bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving education and supervision of Queensland X‐ray Operators through video conference technology: A teleradiography pilot project
Authors: Rawle Marnie , Oliver Tanya , Pighills Alison , Lindsay Daniel
Published: April 2017

Introduction

X‐ray Operator (XO) supervision in Queensland is performed by radiographers in a site removed from the XO site. This has historically been performed by telephone when the XO requires immediate help, as well as post‐examination through radiographer review and the provision of written feedback on images produced. This project aimed to improve image quality through the provision of real‐time support of XOs by the introduction of video conference (VC) supervision.

Methods

A 6‐month pilot project compared image quality with and without VC supervision. VC equipment was installed in the X‐ray room at two rural sites, as well as at the radiographer site, to enable visual and oral supervision. The VC unit enabled visualisation of the X‐ray examination technique as it was being undertaken, as well as the images produced prior to transmission to the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).

Results

Statistically significant improvement in image quality criteria measures were seen for patient positioning (P = 0.008), image quality (P < 0.001) and diagnostic value (P < 0.001) of images taken during this project. No statistically significant differences were seen during case level assessment in the inclusion of only appropriate imaging (P = 0.06), and the inclusion of unacceptable imaging (P = 0.06), however improvements were seen in both of these criteria. The survey revealed 24.6% of examinations performed would normally have involved the XO contacting the radiographer for assistance, although, assistance was actually provided in 88.3% of examinations.

Conclusion

This project has demonstrated that significant improvement in image quality is achievable with VC supervision. A larger study with a control arm that did not receive direct supervision should be used to validate the findings of this study.
Spatial variation in bacterial community in natural wetland‐river‐sea ecosystems
Authors: Zhang Hongxia , Zheng Shiling , Ding Jiawang , Wang Oumei , Liu Fanghua
Published: April 2017

Wetland‐estuarine‐marine environments are typical oxic/anoxic transition zones and have complex water flow‐paths within the zone of mixing where freshwater interacts with ocean water. Little is known about the impact of this interaction on bacterial community structures or the relationship between bacterial community and geochemical factors in such transitional mixing environments. Hence, we investigated the distribution patterns and diversity in bacterial communities in the Yellow River estuary‐coastal wetland‐Bohai Sea transition zone by analyzing 39 samples from 13 ordered sites. High‐throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed significant shifts in diversity and distribution of bacterial community in sediments from the Yellow River estuary to the Bohai Sea. Yellow River sediment was dominated by hydrogen‐, nitrogen‐, and iron‐cycling bacteria, such as Hydrogenophaga, Nitrospira, Pseudomonas, and Thiobacillus. The coastal wetland had a haloduric community associated with different functions, such as Planctomyces, Marinobacter, Halomonas, Salinivibrio, and Salinibacter. The Bohai Sea sediment had a higher relative abundance of Lutimonas, Desulfococcus, Photobacterium, Propionigenium, and Vibrio. Spatial variation in bacterial community was correlated with pH, salinity and sulfate () concentration in such coastal environments. The major bacterial taxa were significantly different across the wetland, estuary, and coastal marine ecosystems, indicating substantial spatial heterogeneity among the three ecosystems. Statistical analysis revealed strong links between variation in bacterial community structure and ecosystem type. Our results demonstrate the importance of geographic and geochemical factors in structuring the bacterial community in natural environments.
Reproducibility of three dimensional digital preoperative planning for the osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures
Authors: Yoshii Yuichi , Kusakabe Takuya , Akita Kenichi , Tung Wen Lin , Ishii Tomoo
Published: April 2017

A three‐dimensional (3D) digital preoperative planning system for the osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures was developed for clinical practice. To assess the usefulness of the 3D planning for osteosynthesis, we evaluated the reproducibility of the reduction shapes and selected implants in the patients with distal radius fractures. Twenty wrists of 20 distal radius fracture patients who underwent osteosynthesis using volar locking plates were evaluated. The 3D preoperative planning was performed prior to each surgery. Four surgeons conducted the surgeries. The surgeons performed the reduction and the placement of the plate while comparing images between the preoperative plan and fluoroscopy. Preoperative planning and postoperative reductions were compared by measuring volar tilt and radial inclination of the 3D images. Intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs) of the volar tilt and radial inclination were evaluated. For the implant choices, the ICCs for the screw lengths between the preoperative plan and the actual choices were evaluated. The ICCs were 0.644 (p < 0.01) and 0.625 (p < 0.01) for the volar tilt and radial inclination in the 3D measurements, respectively. The planned size of plate was used in all of the patients. The ICC for the screw length between preoperative planning and actual choice was 0.860 (p < 0.01). Good reproducibility for the reduction shape and excellent reproducibility for the implant choices were achieved using 3D preoperative planning for distal radius fracture. Three‐dimensional digital planning was useful to visualize the reduction process and choose a proper implant for distal radius fractures. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2646–2651, 2017.
Assessment of the Cr doping and size effects on the Raman‐active modes of rutile TiO2 by UV/Visible polarized Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Vásquez G. Cristian , Maestre David , Cremades Ana , Piqueras Javier
Published: April 2017

The Raman signal is highly sensitive to lattice distortions, doping, size effects or excitation source, among other factors. The coexistence of these effects makes occasionally difficult the interpretation of variations in Raman spectra. In this work, size and Cr doping effects have been evaluated by the study of Raman spectra of different undoped and Cr‐doped rutile TiO2 samples. In the Raman study, two laser sources have been employed with wavelengths in the visible (633 nm) and UV (325 nm) respectively, which entail different surface and spectral sensitivities. Polarization effects have been also evaluated, by modifying the orientation of the probed microstructures with respect to the laser polarization. It has been found that Cr incorporation increases vibration modes at 110, 154, 700 and 810 cm−1, some of them showing strong dependence with the laser polarization. The relation of these vibration modes with a possible doping‐induced activation of the Raman‐inactive B1u and A2u modes, as well as the influence of size effects on the Raman spectra, is evaluated and discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of physiological factors on the biochemical properties of colon tissue – an in vivo Raman spectroscopy study
Authors: Ding Hao , Dupont Andrew W. , Singhal Shashideep , Scott Larry D. , Guha Sushovan , Younes Mamoun , Ye Yuanqing , Bi Xiaohong
Published: April 2017

Raman spectroscopy provides diagnostic information by detecting disease‐associated subtle biochemical changes in the tissue. Yet the physiological variations among normal subjects could confound data interpretation and thus compromise the sensitivity in disease discrimination. We analyzed Raman spectra acquired from colon tissue in vivo through an endoscopic Raman system and evaluated potential physiological factors affecting tissue biochemistry. Fifty‐six healthy patients scheduled for colonoscopy screening were enrolled in the study. Intra‐subject variability was evaluated via univariate analysis by comparing the intensities of major Raman bands from different anatomical locations. Inter‐subject variability was investigated based on various physiological variables, such as age, gender, ethnicity (White/Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic), and body mass index (BMI). Both univariate analysis and principal component analysis‐based multivariate analysis were implemented for the investigation of inter‐subject variability. The differences among certain physiological variables were further analyzed after accounting for intra‐subject variation by generalized estimating equation method due to its advantage in handling repeated measurements. The results showed that physiological factors including gender, ethnicity, age, BMI, and anatomical locations along the colon were significant sources of variability, resulting from different abundance in lipids and proteins. Further correlation analysis revealed that the variability from gender, ethnicity, and age is significantly associated with that from BMI, indicating that BMI might be the key contributor to the inter‐subject variability in the spectra. This study suggested the importance of including normal variability, especially BMI and anatomical locations, into the interpretation of Raman spectra for in vivo application. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectra of nyerereite, gregoryite, and synthetic pure Na2Ca(CO3)2: diversity and application for the study micro inclusions
Authors: Golovin A. V. , Korsakov A. V. , Gavryushkin P. N. , Zaitsev A. N. , Thomas V. G. , Moine B. N.
Published: April 2017

In this study, we present Raman spectra of pure synthetic hydrothermal orthorhombic Na2Ca(CO3)2 carbonate together with naturally occurring orthorhombic nyerereite (Na,K)2Ca(CO3)2 and hexagonal gregoryite (Na,K,Cax)2‐x(CO3) from Oldoinyo Lengai natrocarbonatites (Tanzania) to show the diversity of spectra and permit the use of Raman spectroscopy to identify these minerals in small inclusions. Synthetic orthorhombic Na2Ca(CO3)2 carbonate has only one type of Raman spectrum, which is independent of the crystallographic orientation. The Raman spectra of nyerereite can be divided into three types, depending on intensity of symmetric stretching ν1(CO3)2− vibrations in region 1070–1090 cm−1. All these nyerereite types have identical chemical compositions; thus, the differences in Raman spectra are likely to be related to crystallographic orientations. Some nyerereite Raman spectra can be erroneously interpreted as gregoryite because of similarity in peak position of strong ν1(CO3)2− band. However, the diagnostic features of the gregoryite Raman spectrum can be summarized as follows: (1) presence of a symmetric peak attributed to ν1(CO3)2− vibrations at 1078 cm−1; (2) presence of one broad band ν4(CO3)2− with a peak position at 702–707 cm−1; (3) a stronger band ν1(SO4)2− that occurs at 1003–1006 cm−1 and the presence of additional weaker bands ν2(SO4)2− and ν4(SO4)2− at 460–462 and 630–635 cm−1; and (4) a ν1(PO4)3− band that appears at 952–954 cm−1. Incorporation of significant amounts of additional cations (up to 0.5 apfu) and particularly K (up to 0.4 apfu) in natural nyerereites leads to a change in the commensurately modulated structure of pure Na2Ca(CO3)2 (P21ca), which becomes an incommensurately modulated structure (less ordered) with space group Cmcm; and these changes are reflected in a reduction of the number of Raman bands in symmetric stretching ν1(CO3)2− and inplane bending ν4(CO3)2− vibration regions or even the complete absence of the Raman bands in antisymmetric stretching ν3(CO3)2− and 2*ν2(CO3)2− vibration regions compared with pure Na2Ca(CO3)2. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in the nutritional quality of five Mangifera species harvested at two maturity stages
Authors: Barbosa Gámez Ignacio , Caballero Montoya Karla P , Ledesma Noris , Sáyago Ayerdi Sonia G , García Magaña María de Lourdes , Bishop von Wettberg Eric J , Montalvo‐González Efigenia
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

There are 69 species of edible Mangifera recognized in Southeast Asia. Most of these species have not been characterized for nutritional properties. This paper describes the nutritional quality of the pulp of several Mangifera species – Mangifera casturi, Mangifera lalijiwa, Mangifera odorata, Mangifera zeylanica and two cultivars of Mangifera indica, ‘Tommy‐Kent’ and ‘Tommy Atkins’ – at two maturity stages.

RESULTS

The results showed that nutritional quality varied with maturity stage and among species. The immature pulp of all species had higher content of total dietary fibre, vitamin C, vitamin E, total soluble polyphenols and antioxidant capacity. In mature pulp, the protein, ash, fat, soluble carbohydrate and B vitamin values were higher in all species. The species with the best nutritional quality were, in order from highest to lowest, M. casturi, M. odorata, M. zeylanica, M. indica cultivars and M. lalijiwa.

CONCLUSION

The fruit pulp of three species had higher nutritional quality at both maturity stages in comparison with M. indica cultivars. These other Mangifera species can be nutritionally important in communities facing food insecurity and have potential as emerging crops. The decline of these valuable species in their natural habitats is an increasing concern, and their nutritional properties justify greater efforts to protect them. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Reconstruction of quadriceps function with composite free tissue transfers following sarcoma resection
Authors: Walley Kempland C. , Taylor Erin M. , Anderson Megan , Lozano‐Calderon Santiago , Iorio Matthew L.
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Wide margin resection of a soft tissue sarcoma (STS) may require extensive removal of quadriceps muscle with or without the knee extensor mechanism. The objective of this study is to present present the use of a combined functional muscle transfer and soft tissue coverage through the use of chimeric anterolateral thigh flaps.

METHODS

Patients were retrospectively reviewed who underwent deep STS resection of the anterior compartment of the thigh with functional reconstruction of knee extension using a contralateral free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap.

RESULTS

Three patients with an average age 53.6 years (range: 33‐66) were included. Average follow‐up was 82 weeks (76‐92 months). Full active extension was regained in 66% of patients with all patients regaining active extensor capabilities beyond 100°. The mean Knee Society Score was 83.3 (range; 76‐92) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score 21.6 (range; 19‐21). Isometric knee extensor strength exceeded 4+/5 in all patients.

CONCLUSION

Following soft tissue sarcoma resections of the lower extremity, chimeric anterolateral thigh flaps for restoration of knee extension can provide significant improvements in the potential for ambulation and regaining quadriceps function.
Using the 21‐gene assay from core needle biopsies to choose neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer: A multicenter trial
Authors: Bear Harry D. , Wan Wen , Robidoux André , Rubin Peter , Limentani Steven , White Richard L. , Granfortuna James , Hopkins Judith O. , Oldham Dwight , Rodriguez Angel , Sing Amy P.
Published: April 2017

Objective

We hypothesized that the Oncotype Dx® 21‐gene Recurrence Score (RS) could guide neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) to facilitate breast conserving surgery (BCS) for hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancers.

Methods

This study enrolled patients with HR+, HER2‐negative, invasive breast cancers not suitable for BCS (size ≥ 2 cm). Core needle biopsy blocks were tested. For tumors with RS < 11, patients received hormonal therapy (NHT); patients with RS > 25 tumors received chemotherapy (NCT); patients with RS 11‐25 were randomized to NHT or NCT. Primary endpoint was whether 1/3 or more of randomized patients refused assigned treatment.

Results

Sixty‐four patients were enrolled. Of 33 patients with RS 11‐25, 5 (15%) refused assignment to NCT. This was significantly lower than the 33% target (binomial test, P = 0.0292). Results for clinical outcomes (according to treatment received for 55 subjects) included successful BCS for 75% of tumors with RS < 11 receiving NHT, 72% for RS 11‐25 receiving NHT, 64% for RS 11‐25 receiving NCT, and 57% for RS > 25 receiving NCT.

Conclusions

Using the RS to guide NST is feasible. These results suggest that for patients with RS < 25 NHT is a potentially effective strategy.
Prognosis of primary tracheal tumor: A population‐based analysis
Authors: He Jiaxi , Shen Jianfei , Huang Jun , Dai Chenyang , Liang Wenhua , Ye Minhua , Kong Min , Chen Baofu , Zhu Chengchu , He Jianxing
Published: April 2017

Background

To elucidate the survival outcomes of tracheal tumors and to propose the potential stage of tracheal tumors.

Method

All cases of primary tracheal malignant tumors were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER) during 1973‐2013. The overall survival was calculated using Kaplan‐Meier method. Cox regression was utilized to identify the prognostic factors.

Result

A total of 287 cases were finally included. The median age of the patients was 59 years. Male patients accounted for 56.1%. The median survival was 57 months. Patients were categorized as Extension1 to 4 (E1‐4) and N0‐N3. E1 group with size <4 cm had the best prognosis. While E1 >4 cm, E2 and E3 <3 cm groups had similar outcomes, which were superior to E3 >3 cm group. E4 was the worst. N0 patients had ideal prognosis, which were better than N1 and N2 patients. The 3‐year survival rates of each T category were 74.7%, 57.3%, 28.1%, and 9.1%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, age, histology, tumor size, and extension were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusion

Patients with old age, large tumor size, advanced extension or no surgery may have worse prognosis. The proposed T category of tracheal tumor incorporating tumor extension and size helped to predict survival outcomes.
Nationwide trends and outcomes associated with neoadjuvant therapy in pancreatic cancer: An analysis of 18 243 patients
Authors: Youngwirth Linda M. , Nussbaum Daniel P. , Thomas Samantha , Adam Mohamed A. , Blazer Dan G. , Roman Sanziana A. , Sosa Julie A.
Published: April 2017

Background

Neoadjuvant therapy has theoretical benefits for pancreatic cancer; however, its association with perioperative outcomes remains controversial. This study sought to evaluate variation in use of neoadjuvant therapy and outcomes following pancreatic resection.

Methods

The National Cancer Data Base (1998‐2011) was queried for patients with Stage I or II pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Subjects were classified by use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Factors associated with use of neoadjuvant therapy were evaluated, and outcomes were compared.

Results

A 18 243 patients were identified; 1375 (7.5%) received neoadjuvant therapy. From 1998 to 2011, use of neoadjuvant therapy increased from 4.3% to 17.0%. Patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy were younger (63.1 vs 66.1 years, P = 0.001) and more likely to receive treatment at an academic facility (64.4% vs 51.4%, P < 0.001). Patients who received neoadjuvant therapy were more likely to have negative margins (77.8% vs 85.5%), negative lymph nodes (42.9% vs 59.3%) and tumors confined to the pancreas (65.8% vs 70.6%, all P < 0.001). Patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy had lower 30‐day mortality (2.0% vs 4.6%, P < 0.001) and readmission rates (7.4% vs 9.5%, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant therapy use is increasing and associated with comparable short‐term outcomes. Further studies are needed to identify patients who would benefit from neoadjuvant therapy.
Stability and Change in Posttraumatic Distress: A 7‐Year Follow‐Up Study of Mothers and Young Children Exposed to Cumulative Trauma
Authors: Pat‐Horenczyk Ruth , Cohen Sarale , Ziv Yuval , Achituv M. , Brickman Sophie , Blanchard Tamar , Brom Danny
Published: April 2017

In situations of cumulative trauma, it is often unclear why some people remain resilient, whereas others experience distress, and how likely these responses are to change over time. To investigate the constancy of responses to cumulative trauma, stability and change in posttraumatic distress and resistance (as defined by no evidence of clinical symptoms) were assessed twice in 140 Israeli children and mothers exposed to continual rocket attacks over approximately 7 years, when the children were 2–4 (Time 1) and 9–11 years of age (Time 2). Measures included trauma exposure, posttraumatic and depressive symptoms, and child behavioral problems. We identified 4 longitudinal courses (LCs): resilient (resistance at Time 1 and Time 2), recovered (clinical distress at Time 1 and resistance at Time 2), developed symptoms (resistance at Time 1 and clinical distress at Time 2), and chronic distress (clinical distress at Time 1 and Time 2). Results showed more stability than change in the frequencies of resistance at both times of measurement. The resilient LC was the most common longitudinal course for both mothers and children. Multinomial regression models indicated that maternal posttraumatic symptoms predicted the recovered and chronic distress LCs of the children.
Successful ablation of plunging ranula by ultrasound‐guided percutaneous ethanol injection
Authors: Nguyen Michelle‐Linh T. , Orloff Lisa A.
Published: April 2017

Evidence supporting any one treatment for plunging ranula is limited. Standard treatment—complete excision of the sublingual gland and ranula—is invasive and morbid given the close operative proximity to the submandibular duct and lingual nerve. OK‐432 (Picibanil; Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Tokyo, Japan) sclerotherapy has been studied as a less invasive treatment but is inaccessible in the United States. This report illustrates the successful management of a plunging ranula using ultrasound‐guided percutaneous ethanol injection. Within 2 months of the procedure, the patient had complete resolution of the plunging ranula, with no associated side effects. We propose that ultrasound‐guided percutaneous ethanol injection be considered for the management of plunging ranula. Laryngoscope, 127:2239–2241, 2017
Nasopharyngeal papillomas treated with CO2 laser and human papillomavirus vaccination
Authors: Cai Yi , Merea Valeria S. , Lee Andrew H. , Su Gloria H. , Caruana Salvatore M.
Published: April 2017

This case report describes the use of CO2 laser and quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in two patients with nasopharyngeal HPV11‐positive recurrent respiratory papillomas (RRP). These patients initially underwent CO2 laser excision but developed recurrent lesions and underwent HPV vaccination as adjunct therapy. The recurrent lesions shrank after vaccination and were again excised with CO2 laser. Subsequently, these patients had no recurrence of lesions on long‐term follow‐up at 33 months or 6 years after surgery. Thus, in patients with nasopharyngeal RRP, resection with CO2 laser, and HPV vaccination as adjunct therapy should be considered in HPV11‐associated cases. Laryngoscope, 127:2279–2281, 2017
Microvascular anastomosis simulation using a chicken thigh model: Interval versus massed training
Authors: Schoeff Stephen , Hernandez Brian , Robinson Derek J. , Jameson Mark J. , Shonka David C.
Published: April 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To compare the effectiveness of massed versus interval training when teaching otolaryngology residents microvascular suturing on a validated microsurgical model.

Study Design

Otolaryngology residents were placed into interval (n = 7) or massed (n = 7) training groups. The interval group performed three separate 30‐minute practice sessions separated by at least 1 week, and the massed group performed a single 90‐minute practice session. Both groups viewed a video demonstration and recorded a pretest prior to the first training session. A post‐test was administered following the last practice session.

Methods

At an academic medical center, 14 otolaryngology residents were assigned using stratified randomization to interval or massed training. Blinded evaluators graded performance using a validated microvascular Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill tool. The tool is comprised of two major components: task‐specific score (TSS) and global rating scale (GRS). Participants also received pre‐ and poststudy surveys to compare subjective confidence in multiple aspects of microvascular skill acquisition.

Results

Overall, all residents showed increased TSS and GRS on post‐ versus pretest. After completion of training, the interval group had a statistically significant increase in both TSS and GRS, whereas the massed group's increase was not significant. Residents in both groups reported significantly increased levels of confidence after completion of the study.

Conclusions

Self‐directed learning using a chicken thigh artery model may benefit microsurgical skills, competence, and confidence for resident surgeons. Interval training results in significant improvement in early development of microvascular anastomosis skills, whereas massed training does not.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:2490–2494, 2017
Totally implantable hearing system: Five‐year hearing results
Authors: Shohet Jack A. , Kraus Eric M. , Catalano Peter J. , Toh Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

1) To provide long‐term hearing outcome measures of a totally implantable hearing system (implant) and compare to the baseline unaided (BLU) and baseline aided (BLA) conditions, and 2) discuss relevant safety measures.

Study Design

Prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter, single‐subject‐as‐own‐control design.

Methods

Fifty‐one subjects with mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss were implanted between 2008 and 2009 and enrolled in this postmarket approval study in the setting of private and hospital‐based practices. Forty‐nine of these subjects completed the 5‐year study, which included annual follow‐ups. Primary effectiveness endpoints were speech reception threshold (SRT) and word recognition scores at 50 dB (WRS50s). Secondary effectiveness endpoints were WRSs and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) scores. Adverse Device Effects (ADEs) and Serious Adverse Device Effects (SADEs) reported during the study period and a comparison of bone conduction scores are submitted as safety measures.

Results

Compared to the BLA condition, 1) SRT scores were improved at every annual follow‐up; 2) WRS50s were better in 49%, and the same in 41% at the 5‐year follow‐up; 3) WRSs were improved by 17% at the 5‐year follow‐up; and 4) APHAB scores were improved in most subscales at every annual follow‐up. There were three SADEs in three subjects and 15 ADEs in 11 subjects. Bone conduction scores increased by 3.7 dB at the 5‐year follow‐up. Average battery life was 4.9 years.

Conclusions

The implant compared favorably to the subjects' hearing aid throughout the 5‐year period in all of the areas measured and was found to be safe.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 128:210–216, 2018
Construction and 13C hyperpolarization efficiency of a 180 GHz dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization system
Authors: Kiswandhi Andhika , Niedbalski Peter , Parish Christopher , Ferguson Sarah , Taylor David , McDonald George , Lumata Lloyd
Published: April 2017

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) via the dissolution method has become one of the rapidly emerging techniques to alleviate the low signal sensitivity in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and imaging. In this paper, we report on the development and 13C hyperpolarization efficiency of a homebuilt DNP system operating at 6.423 T and 1.4 K. The DNP hyperpolarizer system was assembled on a wide‐bore superconducting magnet, equipped with a standard continuous‐flow cryostat, and a 180 GHz microwave source with 120 mW power output and wide 4 GHz frequency tuning range. At 6.423 T and 1.4 K, solid‐state 13C polarization P levels of 64% and 31% were achieved for 3 M [1‐13C] sodium acetate samples in 1 : 1 v/v glycerol:water glassing matrix doped with 15 mM trityl OX063 and 40 mM 4‐oxo‐TEMPO, respectively. Upon dissolution, which takes about 15 s to complete, liquid‐state 13C NMR signal enhancements as high as 240 000‐fold (P=21%) were recorded in a nearby high resolution 13C NMR spectrometer at 1 T and 297 K. Considering the relatively lower cost of our homebuilt DNP system and the relative simplicity of its design, the dissolution DNP setup reported here could be feasibly adapted for in vitro or in vivo hyperpolarized 13C NMR or magnetic resonance imaging at least in the pre‐clinical setting. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Female striated urogenital sphincter contraction measured by shear wave elastography during pelvic floor muscle activation: Proof of concept and validation
Authors: Aljuraifani Rafeef , Stafford Ryan E. , Hug François , Hodges Paul W.
Published: April 2017

Aims

Investigation of the function of the striated urogenital sphincter (SUS) is challenging because it is difficult to access and requires invasive measures. Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is a non‐invasive real‐time technique used to estimate tissue stiffness. As muscle stiffness can be used as an estimate of muscle force, SWE provides an opportunity to study contraction of the peri‐urethral musculature. Validation of SWE to study SUS during functional tasks, such as pelvic floor muscle contractions, is required prior to application in clinical populations.

Methods

Ten healthy females (34[5] years) participated. Stiffness in a region expected to contain the SUS was quantified using SWE at rest and during a pelvic floor muscle contractions performed at 10%, 25%, and 50% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Two repetitions were performed for 10 s.

Results

During contraction, stiffness increased in the region of the SUS in all participants and at all contraction intensities. Multiple regions of increased stiffness were detected, with 95.8% of regions situated ventral to the mid‐urethra within the anatomical area of the SUS. The increase in stiffness was greater for 50% MVC than both 10% and 25% MVC contraction intensities (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Stiffness increased within the anatomical region of the SUS during voluntary pelvic floor muscle contractions with predictable response to changes in contraction intensity. These observations support the potential for ultrasound SWE to study SUS function non‐invasively.
Severe depression and anxiety in women with overactive bladder
Authors: Melotti Iane Glauce Ribeiro , Juliato Cássia Raquel Teatin , Tanaka Mariana , Riccetto Cassio Luiz Zanettini
Published: April 2017

Aim

Depression and anxiety are prevalent psychiatric conditions and are associated with overactive bladder. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression associated with overactive bladder (OAB) in women.

Methods

274 women with clinical diagnosis of OAB were recruited from 2012 to 2015. They were submitted to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Overactive Bladder (ICIQ‐OAB), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).

Results

Severe or moderate depression was present in 59.8% of women and severe or moderate anxiety was identified in 62.4%. Higher scores of depression and anxiety were associated with higher scores of ICIQ‐OAB (P = 0.0031 and 0.0049). Women with severe depression had higher nocturia score than those with mild depression (P = 0.0046). Also, women with severe depression had higher urgency incontinence score than those with minimal depression (P = 0.0261). Patients with severe anxiety had higher nocturia score than those with minimal anxiety (P = 0.0118) and women with moderate anxiety had higher urgency incontinence score than with minimal anxiety (P = 0.0300).

Conclusions

Moderate or severe depression and anxiety are prevalent in women with OAB. There is a correlation between intensity of OAB symptoms with depression and anxiety. Anxiety and depression levels are mainly related with urgency incontinence and nocturia.
FDM solutions to linear dynamics of porous media: Efficiency, stability, and parallel solution strategy
Authors: Zhang Yunpeng , Pedroso Dorival M. , Li Ling , Ehlers Wolfgang
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a strategy to improve the efficiency of simulations involving porous materials with linear behaviour and full saturation. The method is named parallel‐lines finite difference and uses a method to decouple a discretised version of the governing equations allowing parallel computations. As a result, the complexity and the bandwidth of the global matrix are significantly reduced and hence the efficiency is improved. The other advantage of the scheme is the fulfilment of the inf‐sup stability condition. The scheme is developed to solve porous media formulations derived from the theory of porous media. Both the u‐p and u‐v‐p formulations are considered (u: displacement of solid, p: pressure of liquid, and v: velocity of liquid). Several simulations are performed to demonstrate the capabilities of the method.
Professionalization and Voluntary Transparency Practices in Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Striebing Clemens
Published: April 2017

There are currently no public disclosure requirements for privately controlled charitable organizations in Germany. This study examines under which conditions German nonprofits, including both public charities and foundations, voluntarily choose transparency. Transparent nonprofits are defined herein as those that publicly disclose their annual reports and detailed financial information. A very small number of German nonprofits do so. The results of a crisp‐set Qualitative Comparative Analysis suggest that the driving force behind the voluntary transparency of organizations is professional management rather than revealed cases of malpractice or stakeholder demands.
Finite element analysis and approximation of Burgers’‐Fisher equation
Authors: Yadav Om Prakash , Jiwari Ram
Published: April 2017

In this article, the authors present finite element analysis and approximation of Burgers’‐Fisher equation. Existence and uniqueness of weak solution is proved by Galerkin's finite element method for non‐smooth initial data. Next, a priori error estimates of semi‐discrete solution in norm, are derived and the convergence of semi‐discrete solution is established. Then, fully discretization of the problem is done with the help of Euler's backward method. The nonlinearity is removed by lagging it to previous known level. The scheme is found to be convergent. Positivity of fully discrete solution is discussed, and bounds on time step are discovered for which the solution preserves its positivity. Finally, numerical experiments are performed on some examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of the scheme. The proposed scheme found to be fast, easy and accurate.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1652–1677, 2017
Multiscale carbon fiber‐graphene oxide reinforcements for silicone resin composites with simultaneously enhanced interfacial strength and antihydrothermal aging behaviors
Authors: Wu Guangshun , Chen Lei , Liu Li , Huang Yudong
Published: April 2017

Multiscale carbon fiber/graphene oxide (CF/GO) reinforcements were developed by chemically grafting GO onto the CF surface using tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) as a bridging agent for methylphenylsilicone resin composites. Chemical structures and surface morphologies of CFs were systematically characterized. GO was uniformly grafted onto the surface of CFs by the formation of chemical bonding between CFs and GO. TEPA and GO grafting could enhance wettability, surface roughness and free energy significantly. The obtained hierarchical reinforcement (CF‐TEPA‐GO) composites offered 48.49 and 31.53% improvements in the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and impact toughness, respectively. Moreover, ILSS of CF‐TEPA‐GO composites after hydrothermal aging treatment was 37.65 MPa with a decrease of just 13.96% compared with that of Untreated CF composites (20.52 MPa) with an obvious decrease of 30.37%. Our design technique, starting from facile chemistry and inexpensive materials, can offer a versatile and effective strategy of preparing hierarchical reinforcements for high‐performance composites applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3509–3518, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of hyperbranched polymers from vegetable oil based monomers via ozonolysis pathway
Authors: Sun Jingjiang , Aly Kamal I. , Kuckling Dirk
Published: April 2017

In this work, a variety of hyperbranched polymers (HBPs), such as hyperbranched polycarbonates, polyesters, polyurethanes and polyacetals, was successfully synthesized from castor oil and soybean oil based monomers via a A2 + B3 polycondensation. First, B3 monomer triols (TriOL), trialdehydes (TriAD), and tricarboxylic acids (TriAC) were obtained by ozonolysis of castor oil and soybean oil with following reductive or oxidative treatment. Their structures were characterized by 1H NMR and ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy as well as electrospray ionization‐Time of Flight‐mass spectrometry. These trifunctional B3 monomers were applied in the preparation of HBPs. The resulting HBPs had number averaged molar mass (Mn) up to 9400 g/mol and weight averaged molar mass (Mw) up to 40,000 g/mol. Through adjusting the initial molar ratio of A2 to B3 monomers, hydroxyl terminated (from TriOL monomers) or carboxylic acid (from TriAC monomers) terminated HBPs could be obtained. All the HBPs were characterized by 1H NMR, size exclusion chromatography, and DSC. These HBPs are potential candidates for the synthesis of cross‐linked polymeric materials or in biomedical applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2104–2114
Identification of a conserved 8 aa insert in the PIP5K protein in the Saccharomycetaceae family of fungi and the molecular dynamics simulations and structural analysis to investigate its potential functional role
Authors: Khadka Bijendra , Gupta Radhey S.
Published: April 2017

Homologs of the phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate‐5‐kinase (PIP5K), which controls a multitude of essential cellular functions, contain a 8 aa insert in a conserved region that is specific for the Saccharomycetaceae family of fungi. Using structures of human PIP4K proteins as templates, structural models were generated of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human PIP5K proteins. In the modeled S. cerevisiae PIP5K, the 8 aa insert forms a surface exposed loop, present on the same face of the protein as the activation loop of the kinase domain. Electrostatic potential analysis indicates that the residues from 8 aa conserved loop form a highly positively charged surface patch, which through electrostatic interaction with the anionic portions of phospholipid head groups, is expected to play a role in the membrane interaction of the yeast PIP5K. To unravel this prediction, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out to examine the binding interaction of PIP5K, either containing or lacking the conserved signature insert, with two different membrane lipid bilayers. The results from MD studies provide insights concerning the mechanistic of interaction of PIP5K with lipid bilayer, and support the contention that the identified 8 aa conserved insert in fungal PIP5K plays an important role in the binding of this protein with membrane surface. Proteins 2017; 85:1454–1467. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Brownian plane with minimal neck baby universe
Authors: Wen Yuting
Published: April 2017

For each , let be a uniform rooted quadrangulation, endowed with an appropriate measure, of size n conditioned to have r(n) vertices in its root block. We prove that for a suitable function r(n), after rescaling graph distance by converges to a random pointed non‐compact metric measure space , in the local Gromov‐Hausdorff‐Prokhorov topology. The space is built by identifying a uniform point of the Brownian map with the distinguished point of the Brownian plane. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 51, 729–752, 2017
Alliance or Acquisition? A Mechanisms‐Based, Policy‐Capturing Analysis
Authors: Mellewigt Thomas , Thomas Adeline , Weller Ingo , Zajac Edward J.
Published: April 2017

Research summary: While alliance researchers view prior partner‐specific alliance experience as influencing firms' subsequent alliance or acquisition decisions, empirical evidence on the alliance versus acquisition decision is surprisingly mixed. We offer a reconciliation by proposing and testing an analytical framework that recognizes prior partner‐specific experiences as heterogeneous along three fundamental dimensions: partner‐specific trust, routines, and value certainty. This allows us to use a policy‐capturing methodology to rigorously operationalize and test our mechanism‐level predictions. We find that all three mechanisms can increase the likelihood of a subsequent alliance or acquisition, and in terms of the comparative choice between alliances versus acquisitions, partner‐specific trust pulls towards alliances, and value certainty pulls towards acquisitions. We conclude with a discussion of the theoretical and empirical implications of our approach and method.

Managerial summary: This study focuses on an important corporate decision: When a firm has had an alliance with another firm, how would that experience affect the likelihood of a future alliance or acquisition with that same firm? We first suggest that it will depend on three factors: the level of trust that existed in that prior alliance, the extent to which specific work routines were developed, and the degree to which the firm was able to confidently assess the value of the partner firm's resources. We then find that trust is a particularly strong predictor of future alliances, while confidence regarding value more strongly predicts future acquisitions. In this way, we demonstrate more precisely how past corporate choices can affect (consciously or unconsciously) future ones. © 2017 The Authors. Strategic Management Journal Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Simulation of As‐Cast Steel Ingots
Authors: Wu Menghuai , Ludwig Andreas , Kharicha Abdellah
Published: April 2017

Some of the most recent examples of simulations of as‐cast steel ingots are presented in this paper, focusing on discussions concerning available simulation/modeling tools and their capacities and limitations. Although, there has been some success from implementing criterion functions into commercial codes to predict shrinkage porosity and hot tearing, large‐scale ingot sectioning experiments, similar to what is done a century ago, are still needed to investigate other issues, such as macrosegregation, since models are currently unable to predict such issues well. Models with more sophisticated features for macrosegregation prediction that incorporate multiphase transport phenomena are already under development. A limiting factor in application of these models for simulating steel ingots is the demand on large computation resources. Following the recent development trend and the projection of Moore's law (computer hardware), in the foreseeable future, it is predicted that multiphase models will to a great extent reduce the need for the experimental pouring‐sectioning trials.
Brief Report: Robo1 Regulates the Migration of Human Subventricular Zone Neural Progenitor Cells During Development
Authors: Guerrero-Cazares Hugo , Lavell Emily , Chen Linda , Schiapparelli Paula , Lara-Velazquez Montserrat , Capilla-Gonzalez Vivian , Clements Anna Christina , Drummond Gabrielle , Noiman Liron , Thaler Katrina , Burke Anne , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo
Published: April 2017

Human neural progenitor cell (NPC) migration within the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ganglionic eminence is an active process throughout early brain development. The migration of human NPCs from the SVZ to the olfactory bulb during fetal stages resembles what occurs in adult rodents. As the human brain develops during infancy, this migratory stream is drastically reduced in cell number and becomes barely evident in adults. The mechanisms regulating human NPC migration are unknown. The Slit–Robo signaling pathway has been defined as a chemorepulsive cue involved in axon guidance and neuroblast migration in rodents. Slit and Robo proteins expressed in the rodent brain help guide neuroblast migration from the SVZ through the rostral migratory stream to the olfactory bulb. Here, we present the first study on the role that Slit and Robo proteins play in human-derived fetal neural progenitor cell migration (hfNPC). We describe that Robo1 and Robo2 isoforms are expressed in the human fetal SVZ. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Slit2 is able to induce a chemorepellent effect on the migration of hfNPCs derived from the human fetal SVZ. In addition, when Robo1 expression is inhibited, hfNPCs are unable to migrate to the olfactory bulb of mice when injected in the anterior SVZ. Our findings indicate that the migration of human NPCs from the SVZ is partially regulated by the Slit–Robo axis. This pathway could be regulated to direct the migration of NPCs in human endogenous neural cell therapy.
Parental monitoring, adolescent dishonesty and underage drinking: A nationally representative study
Authors: Lushin Viktor , Jaccard James , Kaploun Victor
Published: April 2017

Little research has connected underage drinking with adolescent information management strategies. The present study uses longitudinal analyses to theoretically link adolescent lying with parental “monitoring knowledge,” and, in turn, with prospective adolescent drinking, in a large nationally representative sample of U.S. seventh‐ and eighth‐graders (N = 4020). Structural equation modeling evaluated and supported, two key hypotheses: (1) dishonesty promotes future alcohol use by decreasing parental monitoring knowledge, and (2) dishonesty directly predicts alcohol consumption independent of its effects on parental monitoring. Maternal warmth and adolescent satisfaction with maternal relationships, but not parental control, were associated with lessened lying, and predicted parental monitoring and underage drinking. Our data implicate the role of adolescent agency for parental monitoring and highlight advantages of cohesive as opposed to over‐restrictive parenting.
Mysterious Intraseasonal Oscillations in Monsoons
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: April 2017

The unpredictable cycles of rainfall during India's summerlong monsoon have stymied scientists for decades.
WDR79 promotes the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer cells via USP7-mediated regulation of the Mdm2-p53 pathway
Authors: Sun Yang , Cao Lanqin , Sheng Xunan , Chen Jieying , Zhou Yu , Yang Chao , Deng Tanggang , Ma Hongchang , Feng Peifu , Liu Jing , Tan Weihong , Ye Mao
Published: April 2017

WD repeat protein 79 (WDR79) is a member of the WD-repeat protein family and functions as a scaffold protein during telomerase assembly, Cajal body formation and DNA double strand break repair. We have previously shown that WDR79 is frequently overexpressed in cell lines and tissues derived from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and it accelerates cell proliferation in NSCLC. However, the detailed mechanism underlying the role of WDR79 in the proliferation of NSCLC cells remains unclear. Here, we report the discovery of a molecular interaction between WDR79 and USP7 and show its functional significance in linking the Mdm2-p53 pathway to the proliferation of NSCLC cells. We found that WDR79 colocalized and interacted with USP7 in the nucleus of NSCLC cells. This event, in turn, reduced the ubiquitination of Mdm2 and p53, thereby increasing the stability and extending the half-life of the two proteins. We further found that the functional effects of WDR79 depended upon USP7, because the knockdown of USP7 resulted in their attenuation. Finally, we demonstrated that WDR79 promoted the proliferation of NSCLC cells via USP7. Taken together, our findings reveal a novel molecular function of WDR79 and may lead to broadly applicable and innovative therapeutic avenues for NSCLC.