bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of HPV‐related nasal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chowdhury Naweed , Alvi Sameer , Kimura Kyle , Tawfik Ossama , Manna Pradip , Beahm David , Robinson Ann , Kerley Spencer , Hoover Larry
Published: March 2017

Background

Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection has been shown to play an integral role in the development and prognosis of various head and neck cancers. Generational changes in sexual behavior may have led to an increased incidence of positivity in recent years. HPV positivity in both benign and malignant lesions of the sinonasal cavities has been shown in previous studies (estimates range from 20%–30% for malignancy). We intend to investigate if HPV positivity affected survival outcomes in our patient cohort.

Methods/Materials

Twenty‐six patients diagnosed pathologically for sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with available archived biopsy specimens were retrospectively analyzed to obtain HPV status using a real‐time, multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay that detects and quantifies 15 known high‐risk HPV types. Demographic information was collected, and survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan‐Meier estimation.

Results

Sixteen of 26 (62%) SCC tumors in the patient cohort were positive for HPV DNA. HPV types 16 and 18 were the most common (n = 8 and 2, respectively), although a wide range of HPV types across the 15 tested were positive. Survival analyses showed a statistically significant survival advantage (median survival of 12 vs. 54 months) when accounting for HPV positivity using log‐rank testing (P < 0.003).

Conclusion

HPV positivity appears to be present in a significant proportion of squamous cell carcinoma cases of the nasal cavity. In our limited patient population there does appear to be a survival advantage to HPV positivity. Further prospective, multi‐institutional trials with standardized treatment protocols are needed to elucidate the true impact of HPV positivity in this subset of head and neck cancers.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1600–1603, 2017
Positron emission tomography/computed tomography after primary transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hobelmann Kealan , Luginbuhl Adam , Bar‐Ad Voichita , Keane William , Curry Joseph , Cognetti David
Published: March 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess the first post‐treatment positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in prediction of disease‐free survival after primary transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with or without adjuvant chemoradiation.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

Ninety‐five patients with OPSCC treated with primary TORS from 2010 to 2014 at a single tertiary academic center were evaluated with PET/CT. Imaging was performed between 2 and 7 months after completing all treatment. Radiology findings were categorized as 1) negative, noting either complete resolution of foci without evidence of disease or anatomical changes likely attributed to treatment; 2) equivocal, noting equal likelihood of malignancy versus treatment‐related changes; or 3) positive, noting either findings concerning for malignancy or new hyperactivity not attributed to treatment‐related changes. The median follow‐up time was 31 months (range, 23–63 months). Recurrence was defined as biopsy‐proven invasive malignancy or clinical suspicion sufficient to initiate treatment occurring within 3 years of the completion of all treatment.

Results

Of 95 total patients with at least 2 years of follow‐up records, 26 had positive post‐treatment PET/CT results, with five experiencing actual recurrences. Of 69 patients with negative post‐treatment PET/CT results, none experienced recurrences. These results indicate a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 77%, positive predictive value of 19%, and negative predictive value of 100%.

Conclusions

A majority of TORS patients (73%) will have a negative first post‐treatment PET/CT. A single negative post‐treatment PET/CT is strongly correlated with 2‐year disease‐free survival in patients treated with primary TORS and may warrant decreased surveillance imaging.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 127:2050–2056, 2017
Scoping review of pediatric tonsillectomy quality of life assessment instruments
Authors: Kao Stephen Shih‐Teng , Peters Micah D. J. , Dharmawardana Nuwan , Stew Benjamin , Ooi Eng Hooi
Published: March 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Sleep‐disordered breathing or recurrent tonsillitis have detrimental effects on the child's physical health and quality of life. Tonsillectomy is commonly performed to treat these common conditions and improve the child's quality of life. This scoping review aims to present a comprehensive and descriptive analysis of quality of life questionnaires as a resource for clinicians and researchers when deciding which tool to use when assessing the quality of life effects after tonsillectomy.

Study Design

A comprehensive search strategy was undertaken across MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL.

Methods

Quality of life questionnaires utilized in studies investigating pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy for chronic tonsillitis or sleep‐disordered breathing were included. Methodological quality and data extraction were conducted as per Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.

Results

Ten questionnaires were identified, consisting of six generic and four disease‐specific instruments. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory was the most commonly utilized generic questionnaire. The Obstructive Sleep Apnea‐18 was the most commonly utilized disease‐specific questionnaire.

Conclusions

This review identified a range of generic and disease‐specific quality of life questionnaires utilized in pediatric patients who have undergone tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy for sleep‐disordered breathing or chronic tonsillitis. Important aspects of each questionnaire have been summarized to aid researchers and clinicians in choosing the appropriate questionnaire when evaluating the quality of life effects of tonsillectomy.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 127:2399–2406, 2017
Silent sinus syndrome after facial trauma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Araslanova Rakhna , Allen Larry , Rotenberg Brian W. , Sowerby Leigh J.
Published: March 2017

Objective

The accepted definition of silent sinus syndrome (SSS) excludes posttraumatic cases. To challenge current exclusion criteria of antecedent facial trauma, we have identified all published cases of posttraumatic SSS in English literature, including a new representative case from our institution.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases.

Review Methods

All case reports and case series published in English literature from 1964 through August 2016 were sequentially identified. Authors of cases with missing information were contacted for completion.

Results

Thirteen documented cases of posttraumatic SSS were identified through the literature review. An additional case from our institution was presented, bringing the total reported case count to 14. Time from initial trauma to presentation ranged from 2 months to 32 years, with a median duration of 6 months. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with either concurrent or staged orbital floor implant repair was used to treat posttraumatic SSS in 64% of reported cases. Three patients had ESS alone, with one case showing postoperative improvement in enophthalmos.

Conclusion

Recent emergence of case reports of SSS postorbital and facial trauma challenge the current exclusion criteria of precedent facial trauma. Posttraumatic SSS is rare, but the availability of cross‐sectional imaging pre‐ and postdevelopment of SSS makes a strong case for a causal relationship. Laryngoscope, 127:1520–1524, 2017
Definitive chemoradiotherapy with carboplatin for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Nagasaka Misako , Zaki Mark , Issa Majd , Kim Harold , Abrams Judith , Sukari Ammar
Published: March 2017

Objective

Definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is considered the standard of care for organ preservation and is the only potentially curative therapy for surgically unresectable patients with stage III to IVb locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. In patients with high risks for adverse events utilizing cisplatin, carboplatin has been empirically substituted. The objective of this study was to estimate the locoregional control rate, progression‐free survival, overall survival, and adverse events in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck patients treated with CRT utilizing carboplatin.

Study Design

A retrospective single‐arm analysis.

Methods

Data on consecutive patients who fit the eligibility criteria were collected. Eligible patients were treated with 70 Gy of radiation therapy and at least two cycles of carboplatin (area of curve [AUC] of 5 between January 2007 to December 2013.

Results

Fifty‐four patients were identified. Overall locoregional control rate was 50% (95% confidence interval [CI] 37%–63%). Median progression‐free and overall survival were 21 (CI 11–33) and 40 (CI 33–NA) months, respectively. One‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival were 81% (CI 67%–89%), 59% (CI 41%–73%), and 42% (CI 22%–61%), respectively. Stage III/IVa patients (n = 45) had a median survival of 62 (CI 37–NA months) and 3 years of 71% (CI 53%–84%), whereas stage IVb (n = 9) had a median survival of 31 (CI 4–NA) months and none survived to 3 years.

Conclusion

Definitive CRT with carboplatin for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck was well tolerated and demonstrated comparable results to CRT with cisplatin.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2260–2264, 2017
Expanded transcanal transpromontorial approach to the internal auditory canal: Pilot clinical experience
Authors: Presutti Livio , Alicandri‐Ciufelli Matteo , Bonali Marco , Rubini Alessia , Pavesi Giacomo , Feletti Alberto , Masotto Barbara , Anschuetz Lukas , Marchioni Daniele
Published: March 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate the feasibility of an expanded transcanal transpromontorial approach, developed from the exclusive endoscopic transcanal transpromontorial approach.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of 10 patients operated by an expanded transcanal transpromontorial approach in two tertiary referral centers (University Hospital of Modena, Italy and University Hospital of Verona, Italy). Data from charts and video documentation were collected and analyzed.

Results

Between April 2015 and January 2016, 10 patients underwent an expanded transcanal transpromontorial approach for vestibular schwannoma Koos stage I or II and were enrolled in the study. The size of the tumors ranged from 7 to 19 mm in maximum diameter. A gross total resection was achieved in all cases. One subject experienced postoperative cerebrospinal fluid otorhinorrhea and three subjects experienced temporary postoperative facial weakness, all of which completely resolved. The mean follow‐up was 5 months.

Conclusions

The expanded transcanal transpromontorial approach allowed bimanual dissection using a microscopic technique for the treatment of pathologies of the internal auditory canal and cerebellopontine angle. This novel approach resulted in minimal morbidity and comparable facial nerve preservation rates to the traditional approaches to the internal auditory canal. The expanded transpromontorial approach to the internal auditory canal holds promise for addressing pathology in this region of the temporal bone from the external auditory canal.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2608–2614, 2017
Optical levitation of nanodiamonds by doughnut beams in vacuum
Authors: Zhou Lei‐Ming , Xiao Ke‐Wen , Chen Jun , Zhao Nan
Published: March 2017

Optically levitated nanodiamonds with nitrogen‐vacancy centers promise a high‐quality hybrid spin‐optomechanical system. However, the trapped nanodiamond absorbs energy from laser beams and causes thermal damage in vacuum. It is proposed here to solve the problem by trapping a composite particle (a nanodiamond core coated with a less absorptive silica shell) at the center of strongly focused doughnut‐shaped laser beams. Systematical study on the trapping stability, heat absorption, and oscillation frequency concludes that the azimuthally polarized Gaussian beam and the linearly polarized Laguerre‐Gaussian beam LG03 are the optimal choices. With our proposal, particles with strong absorption coefficients can be trapped without obvious heating and, thus, the spin‐optomechanical system based on levitated nanodiamonds are made possible in high vacuum with the present experimental techniques.

image
A radiobiological model of reoxygenation and fractionation effects
Authors: Guerrero Mariana , Carlson David J.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop a radiobiological model of reoxygenation that fulfills the following goals: (a) Quantify the reoxygenation effect for different fractionations (b) Model the hypoxic fraction in tumors as a function of the number of radiation treatments. (c) Develop a simple analytical expression for a reoxygenation term in biological effect calculations.

Method

The model considers tumor cells in two compartments: an aerobic (or normoxic) population of cells and a hypoxic population including cells under a range of reduced oxygen concentrations. The surviving fraction is predicted using the linear‐quadratic (LQ) model. A hypoxia reduction factor (HRF) is used to quantify reductions in radiosensitivity parameters αA and βA as cellular oxygen concentration decreases. The HRF is defined as the ratio of the dose at a specific level of hypoxia to the dose under fully aerobic conditions to achieve equal cell killing. The model assumes that a fraction of the hypoxic cells (Δ) moves from the hypoxic to the aerobic compartment after each daily fraction. As an example, we compare the effect of reoxygenation on biological response for a standard dose fractionation for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (d = 2 Gy, n = 33) to typical fractionations for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and other nonstandard fractionations.

Results

The reoxygenation effect is parameterized for biological effect calculations and an analytic expression for the surviving fraction after n daily treatments is derived. The hypoxic fraction either increases or decreases with n depending on the reoxygenation parameter Δ. For certain combinations of parameters, the biological effect of reoxygenation goes as −(n−1) · ln(1−Δ) providing a simple expression that can be introduced in biologically effective dose (BED) calculations. The model is used to compare fractionation schedules and quantitatively interpret results from molecular imaging studies of hypoxia. Based on the comparison of conventional fractionation and hypo‐ and hyper‐fractionation for NSCLC, the value of Δ is estimated to be between 0.1 and 0.2 assuming plausible radiobiological parameters from the literature. This value is consistent with the preliminary analysis of the molecular imaging studies.

Conclusions

A novel radiobiological model was developed that can be used to evaluate the effect of reoxygenation in fractionated radiotherapy.
Two‐compartment modeling of tissue microcirculation revisited
Authors: Brix Gunnar , Salehi Ravesh Mona , Griebel Jürgen
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Conventional two‐compartment modeling of tissue microcirculation is used for tracer kinetic analysis of dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging studies although it is well‐known that the underlying assumption of an instantaneous mixing of the administered contrast agent (CA) in capillaries is far from being realistic. It was thus the aim of the present study to provide theoretical and computational evidence in favor of a conceptually alternative modeling approach that makes it possible to characterize the bias inherent to compartment modeling and, moreover, to approximately correct for it.

Methods

Starting from a two‐region distributed‐parameter model that accounts for spatial gradients in CA concentrations within blood‐tissue exchange units, a modified lumped two‐compartment exchange model was derived. It has the same analytical structure as the conventional two‐compartment model, but indicates that the apparent blood flow identifiable from measured DCE data is substantially overestimated, whereas the three other model parameters (i.e., the permeability‐surface area product as well as the volume fractions of the plasma and interstitial distribution space) are unbiased. Furthermore, a simple formula was derived to approximately compute a bias‐corrected flow from the estimates of the apparent flow and permeability‐surface area product obtained by model fitting. To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed modeling and bias correction method, representative noise‐free DCE curves were analyzed. They were simulated for 36 microcirculation and four input scenarios by an axially distributed reference model.

Results

As analytically proven, the considered two‐compartment exchange model is structurally identifiable from tissue residue data. The apparent flow values estimated for the 144 simulated tissue/input scenarios were considerably biased. After bias‐correction, the deviations between estimated and actual parameter values were (11.2 ± 6.4) % (vs. (105 ± 21) % without correction) for the flow, (3.6 ± 6.1) % for the permeability‐surface area product, (5.8 ± 4.9) % for the vascular volume and (2.5 ± 4.1) % for the interstitial volume; with individual deviations of more than 20% being the exception and just marginal. Increasing the duration of CA administration only had a statistically significant but opposite effect on the accuracy of the estimated flow (declined) and intravascular volume (improved).

Conclusions

Physiologically well‐defined tissue parameters are structurally identifiable and accurately estimable from DCE data by the conceptually modified two‐compartment model in combination with the bias correction. The accuracy of the bias‐corrected flow is nearly comparable to that of the three other (theoretically unbiased) model parameters. As compared to conventional two‐compartment modeling, this feature constitutes a major advantage for tracer kinetic analysis of both preclinical and clinical DCE imaging studies.
Translation and validation of the 15‐item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of life scale in Dutch
Authors: Strijbos Ellen , Gärtner Fania R. , Verschuuren Jan J.
Published: March 2017

Introduction: The 15‐item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life (MG‐QOL15) scale has been developed to assess the health‐related quality of life of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). The aim of this study was to translate the original English version into Dutch and to test the test–retest reliability and construct validity. Methods: Fifty patients with MG were included. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Cronbach α. Construct validity was assessed by testing 5 predefined hypotheses. Results: A good test–retest reliability was confirmed with an ICC of 0.866. The Cronbach α was 0.93. The predefined hypotheses were confirmed in 80% of cases, which points to good construct validity. Discussion: The Dutch MG‐QOL15 has good test–retest reliability and good construct validity. It can be used for research in a Dutch‐speaking population. It is also suitable for monitoring individual patients in clinical practice. Muscle Nerve 57: 206–211, 2018
When are metabolic ratios superior to absolute quantification? A statistical analysis
Authors: Hoch Sarah E. , Kirov Ivan I. , Tal Assaf
Published: March 2017

Metabolite levels measured using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) are often expressed as ratios rather than absolute concentrations. However, the inter‐subject variability of the denominator metabolite can introduce uncertainty into a metabolite ratio. In a clinical setting, there are no guidelines on whether ratios or absolute quantification should be used for a more accurate classification of normal versus abnormal results based on their statistical properties. In a research setting, the choice of one over the other can have significant implications on sample size, which must be factored in at the study design stage. Herein, we derive the probability distribution function for the ratio of two normally distributed random variables, and present analytical expressions for the comparison of ratios with absolute quantification in terms of both sample size and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve. The two approaches are compared for typical metabolite values found in the literature, and their respective merits are illustrated using previously acquired clinical MRS data in two pathologies: mild traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis. Our analysis shows that the decision between ratios and absolute quantification is non‐trivial: in some cases, ratios might offer a reduction in sample size, whereas, in others, absolute quantification might prove more desirable for individual (i.e. clinical) use. The decision is straightforward and exact guidelines are provided in the text, given that population means and standard deviations of numerator and denominator can be reliably estimated.
Accuracy in the quantification of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) and relayed nuclear Overhauser enhancement (rNOE) saturation transfer effects
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Yong , Wang Feng , Li Hua , Xu Junzhong , Gochberg Daniel F. , Gore John C. , Zu Zhongliang
Published: March 2017

Accurate quantification of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) effects, including dipole–dipole mediated relayed nuclear Overhauser enhancement (rNOE) saturation transfer, is important for applications and studies of molecular concentration and transfer rate (and thereby pH or temperature). Although several quantification methods, such as Lorentzian difference (LD) analysis, multiple‐pool Lorentzian fits, and the three‐point method, have been extensively used in several preclinical and clinical applications, the accuracy of these methods has not been evaluated. Here we simulated multiple‐pool Z spectra containing the pools that contribute to the main CEST and rNOE saturation transfer signals in the brain, numerically fit them using the different methods, and then compared their derived CEST metrics with the known solute concentrations and exchange rates. Our results show that the LD analysis overestimates contributions from amide proton transfer (APT) and intermediate exchanging amine protons; the three‐point method significantly underestimates both APT and rNOE saturation transfer at −3.5 ppm (NOE(−3.5)). The multiple‐pool Lorentzian fit is more accurate than the other two methods, but only at lower irradiation powers (≤1 μT at 9.4 T) within the range of our simulations. At higher irradiation powers, this method is also inaccurate because of the presence of a fast exchanging CEST signal that has a non‐Lorentzian lineshape. Quantitative parameters derived from in vivo images of rodent brain tumor obtained using an irradiation power of 1 μT were also compared. Our results demonstrate that all three quantification methods show similar contrasts between tumor and contralateral normal tissue for both APT and the NOE(−3.5). However, the quantified values of the three methods are significantly different. Our work provides insight into the fitting accuracy obtainable in a complex tissue model and provides guidelines for evaluating other newly developed quantification methods.
Silanol‐POSS as dispersing agents for carbon nanotubes in polyamide
Authors: Dintcheva Nadka Tzankova , Arrigo Rossella , Teresi Rosalia , Gambarotti Cristian
Published: March 2017

Silanol polyhedrad oligomeric silsesquiosane terminated with phenyl rings (phPOSS) has been considered as dispersing agent for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polyamide (PA) matrix. Two different approaches have been followed for the introduction of the phPOSS molecules: a “classical” approach which involves the introduction of the dispersing agent during the melt mixing, and an “innovative” approach, consisting in the immobilization, either covalent and non‐covalent, of phPOSS molecules onto CNTs surface. The properties of PA‐based nanocomposites, containing free phPOSS molecules and phPOSS molecules immobilized onto the CNTs outer surface, have been evaluated through rheological, mechanical, thermo‐mechanical, and morphological analyses. Obtained results highlight the effectiveness of the immobilization of the dispersing molecules onto the surface of the CNTs because of the enhancement of the interfacial interaction between the nanofillers and matrix. The preferential localization of the phPOSS molecules at the interface between the nanofillers and polymer chains helps the CNTs dispersion during melt processing and promote the stress transfer across the interface, leading to the obtainment of nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical performance. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:588–594, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Proximity Labeling of Interacting Proteins: Application of BioID as a Discovery Tool
Authors: Li Peipei , Li Jingjing , Wang Li , Di Li‐Jun
Published: March 2017

Proteins perform biochemical functions by forming complexes, or protein–protein interactions (PPIs). Many different approaches such as phage display, yeast hybridization, etc. were developed to illustrate the PPIs, and disclose the composition and organization of protein complexes. However, none of these approaches are based on the real‐time and in vivo PPI analysis. Proximity‐dependent labeling (PDL) of interacting proteins has recently been proposed by taking advantage of several enzymes, which are capable of attaching the known reactive groups to the nearby proteins covalently. Among the PDL methods, BioID is the earliest and the most widely used one and has been upgraded from its prototype, making it an extremely convenient research tool. In this review, we describe the BioID technology development, its potential applications according to the nature of the target protein, and some recent efforts to circumvent the technical limitations. Moreover, some comparable PDL methods are introduced, including selective proteomic proximity labeling assay using tyramide, enzyme‐mediated activation of radical sources, Proximity Labeling with Ascorbate Peroxidase, in vivo proximal labeling, etc., and we propose that systematic comparison of the working radius of these methods may be helpful to develop a tool box, from which the right method can be selected for a given target protein for PPI research.
Synthesis and characterization of arylenevinylenearylene–naphthalene diimide copolymers as acceptor in all–polymer solar cells
Authors: Xue Lingwei , Yang Yankang , Bin Haijun , Zhang Zhi‐Guo , Zhang Jing , Yang YunXu , Li Yongfang
Published: March 2017

Two n‐type conjugated D‐A copolymers, P(TVT‐NDI) and P(FVF‐NDI) with thienylene‐vinylene‐thienylene (TVT) or furanylene‐vinylene‐furanylene (FVF) as donor (D) units and naphthalene diimide (NDI) as the acceptor (A) units, were synthesized by the Stille coupling copolymerization. The two polymers possess good solubility, high thermal stability, and broad absorption bands with absorption edges at 866 nm for P(TVT‐NDI) and 886 nm for P(FVF‐NDI). The LUMO energy levels of P(TVT‐NDI) and P(FVF‐NDI) are −3.80 eV and −3.76 eV respectively, so the two polymers are suitable for the application as acceptor in blending with most polymer donor in PSCs based on the energy level matching point of view. All polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) were fabricated with P(TVT‐NDI) or P(FVF‐NDI) as acceptor and medium bandgap polymer J51 as donor for investigating the photovoltaic performance of the two n‐type conjugated polymer acceptors. And higher power conversion efficiency of 6.43% for P(TVT‐NDI) and 5.21% for P(FVF‐NDI) was obtained. The results indicate that arylenevinylenearylene–naphthalene diimide copolymer are promising polymer acceptor for all–PSCs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1757–1764
Preloss grief in family caregivers during end‐of‐life cancer care: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Nielsen Mette Kjaergaard , Neergaard Mette Asbjoern , Jensen Anders Bonde , Vedsted Peter , Bro Flemming , Guldin Mai‐Britt
Published: March 2017

Objective

Severe grief symptoms in family caregivers during end‐of‐life cancer trajectories are associated with complicated grief and depression after the loss. Nevertheless, severe grief symptoms during end‐of‐life caregiving in caregivers to cancer patients have been scarcely studied. We aimed to explore associations between severe preloss grief symptoms in caregivers and modifiable factors such as depressive symptoms, caregiver burden, preparedness for death, and end‐of‐life communication.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based prospective study of caregivers to 9512 patients registered with drug reimbursement due to terminal illness, and 3635 caregivers responded. Of these, 2865 caregivers to cancer patients completed a preloss grief scale (Prolonged Grief 13, preloss version). Associations with factors measured during end‐of‐life caregiving were analyzed using logistic regression.

Results

Severe preloss grief symptoms were reported by 432 caregivers (15.2%). These symptoms were associated with depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 12.4; 95% CI, 9.5‐16.3), high caregiver burden (adjusted OR = 8.3; 95% CI, 6.3‐11.1), low preparedness for death (adjusted OR = 3.3; 95% CI, 2.5‐4.4), low level of communication about dying (adjusted OR = 3.2; 95% CI, 2.2‐4.4), and “too much” prognostic information (adjusted OR = 2.8; 95%, 1.7‐4.6).

Conclusions

Severe preloss grief symptoms were significantly associated with distress, low preparedness, and little communication during caregiving. Thus, severe preloss grief symptoms may be a key indicator for complications in caregivers of cancer patients in an end‐of‐life trajectory. Targeted interventions are needed to support family caregivers with severe preloss grief symptoms. Development of preloss grief assessment tools and interventions should be a priority target in future research.
Asymptotic stability in probability of singular stochastic systems with Markovian switchings
Authors: Ding Yucai , Zhong Shouming , Long Shaohua
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates the problem of asymptotic stability in probability for singular stochastic systems with Markovian switchings. A stochastic Lyapunov theorem on asymptotic stability in probability for the considered systems is provided. Also, we show that the original system has the same stability property as its difference‐algebraic form based on singular value decomposition. By utilizing the earlier results, a sufficient condition is obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities, which is easy to check by using standard software. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consensus analysis for leader‐following multi‐agent systems with second‐order individual dynamics and arbitrary sampling
Authors: Dai Ming‐Zhe , Xiao Feng , Wei Bo
Published: March 2017

This paper performs a consensus analysis of leader‐following multi‐agent systems with multiple double integrators in the framework of sampled‐data control. Both single‐leader and multiple‐leader scenarios are considered under the assumption of networks with detectable position‐like state information. The coordination tasks are accomplished by a given protocol with the robustness against the change of sampling periods. The sampling periods can be chosen to be of an arbitrary fixed length or large time‐varying length. Under the proposed protocol, we achieve two objectives: (i) in the single leader‐subgroup case, all followers reach an agreement with leaders on states asymptotically and (ii) in the multiple leader‐subgroup case, each follower converges to some convex combination of the final states of all leaders. It is shown that the final state configuration of the convex combination is uniquely determined by the underlying interaction topology, which can be any weakly connected graph. Compared with the existing results on leader‐following networks, the consensus problem and the containment problem are solved in a unified framework with large sampling periods. Some numerical experiments are conducted to illustrate the dynamic behavior of all agents with this protocol. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance Evaluation of a Harvesting Robot for Sweet Pepper
Authors: Bac C. Wouter , Hemming Jochen , van Tuijl B.A.J. , Barth Ruud , Wais Ehud , van Henten Eldert J.
Published: March 2017

This paper evaluates a robot developed for autonomous harvesting of sweet peppers in a commercial greenhouse. Objectives were to assess robot performance under unmodified and simplified crop conditions, using two types of end effectors (Fin Ray; Lip type), and to evaluate the performance contribution of stem‐dependent determination of the grasp pose. We describe and discuss the performance of hardware and software components developed for fruit harvesting in a complex environment that includes lighting variation, occlusions, and densely spaced obstacles. After simplifying the crop, harvest success significantly improved from 6% to 26% (Fin Ray) and from 2% to 33% (Lip type). We observed a decrease in stem damage and an increase in grasp success after enabling stem‐dependent determination of the grasp pose. Generally, the robot had difficulty in successfully picking sweet peppers and we discuss possible causes. The robot's novel capability of perceiving the stem of a plant may serve as useful functionality for future robots.
Disentangling the signal of climatic fluctuations from land use: changes in ecosystem functioning in South American protected areas (1982‐2012)
Authors: Dieguez Hernán , Paruelo José M.
Published: March 2017

Global environmental change is characterized by changing climate, atmospheric composition and land use. Its impact on ecosystem structure and functioning has been detected throughout the world. While every ecosystem is vulnerable to climate change, the degree of the impact and the magnitude of the ecosystem response are likely to vary. Protected areas of South America provide a ‘laboratory’ to test expectations of climate change effects on ecosystems at a regional scale. By using protected areas we minimized the effects of land use/land cover changes over ecosystem functioning. We analyzed the temporal trends, that is, directional changes, and spatial heterogeneity of both climatic variables and attributes of the seasonal dynamics of the normalized difference vegetation index, that is, a surrogate of vegetation carbon gains derived from satellite information, on 201 protected areas of South America. Increased productivity and higher seasonality, frequently climate driven, is the most common signal across South American biomes but concentrated on those areas located in the tropics and subtropics. In general, arid and semiarid sites responded positively to increases in precipitation and negatively to increases in temperature, while humid ecosystems responded in the opposite way. Our results provide a preliminary basis for predicting which ecosystems will respond more rapidly and strongly to climate change. We also provide support to the fact that protected areas are not static systems as their functioning is changing with different magnitude and in contrasting directions.
Recent Developments in Total Syntheses of Cephalosporolides, Penisporolides, and Ascospiroketals
Authors: Yao Hongliang , Wang Jian , Tong Rongbiao
Published: March 2017

The possible biogenetic connection of the 10‐membered lactone (decanolide) and the tricyclic [5,5]‐spiroacetal‐cis‐fused‐γ‐lactone (SAFL) natural products was proposed by Hanson in 1985. Mimicking such biosynthetic hypothesis led us to develop a general synthetic strategy for the total syntheses of both decanolide‐type cephalosporolides and SAFL‐type natural products. This biomimetic strategy features two key transformations: i) oxidative ring expansion of bicyclic β‐hydroxy tetrahydropyrans to the decanolides and ii) ring contraction rearrangement of the decanolides to the tricyclic SAFLs. In particular, the phenol derivatives are exploited as the starting materials for the decanolides and then the SAFLs. The successful biomimetic total synthesis allows us to revise the structures and biosynthetic hypothesis of several natural products, along with development of an NMR analysis method for determination of the relative stereochemistry of SAFL‐type compounds. In addition, this account will summarize recent synthetic work by other research groups.
Fun While Showing, Not Telling: Crafting Vivid Detail in Writing
Authors: Del Nero Jennifer Renner
Published: March 2017

This teaching tip highlights three writing minilessons that help students construct vivid sensory detail (textual detail related to the five senses) in their fiction and creative nonfiction writing. Learning to show, not tell, is a difficult task for novice writers. The author explores reasons why this is the case and provides directions for the implementation of three student‐centered writing minilessons. Lesson topics covered are analyzing song lyrics containing vivid detail, using a graphic organizer to help authors zero in on key moments, and a kinesthetic activity designed to help students devise similes and metaphors. These lessons are appropriate for middle and upper elementary students.
What Is the Use of an Ethical Theory of Citizenship?
Authors: Thunder David
Published: March 2017

In this essay, I frame the general activity of theorizing citizenship against the fact that we humans are reflexive beings: beings who interrogate the meaning of our own activities and lives. I suggest that inquiry into the ethical value of citizenship is proper to the sorts of beings we are, and meets a deep need to render our commitments and actions both intelligible and justifiable to ourselves and others. A theory of citizenship that acknowledges this philosophical impulse, illuminates the basic questions behind it, and uncovers even in a preliminary way the values and purposes served by civic identity and engagement can act as a stimulus to further reflection, and serve to give some basic orientation to moral conduct. On the other hand, an ethical theory of citizenship cannot by-pass the need for practical wisdom nor dispense with the task of moral formation. It can only illuminate and inspire people who have learnt from their participation in communities in which norms of civility andconvivencia(“living-together”) are taught through example and patient instruction.
Synergistic Effect of Biosurfactant and Nanoparticle Mixture on Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Amani Hossein
Published: March 2017

Recently, nanoparticles have become an attractive agent for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Because much of the work on nanoparticles for enhanced oil recovery is still at the laboratory stage and to gain a better understanding of this technique, it is essential to study the effect of nanoparticles on EOR. In addition, the world is now more environmentally aware, presenting the opportunity to use biosurfactants for EOR. In this paper, the synergistic effect of biosurfactant and nanoparticles on the removal of oil in a glass micromodel was evaluated. In this study, an aqueous solution of emulsan biosurfactant with addition of SiO2 nanoparticles was used as a nanofluid. The emulsan biosurfactant was produced by Acinetobacter calcoaceticus PTCC1318. The production of emulsan was confirmed by FTIR and 1H NMR analysis. According to our results, the use of the mixture of biosurfactant and nanoparticle (nanofluid) permitted a 90% reduction of interfacial tension in comparison with biosurfactant solution alone. Micromodel oil displacement experiments with kerosene showed around 10 and 20% recovery of residual oil after water flooding when the emulsan and nanofluid were injected, respectively. These results are useful in extending the application of nanostructures in ex situ microbial enhanced oil recovery.
Reinforcement problems in the calculus of variations
Authors: Acerbi Emilio , Buttazzo Giuseppe
Published: March 2017

We study the torsion of an elastic bar surrounded by an increasingly thin layer made of increasingly hard material. In the model problem the ellipticity constant tends to zero in the outer layer; the equations considered may be fully nonlinear.

Depending on the link between thickness and hardness we obtain three different expressions of the limit problem.

On étudie la torsion d’une barre élastique enveloppée d’une couche très mince d’un matériau très dur. Dans le problème modèle la constante d’ellipticité de la couche extérieure est très petite; les équations considérées peuvent être complètement non-linéaires.

En modifiant la relation entre l’épaisseur et la rigidité, on obtient trois différents problèmes-limites.
The generalized Dirichlet problem for equations of Monge-Ampère type
Authors: Urbas John I.E.
Published: March 2017

We consider a generalization of the Dirichlet problem for equations of Monge–Ampère type under weaker hypotheses than are generally necessary for the solvability of the Dirichlet problem in the classical sense. We prove that there exists a unique smooth convex function which satisfies the equation in the classical sense and the boundary condition in a certain generalized sense.

On considère une généralisation du problème de Dirichlet pour les équations du type Monge–Ampère sous des hypothèses plus faibles que celles qui sont en général nécessaires pour assurer l’existence au sens classique du problème de Dirichlet. On démontre qu’il existe une fonction convexe régulière unique qui satisfait l’équation au sens classique et qui vérifie la condition à la frontière en un sens généralisé.
An existence result for nonlinear elliptic problems involving critical Sobolev exponent
Authors: Capozzi A. , Fortunato D. , Palmieri G.
Published: March 2017

In this paper we consider the following problem:

\tag{1}
\begin{cases}
−\mathrm{\Delta }u−\mathrm{\lambda }u = \left|u\right|^{2^*−2} \cdot u &2^* = 2n/ (n−2)\\
u = 0\:&\mathrm{on}\:\mathrm{∂}\mathrm{\Omega}
\end{cases}

where

Ω ⊂ \mathrm R^n

is a bounded domain and

λ\in \mathrm R

.

We prove the existence of a nontrivial solution of (1) for any

λ> 0

, if

n ⩾ 4

.

Soient

Ω

un sous-ensemble ouvert borné de

\mathrm R^n

et

λ

un nombre positif, le but de cette note c’est de montrer que le problème suivant :

\tag{1}
\begin{cases}
−\mathrm{\Delta }u−\mathrm{\lambda }u = \left|u\right|^{2^*−2} \cdot u &2^* = 2n/ (n−2)\\
u = 0\:&\mathrm{on}\:\mathrm{∂}\mathrm{\Omega}
\end{cases}

admet, au moins, une solution non triviale, si

n ⩾ 4

.
Relativistic Kinetic Theory
Authors: Vereshchagin Gregory V. , Aksenov Alexey G.
Published: March 2017

Relativistic kinetic theory has widespread application in astrophysics and cosmology. The interest has grown in recent years as experimentalists are now able to make reliable measurements on physical systems where relativistic effects are no longer negligible. This ambitious monograph is divided into three parts. It presents the basic ideas and concepts of this theory, equations and methods, including derivation of kinetic equations from the relativistic BBGKY hierarchy and discussion of the relation between kinetic and hydrodynamic levels of description. The second part introduces elements of computational physics with special emphasis on numerical integration of Boltzmann equations and related approaches, as well as multi-component hydrodynamics. The third part presents an overview of applications ranging from covariant theory of plasma response, thermalization of relativistic plasma, comptonization in static and moving media to kinetics of self-gravitating systems, cosmological structure formation and neutrino emission during the gravitational collapse.
International Law in a Transcivilizational World
Authors: Yasuaki Onuma
Published: March 2017

With the resurgence of Asian nations such as China, current West-centric international law is changing in the twenty-first century. There is a pressing need to address these changes within international legal studies and overcome potential conflicts between existing and emerging powers. This structural transformation also demands a change in understanding of existing ideas and institutions. This book explores a 'trans-civilizational' approach to international law, supplementing and modifying two other prevalent perspectives: international and transnational. By considering these three layered viewpoints, this book highlights the complex phenomena surrounding the history and development of international law. The author also considers how international law operates and functions within diverse forums such as diplomatic negotiation, international organizations, and domestic political processes. This book will appeal to international law scholars and students, as well as those interested in the rise of non-Western powers and its impact on the prevalent ideas and institutions of the world.
The Jewish Dietary Laws in the Ancient World
Authors: Rosenblum Jordan D.
Published: March 2017

In The Jewish Dietary Laws in the Ancient World Jordan D. Rosenblum explores how cultures critique and defend their religious food practices. In particular he focuses on how ancient Jews defended the kosher laws, or kashrut, and how ancient Greeks, Romans, and early Christians critiqued these practices. As the kosher laws are first encountered in the Hebrew Bible, this study is rooted in ancient biblical interpretation. It explores how commentators in antiquity understood, applied, altered, innovated upon, and contemporized biblical dietary regulations. He shows that these differing interpretations do not exist within a vacuum; rather, they are informed by a variety of motives, including theological, moral, political, social, and financial considerations. In analyzing these ancient conversations about culture and cuisine, he dissects three rhetorical strategies deployed when justifying various interpretations of ancient Jewish dietary regulations: reason, revelation, and allegory. Finally, Rosenblum reflects upon wider, contemporary debates about food ethics.
The World of the Khanty Epic Hero-Princes
Authors: Hatto Arthur
Published: March 2017

In his final book, the late Arthur Hatto analyses the Khanty epic tradition in Siberia on the basis of eighteen texts of Khanty oral heroic epic poems recorded and edited by a succession of Hungarian and Russian scholars in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The book examines the world view of an indigenous culture as reconstructed from its own words, demonstrates a flexible outline for organising an analytical dossier of the genre of oral heroic epic poetry in a specific culture, and presents an abundance of new information to compare with better-known heroic epics. Consisting of main sections on The Cosmos, Time, The Seasons, Geography, Spirits, Personae, Warfare, Armour and Weapons, and Men's Handiwork, the book also includes a section of background information on the Khanty people. Marianne Bakró-Nagy contributes specialist knowledge of the Khanty language to the linguistic interpretation of the texts, and there is an afterword by Daniel Prior.
The Work and Lives of Teachers
Authors: Cohen Rosetta Marantz
Published: March 2017

The Work and Lives of Teachers offers a simple but original argument: that the cultural attitudes toward the teaching profession measurably influence how students perform. Cohen uses both ethnographic portraits and personal accounts from thirteen teachers - from Finland, Taiwan, Greece, Azerbaijan, France, Chile, South Africa, Siberia, Brazil, Romania, Philippines, Norway and the United States - to explore the meaning and value of teaching worldwide. This study includes the ways in which teachers in these countries are educated, recruited, compensated, and perceived by parents, students, administrators, and the culture at large. Teachers' voices, so rarely heard in international educational studies, are front and center here, highlighting the daily work in the classroom and the pleasures and struggles of engaging in the teaching profession in 2016. The lesson, briefly stated, is that societies are only as good as the people who teach in them.