bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steady state analytical solutions for pumping in a fully bounded rectangular aquifer
Authors: Lu Chunhui , Xin Pei , Li Ling , Luo Jian
Published: September 2015

Using the Schwartz‐Christoffel conformal mapping method together with the complex variable techniques, we derive steady state analytical solutions for pumping in a rectangular aquifer with four different combinations of impermeable and constant‐head boundaries. These four scenarios include: (1) one constant‐head boundary and three impermeable boundaries, (2) two pairs of orthogonal impermeable and constant‐head boundaries, (3) three constant‐head boundaries and one impermeable boundary, and (4) four constant‐head boundaries. For these scenarios, the impermeable and constant‐head boundaries can be combined after applying the mapping functions, and hence only three image wells exist in the transformed plane, despite an infinite number of image wells in the real plane. The closed‐form solutions reflect the advantage of the conformal mapping method, though the method is applicable for the aspect ratio of the rectangle between 1/10.9 and 10.9/1 due to the limitation in the numerical computation of the conformal transformation from a half plane onto an elongated region (i.e., so‐called “crowding” phenomenon). By contrast, for an additional scenario with two parallel constant‐head boundaries and two parallel impermeable boundaries, an infinite series of image wells is necessary to express the solution, since it is impossible to combine these two kinds of boundaries through the conformal transformation. The usefulness of the results derived is demonstrated by an application to pumping in a finite coastal aquifer.
Capacity Planning in Health Care
Authors: Patrick Jonathan , Noghani Pedram
Published: September 2015

Capacity planning in health care is greatly complicated by the nature of the service. The individuality of each patient leads to multiplicity of potential resource requirements often consumed in sequence and with varying degrees of urgency. Patients are also able to refuse treatment, lobby for a different type of treatment, or simply fail to show up for treatment. Finally, the dire consequences sometimes resulting from untimely access lead to much lower tolerances with regards to meeting performance targets. All these complexities make for significant challenges when seeking to plan capacity in the health care setting.
Critical Reflection as Doctoral Education
Authors: Brookfield Stephen D.
Published: September 2015

This chapter considers how doctoral education, particularly in applied settings such as education, social work, counseling, and health care, could be reimagined if it was organized around the idea and process of critical reflection: of helping students to better understand how power operates in educational environments and how students’ sense of individual and collective agency can be developed.
Temperature‐Dependent Charge‐Carrier Dynamics in CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Thin Films
Authors: Milot Rebecca L. , Eperon Giles E. , Snaith Henry J. , Johnston Michael B. , Herz Laura M.
Published: September 2015

The photoluminescence, transmittance, charge‐carrier recombination dynamics, mobility, and diffusion length of CH3NH3PbI3 are investigated in the temperature range from 8 to 370 K. Profound changes in the optoelectronic properties of this prototypical photovoltaic material are observed across the two structural phase transitions occurring at 160 and 310 K. Drude‐like terahertz photoconductivity spectra at all temperatures above 80 K suggest that charge localization effects are absent in this range. The monomolecular charge‐carrier recombination rate generally increases with rising temperature, indicating a mechanism dominated by ionized impurity mediated recombination. Deduced activation energies Ea associated with ionization are found to increase markedly from the room‐temperature tetragonal (Ea ≈ 20 meV) to the higher‐temperature cubic (Ea ≈ 200 meV) phase adopted above 310 K. Conversely, the bimolecular rate constant decreases with rising temperature as charge‐carrier mobility declines, while the Auger rate constant is highly phase specific, suggesting a strong dependence on electronic band structure. The charge‐carrier diffusion length gradually decreases with rising temperature from about 3 μm at −93 °C to 1.2 μm at 67 °C but remains well above the optical absorption depth in the visible spectrum. These results demonstrate that there are no fundamental obstacles to the operation of cells based on CH3NH3PbI3 under typical field conditions.
Fibroblast levels are increased in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and are associated with worse subjective disease severity
Authors: Carroll William W. , O'Connell Brendan P. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Gudis David A. , Karnezis Tom T. , Lawrence Lauren A. , Soler Zachary M. , Mulligan Jennifer K.
Published: September 2015

Background

Fibroblasts are implicated in tissue remodeling and recruitment of inflammatory cells in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Populations of fibroblasts remain unquantified in CRS subtypes. The objectives of this study were to measure fibroblast populations in subtypes of CRS, and to investigate the association between fibroblasts and disease severity.

Methods

Patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CRS were prospectively enrolled from January 2011 to December 2014. Control subjects included patients undergoing endoscopic surgery for non‐inflammatory conditions such as cerebrospinal fluid leak repair or non–hormone‐secreting pituitary tumors. Patients completed 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) questionnaires prior to surgery. Blood and tissue biopsies were taken during surgery. Percent of sinonasal fibroblasts was determined via flow cytometry by selecting fibroblast‐specific protein (FSP)‐positive and Mucin 1 (MUC1)‐negative cells.

Results

A total of 69 patients were enrolled: control (n = 24), CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) (n = 13), CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) (n = 22), and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) (n = 10). Patients with CRSwNP had significantly more fibroblasts than both control (p < 0.001) and CRSsNP (p < 0.01). Patients with AFRS had the most fibroblasts when compared to control (p < 0.0001), CRSsNP (p < 0.0001), and CRSwNP (p < 0.05). Atopy and asthma were not associated with increased fibroblasts in CRSwNP (p = 0.21, p = 0.26, respectively). Increased fibroblasts correlated with subjective disease severity as measured by SNOT‐22 for CRSwNP (p = 0.003) and AFRS (p = 0.048).

Conclusion

Sinonasal fibroblasts are increased in CRSwNP and AFRS compared to control and CRSsNP. Increased fibroblasts correlated with worse quality of life in CRSwNP and AFRS.
Sinonasal fibrosarcoma: analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database
Authors: Patel Tapan D. , Carniol Eric T. , Vázquez Alejandro , Baredes Soly , Liu James K. , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: September 2015

Background

Primary fibrosarcoma of the sinonasal region is an infrequently occurring malignant neoplasm. Fibrosarcomas are most commonly found in the extremities, with only 1% of fibrosarcomas reported in the head and neck region. This study analyzes the demographic, clinicopathologic, and survival characteristics of sinonasal fibrosarcoma (SNFS).

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (1973 to 2012) was queried for SNFS cases. Data were analyzed with respect to various demographic and clinicopathologic factors. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meier model.

Results

Fifty‐one cases of fibrosarcoma were identified in the sinonasal region. The mean age at diagnosis was 54.5 years and the mean survival was 119.7 months. There was no gender predilection with a male‐to‐female ratio of 1.04:1. The maxillary sinus was the most common site of involvement (54.9%), followed by the nasal cavity (23.5%). Five‐year survival analysis revealed an overall survival rate of 71.7%, disease‐specific survival rate of 77.8%, and relative survival (RS) rate of 78.8%. Disease‐specific survival was better among those treated with surgery (with [76.2%] or without [87.5%] adjuvant radiotherapy) than those treated with primary radiotherapy alone (33.3%) (p = 0.0069).

Conclusion

SNFS is a rare entity. This study represents the largest series of SNFS to date. The mainstay of treatment for this tumor is surgical resection with or without radiotherapy.
Modification of SPPESK proton exchange membranes through layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly
Authors: Sun Yuanyuan , Wu Xuemei , Zhen Dongxing , Zhang Shikai , Hu Mengmeng , He Gaohong
Published: September 2015

Sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (SPPESK) composite membranes are fabricated through electrostatic layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembly method with chitosan (CS) and phosphotungstic acid (PWA) to enhance the proton conductivity and stability. The results demonstrate that LbL self‐assembly has different effects on the SPPESK membrane substrates with different sulfonation degrees (DSs). It elevates proton conductivity of the SPPESK membrane of lower DS and enhances swelling stability of the SPPESK membrane of higher DS. For instance, at 80°C, proton conductivity of the SPPESK0.74/(CS/PWA)1membrane (lower DS) increases by 16%–96.49 mS cm−1, and swelling ratio of the SPPESK1.01/(CS/PWA)3membrane (higher DS) decreases from 58 to 29%. Attribute to the electrostatic interaction and ion cross‐linking networks, permeability of the SPPESK0.74/(CS/PWA)3membrane and the SPPESK1.01/(CS/PWA)5membrane are reduced by 45 and 30%, respectively. The results indicate that the LbL self‐assembly has broadened the available DS range for fuel cell applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,132, 42867.
Phosphinic Amide as Directing Group Enabling Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed ortho C−H Alkenylation of Anilines without and with Alkylation at the Nitrogen Atom
Authors: Jiao Lin‐Yu , Ferreira André V. , Oestreich Martin
Published: September 2015

A phosphinic amide is introduced as a directing group for the ortho C−H alkenylation of anilines. The new donor group distinguishes itself from existing ones by assisting the C−H bond activation of anilides without (NH group) and with alkylation (NMe group) at the amide nitrogen atom. The reactivity is even reversed with the methyl‐substituted anilide being more reactive than its unsubstituted counterpart. Electron‐donating substituents at the arene ring enhance their reactivity while halogenation is not tolerated. The phosphinic amide also enables the C‐7‐selective C−H alkenylation of indoline.
Enhancing isobutyric acid production from engineered Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans cells via media optimization
Authors: Li Xiaozheng , West Alan C. , Banta Scott
Published: September 2015

The chemolithoautotrophic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans has previously been genetically modified to produce isobutyric acid (IBA) from carbon dioxide while obtaining energy from the oxidation of ferrous iron. Here, a combinatorial approach was used to explore the influence of medium composition in both batch and chemostat cultures in order to improve IBA yields (g IBA/mol Fe2+) and productivities (g IBA/L/d). Medium pH, ferrous concentration (Fe2+), and inclusion of iron chelators all had positive impact on the IBA yield. In batch experiments, gluconate was found to be a superior iron chelator because its use resulted in smaller excursions in pH. In batch cultures, IBA yields decreased linearly with increases in the final effective Fe3+ concentrations. Chemostat cultures followed similar trends as observed in batch cultures. Specific cellular productivities were found to be a function of the steady state ORP (Oxidation‐reduction potential) of the growth medium, which is primarily determined by the Fe3+ to Fe2+ ratio. By operating at low ORP, chemostat cultures were able to achieve volumetric productivities as high as 3.8 ± 0.2 mg IBA/L/d which is a 14‐fold increase over the previously reported value. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 790–796. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonmelanoma skin cancer risk awareness in azathioprine‐treated myasthenia gravis patients
Authors: McGurgan Iain J. , McGuigan Christopher
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Increased rates of NMSC (nonmelanoma skin cancer) have recently been reported in people with MG (myasthenia gravis) receiving azathioprine treatment. Guidelines on azathioprine for patients with dermatological and gastrointestinal disorders stress the importance of NMSC risk awareness and prevention. The aim of this study is to assess whether MG patients are being informed of this risk.

Methods

Clinical records of patients with MG attending a university hospital neurology clinic were reviewed. Data on patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic tests, azathioprine treatment, development of NMSC, and counseling regarding NMSC risk were recorded.

Results

Sixty‐nine MG cases were identified, median age 58 years (range 20–90). Forty‐two (60.9%) had received azathioprine at some point with a mean cumulative dose of 235.5 g (range 9.1–972.8 g). Skin cancer risk and prevention advice provision was documented in 3 (7.1%) azathioprine‐treated patients. Five patients developed histologically confirmed NMSC of whom all were treated with azathioprine (incidence rate of 24.9 per 1000, 16 times higher than expected). Documented advice on other safety issues such as regular blood test monitoring was found in 33 (78.8%) azathioprine‐treated cases.

Conclusions

Preventative measures such as daily sunscreen use have been shown to reduce the incidence of NMSC in the general population. The results of this study demonstrate a very low rate of advice provision about NMSC risk in azathioprine‐treated MG patients and the need for increased awareness among treating neurologists and patients.
A robust OFDM transmission scheme using a constellation index precoding technique over frequency‐selective fading
Authors: Hwang Fuh‐Hsin , Wu Kai‐Chun
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we consider an interesting precoding technique for orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM) in order to enhance system performance for either uncoded or coded transmissions over a frequency‐selective fading channel. The signaling mechanism of the proposed scheme is to map an information‐carrying symbol block technically into another short block of symbols, which are taken out of an expanded constellation set, while the diversified symbols are interleaved prior to being modulated each by a specified subcarrier of an OFDM system. It can be found that not only the multipath diversity advantage across the subcarriers but also the coding gains can be achieved by the considered scheme at the receiver. The design of the considered precoding technique can be treated as a finite‐dimensional optimization problem with entries taken by a specific modulus where the approximated error probability is minimized. We provide a set of efficient searching rules to find good spreading codes and demonstrate the performance comparisons among our proposed scheme and the existing precoded OFDM systems such as spreading transform OFDM and linear constellation precoded OFDM to verify the advantage of the proposed scheme. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Support students with disabilities in medicine and health care programs
Authors: Meeks Lisa M. , Bisagno Joan , Jain Neera , Herzer Kurt
Published: September 2015

According to the U.S. Department of Education National Center for Educational Statistics, the number of students with disabilities enrolled in undergraduate degree programs is growing — from 6 percent in 1995–96 to 11 percent in 2011–12. These figures are also increasing in professional and graduate degree programs. The 2010 DOE‐NCES data showed that 7.6 percent of students in such programs self‐reported a disability. Anecdotally, disability services providers understand that these numbers continue to grow. Qualified college graduates with disabilities, like many of their peers, are applying to graduate programs in the health sciences. Current research out of the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine seeks to determine the prevalence of students with disabilities studying medicine in the United States. Preliminary data analysis suggests that between 1 and 12 percent of students currently enrolled in these programs identify as students with disabilities. Providers with disabilities remain an underrepresented minority in the health care workforce, with the numbers being disproportionate to the magnitude of disabled people in the U.S. population.
High throughput development of a non protein A monoclonal antibody purification process using mini‐columns and bio‐layer interferometry
Authors: Brenac Brochier Virginie , Ravault Vincent
Published: September 2015

Downstream purification process development for therapeutic mAbs is a critical step that must be accomplished under compressed timelines. High‐throughput sorbent screening has gained much attention for accelerating process development, based on the rapid acquisition of a large dataset. This study describes the development of a non protein A purification process for a mAb expressed in a CHO cell supernatant. Capture and intermediate steps were screened on three mixed‐mode and one cation exchange chromatography sorbents using 200 μL mini‐columns compatible with automation. Capacity and yield were evaluated using biolayer interferometry and mAb purity, using SEC‐HPLC. A scale‐up of the capture and intermediate steps using 2.5 cm id and 0.5 cm id lab‐scale columns packed with MEP HyperCel™ mixed‐mode sorbent and CM Ceramic HyperD® F cation exchange sorbent, respectively, led to an overall mAb recovery yield of 90% and an mAb purity close to 97%. The high‐throughput workflow applied here, both in terms of screening and analytics, was a key point to accelerate process development and achieve optimal mAb product purity and yield at minimized time and cost.
Impact of bevacizumab in combination with erlotinib on EGFR‐mutated non–small cell lung cancer xenograft models with T790M mutation or MET amplification
Authors: Furugaki Koh , Fukumura Junko , Iwai Toshiki , Yorozu Keigo , Kurasawa Mitsue , Yanagisawa Mieko , Moriya Yoichiro , Yamamoto Kaname , Suda Kenichi , Mizuuchi Hiroshi , Mitsudomi Tetsuya , Harada Naoki
Published: September 2015

Erlotinib (ERL), an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, shows notable efficacy against non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations. Bevacizumab (BEV), a humanized monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), in combination with ERL (BEV+ERL) significantly extended progression‐free survival in patients with EGFR‐mutated NSCLC compared with ERL alone. However, the efficacy of BEV+ERL against EGFR‐mutated NSCLC harboring T790M mutation or MET amplification, is unclear. Here, we examined the antitumor activity of BEV+ERL in four xenograft models of EGFR‐mutated NSCLC (three harboring ERL resistance mutations). In the HCC827 models (exon 19 deletion: DEL), ERL significantly inhibited tumor growth by blocking EGFR signal transduction. Although there was no difference between ERL and BEV+ERL in maximum tumor growth inhibition, BEV+ERL significantly suppressed tumor regrowth during a drug‐cessation period. In the HCC827‐EPR model (DEL+T790M) and HCC827‐vTR model (DEL+MET amplification), ERL reduced EGFR signal transduction and showed less pronounced but still significant tumor growth inhibition than in the HCC827 model. In these models, tumor growth inhibition was significantly stronger with BEV+ERL than with each single agent. In the NCI‐H1975 model (L858R+T790M), ERL did not inhibit growth or EGFR signal transduction, and BEV+ERL did not inhibit growth more than BEV. BEV alone significantly decreased microvessel density in each tumor. In conclusion, addition of BEV to ERL did not enhance antitumor activity in primarily ERL‐resistant tumors with T790M mutation; however, BEV+ERL enhanced antitumor activity in T790M mutation‐ or MET amplification‐positive tumors as long as their growth remained significantly suppressed by ERL.
Determination of Long‐run and Short‐run Dynamics in EC‐VARMA Models via Canonical Correlations
Authors: Athanasopoulos George , Poskitt Donald S. , Vahid Farshid , Yao Wenying
Published: September 2015

This article studies a simple, coherent approach for identifying and estimating error‐correcting vector autoregressive moving average (EC‐VARMA) models. Canonical correlation analysis is implemented for both determining the cointegrating rank, using a strongly consistent method, and identifying the short‐run VARMA dynamics, using the scalar component methodology. Finite‐sample performance is evaluated via Monte Carlo simulations and the approach is applied to modelling and forecasting US interest rates. The results reveal that EC‐VARMA models generate significantly more accurate out‐of‐sample forecasts than vector error correction models (VECMs), especially for short horizons. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concentration‐dependent effects of alendronate and pamidronate functionalized gold nanoparticles on osteoclast and osteoblast viability
Authors: Conners Christopher M. , Bhethanabotla Venkat R. , Gupta Vinay K.
Published: September 2015

Severe osteoporotic diseases, such as Paget's disease, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, and Legg Calve Perthes disease, lack treatments that address the pathobiology of the diseases, as well as, long‐term and prospective studies. Bisphosphonates, which are known to dramatically hinder the viability of osteoclast cells, along with gold nanoparticles (GNP) are a potential theranostic for osteoporotic diseases. We evaluated GNP functionalized with two different bisphosphonates, namely, alendronate and pamidronate. RANKL differentiated murine pre‐osteoclasts (Raw 264.7) and murine osteoblasts (7F2) were treated with varying concentrations ranging from 0.1–5 µM of free and GNP bound bisphosphonates. GNPs with an average size of ∼15 nm were functionalized with alendronate and pamidronate through surface modification by self‐assembly. MTT viability assay results show no changes in viability of the osteoclasts when treated with free bisphosphonates in the range of 1–5 µM, but significant decrease on treatment with functionalized GNP at concentrations above the range of 0.1–1 µM depending on the bisphosphonate. Osteoblast cell viability is maintained at all but the highest concentrations used. Qualitative and quantitative characterization by Western Blot for RANKL expression in the osteoblast cell line shows that expression is largely maintained. These results provide a basis for methods that use bisphosphonate functionalized GNP in the treatment of osteoporotic bone diseases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 21–29, 2017.
C‐Mpl Is Expressed on Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts and Is Important in Regulating Skeletal Homeostasis
Authors: Meijome Tomas E. , Ekwealor Jenna T. B. , Hooker R. Adam , Cheng Ying‐Hua , Ciovacco Wendy A. , Balamohan Sanjeev M. , Srinivasan Trishya L. , Chitteti Brahmananda R. , Eleniste Pierre P. , Horowitz Mark C. , Srour Edward F. , Bruzzaniti Angela , Fuchs Robyn K. , Kacena Melissa A.
Published: September 2015

C‐Mpl is the receptor for thrombopoietin (TPO), the main megakaryocyte (MK) growth factor, and c‐Mpl is believed to be expressed on cells of the hematopoietic lineage. As MKs have been shown to enhance bone formation, it may be expected that mice in which c‐Mpl was globally knocked out (c‐Mpl−/− mice) would have decreased bone mass because they have fewer MKs. Instead, c‐Mpl−/− mice have a higher bone mass than WT controls. Using c‐Mpl−/− mice we investigated the basis for this discrepancy and discovered that c‐Mpl is expressed on both osteoblasts (OBs) and osteoclasts (OCs), an unexpected finding that prompted us to examine further how c‐Mpl regulates bone. Static and dynamic bone histomorphometry parameters suggest that c‐Mpl deficiency results in a net gain in bone volume with increases in OBs and OCs. In vitro, a higher percentage of c‐Mpl−/− OBs were in active phases of the cell cycle, leading to an increased number of OBs. No difference in OB differentiation was observed in vitro as examined by real‐time PCR and functional assays. In co‐culture systems, which allow for the interaction between OBs and OC progenitors, c‐Mpl−/− OBs enhanced osteoclastogenesis. Two of the major signaling pathways by which OBs regulate osteoclastogenesis, MCSF/OPG/RANKL and EphrinB2‐EphB2/B4, were unaffected in c‐Mpl−/− OBs. These data provide new findings for the role of MKs and c‐Mpl expression in bone and may provide insight into the homeostatic regulation of bone mass as well as bone loss diseases such as osteoporosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 959–969, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of lemon (Citrus limon) polar extract by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in high resolution mode
Authors: Ledesma‐Escobar C. A. , Priego‐Capote F. , Luque de Castro M. D.
Published: September 2015

Eighty four metabolites (32 flavonoids, 15 amino acids, nine carboxylic acids, six coumarins, six sugars, five phenolic acids and 11 unclassified compounds) have been tentatively identified in a polar extract from lemon, without reference standards, based on their liquid chromatography–quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight MS/MS spectra and the comparison with databases. Despite information in databases for some families of plant compounds is poor, tentative identification based on MS/MS information (mass of the precursor ion and their fragments, together with neutral mass loss) was possible with the help of known fragmentation patterns for the given families of compounds. Both positive and negative ionization modes and at least two collision energies were always applied to obtain as much information as possible from each molecular entity, thus helping for identification. As the tentatively identified metabolites are the same regardless of the organism they belong, their fragmentation patterns are useful for identification with independence of the sample nature. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of substances migrating from plastic baby bottles using a combination of low‐resolution and high‐resolution mass spectrometric analysers coupled to gas and liquid chromatography
Authors: Onghena Matthias , Van Hoeck Els , Van Loco Joris , Ibáñez María , Cherta Laura , Portolés Tania , Pitarch Elena , Hernandéz Félix , Lemière Filip , Covaci Adrian
Published: September 2015

This work presents a strategy for elucidation of unknown migrants from plastic food contact materials (baby bottles) using a combination of analytical techniques in an untargeted approach. First, gas chromatography (GC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) in electron ionisation mode was used to identify migrants through spectral library matching. When no acceptable match was obtained, a second analysis by GC‐(electron ionisation) high resolution mass spectrometry time of flight (TOF) was applied to obtain accurate mass fragmentation spectra and isotopic patterns. Databases were then searched to find a possible elemental composition for the unknown compounds. Finally, a GC hybrid quadrupole‐TOF‐MS with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation source was used to obtain the molecular ion or the protonated molecule. Accurate mass data also provided additional information on the fragmentation behaviour as two acquisition functions with different collision energies were available (MSE approach). In the low‐energy function, limited fragmentation took place, whereas for the high‐energy function, fragmentation was enhanced. For less volatile unknowns, ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐TOF‐MS was additionally applied. Using a home‐made database containing common migrating compounds and plastic additives, tentative identification was made for several positive findings based on accurate mass of the (de)protonated molecule, product ion fragments and characteristic isotopic ions. Six illustrative examples are shown to demonstrate the modus operandi and the difficulties encountered during identification. The combination of these techniques was proven to be a powerful tool for the elucidation of unknown migrating compounds from plastic baby bottles. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and incidence of erythrovirus B19 infection in children with sickle cell disease: The impact of viral infection in acute clinical events
Authors: dos Santos Brito Silva Furtado Marina , Borato Viana Marcos , Silqueira Hickson Rrios Jéssica , Laís Lima Gontijo Raquel , Maria Silva Célia , do Val Rezende Paulo , de Figueiredo Rosângela Maria , Martins Marina Lobato
Published: September 2015

B19V infection is common during childhood. It is self‐limited in healthy individuals, but is often associated with transient aplastic crisis in children with sickle cell disease. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and incidence of B19V infection in children with sickle cell disease screened by the Newborn Screening Program of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and followed‐up at Fundação Hemominas. Serum or plasma samples from 278 patients were tested for anti‐B19V IgG and IgM using commercial ELISA and for viral DNA using in‐house real‐time PCR assays; 127 negative‐children were retested about 1 year later. The median age of children at first testing was 5.9 years (0.8–12.3). The estimated prevalence of B19V was 29.5 % (95%CI 24.1–34.9 %). The incidence of B19V in those 127 negative‐children was 18.2 cases/100 patient‐years. All DNA‐positive samples were identified as genotype 1, except one sample, in which both genotypes 1 and 3 were identified. It was observed that the higher the child's age, the higher the probability of B19V infection. The analysis of clinical and hematological data showed a significant association of B19V infection with transient aplastic crisis and acute splenic sequestration, higher frequency of transfusions, and higher rate of hospitalization, but not with acute chest syndrome or stroke. These results emphasize the impact of B19V infection on the course of sickle cell disease. Strategies to prevent and monitor B19V infection in children with sickle cell disease should be considered to diminish its morbidity in this susceptible population. J. Med. Virol. 88:588–595, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phylogenetic analysis of human group C rotavirus in hospitalized children with gastroenteritis in Belém, Brazil
Authors: Lobo Patrícia dos Santos , de Fátima dos Santos Guerra Sylvia , Siqueira Jones Anderson Monteiro , Soares Luana da Silva , Gabbay Yvone Benchimol , Linhares Alexandre C. , Mascarenhas Joana D'Arc Pereira
Published: September 2015

Group C rotavirus (RVC) is potentially an important pathogen associated with acute gastroenteritis (AG), especially in outbreaks. This study aims to detect and molecularly characterize RVC in hospitalized children with AG in Belém, Brazil. From May 2008 to April 2011, 279 stools were subjected to reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction targeting VP7, VP6, VP4, and NSP4 genes. RVC positivity rate was 2.1% (6/279) and phylogenetic analysis of positive samples yields genotype G4‐P[2]‐I2‐E2. No evidence of zoonotic transmission and VP7 gene demonstrated close relationship with Asian strains. RVC surveillance is worth to expand information on evolutionary and epidemiological features of this virus. J. Med. Virol. 88:728–733, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cellulose degrading bacteria isolated from industrial samples and the gut of native insects from Northwest of Argentina
Authors: Manfredi Adriana P. , Perotti Nora I. , Martínez María A.
Published: September 2015

The raw materials used to produce bioethanol mostly are food crops, which has led to conflicts on food security. It is, therefore, recommended the gradual replacement for second generation substrates such as lignocellulosic materials. Herein, cellulolytic bacteria were isolated from the gut content of native larvae from Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and adults of Isoptera. Few environmental samples from the pulp and paper feedstock were also assessed. A total of 233 isolates were obtained using enrichment cultures and classic criteria. Interestingly, several halo‐forming colonies were found to be bacterial consortia that presented difficulties to take apart the microbial members. Those pure isolates which hydrolyzed cellulose in larger extend (45 strains) were selected and identified by means of 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Firmicutes was the prevalent phylum (62.2%) being Bacillus spp. the most frequent genus, while Paenibacillus, Brevibacillus, Cohnella, and Staphylococcus species were less frequent. The phylum Actinobacteria (6.7%) was represented by isolates related to Agromyces spp. and Microbacterium spp. Regarding Gram‐negative bacteria (31.1%), the more depicted genus was Pseudomonas spp., and members of Achromobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., and Bacteroidetes phylum were also selected. These native bacterial strains are expected to enlarge the cellulolytic toolbox for efficient biomass deconstruction.
Quantification model of proper curvature for large‐sized curved TVs
Authors: Park Yongmin , Yoo Jang Jin , Kang Dongwoo , Kim Sungjin
Published: September 2015

We present a feasible modeling method to estimate the proper curvature for large‐sized curved TVs. We especially focused on two factors – preference and perceived distortion – to be considered to determine the proper curvature. The preference includes a number of advantages that people expect to fulfill the possibilities of a more immersive image and sense of realism from curved display. On the other hand, the perceived distortion means the side effects that people can notice uncomfortable feeling caused by the shape of a curved one. In order to find out how two factors would be different as a number of conditions like curvature, size, and viewing angle change, a series of subjective assessments were conducted. The evaluation results show that both the preference and perceived distortion vary with the conditions considerably. We performed the statistical analysis based on the results and proposed the quantification model of proper curvature, which has higher preference and less perceived distortion, for various‐sized curved TVs.
Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: An update on functional and oncologic outcomes, techniques, and advancements in technology
Authors: Ramirez Daniel , Zargar Homayoun , Caputo Peter , Kaouk Jihad H.
Published: September 2015

The robotic platform has revolutionized the management of prostate cancer over the last 15 years. Several techniques have been developed to improve functional and oncologic outcomes, including meticulous apical and posterior dissection, nerve sparing techniques, bladder neck and urethral length sparing, and anastomotic reconstruction. Future developments involving novel single‐site, robotic technology will undoubtedly further the field of minimally invasive urology. These topics are reviewed within this article. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:746–752. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved outcomes after low‐concentration hypochlorous acid nasal irrigation in pediatric chronic sinusitis
Authors: Cho Hyung‐Ju , Min Hyun Jin , Chung Hyo Jin , Park Do‐Yang , Seong Sang Yeob , Yoon Joo‐Heon , Lee Jeung‐Gweon , Kim Chang‐Hoon
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of low‐concentration hypochlorous acid (HOCl) nasal irrigation compared to isotonic normal saline for pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis.

Study Design

This was a randomized, prospective, active‐controlled study.

Methods

This study investigated the effectiveness of 4 weeks of low‐concentration hypochlorous irrigation by analyzing five categorized subjective symptoms and x‐ray findings in pediatric patients with rhinosinusitis. Thirty‐seven patients were enrolled, and 26 patients successfully completed the study.

Results

Total symptom scores significantly improved with both HOCl and normal saline nasal irrigation, but there was no difference between the two groups. X‐ray scores also improved in both groups; improvement was much greater in the HOCl group than the placebo group.

Conclusions

Nasal irrigation with HOCl is an effective adjuvant treatment compared to isotonic normal saline for pediatric sinusitis.

Level of Evidence

1b Laryngoscope, 126:791–795, 2016
Foot‐controlled robotic‐enabled endoscope holder for endoscopic sinus surgery: A cadaveric feasibility study
Authors: Chan Jason Y. K. , Leung Iris , Navarro‐Alarcon David , Lin Weiyang , Li Peng , Lee Dennis L. Y. , Liu Yun‐hui , Tong Michael C. F.
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the feasibility of a unique prototype foot‐controlled robotic‐enabled endoscope holder (FREE) in functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Study Design

Cadaveric study.

Methods

Using human cadavers, we investigated the feasibility, advantages, and disadvantages of the robotic endoscope holder in performing endoscopic sinus surgery with two hands in five cadaver heads, mimicking a single nostril three‐handed technique.

Results

The FREE robot is relatively easy to use. Setup was quick, taking less than 3 minutes from docking the robot at the head of the bed to visualizing the middle meatus. The unit is also relatively small, takes up little space, and currently has four degrees of freedom. The learning curve for using the foot control was short. The use of both hands was not hindered by the presence of the endoscope in the nasal cavity. The tremor filtration also aided in the smooth movement of the endoscope, with minimal collisions.

Conclusion

The FREE endoscope holder in an ex‐vivo cadaver test corroborated the feasibility of the robotic prototype, which allows for a two‐handed approach to surgery equal to a single nostril three‐handed technique without the holder that may reduce operating time. Further studies will be needed to evaluate its safety profile and use in other areas of endoscopic surgery.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 126:566–569, 2016
Progress of Polymer Reaction Engineering Research in China
Authors: Li Bo‐Geng , Wang Wen‐Jun
Published: September 2015

The polymer industry in China has developed rapidly over the past 30 years, which can be greatly attributed to the active R&D conducted by Chinese scholars in polymer reaction engineering (PRE) and their cultivation of high level talents. The research focus on PRE in China has shifted from the application development to both applied and fundamental research at present. The PRE researchers closely collaborate with the enterprises and the world leading scholars. The research objective has been evolved from optimizing efficiency of polymerization processes to precise control of the structures of polymer chains and primary aggregates. This essay summarizes the history, characteristics, and latest progresses of the PRE research in China, with emphasis on the research activities at Zhejiang University.
Mobile electrodiagnostic laboratories provide substandard patient care: An educational report
Authors:   Policy Department, American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Mobile electrodiagnostic (EDx) laboratories often do not appear to comply with Medicare rules or the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) standards. Methods: The AANEM Professional Practice Committee reached a consensus based on expert opinion on the typical deficiencies of EDx studies performed by mobile EDx laboratories and made recommendations on proper performance. Results: Mobile EDx laboratories should be registered as independent diagnostic testing facilities (IDTFs) and be held to the standards established by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. Testing performed in a mobile EDx laboratory is often performed: (1) without a physical exam by a qualified EDx physician; (2) without adequate physician supervision; (3) without interpretation “on site” or in “real time”; (4) without an accompanying needle electromyography study; and (5) with an excessive number of tests. Conclusions: The AANEM recommends that payers require companies that perform studies in a mobile EDx laboratory but have failed to register as an IDTF to be held to the standards listed in the federal rules. Muscle Nerve 52: 1130–1133, 2015
Validation of the besta neurological institute rating scale for myasthenia gravis
Authors: Antozzi Carlo , Brenna Greta , Baggi Fulvio , Camera Giorgia , Maggi Lorenzo , Rezzani Cristiana , Montomoli Cristina , Mantegazza Renato
Published: September 2015

Introduction: We validated the scale for myasthenia gravis (MG) developed at the Neurological Institute Foundation of Milan (INCB‐MG scale). Methods: A total of 174 patients were evaluated with the INCB‐MG and compared with the MG Composite (MGC) as the gold standard. Dimensionality, reliability, and validity of the INCB‐MG scale were studied by principal component factor analysis, Cronbach alpha, and Pearson correlation coefficients; interobserver reliability was calculated by the weighted Cohen K coefficient. Results: Generalized and bulbar INCB‐MG subscales were unidimensional with excellent consistency; the INCB‐MG and MGC scales were strongly correlated. Fatigability assessment was correlated with the INCB‐MG generalized, bulbar, and respiratory subscales. Conclusions: The INCB‐MG scale is a reliable tool to assess MG and is strongly correlated with the MGC. The INCB‐MG scale is a valid tool for every day practice and should be further investigated for its application in clinical trials. Muscle Nerve 53: 32–37, 2016
Use of best‐worst scaling to assess patient perceptions of treatments for refractory overactive bladder
Authors: Beusterien Kathleen , Kennelly Michael J. , Bridges John F.P. , Amos Kaitlan , Williams Mary Jo , Vasavada Sandip
Published: September 2015

Aims

Refractory overactive bladder (OAB) treatments, including sacral neuromodulation (SNM), onabotulinumtoxin A (OnabotA), and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), differ considerably. Best‐Worst Scaling (BWS) was used to assess patient preferences for these treatments.

Methods

A cross‐sectional Web survey, based on findings from qualitative interviews with 23 OAB patients and 7 clinical experts, was conducted with idiopathic OAB patients in the US and UK. The BWS exercise involved prioritizing subsets of 13 attributes across 13 choice tasks, where patients identified the attribute they considered as best and as worst in each task. Attribute BWS scores, ranging from −1.0 (worst) to 1.0 (best) were calculated based on the rates that each attribute was chosen. Attitudes toward the attributes also were assessed via like/dislike Likert scales, and questions regarding the percentage likelihood (0–100%) of trying each treatment, based on standardized treatment descriptions.

Results

The sample included 245 patients (118 US, 127 UK); 79% female, mean age 50 ± 7.8 years. All 13 attribute BWS scores were significantly positive or negative. “Lasting improvement” (0.82), “minimal side effects” (0.67), and “sends signals between bladder and brain” (0.35)' were rated most favorably, and “complications with implant” (−0.65), and “be willing to self‐catheterize” (−0.53) were rated worst. All but one of the attribute BWS scores were significantly correlated with the respective like/dislike scores and the percentage likelihood estimates for trying one of the three treatments.

Conclusion

BWS was successful in assessing the magnitude of patient preferences for key attributes associated with substantially different refractory OAB therapies. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:1028–1033, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ICS teaching module: Artefacts in urodynamic pressure traces (basic module)
Authors: Gammie Andrew , D'Ancona Carlos , Kuo Hann‐Chorng , Rosier Peter F.W.
Published: September 2015

Aims

To present the ICS Teaching Module on artefacts in urodynamics pressure traces.

Methods

Slides from three urodynamics centres were assembled. Descriptions and labels were agreed by the authors and the module presented at the ICS Annual Scientific Meeting in Brazil 2014.

Results

Ten artefacts that should be recognized while using water‐filled urodynamic systems are presented and remedial action described.

Conclusions

This manuscript serves as scientific background for the slide set made available on the ICS website. By following the guidelines in this teaching module, good quality urodynamics can be more readily achieved. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:35–36, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lipid suppression via double inversion recovery with symmetric frequency sweep for robust 2D‐GRAPPA‐accelerated MRSI of the brain at 7 T
Authors: Hangel Gilbert , Strasser Bernhard , Považan Michal , Gruber Stephan , Chmelík Marek , Gajdošík Martin , Trattnig Siegfried , Bogner Wolfgang
Published: September 2015

This work presents a new approach for high‐resolution MRSI of the brain at 7 T in clinically feasible measurement times. Two major problems of MRSI are the long scan times for large matrix sizes and the possible spectral contamination by the transcranial lipid signal. We propose a combination of free induction decay (FID)‐MRSI with a short acquisition delay and acceleration via in‐plane two‐dimensional generalised autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition (2D‐GRAPPA) with adiabatic double inversion recovery (IR)‐based lipid suppression to allow robust high‐resolution MRSI. We performed Bloch simulations to evaluate the magnetisation pathways of lipids and metabolites, and compared the results with phantom measurements. Acceleration factors in the range 2–25 were tested in a phantom. Five volunteers were scanned to verify the value of our MRSI method in vivo. GRAPPA artefacts that cause fold‐in of transcranial lipids were suppressed via double IR, with a non‐selective symmetric frequency sweep. The use of long, low‐power inversion pulses (100 ms) reduced specific absorption rate requirements. The symmetric frequency sweep over both pulses provided good lipid suppression (>90%), in addition to a reduced loss in metabolite signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), compared with conventional IR suppression (52–70%). The metabolic mapping over the whole brain slice was not limited to a rectangular region of interest. 2D‐GRAPPA provided acceleration up to a factor of nine for in vivo FID‐MRSI without a substantial increase in g‐factors (<1.1). A 64 × 64 matrix can be acquired with a common repetition time of ~1.3 s in only 8 min without lipid artefacts caused by acceleration. Overall, we present a fast and robust MRSI method, using combined double IR fat suppression and 2D‐GRAPPA acceleration, which may be used in (pre)clinical studies of the brain at 7 T. © 2015 The Authors. NMR in Biomedicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Provide flexible options for faculty to boost online teaching skills
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: September 2015

Faculty members know their subject areas well. But even if they're great teachers in the classroom, they need to learn new skills to be effective teaching online courses.
Draw on your existing skills as a new dean
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: September 2015

When Judah Viola thinks about deans and mentors he has worked with, he can identify the qualities he values most: being willing to hear and listen and share their perspective; being open, honest and authentic; and bringing energy and passion to their work every day.