bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Control of Asymmetry in the Radical Addition Approach to Chiral Amine Synthesis
Authors: Friestad Gregory K.
Published: September 2015

Review: 66 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Twisted Arenes
Authors: Wang Kung K.
Published: September 2015

Review: 97 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Supramolecular Chirality in Self‐Assembled Systems
Authors: Liu Minghua , Zhang Li , Wang Tianyu
Published: September 2015

Review: 478 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Development of Pseudorotaxanes and Rotaxanes: From Synthesis to Stimuli‐Responsive Motions to Applications
Authors: Xue Min , Yang Yong , Chi Xiaodong , Yan Xuzhou , Huang Feihe
Published: September 2015

Review: 681 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Organocatalytic Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Limnios Dimitris , Kokotos Christoforos G.
Published: September 2015

Review: organocatalytic approaches for the epoxidation of alkenes, oxidation of sulfides, tertiary amines, azines and silanes; 145 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemical Bonding and Aromaticity in Poly‐Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Tai Truong Ba , Huong Vu Thi Thu , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: September 2015

Review: 103 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Task‐Specific Design of Porous Polymer Heterogeneous Catalysts Beyond Homogeneous Counterparts
Authors: Sun Qi , Dai Zhifeng , Meng Xiangju , Wang Liang , Xiao Feng‐Shou
Published: September 2015

Review: 89 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of a Phosphonate Phosphoantigen Prodrug
Authors: Hsiao Chia‐Hung Christine , Lin Xiaochen , Barney Rocky J. , Shippy Rebekah R. , Li Jin , Vinogradova Olga , Wiemer David F. , Wiemer Andrew J.
Published: September 2015

Review: 7 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Disulfonyl Carbon Acids — Synthesis, Spectroscopic and Structural Studies — A Review
Authors: Binkowska Iwona
Published: September 2015

Review: 110 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Luminescent Cation Sensors: From Host—Guest Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry to Reaction‐Based Mechanisms
Authors: Yeung Margaret Ching‐Lam , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah
Published: September 2015

Review: 72 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: A Review on Natural Surfactants
Authors: De Sourav , Malik Susanta , Ghosh Aniruddha , Saha Rumpa , Saha Bidyut
Published: September 2015

Review: properties, advantages and drawbacks, production, characterization and applications; 84 refs.
The temporal profile of retinal cell genesis in the marmoset monkey
Authors: Hendrickson A. , Possin D. , Kwan W.C. , Huang J. , Bourne J.A.
Published: September 2015

The New World marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) has a relatively short gestational period compared with other primates but possesses a retina at a similar stage of maturation by birth. Previous studies have highlighted that the complex fovea of the marmoset undergoes a more rapid postnatal development in comparison with the Macaca monkey, reaching a mature stage earlier than these species. In this current study, we examined the prenatal proliferation profile of cells in the entire retina employing the thymidine analogs and also determined their phenotype by double‐label immunocytochemistry using type‐specific markers. Akin to other primate species, we demonstrate a centroperipheral gradient in the emergence of both neurons and Müller glia with cones, ganglion cells, and horizontal cells generated first in the fovea at fetal day (Fd)70–74 and with the last generated at the retinal edge at Fd115. Rods, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, displaced amacrine cells, and Müller glia were generated between Fd76 and Fd135 along the same gradient. Similar to foveal development, marmoset neuronal generation was rapid, only taking 51% of gestation whereas in Macaca this takes 81%. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:1193–1207, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resource allocation for SC‐FDMA based cognitive radio systems
Authors: Ahmad Ayaz , Raza Khan Mohammad Toaha
Published: September 2015

This paper presents resource allocation algorithms for secondary user (SU) transmitters of single‐carrier frequency division multiple access (SC‐FDMA)‐based cognitive radio systems. In addition to the conventional per‐SU transmit power constraints, we also consider two types of interference constraints on SUs to protect the primary users links and thereby formulate two resource allocation problems. The first constraint relates to individual per‐subcarrier interference power, whereas the second constraint corresponds to joint sum of interference power across all the subcarriers and SUs. In SC‐FDMA system, a subcarrier can be allocated to one SU at a time (exclusivity constraint), and the multiple subcarriers allocated to an SU must be adjacent to each other (adjacency constraint). These constraints make the resource allocation problem prohibitively difficult to solve. We derive efficient power and subcarrier allocation algorithms via convex optimization techniques for both problems. We compare the results of our proposed algorithm with the existing schemes. Numerical results show that our algorithms can improve the system performance significantly. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation of phase II in vitro metabolites using homogenized horse liver
Authors: Wong Jenny K. Y. , Chan George H. M. , Leung David K. K. , Tang Francis P. W. , Wan Terence S. M.
Published: September 2015

The successful use of homogenized horse liver for the generation of phase I in vitro metabolites has been previously reported by the authors’ laboratory. Prior to the use of homogenized liver, the authors’ laboratory had been using mainly horse liver microsomes for carrying out equine in vitro metabolism studies. Homogenized horse liver has shown significant advantages over liver microsomes for in vitro metabolism studies as the procedures are much quicker and have higher capability for generating more in vitro metabolites. In this study, the use of homogenized liver has been extended to the generation of phase II in vitro metabolites (glucuronide and/or sulfate conjugates) using 17β‐estradiol, morphine, and boldenone undecylenate as model substrates. It was observed that phase II metabolites could also be generated even without the addition of cofactors. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the successful use of homogenized horse liver for the generation of phase II metabolites. It also demonstrates the ease with which both phase I and phase II metabolites can now be generated in vitro simply by using homogenized liver without the need for ultracentrifuges or tedious preparation steps. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variants of early‐onset restrictive eating disturbances in middle childhood
Authors: Kurz Susanne , van Dyck Zoé , Dremmel Daniela , Munsch Simone , Hilbert Anja
Published: September 2015

Objective

This study sought to determine the factor structure of the newly developed self‐report screening questionnaire Eating Disturbances in Youth‐Questionnaire (EDY‐Q) as well as to report the distribution of variants of early‐onset restrictive eating disturbances characteristic of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in a middle childhood population sample.

Method

Using the EDY‐Q, a total of 1,444 children aged 8–13 years were screened in elementary schools in Switzerland via self‐report. The factor analysis of the 12 items covering ARFID related symptoms was performed using a principal component analysis (PCA).

Results

The PCA showed a four factor solution, with clear allocation to the scales covering three variants of early‐onset restrictive eating disturbances and weight problems. Inadequate overall food intake was reported by 19.3% of the children, a limited accepted amount of food by 26.1%, and food avoidance based on a specific underlying fear by 5.0%.

Discussion

The postulated factor structure of the EDY‐Q was confirmed, further supporting the existence of distinct variants of early‐onset restrictive eating disturbances. Avoidant/restrictive eating behavior seems to be a common experience in middle childhood, but results have to be confirmed using validated interviews. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:102–106).
Species‐specific adaptations explain resilience of herbaceous understorey to increased precipitation variability in a Mediterranean oak woodland
Authors: Jongen Marjan , Hellmann Christine , Unger Stephan
Published: September 2015

To date, the implications of the predicted greater intra‐annual variability and extremes in precipitation on ecosystem functioning have received little attention. This study presents results on leaf‐level physiological responses of five species covering the functional groups grasses, forbs, and legumes in the understorey of a Mediterranean oak woodland, with increasing precipitation variability, without altering total annual precipitation inputs. Although extending the dry period between precipitation events from 3 to 6 weeks led to increased soil moisture deficit, overall treatment effects on photosynthetic performance were not observed in the studied species. This resilience to prolonged water stress was explained by different physiological and morphological strategies to withstand periods below the wilting point, that is, isohydric behavior in Agrostis, Rumex, and Tuberaria, leaf succulence in Rumex, and taproots in Tolpis. In addition, quick recovery upon irrigation events and species‐specific adaptations of water‐use efficiency with longer dry periods and larger precipitation events contributed to the observed resilience in productivity of the annual plant community. Although none of the species exhibited a change in cover with increasing precipitation variability, leaf physiology of the legume Ornithopus exhibited signs of sensitivity to moisture deficit, which may have implications for the agricultural practice of seeding legume‐rich mixtures in Mediterranean grassland‐type systems. This highlights the need for long‐term precipitation manipulation experiments to capture possible directional changes in species composition and seed bank development, which can subsequently affect ecosystem state and functioning.
Ultraviolet light converts propranolol, a nonselective β‐blocker and potential lupus‐inducing drug, into a proinflammatory AhR ligand
Authors: Dorgham Karim , Amoura Zahir , Parizot Christophe , Arnaud Laurent , Frances Camille , Pionneau Cédric , Devilliers Hervé , Pinto Sandra , Zoorob Rima , Miyara Makoto , Larsen Martin , Yssel Hans , Gorochov Guy , Mathian Alexis
Published: September 2015

UV light and some medications are known to trigger lupus erythematosus (LE). A common mechanism underlying the immunopathologic effect, resulting from exposure to these two seemingly unrelated factors, remains unknown. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a key role in the regulation of IL‐22 production in humans and can be activated by both xenobiotics and naturally occurring photoproducts. A significant expansion of Th17 and Th22 cells was observed in the peripheral blood of active systemic LE (SLE) patients, compared to inactive patients and controls. We also show that propranolol, a potential lupus‐inducing drug, induced stronger AhR activation in PBMCs of SLE patients than in those of controls. AhR agonist activity of propranolol was enhanced by UV light exposure. MS analysis of irradiated propranolol revealed the generation of a proinflammatory photoproduct. This compound behaves like the prototypic AhR ligand 6‐formylindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole, a cutaneous UV light‐induced tryptophan metabolite, both promoting IL‐22, IL‐8, and CCL2 secretion by T‐cells and macrophages. Finally, LE patients exhibit signs of cutaneous AhR activation that correlate with lesional expression of the same proinflammatory cytokines, suggesting a role for photometabolites in the induction of skin inflammation. The AhR might therefore represent a target for therapeutic intervention in LE.
Functional single nucleotide polymorphism in IL−17A 3′ untranslated region is targeted by miR‐4480 in vitro and may be associated with age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Popp Nicholas A. , Yu Dianke , Green Bridgett , Chew Emily Y. , Ning Baitang , Chan Chi‐Chao , Tuo Jingsheng
Published: September 2015

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible central vision loss in the elderly. Genetic factors contributing to AMD include single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune‐related genes including CFH, C2, CFI, C9, and C3, thus implicating these pathways in AMD pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are powerful regulators of gene expression and execute this function by binding to the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of target mRNAs, leading to mRNA degradation. In this study, we searched for the possible association of SNPs in the 3′UTR region of IL‐17A, a gene implicated in AMD pathogenesis without any previous SNP association with AMD. Using two independent sample cohorts of Caucasian subjects, six SNPs in the IL‐17A 3′‐UTR were selected for genotyping based on bioinformatic predictions of the SNP effect on microRNA binding. The SNP rs7747909 was found to be associated with AMD (P < 0.05) in the NEI cohort, using a dominant model logistic regression. Luciferase reporter gene assays and RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assays were performed using ARPE‐19 cells to confirm the preferential binding of microRNAs to the major allele of the SNP. Our findings support the hypothesis that microRNA‐mediated gene dysregulation may play a role in the pathogenesis of AMD. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:58–64, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring medium‐term impact of oxide nanoparticles on soil microbial activity by isothermal microcalorimetry and urease assay
Authors: Qian Yiguang , Yao Jun , Russel Mohammad , Wang Xiaoyu , Sandy Edward H.
Published: September 2015

The entry of oxide nanoparticles (NPs) into the environment mandates study of their impact on the soil ecosystem. This study explored the medium‐term impact (about 120 days) of oxide NPs on the soil microbial community and urease activity through isothermal microcalorimetry and enzyme assay. The soil samples were separately treated with four types of oxide NPs (ZnO, Al2O3, TiO2, and SiO2 NPs) at 1 μg/g soil or 500 μg/g soil compared with a control, and incubated for up to 120 days. Except for some sort of acute toxicity, the NPs have no significant deleterious effect (P > 0.05) on the soil microbial community and urease activity along with the incubation time lengthening, which suggests that incubation time played a more essential role in modifying the antibacterial activity than the nature of oxide NPs. That is the medium‐term impacts of oxide NPs on the soil microbial process was not very simple and monofactorial. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 395–403, 2016
Radio resource management for 5G mobile communication systems with massive antenna structure
Authors: Shah Syed Tariq , Kim Jun Suk , Bae Eun Soo , Bae JungSook , Chung Min Young
Published: September 2015

In order to accommodate for the emerging mobile data traffic, millimetre‐wave (mmWave) band in 30–300GHz range is being considered for the fifth generation (5G) mobile networks. This mmWave band can potentially fulfil the bandwidth requirement of the next generation mobile networks for the next few decades and beyond. In this article, we propose a novel resource allocation scheme for mmWave in 5G mobile networks. The concept of multi‐beam coordination is adopted to efficiently utilise the radio resource and improve the network performance in beam boundary regions. Moreover, because the mmWave signal has poor propagation characteristics, a massive antenna structure with beamforming is envisioned in this article. Our system‐level simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme improves the resource utilization and network performance, compared with those of Li's and conventional schemes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copy number profiling by array comparative genomic hybridization identifies frequently occurring BRCA2‐like male breast cancer
Authors: Biesma Hedde D. , Schouten Philip C. , Lacle Miangela M. , Sanders Joyce , Brugman Wim , Kerkhoven Ron , Mandjes Ingrid , van der Groep Petra , van Diest Paul J. , Linn Sabine C.
Published: September 2015

Genomic aberrations can be used to subtype breast cancer. In this study, we investigated DNA copy number (CN) profiles of 69 cases of male breast cancer (MBC) by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) to detect recurrent gains and losses in comparison with female breast cancers (FBC). Further, we classified these profiles as BRCA1‐like, BRCA2‐like or non‐BRCA‐like profiles using previous classifiers derived from FBC, and correlated these profiles with pathological characteristics. We observed large CN gains on chromosome arms 1q, 5p, 8q, 10p, 16p, 17q, and chromosomes 20 and X. Large losses were seen on chromosomes/chromosome arms 1p, 6p, 8p, 9, 11q, 13, 14q, 16q, 17p, and 22. The pattern of gains and losses in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) MBC was largely similar to ER+ FBC, except for gains on chromosome X in MBC, which were uncommon in FBC. Out of 69 MBC patients, 15 patients (22%) had a BRCA2‐like profile, of which 2 (3%) were also BRCA1‐like. One patient (1%) was only BRCA1‐like; the remaining 53 (77%) patients were classified as non‐BRCA‐like. BRCA2‐like cases were more often p53 accumulated than non‐BRCA‐like cases (P = 0.014). In conclusion, the pattern of gains and losses in ER+ MBC was largely similar to that of its ER+ FBC counterpart, except for gains on chromosome X in MBC, which are uncommon in FBC. A significant proportion of MBC has a BRCA2‐like aCGH profile, pointing to a potentially hereditary nature, and indicating that they could benefit from a drug regimen targeting BRCA defects as in FBC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interrelation of resting state functional connectivity, striatal GABA levels, and cognitive control processes
Authors: Haag Lauren , Quetscher Clara , Dharmadhikari Shalmali , Dydak Ulrike , Schmidt‐Wilcke Tobias , Beste Christian
Published: September 2015

Important issues for cognitive control are response selection processes, known to depend on fronto‐striatal networks with recent evidence suggesting that striatal gamma‐amino butyric acid (GABA) levels play an important role. Regional GABA concentrations have also been shown to modulate intrinsic connectivity, e.g. of the default mode network. However, the interrelation between striatal GABA levels, basal ganglia network (BGN) connectivity, and performance in cognitive control is elusive. In the current study, we measure striatal GABA levels using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and resting state parameters using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Resting state parameters include activity within the BGN, as determined by the low frequency power (LFP) within the network, and the functional connectivity between the BGN and somatomotor network (SMN). Specifically, we examine the interrelation between GABA, resting state parameters, and performance (i.e., accuracy) in conflict monitoring using a Simon task. Response control was affected by striatal GABA+ levels and activity within the BGN, especially when response selection was complicated by altered stimulus‐response mappings. The data suggest that there are two mechanisms supporting response selection accuracy. One is related to resting state activity within the BGN and modulated by striatal GABA+ levels. The other is related to decreased cortico‐striatal network connectivity, unrelated to the GABAergic system. The inclusion of all three factors (i.e., striatal GABA+ levels, activity within the BGN, and BGN‐SMN network connectivity) explained a considerable amount of variance in task accuracy. Striatal neurobiochemical (GABA+) and parameters of the resting state BGN represent important modulators of response control. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4383–4393, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells promote tumor growth in distinct colorectal cancer cells by a β1‐integrin‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Widder Miriam , Lützkendorf Jana , Caysa Henrike , Unverzagt Susanne , Wickenhauser Claudia , Benndorf Ralf A. , Schmoll Hans‐Joachim , Müller‐Tidow Carsten , Müller Thomas , Müller Lutz P.
Published: September 2015

Tumor–stroma interactions play an essential role in the biology of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) may represent a pivotal part of the stroma in CRC, but little is known about the specific interaction of MSC with CRC cells derived from tumors with different mutational background. In previous studies we observed that MSC promote the xenograft growth of the CRC cell‐line DLD1. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the mechanisms of MSC‐promoted tumor growth using various in vitro and in vivo experimental models and CRC cells of different mutational status. MSC specifically interacted with distinct CRC cells and supported tumor seeding in xenografts. The MSC–CRC interaction facilitated three‐dimensional spheroid formation in CRC cells with dysfunctional E‐cadherin system. Stable knock‐downs revealed that the MSC‐facilitated spheroid formation depended on β1‐integrin in CRC cells. Specifically in α‐catenin‐deficient CRC cells this β1‐integrin‐dependent interaction resulted in a MSC‐mediated promotion of early tumor growth in vivo. Collagen I and other extracellular matrix compounds were pivotal for the functional MSC–CRC interaction. In conclusion, our data demonstrate a differential interaction of MSC with CRC cells of different mutational background. Our study is the first to show that MSC specifically compared to normal fibroblasts impact early xenograft growth of distinct α‐catenin deficient CRC cells possibly through secretion of extracellular matrix. This mechanism could serve as a future target for therapy and metastasis prevention.
I will help you because we are similar: Quality of contact mediates the effect of perceived similarity on facilitative behaviour towards immigrants
Authors: López‐Rodríguez Lucía , Cuadrado Isabel , Navas Marisol
Published: September 2015

This research aimed to analyse interpersonal behaviour towards immigrants by exploring related psychosocial variables such as intergroup similarity and quality of intergroup contact. A new interpersonal behavioural tendencies scale was developed. In Study 1, Spanish participants reported their willingness to take different actions towards a Moroccan (i.e. a devalued target, n = 132) or an Ecuadorian (i.e. a valued target, n = 138), perceived intergroup similarity and quality of intergroup contact. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis identified the expected dimensions: active facilitation (AF), passive facilitation (PF), passive harm (PH) and active harm (AH). Participants reported less similarity, less pleasant contact, less AF and less PF, and more PH with respect to Moroccans relative to Ecuadorians. Quality of contact mediated the effect of perceived similarity on interpersonal behaviour (especially facilitative behaviour) towards immigrants. Study 2 (N = 134) confirmed that this mediation effect also applied to Romanian immigrants, and tested a serial mediation pathway, in which perceived similarity affected symbolic threat, which in turn affected quality of contact, which finally affected behaviour. Changing perceived intergroup similarity might be a way of improving the quality of contact with minority groups, and this would be expected to increase pro‐social behaviour towards such groups.
Reassessing the Relative Power of the Yield Spread in Forecasting Recessions
Authors: Croushore Dean , Marsten Katherine
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we replicate the main results of previous research showing that the use of the yield spread in a probit model can predict recessions better than the Survey of Professional Forecasters. We investigate the robustness of their results in several ways: extending the sample to include the 2007‐09 recession, changing the starting date of the sample, using rolling windows of data instead of just an expanding sample, and using alternative measures of the “actual” value of real output. Our results show that the Rudebusch‐Williams findings are robust in all dimensions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Professional Journey Through Life
Authors: Goldfried Marvin R.
Published: September 2015

In response to the request to write about those changes that have occurred in my professional outlook and practice that have come with age, I have recounted some of the experiences I have had that seem to have contributed to these changes. There are a couple of important themes that have run through my professional experiences as a therapist, supervisor, teacher, and researcher. One of the themes has to do with my psychotherapy orientation. The other involves the tension that I have experienced between research and practice. I begin by discussing each of these, and then go on to highlight some of the more general lessons learned over the years, including coming to be more myself as a therapist, developing a broader perspective on life, being more clinically integrative, and learning to be accepting of what therapy can and cannot do.
Sensilla on different organs of female and male Telenomus dendrolimusi Chu (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae)
Authors: Zhang Sufang , Zhang Zhen , Kong Xiangbo , Wang Hongbin , Luo Jitong , Yang Zhongwu
Published: September 2015

Telenomus dendrolimusi Chu is a dominant egg parasitoid of Dendrolimus, which is the most serious conifer defoliator in China. However, the host locating mechanism of T. dendrolimusi is unclear. To take better advantage of this kind of parasitoid, it is necessary to clarify the basic knowledge of the organization of the wasp's sensory system. In this study, the external morphologies of the sensilla on the entire female and male T. dendrolimusi body were described using scanning electron microscopy. Antennae shape and sensilla types were sexually dimorphic. Ten segments and nine types of sensilla were found on the female antenna, including basiconic sensillum (BS), chaeticum sensillum (ChS), trichoid sensillum type 1 (TS1), trichoid sensillum type 2 (TS2), trichoid curvata sensillum (TCS), sickle‐shaped sensillum (SSS), multiporous gustatory sensillum (MGS), campaniform sensillum (CS), and styloconica sensillum (STS). The distribution of the sensilla was directional on female antenna. The male antenna consisted of 12 segments, and 1–3 segments were similar to those of the female. Five types of sensilla were found on male antenna, including BS, ChS, TS1, TCS, and STS. The mouthparts, thoracic legs, eyes, mesonotum, and wings were all covered with longitudinally fluted TSs without hole. A tympana structure appeared on the thoracic legs. Special crevice‐shaped structures were found on the abdomens of both T. dendrolimusi sexes. Possible sensilla functions are discussed according to their morphology. These results provide a solid basis for further researches about the parasitic mechanisms of T. dendrolimusi. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1010–1018, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Update in hospital medicine: Evidence you should know
Authors: Finn Kathleen M. , Greenwald Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

The practice of hospital medicine is complex, and the number of clinical publications each year continues to grow. To maintain best practice it is necessary for hospitalists to stay abreast of the literature, but difficult to accomplish due to time. The annual Society of Hospital Medicine meeting offers a plenary session on Updates in Hospital Medicine. This article is a summary of those papers presented at the meeting.

METHODS

We reviewed articles published between January 2014 and January 2015 in the leading medical journals, searching for papers with good methodological quality, the potential to change practice, and papers that are thought provoking. The authors collectively agreed on 14 articles. The findings, cautions, and implications are discussed for each paper.

RESULTS

Key findings include: a novel neprilysin inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker combination drug reduces mortality in patients with heart failure; the concern for acute kidney injury after venous contrast may be overstated; the Confusion Assessment Method Severity score is an important tool for prognostication in delirious patients; ramelteon shows promise for lowering incident delirium among elderly medical patients; polyethylene glycol appears effective in rapidly resolving hepatic encephalopathy; cirrhotic patients on a nonselective β‐blocker have increased mortality after they develop spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; current guidelines regarding prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism (VTE) in medical inpatients likely result in nonbeneficial use of medications; from a safety and efficacy perspective, direct oral anticoagulants perform quite well against conventional therapies in patients with VTE and atrial fibrillation, including in elderly populations; 2 new once‐weekly antibiotics, dalbavancin and oritivancin, approved for skin and soft tissue infections, appear noninferior to vancomycin; offering family members of a patient undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation the opportunity to observe has durable impact on long‐term psychological outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This update reviews key clinical articles published in 2014, selected by the authors for their methodological quality and potential for changing the practice of inpatient physicians. All of these articles add to the body of inpatient medical knowledge and contribute to the debate on best practices. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:817–826. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Biomechanical benefits of anterior offsetting of humeral head component in posteriorly unstable total shoulder arthroplasty: A cadaveric study
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Min Mike , Chacon Alexander C. , Andrews Seth H. , Roush Evan P. , Cho Edward , Conaway William K. , Kunselman Allen R. , Lewis Gregory S.
Published: September 2015

Restoration of joint stability during total shoulder arthroplasty can be challenging in the face of severe glenoid retroversion. A novel technique of humeral head component anterior‐offsetting has been proposed to address posterior instability. We evaluated the biomechanical benefits of this technique in cadaveric specimens. Total shoulder arthroplasty was performed in 14 cadaveric shoulders from 7 donors. Complementary shoulders were assigned to either 10° or 20° glenoid retroversion, with retroversion created by eccentric reaming. Two humeral head component offset positions were tested in each specimen: The anatomic (posterior) and anterior (reverse). With loads applied to the rotator cuff and deltoid, joint contact pressures and the force and energy required for posterior humeral head translation were measured. The force and energy required to displace the humeral head posteriorly increased significantly with the anterior offset position compared to the anatomic offset position. The joint contact pressures were significantly shifted anteriorly, and the joint contact area significantly increased with the anterior offset position. Anterior offsetting of the humeral head component increased the resistance to posterior humeral head translation, shifted joint contact pressures anteriorly, and increased joint contact area, thus, potentially increasing the joint stability in total shoulder arthroplasty with simulated glenoid retroversion. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:666–674, 2016.
Robot‐assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in testicular cancer
Authors: Abdul‐Muhsin Haidar M. , L'esperance James O. , Fischer Kimberly , Woods Michael E. , Porter James R. , Castle Erik P.
Published: September 2015

Robotic surgical techniques are now being applied in the setting of retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (RPLND) for testicular cancer. While laparoscopic RPLND has not been widely accepted, reports of robot assisted RPLND (RARPLND) are emerging. This manuscript will review the application of RPLND for testicular cancer, evolution of minimally invasive techniques, the controversies, and current status of RARPLND. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:736–740. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of flow‐through saline gravel pit lakes on the hydrologic budget and hydrochemistry of a Mediterranean drainage basin
Authors: Mollema Pauline N. , Antonellini Marco , Dinelli Enrico , Greggio Nicolas , Stuyfzand Pieter J.
Published: September 2015

Flow‐through brackish gravel pit lakes near the Adriatic Coast of Emilia Romagna (Italy) in the Mediterranean have a large influence on the hydrologic budget of the watershed. Strong evaporation in combination with intense drainage of the low lying basins enhances groundwater inflow into the lake. Precipitation falling on the lakes is mixed with brackish/saline lake water causing the loss of freshwater. The gravel pit lakes are characterized by a high salinity (TDS = 4.6–12.3 g L−1) and high pH (8.5). Stable isotope data show that gravel pit lake water is fed by groundwater which is a mix of Apennine River water and (Holocene) Adriatic Seawater, subsequently enriched by evaporation. The slope of the local evaporation line is 5.4. Conservative tracer and water budget modeling shows that the final Cl concentration depends strongly on the ratio of evaporation to total inflow. Increasing drainage to compensate for sea level rise, subsidence or intense precipitation would enhance ground water flow into the lake and decrease Cl concentration while increasing evaporation would increase Cl concentration. Groundwater rich in dissolved trace elements flows into the gravel pit lakes that contains water with a higher pH and dissolved oxygen. Pit lake water remains enriched in some elements (e.g., Ba, Mo, Sb) and depleted in others (e.g., Fe, Ca, Zn, SO4) with respect to groundwater composition. The gravel pit lakes show limited eutrophication but the water quality should be monitored for trace elements (e.g., As) if they are to be used for recreational purposes.
Size as the master trait in modeled copepod fecal pellet carbon flux
Authors: Stamieszkin Karen , Pershing Andrew J. , Record Nicholas R. , Pilskaln Cynthia H. , Dam Hans G. , Feinberg Leah R.
Published: September 2015

Zooplankton fecal pellet flux is a highly variable component of the biological carbon pump. While fecal pellets can comprise 0 to nearly 100% of particulate organic carbon collected in sediment traps, mechanisms for this variability remain poorly understood. Fecal pellet carbon flux is a complex function of several variables. We present a model that incorporates individual‐scale metabolic processes to determine fecal pellet production rate, the relationship between body size and fecal pellet size, the relationship between fecal pellet size and sinking rate, and a function representing the breakdown of particles in the water column. When applied to copepod communities sampled by the continuous plankton recorder in the Gulf of Maine over 25 years, a seasonal pattern of fecal pellet carbon flux emerges. The interannual flux time series produced by the model reflects known oceanographic perturbations and shows how organism‐scale processes can be scaled up to explain ecosystem level variability. We conclude that fecal pellet carbon flux in the Gulf of Maine is driven by copepod community size structure and copepod abundance, and that the fraction of fecal pellet carbon that reaches depth is a function of copepod size, rather than abundance. Changes in the physical environment which alter the size composition of the copepod community lead to variability in fecal pellet carbon flux. Our results indicate that incorporating size composition into biogeochemical models can more accurately constrain zooplankton‐mediated carbon flux.
Deep dynamic pools of phosphorus in the sediment of a temperate lagoon with recurring blooms of diazotrophic cyanobacteria
Authors: Scicluna Todd R. , Woodland Ryan J. , Zhu Yafei , Grace Michael R. , Cook Perran L. M.
Published: September 2015

The storage and release of phosphorus by sediments can act as an important control on the formation of noxious blooms of cyanobacteria in lakes and estuaries. Here we studied the uptake and release of phosphorus associated with iron oxides within sediments of a lagoon system affected by recurring summer blooms of the cyanobacterium Nodularia spumigena. Using an ascorbate extraction, we observed deep pools of iron oxide associated phosphorus (P) at concentrations of ∼5 μmol g−1 dry sed to a depth of ∼20 cm. This pool rapidly decreased with the onset of water column anoxia, leading to an integrated release of ∼300 mmol of phosphorus m−2 of sediment over 3.5 months. Scaling this flux over the periodically anoxic area of the lake and over the period of an N. spumigena bloom (November–December 2011) gave a broad mass balance agreement with the increase in total phosphorus within the water column and exported from the lagoon. Over this period we estimated that P release from the sediment would have allowed ∼130–187 tonnes of nitrogen to be fixed which agrees with previous estimates of nitrogen fixation. Upon reoxygenation of the water column, a regeneration of the deep iron oxide associated phosphorus pool was observed. This deep dynamic pool of phosphorus was most likely mediated by the burrowing activity of the polychaete Capitella capitata which was observed at the study site. This study underscores the potential importance of sediments colonized by deeply irrigating fauna to become a significant source of phosphorus during water column anoxia.
Spike shape analysis of electromyography for parkinsonian tremor evaluation
Authors: Marusiak Jarosław , Andrzejewska Renata , Świercz Dominika , Kisiel‐sajewicz Katarzyna , Jaskólska Anna , Jaskólski Artur
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Standard electromyography (EMG) parameters have limited utility for evaluation of Parkinson disease (PD) tremor. Spike shape analysis (SSA) EMG parameters are more sensitive than standard EMG parameters for studying motor control mechanisms in healthy subjects. SSA of EMG has not been used to assess parkinsonian tremor. This study assessed the utility of SSA and standard time and frequency analysis for electromyographic evaluation of PD‐related resting tremor. Methods: We analyzed 1‐s periods of EMG recordings to detect nontremor and tremor signals in relaxed biceps brachii muscle of seven mild to moderate PD patients. Results: SSA revealed higher mean spike amplitude, duration, and slope and lower mean spike frequency in tremor signals than in nontremor signals. Standard EMG parameters (root mean square, median, and mean frequency) did not show differences between the tremor and nontremor signals. Conclusions: SSA of EMG data is a sensitive method for parkinsonian tremor evaluation. Muscle Nerve 52: 1096–1098, 2015
Thymectomy is safe for myasthenia gravis patients: Analysis of the NSQIP database
Authors: Alshaikh Jumana T. , Amdur Richard , Sidawy Anton , Trachiotis Gregory , Kaminski Henry J.
Published: September 2015

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine thymectomy‐associated morbidity and mortality outcomes among myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. Methods: Patients undergoing thymectomy were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2005 to 2012 using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were stratified by MG diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors for morbidity outcomes. The chi‐square test was used to examine the association between MG diagnosis and surgical approach. Results: A total of 1,148 subjects underwent thymectomy, and 108 had MG. Compared with control subjects, MG patients had a more severe American Society of Anesthesiologists physical classification and frailty index score, greater corticosteroid usage, and a higher rate of reintubation. There were no deaths among MG patients. The majority of MG patients underwent transsternal thymectomy. Conclusion: Although patients with MG have a greater preoperative morbidity and a higher frequency of reintubation, thymectomy was found to be a safe procedure overall. Muscle Nerve 53: 370–374, 2016
A qualitative study of professional caregivers' perceptions of processes contributing to mealtime agitation in persons with dementia in nursing home wards and strategies to attain calmness
Authors: Bergland Ådel , Johansen Hilde , Sellevold Gerd Sylvi
Published: September 2015

Aim

Describe professional caregivers' perceptions of factors and processes contributing to mealtime agitation and strategies for attaining and maintaining calm mealtimes.

Design

Qualitative and descriptive.

Methods

A convenience sample of professional caregivers working in two wards for residents with dementia was used. Data were collected during two focus‐group interviews and supplemented with field notes from six reflection groups. Thematic content analysis was conducted. Data collection occurred from 2010–2011.

Results

Professional caregivers perceived agitation during mealtime as resulting from negative feelings in residents triggered by a lack of or negative social interaction, too much or ambiguous stimuli or demands exceeding residents' capacity. Strategies for attaining calm mealtimes involved thorough planning beforehand. During mealtime, professional caregivers focused on establishing a positive community around the table, helping residents focus on eating and continuously observing residents for subtle signals indicating that agitation was about to develop. The prerequisites to succeed with the strategies were knowledge of the residents' preferences and abilities, knowledge sharing within the team and awareness of one's own communication style. Thus, the professional caregivers operationalized person‐centred care in a mealtime context.
Morphology and electrical conductivity of polyethylene/polypropylene blend filled with thermally reduced graphene oxide and surfactant exfoliated graphene
Authors: Tu Ce , Nagata Kenji , Yan Shouke
Published: September 2015

High‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/polypropylene (PP) composites with graphenes were prepared by melt‐compounding method. Graphene sheets were prepared through thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRG) and surfactant exfoliated graphene (SEG), respectively. Structural characterization showed that the TRG sheets exhibited a few‐layers composition with more defects compared to the SEG sheets. Morphological observations of the composites demonstrated that the graphene was preferentially dispersed in the HDPE phase and the addition of graphene (TRG and SEG) influenced the phase structure of the HDPE/PP composites. The distribution of the TRG sheets in the HDPE phase was better than the SEG sheets, and the obtained HDPE/PP composites exhibited a low electrical percolation threshold with the highly dispersed graphene. The TRG/HDPE/PP composite showed a low electrical percolation threshold of 3 wt% (1.25 vol%). For the SEG/HDPE/PP system, the percolation threshold was 7 wt% (2.98 vol%). Differences in the behavior of the two graphene components (TRG and SEG) in the HDPE/PP composites influenced the formation of percolation networks and electrical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2098–2105, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
DMA testing of epoxy resins: The importance of dimensions
Authors: McAninch Ian M. , Palmese Giuseppe R. , Lenhart Joseph L. , La Scala John J.
Published: September 2015

Dynamic mechanical analysis is commonly used to characterize thermoset polymers at temperatures ranging from well below to well above their glass transition temperatures. Many sample fixtures are available; however, the best clamp and best sample dimensions for a given material are not often readily apparent. Five different epoxy amine networks with glass transitions spanning over 100°C were characterized on three‐point bending, dual cantilever, and single cantilever clamps with both constant thickness and constant span‐to‐thickness. Glassy modulus values were accurately measured on all clamps provided span‐to‐thickness ratios >10 were maintained. Thermal expansion and decreasing sample stiffness with increasing temperature greatly affect measurements in the rubbery region resulting in single cantilever clamps being best suited to measure rubbery data. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2761–2774, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effort of EAI Projects: A Repertory Grid Investigation of Influencing Factors
Authors: Wagner Holger , Pankratz Oleg , Mellis Werner , Basten Dirk
Published: September 2015

Many companies struggle with effective and efficient accomplishment of enterprise application integration (EAI), resulting in significant time and budget overruns. Concerning project management, a major reason for failure is considered to be effort underestimation. This underestimation is an aftermath of applying estimation methods that do not account for all relevant factors influencing EAI project effort. Applying the Repertory Grid Technique, we explore factors affecting the effort of such projects by conducting 22 semi-structured expert interviews. We provide an extensive overview of 91 effort-influencing factors and their classification in nine categories, which can be used as a checklist in EAI projects.
Thio‐bromo “Click,” post‐polymerization strategy for functionalizing ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)‐derived materials
Authors: Ashok Kothapalli Venkata , Shetty Manasa , de los Santos Christopher , Hobbs Christopher E.
Published: September 2015

The use of a thio‐bromo click strategy as an efficient postpolymerization tool is described. Norbornene derivatives bearing an α‐bromo ester could be polymerized using Grubbs 2nd generation initiator to provide α‐bromo ester‐containing homo‐and block copolymers that could be efficiently functionalized through reactions with various thiols. A one‐pot strategy was also used, in which up to four different thiols were reacted simultaneously. This chemistry could also be used as an efficient cross‐linking strategy to form ROMP‐based gels as well as a tool for terminal functionalization of polypropylene‐based oligomers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 179–185
Double Up on Heaven
Authors: Hansen Casper Storm ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: September 2015

This paper describes a scenario in which a person in his afterlife will with probability 1 spend twice as many days in Heaven as in Hell, but, even though Heaven is as good as Hell is bad, his expected utility for any given day in that afterlife is negative.
SPSA‐NC: simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation localization based on neighbor confidence
Authors: Azim Mohammad Abdul , Aung Zeyar , Xiao Weidong , Khadkikar Vinod , Jamalipour Abbas
Published: September 2015

Accuracy is still the greatest challenge in the wireless sensor network localization efforts. Several diverse factors can give rise to localization errors. Modeling such diverse influencing factors to deliver a single, reasonably simple and practical solution is a difficult task. In order to address the problem of location inaccuracy, we propose a comparatively simple and ingenious approach, which is the simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) localization engine. SPSA bypasses tedious modeling of the influencing factors where some of them are yet to be explored and random in nature. SPSA‐based localization estimates the non‐anchor node locations through minimizing the summation of estimated errors of all neighbors. However, the downside of SPSA is that it incurs errors in some specific relative neighborhood configurations often referred to as flip ambiguity. So, we further propose a solution to the flip ambiguity problem by implementing a constrained optimization with a penalty function method on the identified flip nodes. Most importantly, error propagation of the iterative localization algorithm is managed by incorporating a neighbor confidence matrix. We name this modified SPSA engine as simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation by neighbor confidence (SPSA‐NC). Experimental results show that SPSA‐NC offers significantly better localization accuracy than its state‐of‐the‐art competitors, namely, simulated annealing and the ordinary SPSA. The SPSA‐NC program is available for downloading at http://www.dnagroup.org/SPSANC. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.