bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of cocaine in ternary mixtures using partial least squares regression applied to Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: de Oliveira Penido Ciro Augusto Fernandes , Pacheco Marcos Tadeu Tavares , Novotny Etelvino Henrique , Lednev Igor K. , Silveira Landulfo
Published: August 2017

The use of chemicals is often related to suicide attempts and acute poisoning, which account for a significant number of hospital admissions. The differential diagnosis of patients exposed to poisoning is intricate and varies according to the substance used. The identification of drugs and drug abuse in cases of poisoning often requires time‐consuming and complex techniques, such as chromatography. The use of vibrational spectroscopy such as Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) enables the quick identification of toxic substances using no reagents or markers. This study aims to apply these techniques in the long term to identify and quantify substances found at the locations of suicide attempts, poisonings, and even drug consumption sites, including crack samples containing a cocaine base and adulterants commonly seized in drug busts, such as caffeine, lidocaine, and sodium carbonate. In this study, Raman and FTIR spectra of ternary mixtures of crack with caffeine and sodium carbonate and crack with lidocaine and sodium carbonate were obtained. These spectra were used for building multivariate models based on partial least squares (PLS) for determining the composition of the samples quantitatively. High correlation coefficients (r > 0.98) and small cross‐validation prediction errors (< 6%) were obtained for both Raman and FTIR spectral models. The results showed that PLS regression enables crack quantification in ternary mixtures using both Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, allowing for quick medical intervention or determination of the cause of death in cases of cocaine toxicity.
Non‐destructive technique for determining the viability of soybean (Glycine max) seeds using FT‐NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Kusumaningrum Dewi , Lee Hoonsoo , Lohumi Santosh , Mo Changyeun , Kim Moon S , Cho Byoung‐Kwan
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

The viability of seeds is important for determining their quality. A high‐quality seed is one that has a high capability of germination that is necessary to ensure high productivity. Hence, developing technology for the detection of seed viability is a high priority in agriculture. Fourier transform near‐infrared (FT‐NIR) spectroscopy is one of the most popular devices among other vibrational spectroscopies. This study aims to use FT‐NIR spectroscopy to determine the viability of soybean seeds.

RESULTS

Viable and artificial ageing seeds as non‐viable soybeans were used in this research. The FT‐NIR spectra of soybean seeds were collected and analysed using a partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) to classify viable and non‐viable soybean seeds. Moreover, the variable importance in projection (VIP) method for variable selection combined with the PLS‐DA was employed. The most effective wavelengths were selected by the VIP method, which selected 146 optimal variables from the full set of 1557 variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrated that the FT‐NIR spectral analysis with the PLS‐DA method that uses all variables or the selected variables showed good performance based on the high value of prediction accuracy for soybean viability with an accuracy close to 100%. Hence, FT‐NIR techniques with a chemometric analysis have the potential for rapidly measuring soybean seed viability. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Mass‐spectrometry‐based lipidomics
Authors: Hu Ting , Zhang Jin‐Lan
Published: August 2017

Lipids, which have a core function in energy storage, signalling and biofilm structures, play important roles in a variety of cellular processes because of the great diversity of their structural and physiochemical properties. Lipidomics is the large‐scale profiling and quantification of biogenic lipid molecules, the comprehensive study of their pathways and the interpretation of their physiological significance based on analytical chemistry and statistical analysis. Lipidomics will not only provide insight into the physiological functions of lipid molecules but will also provide an approach to discovering important biomarkers for diagnosis or treatment of human diseases. Mass‐spectrometry‐based analytical techniques are currently the most widely used and most effective tools for lipid profiling and quantification. In this review, the field of mass‐spectrometry‐based lipidomics was discussed. Recent progress in all essential steps in lipidomics was carefully discussed in this review, including lipid extraction strategies, separation techniques and mass‐spectrometry‐based analytical and quantitative methods in lipidomics. We also focused on novel resolution strategies for difficult problems in determining C=C bond positions in lipidomics. Finally, new technologies that were developed in recent years including single‐cell lipidomics, flux‐based lipidomics and multiomics technologies were also reviewed.
Variation in ungulate body fat: Individual versus temporal effects
Authors: Bergman Eric J. , Anderson Charles R. , Bishop Chad J. , Holland A. Andrew , Northrup Joseph M.
Published: August 2017

The use of ultrasonograhic measurements of muscle and body fat represent a relatively new data stream that can be used to address questions regarding ungulate condition. We have learned that measurements of body fat and presumably overall body condition among individual animals, even those taken from the same herd at that same time, are highly variable. Relatively little consideration has been given to the sources of variation in body fat and other physiological parameters in wildlife populations. We evaluated the components of variation in late‐winter mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) body fat estimates: sampling variation (i.e., variation induced by the particular set of individuals that were sampled) and process variation (i.e., variation stemming from biological processes) with a long‐term data set (2002–2015) from Colorado, USA. We collected our data from across Colorado as part of historical research, ongoing research, and periodic population monitoring programs. Mean percent ingesta‐free body fat (%IFBF) for sampled mule deer was 7.20 ± 1.20% (SD). Covariates related to individual deer explained approximately 4% of the total variation in %IFBF and annual effects explained an additional 13% of the variation. Substantial residual variation in %IFBF (83%) remained unexplained. The source of the 83% of unexplained variation is partially linked to fine‐scale spatial dynamics but also additional individual metrics we were unable to capture, primarily the presence or absence of dependent young. We speculate that the primary factors influencing late‐winter mule deer body fat and overall condition are individual in nature. These results present a cautionary check on herd‐level inference that can be made from individual late‐winter body fat estimates and we postulate that for mule deer, alternative and additional body condition metrics may offer added utility in management scenarios. However, an important next step to better understand wildlife population health is to evaluate the sources and magnitude of variation within other body condition metrics, with the goal of further refining data that can better allow biologists to incorporate herd health into population management recommendations. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
The impact of crowdsourcing on the evolution of knowledge management: Insights from a case study
Authors: Dimitrova Sylvia , Scarso Enrico
Published: August 2017

Knowledge management (KM) is changing its nature. This is driven by the necessity to overcome the limitations of conventional approaches but especially by the opportunities offered by the Web 2.0 technologies. Thus, both scholars and practitioners need to understand how the new technologies affect such changes. In light of this, this study aims to analyse the impact of crowdsourcing on the evolution of KM. It investigates the specifics of the use of crowdsourcing as an emerging KM facilitator based on an analysis of the existing literature and on the findings of an empirical study on 3 internal and external crowdsourcing initiatives in a firm representing a B2B industry. The results of the study suggest that crowdsourcing (a) is moving the attention of KM toward the organizations' external environment as a significant knowledge source; (b) is shifting the focus of KM, originally directed towards the knowledge transfer process to knowledge creation/acquisition activities; and (c) is favouring the further development of the conversational KM approach, where knowledge is generated and shared by people through dialog, for instance by means of questions and answers.
Characterization of swallow modulation in response to bolus volume in healthy subjects accounting for catheter diameter
Authors: Ferris Lara , Schar Mistyka , McCall Lisa , Doeltgen Sebastian , Scholten Ingrid , Rommel Nathalie , Cock Charles , Omari Taher
Published: August 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Characterization of the pharyngeal swallow response to volume challenges is important for swallowing function assessment. The diameter of the pressure‐impedance recording catheter may influence these results. In this study, we captured key physiological swallow measures in response to bolus volume utilizing recordings acquired by two catheters of different diameter.

Study Design

Ten healthy adults underwent repeat investigations with 8‐ and 10‐Fr catheters. Liquid bolus swallows of volumes 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 30 mL were recorded. Measures indicative of distension, contractility, and flow timing were assessed.

Methods

Pressure‐impedance recordings with pressure‐flow analysis were used to capture key distension, contractility, and pressure‐flow timing parameters.

Results

Larger bolus volumes increased upper esophageal sphincter distension diameter (P < .001) and distension pressures within the hypopharynx and upper esophageal sphincter (P < .05). Bolus flow timing measures were longer, particularly latency of bolus propulsion ahead of the pharyngeal stripping wave (P < .001). Use of a larger‐diameter catheter produced higher occlusive pressures, namely upper esophageal sphincter basal pressure (P < .005) and upper esophageal sphincter postdeglutitive pressure peak (P < .001).

Conclusions

The bolus volume swallowed changed measurements indicative of distension pressure, luminal diameter, and pressure‐flow timing; this is physiologically consistent with swallow modulation to accommodate larger, faster‐flowing boluses. Additionally, catheter diameter predominantly affects lumen occlusive pressures. Appropriate physiological interpretation of the pressure‐impedance recordings of pharyngeal swallowing requires consideration of the effects of volume and catheter diameter.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:1328–1334, 2018
Rainfall and Vegetation Effects on Temporal Variation of Topographic Thresholds for Gully Initiation in Mediterranean Cropland and Olive Groves
Authors: Hayas Antonio , Poesen Jean , Vanwalleghem Tom
Published: August 2017

Topographical threshold conditions (s ≥ k a−b), expressed by local slope (s) and drainage area (a), have been widely used to predict gully incision locations. However, little attention has gone to the variation of the thresholds over time. Rainfall variability and changing land use or vegetation cover can potentially lead to important shifts in established thresholds. In this study, we determine topographic thresholds for gullies forming under olive groves and herbaceous crops between 1956 and 2013 in a catchment in Southern Spain. For ten different time periods, we then analysed the impact of rainfall, land use and vegetation cover on the variation of these thresholds. The results show similar topographic thresholds for olive groves and herbaceous crops. However, important variations were found over time. Rainfall indexes, in particular rainy day normal, were generally best correlated. Finally, although overall no effect of land use was obtained, the results did show a significant effect of vegetation cover, but mainly in those years where rainfall was low. This seems to indicate that during years with high rainfall, topographic thresholds are primarily controlled by rainfall, while vegetation cover seems to exert a secondary control. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulation of the failure behavior of steam‐side oxide scale considering oxide creep and physical defects
Authors: Qi J. , Zhou K.‐Y. , Huang J.‐L. , Si X.‐D.
Published: August 2017

The present study deals with a numerical simulation of the failure behavior of steam‐side oxide scale at high temperature considering oxide creep and physical defects. An experimental observation was conducted on the oxide scale formed on T91 superheater tubes from one coal‐fired plant, and the elastic‐plastic finite element model (FEM) considering oxide creep was established to predict the crack load and the residual stress within oxide scale during cooling. The simulation results associated with those of the pure elastic model were used to clarify the effect of oxide creep on oxide failure. Then the FEM was applied to assess the occurrence of oxide failure as a function of physical defect length, oxide thickness, and cooling rate. The results showed that the hold period on cooling could effectively prevent oxide spallation. Interestingly, the influence of physical defect length on the through‐scale crack was larger than the interface crack, while the cooling rate and oxide thickness had a more significant effect on the interface crack.
Stress corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue cracking behavior of A7N01P‐T4 aluminum alloy
Authors: Shen L. , Chen H. , Xu L.‐D. , Che X.‐L. , Chen Y.
Published: August 2017

A modified single edge notch tension (SENT) specimen exposed to saline environment was used to investigate the stress corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue cracking behavior of A7N01P‐T4 aluminum alloy. The crack propagation rate was determined, the microstructure, crack growth path, and the fracture surfaces of specimens were examined by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the stress corrosion cracking rate of A7N01P‐T4 alloy in 3.5% NaCl was three orders lower than that of corrosion fatigue crack propagation rate. Mg and Zn segregation at the grain boundaries increased the stress corrosion crack susceptibility. The grain orientation had a significant effect on the crack propagation performance, and the high angle grain boundaries were susceptible to cracking. Hydrogen embrittlement was the primary cause of stress corrosion crack and corrosion fatigue crack propagation.
Corrosion of Ti35Zr28Nb in Hanks’ solution and 3.5 wt% NaCl solution
Authors: McElligott J. , Shi Z. , Li Y. , Wen C. , Atrens A.
Published: August 2017

This research assessed the corrosion behaviour of Ti35Zr28Nb compared to that of commercial purity Ti (CP Ti) Grade 2 under crevice‐corrosion conditions in: (i) Hanks’ solution at 37 °C and (ii) 3.5 wt% NaCl solution at 95 °C. Both Ti35Zr28Nb and CP Ti showed low corrosion rates. There was no evidence of crevice corrosion indicating that both CP Ti and the Ti alloy were not sensitive to crevice corrosion under the conditions studied.
Genomic insights of Pannonibacter phragmitetus strain 31801 isolated from a patient with a liver abscess
Authors: Zhou Yajun , Jiang Tao , Hu Shaohua , Wang Mingxi , Ming Desong , Chen Shicheng
Published: August 2017

Pannonibacter phragmitetus is a bioremediation reagent for the detoxification of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs) while it rarely infects healthy populations. However, infection by the opportunistic pathogen P. phragmitetus complicates diagnosis and treatments, and poses a serious threat to immunocompromised patients owing to its multidrug resistance. Unfortunately, genome features, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence potentials in P. phragmitetus have not been reported before. A predominant colony (31801) was isolated from a liver abscess patient, indicating that it accounted for the infection. To investigate its infection mechanism(s) in depth, we sequenced this bacterial genome and tested its antimicrobial resistance. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis assigned the bacterium to the species P. phragmitetus (ANI, >95%). Comparative genomics analyses among Pannonibacter spp. representing the different living niches were used to describe the Pannonibacter pan‐genomes and to examine virulence factors, prophages, CRISPR arrays, and genomic islands. Pannonibacter phragmitetus 31801 consisted of one chromosome and one plasmid, while the plasmid was absent in other Pannonibacter isolates. Pannonibacter phragmitetus 31801 may have a great infection potential because a lot of genes encoding toxins, flagellum formation, iron uptake, and virulence factor secretion systems in its genome. Moreover, the genome has 24 genomic islands and 2 prophages. A combination of antimicrobial susceptibility tests and the detailed antibiotic resistance gene analysis provide useful information about the drug resistance mechanisms and therefore can be used to guide the treatment strategy for the bacterial infection.
Sarcoidosis Manifestion Centered on the Thalamic Pulvinar Leading to Persistent Astasia
Authors: Wilke Melanie , Dechent Peter , Bähr Mathias
Published: August 2017

View Supplementary Video 1
Evaluation of 389 patients following free‐flap lower extremity reconstruction with respect to secondary refinement procedures
Authors: Kotsougiani Dimitra , Platte Juliana , Bigdeli Amir K. , Hoener Bernd , Kremer Thomas , Kneser Ulrich , Harhaus Leila
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Primary functional and aesthetic results after free‐flap salvage of lower extremities are occasionally suboptimal. The objective of this study was to identify predictors for secondary refinement procedures such as liposuction, dermolipectomy, or direct excision. In addition, patient‐reported long‐term satisfaction with the final reconstructive result was analyzed.

Patients and Methods

All patients undergoing free‐flap lower extremity salvage between January 2011 and July 2015 were included in a comparative study. The patients of cohort 1 had no secondary refinement procedures, while those of cohort 2 had one or more procedures. The patient data, intraoperative characteristics, and postoperative course were reviewed. To assess the level of satisfaction, the patients were surveyed.

Results

Of the 389 patients included, 54 (13.9%) were identified with 1–3 secondary refinement procedures with an uneventful postoperative course. The most common procedure was surgical debulking (56.8%). The comparison of both cohorts revealed a statistical significance for patient's age (P < .01), gender (P = .02), ASA‐score (P < .01), and localization (P < .01). Predictors for secondary refinement procedures were young age (<50 years), female gender, absence of comorbidities, and defects located at the feet or ankle. Overall patient satisfaction was negatively correlated with the number of secondary procedures performed. Patient‐reported satisfaction with the overall (P < .01) and cosmetic (P = .02) result increased significantly with age.

Conclusion

Secondary refinement procedures after successful free‐flap lower extremity reconstruction are safe and not uncommon. Detailed information about the likelihood of secondary operations and the various techniques available should be part of the patient education to increase patient satisfaction and form realistic expectations.
Occupational exposure in MR facilities due to movements in the static magnetic field
Authors: Andreuccetti Daniele , Biagi Laura , Burriesci Giancarlo , Cannatà Vittorio , Contessa Gian Marco , Falsaperla Rosaria , Genovese Elisabetta , Lodato Rossella , Lopresto Vanni , Merla Caterina , Napolitano Antonio , Pinto Rosanna , Tiberi Gianluigi , Tosetti Michela , Zoppetti Nicola
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The exposure of operators moving in the static field of magnetic resonance (MR) facilities was assessed through measurements of the magnetic flux density, which is experienced as variable in time because of the movement. Collected data were processed to allow the comparison with most recent and authoritative safety standards.

Methods

Measurements of the experienced magnetic flux density B were performed using a probe worn by volunteers moving in MR environments. A total of 55 datasets were acquired nearby a 1.5 T, 3 T, and 7 T whole body scanners. Three different metrics were applied: the maximum intensity of B, to be compared with 2013/35/EU Directive exposure limit values for static fields; the maximum variation of the vector B on every 3s‐interval, for comparison with the ICNIRP‐2014 basic restriction aimed at preventing vertigo effects; two weighted‐peak indices (for “sensory” and “health” effects: SENS‐WP, HLTH‐WP), assessing compliance with ICNIRP‐2014 and EU Directive recommendations intended to prevent stimulation effects.

Results

Peak values of |B| were greater than 2 T in nine of the 55 datasets. All the datasets at 1.5 T and 3 T were compliant with the limit for vertigo effects, whereas six datasets at 7 T turned out to be noncompliant. At 7 T, all 36 datasets were noncompliant for the SENS‐WP index and 26 datasets even for the HLTH‐WP one.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate that compliance with EU Directive limits for static fields does not guarantee compliance with ICNIRP‐2014 reference levels and clearly show that movements in the static field could be the key component of the occupational exposure to EMF in MR facilities.
Temporally resolved parametric assessment of Z‐magnetization recovery (TOPAZ): Dynamic myocardial T1 mapping using a cine steady‐state look‐locker approach
Authors: Weingärtner Sebastian , Shenoy Chetan , Rieger Benedikt , Schad Lothar R. , Schulz‐Menger Jeanette , Akçakaya Mehmet
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a cardiac phase‐resolved myocardial T1 mapping sequence.

Methods

The proposed method for temporally resolved parametric assessment of Z‐magnetization recovery (TOPAZ) is based on contiguous fast low‐angle shot imaging readout after magnetization inversion from the pulsed steady state. Thereby, segmented k‐space data are acquired over multiple heartbeats, before reaching steady state. This results in sampling of the inversion‐recovery curve for each heart phase at multiple points separated by an R‐R interval. Joint T1 and
estimation is performed for reconstruction of cardiac phase‐resolved T1 and
maps. Sequence parameters are optimized using numerical simulations. Phantom and in vivo imaging are performed to compare the proposed sequence to a spin‐echo reference and saturation pulse prepared heart rate–independent inversion‐recovery (SAPPHIRE) T1 mapping sequence in terms of accuracy and precision.

Results

In phantom, TOPAZ T1 values with integrated
correction are in good agreement with spin‐echo T1 values (normalized root mean square error = 4.2%) and consistent across the cardiac cycle (coefficient of variation = 1.4 ± 0.78%) and different heart rates (coefficient of variation = 1.2 ± 1.9%). In vivo imaging shows no significant difference in TOPAZ T1 times between the cardiac phases (analysis of variance: P = 0.14, coefficient of variation = 3.2 ± 0.8%), but underestimation compared with SAPPHIRE (T1 time ± precision: 1431 ± 56 ms versus 1569 ± 65 ms). In vivo precision is comparable to SAPPHIRE T1 mapping until middiastole (P > 0.07), but deteriorates in the later phases.

Conclusions

The proposed sequence allows cardiac phase‐resolved T1 mapping with integrated
assessment at a temporal resolution of 40 ms. Magn Reson Med 79:2087–2100, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Tomoelastography of the native kidney: Regional variation and physiological effects on in vivo renal stiffness
Authors: Marticorena Garcia Stephan Rodrigo , Grossmann Markus , Lang Sophia Theresa , Tzschätzsch Heiko , Dittmann Florian , Hamm Bernd , Braun Jürgen , Guo Jing , Sack Ingolf
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To measure normal renal stiffness in adults, taking into account regional variation, hydration, and urinary status.

Methods

Thirty‐six healthy volunteers were examined by tomoelastography based on MR elastography at four frequencies, from 40 to 70 Hz and multifrequency shear wave speed recovery. Regional wave speeds were derived for the medulla, cortex (inner cortex and outer cortex), and renal pelvis, and examined for age‐related effects. Subgroups were repeatedly examined for reproducibility, amount of prior water drinking, and urinary status. Variations in renal perfusion were simulated ex vivo using a porcine kidney subjected to venous water inflow at different pressures.

Results

Shear wave speed (stiffness) of renal parenchyma was 2.46 ± 0.12 m/s (inner cortex: 2.91 ± 0.17 m/s; outer cortex: 2.52 ± 0.11 m/s; medulla: 2.15 ± 0.08 m/s) without side differences and a tendency toward softening with age (P = 0.028). Corresponding intraclass correlation for reproducibility coefficients were 0.78 (inner cortex: 0.80; outer cortex: 0.81; medulla: 0.80). Water drinking resulted in slightly higher values in inner cortex and lower values in medulla (both P = 0.039), which was consistent with the results in perfused specimens. A full bladder led to higher renal pelvis stiffness (P = 0.004), whereas renal parenchyma remained uninfluenced. Stiffness of the porcine renal cortex increased with venous inflow pressure, whereas medulla stiffness decreased.

Conclusions

Tomoelastography provides full field of view maps of renal stiffness with highly detailed resolution and sensitivity to physiological effects related to age and fluid–solid tissue interactions. These basic data could be used to compare pathological conditions in the future. Magn Reson Med 79:2126–2134, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
A scalable detection and prevention scheme for voice over internet protocol (VoIP) signaling attacks using handler with Bloom filter
Authors: Ganesan Vennila , msk Manikandan
Published: August 2017

In this paper, a two‐tier model has been developed that includes a Handler and a Bloom filter (HBF). In the first‐tier, the handler detects both the flooding and fake signaling attacks. The Bloom filter, in the second‐tier, prevents both the attacks before reaching the victim. In the existing systems, the packet level features are used which do not perform well for detection and prevention of both the attacks. In this work, flow level features are applied in both tiers. The proposed model is implemented on the innocent Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) server in the VoIP network. The two‐tier model ensures the reliability and trustworthiness between the service provider and the customer. Besides, it also provides billing information along with the exact call duration to a customer who makes a call. The experimental results show that the HBF results in a reduced detection time of 9 seconds with the reduced false positive (FP) of less than 1% and the false negative (FN) of 0.002% and also preserves the voice call quality during media conversation.
NomadiKey: User authentication for smart devices based on nomadic keys
Authors: Souza Artur , Cunha Ítalo , B Oliveira Leonardo
Published: August 2017

The growing importance of smart devices calls for effective user authentication mechanisms. We argue that state‐of‐the‐art authentication mechanisms are either vulnerable to known attacks or do not meet usability needs. To address this problem, we designed NomadiKey, a user‐to‐device authentication mechanism based on nomadic keyboard keys. NomadiKey increases security level by placing keys at different screen coordinates each time it is activated. Besides, NomadiKey preserves usability by maintaining the traditional relative position of keys. To increase security even further, we also design an extension to NomadiKey that uses out‐of‐band channels to thwart shoulder‐surfing adversaries. We compare NomadiKey with other user authentication mechanisms under different attacks using statistical models and simulation. We also evaluate NomadiKey's usability with 20 users. Our results show that NomadiKey increases security compared to widely deployed PIN authentication with limited impact on authentication times.
Psychometric evaluation of a multi‐dimensional measure of satisfaction with behavioral interventions
Authors: Sidani Souraya , Epstein Dana R. , Fox Mary
Published: August 2017

Treatment satisfaction is recognized as an essential aspect in the evaluation of an intervention's effectiveness, but there is no measure that provides for its comprehensive assessment with regard to behavioral interventions. Informed by a conceptualization generated from a literature review, we developed a measure that covers several domains of satisfaction with behavioral interventions. In this paper, we briefly review its conceptualization and describe the Multi‐Dimensional Treatment Satisfaction Measure (MDTSM) subscales. Satisfaction refers to the appraisal of the treatment's process and outcome attributes. The MDTSM has 11 subscales assessing treatment process and outcome attributes: treatment components’ suitability and utility, attitude toward treatment, desire for continued treatment use, therapist competence and interpersonal style, format and dose, perceived benefits of the health problem and everyday functioning, discomfort, and attribution of outcomes to treatment. The MDTSM was completed by persons (N = 213) in the intervention group in a large trial of a multi‐component behavioral intervention for insomnia within 1 week following treatment completion. The MDTSM's subscales demonstrated internal consistency reliability (α: .65 − .93) and validity (correlated with self‐reported adherence and perceived insomnia severity at post‐test). The MDTSM subscales can be used to assess satisfaction with behavioral interventions and point to aspects of treatments that are viewed favorably or unfavorably.
How Short Is Short, and Why? A Probable Case of Proportionate Dwarfism From Egypt's Third Intermediate Period in the Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt
Authors: Molto J. E. , Kirkpatrick C. L.
Published: August 2017

This study describes a probable proportionate dwarf from a Third Intermediate Period cemetery at Ain Tirghi in the Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt. The skeleton (Burial 22 or B22) is an adult woman estimated to be in her mid‐to‐late thirties. Most medical literature defines an adult stature of 2 standard deviations below the population mean as an indicator for clinically short stature, with some bioarchaeologists and clinicians identifying severe short stature at 3 standard deviations below the population mean. B22 satisfies either criteria when compared with the Ain Tirghi adult female population mean for measurements of the radii and femora, as well as the summed measurements of the femora and tibiae. Her limb proportions were normal, and this, with a lack of morphological abnormalities, eliminated several possible causes of small stature (e.g. achondroplasia). The differential diagnosis for an individual with short stature and normal proportions indicates that she represents a probable case of pituitary dwarfism or hypopituitarism. B22 was buried in the same fashion as adjacent burials in a family group burial and showed no differential indication of physiological stress or illness. Contextualised with the Egyptological and archaeological evidence of dwarfism in Egypt, this case study considers the social perceptions of dwarfism in ancient Egypt and suggests that pituitary dwarfs, like disproportionate dwarfs, likely led normal, if not privileged lives. Therefore, according to the social theory of disability, B22 was not necessarily disabled despite her impairment. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early Pregnancy Weight Gain Exerts the Strongest Effect on Birth Weight, Posing a Critical Time to Prevent Childhood Obesity
Authors: Broskey Nicholas T. , Wang Peng , Li Nan , Leng Junhong , Li Weiqin , Wang Leishen , Gilmore L. Anne , Hu Gang , Redman Leanne M.
Published: August 2017

Objective

Gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with infant birth weight and childhood obesity; however, the patterns of GWG on infant birth weight are poorly understood.

Methods

This analysis in 16,218 mother‐child dyads from Tianjin, China, determined the risk of infant size at birth according to GWG occurring throughout the first and second trimester (early GWG) or during the third trimester (late GWG), according to maternal prepregnancy BMI and the 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations.

Results

Excessive GWG in early and late pregnancy had an increased risk for large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) infants (odds ratio [OR]: 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5‐4.0, P < 0.001). Regardless of prepregnancy BMI, excessive GWG early in pregnancy (< 24 weeks) was associated with an increased risk of LGA infants (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 2.1‐3.1, P < 0.001), and inadequate early GWG was associated with a higher risk of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) infants (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2‐1.7, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The pattern of GWG early in pregnancy, regardless of GWG later in pregnancy, had the greatest impact on infant size at birth. Interventions initiated early in pregnancy may facilitate better adherence to the GWG guidelines and minimize the risk of LGA and SGA infants, a potential precursor for childhood obesity.
Optimal control problem for some integrodifferential equations in Banach spaces
Authors: Diallo Mouhamadou Alpha , Ezzinbi Khalil , Sène Abdoulaye
Published: August 2017

In this work, we study the existence and stability of solutions for an optimal control problem governed by an integrodifferential equation with compact control set in the space L1([0,b];X). The stability results, in the sense of Baire category theory, for optimal control problems are obtained by the theory of set‐valued mapping and the notion of essential solutions for optimal control problems.
Synthesis and antibacterial potential of hybrid nanocomposites based on polyorthochloroaniline/copper nanofiller
Authors: Nadeem Ahmad Mirza , Anjum Muhammad Naveed , Nawaz Faisal , Iqbal Sarosh , Saif Muhammad Jawwad , Hussain Tajamal , Mujahid Adnan , Farooq Muhammad Umar , Nadeem Muhammad , Rahman Abdul , Raza (Late) Amir , Shehzad Khurram
Published: August 2017

Hybrid materials based on polyaniline derivative and metal nanofiller were reported for potential antibacterial applications. Polyorthochloroaniline/copper nanocomposites (POC/Cu NCs) were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of orthochloroaniline using ammonium persulfate as oxidant, in the presence of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylamine. CuNPs were prepared through reduction of copper chloride by using sodium borohydride as reducing agent. The composition, structure, and morphology of CuNPs, POC, and their composites were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X‐ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopic techniques. The antibacterial potential of nanocomposites against gram‐positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) and gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) for various loads of copper nanofiller was evaluated using viable cell counts. The outcomes showed that nanocomposites have better antimicrobial efficacy than POC under the similar testing conditions. The mechanism of the synergistic antimicrobial effect of POC/Cu NCs was also proposed. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4524–4531, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Composite manhole covers prepared with recycled printed circuit boards as a reinforcing filler
Authors: Luo Zhengwei , Dong Kai , Guo Mulin , Liu Kuo , Lian Zhouyang , Jing Qiang , Wei Wuji , Zhang Binghua
Published: August 2017

Waste circuit boards particles (CBPs) were utilized as a reinforcing filler to prepare bulk molding composites (BMCs) for the manufacture of composite manhole covers (CMCs) without reinforcing ribs. The effects of CBPs and conventional CaCO3 on the mechanical properties of the BMCs were comparatively determined. Compared to CaCO3, CBPs showed a higher compatibility with unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) while effectively improving the fluidity of premix and the mechanical properties of the BMC. To enhance the interfacial adhesion between the glass fiber (GF) and UPR, three kinds of amine, epoxy, and vinyl modified silanes (namely KH‐550, KH‐560, and KH‐570, respectively) were used. The surface tension (γ) of the GF significantly decreased upon modification with the coupling agents. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterizations revealed a strong adhesion between the GF and UPR, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the composite material. The BMC material showed optimal flexural strengths upon addition of KH‐560 and KH‐570 coupling agents at 4 wt%. With the aim of evaluating its mechanical performance, a constant loading test combined with an ANSYS finite element analysis was performed over the prepared CMC. According to the constant loading test, the CMC material showed a stress loading of 7.8 tons, which was close to the value obtained by ANSYS simulation. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4532–4541, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Propanolysis of arenesulfonyl chlorides: Nucleophilic substitution at sulfonyl sulfur
Authors: Iazykov Mykyta , Canle Moisés , Santaballa J. Arturo , Rublova Ludmila
Published: August 2017

We have studied the mechanism of solvolysis of arenesulfonyl chlorides by propan‐1‐ol and propan‐2‐ol at 303‐323 K. Kinetic profiles were appropriately fit by first‐order kinetics. Reactivity increases with electron‐donating substituents. Ortho‐alkyl substituted derivatives of arenesulfonyl chlorides show increased reactivity, but the origin of this “positive” ortho‐effect remains unclear. Likely, ortho‐methyl groups restrict rotation around the C‐S bond, facilitating the attack of the nucleophile. No relevant reactivity changes have been found with propan‐1‐ol and propan‐2‐ol in terms of nucleophile steric effect. The existence of isokinetic relationships for all substrates suggests a single mechanism for the series. Solvolysis reactions of all substrates in both alcohols show isokinetic temperatures (Tiso) close to the working temperature range, which is an evidence of the process being influenced by secondary reactivity factors, likely of steric nature in the TS. Solvation plays a relevant role in this reaction, modulating the reactivity. In some cases, the presence of t‐Bu instead of Me in para‐ position leads to changes in the first solvation shell, increasing the energy of the reaction (ca. 1 kJ·mol−1). The obtained results suggest the same kinetic mechanism of solvolysis of arenesulfonyl chlorides for propan‐1‐ol and propan‐2‐ol, as in MeOH and EtOH, where bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN2) takes place with nucleophilic solvent assistance of one alcohol molecule and the participation of the solvent network involving solvent molecules of the first solvation shell.
Effect of anionic surfactant on alginate‐chitosan polyelectrolyte multilayer thickness
Authors: Kaygusuz Hakan , Micciulla Samantha , Erim F. Bedia , von Klitzing Regine
Published: August 2017

Alginate and chitosan are among the most common biopolyelectrolytes. Surfactants can be included in alginate and chitosan formulations in order to improve their physical and functional properties. In the present study, the effect of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on alginate‐chitosan polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films is reported for the first time. Layer‐by‐layer deposition technique was employed to prepare the PEM samples and the samples were characterized by ellipsometry, X‐ray reflectivity, atomic force microscopy, and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation. Incorporation of SDS into PEM formulations increased the film thickness and an increased adsorption behavior between alginate and chitosan layers are observed. Since the concentration of SDS was below its critical micelle concentration, no micelle formation was expected and hydrophobic‐hydrophobic interaction between alginate and SDS might be the main reason. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1798–1803
Patterns of stress coping and depression among patients with head and neck cancer: A Japanese cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ichikura Kanako , Yamashita Aya , Sugimoto Taro , Kishimoto Seiji , Matsushima Eisuke
Published: August 2017

Objective

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) experience many stressful problems with breathing, eating, swallowing, and/or speaking. The aim of this study was to (a) identify the clusters of HNC patients based on their stress coping strategies and (b) evaluate the differences in clinical data and depression among the identified HNC patients' coping clusters.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center, cross‐sectional study with self‐completed questionnaires for patients with HNC between April and August 2013. We measured stress coping (an abbreviated version of the COPE Inventory: Brief COPE) and depression (the Japanese version of the Beck Depression Inventory‐II: BDI‐II).

Results

Of the 116 patients who completed all the questionnaires, 81 (69.8%) participants were 60 to 79 years old and 105 (90.5%) were men. Cluster analysis based on the standardized z score of Brief COPE showed that patients were classified into 3 clusters, labeled “dependent coping,” “problem‐focused coping,” and “resigned coping.” The ANOVA revealed that depression (BDI score) was significantly higher in the dependent‐coping cluster compared with the problem‐focused coping.

Conclusions

This study indicates that patients with a dependent‐coping pattern may account for the largest HNC population and are likely to suffer from depression. Dependent coping includes smoking, drinking, seeking support, or engaging self‐distraction. In the future, we should develop psychological intervention programs focused on coping strategies and enhancement of the support system for patients with HNC.
Factors influencing time to seeking medical advice and onset of treatment in women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in Serbia
Authors: Stamatovic L. , Vasovic S. , Trifunovic J. , Boskov N. , Gajic Z. , Parezanovic A. , Icevic M. , Cirkovic A. , Milic N.
Published: August 2017

Objective

Streamlining the diagnosis is a key factor in improving the treatment outcomes for breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine factors influencing time to seeking medical advice and treatment onset in women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in Serbia.

Methods

The study was a multicenter, cross‐sectional national survey, performed at 10 oncology centers in Serbia. Time intervals spent throughout the complex diagnostic pathway were evaluated using a validated questionnaire administered to women with breast cancer (n = 800). Total interval (TI) was determined using predefined time scales, including one referring to patient interval (PI), and several related to health care system interval (SI).

Results

Mean PI, SI, and TI were 4.5, 9.2, and 12.9 weeks, respectively; 20% of patients had a PI>12 weeks. Based on the multivariate regression model, longer PI was associated with perceived lack of time and personal disregard or trivialization of detected symptoms and signs. Women who were supported by family members or friends and had at least a secondary level education tended to have a shorter PI. Longer PI was correlated with a longer SI, while regular self‐examination, having been diagnosed by an oncologist, and living in a major city were associated with shorter SI.

Conclusions

Several factors, related to psychological, demographic, behavioral, and health system characteristics, determined both the time to seeking medical advice and treatment onset for breast cancer. These findings support review and refining of national strategies and policies to promote early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer.
Avoidance of androgen deprivation therapy in radiorecurrent prostate cancer as a clinically meaningful endpoint for salvage cryoablation
Authors: Ginsburg Kevin B. , Elshafei Ahmed , Yu Changhong , Jones J. Stephen , Cher Michael L.
Published: August 2017

Background

To investigate the ability of salvage cryoablation of the prostate (SCAP) to delay the need for androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in local recurrence after radiation therapy to the prostate using the Cryo‐On‐Line Database (COLD) registry.

Methods

The COLD registry is comprised of a combination of retrospectively and prospectively collected data on patients undergoing primary and SCAP. Patients with local recurrence after radiation therapy were identified. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was used to calculate ADT‐free survival.

Results

We identified 898 patients that have undergone SCAP in the COLD registry. Overall, the calculated 5‐year ADT‐free survival probability was 0.713. When stratified by D'Amico risk group, 264 high‐risk patients (71.9%), 234 intermediate‐risk (86.7%),and 228 low‐risk (87.7%) were free of ADT post‐SCAP. This correlates with a 5‐year ADT‐free survival of 60.7, 73.9, and 82.4%, respectively. Patients with post‐SCAP PSA nadir of <0.2 ng/mL had a 5 year ADT‐free survival of 87.1% compared to 48.7% with a PSA nadir ≥0.2 ng/mL. Pre‐operative ADT use or full versus partial gland SCAP did not have an effect on ADT use post‐operatively. In 118 (55.4%) of patients with post‐operative biochemical recurrence, ADT was not used.

Conclusion

For patients with local recurrence after radiation, SCAP is an option that provides a high chance of avoiding or delaying ADT. The potential to delay ADT and its associated side effects should be a part of counseling sessions with the patient when discussing treatment options for locally recurrent prostate cancer after radiation. Avoidance of ADT is more clinically relevant than PSA elevation.
Will the UK face an opioid abuse epidemic?
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: August 2017

Prescription drug abuse, in particular opioid abuse, has reached epidemic proportions in the USA. While the situation in the UK is currently less clear cut, increasing awareness among health professionals and greater investment in services may help to avoid a similar public health crisis in the future.
Prescription for disaster
Authors: Delvin David
Published: August 2017

Prescribing was fraught with pitfalls back when doctors had to handwrite scrips, recalls Dr Delvin.
The effects of labour migration on rural household production in inland China: Do landform conditions matter?
Authors: Pan Zehan , Xu Wei , Huang Zuyu , Wang Guixin
Published: August 2017

The large‐scale rural to urban migration, generating sizable remittances, is often considered as an important means to help reduce poverty in rural China. However, penury is still stubbornly haunting the mountainous rural areas of inland China where numerous rural–urban migrants originate. Neglected in the current literature, the landform conditions are vital to explain the diverse effects of labour migration on rural household production in China. By adopting a revised simultaneous equation model, this study explores empirically how variations in regional landform conditions configure the effect of labour migration on rural household production using the data from our 2013 survey of migration intentions among rural labourers in China. The results show that remittances exert a substitution effect on agricultural production of rural households in the mountainous areas but have a promotive effect in the plain and hilly areas. Labour cutback imposes a less negative influence on agricultural production of rural households residing in the plain and hilly areas than in the mountainous areas. The effects of remittances and labour cutback on nonagricultural production of rural households are positive and negative, respectively, although these effects are insensitive to the variation in landform conditions. As a consequence, local wage level of rural households is more difficult to be improved by labour migration in the mountainous areas. Therefore, it is likely to lead to excessive labour migration and poverty trap.