bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delay analysis of mixed fronthaul and backhaul traffic under strict priority queueing discipline in a 5G packet transport network
Authors: Gowda Apurva , Hernández José Alberto , Larrabeiti David , Kazovsky Leonid
Published: March 2017

Virtualization of the base station for the purpose of centralization is being actively studied and researched as an implementation option for 5G mobile networks. Proposed as Cloud radio access network, the technology is expected to facilitate easier operation and maintenance than regular radio access networks. However, the base stations traffic has stringent delay requirements. In this paper, we explore the possibility of multiplexing fronthaul traffic and traditional backhaul traffic as it traverses over the metropolitan network while keeping the average fronthaul queueing delay and jitter under control. We analyze and simulate the cases of a single fronthaul flow and multiple fronthaul flows arriving at the packet switch assuming strict priority for the fronthaul queue. We propose a fronthaul frame aggregation strategy to improve the packet transmission efficiency while keeping the average fronthaul queueing delay and jitter constant regardless of the percentage of fronthaul traffic. While the criteria for aggregation is different for the 2 cases, we show that the optimal number of basic frames to aggregate is between 3‐10 frames assuming the Common Public Radio Interface protocol.
Interview‐informed functional analyses: A comparison of synthesized and isolated components
Authors: Slaton Jessica D. , Hanley Gregory P. , Raftery Katherine J.
Published: March 2017

Hanley, Jin, Vanselow, and Hanratty (2014) described a functional analysis (FA) format that relied on a synthesis of multiple contingencies described by caregivers during open‐ended interviews. These interview‐informed synthesized contingency analyses (IISCA) provided effective baselines from which to develop socially validated treatments, but the synthesis precluded a precise understanding of individual contingencies influencing problem behavior. We conducted IISCAs and standard FAs (Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman, & Richman, 1982/1994) for nine children with autism to evaluate the likelihood of differentiation given a number of synthesized versus isolated variables. The IISCA was differentiated for all. The standard FA was differentiated for four; this number increased to six when we included precursors in the standard FA. We then compared treatments based on sets of differentiated analyses for four children. Treatment based on the IISCA was effective for all four; treatments based on the standard FA were effective for two. The role of synthesis in analysis is discussed.
The percutaneous toxicokinetics of Sulphur mustard in a damaged skin porcine model and the evaluation of WoundStat™ as a topical decontaminant
Authors: Hall Charlotte A. , Lydon Helen L. , Dalton Christopher H. , Chipman J. Kevin , Graham John S. , Chilcott Robert P.
Published: March 2017

This study used a damaged skin, porcine model to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of WoundStat™ for decontamination of superficial (non‐haemorrhaging), sulphur mustard‐contaminated wounds. The dorsal skin of 12 female pigs was subjected to controlled physical damage and exposed to 10 μL 14C–radiolabelled sulphur mustard (14C–SM). Animals were randomly assigned to either a control or a treatment group. In the latter, WoundStat™ was applied 30 s post exposure and left in situ for 1 h. Skin lesion progression and decontaminant efficacy were quantified over 6 h using a range of biophysical measurements. Skin, blood and organ samples were taken post mortem for histopathological assessment, 14C–SM distribution and toxicokinetic analyses. Application of SM to damaged skin without decontamination was rapidly followed by advanced signs of toxicity, including ulceration and decreased blood flow at the exposure site in all animals. WoundStat™ prevented ulceration and improved blood flow at the exposure site in all decontaminated animals (n = 6). Furthermore, significantly smaller quantities of 14C–SM were detected in the blood (45% reduction), and recovered from skin (70% reduction) and skin surface swabs (99% reduction) at 6 h post‐challenge. Overall, the distribution of 14C–SM in the internal organs was similar for both groups, with the greatest concentration in the kidneys, followed by the liver and small intestine. WoundStat™ significantly reduced the amount of 14C–SM recovered from the liver, a key organ for SM metabolism and detoxification. This study demonstrates that WoundStat™ is a suitable product for reducing the ingress and toxicity of a chemical warfare agent. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural polymeric hydrogel evaluation for skeletal muscle tissue engineering
Authors: Pollot Beth E. , Rathbone Christopher R. , Wenke Joseph C. , Guda Teja
Published: March 2017

Although skeletal muscle has a remarkable ability to repair/regenerate after most types of injuries, there is limited regeneration after volumetric muscle loss (VML). A number of scaffold materials have been used in the development of grafts to treat VML, however, there is still a need to better understand the most appropriate material with regards to its ability to maintain mechanical integrity while also supporting myogenesis. Five commonly used natural polymeric materials (Collagen I, Agarose, Alginate, Fibrin, and Collagen Chitosan) used in skeletal muscle tissue engineering grafts were evaluated for their mechanical properties and myogenic capacity. Rheological properties, water absorption rates, degradation stability, tensile characteristics, and the ability to support in vitro myogenesis were compared in all five materials. Collagen, Collagen Chitosan, and Fibrin demonstrated high elasticity and 100% stretch without failure, Agarose was the most brittle (20% max stretch), and Alginate demonstrated poor handleabilty. While Collagen was supportive of myogenesis, overall, Fibrin demonstrated the highest myogenic potential as indicated by the earliest and highest increases in myogenin and myosin heavy chain mRNA in satellite cells along with the most extensive myotube development as evaluated with immunohistochemistry. The findings herein support the notion that under the conditions used in this study, Fibrin is the most suitable scaffold for the development of scaffolds for skeletal muscle tissue engineering. Future studies are required to determine whether the differences in mechanical properties and myogenic potential observed in vitro in the current study translate to better skeletal muscle development in a VML injury model. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 672–679, 2018.
Extracorporeal photopheresis in pediatric patients: Practical and technical considerations
Authors: DeSimone Robert A. , Schwartz Joseph , Schneiderman Jennifer
Published: March 2017

In adults, extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is widely utilized for a variety of indications, most commonly cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, acute or chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), solid organ transplant rejection, and other autoimmune and T‐cell‐mediated disorders. In pediatric patients, the majority of case series and reports have focused on its use in the management of acute and chronic GVHD. Currently utilized ECP technologies were designed for adult patients and there are several challenges in adapting these technologies for use in children. In our review, we focus on practical considerations and procedural modifications for ECP use in pediatric patients, with special attention to patient safety.
Therapeutic plasma exchange versus double plasma molecular absorption system in hepatitis B virus‐infected acute‐on‐chronic liver failure treated by entercavir: A prospective study
Authors: Wan Yue‐Meng , Li Yu‐Hua , Xu Zhi‐Yuan , Yang Jing , Yang Li‐Hong , Xu Ying , Yang Jin‐Hui
Published: March 2017

Background

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and double plasma molecular absorption system (DPMAS) were two extracorporeal liver support systems. Few studies compared their efficacy profile.

Objective

This study was to compare the efficacy of TPE and DPMAS on acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV‐ACLF).

Methods

60 HBV‐ACLF patients were enrolled and prospectively studied. All patients received entecavir therapy, and were assigned to TPE group (n = 33) and DPMAS group (n = 27). Primary end‐points were the effects of TPE and DPMAS on liver function and serum inflammatory markers.

Results

Serum procalcitonin, interleukin (IL)−6, and high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) were significantly elevated in patients with HBV‐ACLF. TPE achieved significantly higher removal rates of total bilirubin (TBIL, P = .002), direct bilirubin (DBIL, P = .006), and hsCRP (P = .010) than DPMAS, but DPMAS displayed lower loss rate of albumin (P = .000). TPE and DPMAS resulted in similarly increased serum IL‐6 levels and comparable 12‐week survivals (P > .05). Multivariate analysis showed that hospital stay (Relative Risk [RR]: 1.062, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.011‐1.115, P = .016), prothrombin time (RR: 1.346, 95% CI: 1.077‐1.726, P = .010), and international normalized ratio (RR: 0.013, 95% CI: 0.006‐0.788, P = .041) were independent predictors for 12‐week survival. Both TPE and DPMAS treatments were well‐tolerated.

Conclusion

Compared to DPMAS, TPE was more efficient in eliminating TBIL, DBIL, and hsCRP, but it was associated with higher loss rate of albumin. TPE and DPMAS were similar in improving 12‐week survivals in HBV‐ACLF.
Pathological analysis of children with childhood central nervous system infection based on changes in chemokines and interleukin‐17 family cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Morichi Shinichiro , Urabe Tomomi , Morishita Natsumi , Takeshita Mika , Ishida Yu , Oana Shingo , Yamanaka Gaku , Kashiwagi Yasuyo , Kawashima Hisashi
Published: March 2017

Background

In this study, the pathologies of acute meningitis and encephalopathy were investigated, and biomarkers useful as prognostic indices were searched for.

Methods

The subjects were 31 children with meningitis, 30 with encephalopathy, and 12 with convulsions following gastroenteritis. Control group consisted of 24 children with non‐central nervous system infection. Cerebrospinal fluid cytokine analysis was performed.

Results

Chemokines significantly increased in the bacterial meningitis group compared with those in viral meningitis and encephalopathy groups. On comparison of interleukin(IL)‐17, it increased in cases with status epilepticus in influenza‐associated encephalopathy group. In the rotavirus encephalopathy and convulsions following gastroenteritis groups, IL‐17 particularly increased in the convulsions following gastroenteritis group. IL‐8 increased in all cases irrespective of the causative virus.

Conclusions

In the encephalopathy group, IL‐8 may serve as a neurological prognostic index. IL‐17 was increased in the convulsions following gastroenteritis group, particularly in cases with status epilepticus, suggesting its involvement as a convulsion‐related factor.
Distinguishing the Chinese materia medica Tiepishihu from similar Dendrobium species of the same genus using histological and microscopic method
Authors: Yu Kun‐Zi , Yan Hua , Tai Hai‐Chuan , Zhang Nan‐Ping , Cheng Xian‐Long , Guo Zeng‐Xi , Ma Shuang‐Cheng , Wei Feng
Published: March 2017

The Chinese Materia Medica, Tiepishihu, used as a tonic for over one thousand years, is a well‐known precious medicine in China. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, its source is the species Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo, which is distinguished from other species in Dendrobium genus. However, these species from the same genus are similar with Tiepishihu and caused confusion in the market. To find a quick and simple method to distinguish Tiepishihu from other similar species, histologic and microscopic methods were combined together to investigate the transverse section of stem of Tiepishihu and other similar species. Phloroglucinol test solution with hydrochloric acid was used to reveal the lignified tissue by staining the transverse section of Tiepishihu and similar species. Results revealed the unique identification characteristics to distinguish Tiepishihu from similar species, which were difficult to distinguish by other methods. The identification characteristics of Tiepishihu include the cells of vascular bundle sheath were stained red, parenchyma cells were not stained red. What's more, other species can be distinguished from each other with microscopic and histological characteristics. These characteristics proved stable and can be easily observed by normal light microscopic examination. This method is rapid, accurate, stable, and inexpensive.
Lutetium 177 PSMA radionuclide therapy for men with prostate cancer: a review of the current literature and discussion of practical aspects of therapy
Authors: Emmett Louise , Willowson Kathy , Violet John , Shin Jane , Blanksby Ashley , Lee Jonathan
Published: March 2017

Prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a receptor on the surface of prostate cancer cells that is revolutionising the way we image and treat men with prostate cancer. New small molecule peptides with high‐binding affinity for the PSMA receptor have allowed high quality, highly specific PET imaging, in addition to the development of targeted radionuclide therapy for men with prostate cancer. This targeted therapy for prostate cancer has, to date, predominately used Lutetium 177 (Lu) labelled PSMA peptides. Early clinical studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of Lu PSMA therapy have demonstrated promising results with a significant proportion of men with metastatic prostate cancer, who have already failed other therapies, responding clinically to Lu PSMA. This review discusses the practical issues of administering Lu PSMA, and gives an overview of the findings from currently published trials in regards to treatment response rates, expected toxicities and safety.
Trend of measles, mumps, and rubella incidence following the measles‐rubella catch up vaccination in the Republic of Korea, 2001
Authors: Choe Young June , Eom Hye‐Eun , Cho Sung‐Il
Published: March 2017

Following the introduction of measles‐rubella (MR) catch‐up vaccination in 2001 and two dose measles‐mumps‐rubella (MMR2) keep‐up program in 2002, the incidence of measles, mumps, and rubella was not evaluated systematically. To describe the recent changes in epidemiology, a population‐based incidence study from 2001 to 2015 using national notifiable disease surveillance data was conducted. Between 2001 and 2015, there was decrease in the incidence of measles and rubella, whereas a steady increase in mump incidence was noted. The age distribution of mumps cases has shifted to the older age group, whereas rubella became more frequent in younger age group. The incidence of mumps showed an increase in every birth cohorts, except for the decrease in incidence for catch‐up vaccination cohort from 131 cases in 2007‐2011 to 64 cases per 100 000 in 2012‐2015. Continuing in monitoring of mumps and strengthening of the high two‐dose MMR vaccination coverage should be taken place in Korea.
SB 9200, a novel agonist of innate immunity, shows potent antiviral activity against resistant HCV variants
Authors: Jones Meleri , Cunningham Morven E. , Wing Peter , DeSilva Sampath , Challa Rupa , Sheri Anjaneyulu , Padmanabhan Seetharamaiyer , Iyer Radhakrishnan P. , Korba Brent E. , Afdhal Nezam , Foster Graham R.
Published: March 2017

SB 9200 is a novel, first‐in‐class oral modulator of innate immunity that is believed to act via the activation of the RIG‐I and NOD2 pathways. SB 9200 has broad‐spectrum antiviral activity against RNA viruses including hepatitis C virus (HCV), norovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza and has demonstrated activity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in vitro and in vivo. In phase I clinical trials in chronically infected HCV patients, SB 9200 has been shown to reduce HCV RNA by up to 1.9 log10. Here, we demonstrate the antiviral activity of SB 9200 against a HCV replicon system and patient derived virus. Using the HCV capture‐fusion assay, we show that SB 9200 is active against diverse HCV genotypes and is also effective against HCV derived from patients who relapse following direct‐acting antiviral treatment, including viruses containing known NS5A resistance‐associated sequences. These data confirm the broad antiviral activity of SB 9200 and indicate that it may have clinical utility in HCV patients who have failed to respond to current antiviral regimens.
Characteristics of precipitation extremes in Malaysia associated with El Niño and La Niña events
Authors: Tangang Fredolin , Farzanmanesh Raheleh , Mirzaei Ali , Supari  , Salimun Ester , Jamaluddin Ahmad Fairudz , Juneng Liew
Published: March 2017

This study investigates the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO)‐related seasonal variations in precipitation extremes based on the observed daily precipitation dataset of 23 meteorological stations in Malaysia, spanning a period of 46 years from 1966 to 2011. The extreme indices were a subset of the Expert Team for Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) that covers the duration, frequency and intensity aspects of precipitation extremes. Seasonal composites of ‘El Niño minus neutral’ and ‘La Niña minus neutral’ years of these indices were computed based on El Niño and La Niña occurrences during the period. The results showed that the ENSO‐related variations in precipitation extremes were generally coherent with the variations in total precipitation. Generally, dry (wet) precipitation extremes tended to enhance during El Niño (La Niña); however, this was dependent on season and location. The El Niño and La Niña influences on precipitation extremes were not entirely linear. While the impacts of El Niño and La Niña were generally opposite for most locations and seasons, there were cases where both exerted in‐phase influences. The impacts were also dependent on the intensity of the event itself. While the El Niño impacts were generally coherent across different intensities, La Niña can have entirely different impacts among different categories. During December–January–February (DJF), strong (moderate) La Niña caused a significant decrease (increase) in wet precipitation extremes over the Peninsular Malaysia. This was related to the broadening (narrowing and westward displacement) of the anomalous cyclonic circulation over the western north Pacific during strong (moderate) La Niña. Hence, the likelihood for widespread flooding over the east coast of the Peninsular Malaysia during DJF increases during moderate but not during strong La Niña events.
Changes of effective temperature and cold/hot days in late decades over China based on a high resolution gridded observation dataset
Authors: Wu Jia , Gao Xuejie , Giorgi Filippo , Chen Deliang
Published: March 2017

The effective temperature (ET) is employed to investigate observed changes of thermal comfort conditions over China during the late decades of the historical observational period. ET considers the aggregate effects of temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed to describe the human thermal sensitivity to weather and climate. The data used in the study is the recently produced gridded daily scale dataset CN05.1, which covers the period of 1961–2014 at a resolution of 0.25° latitude by 0.25° longitude. Results show a general increase of ET in both December‐January‐February (DJF) and June‐July‐August (JJA). The increase is mostly caused by an increase of temperature and a decrease of wind speed, while the contribution from relative humidity is small. As measured by ET, China is a cold country with many more cold days than hot days. Large decreases of cold days and increases of hot days are found following the increase of ET. The number of comfortable days shows larger values in the warm areas and during the warm seasons. During the analysis period, the number of annual comfortable days shows an increasing trend when considering the China‐wide average. However, the number of annual comfortable days during JJA decreases over warm areas.
The Case of Crowdfunding in Financial Inclusion: A Survey
Authors: Kim Hyonsu , De Moor Lieven
Published: March 2017

Crowdfunding can contribute to financial inclusion through various models including donation‐based, reward‐based, lending‐based, and equity‐based crowdfunding.
Effects of the addition of blood plasma proteins on physico‐chemical properties of emulsion‐type pork sausage during cold storage
Authors: Kim Sungho , Jin Sangkeun , Choi Jungseok
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Most slaughter blood is discarded, resulting in problems related to costs for wastewater disposal and environmental pollution. However, animal blood contains various proteins such as albumin, globulin and globin and can be used as a natural emulsifier, stabiliser and colour additive. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of blood plasma proteins on the physico‐chemical properties of emulsion‐type pork sausages stored at 4°C over 5 weeks.

RESULTS

The emulsion‐type pork sausages with plasma powders had higher pH than the other treatments during week 5, and higher shear force than the control (P < 0.05). The lightness values of the sausages with plasma powders were lower than the other treatments, whereas the redness and yellowness values were similar with those of the others. The sausages with plasma powders (cattle plasma powder and commercial pig plasma powder) had respectively increased texture properties. In the sensory evaluation, all proteins did not have significant impact on sensory of pork sausages.

CONCLUSION

The results confirmed that plasma protein powders can be considered as a binder for the production of excellent meat products compared to other binders. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Rapid and efficient one‐step purification of a serralysin family protease by using a p‐aminobenzamidine‐modified affinity medium
Authors: Li Shangyong , Wang Linna , Lin Shengxiang , Yang Juan , Ma Zibin , Wang Yuejun , Liu Junzhong , Hao Jianhua , Sun Mi
Published: March 2017

The metalloproteinase MP belongs to the serralysin family, which is involved in important functions such as nutrient acquisition and infection pathogenesis. Serralysin proteases in highly purified form are commonly used at the industrial level with several purposes. In this study, we set up an efficient and rapid purification protocol for MP using a p‐aminobenzamidine‐modified affinity chromatography. The affinity medium was synthesized by using p‐aminobenzamidine as affinity ligand immobilized via cyanuric chloride spacer to Sepharose 6B sorbent carrier. According to the adsorption analysis, the dissociation constant Kd and theoretical maximum adsorption Qmax of this medium were 24.2 μg/mL and 24.1 mg/g wet sorbent, respectively. The purity of MP was assessed by a high‐performance liquid chromatography on a TSK3000SW column and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, revealing values of 98.7 and ∼98%, respectively. The specific activity of purified MP was 95.6 U/mg, which is similar to values obtained through traditional purification protocols. In conclusion, our protocol could be easily employed for the rapid isolation of MP with high purity, and could be implemented for other serralysin family proteases.
Development and validation of a UHPLC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of five bioactive flavonoids in rat plasma and comparative pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of Xiaochaihu Tang and three compatibilities
Authors: Bo Yunhai , Wang Lijuan , Wu Xiao , Zhao Longshan , Yang Jingyu , Xiong Zhili , Wu Chunfu
Published: March 2017

An accurate, rapid, and reliable ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, and oroxylin A in rat plasma. Then, the stability of baicalin and baicalein in the preparation of plasma sample was systematically investigated. The Waters BEH C18 column was used with a gradient mobile phase system of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% formic acid. The analytes were detected in the multiple reaction monitoring mode with positive electrospray ionization. 100 μL fresh plasma was added with 50 μL antioxidant reagent (1 mol/L HCl containing 0.5% Vitamin C), and liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate was used to extract the analytes from plasma. Lower limits of quantification of baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, and oroxylin A were 21.9, 4.80, 1.20, 0.848, and 0.800 ng/mL, respectively. The mean extract recoveries of five flavonoids were 69.1∼89.2%, and the precision and accuracy were within the acceptable limits. This method was further successfully applied to the comparative pharmacokinetic study of these five flavonoids in rats after oral administration of Xiaochaihutang and three compatibilities. The obtained results may be helpful to reveal the mechanism of Xiaochaihutang formula compatibility.
Insertion depth impacts speech perception and hearing preservation for lateral wall electrodes
Authors: O'Connell Brendan P. , Hunter Jacob B. , Haynes David S. , Holder Jourdan T. , Dedmon Matt M. , Noble Jack H. , Dawant Benoit M. , Wanna George B.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

1) Examine angular insertion depths (AID) and scalar location of Med‐El (GmbH Innsbruck, Austria) electrodes; and 2) determine the relationship between AID and audiologic outcomes controlling for scalar position.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

Postlingually deafened adults undergoing cochlear implantation with Flex 24, Flex 28, and Standard electrode arrays (Med‐El) were identified. Patients with preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans were included so that electrode location and AID could be determined. Outcome measures were 1) speech perception in the cochlear implant (CI)‐only condition, and 2) short‐term hearing preservation.

Results

Forty‐eight implants were included; all electrodes (48 of 48) were positioned entirely within the scala tympani. The median AID was 408° (interquartile [IQ] range 373°–449°) for Flex 24, 575° (IQ range 465°–584°) for Flex 28, and 584° (IQ range 368°–643°) for Standard electrodes (Med‐El). The mean postoperative CNC score was 43.7% ± 21.9. A positive correlation was observed between greater AID and better CNC performance (r = 0.48, P < 0.001). Excluding patients with postoperative residual hearing, a strong correlation between AID and CNC persisted (r = 0.57, P < 0.001). In patients with preoperative residual hearing, mean low‐frequency pure‐tone average (PTA) shift was 27 dB ± 14. A correlation between AID and low‐frequency PTA shift at activation was noted (r = 0.41, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Favorable rates of scala tympani insertion (100%) were observed. In the CI‐only condition, a direct correlation between greater AID and CNC score was noted regardless of postoperative hearing status. Deeper insertions were, however, associated with worse short‐term hearing preservation. When patients without postoperative residual hearing were analyzed independently, the relationship between greater insertion depth and better performance was strengthened.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2352–2357, 2017
Feasibility of endoscopic submandibular ganglion neurectomy for drooling
Authors: Ozturk Kayhan , Erdur Omer , Gul Osman , Olmez Ayse
Published: March 2017

We performed endoscopic transoral neurectomy of the submandibular and sublingual glands to treat drooling. We bilaterally operated two adult cases with treatment‐resistant drooling. In these patients, conventional treatment had failed. Repeated botilinum toxin type A (BOTOX®, Abdi Ibrahim Pharmaceutical Company, Istanbul, Turkey) injections had been effective but were becoming less so. The patients benefited from surgery in that their saliva scores decreased. No issue emerged over 6 months of follow‐up. Endoscopic transoral neurectomy of the submandibular and sublingual glands reduces saliva production and allows management of drooling in treatment‐resistant patients. Laryngoscope, 127:1604–1607, 2017
Key differences between lakes and reservoirs modify climate signals: A case for a new conceptual model
Authors: Hayes Nicole M. , Deemer Bridget R. , Corman Jessica R. , Razavi N. Roxanna , Strock Kristin E.
Published: March 2017

Lakes and reservoirs are recognized as important sentinels of climate change, integrating catchment and atmospheric climate change drivers. Climate change conceptual models generally consider lakes and reservoirs together despite the possibility that these systems respond differently to climate‐related drivers. Here, we synthesize differences between lake and reservoir characteristics that are likely important for predicting waterbody response to climate change. To better articulate these differences, we revised the energy mass flux framework, a conceptual model for the effects of climate change on lentic ecosystems, to explicitly consider the differential responses of lake versus reservoir ecosystems. The model predicts that catchment and management characteristics will be more important mediators of climate effects in reservoirs than in natural lakes. Given the increased reliance on reservoirs globally, we highlight current gaps in our understanding of these systems and suggest research directions to further characterize regional and continental differences among lakes and reservoirs.
Fluorescent and lasing whispering gallery mode microresonators for sensing applications
Authors: Reynolds Tess , Riesen Nicolas , Meldrum Al , Fan Xudong , Hall Jonathan M. M. , Monro Tanya M. , François Alexandre
Published: March 2017

Whispering gallery modes (WGMs) have been exploited for a broad range of sensing applications. However, the vast majority of WGM sensors consist of passive resonators, requiring complex interrogation systems to be employed, ultimately limiting their practicality. Active resonators containing a gain medium, allowing remote excitation and collection of the WGM‐modulated fluorescence spectra, have emerged as an alternative to passive resonators. Although research is still in its infancy, recent progress has reduced the performance gap between the two paradigms, fueled by the potential for new applications that could not previously be realized. Here, recent developments in sensors based on active WGM microresonators are reviewed, beginning with a discussion of the theory of fluorescence‐based and lasing WGMs, followed by a discussion of the variety of gain media, resonator architectures, and emerging sensing applications. We conclude with a discussion of the prospects and future directions for improving active WGM sensors.

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Synthesis and Self‐Assembly of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers from Biobased Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose and Poly(l‐lactide)
Authors: Wang Jielin , Caceres Marleny , Li Suming , Deratani André
Published: March 2017

A series of well‐defined hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose‐block‐poly(l‐lactide) (HPMC‐b‐PLLA) diblock copolymers are synthesized via UV‐initiated thiol‐ene click reaction of thiol‐terminated HPMC with different block lengths and allyl‐terminated PLLA, using 2,2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenylacetophenone as photocatalyst. The former is obtained by coupling the reducing aldehyde endgroup of short chain HPMC with the amine group of cysteamine, and the latter by ring‐opening polymerization of l‐lactide in the presence of allyl alcohol. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and diffusion ordered spectroscopy NMR confirm the successful coupling of both blocks. The molar mass of the resulting copolymers ranges from 7000 to 12 800 g mol−1 as determined by size exclusion chromatography. The copolymers are able to self‐assemble in aqueous medium, yielding micelles of 50–100 nm with core–shell structure as evidenced by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and 1H NMR. The critical micelle concentration of copolymers ranges from 0.12 to 0.15 mg mL−1. Last but not the least, the copolymers exhibit thermoresponsive behavior with a lower critical solution temperature around 80 °C.

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Managerial Altruism and Governance in Charitable Donations
Authors: Ho Shirley J. , Huang Cheng‐Li
Published: March 2017

We describe a double agency problem in firms' charitable donations. When managers have better knowledge about the effectiveness of donations and their altruistic preferences, it is difficult for shareholders to tell whether charitable donations are made for a strategic purpose or due to managerial altruism. We characterize the equilibrium donations in a heterogeneous competition model. We show that managerial altruism is a substitute for the effectiveness of donations, and excess donations cannot be prevented by a compensation scheme that reduces the interest conflicts between ownership and management. Under board authorization, the board will tolerate donations with high effectiveness and low altruism as well as donations corresponding to low effectiveness and high altruism. Under a penalty scheme, the altruistic manager will increase donations, in order to increase donation's strategic benefit to compensate for the loss from the penalty. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving left ventricular segmentation in four‐dimensional flow MRI using intramodality image registration for cardiac blood flow analysis
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Bustamante Mariana , Fredriksson Alexandru , Carlhäll Carl‐Johan , Ebbers Tino
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Assessment of blood flow in the left ventricle using four‐dimensional flow MRI requires accurate left ventricle segmentation that is often hampered by the low contrast between blood and the myocardium. The purpose of this work is to improve left‐ventricular segmentation in four‐dimensional flow MRI for reliable blood flow analysis.

Method

The left ventricle segmentations are first obtained using morphological cine‐MRI with better in‐plane resolution and contrast, and then aligned to four‐dimensional flow MRI data. This alignment is, however, not trivial due to inter‐slice misalignment errors caused by patient motion and respiratory drift during breath‐hold based cine‐MRI acquisition. A robust image registration based framework is proposed to mitigate such errors automatically. Data from 20 subjects, including healthy volunteers and patients, was used to evaluate its geometric accuracy and impact on blood flow analysis.

Results

High spatial correspondence was observed between manually and automatically aligned segmentations, and the improvements in alignment compared to uncorrected segmentations were significant (P < 0.01). Blood flow analysis from manual and automatically corrected segmentations did not differ significantly (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach in improving left‐ventricular segmentation in four‐dimensional flow MRI, and its potential for reliable blood flow analysis. Magn Reson Med 79:554–560, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Level set topology optimization of structural problems with interface cohesion
Authors: Behrou Reza , Lawry Matthew , Maute Kurt
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a finite element topology optimization framework for the design of two‐phase structural systems considering contact and cohesion phenomena along the interface. The geometry of the material interface is described by an explicit level set method, and the structural response is predicted by the extended finite element method. In this work, the interface condition is described by a bilinear cohesive zone model on the basis of the traction‐separation constitutive relation. The non‐penetration condition in the presence of compressive interface forces is enforced by a stabilized Lagrange multiplier method. The mechanical model assumes a linear elastic isotropic material, infinitesimal strain theory, and a quasi‐static response. The optimization problem is solved by a nonlinear programming method, and the design sensitivities are computed by the adjoint method. The performance of the presented method is evaluated by 2D and 3D numerical examples. The results obtained from topology optimization reveal distinct design characteristics for the various interface phenomena considered. In addition, 3D examples demonstrate optimal geometries that cannot be fully captured by reduced dimensionality. The optimization framework presented is limited to two‐phase structural systems where the material interface is coincident in the undeformed configuration, and to structural responses that remain valid considering small strain kinematics. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stochastic multiscale analysis in hydrodynamic lubrication
Authors: Waseem A. , Guilleminot J. , Temizer İ.
Published: March 2017

A stochastic multiscale analysis framework is developed for hydrodynamic lubrication problems with random surface roughness. The approach is based on a multi‐resolution computational strategy wherein the deterministic solution of the multiscale problem for each random surface realization is achieved through a coarse‐scale analysis with a local upscaling that is achieved through homogenization theory. The stochastic nature of this solution because of the underlying randomness is then characterized through local and global quantities of interest, accompanied by a detailed discussion regarding suitable choices of the numerical parameters in order to achieve a desired stochastic predictive capability while ensuring numerical efficiency. Finally, models of the stochastic interface response are constructed, and their performance is demonstrated for representative problem settings. Overall, the developed approach offers a computational framework, which can essentially predict the significant influence of interface heterogeneity in the absence of a strict scale separation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blends of polybenzoxazine/poly(acrylic acid): hydrogen bonds and enhanced performances
Authors: Wang Bin , Yang Po , Li Yiqiao , He Yueshan , Zhu Rongqi , Gu Yi
Published: March 2017

This work focuses on exploring the role of the additional hydrogen bond donor moiety‐containing polymer poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) in the hydrogen bonds and properties of polybenzoxazines. Thorough studies showed that PAA could not only decrease the curing temperature of benzoxazine resin, but also give additional hydrogen bond donors that were beneficial to the hydrogen bonding interactions and performances of polybenzoxazine/PAA blends. As the hydrogen bonds varied, the glass transition temperature and tensile modulus of the polymer blends changed in accordance with the hydrogen bonds. The results revealed that the introduction of the hydrogen bond donor moiety‐containing polymer was beneficial for hydrogen bonding interactions, which could improve the performances of polybenzoxazines. This novel insight is anticipated to be of help to researchers in the development of more polybenzoxazines and polybenzoxazine blends with enhanced properties. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Bike peptides: a ride through the membrane
Authors: García‐Pindado Júlia , Royo Soledad , Teixidó Meritxell , Giralt Ernest
Published: March 2017

Several natural peptides have a biaryl or biaryl ether motif in their biologically active structures. A model bicyclic pentapeptide containing a biaryl bridge has been synthesized by solid‐phase peptide synthesis combining on‐resin Suzuki and Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions. Its biological properties in terms of permeability, stability and cytotoxicity have been studied, demonstrating the positive contribution of the biaryl bridge, excellent membrane penetration and serum stability Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Impact of Siblings on the Geographic Distance Between Adult Children and Their Ageing Parents. Does Parental Need Matter?
Authors: van den Broek Thijs , Dykstra Pearl A.
Published: March 2017

Research consistently shows that children with siblings live at a greater distance from their parents than do only children. We extend this literature by assessing whether this difference varies as a function of parental need. Multinomial logistic regression analyses of German Ageing Survey data enriched with indicators at the district (Nomenclature of Statistical Territorial Units level three) level (n = 2,028) show that, in general, children with a sibling are less likely than only children to share a household with a parent. We do not find that children with a sibling are more likely than only children to live at great distance, that is, more than 2 hours away, from their parents. The differences between only children and children with siblings in parent–child proximity are most pronounced when parents are coping with severe health limitations. It is well established that only children are more likely than children with siblings to provide support and care to ageing parents. Our findings suggest that, in addition, only children might be more compelled than their counterparts with siblings to adjust their living arrangements in order to facilitate caregiving when parent care needs manifest themselves. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The transient atmospheric response to a reduction of sea‐ice cover in the Barents and Kara Seas
Authors: Ruggieri P. , Kucharski F. , Buizza R. , Ambaum M. H. P.
Published: March 2017

The observed reduction of Arctic sea ice has drawn a lot of interest for its potential impact on midlatitude weather variability. One of the outstanding challenges is to achieve a deeper understanding of the dynamical processes involved in this mechanism. To progress in this area, we have designed and performed an experiment with an intermediate complexity atmospheric model. The experiment shows a transient atmospheric response to a surface diabatic heating in the Barents and Kara Seas leading to an anomalous circulation first locally, then over the polar region and finally over the Euro‐Atlantic sector. A hypothesis that explains the mechanisms for the propagation of the signal is put forward. The discussion of this hypothesis provides an insight into the nature of the link between sea‐ice forcing and the modes of internal variability of the atmosphere. We demonstrate that, after removal of sea ice in the Barents and Kara Seas, first the linear atmospheric response dominates and is confined in the proximity of the heating area, then a large‐scale response, associated also with eddy feedback, is found and finally anomalies reach the lower stratosphere and show a hemispheric pattern in the troposphere. These results identify the drivers of the tropospheric connection between sea‐ice variability and the North Atlantic Oscillation and highlight the role of the lower stratosphere.
Flexible Sensing Electronics for Wearable/Attachable Health Monitoring
Authors: Wang Xuewen , Liu Zheng , Zhang Ting
Published: March 2017

Wearable or attachable health monitoring smart systems are considered to be the next generation of personal portable devices for remote medicine practices. Smart flexible sensing electronics are components crucial in endowing health monitoring systems with the capability of real‐time tracking of physiological signals. These signals are closely associated with body conditions, such as heart rate, wrist pulse, body temperature, blood/intraocular pressure and blood/sweat bio‐information. Monitoring such physiological signals provides a convenient and non‐invasive way for disease diagnoses and health assessments. This Review summarizes the recent progress of flexible sensing electronics for their use in wearable/attachable health monitoring systems. Meanwhile, we present an overview of different materials and configurations for flexible sensors, including piezo‐resistive, piezo‐electrical, capacitive, and field effect transistor based devices, and analyze the working principles in monitoring physiological signals. In addition, the future perspectives of wearable healthcare systems and the technical demands on their commercialization are briefly discussed.
The changing balance of technology and process: A case study on a combined setting of model‐driven development and classical C coding
Authors: Hebig Regina , Derehag Jesper
Published: March 2017

The increasing flexibility in industry leads to an ecosystem of change, affecting the balance of processes and technology as well as the developers who have to cope with the change. Furthermore, the change itself might impact the ability to use quantitative methods to learn from previous experience. The goal of this study is to better understand the ecosystem of mutual impacts and changes of process and technologies as well as how developers perceive a technology setting and deal with its change. Therefore, we conducted a case study at Ericsson, performing a series of interviews among 6 employees (senior developers and architects). We identified a time line of changes that happened over 7 years. A set of observations about the relation between processes and tooling, and observations about developer's perceptions of the technology settings, and their strategy to deal with these changing technology settings. We discuss how the observed change impacts the ability to perform quantitative evaluations of technology and processes. The findings show that a bad choice of technologies can lead to unexpected impact on team dynamics. Furthermore, change happens so regular that it needs to be considered when collecting data for a quantitative evaluation of, eg, productivity.
Influence of vegetation type and prescribed fire on Peromyscus abundance in a longleaf pine ecosystem
Authors: Sasmal Indrani , Deperno Christopher S. , Swingen Morgan B. , Moorman Christopher E.
Published: March 2017

Prescribed fire temporarily can alter food and cover resources for ground‐dwelling wildlife, potentially leading to changes in animal abundance. Small mammals are an important ecosystem component in many terrestrial communities and depend on ground‐level vegetation most commonly affected by prescribed fire. In this complex system of food and cover availability where easier access to food might compromise cover, and vice versa, it is imperative to study postfire habitat use by mice and other ground‐dwelling wildlife. We evaluated effects of time since burn and vegetation type on Peromyscus spp. abundance in a longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystem in Fort Bragg Military Installation, North Carolina, USA, during 2011 and 2012. We trapped in 5 vegetation types and captured 208 individual Peromyscus. Peromyscus abundance did not differ among 1, 2, and 3 years postburn upland pine vegetation types, although we noted a trend of decreasing abundance as time since burn increased; however, abundance was greater in the lowland hardwood vegetation type than in open areas (i.e., military drop zones). The lack of an effect of time since burn could be due to the short fire‐return interval at the study site, which limited the time for postburn shifts in the composition of the understory from herbaceous to woody plant species. Therefore, we suggest future research in the longleaf pine ecosystem incorporate a wider time frame to assess short‐ and long‐term effects of fire on small mammal populations. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Une base de données en anthropologie adaptée pour l'archéologie préventive. Usages, enjeux et limites au service de l'archéologie du département d'Indre-et-Loire (Sadil)
Authors: Gaultier M.
Published: March 2017

Les pratiques professionnelles en archéologie préventive liées aux contraintes de temps imposées à la réalisation des recherches sur le terrain ou lors de la phase d'étude, ainsi que la normalisation toujours plus aboutie des rapports d'opérations, favorisent l'émergence et le développement d'outils informatiques aptes à seconder archéologues et anthropologues au quotidien. Pour la gestion de séries importantes de données issues de l'étude de nécropoles ou cimetières, la création et le développement d'une base de données s'avèrent ainsi indispensables tant pour le stockage des données brutes que pour leur manipulation : tri, comparaison, analyse. L'outil informatique permet également d'automatiser certaines tâches et de normaliser la présentation des données. Cette note présente l'expérience du service de l'archéologie du département d'Indre-et-Loire en la matière.