bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Informed consent conversations and documents: A quantitative comparison
Authors: Koyfman Shlomo A. , Reddy Chandana A. , Hizlan Sabahat , Leek Angela C. , Kodish and Eric D. ,   on behalf of the Phase I Informed Consent (POIC) Research Team
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Informed consent for clinical research includes 2 components: informed consent documents (ICDs) and informed consent conversations (ICCs). Readability software has been used to help simplify the language of the ICD, but to the authors' knowledge is rarely used to assess the language used during the ICC, which may influence the quality of informed consent. The current analysis was performed to determine whether length and reading levels of transcribed ICCs are lower than their corresponding ICDs for selected clinical trials, and to assess whether investigator experience affected the use of simpler language and comprehensiveness.

METHODS

The current study was a prospective study in which ICCs were audiorecorded at 6 institutions when families were offered participation in pediatric phase I oncology trials. Word count, Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and Flesch Reading Ease score (FRES) of the ICCs were compared with corresponding ICDs, including the frequency with which investigators addressed 8 prespecified critical consent elements during the ICC.

RESULTS

Sixty‐nine unique physician/protocol pairs were identified. Overall, ICCs contained fewer words (4677 vs 6364 words; P = .0016) and had a lower FKGL (6 vs 9.7; P ≤ .0001) and a higher FRES (77.8 vs 56.7; P<.0001) compared with their respective ICDs, but were more likely to omit critical consent elements, such as voluntariness (55%) and dose‐limiting toxicities (26%). Years of investigator experience was not correlated with reliably covering critical elements or decreased linguistic complexity.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians use more understandable language during ICCs than the corresponding ICD, but appear to less reliably cover elements critical to fully informed consent. Efforts focused at providing communication training for clinician‐investigators should be made to optimize the synergy between the ICD and the ICC. Cancer 2016;122:464–469. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Neomycin damage and regeneration of hair cells in both mechanoreceptor and electroreceptor lateral line organs of the larval Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)
Authors: Fan Chunxin , Zou Sha , Wang Jian , Zhang Bo , Song Jiakun
Published: October 2015

The lateral line found in some amphibians and fishes has two distinctive classes of sensory organs: mechanoreceptors (neuromasts) and electroreceptors (ampullary organs). Hair cells in neuromasts can be damaged by aminoglycoside antibiotics and they will regenerate rapidly afterward. Aminoglycoside sensitivity and the capacity for regeneration have not been investigated in ampullary organs. We treated Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) larvae with neomycin and observed loss and regeneration of sensory hair cells in both organs by labeling with DASPEI and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The numbers of sensory hair cells in both organs were reduced to the lowest levels at 6 hours posttreatment (hpt). New sensory hair cells began to appear at 12 hpt and were regenerated completely in 7 days. To reveal the possible mechanism for ampullary hair cell regeneration, we analyzed cell proliferation and the expression of neural placodal gene eya1 during regeneration. Both cell proliferation and eya1 expression were concentrated in peripheral mantle cells and both increased to the highest level at 12 hpt, which is consistent with the time course for regeneration of the ampullary hair cells. Furthermore, we used Texas Red‐conjugated gentamicin in an uptake assay following pretreatment with a cation channel blocker (amiloride) and found that entry of the antibiotic was suppressed in both organs. Together, our results indicate that ampullary hair cells in Siberian sturgeon larvae can be damaged by neomycin exposure and they can regenerate rapidly. We suggest that the mechanisms for aminoglycoside uptake and hair cell regeneration are conserved for mechanoreceptors and electroreceptors. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:1443–1456, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cross‐Polarization Electron‐Nuclear Double Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Rizzato Roberto , Bennati Marina
Published: October 2015

Magnetic nuclei in the proximity of a paramagnetic center can be polarized through electron‐nuclear cross‐polarization and detected in electron‐nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopy. This principle is demonstrated in a single‐crystal model sample as well as on a protein, the β2 subunit of E.coli ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), which contains an essential tyrosyl radical. ENDOR is a fundamental technique to detect magnetic nuclei coupled to paramagnetic centers. It is widely employed in biological and materials sciences. Despite its utility, its sensitivity in real samples is about one to two orders of magnitude lower than conventional electron paramagnetic resonance, thus restricting its application potential. Herein, we report the performance of a recently introduced concept to polarize nuclear spins and detect their ENDOR spectrum, which is based on electron‐nuclear cross polarization (eNCP). A single‐crystal study permits us to disentangle eNCP conditions and CP‐ENDOR intensities, providing the experimental foundation in agreement with the theoretical prediction. The CP‐ENDOR performance on a real protein sample is best demonstrated with the spectra of the essential tyrosyl radical in the β2 subunit of E.coli RNR.
Monoanionic Dipyrrin–Pyridine Ligands: Synthesis, Structure and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Ducloiset Clémence , Jouin Pauline , Paredes Elisa , Guillot Régis , Sircoglou Marie , Orio Maylis , Leibl Winfried , Aukauloo Ally
Published: October 2015

A novel monoanionic tetradentate N4 ligand (F5DPPy) based on a dipyrromethene skeleton as a molecular platform and decorated with pyridine rings at the 1‐ and 9‐positions of the dipyrrin motif has been prepared and characterized. Interestingly, although this ligand is weakly fluorescent, it presents a chelation‐enhanced fluorescence effect of around 150 times upon coordination to ZnII. Time‐dependent (TD) DFT calculations reproduce nicely the spectroscopic features of both the ligand and the complex, and analysis of the electron density redistribution in the excited state suggests that a better orbital overlap of the HOMO and LUMO in F5DPPyZnCl compared with F5DPPy is responsible for the more intense transitions observed with the former system. As such, this ligand opens interesting perspectives in the design of ratiometric sensors.
Bright Cyan Phosphorescence of a (Phosphane)copper(I) Complex of the Tri­hydrido­pyrazolylborate Ligand H3B(3,5‐Ph2Pz)–
Authors: van Dijkman Thomas F. , de Bruijn Hans M. , Siegler Maxime A. , Bouwman Elisabeth
Published: October 2015

The ligand trihydrido(3,5‐diphenylpyrazol‐1‐yl)borate([MpPh2]–) has been synthesized from 3,5‐diphenylpyrazole and sodium borohydride in N,N‐dimethylformamide. By using this ligand, three phosphane‐stabilized copper(I) complexes [Cu(MpPh2)(L2)] [L2 = (PPh3)2, 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane (dppe), or 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)benzene (dppbz)] were synthesized. The complexes were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and X‐ray crystallography. The crystal structures of these complexes show that the copper ions are in trigonal‐pyramidal geometries with the apical position formed by agostic Cu–H interactions between the CuI center and one of the hydride atoms of the borate ligand. Complexes [Cu(MpPh2)(PPh3)2] and [Cu(MpPh2)(dppbz)] are mononuclear, whereas complex [Cu2(MpPh2)2(μ‐dppe)2] is dinuclear with bridging dppe ligands. In the solid state, fluorescent emissions are observed in [Cu(MpPh2)(PPh3)2] and [Cu2(MpPh2)2(μ‐dppe)2] but not in [Cu(MpPh2)(dppbz)], which exhibits bright cyan phosphorescence at room temperature that shifts to green when the sample is cooled to 77 K. The phosphorescence of [Cu(MpPh2)(dppbz)] is attributed to mixed interligand and metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer 3(MLCT + π–π*) excited states.
Dielectrophoretic manipulation of particle mixtures employing asymmetric insulating posts
Authors: Saucedo‐Espinosa Mario A. , LaLonde Alexandra , Gencoglu Aytug , Romero‐Creel Maria F. , Dolas Jay R. , Lapizco‐Encinas Blanca H.
Published: October 2015

A novel scheme for particle separation with insulator‐based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) was developed. This technique offers the capability for an inverted order in particle elution, where larger particles leave the system before smaller particles. Asymmetrically shaped insulating posts, coupled with direct current (DC) biased low‐frequency alternating current (AC) electric potentials, were used to successfully separate a mixture of 500 nm and 1 μm polystyrene particles (size difference of 0.5 μm in diameter). In this separation, the 1 μm particles were eluted first, demonstrating the discriminatory potential of this methodology. To extend this technique to biological samples, a mixture containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells (6.3 μm) and 2 μm polystyrene particles was also separated, with the cells being eluted first. The asymmetric posts featured a shorter sharp half and a longer blunt half; this produced an asymmetry in the forces exerted on the particles. The negative DC offset produced a net displacement of the smaller particles toward the upstream direction, while the post asymmetry produced a net displacement of the larger particles toward the downstream direction. This new iDEP approach provides a setup where larger particles are quickly concentrated at the outlet of the post array and can be released first when in a mixture with smaller particles. This new scheme offers an extra set of parameters (alternating current amplitude, DC offset, post asymmetry, and shape) that can be manipulated to obtain a desired separation. This asymmetric post iDEP technique has potential for separations where it is important to quickly elute and enrich larger and more fragile cells in biological samples.
Review the top 7 things you need to know right now about campus security
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: October 2015

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — With the increased scrutiny on sexual violence in higher education, more students and parents are regarding campus safety as one of the major factors in choosing a college. You will need to stay up‐to‐date on the trends and concerns facing campus security today to keep your enrollment and retention numbers high.
Improve processes, reinvent yourself to stay on the cutting edge
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: October 2015

When Monterey Sims took a job in the Office of Admissions and Records at the University of Phoenix 21 years ago, her first task involved transcript data entry. Sims has worked many roles in the Office of Admissions and is currently director of admissions and evaluation. “It's really all about continuing to reinvent yourself,” she said. “Professionals who may not be able or willing to move around must find ways to continuously grow in their profession.”
A data fusion approach for spatial analysis of speciated PM2.5 across time
Authors: Rundel Colin W. , Schliep Erin M. , Gelfand Alan E. , Holland David M.
Published: October 2015

PM2.5 exposure is linked to a number of adverse health effects such as lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, PM2.5 is a complex mixture of different species whose composition varies substantially in both space and time. An open question is how these constituent species contribute to the overall negative health outcomes seen from PM2.5 exposure. To this end, the Environmental Protection Agency as well as other federal, state, and local organization monitor total PM2.5 along with its primary species on a national scale. From an epidemiological perspective, there is a need to develop effective methods that will allow for the spatially and temporally sparse observations to be used to predict exposures for locations across the entire United States.

Toward this objective, we have collected data from three separate monitoring station networks as well as output from a deterministic atmospheric computer model. We introduce a novel multi‐level speciated PM2.5 model, which captures the following features: (1) it fuses data from three monitoring networks; (2) it simultaneously models each of the five primary components of PM2.5 from each network along with the computer model output; (3) it introduces species and network level measurement error models as well as total PM2.5 measurement error models, all varying around the respective latent true levels; (4) it incorporates an unobserved “other” species component as well as a sum constraint such that the total is physically consistent (i.e., total must be equal to the sum of the primary species and “other”), which is not always the case with the observed data. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Characterization of Alkoxy Spirophosphoranes Prepared from Hydrospirophosphoranes and Sodium Alcoholates
Authors: Dai Wang , Liu Qiangqiang , You Xiaohui , Zhou Zhongfei , Guo Yanchun , Zhao Yufen , Cao Shuxia
Published: October 2015

The Atherton–Todd‐type reaction of hydrospirophosphoranes (HSPs) and sodium alcoholates was investigated. Direct alkoxylation of HSPs was accomplished with sodium alcoholates in acetonitrile under nitrogen atmosphere. The stereochemistry mechanism of the alkoxidation of HSPs was proposed by the 31P NMR tracing experiment. The reaction proceeded via the chlorinated spirophosphorane intermediate with stereoretention of the configuration at phosphorus, followed by the rear and front attack of alkoxide anions to produce alkoxy spirophosphoranes. The reaction mechanism well explained the results of the reaction of HSPs with sodium alcoholates.
A concurrent ultra‐fractionated radiation therapy and temozolomide treatment: A promising therapy for newly diagnosed, inoperable glioblastoma
Authors: Beauchesne P. , Quillien V. , Faure G. , Bernier V. , Noel G. , Quetin P. , Gorlia T. , Carnin C. , Pedeux R.
Published: October 2015

We report on a phase II clinical trial to determine the effect of a concurrent ultra‐fractionated radiotherapy and temozolomide treatment in inoperable glioblastoma patients. A phase II study opened; patients over 18 years of age who were able to give informed consent and had histologically proven, newly diagnosed inoperable diagnosed and supratentorial glioblastoma were eligible. Three doses of 0.75 Gy spaced apart by at least 4 hr were delivered daily, 5 days a week for six consecutive weeks for a total of 67.5 Gy. Chemotherapy was administered during the same period, which consisted of temozolomide given at a dose of 75 mg/m2 for 7 days a week. After a 4‐week break, chemotherapy was resumed for up to six cycles of adjuvant temozolomide treatment, given every 28 days, according to the standard 5‐day regimen. Tolerance and toxicity were the primary endpoints; survival and progression‐free survival were the secondary endpoints. In total, 40 patients were enrolled in this study, 29 men and 11 women. The median age was 58 years, and the median Karnofsky performance status was 80. The concomitant ultra‐fractionated radiotherapy and temozolomide treatment was well tolerated. Complete responses were seen in four patients, and partial responses were reported in seven patients. The median survival from the initial diagnosis was 16 months. Several long‐term survivors were noted. Concurrent ultra‐fractionated radiation therapy and temozolomide treatment are well accepted by the patients. The results showed encouraging survival rates for these unfavorable patients.
Optimization of singlet oxygen production from photosensitizer‐incorporated, medically relevant hydrogels
Authors: De Baróid Áine T. , McCoy Colin P. , Craig Rebecca A. , Carson Louise , Andrews Gavin P. , Jones David S. , Gorman Sean P.
Published: October 2015

Photodynamic therapy and photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy are widely used, but despite this, the relationships between fluence, wavelength of irradiation and singlet oxygen (1O2) production are poorly understood. To establish the relationships between these factors in medically relevant materials, the effect of fluence on 1O2 production from a tetrakis(4‐N‐methylpyridyl)porphyrin (TMPyP)‐incorporated 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate: methyl methacrylate: methacrylic acid (HEMA: MMA:MAA) copolymer, a total energy of 50.48 J/cm2, was applied at varying illumination power, and times. 1O2 production was characterized using anthracene‐9,10‐dipropionic acid, disodium salt (ADPA) using a recently described method. Using two light sources, a white LED array and a white halogen source, the LED array was found to produce less 1O2 than the halogen source when the same power (over 500 − 600 nm) and time conditions were applied. Importantly, it showed that the longest wavelength Q band (590 nm) is primarily responsible for 1O2 generation, and that a linear relationship exists between increasing power and time and the production of singlet oxygen. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 320–326, 2017.
DAMQT 2.1.0: A new version of the DAMQT package enabled with the topographical analysis of electron density and electrostatic potential in molecules
Authors: Kumar Anmol , Yeole Sachin D. , Gadre Shridhar R. , López Rafael , Rico Jaime F. , Ramírez Guillermo , Ema Ignacio , Zorrilla David
Published: October 2015

DAMQT‐2.1.0 is a new version of DAMQT package which includes topographical analysis of molecular electron density (MED) and molecular electrostatic potential (MESP), such as mapping of critical points (CPs), creating molecular graphs, and atomic basins. Mapping of CPs is assisted with algorithmic determination of Euler characteristic in order to provide a necessary condition for locating all possible CPs. Apart from the mapping of CPs and determination of molecular graphs, the construction of MESP‐based atomic basin is a new and exclusive feature introduced in DAMQT‐2.1.0. The GUI in DAMQT provides a user‐friendly interface to run the code and visualize the final outputs. MPI libraries have been implemented for all the tasks to develop the parallel version of the software. Almost linear scaling of computational time is achieved with the increasing number of processors while performing various aspects of topography. A brief discussion of molecular graph and atomic basin is provided in the current article highlighting their chemical importance. Appropriate example sets have been presented for demonstrating the functions and efficiency of the code. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interplay between tetrel and triel bonds inRC6H4CN⋯MF3CN⋯BX3complexes: A combined symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory, Møller‐Plesset, and quantum theory of atoms‐in‐molecules study
Authors: Yourdkhani Sirous , Korona Tatiana , Hadipour Nasser L.
Published: October 2015

Intermolecular ternary complexes composed of: (1) the centrally placed trifluoroacetonitrile or its higher analogs with central carbon exchanged by silicon or germanium (M = C, Si, Ge), (2) the benzonitrile molecule or itsparaderivatives on one side, and (3) the boron trifluoride of trichloride molecule (X = F, Cl) on the opposite side as well as the corresponding intermolecular tetrel‐ and triel‐bonded binary complexes, were investigated by symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) and the supermolecular Møller‐Plesset method (MP2) at the complete basis set limit for optimized geometries. A character of interactions was studied by quantum theory of atoms‐in‐molecules (QTAIM). A comparison of interaction energies and QTAIM bond descriptors for dimers and trimers reveals that tetrel and triel bonds increase in their strength if present together in the trimer. For the triel‐bonded complex, this growth leads to a change of the bond character from closed‐shell to partly covalent for Si or Ge tetrel atoms, so the resulting bonding scheme corresponds to a preliminary stage of the2 reaction. Limitations of the Lewis theory of acids and bases were shown by its failure in predicting the stability order of the triel complexes. The necessity of including interaction energy terms beyond the electrostatic component for an elucidation of the nature ofσ‐ andπ‐holes was presented by a SAPT energy decomposition and by a study of differences in monomer electrostatic potentials obtained either from isolated monomer densities, or from densities resulting from a perturbation with the effective field of another monomer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carbohydrate‐Deficient Transferrin Determination in a Clinical Setting: Consistency Between Capillary Electrophoresis Assays and Utility of HPLC as a Confirmatory Test
Authors: Veronesi Agnese , Rota Cristina , Trenti Tommaso , Cariani Elisabetta
Published: October 2015

Background

Carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT) is used to assess chronic alcohol consumption in administrative and forensic context. The aim of the present study was the optimization of the diagnostic strategy for CDT determination in a clinical laboratory setting.

Methods

Two capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) assays, the CEofix CDT (Analis, Suarlée, Belgium) run on single capillary MDQ instrument and the muticapillary (Sebia, Lisses, France), were compared as screening methods and a commercial high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay (Recipe, Munich, Germany) was used for confirmation.

Results

In total, 367 serum samples were analyzed by both CZE assays with concordant classification in 92% of cases. All discordant samples were classified as negative by HPLC, as did 2/3 of those that could not be classified by either CZE assay. Classification of samples with CDT values close to cut‐off by CZE was confirmed by HPLC in 95–100% of negative samples but only in 28.6–33.3% of positive samples.

Conclusions

Both CZE assays proved suitable for CDT screening. HPLC was useful for discriminating CDT value in most of samples that could not be interpreted by CZE due to analytical interferences. Considering the implication of CDT testing, HPLC assay may also be helpful for the confirmation of positive results close to the cut‐off value of CZE assays.
Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of New Aziridines via Baldwin Rearrangement and Their Potential Biological Activities
Authors: Chakraborty Bhaskar , Chhetri Manjit Singh , Chhetri Esmita
Published: October 2015

An atom‐economical conversion of N‐substituted isoxazoline derivatives to new N‐substituted aziridines has been described using microwave irradiation through Baldwin rearrangement. N‐substituted isoxazoline derivatives have been synthesized using a variety of nitrones and alkynes via 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions in ionic liquid. Simple react\ion methodology, greener approaches, non involvent of catalysts, good to excellent yields, and cis diastereoselectivities are the important features noticed in this synthesis. Potential biological activity of the new aziridine derivatives made this protocol more attractive.
Regional high‐resolution cloud climatology based on MODIS cloud detection data
Authors: Kotarba Andrzej Z.
Published: October 2015

Most satellite cloud climatologies come in the form of global, low‐resolution datasets: so‐ called ‘gridded’ Level 3 products, resulting from the reprojection and spatio‐temporal aggregation of swath (Level 2) data. Their coarse resolution means that global datasets are of limited usefulness in regional studies. In this paper we develop and evaluate a new, regional cloud climatology over Poland and its neighbouring countries (∼10% of the area covered by Europe), based on observations performed with the state‐of‐the‐art cloud imager, the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS). In contrast to the operational, global MODIS cloud climatology, which is delivered as a Level 3 product at a spatial resolution of 1° × 1°, this regional climatology maintains the MODIS nadir spatial resolution of 1 km/pixel. The resulting high‐spatial‐resolution climatology is compared with AVHRR and SEVIRI datasets, and surface‐based (SYNOP) observations at the level of monthly and annual means. The results shows that the standard MODIS Level 2 cloud mask product MOD35/MYD35 can be successfully used to develop a regional, high‐resolution cloud climatology. MODIS provides reliable estimates of cloud amount at the national scale (annual mean: 64.0% or 70.8%, depending on the MODIS data interpretation scheme), and correctly reproduces the annual cloud amount cycle (correlation between monthly means with SEVIRI/AVHRR >0.98). A comparison with monthly mean surface observations reveals a bias ranging from −1.1% up to 5.9%, and a root mean square error of 4.2% − 6.6%. MODIS data also correctly indicates the spatial distribution of clouds. However, local anomalies were detected that were identified as artifacts of the MODIS cloud detection algorithm. Those artifacts covered 9% of the study area, but had no impact on spatially‐averaged metrics.
Effects of recombinant lipoxygenase on the rheological properties of dough and the quality of noodles
Authors: Zhang Chong , Zhang Shuang , Bie Xiaomei , Zhao Haizhen , Lu Fengxia , Lu Zhaoxin
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

The effects of purified recombinant lipoxygenase (ana‐rLOX) on the rheological properties of dough and the quality of noodles made from wheat flour with low protein content (Yanmai 15) were studied.

RESULTS

The addition of ana‐rLOX increased dough stability time, decreased the degree of softening within 12 min, enhanced the resistance to extension, and increased the extensibility with 135 min of resting time. The mechanical spectra of the dough showed an increase in both storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) with increasing ana‐rLOX levels. The L* values of the noodle sheets increased by 2.34 compared with the control after storing for 1 h at room temperature. The textural parameters of noodles improved after ana‐rLOX addition, including hardness, gumminess, chewiness and springiness. The wheat flour treated with the ana‐rLOX had a higher cooking yield and lower cooking loss for the resulting noodles. The scanning electron microscopy results revealed that gluten was formed in the noodle samples that were treated with ana‐rLOX.

CONCLUSION

In this study, ana‐rLOX was applied to noodles during the noodle‐making process, and both dough rheological characteristics and noodle quality were improved. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Plasmon resonance in multilayer graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Emani Naresh Kumar , Wang Di , Chung Ting‐Fung , Prokopeva Ludmila J. , Kildishev Alexander V. , Shalaev Vladimir M. , Chen Yong P. , Boltasseva Alexandra
Published: October 2015

Plasmon resonances in nanopatterned single‐layer graphene nanoribbons (SL‐GNRs), double‐layer graphene nanoribbons (DL‐GNRs) and triple‐layer graphene nanoribbons (TL‐GNRs) are studied experimentally using ‘realistic’ graphene samples. The existence of electrically tunable plasmons in stacked multilayer graphene nanoribbons was first experimentally verified by infrared microscopy. We find that the strength of the plasmonic resonance increases in DL‐GNRs when compared to SL‐GNRs. However, further increase was not observed in TL‐GNRs when compared to DL‐GNRs. We carried out systematic full‐wave simulations using a finite‐element technique to validate and fit experimental results, and extract the carrier‐scattering rate as a fitting parameter. The numerical simulations show remarkable agreement with experiments for an unpatterned SLG sheet, and a qualitative agreement for a patterned graphene sheet. We conclude with our perspective of the key bottlenecks in both experiments and theoretical models.

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Group 4 complexes bearing bis(salphen) ligands: Synthesis, characterization, and polymerization studies
Authors: Mandal Mrinmay , Chakraborty Debashis
Published: October 2015

Six different complexes containing bis(salphen) [salphen = N,N'‐phenylenebis(salicylideneimine)] ligands were synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and elemental analysis. In the presence of benzyl alcohol as an initiator, all the complexes catalyze the ring‐opening polymerization of lactide and ε‐caprolactone, generating high molecular weight (Mn) polymers in a controlled fashion. The linear relationship between the % conversion and Mn proved the control over the polymerization process. The presence of OBn group as an end group was confirmed by MALDI‐TOF and 1H NMR spectral analysis of low Mn oligomers. The polymerization followed first‐order kinetics as revealed by kinetic experiments. All the complexes were good precatalysts for the polymerization of ethylene. The effect of temperature and time on the yield and activity toward the polymerization of ethylene were widely investigated. In addition, in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide as cocatalyst, the formation of degradable polycarbonate with moderate Mn value and narrow molecular weight distributions was observed by the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide with CO2. The effect of initiator structure, temperature, CO2 pressure, catalyst/cocatalyst loading on the activity, and selectivity toward copolymerization were systematically examined. The thermal properties of the copolymer synthesized were explored using differential scanning calorimetric and thermogravimetric analysis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 809–824
Elliptical Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering Patterns from Aligned Lamellar Arrays
Authors: Grubb David , Murthy N. Sanjeeva , Francescangeli Oriano
Published: October 2015

Semicrystalline polymers aligned by drawing into films or fibers produce small‐angle X‐ray scattering patterns with two or four spots. Some liquid crystalline materials, cybotactic nematics, produce extremely similar patterns when oriented in magnetic fields. A structure of stacked lamellae, tilted for four point patterns, explain the basic features. However, the peak intensity positions of the broadened reflections lie not on a layer line or on the arc of a circle, but very close to an ellipse. Specific structural explanations of this feature have been suggested, but models using an equilibrium distribution of molecular orientations and lamellar tilts can predict elliptical shapes for the reflections. The model parameters are chosen by fitting the entire 2D intensity distribution of the scattering pattern. Assumptions required for modeling make some fitted parameters uncertain, but it is clear that the elliptical form can emerge from a statistical distribution of the properties of the stacks of lamellae, without a directly assignable structural cause. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 308–318
First off‐time treatment prostate‐specific antigen kinetics predicts survival in intermittent androgen deprivation for prostate cancer
Authors: Sanchez‐Salas Rafael , Olivier Fabien , Prapotnich Dominique , Dancausa José , Fhima Mehdi , David Stéphane , Secin Fernando P. , Ingels Alexandre , Barret Eric , Galiano Marc , Rozet François , Cathelineau Xavier
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) doubling time is relying on an exponential kinetic pattern. This pattern has never been validated in the setting of intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD). Objective is to analyze the prognostic significance for PCa of recurrent patterns in PSA kinetics in patients undergoing IAD.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 377 patients treated with IAD. On‐treatment period (ONTP) consisted of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist injections combined with oral androgen receptor antagonist. Off‐treatment period (OFTP) began when PSA was lower than 4 ng/ml. ONTP resumed when PSA was higher than 20 ng/ml. PSA values of each OFTP were fitted with three basic patterns: exponential (PSA(t) = λ.eαt), linear (PSA(t) = a.t), and power law (PSA(t) = a.tc). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression model analyzed predictive factors for oncologic outcomes.

RESULTS

Only 45% of the analyzed OFTPs were exponential. Linear and power law PSA kinetics represented 7.5% and 7.7%, respectively. Remaining fraction of analyzed OFTPs (40%) exhibited complex kinetics. Exponential PSA kinetics during the first OFTP was significantly associated with worse oncologic outcome. The estimated 10‐year cancer‐specific survival (CSS) was 46% for exponential versus 80% for nonexponential PSA kinetics patterns. The corresponding 10‐year probability of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) was 69% and 31% for the two patterns, respectively. Limitations include retrospective design and mixed indications for IAD.

CONCLUSION

PSA kinetic fitted with exponential pattern in approximately half of the OFTPs. First OFTP exponential PSA kinetic was associated with a shorter time to CRPC and worse CSS. Prostate 76:13–21, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polariton dispersion relations under condensation in a CuBr microcavity
Authors: Nakayama Masaaki , Murakami Katsuya , Kim DaeGwi
Published: October 2015

We have investigated the exciton‐polariton condensation in a CuBr microcavity with HfO2/SiO2 distributed Bragg reflectors, focusing on condensation effects on polariton dispersion relations. The polariton distribution as a function of in‐plane wave vector k// under illumination was measured with angle‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. In addition, we characterized the intrinsic polariton dispersion relations as reference data from analysis of the results obtained using angle‐resolved reflectance spectroscopy. It was found that the polariton condensation causes a large blueshift of the lower polariton branch (LPB) and a flat dispersion relation around the ground state at k//=0. The renormalized dispersion relation of the LPB under the polariton condensation was quantitatively analysed using a theory for a diffusive Goldstone mode peculiar to nonequilibrium condensation. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Occupational Health and Safety Within the Scope of Risk Analysis with Fuzzy Proportional Risk Assessment Technique (Fuzzy Prat)
Authors: Supciller Aliye Ayca , Abali Nilsu
Published: October 2015

The increase in industrialization necessitates risk analysis with a legal obligation all over the world. Therefore, risk analysis is very important for the safety culture of a company. Many qualitative and quantitative risk analysis methods contain subjective elements and uncertainty. In this study, risk analysis with the fuzzy proportional risk assessment technique (PRAT) is proposed for the first time to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional PRAT method. Three parameters, probability, frequency, and severity, are fuzzified by using appropriate membership functions. If‐then rules and fuzzy logic operations are defined, and then, an inference is made to determine the riskiness. After defuzzification, the risk score is determined for each defined event. The results of conventional PRAT and fuzzy PRAT are compared in a case study carried out in a textile company that manufactures towels and bathrobes. Risk analysis based on fuzzy operations provides more precise measurements than the conventional risk analysis method employed by PRAT. Fuzzy PRAT provides more detailed risk analysis results, allows a direct interpretation of the risks with clusters of clear intervals, and produces a more realistic dataset than conventional PRAT. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differences in the Limits of Stability Between Older Rolling Walker Users and Older Single-Tip-Cane Users — A Preliminary Study
Authors: Liu Hao (Howe) , Quiben Myles , Holmes Clayton , Connors Michael , Salem Yasser
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

To identify the differences in the limits of stability (LOS) between older rolling walker and single-tip-cane users.

Design:

This was a matched paired t-test design with repeated measure.

Methods:

Eighteen older subjects were matched based on age, gender, and functional level. The subjects were assessed using the multidirectional reach test initially and 5-month later in four directions: forward, backward, leftward, and rightward.

Findings:

Initially, there were no differences between cane users and rolling walker users in the LOS in all directions. However, 5-month later, the cane users who held their canes in their right hand had significantly better stability in forward and rightward reach than the walker users (p < .05). Further, the walker users demonstrated significantly decreased functional reach in forward reach (p < .05).

Conclusion:

Cane users might have better stability than walker users in the forward direction and in the direction toward the side holding the cane. This study may provide guide for clinicians including nurses for selecting appropriate rehabilitative interventions for older adults using walkers and canes.
A comparison of methods for construction of fetal reference charts
Authors: Nevo Daniel , Mandel Micha , Ein‐Mor Eliana , Shen Ori , Chetrit Avraham Ben , Daniel‐Spiegel Etty , Yagel Simcha
Published: October 2015

Reference charts for fetal measures are used for early detection of pregnancies that should be monitored closely. Construction of reference charts corresponds to estimation of quantiles of a distribution as a function of gestational age. Existing methods have been developed under various modeling assumptions, typically by fitting a polynomial regression to certain functionals of the distributions (e.g., mean, standard deviation, and quantiles). We use a large dataset to compare various existing methods for construction of reference charts. We also relax the assumptions of a parametric polynomial link between the distribution parameters and age and consider cubic splines and discretization of age in order to compare charts based on more flexible and simpler models, respectively. We compare the different methods using various tools and demonstrate the importance of considering performance measures calculated from age‐stratified data. We also examine the question of sample size. We compare our charts to similar charts that have been recently published and emphasize that the source of an apparent heterogeneity should be investigated. We conclude that the choice of which method to use for construction of reference charts should take the following into account: available sample size, validity of normality assumption, and results of various performance measures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biosynthesis of mercapturic acid derivative of the labdane-type diterpene, cyslabdan that potentiates imipenem activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: cyslabdan is generated by mycothiol-mediated xenobiotic detoxification
Authors: Ikeda Haruo , Shin-ya Kazuo , Nagamitsu Tohru , Tomoda Hiroshi
Published: October 2015

Genome mining of cyslabdan-producing Streptomyces cyslabdanicus K04-0144 revealed that a set of four genes, cldA, cldB, cldC, and cldD (the cld cluster), which formed a single transcriptional unit, were involved in the biosynthesis of cyslabdan that potentiates imipenem activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Experimental studies supported the heterologous expression of the cld cluster of S. cyslabdanicus K04-0144 in S. avermitilis SUKA22, and transformants carrying the cld cluster produced not only cyslabdan A (1), but also its new derivatives, 17-hydroxyl-1 (2) and 2-hydroxyl-1 (3), in the culture broth. An analysis of diterpene metabolites in the mycelia showed that a large amount of a novel intermediate had accumulated and its structure was elucidated as (7S, 8S, 12E)-8,17-epoxy-7-hydroxylabda-12,14-diene (4). The cld-like cluster (rmn cluster) was also detected in the genome of S. anulatus GM95 by searching our in-house genome databases, and the heterologous expression of the rmn cluster in S. avermitilis SUAK22 demonstrated that the rmn cluster was involved in the biosynthesis of the labdane-type bicyclic diterpene, raimonol (7). CldA/RmnA catalyzed the generation of geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) from dimethylallyl diphosphate and isopentenyl diphosphate. CldB/RmnB converted GGPP to (+)-copalyl diphosphate, and CldD/RmnD generated labda-8(17),12(E),14-triene (5). CldC introduced two oxygen atoms at C-7 and C-8,17 to generate 4, while RmnC hydroxylated 5 at C-7 to generate 7. The heterologous expression of the cld cluster suggested that four gene products catalyzed to generate 4, but not 1. The deletion mutant of the gene encoding the mycothiol (MSH)-S-conjugate amidase (mca) of S. avermitilis SUKA22 carrying the cld cluster failed to produce 1, but accumulated 4 in the mycelia, whereas S. avermitilis SUKA22 and its mca-deletion mutant carrying the cld cluster both produced the MSH-S-conjugate of 4. The intermediate 4 was converted into the MSH-S-conjugate with MSH, which was achieved through a non-enzymatic nucleophilic reaction. The MSH-S-conjugate of 4 generated was further hydrolyzed to generate the mercapturic acid derivative, 1, by MSH-S-conjugate amidase and 1 was excreted from the mycelia.
Ordering Individuals with Sum Scores: The Introduction of the Nonparametric Rasch Model
Authors: Zwitser Robert J. , Maris Gunter
Published: October 2015

When a simple sum or number-correct score is used to evaluate the ability of individual testees, then, from an accountability perspective, the inferences based on the sum score should be the same as the inferences based on the complete response pattern. This requirement is fulfilled if the sum score is a sufficient statistic for the parameter of a unidimensional model. However, the models for which this holds true are known to be restrictive. It is shown that the less restrictive nonparametric models could result in an ordering of persons that is different from an ordering based on the sum score. To arrive at a fair evaluation of ability with a simple number-correct score, ordinal sufficiency is defined as a minimum condition for scoring. The monotone homogeneity model, together with the property of ordinal sufficiency of the sum score, is introduced as the nonparametric Rasch model. A basic outline for testable hypotheses about ordinal sufficiency, as well as illustrations with real data, is provided.
Does physical therapy prevent post-operative delay in return of function following tension-band plating?
Authors: Fillingham Yale A. , Luthringer Tyler , Erickson Brandon J. , Kogan Monica
Published: October 2015

Purpose

The clinical outcomes and complications of tension-band plating have been well documented, and commonly include a post-operative delay in return of function. We performed a retrospective comparison study to evaluate the capacity of immediate post-operative physical therapy to prevent this post-operative delay in return of function.

Methods

Sixty-seven consecutive growth-deformity patients who were treated with tension-band plating at a single institution fulfilled the study criteria. Patients were allocated into two treatment groups: no post-operative physical therapy and immediately post-operative physical therapy. All patients were evaluated for delayed return of function, which was defined as use of crutches, lack of >90° flexion and full extension of the knee, or persistent pain requiring medication at the initial 2-week follow-up visit. Rates of delayed function were compared between the two treatment groups.

Results

Among the study participants, 48 patients had no physical therapy and 19 patients had immediate post-operative physical therapy. Eighteen patients in the no physical therapy group reported a delay (37.5 %) while only 2 patients in the physical therapy treatment group reported a delay (10.5 %); p = 0.0386.

Conclusions

Delayed return of function dramatically affects pediatric patients, causing unnecessary absence from school and strain on the caregiver. Therefore, it is important to identify treatment modalities to help mitigate the complications of surgery. We conclude that the use of immediate post-operative physical therapy statistically significantly helps patients to return more rapidly to their functional level.
The Hidden Costs of Reconciling Surgical Sponge Counts
Authors: Steelman Victoria M. , Schaapveld Ann G. , Perkhounkova Yelena , Storm Hillary E. , Mathias Michelle
Published: October 2015

Retained surgical sponges are serious adverse events that can result in negative patient outcomes. The primary method of prevention is the sponge count. Searching for sponges to reconcile counts can result in inefficient use of OR time. The purpose of this descriptive study was to estimate the cost of nonproductive OR time (ie, time spent not moving forward with the surgical procedure) spent reconciling surgical sponge counts and the cost of using radiography to rule out the presence of retained sponges. We included 13,322 patient surgeries during a nine‐month period. Perioperative personnel required from one to 90 minutes of additional time to reconcile each of 212 incorrect/unresolved counts. The total annualized cost of OR time spent searching for sponges and ruling out the presence of potentially retained sponges using radiography was $219,056. These costs should be included in comprehensive cost analyses when considering alternatives to supplement the surgical count.
Standardizing the Handling of Surgical Specimens
Authors: Shirey Cheryl , Perrego Kristen
Published: October 2015

To standardize the handling of surgical specimens, the OR clinical educators in a community hospital setting devised a series of departmental changes as a quality improvement project. A newly created skill validation was reviewed in an hour‐long educational meeting with all OR staff members. In addition to creating a new annual skill validation, discussions about specimens were included in the hand over, the time out, and a newly instituted debriefing tool to be used toward the end of a procedure. This interdisciplinary group devised interventions to improve the process of handling specimens such as standardizing the labeling process and changing the transparency of the specimen container. The goal was to assure standardization of specimen handling, specifically to assist novice staff members, and to harmonize inconsistencies between specialties within the practice of existing staff members. These combined methods helped to ensure accurate communication and procurement of specimens for all procedures.
Epistemological Tensions in Prospective Dutch History Teachers' Beliefs about the Objectives of Secondary Education
Authors: Wansink Bjorn G.J. , Akkerman Sanne F. , Vermunt Jan D. , Haenen Jacques P.P. , Wubbels Theo
Published: October 2015

In recent decades we witnessed ongoing debates about the objectives of history education, with different underlying epistemological perspectives. This qualitative study explored prospective history teachers' beliefs about these objectives of history education. Prospective history teachers of six universities starting a teacher educational programme were invited to answer an open-ended questionnaire about history education. Six objectives were found: (1) memorising; (2) critical/explanatory; (3) constructivist; (4) perspective-taking; (5) moral; and (6) collective-identity objectives. Almost all prospective teachers mentioned several of these objectives. A distinction between two epistemological perspectives on historical knowledge representation (factual or interpretive), was used as a framework for categorising the different objectives. More than half of the respondents mentioned objectives of history education that represent history as factual and objectives that represent history as interpretive. We propose that in actual practice most history teachers are combining epistemologically opposing objectives for pedagogical, political and religious motives.