoblast proliferation and apoptosis (p < 0.001), reduced amino acid transport (p < 0.01), and altered placental hormones (pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A, progesterone, and human placental lactogen). miR‐222‐3p, miR‐141‐3p, and miR‐34b‐5p were upregulated by low folate status (p < 0.05). Bioinformatics predicted a gene network regulating cell turnover. Quantitative PCR demonstrated that key genes in this network (zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 2, v‐myc myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (avian), and cyclin‐dependent kinase 6) were reduced (p < 0.05) in placentas with low maternal folate status.

Conclusion

This study supports that placental dysfunction contributes to impaired fetal growth in women with low folate status and suggests altered placental expression of folate‐sensitive miRNAs and target genes as a mechanistic link.
Inclusion of a variable RBE into proton and photon plan comparison for various fractionation schedules in prostate radiation therapy
Authors: Ödén Jakob , Eriksson Kjell , Toma‐Dasu Iuliana
Published: January 2017

Purpose

A constant relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 1.1 is currently used in proton radiation therapy to account for the increased biological effectiveness compared to photon therapy. However, there is increasing evidence that proton RBE vary with the linear energy transfer (LET), the dose per fraction, and the type of the tissue. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of disregarding variations in RBE when comparing proton and photon dose plans for prostate treatments for various fractionation schedules using published RBE models and several α/β assumptions.

Methods

Photon and proton dose plans were created for three generic prostate cancer cases. Three BED3Gy equivalent schedules were studied, 78, 57.2, and 42.8 Gy in 39, 15, and 7 fractions, respectively. The proton plans were optimized assuming a constant RBE of 1.1. By using the Monte Carlo calculated dose‐averaged LET (LETd) distribution and assuming α/β values on voxel level, three variable RBE models were applied to the proton dose plans. The impact of the variable RBE was studied in the plan comparison, which was based on the dose distribution, DVHs, and normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP) for the rectum. Subsequently, the physical proton dose was reoptimized for each proton plan based on the LETd distribution, to achieve a homogeneous RBE‐weighted target dose when applying a specific RBE model and still fulfill the clinical goals for the rectum and bladder.

Results

All the photon and proton plans assuming RBE = 1.1 met the clinical goals with similar target coverage. The proton plans fulfilled the robustness criteria in terms of range and setup uncertainty. Applying the variable RBE models generally resulted in higher target doses and rectum NTCP compared to the photon plans. The increase was most pronounced for the fractionation dose of 2 Gy(RBE), whereas it was of less magnitude and more dependent on model and α/β assumption for the hypofractionated schedules. The reoptimized proton plans proved to be robust and showed similar target coverage and doses to the organs at risk as the proton plans optimized with a constant RBE.

Conclusions

Model predicted RBE values may differ substantially from 1.1. This is most pronounced for fractionation doses of around 2 Gy(RBE) with higher doses to the target and the OARs, whereas the effect seems to be of less importance for the hypofractionated schedules. This could result in misleading conclusions when comparing proton plans to photon plans. By accounting for a variable RBE in the optimization process, robust and clinically acceptable dose plans, with the potential of lowering rectal NTCP, may be generated by reoptimizing the physical dose. However, the direction and magnitude of the changes in the physical proton dose to the prostate are dependent on RBE model and α/β assumptions and should therefore be used conservatively.
A local artificial boundary for transient seepage problems with unsteady boundary conditions in unbounded domains
Authors: Song Er‐xiang , Luo Shuang
Published: January 2017

Numerical analysis of transient seepage in unbounded domains with unsteady boundary conditions requires a more sophisticated artificial boundary approach to deal with the infinite character of the domain. To that end, a local artificial boundary is established by simplifying a global artificial boundary. The global artificial boundary conditions (ABCs) at the truncated boundary are derived from analytical solutions for one‐dimensional axisymmetric diffusion problems. By applying Laplace transforms and introducing some specially defined auxiliary variables, the global ABCs are simplified to local ABCs to significantly enhance the computational efficiency. The proposed local ABCs are implemented in a finite element computer program so that the solutions to various seepage problems can be calculated. The proposed approach is first verified by the computation of a one‐dimensional radial flow problem and then tentatively applied to more general two‐dimensional cylindrical problems and planar problems. The solutions obtained using the local ABCs are compared with those obtained using a large element mesh and using a previously proposed local boundary. This comparison demonstrates the satisfactory performance and obvious superiority of the newly established boundary to the other local boundary. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do Mission Statements Matter for Nonprofit Performance?
Authors: Pandey Sheela , Kim Mirae , Pandey Sanjay K.
Published: January 2017

In this exploratory study, we examine whether organizational mission statement attributes make a difference to the performance of nonprofit performing arts organizations. We use text analysis to measure two semantic attributes—activity and commonality—of mission statements. We examine whether these attributes are associated with improved performance for the instrumental and expressive functions of nonprofit performing arts organizations. Our findings indicate that the mission statement attribute activity is associated with improved performance for both instrumental and expressive functions. Our analysis of nonfindings for the mission statement attribute commonality suggests that there is a need to develop and use content analysis tools tailored to nonprofit contexts.
The Impact of Frictions in Routine Execution on Economies of Scope
Authors: Brahm Francisco , Tarzijan Jorge , Singer Marcos
Published: January 2017

Research summary: Based on a detailed database of a beverages producer‐distributor that expanded its product variety by leveraging its logistic network, we show that product diversification generates economies of scope and also higher operational costs. The result is an inverted‐U relationship between variety and productivity: When the firm offers few additional categories, productivity grows, but as the number of categories rises, the costs of executing the operational routines increase rapidly and productivity falls. The negative effect on productivity increases if the added product category is more dissimilar to previous ones, and decreases with learning from operational experience. Our results highlight how frictions at the operational level can limit the benefits of diversification, even in the absence of other sources of diseconomies, such as increased coordination needs.

Managerial summary: One of the prevalent reasons for companies to expand to adjacent product lines is attaining economies of scope. However, such growth strategy also generates operational frictions, even if the day‐to‐day routines do not appear to change at all. Product diversity is disruptive for routine execution, as it requires coordination and exception handling, and may ultimately overcome any efficiency obtained from growth. We estimate the relevance of such operational friction using data from a beverages distribution network. When product variety is low, additional categories do generate efficiency, but after reaching a given threshold, friction prevails. We find that operational friction increases when products are more dissimilar, but is attenuated when workers learn from their own and other's experience. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrodynamic Effects in Soft‐matter Self‐assembly: The Case of J‐Aggregates of Amphiphilic Porphyrins
Authors: Ribo Josep M. , El‐Hachemi Zoubir , Arteaga Oriol , Canillas Adolf , Crusats Joaquim
Published: January 2017

Chiral J‐aggregates of achiral amphiphilic porphyrins (4‐sulfonatophenyl and aryl meso‐substituted porphyrins) show several effects under the hydrodynamic forces of common stirring. These effects can be classified as pure mechanic (e. g. elasticity, plasticity and breaking of the self‐assembly non‐covalent bonding) and chemically selective as detected in the formation/growth of the nanoparticles. Diastereoselective, enantioselective and, depending on the sign of chiral shear forces, even enantiospecific selections have been described. Some types of these effects have been reported in other type of J‐aggregates. Reversible and irreversible structural effects have been studied by atomic force imaging. The determination of the optical polarization properties (linear and circular) of their solutions is best done using Mueller matrix polarimetry methods.
Efficient handover measurement technique for small‐cell networks using a virtual cell synchronization signal
Authors: Pec Rothna , Park Chang Hwan , Cho Yong Soo
Published: January 2017

A small‐cell network (SCN) constructed by splitting a macro‐cell into numerous small cells using an active antenna array system is studied. A synchronization signal appropriate for the SCN, virtually generated by an eNodeB with 3D beamforming, is proposed for efficient handover in SCNs. The virtual cell synchronization signal (VCSS) carries a macro‐cell ID (MCID) and virtual‐cell ID (VCID) in a hierarchical manner, allowing us to distinguish between an intra‐cell handover (virtual cell handover within a cell without changing the serving eNodeB) and inter‐cell handover (virtual cell handovers across cells while changing the serving eNodeB) in SCNs. Using the signal metrics obtained by the VCSS, an efficient handover measurement technique is proposed which can significantly reduce the processing time and overhead by distinguishing between the intra‐cell/inter‐cell handovers. The performance of the proposed technique is evaluated by simulating two different deployment scenarios of LTE‐based SCN with 3D beamforming. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generalized energy‐based fragmentation approach for modeling condensed phase systems
Authors: Fang Tao , Li Yunzhi , Li Shuhua
Published: January 2017

We have extended the generalized energy‐based fragmentation (GEBF) method to condensed phase systems with periodic boundary condition (PBC). The so‐called PBC‐GEBF method provides an alternative way of calculating electronic structures of condensed phase systems, whose accuracy is comparable to standard periodic electronic structure methods for some types of condensed phase systems such as molecular crystals and ionic liquid crystals. Within the PBC‐GEBF approach, the unit cell energy (or properties) of a condensed phase system can be evaluated as a linear combination of ground‐state energies (or corresponding properties) of a series of electrostatically embedded subsystems, which can be routinely calculated with existing molecular quantum chemistry packages. With the PBC‐GEBF approach, one can routinely perform ab initio calculations at post‐Hartree–Fock levels, including Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) or coupled cluster singles and doubles, on certain types of condensed phase systems, in which periodic post‐Hartree–Fock methods are not available or not feasible computationally. This review will offer an overview of the methodology and implementation of the PBC‐GEBF method and its applications in predicting the structures, lattice energies, and vibrational spectra of a wide range of molecular and ionic liquid crystals. Our results show that the PBC‐GEBF approach at post‐Hartree–Fock theory level can generally provide highly accurate descriptions on the structure and properties of crystals under study. For example, the vibrational spectra of the crystalline BH3NH3 predicted by the PBC‐GEBF approach at the MP2 level are in better agreement with the experimentally observed spectra, than those based on density functional theory calculations. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2017, 7:e1297. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1297

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
Hypercoordinate iodine(III) promoted reactions and catalysis: an update on current mechanistic understanding
Authors: Sreenithya A. , Surya K. , Sunoj Raghavan B.
Published: January 2017

Mild and environment friendly hypercoordinate iodine compounds exhibit promising reactivities resembling that of transition metal catalysts. Hypercoordinate iodine reagents or catalysts are increasingly been employed in contemporary organic synthesis. However, mechanistic insights on such reactions continue to remain rather limited. Recent advances in the mechanistic understanding on a selected set of reactions involving hypercoordinate iodine form the main theme of this review. An overview of bonding, reactivity, and mechanistic insights on iodine(III) reactions such as α‐functionalization of carbonyl compounds, alkynylation, amination, CH functionalization, phenol dearomatization, and trifluoromethylation have been described. In keeping with the current practices in mechanistic studies, we have maintained an interdisciplinary flavor in this compilation by providing a balanced view of computational and experimental understanding on the burgeoning domain of hypercoordinate iodine mediated reactions and catalysis. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2017, 7:e1299. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1299

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis
Optimal smoothing length scale for actuator line models of wind turbine blades based on Gaussian body force distribution
Authors: Martínez‐Tossas L. A. , Churchfield M. J. , Meneveau C.
Published: January 2017

The actuator line model (ALM) is a commonly used method to represent lifting surfaces such as wind turbine blades within large‐eddy simulations (LES). In the ALM, the lift and drag forces are replaced by an imposed body force that is typically smoothed over several grid points using a Gaussian kernel with some prescribed smoothing width ε. To date, the choice of ε has most often been based on numerical considerations related to the grid spacing used in LES. However, especially for finely resolved LES with grid spacings on the order of or smaller than the chord length of the blade, the best choice of ε is not known. In this work, a theoretical approach is followed to determine the most suitable value of ε, based on an analytical solution to the linearized inviscid flow response to a Gaussian force. We find that the optimal smoothing width εopt is on the order of 14%‐25% of the chord length of the blade, and the center of force is located at about 13%‐26% downstream of the leading edge of the blade for the cases considered. These optimal values do not depend on angle of attack and depend only weakly on the type of lifting surface. It is then shown that an even more realistic velocity field can be induced by a 2‐D elliptical Gaussian lift‐force kernel. Some results are also provided regarding drag force representation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost‐Effectiveness in Global Surgery: Pearls, Pitfalls, and a Checklist
Authors: Shrime Mark G. , Alkire Blake C. , Grimes Caris , Chao Tiffany E. , Poenaru Dan , Verguet Stéphane
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Cost‐effectiveness analysis can be a powerful policy‐making tool. In the two decades since the first cost‐effectiveness analyses in global surgery, the methodology has established the cost‐effectiveness of many types of surgery in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). However, with the crescendo of cost‐effectiveness analyses in global surgery has come vast disparities in methodology, with only 15% of studies adhering to published guidelines. This has led to results that have varied up to 150‐fold.

Methods

The theoretical basis, common pitfalls, and guidelines‐based recommendations for cost‐effectiveness analyses are reviewed, and a checklist to be used for cost‐effectiveness analyses in global surgery is created.

Results

Common pitfalls in global surgery cost‐effectiveness analyses fall into five categories: the analytic perspective, cost measurement, effectiveness measurement, probability estimation, valuation of the counterfactual, and heterogeneity and uncertainty. These are reviewed in turn, and a checklist to avoid these pitfalls is developed.

Conclusion

Cost‐effectiveness analyses, when done rigorously, can be very useful for the development of efficient surgical systems in LMICs. This review highlights the common pitfalls in these analyses and methods to avoid these pitfalls.
Peritherapeutic Serum p53 Antibody Titers are Predictors of Survival in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Surgery
Authors: Yamashita Kotaro , Makino Tomoki , Tanaka Koji , Yamasaki Makoto , Yamamoto Masaaki , Miyazaki Yasuhiro , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Kurokawa Yukinori , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Takiguchi Shuji , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: January 2017

Background

Although the preoperative serum level of p53 antibodies (s‐p53‐Abs) is reported to be a prognostic factor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients, the clinical significance of post‐therapeutic s‐p53‐Abs or the peritherapeutic changes in s‐p53‐Abs associated with the prognosis or treatment response of ESCC patients undergoing surgery following preoperative chemotherapy remains unclear.

Methods

s‐p53‐Abs titers were peritherapeutically measured in 136 ESCC patients who underwent surgery following preoperative chemotherapy in our department from 2008 to 2014. Clinicopathological parameters, including the response to chemotherapy and the recurrence‐free survival (RFS), were compared between groups classified by the levels of the s‐p53‐Ab titers and the peritherapeutic changes in the s‐p53‐Ab titers.

Results

After curative surgery following preoperative chemotherapy, the s‐p53‐Ab titers increased in 15 patients (11.0%), remained unchanged in 81 patients (59.6%) and decreased in 40 patients (29.4%). The seropositive rate (cutoff value: 0.5 U/ml) of pre‐ and post‐therapeutic s‐p53‐Abs were 36.0% (49/136) and 35.3% (48/136), respectively. Negative and positive seroconversion of s‐p53‐Abs was identified in 20.4% (10/49) and 10.3% (9/105) of patients, respectively. Both pre‐ and post‐therapeutic seropositive s‐p53‐Ab titers significantly correlated with an unfavorable prognosis (p = 0.028, 0.002, respectively). Patients with a peritherapeutic increase in s‐p53‐Ab titers showed a shorter RFS compared with unchanged/decreased titers. Neither the s‐p53‐Ab titer at any time point nor its change was associated with the response to chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Both peritherapeutic s‐p53‐Ab titers and their changes were shown to be prognostic parameters in ESCC patients undergoing preoperative chemotherapy followed by surgery.
Liver involvement in congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG). A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Marques‐da‐Silva D. , dos Reis Ferreira V. , Monticelli M. , Janeiro P. , Videira P. A. , Witters P. , Jaeken J. , Cassiman D.
Published: January 2017

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a rapidly growing family of genetic diseases caused by defects in glycosylation. Nearly 100 CDG types are known so far. Patients present a great phenotypic diversity ranging from poly‐ to mono‐organ/system involvement and from very mild to extremely severe presentation. In this literature review, we summarize the liver involvement reported in CDG patients. Although liver involvement is present in only a minority of the reported CDG types (22 %), it can be debilitating or even life‐threatening. Sixteen of the patients we collated here developed cirrhosis, 10 had liver failure. We distinguish two main groups: on the one hand, the CDG types with predominant or isolated liver involvement including MPI‐CDG, TMEM199‐CDG, CCDC115‐CDG, and ATP6AP1‐CDG, and on the other hand, the CDG types associated with liver disease but not as a striking, unique or predominant feature, including PMM2‐CDG, ALG1‐CDG, ALG3‐CDG, ALG6‐CDG, ALG8‐CDG, ALG9‐CDG, PGM1‐CDG, and COG‐CDG. This review aims to facilitate CDG patient identification and to understand CDG liver involvement, hopefully leading to earlier diagnosis, and better management and treatment.
Combining ability, heterosis, genetic distance and their intercorrelations for waterlogging tolerance traits in chrysanthemum
Authors: Su Jiangshuo , Zhang Fei , Yang Xincheng , Feng Yixuan , Yang Xiaodong , Wu Yangyang , Guan Zhiyong , Fang Weimin , Chen Fadi
Published: January 2017

Waterlogging tolerance (WT) is a major objective in chrysanthemum breeding programs, and although certain genotypes with different tolerance levels have been identified, their value as parents for WT breeding is unknown. Here, twelve F1 crosses derived from an incomplete diallel mating scheme were conducted to investigate combining ability and heterosis for WT and their relationships with parental genetic distance. The results showed that the membership function value of waterlogging (MFVW) was controlled by additive and non-additive gene effects, whereas other growth and biomass traits were mainly controlled by non-additive gene effects. The estimated broad and narrow sense heritabilities of the MFVW were 97.5 and 51.5%, respectively. Combining ability analyses indicated that ‘Nannong Xuefeng’ showing the largest general combining ability (GCA) effect for the MFVW was the best combiner, and identified several best cross combinations with high positive specific combining ability (SCA) effects for most WT-related traits. Mid- and high-parent heterosis occurred widely. The three distance measures, based on phenotypic traits (PD), molecular markers (GD) and markers linked with quantitative trait loci (QTL-GD), presented a non-significant correlation with combining ability except for the GD with GCA for the relative root fresh weight. The correlations between the QTL-GD and heterosis were significant for certain traits and generally higher than that of the PD or GD and heterosis. The SCA effects were positively correlated with heterosis for most of the WT traits (0.51 ≤ r ≤ 0.80). The findings benefit understanding the inheritance mode and then achieving desirable improvement for WT in chrysanthemum.
Post‐traumatic Visualized Supernumerary Phantom Limbs: A Case Presentation
Authors: Lamb S. Courtney‐Kay
Published: January 2017

The experience of supernumerary phantom limbs (SPLs) is a rare phenomenon known to occur following a variety of neurological ailments. This case report details visualized supernumerary phantom arms and legs in a polytrauma patient with suspicion of seizure as the primary contributing factor. Fewer than 30 cases of SPLs have been previously described. SPLs are usually confined to the phantom proprioception/sensation of the limb, with only 6 prior cases reporting visualized SPLs, all of which occurred in the setting of isolated stroke. This case presentation is notable because it is the first to describe visualized SPLs in a polytrauma patient.

Level of Evidence

V
Validation of a Case Definition for Pediatric Brain Injury Using Administrative Data
Authors: McChesney-Corbeil Jane , Barlow Karen , Quan Hude , Chen Guanmin , Wiebe Samuel , Jette Nathalie
Published: January 2017

Background: Health administrative data are a common population-based data source for traumatic brain injury (TBI) surveillance and research; however, before using these data for surveillance, it is important to develop a validated case definition. The objective of this study was to identify the optimal International Classification of Disease , edition 10 (ICD-10), case definition to ascertain children with TBI in emergency room (ER) or hospital administrative data. We tested multiple case definitions. Methods: Children who visited the ER were identified from the Regional Emergency Department Information System at Alberta Children’s Hospital. Secondary data were collected for children with trauma, musculoskeletal, or central nervous system complaints who visited the ER between October 5, 2005, and June 6, 2007. TBI status was determined based on chart review. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for each case definition. Results: Of 6639 patients, 1343 had a TBI. The best case definition was, “1 hospital or 1 ER encounter coded with an ICD-10 code for TBI in 1 year” (sensitivity 69.8% [95% confidence interval (CI), 67.3-72.2], specificity 96.7% [95% CI, 96.2-97.2], PPV 84.2% [95% CI 82.0-86.3], NPV 92.7% [95% CI, 92.0-93.3]). The nonspecific code S09.9 identified >80% of TBI cases in our study. Conclusions: The optimal ICD-10–based case definition for pediatric TBI in this study is valid and should be considered for future pediatric TBI surveillance studies. However, external validation is recommended before use in other jurisdictions, particularly because it is plausible that a larger proportion of patients in our cohort had milder injuries.
Uncertainty quantification in breast cancer risk prediction models using self-reported family health history
Authors: Pflieger Lance T. , Mason Clinton C. , Facelli Julio C.
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Family health history (FHx) is an important factor in breast and ovarian cancer risk assessment. As such, multiple risk prediction models rely strongly on FHx data when identifying a patient’s risk. These models were developed using verified information and when translated into a clinical setting assume that a patient’s FHx is accurate and complete. However, FHx information collected in a typical clinical setting is known to be imprecise and it is not well understood how this uncertainty may affect predictions in clinical settings. Methods. Using Monte Carlo simulations and existing measurements of uncertainty of self-reported FHx, we show how uncertainty in FHx information can alter risk classification when used in typical clinical settings. Results. We found that various models ranged from 52% to 64% for correct tier-level classification of pedigrees under a set of contrived uncertain conditions, but that significant misclassification are not negligible. Conclusions. Our work implies that (i) uncertainty quantification needs to be considered when transferring tools from a controlled research environment to a more uncertain environment (i.e, a health clinic) and (ii) better FHx collection methods are needed to reduce uncertainty in breast cancer risk prediction in clinical settings.
Implementation of Infection Prevention and Antimicrobial Stewardship in Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratories: Results from the SHEA Research Network
Authors: Mehrotra Preeti , Gupta Kalpana , Strymish Judith , Kramer Daniel B. , Lambert-Kerzner Anne , Ho P. Michael , Branch-Elliman Westyn
Published: January 2017

Infection prevention in electrophysiology (EP) laboratories is poorly characterized; thus, we conducted a cross-sectional survey using the SHEA Research Network. We found limited uptake of basic interventions, such as surveillance and appropriate peri-procedural antimicrobial use. Further study is needed to identify ways to improve infection prevention in this setting.
On the secondary instabilities of transient growth in Couette flow
Authors: Karp Michael , Cohen Jacob
Published: January 2017

The secondary instability of linear transient growth (TG) in Couette flow is explored theoretically, utilizing an analytical representation of the TG based on four modes and their nonlinear interactions. The evolution of the secondary disturbance is derived using the multiple time scales method. The theoretical predictions are compared with direct numerical simulations and very good agreement with respect to the growth of the disturbance energy and associated vortical structures is observed, up to the final stage just before the breakdown to turbulence. The theoretical model enables us to perform a full parametric study, including TG symmetry type, various wavenumbers, initial energy, TG nonlinearity and Reynolds number, to find all possible routes to transition and the optimal parameters for each type of the secondary disturbance. It is found that the most dangerous secondary disturbances are associated with spanwise wavenumbers which generate the strongest inflection points, i.e. those having maximal shear, rather than with those maximizing the energy gain during the TG phase.
THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF LAW AND RELIGION IN EUROPE: SECULARISM AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
Authors: Hill Mark
Published: January 2017

This is a self-indulgent, and perforce idiosyncratic, excursus into some (but by no means all) of the vast body of literature that has been published in recent years touching on secularism and cultural heritage in Europe, surveyed from the vantage point of law and religion scholarship. It was commissioned by the Journal of Law and Religion as part of its ambitious project for sharply focused and widely angled snapshots of the state of the field at the present moment.1 And, for this English writer, with this particular topic, the moment could not be more propitious.
Towards operationalising internal distractibility (Mind Wandering) in adults with ADHD
Authors: Biederman Joseph , Fitzgerald Maura , Uchida Mai , Spencer Thomas J. , Fried Ronna , Wicks Jennifer , Saunders Alexandra , Faraone Stephen V.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To investigate whether specific symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can help identify ADHD patients with mind wandering.

Methods

Subjects were adults ages 18–55 of both sexes (n=41) who completed the Mind-Wandering Questionnaire (MWQ) and the ADHD module of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children Epidemiologic Version. We used Spearman’s rank correlation and Pearson’s χ2 analyses to examine associations between the ADHD module and the MWQ and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analyses to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of the ADHD module.

Results

Out of the three ADHD domains, the inattentive ADHD scores had the strongest association with the MWQ (total: rs=0.34, df=39, p=0.03; inattentive: rs=0.38, df=39, p=0.02; Hyperactive: rs=0.17, df=39, p=0.28). Correlation analyses between individual items on the ADHD module and the MWQ showed that two inattention items (‘failure to pay attention to detail’ and ‘trouble following instructions’) were positively associated with total scores on the MWQ (p=0.02). These two inattention items had the strongest association with the MWQ (rs=0.45, df=38, p=0.004). ROC analyses showed that the combined score of the two significant inattention items had the highest efficiency (AUC=0.71) in classifying high-level mind wanderers as defined by scores greater than the median split on the MWQ. The combined score of the two inattention items best identified high-level mind wanderers.

Conclusion

Results suggest a way to operationalise mind wandering using the symptoms of ADHD.