bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decadal variability of the Pacific Subtropical Cells and its relevance to the sea surface height in the western tropical Pacific during recent decades
Authors: Yamanaka Goro , Tsujino Hiroyuki , Nakano Hideyuki , Hirabara Mikitoshi
Published: December 2014

Decadal variability of the Pacific Subtropical Cells (STCs) and associated sea surface height (SSH) in the western tropical Pacific during recent decades are examined by using an historical OGCM simulation. The model represents decadal variations of the STCs concurrent with tropical Pacific thermal anomalies: the eastern tropical Pacific is warmer when the STCs are weaker and cooler when they are stronger. The spatial patterns of the SSH in the western tropical Pacific show different features, depending on events associated with decadal variability. During the warm phase (1977–1987), the SSH anomalies exhibit deviations from a meridionally symmetric distribution, with weakly positive (strongly negative) anomalies in the western tropical North (South) Pacific. Analysis of the heat budget in the upper tropical Pacific indicates that the termination of the warm phase around 1985 results from a poleward heat transport anomaly that is induced by a horizontal gyre associated with the SSH anomalies. During the cold phase (1996–2006), in contrast, the SSH anomalies are nearly meridionally symmetric, with positive anomalies in both hemispheres. Enhanced easterly wind anomalies contribute to the development of the cold phase after the late 1990s.
Mild and General Access to Diverse 1H‐Benzotriazoles via Diboron‐Mediated NOH Deoxygenation and Palladium‐ Catalyzed CC and CN Bond Formation
Authors: Gurram Venkateshwarlu , Akula Hari K. , Garlapati Ramesh , Pottabathini Narender , Lakshman Mahesh K.
Published: December 2014

Benzotriazoles are a highly important class of compounds with broad‐ranging applications in such diverse areas as medicinal chemistry, as auxiliaries in organic synthesis, in metallurgical applications, in aircraft deicing and brake fluids, and as antifog agents in photography. Although there are numerous approaches to N‐substituted benzotriazoles, the essentially one general method to N‐unsubstituted benzotriazoles is via diazotization of ortho‐phenylenediamines, which can be limited by the availability of suitable precursors. Other methods to N‐unsubstitued benzotriazoles are quite specialized. Although reduction of 1‐hydroxy‐1H‐benzotriazoles is known, the reactions are not particularly convenient or broadly applicable. This presents a limitation for easy access to and availability of diverse benzotriazoles. Herein, we demonstrate a new, broadly applicable method to diverse 1H‐benzotriazoles via a mild diboron reagent‐mediated deoxygenation of 1‐hydroxy‐1H‐benzotriazoles. We have also evaluated sequential deoxygenation and Pd‐mediated CC and CN bond formation as a one‐pot process for further diversification of the benzotriazole moiety. However, the results indicated that purification of the deoxygenation product prior to the Pd‐mediated reaction is critical to the success of such reactions. The overall chemistry allows for facile access to a variety of new benzotriazoles. Along with the several examples presented, a discussion of the advantages of the approaches is described, as is also a possible mechanism for the deoxygenation process.

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Die frühe Entstehung der ionenleitenden Pore in Channelrhodopsin‐2
Authors: Kuhne Jens , Eisenhauer Kirstin , Ritter Eglof , Hegemann Peter , Gerwert Klaus , Bartl Franz
Published: December 2014

Kanalrhodopsine (Channelrhodopsins, ChRs) sind lichtgesteuerte Ionenkanäle, die zahlreiche Anwendungen in der Optogenetik finden. Sie ermöglichen die genaue Kontrolle neuronaler Aktivität durch Licht. Hier entwickeln wir auf der Basis zeitaufgelöster FTIR‐Spektroskopie ein Modell für die frühe Bildung der ionenleitenden Pore auf molekularer Ebene. Die Photo‐Isomerisierung des Retinal‐Chromophors führt zu einer Abwärtsbewegung der hochkonservierten Aminosäure E90; dies öffnet die Pore. Moleküldynamik(MD‐Simulationen zeigen das Eindringen von Wassermolekülen durch diese Öffnung in das hydrophobe Vestibül oberhalb der Pore. Dadurch kippt Helix 2, und der Kanal öffnet sich vollständig innerhalb von Millisekunden. Da E90 in ChRs hochkonserviert ist, könnte das hier vorgestellte “E90‐Helix2‐tilt(EHT)‐Modell” einen generellen Aktivierungsmechanismus darstellen. Es eröffnet einen neuen Ansatz für weitere mechanistische Studien sowie die Möglichkeit, den Kanal für spezifische Anwendungen maßzuschneidern.
Optimal design of an imprinted preassembled system by quantum chemical calculations and preparation of a surface‐imprinted material for the selective removal of quinoline
Authors: Yang Wenming , Ma Pengfei , Fan Ting , Zhou Zhiping , Liu Hong , Xu Wanzhen
Published: December 2014

In this study, we examined the rational preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the selective removal of quinoline from octane. Before the preparation, density functional theory, as one of the methods of quantum chemical calculation, was used for the simulation of a quinoline‐imprinted preassembly system. Methacrylic acid turned out to be the more suitable monomer for quinoline compared with acrylamide, and different template–monomer ratios, including 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3, were studied and are discussed. On the basis of the result of molecular simulation, quinoline‐imprinted polymers were prepared with a combination of surface imprinting and living polymerization. The prepared quinoline–MIPs were characterized and used as selective adsorbents for batch‐mode binding experiments. The fitting result of the adsorption data indicates that the adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms of the quinoline‐imprinted polymers fit well a pseudo‐second‐order kinetics model and the Freundlich model, respectively. A selective recognition ability was demonstrated by equilibrium binding analysis. This study will provide needful guidance and a theoretical basis for the preparation of imprinted materials in the field of industrial denitrification. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41730.
Towards a Psychoanalytic Concept of Community (II): Relevant Psychoanalytic Principles
Authors: Koh Eugen , Twemlow Stuart
Published: December 2014

In the first of three papers the current philosophical, sociological and ecological approaches to “community” were considered from a psychoanalytic perspective. This second paper aims to arrive at a set of principles that will underpin a psychoanalytic concept of communities. Those principles include: psychoanalytic understandings of groups; the unconscious of the collective; the subjectivity and inter‐subjectivity of individuals and collectives; the symbolic function of an abstract concept; and the processes involved in making sense, such as mentalization and symbolization. The emerging psychoanalytic framework conceptualizes communities in terms of their collective psychological tasks, such as the maintenance of shared identification and boundaries, their responses to trauma and the work of mourning, rather than by their geographical or sociological characteristics. This new approach to the concept of community also highlights the utility of distinguishing the nature of groups by their respective, collective psychological tasks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physiological reactivity to nonideographic virtual reality stimuli in veterans with and without PTSD
Authors: Webb Andrea K , Vincent Ashley L. , Jin Alvin B. , Pollack Mark H.
Published: December 2014

Background

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) currently is diagnosed via clinical interview in which subjective self reports of traumatic events and associated experiences are discussed with a mental health professional. The reliability and validity of diagnoses can be improved with the use of objective physiological measures.

Methods

In this study, physiological activity was recorded from 58 male veterans (PTSD Diagnosis n = 16; Trauma Exposed/No PTSD Diagnosis: n = 23; No Trauma/No PTSD Diagnosis: n = 19) with and without PTSD and combat trauma exposure in response to emotionally evocative non‐idiographic virtual reality stimuli.

Results

Statistically significant differences among the Control, Trauma, and PTSD groups were present during the viewing of two virtual reality videos. Skin conductance and interbeat interval features were extracted for each of ten video events (five events of increasing severity per video). These features were submitted to three stepwise discriminant function analyses to assess classification accuracy for Control versus Trauma, Control versus PTSD, and Trauma versus PTSD pairings of participant groups. Leave‐one‐out cross‐validation classification accuracy was between 71 and 94%.

Conclusions

These results are promising and suggest the utility of objective physiological measures in assisting with PTSD diagnosis.
From Electrochemical Interface to Interphase (2D→3D) on Ionomer Membranes
Authors: Buchmüller Yves , Hafner Regina , Wokaun Alexander , Schmidt Thomas J. , Gubler Lorenz
Published: December 2014

Polypyrrole (PPy) is introduced into proton exchange membranes via one‐sided polymerization to form a thin PPy/ionomer mixed layer, penetrating 1–10 μm into the bulk of the membrane. The proposed reaction mechanism enables variable thickness of the composite layer by adjustment of the synthetic parameters. The mixed layer extends the electrochemically active region from 2D (interface) to 3D (interphase). The created interphase allows detecting or triggering of electrochemical processes within the mixed ionomer/PPy zone. We present here an approach to electrochemically trigger two types of redox‐active species within the membrane: hydroquinone and a polymer‐bound phenolic compound (tyramine). The current response of the electrochemical process is increased by two orders of magnitude when comparing the 3D to the 2D configuration.
Hybrid C3N4/Fluorine‐Doped Tin Oxide Electrode Transfers Hydride for 1,4‐NADH Cofactor Regeneration
Authors: Cazelles R. , Liu J. , Antonietti M.
Published: December 2014

Herein, we report the use of graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4)‐modified fluorine‐doped tin oxide electrodes for the electroregeneration of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADH). We synthesized and functionalized these hybrid electrodes by using anodic aluminum‐oxide‐templated C3N4 growth. Electrochemical activation of the semiconducting C3N4 islands with a rhodium complex permits selective regeneration of biologically active 1,4‐NADH cofactor.
Tris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)methane‐Based Heterobimetallic Complexes that Contain Zn and CdTransition‐Metal Bonds: Synthesis, Structures, and Quantum Chemical Calculations
Authors: Meyer Jens , González‐Gallardo Sandra , Hohnstein Silvia , Garnier Delphine , Armbruster Markus K. , Fink Karin , Klopper Wim , Breher Frank
Published: December 2014

Reactions of the tris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)methanide amido complexes [M′{C(3,5‐Me2pz)3}{N(SiMe3)2}] (M′=Mg (1 a), Zn (1 b), Cd (1 c); 3,5‐Me2pz=3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl) with two equivalents of the acidic Group 6 cyclopentadienyl (Cp) tricarbonyl hydrides [MCp(CO)3H] (M=Cr (2 a), Mo (2 b)) gave different types of heterobimetallic complex. In each case, two reactions took place, namely the conversion of the tris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)methanide ligand (Tpmd*) into the ‐methane derivative (Tpm*) and the reaction of the acidic hydride MH bond with the M′N(SiMe3)2 moiety. The latter produces HN(SiMe3)2 as a byproduct. The Group 2 representatives [Mg(Tpm*){MCp(CO)3}2(thf)] (3 a/b) form isocarbonyl bridges between the magnesium and chromium/molybdenum centres, whereas direct metal–metal bonds are formed in the case of the ions [Zn(Tpm*){MCp(CO)3}]+ (4 a/b; [MCp(CO)3]− as the counteranion) and [Cd(Tpm*){MCp(CO)3}(thf)]+ (5 a/b; [Cd{MCp(CO)3}3]− as the counteranion). Complexes 4 a and 5 a/b are the first complexes that contain ZnCr, CdCr, and CdMo bonds (bond lengths 251.6, 269.8, and 278.9 pm, respectively). Quantum chemical calculations on 4 a/b* (and also on 5 a/b*) provide evidence for an interaction between the metal atoms.
Are primary care providers prepared to care for survivors of breast cancer in the safety net?
Authors: Dawes Aaron J. , Hemmelgarn Marian , Nguyen David K. , Sacks Greg D. , Clayton Sheilah M. , Cope Jacqueline R. , Ganz Patricia A. , Maggard‐Gibbons Melinda
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

With the growing number of survivors of breast cancer outpacing the capacity of oncology providers, there is pressure to transition patients back to primary care. Primary care providers (PCPs) working in safety‐net settings may have less experience treating survivors, and little is known about their knowledge and views on survivorship care. The current study was performed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and confidence of PCPs in the safety net at delivering care to survivors of breast cancer.

METHODS

A modified version of the National Cancer Institute's Survey of Physician Attitudes Regarding Care of Cancer Survivors was given to providers at 2 county hospitals and 5 associated clinics (59 providers). Focus groups were held to understand barriers to survivorship care.

RESULTS

Although the majority of providers believed PCPs have the skills necessary to provide cancer‐related follow‐up, the vast majority were not comfortable providing these services themselves. Providers were adherent to American Society of Clinical Oncology recommendations for mammography (98%) and physical examination (87%); less than one‐third were guideline‐concordant for laboratory testing and only 6 providers (10%) met all recommendations. PCPs universally requested additional training on clinical guidelines and the provision of written survivorship care plans before transfer. Concerns voiced in qualitative sessions included unfamiliarity with the management of endocrine therapy and confusion regarding who would be responsible for certain aspects of care.

CONCLUSIONS

Safety‐net providers currently lack knowledge of and confidence in providing survivorship care to patients with breast cancer. Opportunities exist for additional training in evidence‐based guidelines and improved coordination of care between PCPs and oncology specialists. Cancer 2015;121:1249–1256. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Aspiration pneumonia after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Xu Beibei , Boero Isabel J. , Hwang Lindsay , Le Quynh‐Thu , Moiseenko Vitali , Sanghvi Parag R. , Cohen Ezra E. W. , Mell Loren K. , Murphy James D.
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Aspiration pneumonia represents an under‐reported complication of chemoradiotherapy in patient with head and neck cancer. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and mortality of aspiration pneumonia in a large cohort of patients with head and neck cancer who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

Patients who had head and neck cancer diagnosed between 2000 and 2009 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare database. Aspiration pneumonia was identified from Medicare billing claims. The cumulative incidence, risk factors, and survival after aspiration pneumonia were estimated and compared with a noncancer population.

RESULTS

Of 3513 patients with head and neck cancer, 801 developed aspiration pneumonia at a median of 5 months after initiating treatment. The 1‐year and 5‐year cumulative incidence of aspiration pneumonia was 15.8% and 23.8%, respectively, for patients with head and neck cancer and 3.6% and 8.7%, respectively, for noncancer controls. Among the patients with cancer, multivariate analysis identified independent risk factors (P < .05) for aspiration pneumonia, including hypopharyngeal and nasopharyngeal tumors, male gender, older age, increased comorbidity, no surgery before radiation, and care received at a teaching hospital. Among the patients with cancer who experienced aspiration pneumonia, 674 (84%) were hospitalized; and, of these, 301 (45%) were admitted to an intensive care unit. The 30‐day mortality rate after hospitalization for aspiration pneumonia was 32.5%. Aspiration pneumonia was associated with a 42% increased risk of death (hazard ratio, 1.42; P < .001) after controlling for confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results indicated that nearly 25% of elderly patients will develop aspiration pneumonia within 5 years after receiving chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer. A better understanding of mitigating factors will help identify patients who are at risk for this potentially lethal complication. Cancer 2015;121:1303–1311. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Performance of digital screening mammography among older women in the United States
Authors: Henderson Louise M. , O'Meara Ellen S. , Braithwaite Dejana , Onega Tracy ,   for the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Although healthy women aged 65 years have a life expectancy of 20 years, there is a paucity of data on the performance of digital screening mammography among these women. The authors examined the performance and outcomes of digital screening mammography among a national group of women aged ≥65 years.

METHODS

From Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium data for the years 2005 to 2011, the authors included 296,496 full‐field digital screening mammograms among 133,042 women ages ≥65 years without a history of breast cancer. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV1), recall rates, and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated across the spectrum of age and breast density. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare mammography accuracy, cancer‐detection rates (CDRs), and tumor characteristics by age and breast density.

RESULTS

Multivariate analyses revealed a significant decrease in the recall rate with age (P for linear trend [Ptrend] < .001) and significant increases in specificity, PPV1, and CDR with age (Ptrend < .001, Ptrend < .001, and Ptrend = .01, respectively). Sensitivity did not vary significantly with age. Among women with cancer, the proportion with invasive disease increased with age from 76% at ages 65 to 74 years to 81% at ages ≥80 years. There was a higher proportion of late stage cancers and positive lymph nodes among women ages 65 to 74 years compared with women in the older age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The specificity, PPV1, recall rate, and CDR of digital screening mammography improved with increased age. In addition, as age increased, the proportion of women with invasive versus ductal carcinoma in situ rose, whereas the proportion of women with positive lymph nodes decreased. Cancer 2015;121:1379–1386. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Hire an exceptional president with Aspen toolkit
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2014

“There's a looming leadership void across all of higher education,” said Josh Wyner, vice president and executive director of the College Excellence Program at The Aspen Institute. Nearly 50 percent of community college presidents are predicted to retire over the next five years, according to research by the American Association of Community Colleges.
Clinical and pathological predictors of estimated GFR decline in patients with type 2 diabetes and overt proteinuric diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Mise Koki , Hoshino Junichi , Ueno Toshiharu , Hazue Ryo , Sumida Keiichi , Hiramatsu Rikako , Hasegawa Eiko , Yamanouchi Masayuki , Hayami Noriko , Suwabe Tatsuya , Sawa Naoki , Fujii Takeshi , Hara Shigeko , Ohashi Kenichi , Takaichi Kenmei , Ubara Yoshifumi
Published: December 2014

Background

The effect of clinical and pathological parameters on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline has not been investigated in patients with type 2 diabetes and overt proteinuric biopsy‐proven diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

Among 198 patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent renal biopsy and were confirmed to have pure diabetic nephropathy according to the recent classification, 128 patients with overt proteinuria were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristic, net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) analyses were performed using models adjusted for various clinical and pathological covariates to determine the best predictors of rapid eGFR decline [defined as >14.9%/year (median eGFR decline)].

Results

A model that incorporated proteinuria showed the largest area under the curve (AUC) among clinical models, which suggested that proteinuria was the best clinical predictor. Although a model incorporating interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) score did not display a significantly larger AUC than the model with proteinuria (0.843 vs 0.812, respectively, p = 0.47), a model with both IFTA score and proteinuria had a significantly larger AUC than the model with proteinuria alone (0.875 vs 0.812, respectively, p = 0.014). Similarly, the addition of IFTA score resulted in a significantly greater net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement than the model with proteinuria alone [NRI: 0.78 (95% CI: 0.43–1.13; p < 0.001), IDI: 0.13 (95% CI: 0.07–0.19; p < 0.001)].

Conclusions

Our results suggest that not only proteinuria but also tubulointerstitial lesions should be assessed to predict rapid eGFR decline in patients with type 2 diabetes who have overt proteinuria and biopsy‐proven diabetic nephropathy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic analysis shows low levels of hybridization between African wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica) and domestic cats (F. s. catus) in South Africa
Authors: Le Roux Johannes J. , Foxcroft Llewellyn C. , Herbst Marna , MacFadyen Sandra
Published: December 2014

Hybridization between domestic and wild animals is a major concern for biodiversity conservation, and as habitats become increasingly fragmented, conserving biodiversity at all levels, including genetic, becomes increasingly important. Except for tropical forests and true deserts, African wildcats occur across the African continent; however, almost no work has been carried out to assess its genetic status and extent of hybridization with domestic cats. For example, in South Africa it has been argued that the long‐term viability of maintaining pure wildcat populations lies in large protected areas only, isolated from human populations. Two of the largest protected areas in Africa, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier and Kruger National Parks, as well as the size of South Africa and range of landscape uses, provide a model situation to assess how habitat fragmentation and heterogeneity influences the genetic purity of African wildcats. Using population genetic and home range data, we examined the genetic purity of African wildcats and their suspected hybrids across South Africa, including areas within and outside of protected areas. Overall, we found African wildcat populations to be genetically relatively pure, but instances of hybridization and a significant relationship between the genetic distinctiveness (purity) of wildcats and human population pressure were evident. The genetically purest African wildcats were found in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, while samples from around Kruger National Park showed cause for concern, especially combined with the substantial human population density along the park's boundary. While African wildcat populations in South Africa generally appear to be genetically pure, with low levels of hybridization, our genetic data do suggest that protected areas may play an important role in maintaining genetic purity by reducing the likelihood of contact with domestic cats. We suggest that approaches such as corridors between protected areas are unlikely to remain effective for wildcat conservation, as the proximity to human settlements around these areas is projected to increase the wild/domestic animal interface. Thus, large, isolated protected areas will become increasingly important for wildcat conservation and efforts need to be made to prevent introduction of domestic cats into these areas.
Novel fatty acid esters of apocynin oxime exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant activities
Authors: Sammaiah Arukali , Kaki Shiva Shanker , Manoj Gorantla N. V. T. Sai , Poornachandra Y. , Kumar C. Ganesh , Prasad R. B. N.
Published: December 2014

Apocynin (4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy acetophenone), a well known phytochemical, was converted to its oxime and further esterified with fatty acids of different chain lengths (C4‐C18) to obtain the oxime esters in about 80% yields. The structures of the oxime esters were confirmed using NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy. The prepared oxime esters of fatty acids and apocynin were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. It was observed that the oxime ester of undecenoic acid was the most active apocynin oxime ester that exhibited both antibacterial and antifungal activities. From a mechanistic perspective, it was found that the oxime ester of undecenoic acid acted as an ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor, confirming its antifungal property. All the compounds exhibited moderate antioxidant activity based on different assays such as DPPH radical scavenging, superoxide free radical scavenging and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

Practical application: The fatty oxime ester could be promising as novel antifungal agent, in view of the increasing resistance of pathogenic fungi to antifungal agents.

Oxime esters of apocynin.
Synthesis of a Phenazine‐Based 1,2,3‐Triazole from Naturally Occurring Naphthoquinone Designed as a Probe for Cd2+ Ions
Authors: Jardim Guilherme A. M. , Calado Hállen D. R. , Cury Luiz A. , da Silva Júnior Eufrânio N.
Published: December 2014

The synthesis of a phenazine‐based 1,2,3‐triazole luminescent probe was successfully accomplished from the available natural product lapachol, which was easily extracted from the heartwood of Tabebuia sp. (Tecoma). Photophysics and fluorescence studies were conducted by using the probe in the presence of metal ions (Cd2+, Ca2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Hg2+, Mg2+, Na+, Ni2+, Ag+, Pb2+, Zr2+, and Zn2+ as their chloride salts with the exceptions of silver and lead that were used as acetates). The probe was able to detect Cd2+ ions in H2O/CH3CN (8.5:1.5 v/v) medium. Studies performed with the sensor in a solution of cadmium chloride resulted in a green color after ultraviolet excitation, but for most metals blue color was observed, which could be detected by the naked eye. This is the first report of a lapachol, an accessible naphthoquinoidal compound, having been used to prepare a probe to detect the heavy metal cadmium.
Future Costs, Fixed Healthcare Budgets, and the Decision Rules of Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: van Baal Pieter , Meltzer David , Brouwer Werner
Published: December 2014

Life‐saving medical technologies result in additional demand for health care due to increased life expectancy. However, most economic evaluations do not include all medical costs that may result from this additional demand in health care and include only future costs of related illnesses. Although there has been much debate regarding the question to which extent future costs should be included from a societal perspective, the appropriate role of future medical costs in the widely adopted but more narrow healthcare perspective has been neglected. Using a theoretical model, we demonstrate that optimal decision rules for cost‐effectiveness analyses assuming fixed healthcare budgets dictate that future costs of both related and unrelated medical care should be included. Practical relevance of including the costs of future unrelated medical care is illustrated using the example of transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Our findings suggest that guidelines should prescribe inclusion of these costs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Explorative study on quality of life in relation to salivary secretion rate in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Almståhl Annica , Alstad Torgny , Fagerberg‐Mohlin Bodil , Carlén Anette , Finizia Caterina
Published: December 2014

Background

Radiotherapy (RT) to the head and neck region often results in oral complications. In this explorative study, the pretreatment and posttreatment (6 months and 12 months) quality of life (QOL) was analyzed for patients with head and neck cancer. The associations between QOL and salivary secretion rates were analyzed.

Methods

In 29 patients (19 men and 10 women; mean age, 59 ± 8 years), the stimulated whole salivary secretion and buccal minor gland secretion were measured. The patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Core 30‐questions (EORTC‐QLQ‐C30) and Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Core 30 Head and Neck 35‐questions (EORTC‐QLQ‐C30‐H&N35) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results

One year after the completion of RT, patients with hyposalivation (≤0.7 mL/min) reported clinically meaningful, but not statistically significant differences, in cognitive functioning, insomnia, swallowing, social eating, dry mouth, sticky saliva, and use of painkillers. Statistically significant differences were found for emotional functioning, sticky saliva, and dyspnea (p < .05). Thirty‐three percent of them had a HADS score suggesting anxiety problems, compared with 8% for those with whole stimulated salivary secretion rates >0.7 mL/min.

Conclusion

RT in the head and neck region, also using intensity‐modulated RT, is associated with many aspects of life, such as cognitive functioning, insomnia, dry mouth, and sticky saliva, especially for those with hyposalivation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 782–791, 2016
Nanostructured Ti‐Zr‐Pd‐Si‐(Nb) bulk metallic composites: Novel biocompatible materials with superior mechanical strength and elastic recovery
Authors: Hynowska A. , Blanquer A. , Pellicer E. , Fornell J. , Suriñach S. , Baró M. D. , Gebert A. , Calin M. , Eckert J. , Nogués C. , Ibáñez E. , Barrios L. , Sort J.
Published: December 2014

The microstructure, mechanical behaviour, and biocompatibility (cell culture, morphology, and cell adhesion) of nanostructured Ti45Zr15Pd35‐xSi5Nbx with x = 0, 5 (at. %) alloys, synthesized by arc melting and subsequent Cu mould suction casting, in the form of rods with 3 mm in diameter, are investigated. Both Ti‐Zr‐Pd‐Si‐(Nb) materials show a multi‐phase (composite‐like) microstructure. The main phase is cubic β‐Ti phase (Im3m) but hexagonal α‐Ti (P63/mmc), cubic TiPd (Pm3m), cubic PdZr (Fm3m), and hexagonal (Ti, Zr)5Si3 (P63/mmc) phases are also present. Nanoindentation experiments show that the Ti45Zr15Pd30Si5Nb5 sample exhibits lower Young's modulus than Ti45Zr15Pd35Si5. Conversely, Ti45Zr15Pd35Si5 is mechanically harder. Actually, both alloys exhibit larger values of hardness when compared with commercial Ti‐40Nb, (HTi‐Zr‐Pd‐Si ≈ 14 GPa, HTi‐Zr‐Pd‐Si‐Nb ≈ 10 GPa and HTi‐40Nb ≈ 2.7 GPa). Concerning the biological behaviour, preliminary results of cell viability performed on several Ti‐Zr‐Pd‐Si‐(Nb) discs indicate that the number of live cells is superior to 94% in both cases. The studied Ti‐Zr‐Pd‐Si‐(Nb) bulk metallic system is thus interesting for biomedical applications because of the outstanding mechanical properties (relatively low Young's modulus combined with large hardness), together with the excellent biocompatibility. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1569–1579, 2015.
miR‐155 Regulates Glioma Cells Invasion and Chemosensitivity by p38 Isforms In Vitro
Authors: Liu Qiang , Zou Ran , Zhou Rouxi , Gong Chaofan , Wang Zhifei , Cai Tao , Tan Chaochao , Fang Jiasheng
Published: December 2014

The critical role of microRNAs in cancer development has been extensively described. miRNAs are both specific markers and putative therapy targets. miR‐155 has been identified to be an oncomiRNA and is highly expressed in several solid cancers, including glioblastoma. In this study, we found that miR‐155 is a good potential therapy target. Knockdown of miR‐155 sensitizes glioma cells to the chemotherapy of temozolomide (TMZ) by targeting the p38 isoforms mitogen‐activated protein kinase 13 [MAPK13, also known as p38 MAPKδ or stress‐activated protein kinase 4 (SAPK4)] and MAPK14 (also known as p38 MAPKα). As tumor suppressor genes, MAPK13 and MAPK14 play important roles in lowering the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing cell apoptosis, and slowing the progression of cancer. Knockdown of miR‐155 enhanced the anticancer effect of TMZ on glioma by targeting the MAPK13 and MAPK14‐mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis, but did not affect the secretion of MMP2 and MMP9. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1213–1221, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bupivacaine in combination with fentanyl or sufentanil in epidural/intrathecal analgesia for labor: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Huixia , Gao Chengjie
Published: December 2014

This study is to compare the effectiveness of combinational use of bupivacaine with fentanyl (BUPI‐FEN) and sufentanil (BUPI‐SUF) in epidural/intrathecal analgesia for labor. Electronic databases were searched for relevant research papers published between 1985 and 2014. Meta‐analyses of mean differences or odds ratios were performed and statistical heterogeneity between the studies tested by I2 index. Ten studies recruiting a total of 728 women in labor were selected. Concentrations of the anesthetics used as mean ± sd were bupivacaine 0.115 ± 0.056%, fentanyl 0.0007 ± 0.001%, and sufentanil 0.00017 ± 0.00022%. Duration of analgesia was not significantly different between BUPI‐SUF and BUPI‐FEN administered mothers (mean difference [95%CI] of −33.55 [−74.94, 7.83] minutes; P = .11) under random effects. The onset of analgesia was also not significantly different between both groups (mean difference [95%CI] of −0.61 [−1.38, 0.16] minutes; P = .12). The number of neonates with Apgar score < 7 was significantly lower in BUPI‐FEN group (odd ratio [95%CI] of 0.31 [0.10, 0.95]; P < .05). Pruritus incidence was similar. In conclusion, BUPI‐FEN combination exhibits significantly better tolerability at an approximate ratio of 6 FEN:1 SUF, albeit, both fentanyl and sufentanil in combination with bupivacaine provide similar analgesic properties via the epidural or intrathecal routes for labor pain relief.
Intertrial interval duration and impulsive choice
Authors: Smethells John R. , Reilly Mark P.
Published: December 2014

Discrete‐trial intertemporal choice procedures assess impulsive choice or preference for a smaller, immediate reinforcer over a larger, delayed one. The effect of the delay associated with the larger reinforcer has been the focus of much research. It, however, is not the only delay in the context of discrete‐trial procedures. Often separating each choice trial is an intertrial interval (ITI) that maintains equal trial spacing of the two alternatives. The removal of this ITI has been shown to increase impulsive choice, perhaps because choosing the small alternative results in another choice trial immediately following reinforcer delivery. Impulsive choice has not been affected when the ITI duration is manipulated in conditions that equate the trial presentation rate across the two alternatives. These null results could have been due to floor effects and/or an inadequate range of ITI durations. To address these possibilities, three experiments were conducted to determine how changes in ITI duration affected impulsive choice in rats and pigeons. All three experiments found that preference for the large delayed alternative decreased (i.e., impulsive choice increased) when the ITI was shortened. Satiation was not a likely explanation since preference for the large alternative at the 0‐s delay was not affected by ITI duration. Trial spacing, like other temporal properties of choice situations, is an important variable underlying the occurrence of impulsive choice.
Validity of the Contextual Competence Scale for Engineering Students
Authors: Ro Hyun Kyoung , Merson Dan , Lattuca Lisa R. , Terenzini Patrick T.
Published: December 2014

Background

Engineering educators and practitioners increasingly value contextual competence. A psychometrically sound, practical, and useful scale for assessing undergraduate engineering students' contextual competence is needed.

Purpose/Hypothesis

This article provides comprehensive evidence of the content, structural, discriminant, and criterion‐related validity of the contextual competence scale.

Design/Method

This study used student, alumni, and faculty survey data from a nationally representative sample of 120 U.S. engineering programs from 31 four‐year institutions. Validity evidence was obtained by expert review of questions, a pilot test, factor analyses, and several analyses utilizingt‐tests, correlations, and regression.

Results

Experts constructed the questions used in the scale (content validity). Those questions combined to measure a single concept (structural validity), the scale reliably measures (Cronbach's alpha = .91) that concept, and it focuses on contextual competence instead of other student outcomes (discriminant validity). The contextual competence scale varies according to students' characteristics and curricular experiences as well as similarities and differences in student and alumni levels of contextual competence in the same programs and institutions (criterion‐related validity). Finally, the scale may be a more accurate measure of contextual competence than faculty members' perceptions of students' ability.

Conclusions

The contextual competence scale allows engineering programs to meet ABET and other self‐study requirements or do large‐scale research with relative ease and little expense. The process described in this article can be used by other researchers in engineering education for their scale development efforts.
Motivational and Self‐Regulated Learning Profiles of Students Taking a Foundational Engineering Course
Authors: Nelson Katherine G. , Shell Duane F. , Husman Jenefer , Fishman Evan J. , Soh Leen‐Kiat
Published: December 2014

Background

Technical, nonengineering required courses taken at the onset of an engineering degree provide students a foundation for engineering coursework. Students who perform poorly in these foundational courses, even in those tailored to engineering, typically have limited success in engineering. A profile approach may explain why these courses are obstacles for engineering students. This approach examines the interaction among motivation and self‐regulation constructs.

Purpose (Hypothesis)

This project sought to determine what motivational and self‐regulated learning profiles engineering students adopt in foundational courses. We hypothesized that engineering students would adopt profiles associated with maladaptive motivational beliefs and self‐regulated learning behaviors. The effects of profile adoption on learning and differences associated with student major, minor, and gender were analyzed.

Design/Method

Five hundred and thirty‐eight students, 332 of them engineering majors, were surveyed on motivation and self‐regulation variables. Data were analyzed from a learner‐centered profile approach using cluster analysis.

Results

We obtained a five‐cluster learning profile solution. Approximately 83% of engineering students enrolled in an engineering‐tailored foundational computer science course adopted maladaptive profiles. These students learned less than those who adopted adaptive learning profiles. Profile adoption depended on whether a student was considering a major or minor in computer science or not.

Conclusions

Findings indicate the motivational and self‐regulated learning profiles that engineering students adopt in foundational courses, why they do so, and what profile adoption means for learning. Our findings can guide instructors in providing motivational beliefs and self‐regulated learning scaffolds in the classroom.
A cross‐sectional study of stressors and coping mechanisms used by radiation therapists and oncology nurses: Resilience in Cancer Care Study
Authors: Poulsen Michael G. , Poulsen Anne A. , Baumann Kathryn C. , McQuitty Simon , Sharpley Christopher F.
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Occupational stress and burnout are well‐recognised experiences reported by cancer care workers. The aim was to describe the frequency and severity of potential stressors as well as the effectiveness of coping skills of radiation therapists (RTs) and oncology nurses (ONs), which make up the two largest occupational groups in cancer care.

Methods

A questionnaire was distributed to RTs and ONs in two large tertiary hospitals in Queensland. Descriptive data regarding severity of potential stressors at home and work as well as the perceived effectiveness of preferred coping styles for each stressor was compared for each professional group. Respondents were asked questions about their personal circumstances and to also complete five standardised questionnaires measuring resilience, mental well‐being, depression, anxiety and burnout.

Results

There were 71 respondents representing a response rate of 26%. The types of stressors differed between the two groups but both reported that heavy workload was the most severe workplace stressor. RTs reported higher stressor and coping strategy frequency than ONs. There were no identifiable differences between RTs and ONs in the types or effectiveness of coping strategies employed at home or work. Mental well‐being for both groups was inversely correlated with depression, anxiety and burnout and positively correlated with resilience.

Conclusions

RTs experienced higher mean scores for stressors and coping than ONs. There were no significant between‐group differences for anxiety, depression, burnout, mental well‐being or resilience.
Study on frequency selective characteristics of the microstructure metallic grating in terahertz frequency range based on the hybrid implicit explicit‐pseudospectral time domain method
Authors: Chen Juan , Wei Li , Zhang Anxue , Li Jianjun
Published: December 2014

In this paper, a hybrid implicit explicit‐pseudospectral time domain method is presented to simulate the microstructure metallic grating. The time step size in this method has no relation with the fine spatial discretization, and the spatial discretization along the electrically large direction only needs two cells per wavelength. The three‐dimensional formulas of the method are presented, and the time stability condition of the method is demonstrated. Numerical results show that the memory requirement of the hybrid implicit explicit‐pseudospectral time domain method is reduced by 50% compared with the finite difference time domain method and the computation time is almost 1/40 of that of the finite difference time domain method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An exploration of branding approaches in UK universities
Authors: Chapleo Chris
Published: December 2014

This exploratory paper considers the current state of UK HE branding, in particular, conceptualisations and approaches. It is driven by calls in the literature for clearer understanding and application of branding in Higher Education (HE).Objectives of the research, drawn from literature, were to explore conceptualisations of branding in the UK HE sector, as well as current challenges to branding concepts/ practice in UK HE. The methodology was based upon depth interviews with fifteen opinion leaders and opinion formers, specifically Heads of Marketing or External Relations in UK HE. Findings suggest that branding is a key issue for UK universities, but an overall conceptual model for brands in the HE sector remains challenging, although parallels with corporate branding are drawn. However, simplistic adoption of corporate branding does not offer a clear solution, and the requirement for a conceptual framework particular to the sector is evident. In exploring conceptual frameworks, experiential branding and internal branding are discussed as possible approaches that may offer a route for differentiation that universities seek. Whilst developing a clear conceptual model is the key challenge identified, limited and variable understanding of the branding concept and limited genuine differentiation around which to build a brand were also notable challenges. Overall, significant branding opportunities and challenges in a changing sector are discussed. Conclusions argue that corporate branding, experiential branding and internal branding literature all have a degree of applicability, but clearly further empirical work is needed to advance this important field.

Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid composite using recycled polycarbonate/waste silk fibers and wood flour
Authors: Faezipour Mehdi , Shamsi Razieh , Ashori Alireza , Abdulkhani Ali , Kargarfard Abolfazl
Published: December 2014

In this work, hybrid composite materials were made from the combination of waste silk fibers (WSFs) and poplar wood flour (PWF) as reinforcement, recycled polycarbonate (RPC) as polymer matrix, and silane as coupling agent. RPC was obtained from waste compact discs. The effects of fiber type and loading on the mechanical and physical properties of the composites were studied. Experimentally, it was found that the weight content of PWF is a key parameter that would substantially influence the mechanical properties of the samples. The obtained results showed that tensile and flexural strengths and moduli of the composites were significantly enhanced with the addition of biofibers in both types (fiber and flour), as compared with neat RPC. However, the increase in WSFs and PWF contents substantially improved the notched Izod impact strength, but reduced the thermal stability. The significant improvements in mechanical properties of the composites with the incorporation of WSF and PWF were further supported by scanning electron microscopy micrographs. Composites containing more fraction of WSF exhibited higher water absorption (WA) compared with PWF‐filled composites. In addition, composite with higher WSF and PWF (30 wt%) loading showed maximum WA during the whole duration of immersion. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1667–1673, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effect of nesting on the in‐plane permeability of unidirectional fabrics in resin transfer molding
Authors: Fang Liangchao , Jiang Jianjun , Wang Junbiao , Deng Chao
Published: December 2014

The nesting of layers has great effect on the permeability, which is a key parameter in resin transfer molding. In this article, two mathematical models were developed to predict the in‐plane permeability of unidirectional fabrics with minimum and maximum nesting, respectively. For different zones of characteristic yarn arrangement in the unit cell, the local permeability was modeled as a function of geometrical yarn parameters. The global permeability was then modeled as a mixture of permeabilities of different zones with the electrical resistance analogy. A reasonably good agreement was found between the model predictions and experimental results. We also found that at the same fiber volume fraction, the results for Ky were two times larger with minimum nesting than with maximum nesting, whereas the results for Kx were a little lower with minimum nesting than maximum nesting. In addition, the differences between minimum and maximum nesting decreased with increasing fiber volume fraction. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1695–1704, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers