bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New computerized staging method to analyze mink testicular tissue in environmental research
Authors: Fakhrzadeh Azadeh , Spörndly-Nees Ellinor , Ekstedt Elisabeth , Holm Lena , Luengo Hendriks Cris L.
Published: June 2016

Histopathology of testicular tissue is considered to be the most sensitive tool to detect adverse effects on male reproduction. When assessing tissue damage, seminiferous epithelium needs to be classified into different stages to detect certain cell damages; but stage identification is a demanding task. The authors present a method to identify the 12 stages in mink testicular tissue. The staging system uses Gata-4 immunohistochemistry to visualize acrosome development and proved to be both intraobserver-reproducible and interobserver-reproducible with a substantial agreement of 83.6% (kappa = 0.81) and 70.5% (kappa = 0.67), respectively. To further advance and objectify this method, they present a computerized staging system that identifies these 12 stages. This program has an agreement of 52.8% (kappa 0.47) with the consensus staging by 2 investigators. The authors propose a pooling of the stages into 5 groups based on morphology, stage transition, and toxicologically important endpoints. The computerized program then reached a substantial agreement of 76.7% (kappa = 0.69). The computerized staging tool uses local ternary patterns to describe the texture of the tubules and a support vector machine classifier to learn which textures correspond to which stages. The results have the potential to modernize the tedious staging process required in toxicological evaluation of testicular tissue, especially if combined with whole-slide imaging and automated tubular segmentation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:156–164. © 2016 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Geochemical evidence for provenance and tectonic background from the Palaeogene sedimentary rocks of the East China Sea Shelf Basin
Authors: Li Deyong , Dong Bingjie , Jiang Xiaodian , Xing Junhui
Published: June 2016

The East China Sea Shelf Basin is an important part of the Western Pacific marginal structural domain located in the eastern margin of the Eurasian Plate. Residual sedimentary detritus in the basin has recorded much information on basin composition, plate interaction, continental dynamic environment evolution, and resource response of the Western Pacific region. For studying the Palaeogene clastic rocks obtained from the oil and gas drilling wells of the East China Sea Shelf Basin, through the rock geochemical and mineral compositional analysis, we discuss the sedimentary detritus sources, tectonic background and response to the Western Pacific continental margin tectonic environment evolution. Lithogeochemical analyses of clastic rocks suggest that Palaeocene arenites are characterized by accumulation of volcanic detritus under shallow marine depositional environments, while Eocene and Oligocene arenites are rich in inflexible quartz controlled by an oscillating coastal marine environment and metamorphic crystalline rocks of the Proterozoic Craton in South China. As geochemical compositions of the Palaeogene clastic rocks are largely unaffected by sedimentary recirculation, diagenesis, epigenesis, and chemical weathering, these rocks can be used in provenance tracing. Controlled by the combined remote effects of convergence, collision, and wedging between the Indian and Eurasian plates, and subduction, collision, and back‐arc spreading between the Pacific and Eurasian plates, the East China Sea Shelf Basin showed a tectonic background of both active continental margin and continental island arc in the Palaeocene. The Palaeogene clasts of the Lishui Depression accordingly showed characteristics of recycled orogenic provenance and volcanic arc orogenic provenance, which were mainly Mesozoic volcanic rocks, volcaniclastic rocks and granites from the Zhemin Uplift and Yandang Low Bulge. Along with the Pacific subduction zone passively retreated to the west side of the ancient Ryukyu Island Arc (Diaoyu Island Uplift‐Fold Belt), the source area showed mixed characteristics of recycled orogenic belt, collisional suture and folded overthrust belt, and subduction complex provenance, and the Eocene and Oligocene source rocks were mainly Proterozoic metamorphic quartzite and Mesozoic magmatic igneous rocks from the Haijiao and East Yushan uplifts. The supply of clasts by the Proterozoic cratonic metamorphic rock of South China led to a sharp increase in ancient deposits of source rocks. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive stimulation therapy in the Italian context: its efficacy in cognitive and non‐cognitive measures in older adults with dementia
Authors: Capotosto Emanuela , Belacchi Carmen , Gardini Simona , Faggian Silvia , Piras Federica , Mantoan Vanessa , Salvalaio Elisa , Pradelli Samantha , Borella Erika
Published: June 2016

Objective

Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) has been shown to have significant benefits in enhancing cognitive functioning and improving the quality of life of people with mild to moderate dementia. The present study examines the efficacy of the Italian version of the therapy (CST‐IT).

Methods

Older adults with mild to moderate dementia (n = 39) were randomly assigned to two programs: one group participated in the CST‐IT, consisting of 14 sessions (twice a week for 7 weeks) and the active control group took part in alternative general activities. The outcome measures were cognitive functioning (measured by the Mini‐Mental State Examination‐MMSE‐, the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment scale‐cognitive subscale, the backward digit span test, and a narrative language test); quality of life (Quality of life––Alzheimer's Disease scale); mood (Cornell scale for depression in dementia and the social and emotional loneliness scale); functional activities in daily living (Disability Assessment for Dementia); and behavior (neuropsychiatric inventory).

Results

After the intervention, only the CST‐IT group maintained its MMSE score, while the control group displayed deterioration. The CST‐IT group also performed better in some of the cognitive measures (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive subscale and narrative language), mood measures (Cornell scale, social and emotional loneliness scale with a decrease in reported loneliness), and the Quality of life––Alzheimer's Disease scale. No other treatment effect was observed.

Conclusions

The findings confirm the efficacy, at least in the short term, of the CST in sustaining cognitive functions and perceived quality of life in older adults with dementia in the Italian care setting as well.
Mapping the spatiotemporal dynamics of processing task‐relevant and task‐irrelevant sound feature changes using concurrent EEG‐fMRI
Authors: Puschmann Sebastian , Huster René J. , Thiel Christiane M.
Published: June 2016

The cortical processing of changes in auditory input involves auditory sensory regions as well as different frontoparietal brain networks. The spatiotemporal dynamics of the activation spread across these networks has, however, not been investigated in detail so far. We here approached this issue using concurrent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), providing us with simultaneous information on both the spatial and temporal patterns of change‐related activity. We applied an auditory stimulus categorization task with switching categorization rules, allowing to analyze change‐related responses as a function of the changing sound feature (pitch or duration) and the task relevance of the change. Our data show the successive progression of change‐related activity from regions involved in early change detection to the ventral and dorsal attention networks, and finally the central executive network. While early change detection was found to recruit feature‐specific networks involving auditory sensory but also frontal and parietal brain regions, the later spread of activity across the frontoparietal attention and executive networks was largely independent of the changing sound feature, suggesting the existence of a general feature‐independent processing pathway of change‐related information. Task relevance did not modulate early auditory sensory processing, but was mainly found to affect processing in frontal brain regions. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3400–3416, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative Computational Study of Hydrogen Abstraction Reactions of CY3H + XO− (X, Y = F, Cl, and Br)
Authors: Junxi Liang , Qiong Su , Dezhi Zhao , Yanbin Wang , Guihua Li , Zhiyuan Geng
Published: June 2016

The effects of halogen substituents on the reactivity are characterized by the hybrid B3LYP and BHandHLYP functionals of density functional theory using the aug‐cc‐pVDZ basis set. The species XO− and CY3H, where X, Y = F, Cl, and Br, have been chosen as model reactants in this work. Also, the mechanism of the hydrogen abstraction (HAT) reaction has been used to study the chemical reactivity of these anionic reactions. Our theoretical findings suggest that the relative reactivity of the CY3H + XO− reactions increases as Y goes from F to Br and decreases as X goes from F to Br. Moreover, among all reactions investigated in this study, the special role of the Y has very dominant effect on activation of the C–H bond in CY3H when XO− attacks the CY3H. Again, through the transition state theory the rate constants at 298–1000 K are also evaluated for the HAT reactions, indicating the lower the temperature the faster is the chemical reaction.
A Simple and Efficient Method for the Synthesis of Novel Pyrazolyl Isoxazoline Derivatives Using Hypervalent Iodine (III) Reagent
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Kumar Manoj , Prakash Om
Published: June 2016

A series of novel pyrazolyl isoxazolines were synthesized by 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of pyrazolyl nitrile oxide with various activated alkene, such as acrylonitrile, methyl acrylate, and vinyl acetate, in the presence of iodobenzene diacetate in methanol containing a catalytic amount of TFA at room temperature (13 compounds upto 92% yield were isolated).
Somebodiness and Its Meaning to African American Men
Authors: Johnson Phillip D.
Published: June 2016

The psychological functioning of African American men is often described in negative terms. One way to correct these distorted depictions is to identify culturally grounded concepts that can make a fair‐minded assessment of their psychological functioning. The literature has suggested that “somebodiness” is a culturally relevant, but understudied, concept. In this investigation, an interpretive phenomenological analysis approach was used to explore somebodiness and its meaning to African American men.
Predictors of Mental Health Among College Students in Guam: Implications for Counseling
Authors: Ran Mao‐Sheng , Mendez Ana Joy , Leng Ling‐Li , Bansil Bryan , Reyes Nicole , Cordero Gem , Carreon Cheenee , Fausto Michelle , Maminta Loida , Tang Maureen
Published: June 2016

The authors investigated sociodemographic predictors of the mental health status of college students (N = 308) in Guam. Results indicated prevalence rates of 17.8%, 40.2%, and 25.6% for moderate or more severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Psychological distress was found to be predicted by gender, ethnicity, living arrangement, and academic level. Comparisons with college students in the U.S. mainland and Hong Kong were also examined. Implications for counseling services and strategies are discussed.
Adult Missing Persons: Can an Investigative Framework be Generated Using Behavioural Themes?
Authors: Bonny E. , Almond L. , Woolnough P.
Published: June 2016

There is a limited amount of research in the area of missing persons, especially adults. The aim of this research is to expand on the understanding of missing people, by examining adults' behaviours while missing and determining if distinct behavioural themes exist. Based on previous literature it was hypothesised that three behavioural themes will be present; dysfunctional, escape, and unintentional. Thirty‐six behaviours were coded from 362 missing person police reports and analysed using smallest space analysis (SSA). This produced a spatial representation of the behaviours, showing three distinct behavioural themes. Seventy percent of the adult missing person reports were classified under one dominant theme, 41% were ‘unintentional’, 18% were ‘dysfunctional’, and 11% were ‘escape’. The relationship between a missing person's dominant behavioural theme and their assigned risk level and demographic characteristics were also analysed. A significant association was found between the age, occupational status, whether they had any mental health issues, and the risk level assigned to the missing person; and their dominant behavioural theme. The findings are the first step in the development of a standardised checklist for a missing person investigation. This has implications on how practitioners prioritise missing adults, and interventions to prevent individuals from going missing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian coalescent inference reveals high evolutionary rates and diversification of Zika virus populations
Authors: Fajardo Alvaro , Soñora Martín , Moreno Pilar , Moratorio Gonzalo , Cristina Juan
Published: June 2016

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a member of the family Flaviviridae. In 2015, ZIKV triggered an epidemic in Brazil and spread across Latin America. By May of 2016, the World Health Organization warns over spread of ZIKV beyond this region. Detailed studies on the mode of evolution of ZIKV strains are extremely important for our understanding of the emergence and spread of ZIKV populations. In order to gain insight into these matters, a Bayesian coalescent Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis of complete genome sequences of recently isolated ZIKV strains was performed. The results of these studies revealed a mean rate of evolution of 1.20 × 10−3 nucleotide substitutions per site per year (s/s/y) for ZIKV strains enrolled in this study. Several variants isolated in China are grouped together with all strains isolated in Latin America. Another genetic group composed exclusively by Chinese strains were also observed, suggesting the co‐circulation of different genetic lineages in China. These findings indicate a high level of diversification of ZIKV populations. Strains isolated from microcephaly cases do not share amino acid substitutions, suggesting that other factors besides viral genetic differences may play a role for the proposed pathogenesis caused by ZIKV infection. J. Med. Virol. 88:1672–1676, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gender Equity in Accounting: How the CPA Profession Is Balancing the Numbers
Authors: Rampe Kristen , Elliott Sarah
Published: June 2016

Ripe with opportunities for growth, the accounting profession is struggling to identify leaders to fill the shoes of its retiring baby boomers. Although more diverse organizations typically outperform their peers and certified public accounting (CPA) firms hire approximately equal numbers of men and women, men hold more than three‐quarters of these firms’ leadership positions. Achieving gender equity in the profession's top ranks is challenging, particularly since organizational leaders tend to groom individuals who mirror themselves. CPA firms that utilize a conscious strategy to retain and develop female professionals, however, are beginning to balance the numbers. Their experiences offer valuable lessons for leaders of any organization striving for sustainable succession planning. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing Organizational Culture in an Indian Manufacturing Firm
Authors: Sinha Vinita , Sheorey Pratima
Published: June 2016

Composed of values, beliefs, norms, language, symbols, and habits, an organization's culture is the systematic way that employees, leaders, and work groups behave and interact with each other. Researchers surveyed top managers at a leading Indian manufacturing firm to determine how strongly the company culture manifested these seven dominant characteristics: innovation and risk taking, attention to detail, people orientation, team orientation, stability and security, aggressiveness, and outcome orientation. They also polled respondents on the organization's subcultures. The results revealed a people‐, detail‐, and outcome‐oriented company that values stability and security over innovation and risk taking and that fosters employee engagement in the form of democratic decision making and teamwork. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐efficiency sample preparation approach to determine acrylamide levels in high‐fat foods
Authors: Li Xiaodan , Li Jinwei , Cao Peirang , Liu Yuanfa
Published: June 2016

An improved sample preparation method was developed to enhance acrylamide recovery in high‐fat foods. Prior to concentration, distilled deionized water was added to protect acrylamide from degradation, resulting in a higher acrylamide recovery rate from fried potato chips. A Chrome‐Matrix C18 column (2.6 μm, 2.1 × 100 mm) was used for the first time to analyze acrylamide levels using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, displaying good separation of acrylamide from interference. A solid‐phase extraction procedure was avoided, and an average recovery of >89.00% was achieved from different food matrices for three different acrylamide spiking levels. Good reproducibility was observed, with an intraday relative standard deviation of 0.04–2.38%, and an interday relative standard deviation of 2.34–3.26%. Thus, combining the improved sample preparation method for acrylamide analysis with the separation on a Chrome‐Matrix C18 column (2.6 μm, 2.1 × 100 mm) using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry is highly useful for analyzing acrylamide levels in complex food matrices.
Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Methods for Soil Erosion Assessments: An Application in a Sloping Mediterranean Watershed, Cyprus
Authors: Djuma Hakan , Bruggeman Adriana , Camera Corrado , Zoumides Christos
Published: June 2016

In arid and semi‐arid regions, water erosion is difficult to model because of highly irregular precipitation regimes and changes in vegetation cover. The application of quantitative, process‐based models at the catchment scale is often problematic because of large data requirements. Qualitative methods require less data and can be more easily performed in a relatively short time, but they are more subjective. The objective of this research is to develop an erosion assessment methodology that combines qualitative field surveys with quantitative model estimates. The qualitative World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) methodology is based on expert observations per mapping unit, while the Pan‐European Soil Erosion Risk Assessment (PESERA) model simulates hill slope soil loss based on land cover, soil texture, meteorological data and slope profile. This study was conducted in the 106·4‐km2 Peristerona watershed in Cyprus with a mean local slope higher than 40% in the mountainous upstream area and less than 8% in the plain. Out of 68 units, PESERA and WOCAT results were in agreement in 40 units, while PESERA results were lower in 25 and higher in 3 units. Both methods identified burnt areas and complex cultivation patterns as the most degraded. The total PESERA‐based sediment yield for the watershed was 1·2 Mg ha−1 y−1, which fell within the range of the sediment yield measured at the check‐dam downstream (0·2–2 Mg ha−1 y−1). This study provides a linkage between qualitative and quantitative soil erosion methods and helps to translate the outcomes of the former into the latter, thus providing a good tool for local erosion assessment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(1,3‐propylene sebacate) and Poly(sebacoyl diglyceride): A Pair of Potential Polymers for the Proliferation and Differentiation of Retinal Progenitor Cells
Authors: Ni Ni , Ji Jing , Chen Shuo , Zhang Dandan , Wang Zi , Shen Bingqiao , Guo Chunyu , Zhang Yi , Wang Shaofei , Fan Xianqun , You Zhengwei , Luo Min , Gu Ping
Published: June 2016

Using suitable polymers as a carrier for growing and delivering retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) is a promising therapeutic strategy in retinal cell‐replacement therapy. Herein recently developed polymer, poly(sebacoyl diglyceride) (PSeD), is selected and its nonhydroxylized counterpart poly(1,3‐propylene sebacate) (PPS) is designed to evaluate their potentials for RPC growth and future RPC application. The structures and mechanical properties of the polymers are characterized. The cytocompatibility and effects of these polymers on RPC proliferation, differentiation, and migration are systematically investigated in vitro. Our data show that PPS and PSeD display excellent cytocompatibility with low expression of inflammation and apoptosis factors, which benefit RPC growth. In proliferation assays reveal that RPCs expands well on the polymers, but PPS performs the best for RPC expansion, indicating that PPS can remarkably promote RPC proliferation. In differentiation conditions, RPCs grown on PSeD are more likely to differentiate toward retinal neurons, including photoreceptors, the most interesting type of cells for retinal cell‐replacement therapy. Additionally, our results demonstrate that RPCs grown on PSeD display an outstanding ability to migrate. In conclusion, PPS can markedly promote RPC proliferation, whereas PSeD can enhance RPC differentiation toward retinal neurons, suggesting that PSeD and PPS have potential applications in future retinal cell‐replacement therapies.

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Simple Synthesis of Aldehyde and Carboxylic Acid Terminated Methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Guastavino Javier F. , Vaillard Victoria A. , Cristaldi Mariano D. , Rossini Lorena , Vaillard Santiago E.
Published: June 2016

mPEG‐aldehydes and activated mPEG‐carboxylic acids on which the polymer and the reactive functional group are separated by aliphatic chains of different lengths, are well known reagents of widespread application in PEGylation technology. The syntheses of these functional polymers are not easy and usually the preparation of each of these compounds requires a very specific set of reagents and experimental conditions. In fact, a general method for their preparation is, still nowadays, unavailable. In this work a simple synthetic method is developed for preparation of mPEG‐aldehydes and carboxylic acids with excellent yields. The key step of the method involves a substitution reaction of mPEG‐mesylate with mono‐alkoxides of symmetrical diols to afford hydroxyl‐terminated polymers, which are converted to the aldehydes and acids by mild oxidation reactions.

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The Effects of Impression Management on Coupon Redemption across Cultures
Authors: Kim Claire Heeryung , Yi Youjae
Published: June 2016

This research examines the effects of impression management on consumers’ coupon redemption and suggests different underlying mechanisms with respect to cultural self‐construal. Four studies show that, when primed with impression management, individualistic (vs. collectivistic) consumers are more likely to redeem coupons, because individualists believe that coupon redemption creates the impression of being smart. On the other hand, collectivistic consumers are less likely to redeem coupons when coupon usage is visible to others, because they believe that coupon redemption gives the impression of being cheap. These findings are explained within the context of cultural self‐construal and regulatory focus theory.
Electro‐Optic Function of Liquid Crystal Displays Doped with Poly(γ‐cyclodextrin)‐Protected ZrO2/Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Shiraishi Yukihide , Watanabe Chiyomi , Sawai Hiroya , Asano Hitoshi , Toshima Naoki
Published: June 2016

We prepared poly (γ‐cyclodextrin)‐protected zirconia/gold (PγCyD‐ZrO2/Au) nanoparticles. Particles in colloidal dispersions of PγCyD‐ZrO2/Au nanoparticles have an average diameter of 3.1–4.6 nm. The nanoparticles were dispersed in practical liquid crystal (NTN01) to construct novel twisted nematic liquid crystal displays. The response time of this twisted nematic liquid crystal displays in the presence of PγCyD‐ZrO2/Au nanoparticles was faster than that in the absence of nanoparticles.
Versatility of pedicled anterolateral thigh flap in gynecologic reconstruction after vulvar cancer extirpative surgery
Authors: Gentileschi Stefano , Servillo Maria , Garganese Giorgia , Simona Fragomeni , Scambia Giovanni , Salgarello Marzia
Published: June 2016

Objective

Ablative surgery for vulvar cancer can involve the resection of perineum, vagina, urethra, groins, mons pubis, and abdominal wall creating complex defects. In our opinion, ALT flap is an ideal flap for reconstruction, because of low incidence of complications, long pedicle outside the radiotherapy field, capability of carrying fascia and muscle, possibility of sensate reconstruction, and low donor site morbidity. The purpose of this report is to describe our experience with ALT flap for reconstruction after vulvar cancer extirpative surgery, discussing our indications for complex defects and focusing on its versatility.

Patients and Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 15 cases of complex postoncologic gynecological wounds, reconstructed with 16 pedicled ALT flap, after vulvar cancer ablative surgery between 2014 and 2016. Age of the patients ranged from 44 to 77, with mean age of 62.6. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated.

Results

The flap size ranged from 12 × 8 cm to 22 × 15 cm., in two cases we harvested vastus lateralis to fill the dead space after pelvic exenteration. In nine flaps, we could include only 1 perforator, in 7 we could use two, 5 were septocutaneous and 18 myocutaneous with a pedicle length ranging from9cm.to15cm.We had no flap necrosis.3 flaps showed dehiscence of a part of the wound that healed by dressings. In one case of obese patient the donor site showed partial wound edge necrosis, and required secondary grafting. During follow‐up that ranged from 1 month to 2 years, cancer relapsed locally in 5 patients. Global performance and specific pain improved after surgery.

Conclusion

ALT flap should be included in the first line options for reconstructions of complex defects resulting from vulvar cancer surgery because of its reliability and versatility. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:516–524, 2017.
Statin use and the risk of developing diabetes: a network meta‐analysis
Authors: Thakker Divyesh , Nair Sunita , Pagada Amit , Jamdade Vinayak , Malik Anuradha
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Randomized controlled trials have shown mixed findings regarding the association of statins and diabetes. This systematic literature review and network meta‐analysis (NMA) was performed to update evidence on this association to possibly assist clinicians in making more informed treatment choices.

Methods

We identified studies relevant to our NMA by performing study searches in databases like Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed, published between August 2010 and June 2014. Pre‐2010 studies were identified from bibliography of previously published meta‐analyses. Unpublished study data were found from clinicaltrial.gov. Data synthesis was performed by pairwise meta‐analysis and NMA within a Frequentist framework.

Results

Twenty nine trials in which 1 63 039 participants had been randomized were included in this review; among these 1 41 863 were non‐diabetic patients. The direct meta‐analysis showed that statins, as a class, significantly increased the likelihood of developing diabetes by 12% (pooled OR 1.12; 95%CI 1.05–1.21; I236%;p = 0.002; 18 RCTs). In the NMA, atorvastatin 80 mg was associated with a highest risk of diabetes, with OR of 1.34 (95%CI 1.14–1.57) followed by rosuvastatin (OR: 1.17; 95%CI: 1.02–1.35). The ORs (95%CIs) for simvastatin 80 mg, simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin, lovastatin and pitavastatin were 1.21 (0.99–1.49), 1.13 (0.99–1.29), 1.13 (0.94–1.34), 1.04 (0.93–1.16), 0.98 (0.69–1.38) and 0.74 (0.31–1.77), respectively. High‐dose atorvastatin increased the odds of developing diabetes even when compared with pravastatin, simvastatin and low‐dose atorvastatin in the NMA.

Conclusions

Based on the results, statins, as a class, increased the risk of diabetes significantly in the pairwise meta‐analysis. Overall, there appears to be a small increased risk of incident diabetes, particularly with more intensive statin therapy, although more data would be valuable to increase the robustness of this interpretation, given that the lower confidence intervals of our study analyses are close to, or just crossing one. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of vertical distribution of thiophene‐based copolymers containing 4,7‐Dithien‐2‐yl‐benzo[C][1,2,5]thiadiazole and 3,6‐Dithien‐2‐yl‐pyrrolo[3,4‐C]pyrrole‐1,4(2H,5H)‐dione as Side Groups for Photovoltaics
Authors: Choi Min‐Hee , Ho Lee Tae , Woon Han Yong , Kyung Moon Doo
Published: June 2016

Four new D—A type copolymers with 2D‐conjugated side‐chain identified PfToBT, PbToBT, PfTDPP and PbTDPP, containing two acceptors 4,7‐dithien‐2‐yl‐benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (DTBT), and diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) linked by thiophene donors, are obtained using Pd‐catalyzed Stille‐coupling reaction. These polymers show a broad visible‐near‐infrared absorption band (Eg = 1.79–1.66 eV) and possess a relatively low‐lying HOMO level at −5.34 to −5.12 eV. All the polymer:PC70BM blend films showed edge‐on structure and have similar dπ‐spacing values. According to the structure of conjugated side‐chain, the vertical distributions of polymer chains and PC70BM within the BHJ (bulk heterojunction) were different. When DPP used as an acceptor, conjugated side chains of the polymer coexisted with PC70BM in same position. The BHJ film prepared from PfToBT, PbToBT had a discontinuous network between polymer and PC70BM, whereas films from PfTDPP and PbTDPP formed continuous and evenly distributed network between them. This optimized vertical morphology promotes hole transport along respective pathways of polymers and fullerenes in the vertical direction, leading to high JSC. PbTDPP shows PCE up to 2.9% (Jsc of 9.4 mA/cm2, Voc of 0.68 V, and FF of 0.44). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2746–2759
A 2‐year dyadic longitudinal study of mothers' and fathers' marital adjustment when caring for a child with cancer
Authors: Burns W. , Péloquin K. , Sultan S. , Moghrabi A. , Marcoux S. , Krajinovic M. , Sinnett D. , Laverdière C. , Robaey P.
Published: June 2016

Objective

Studies examining interrelationships within parental couples confronted with pediatric cancer are scarce. This study explored dyadic longitudinal associations between both partners' family functioning and mood at diagnosis, and marital adjustment 2 years later.

Method

Parents of children (n = 47 couples) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) completed the Family Well‐Being Assessment and Profile of Mood States‐Bipolar Form at diagnosis, and the Locke–Wallace Marital Adjustment Test 2 years post diagnosis. Multilevel linear models using the actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) and controlling for baseline marital adjustment were conducted to evaluate within subject and dyadic longitudinal effects.

Results

For mothers, better marital adjustment 2 years post diagnosis was associated with perception of greater family support and less role conflict and role overload at diagnosis. For fathers, better marital adjustment 2 years post‐diagnosis was associated with perception of less role conflict, greater role ambiguity, and being more tired at diagnosis, as well as their partner's perception of less role conflict at diagnosis.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of considering both partners' perspectives in understanding marital adjustment across treatment phases in parents of children with ALL. Early interventions for couples should be tailored to meet each partner's needs in order to foster resilience within the couple.
Development of a control algorithm for the ultrasound scanning robot (NCCUSR) using ultrasound image and force feedback
Authors: Kim Yeoun Jae , Seo Jong Hyun , Kim Hong Rae , Kim Kwang Gi
Published: June 2016

Background

Clinicians who frequently perform ultrasound scanning procedures often suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis, and myalgias. To minimize their occurrence and to assist clinicians, ultrasound scanning robots have been developed worldwide. Although, to date, there is still no commercially available ultrasound scanning robot, many control methods have been suggested and researched. These control algorithms are either image based or force based. If the ultrasound scanning robot control algorithm was a combination of the two algorithms, it could benefit from the advantage of each one. However, there are no existing control methods for ultrasound scanning robots that combine force control and image analysis. Therefore, in this work, a control algorithm is developed for an ultrasound scanning robot using force feedback and ultrasound image analysis.

Methods

A manipulator‐type ultrasound scanning robot named ‘NCCUSR’ is developed and a control algorithm for this robot is suggested and verified. First, conventional hybrid position–force control is implemented for the robot and the hybrid position–force control algorithm is combined with ultrasound image analysis to fully control the robot. The control method is verified using a thyroid phantom.

Results

It was found that the proposed algorithm can be applied to control the ultrasound scanning robot and experimental outcomes suggest that the images acquired using the proposed control method can yield a rating score that is equivalent to images acquired directly by the clinicians.

Conclusions

The proposed control method can be applied to control the ultrasound scanning robot. However, more work must be completed to verify the proposed control method in order to become clinically feasible. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The halotolerant Debaryomyces hansenii, the Cinderella of non‐conventional yeasts
Authors: Prista Catarina , Michán Carmen , Miranda Isabel M. , Ramos José
Published: June 2016

Debaryomyces hansenii is a halotolerant yeast with a high biotechnological potential, particularly in the food industry. However, research in this yeast is limited by its molecular peculiarities. In this review we summarize the state of the art of research in this microorganisms, describing both pros and cons. We discuss (i) its halotolerance, (ii) the molecular factors involved in saline and osmotic stress, (iii) its high gene density and ambiguous CUG decoding, and (iv) its biotechnological and medical interests. We trust that all the bottlenecks in its study will soon be overcome and D. hansenii will become a fundamental organism for food biotechnological processes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insight into rime ice accretion on an aircraft wing and corresponding effects on aerodynamic performance
Authors: Cao Y. , Huang J. , Xu Z. , Yin J.
Published: June 2016

A method based on the Eulerian two-phase flow theory to numerically simulate three-dimensional rime ice accretions on an aircraft wing is presented in this paper. The governing equations for supercooled droplet motion under Eulerian framework are established using the droplet pseudo-fluid model. A permeable wall boundary condition is proposed to simulate the phenomenon of droplets impinging on the wing in solving the governing equations for droplets. The local droplet collection efficiency is readily obtained from the droplet flowfield solution in the control volume adjacent to the wing surface. The rime ice accretion can be simulated under the assumption that the droplets freeze immediately as they impinge on the wing surface since the environment temperature is low enough (typically below –15°C). A method to build the ice shape is proposed based on the assumption that ice grows in the direction normal to the wing surface. The rime ice accretion on a GLC-305 swept wing model under some specific conditions has been simulated to validate the present method. Furthermore, different flight conditions, namely, different angles of attack and different angles of sideslip, have been dealt with to investigate their effects on rime ice accretion as well as the corresponding aerodynamic effects.
Investigating the Course and Predictors of Desire to Void After Stroke with the New Desire to Void Scale: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kawakami Michiyuki , Nakayama Chiaki , Liu Meigen
Published: June 2016

Objective: The aims of the study were to: (1) test the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of our originally developed desire to void scale (DVS); and (2) investigate the time course of the DV after stroke during the post-acute phase.

Methods: DVS was tested by having two independent raters assess the scale and calculating the weighted kappa. To evaluate its concurrent validity, Pearson's correlation coefficients between DVS and the bladder management item of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) were calculated. A prospective analysis of the time course of the DVS and its relationships with age, sex, stroke type, paretic side, and the FIM score in 103 patients hospitalised in a rehabilitation ward was then performed. To quantify its responsiveness, standardised response means during the recovering phase of stroke were obtained. To predict discharge DVS scores from demographic characteristics and admission status, multiple regression analysis was performed.

Results: The DVS had satisfactory inter- and intra-rater reliabilities. The standardised response means for DVS from admission to discharge was .58. The discharge DVS improved significantly when compared with the admission DVS. Stroke type, admission DVS, and cognition scores of the FIM were independent predictors of discharge DVS.
HONORING THY PARENT(S): APPLYING THE SPIRITUAL DOMAIN IN PALLIATIVE CARE DECISION MAKING
Authors: Meyerson Edith M. , Meier Diane E. , Kestenbaum Allison
Published: June 2016

Palliative care is an interdisciplinary approach to caring for individuals and families who are suffering with serious illness. Medical and psycho-social-spiritual symptoms and needs are assessed and addressed. Much of palliative care is about working with patients and families to bring their context to light, that is, to understand not only their medical situation but also their wishes, values, cultural background, previous experiences, and quality of life. As palliative care clinicians, we have seen how popular understanding and misunderstanding about what it means to “honor thy mother and father” can influence medical decision making. Whether or not adult children of patients have familiarity with the honor commandment, the biblical text “honor thy father and mother,” or whether they identify with a particular religious tradition, this theme plays a central—and often unaddressed—role as adult children strive to make decisions with and for a seriously ill parent. In this article we examine the commandment to honor one's father and mother by exploring its religious, spiritual, textual, and cultural origins, as well as subsequent Jewish commentary. We also contextualize the honor commandment in the palliative care setting through clinical case studies that illustrate the concerns of adult children who wish to honor their parents but are perplexed or conflicted about what this mandate means in the face of difficult medical and psycho-social-spiritual circumstances.
Perspectives in motion: the case of metaphorical temporal statements in Spanish
Authors: REALI FLORENCIA , LLERAS MARTIN
Published: June 2016

abstract

Interpreting temporal statements involves adopting alternative frames of reference. Previous work has shown that people draw on time-moving or ego-moving perspectives to interpret statements such as Next Wednesday´s meeting has been moved forward two days. The expression move forward in English can be translated into Spanish as mover hacia adelante or adelantar. Corpus data show that when these expressions are used metaphorically to describe time, the former is typically used to describe events parting from the ego (ego-moving perspective) while the latter is typically used to describe events moving towards the ego (time-moving perspective). We provide empirical evidence that different frames of reference are elicited depending on the specific metaphorical expression in Spanish (Corpus Analysis, Experiments 1 and 2), to the extent that the use of these linguistic forms in temporal sentences affects subsequent spatial reasoning (Experiment 3). We conclude that Spanish has some metaphorical expressions that are not neutral regarding the ego-/time-moving perspectives, and that their use affects how people draw on spatial motion schemas when thinking about time and space.
Sodium pyrophosphate enhances iron bioavailability from bouillon cubes fortified with ferric pyrophosphate
Authors: Cercamondi Colin I. , Duchateau Guus S. M. J. E. , Harika Rajwinder K. , van den Berg Robin , Murray Peter , Koppenol Wieneke P. , Zeder Christophe , Zimmermann Michael B. , Moretti Diego
Published: June 2016

Fe fortification of centrally manufactured and frequently consumed condiments such as bouillon cubes could help prevent Fe deficiency in developing countries. However, Fe compounds that do not cause sensory changes in the fortified product, such as ferric pyrophosphate (FePP), exhibit low absorption in humans. Tetra sodium pyrophosphate (NaPP) can form soluble complexes with Fe, which could increase Fe bioavailability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate Fe bioavailability from bouillon cubes fortified with either FePP only, FePP+NaPP, ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) only, or FeSO4+NaPP. We first conductedin vitrostudies using a protocol of simulated digestion to assess the dialysable and ionic Fe, and the cellular ferritin response in a Caco-2 cell model. Second, Fe absorption from bouillon prepared from intrinsically labelled cubes (2·5 mg stable Fe isotopes/cube) was assessed in twenty-four Fe-deficient women, by measuring Fe incorporation into erythrocytes 2 weeks after consumption. Fe bioavailability in humans increased by 46 % (P<0·005) when comparing bouillons fortified with FePP only (4·4 %) and bouillons fortified with FePP+NaPP (6·4 %). Fe absorption from bouillons fortified with FeSO4only and with FeSO4+NaPP was 33·8 and 27·8 %, respectively (NS). The outcome from the human study is in agreement with the dialysable Fe from thein vitroexperiments. Our findings suggest that the addition of NaPP could be a promising strategy to increase Fe absorption from FePP-fortified bouillon cubes, and if confirmed by further research, for other fortified foods with complex food matrices as well.
Polyphenol- and fibre-rich dried fruits with green tea attenuate starch-derived postprandial blood glucose and insulin: a randomised, controlled, single-blind, cross-over intervention
Authors: Nyambe-Silavwe H. , Williamson G.
Published: June 2016

Polyphenol- and fibre-rich foods (PFRF) have the potential to affect postprandial glycaemic responses by reducing glucose absorption, and thus decreasing the glycaemic response of foods when consumed together. A randomised, single-blind, cross-over study was conducted on sixteen healthy volunteers to test whether PFRF could attenuate postprandial blood glucose in healthy volunteers when added to a source of carbohydrate (starch in bread). This is the first study to examine the effects of a meal comprised of components to inhibit each stage of the biochemical pathway, leading up to the appearance of glucose in the blood. The volunteers were fasted and attended four visits: two control visits (bread, water, balancing sugars) and two test visits (single and double dose of PFRF) where they consumed bread, water and PFRF. Blood samples were collected at 0 (fasted), 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min after consumption. The PFRF components were tested for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential in vitro. Plasma glucose was lower after consumption of both doses compared with controls: lower dose, change in mean incremental areas under the glucose curves (IAUC)=−27·4 (sd 7·5) %, P<0·001; higher dose, IAUC=−49·0 (sd 15·3) %, P<0·001; insulin IAUC was also attenuated by−46·9 (sd 13·4) %, P<0·01. Consistent with this, the polyphenol components of the PFRF inhibited α-amylase (green tea, strawberry, blackberry and blackcurrant) and α-glucosidase (green tea) activities in vitro. The PFRF have a pronounced and significant lowering effect on postprandial blood glucose and insulin response in humans, due in part to inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, as well as glucose transport.
Ordovician reef and mound evolution: the Baltoscandian picture
Authors: KRÖGER BJÖRN , HINTS LINDA , LEHNERT OLIVER
Published: June 2016

The widespread growth of reefs formed by a framework of biogenic constructors and frame-lacking carbonate mounds began on Baltica during Ordovician time. Previously, Ordovician reef and mound development on Baltica was considered to be sporadic and local. A review of all known bioherm localities across the Baltic Basin reveals a more consistent pattern. Ordovician bioherms grew in a wide E–W-aligned belt across the Baltic Basin and occur in several places in Norway. Substantial reef development began simultaneously across the region during the late Sandbian – early Katian interval and climaxed during the late Katian Pirgu age. The current spatiotemporal distribution of bioherms is a result of interdependent factors that involve original drivers of reef development such as relative sea level, climate during the time of deposition and effects of post-depositional erosion. Oceanographic conditions were likely more favourable during times of cooler global climates, low sea level and glacial episodes. At the same time, the likelihood that bioherms are preserved from long-term erosion is higher when deposited during low sea level in deeper parts of the basin. A main factor controlling the timing of the reef and mound evolution was Baltica's shift toward palaeotropical latitudes during Late Ordovician time. The time equivalence between initial reef growth and the Guttenberg isotope carbon excursion (GICE) suggests that global climatic conditions were important.
The age-thickening of sweetened condensed milk: III. The effect of ions
Authors: Samel Ruth , Muers M. M.
Published: June 2016

Age-thickening of sweetened condensed separated milk can be greatly reduced by removing part of the diffusible salts by dialysis of the milk before processing. This treatment is still effective after high-temperature preheating, which indicates that denaturation of the whey proteins does not influence age-thickening independently of the milk salts.

When added at the level of 20 m-equiv./kg of condensed milk to the milk before condensing, those polyvalent anions (phosphate, oxalate, citrate, ethylenediaminetetra- acetate) which have the property of forming undissociated or insoluble calcium salts greatly increase the rate of age-thickening. Fluoride, which forms an insoluble calcium salt but is monovalent, has the opposite effect.

It is suggested that both natural and added polyvalent anions destabilize the condensed milk by forming linkages between the calcium atoms of the calcium caseinate micelles, producing the larger, more asymmetric units which were postulated in Part I to account for the viscosity changes during age-thickening. Fluoride would have the opposite effect by combining with the calcium, and so preventing such linkage formation by the polyvalent anions.

When added to the milk at the same level as the anions, divalent cations, especially calcium and zinc, reduce the rate of age-thickening. It is suggested that this is due to removal of milk-serum anions, particularly phosphate and citrate, as insoluble or undissociated salts.

The effect of both anions and cations added after condensing is almost the opposite of that produced by the same ion before condensing, with the exception that phosphate increases age-thickening in both cases. There is as yet no clear explanation for this observation.