bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A time series and reduction‐based model for modeling and QoS prediction of service compositions
Authors: Li Jia , Luo Xin , Xia Yunni , Han Yakai , Zhu Qingsheng
Published: January 2014

Web services are emerging as a major technology for deploying automated interactions between distributed and heterogeneous applications. The accurate prediction of their quality of service (QoS) is important because their users rely on it to decide whether they meet the QoS requirement. The existing studies of QoS prediction usually assume that QoS of service activities follows certain distributions. These distributions are used as static model inputs into stochastic process models to obtain analytical QoS results. Instead, we consider the QoS activities to be fluctuating and introduce a dynamic framework to predict the runtime QoS by employing an Autoregressive Moving Average Model and QoS reduction rules. In the case study of a real‐world composite service sample, a comparison between existing approaches and the proposed one is presented, and results suggest that the proposed one achieves higher prediction accuracy.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective Surface Functionalization of Carbon Fibers for Fiber/Polymer Composites with Tailor‐Made Interfaces
Authors: Shiba Kota , Tagaya Motohiro , Samitsu Sadaki , Motozuka Satoshi
Published: January 2014

Composites between carbon fibers (CFs) and heterogeneous materials have been widely studied and their fabrication techniques have been developed. However, their hydrophobic surfaces make it difficult to disperse CFs into hydrophilic resins, which results in weak junctions with ceramics. To develop high‐strength composite fibers, it is important to design interfacial chemical bonds. Thus, surface‐modification techniques of CFs have recently become the main focus and their interfaces have been characterized by various analytical methods. In this Minireview, various techniques that modify the CF surface by coating with inorganic polymers (metal oxide compounds) are highlighted, and the applications of novel nanocomposite fibers are also described. Furthermore, interfacial bonds between CFs and polymer resins are reviewed and discussed in terms of CF‐reinforced plastics and their future prospects.
A Measurable Impact of a Self‐Practice/Self‐Reflection Programme on the Therapeutic Skills of Experienced Cognitive‐Behavioural Therapists
Authors: Davis Melanie L. , Thwaites Richard , Freeston Mark H. , Bennett‐Levy James
Published: January 2014

The need for effective training methods for enhancing cognitive‐behavioural therapist competency is not only relevant to new therapists but also to experienced therapists looking to retain and further enhance their skills. Self‐practice/self‐reflection (SP/SR) is a self‐experiential cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) training programme, which combines the experience of practicing CBT methods on oneself with structured reflection on the implications of the experience for clinical practice. In order to build on previous qualitative studies of SP/SR, which have mainly focused on trainee CBT therapists, the aim of the current study was to quantify the impact of SP/SR on the therapeutic skills of an experienced cohort of CBT therapists. Fourteen CBT therapists were recruited to participate in an SP/SR programme specifically adapted for experienced therapists. In the context of a quasi‐experimental design including multiple baselines within a single‐case methodology, therapists provided self‐ratings of technical cognitive therapy skill and interpersonal empathic skill at four critical time points: baseline, pre‐SP/SR and post‐SP/SR and follow‐up. Analysis of programme completers (n = 7) indicated that SP/SR enhances both technical skill and interpersonal therapeutic skill. Further intention‐to‐treat group (n = 14) analyses including both those who left the programme early (n = 3) and those who partially completed the programme (n = 4) added to the robustness of findings with respect to technical cognitive therapy skills but not interpersonal empathic skills. It was concluded that SP/SR, as a training and development programme, could offer an avenue to further therapeutic skill enhancement in already experienced CBT therapists. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

It was possible to quantify the positive impact of a self‐practice/self‐reflection (SP/SR) training and development programme within a cohort of experienced cognitive‐behavioural (CBT) therapists.

Through SP/SR, experienced CBT therapists can further enhance their self‐perceived therapeutic skills in two key domains; technical cognitive therapy skills and interpersonal empathic skill.

Further SP/SR studies should aim to incorporate objective measurement of therapeutic skill, ideally from more than one rating source.
Development and comparison of two competitive ELISAs for estimation of cotinine in human exposed to environmental tobacco smoke
Authors: Lei Yajing , Zhang Qian , Fang Lizheng , Akash Muhammad Sajid Hamid , Rehman Kanwal , Liu Zhiming , Shi Weixing , Chen Shuqing
Published: January 2014

We simultaneously set up two competitive (direct and indirect) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) based on the same antibody for estimation of cotinine (COT) in pregnant women especially and population generally exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. The results show that the limits of detection (LODs) for direct competitive ELISA and indirect competitive ELISA were 0.04 μgL‐1 and 0.1 μgL‐1, respectively. Direct competitive ELISA was found to be more sensitive than indirect competitive ELISA. Thereafter, we applied our direct competitive ELISA for the detection of COT from urinary samples taken from 450 volunteers from the Zhejiang Province of China. COT was detected in 100% of participants with concentration ranging from LOD to 5358.0 μgL‐1. The GM and 95th percentile concentration of COT in pregnant women were 6.3 μgL‐1 and 57.2 μgL‐1, respectively. Males had statistically higher COT concentrations than females (P < 0.0001), active smokers had statistically higher COT concentrations than non‐smokers (P < 0.0001), whereas, non‐pregnant women were found to have higher COT concentration than pregnant women. We conclude that our developed direct competitive ELISA is useful for detecting the COT in urinary concentration of human. The human urinary data obtained in this study indicated that common people generally and pregnant women especially were highly exposed to COT. Further studies are needed to focus on the sources of exposure, potential health effects and risk assessment of exposure to COT. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regioselective Synthesis of Diversely Substituted Diazoninones Through a Post‐Ugi Gold‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroarylation Process
Authors: Li Zhenghua , Kumar Amit , Vachhani Dipak D. , Sharma Sunil K. , Parmar Virinder S. , Van der Eycken Erik V.
Published: January 2014

A highly efficient approach for the regioselective construction of fused nine‐membered rings (diazoninone framework) was developed by employing sequential Ugi and gold‐catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation reactions. The scope of this intramolecular cyclization has been demonstrated.
One‐Pot Synthesis of N‐(Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐3‐yl)‐Substituted Sulfonamides Using Catalytic Zinc Chloride
Authors: Yu Chuanming , Chen Xu , Wu Ran , Yang Guanghui , Shi Jiaoyong , Pan Lingling
Published: January 2014

A one‐pot two‐step synthesis of N‐(imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐3‐yl)sulfonamides from easily available arylglyoxal hydrates, 2‐aminopyridines, and sulfonamides has been developed. The procedure, using zinc chloride as catalyst, is simple and inexpensive. The desired products were obtained in moderate to good yields under the optimized reaction conditions.
Preparation of bagasse Ash/MgO/ammonium acetate sorbent properties and modeling their desulphurization reaction
Authors: Dube Gadinkosi , Osifo Peter , Rutto Hilary
Published: January 2014

This work investigates the use of a siliceous material (bagasse ash) and a hydrating agent (ammonium acetate) as additives to enhance sulphur dioxide removal efficiency in low temperature dry flue gas desulphurization (FGD) process when magnesium‐based sorbent is used. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the effects of hydration temperature, hydration time, amount of ammonium acetate and amount of bagasse ash on the surface area of the sorbent. A polynomial model was developed to relate the preparation variables to the sorbent surface area. The Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller (BET) surface area results show that the surface area increased from 56 m2/g to 219 m2/g when bagasse ash and ammonium acetate was used at different sorbent preparation conditions. The desulphurization experiments performed using a Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) showed that sulphur dioxide (SO2) removal efficiency of up to 99.9% at reaction time of 2 h was achieved. The surface area results were in excellent agreement with the results obtained from the desulphurization reaction. The unreacted shrinking core model was chosen to describe the desulphurization reaction kinetics between SO2 and the magnesium hydrated sorbent. The model shows that a non‐porous shielding layer forms which stops further gas(SO2)‐solid (magnesium sorbent) reaction from occurring and the product layer was determined to be the rate limiting. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) results illustrates that as the sulphation reaction takes place pores become plugged with reaction products resulting to a non‐porous structure. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 23–31, 2015
Partial least square and k-nearest neighbor algorithms for improved 3D quantitative spectral data–activity relationship consensus modeling of acute toxicity
Authors: Stoyanova-Slavova Iva B. , Slavov Svetoslav H. , Pearce Bruce , Buzatu Dan A. , Beger Richard D. , Wilkes Jon G.
Published: January 2014

A diverse set of 154 chemicals that included US Food and Drug Administration–regulated compounds tested for their aquatic toxicity in Daphnia magna were modeled by a 3-dimensional quantitative spectral data–activity relationship (3D-QSDAR). Two distinct algorithms, partial least squares (PLS) and Tanimoto similarity-based k-nearest neighbors (KNN), were used to process bin occupancy descriptor matrices obtained after tessellation of the 3D-QSDAR space into regularly sized bins. The performance of models utilizing bins ranging in size from 2 ppm × 2 ppm × 0.5 Å to 20 ppm × 20 ppm × 2.5 Å was explored. Rigorous quality-control criteria were imposed: 1) 100 randomized 20% hold-out test sets were generated and the average R2test of the respective models was used as a measure of their performance, and 2) a Y-scrambling procedure was used to identify chance correlations. A consensus between the best-performing composite PLS model using 0.5 Å × 14 ppm × 14 ppm bins and 10 latent variables (average R2test = 0.770) and the best composite KNN model using 0.5 Å × 8 ppm × 8 ppm and 2 neighbors (average R2test = 0.801) offered an improvement of about 7.5% (R2test consensus = 0.845). Projection of the most frequently occurring bins on the standard coordinate space indicated that the presence of a primary or secondary amino group—substituted aromatic systems—would result in an increased toxic effect in Daphnia. The presence of a second aromatic ring with highly electronegative substituents 5 Å to 7 Å apart from the first ring would lead to a further increase in toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1271–1282. © 2014 SETAC
Callocystites fresti sp. nov., and the significance of ambulacral branching in the Callocystitidae (Echinodermata, Glyptocystitoida)
Authors: Paul Christopher R. C.
Published: January 2014

Callocystites fresti sp. nov. is characterized by an elongate theca, protuberant periproct and raised ambulacral facets. Ambulacral branching in Callocystites is isotomous, but left‐ and right‐handed branches occur because the ambulacral groove branches in the same direction twice, interrupting the regularly alternating branching to brachioles. Branching in Strobilocystites does not interrupt the alternation of brachioles and lateral food grooves always pass adoral to the first brachiole of each branch. Sphaerocystites branched as in Strobilocystites. Other morphological features suggest Callocystites, Sphaerocystites and Strobilocystites are not closely related. Callocystites has open infra‐lateral and lateral circlets and five ambulacra; Sphaerocystites and Strobilocystites have closed/modified circlets and four ambulacra. In Callocystites and Sphaerocystites the B and D ambulacra differ from the others and they have one hydropore; in Strobilocystites all four ambulacra are the same and the hydropore is double. All three genera have large, globular thecae. Ambulacral branching was a response to increased food‐gathering requirements. The following are phylogenetically informative callocystitid characters: truly open vs closed/modified plate circlets; number of pectinirhombs; number of ambulacra; presence vs absence of the ‘B D different’ pattern of primary brachioles; single vs double hydropore.

In echinoderms with five ambulacra in a 2–1–2 pattern ambulacral homologies are unambiguous: the single amb is A (III). In echinoderms without this pattern or with less than five ambulacra the hydropore or a single gonopore is best for orientation. Both always occur in the CD (V‐I) interambulacrum. The position of the periproct is unreliable. Different patterns and numbers of ambulacra in Palaeozoic echinoderms render a single developmental sequence improbable. Cystoids (blastozoans) had radial water vessels in their ambulacra and added new ambulacral plates terminally. Functional morphological considerations suggest tube feet were essential for food gathering. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional genomics identified a novel protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type f-mediated growth inhibition in hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Bera Rabindranath , Chiou Chih-Yung , Yu Ming-Chin , Peng Jei-Ming , He Chung-Ru , Hsu Chih-Yun , Huang Hsiao-Ling , Ho Uda Y. , Lin Shi-Ming , Lin Yu-Jr , Hsieh Sen-Yung
Published: January 2014

It is unclear how proliferating cells elicit suppression on cell proliferation and how cancer cells evade this growth suppression. Using a loss-of-function screening of the human kinome and phosphatome to identify genes suppressing tumor initiation in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we identified 19 genes and characterized one of the top-scoring tumor suppressor candidates, protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type F (PTPRF). We found that PTPRF was induced during cell proliferation by cell-cell contact. Ectopic expression of wild-type PTPRF, but not the phosphatase-inactive mutant, suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation in soft-agar assays. In contrast, PTPRF silencing led to cell hyperproliferation, enhanced tumor colony formation in soft agar, and increased xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. Mechanistically, PTPRF silencing showed aberrant ERK-dependent signaling including the phosphorylation/stabilization of v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC) through the direct activation of v-src avian sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (SRC) and suppression of PP2A. This PTPRF-mediated growth suppression during cell proliferation functioned independently of the Hippo-Yap pathway. Clinically, PTPRF was down-regulated in 42% HCC (37/89), 67% gastric cancer (27/40), and 100% colorectal cancer (40/40). PTPRF up-regulation was found in 24% HCC (21/89) and associated with better clinical outcomes. Conclusion: A novel PTPRF-mediated growth suppression pathway was identified by way of a functional genomics screening in human hepatoma cells. Induction of PTPRF by cell-cell contact during cell proliferation quenched the activated ERK-dependent proliferation signaling to prevent cell hyperproliferation and tumor initiation. PTPRF down-regulation in HCC facilitated tumor development. Our findings shed light on how cancer cells can evade growth suppression and open a new avenue for future development of anticancer therapies. (Hepatology 2014;59:2238–2250)
OUTSOURCING AND MARKET VALUE OF THE FIRM: TOWARD A COMPREHENSIVE MODEL
Authors: Nagpal Pankaj , Nicolaou Andreas I. , Lyytinen Kalle
Published: January 2014

We analyze the effect of buyer, contract, and vendor characteristics on abnormal stock returns among firms that have announced large scale Information Technology (IT) and Business Process outsourcing (BPO) contracts. We draw upon a comprehensive dataset on outsourcing announcements, augmented with data from public sources. Salient buyer factors examined include use of a wide range of organizational controls. On the vendor side, we examine the impact of vendor size, contract size and reputation. Our study shows that use of behavior controls, outcome controls (negative), vendor reputation, and industry of buyer firm affect market value. When limited to buyer related factors, use of behavior and clan controls is positively related to abnormal returns around IT outsourcing announcements. An interesting finding is that IT and BPO success require different sets of controls. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of coenzyme Q biosynthesis in yeast: A new complex in the block
Authors: González‐Mariscal Isabel , García‐Testón Elena , Padilla Sergio , Martín‐Montalvo Alejandro , Pomares‐Viciana Teresa , Vazquez‐Fonseca Luis , Gandolfo‐Domínguez Pablo , Santos‐Ocaña Carlos
Published: January 2014

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is an isoprenylated benzoquinone found in mitochondria, which functions mainly as an electron carrier from complex I or II to complex III in the inner membrane. CoQ is also an antioxidant that specifically prevents the oxidation of lipoproteins and the plasma membrane. Most of the information about the synthesis of CoQ comes from studies performed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. CoQ biosynthesis is a highly regulated process of sequential modifications of the benzene ring. There are three pieces of evidence supporting the involvement of a multienzymatic complex in yeast CoQ6 biosynthesis: (a) the accumulation of a unique early precursor in all null mutants of the COQ genes series, 4‐hydroxy‐3‐hexaprenyl benzoate (HHB), (b) the lack of expression of several Coq proteins in COQ null mutants, and (c) the restoration of CoQ biosynthesis complex after COQ8 overexpression. The model we propose based on the formation of a multiprotein complex should facilitate a better understanding of CoQ biosynthesis. According to this model, the complex assembly requires the synthesis of a precursor such as HHB by Coq2p that must be recognized by the regulatory protein Coq4p to act as the core component of the complex. The phosphorylation of Coq3p and Coq5p by the kinase Coq8p facilitates the formation of an initial precomplex of 700 kDa that contains all Coq proteins with the exception of Coq7p. The precomplex is required for the synthesis of 5‐demethoxy‐Q6, the substrate of Coq7p. When cells require de novo CoQ6 synthesis, Coq7p is dephosphorylated by Ptc7p, a mitochondrial phosphatase that activates the synthesis of CoQ6. This event allows for the full assembly of a complex of 1,300 kDa that is responsible for the final product of the pathway, CoQ6. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(2):63–70, 2014
Integrated Masculinity: Using Gestalt Counseling With Male Clients
Authors: Novack Jerry , Park Sarah Joy , Friedman Andrew N.
Published: January 2014

This article examines several central aspects of Gestalt work that have potential for helping male clients. The authors explain that although a search for literature on Gestalt counseling with men produced no results, Gestalt approaches have much to offer clinicians working with men. Theoretical concepts and interventions are addressed and illustrated with case examples of Gestalt work with male clients. Research implications are discussed.
On the Existence of Friendship Hypergraphs
Authors: Jørgensen Leif Kjær , Sillasen Anita Abildgaard
Published: January 2014

A 3‐uniform friendship hypergraph is a 3‐uniform hypergraph in which, for all triples of vertices x, y, z there exists a unique vertex w, such that , and are edges in the hypergraph. Sós showed that such 3‐uniform friendship hypergraphs on n vertices exist with a so‐called universal friend if and only if a Steiner triple system, exists. Hartke and Vandenbussche used integer programming to search for 3‐uniform friendship hypergraphs without a universal friend and found one on 8, three nonisomorphic on 16 and one on 32 vertices. So far, these five hypergraphs are the only known 3‐uniform friendship hypergraphs. In this paper we construct an infinite family of 3‐uniform friendship hypergraphs on 2k vertices and edges. We also construct 3‐uniform friendship hypergraphs on 20 and 28 vertices using a computer. Furthermore, we define r‐uniform friendship hypergraphs and state that the existence of those with a universal friend is dependent on the existence of a Steiner system, . As a result hereof, we know infinitely many 4‐uniform friendship hypergraphs with a universal friend. Finally we show how to construct a 4‐uniform friendship hypergraph on 9 vertices and with no universal friend.
Efficacy of 3D‐positron emission tomography/computed tomography for upper abdomen
Authors: Murakami Koji , Nakahara Tadaki
Published: January 2014

Recent advancement in computed tomography (CT) enables us to obtain high spatial resolution image and made it possible to construct extensive high‐definition three‐dimensional (3D) images. But a lack of contrast resolution in CT alone is still remained problem. Meanwhile, as fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (PET) can visualize tumors in high contrast, we can create 3D images fusing the accumulation in tumors on PET/CT images. Such images can play the role of a “map of body” which makes it easy to understand the anatomical information before surgery. We also try to evaluate segmental liver function by using PET/CT fusion images. By using 11C‐methionine PET/contrast‐enhanced CT, superior image quality compared to single photon emission computed tomography/CT can be obtained. CT, especially with contrast enhancement for obtaining anatomical imaging information plus PET for obtaining functional imaging information is a highly compatible combination, and adding these two types information will further increase clinical usefulness.
Preoperative staging of gallbladder carcinoma using biliary MR imaging
Authors: Kim Soo Jin , Lee Jeong Min , Lee Eun Sun , Han Joon Koo , Choi Byung Ihn
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of biliary MRI, including unenhanced imaging, gadolinium‐enhanced (Gd‐E) dynamic imaging, and MR cholangiography, for the preoperative staging of gallbladder cancer (GBC).

Materials and Methods

Our institutional review board approved this retrospective study. Eighty‐six, consecutive patients with surgically resected and pathologically confirmed GBCs and who underwent preoperative MRI, including unenhanced T1‐ and T2‐weighted images, MR cholangiography, and dynamic imaging, were enrolled in this study. Two observers independently evaluated the biliary MR images regarding the T‐ and N‐staging of GBCs and graded their diagnostic confidence for the staging using a 5‐point scale. Receiver operating curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of MR in the staging of GBC. Interobserver agreement was evaluated using kappa statistics.

Results

The overall accuracy of T‐ and N‐staging using biliary MRI was 84.9% and 77.9% for observer 1 and 69.8% and 74.4% for observer 2. There was good interobserver agreement regarding the T stage (k = 0.828). The Az (AUC: area under the curve) values of the diagnostic ability of MRI to differentiate ≥ T1b from ≤ T1a lesions, were 0.979 and 0.955 for both observers (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Biliary MRI with MR cholangiography allows moderately accurate preoperative T staging and N staging of GBCs. It also shows an excellent diagnostic ability for differentiating ≥ T1b lesions from ≤ T1a lesions, which can be helpful for preoperative planning. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:314–321.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bradykinin regulates the expression of claudin‐5 in brain microvascular endothelial cells via calcium‐induced calcium release
Authors: Zhou Lei , Yang Bo , Wang Yong , Zhang Hong‐Liang , Chen Run‐Wei , Wang Yi‐Bao
Published: January 2014

To investigate the mechanism underlying the regulation of claudin‐5, a tight junction protein that participates primarily in the constitution of the blood–brain barrier by bradykinin (BK), we established a primary culture of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). BMECs were treated with 10−5 M BK, and changes in the intracellular Ca2+ levels were measured by using the sensitive fluorescent dye fluo‐3; the expression and distribution of claudin‐5 were investigated by immunocytochemistry and Western blot analyses. We did not detect any expression of bradykinin B2 receptors in the BMECs or freshly isolated rat brain microvessels. We found that 10−5 M BK triggered Ca2+ transients in BMECs, and further investigations revealed that inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) were responsible for the Ca2+ fluctuation. Consequently, these intracellular Ca2+ changes that occur in response to BK application were identified as Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release (CICR). Immunocytochemistry and Western blot results demonstrated that 10−5 M BK could cause the internalization and a decrease in the expression of claudin‐5; agonists of IP3Rs and RyRs, such as IP3 and caffeine, enhanced the BK‐induced downregulation of claudin‐5, whereas antagonists of IP3Rs and RyRs, such as 2‐APB and ryanodine, abrogated BK's effect on claudin‐5. In conclusion, the BK‐induced CICR in primary culture BMECs might be the mechanism by which BK modulates claudin‐5. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perioperative survival of elderly head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Stokes William A. , Fuller Collin , Day Terry A. , Gillespie Marion B.
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the survival benefit of surgery for elderly head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.

Study Design

Retrospective national database cohort study of HNC patients.

Methods

The study is a retrospective cohort review of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End‐Results (SEER) database from 2004 to 2009. We developed an estimated perioperative window, based on the institutional database at a tertiary academic center. The average time to surgery among HNC patients at this center correlated with SEER's 3‐month post diagnosis. From this estimate, we calculated postoperative (3 months), 2‐year, and 5‐year overall survival (OS) for patients receiving HNC surgery from 2004 to 2009 in the SEER database. Patients were matched for sex, tumor grade/stage, primary location, and radiation treatment status.

Results

Overall, after matching we found a statistically significant decrease in 3‐month OS for the elderly patients versus younger controls who received surgery (P < .05). However, a matched analysis of elderly patients alone found a significant increase in OS for elderly patients who received surgery compared to those who did not (P < .05).

Conclusions

Surgery appears to offer overall benefit to elderly HNC patients. These patients have a significantly worse postoperative OS than their younger counterparts, but the clinical significance appears to be limited. The improved survival among elderly patients who receive surgery compared to those who do not suggests that surgery should be offered to properly selected patients regardless of age.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope 124:2281–2286, 2014
Antibody-mediated rejection in liver transplantation: Current controversies and future directions
Authors: Taner Timucin , Stegall Mark D. , Heimbach Julie K.
Published: January 2014

Interest in the role of donor-specific human leukocyte antibodies in liver transplantation has been rekindled recently. Emerging evidence suggests that these antibodies may cause injury to the liver allograft. Here we review the clinical literature, highlight controversial results, and propose a path forward for the definition and better understanding of antibody-mediated injury to the liver. Liver Transpl 20:514–527, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Growth of Long Triisopropylsilylethynyl Pentacene (TIPS‐PEN) Nanofibrils in a Polymer Thin Film During Spin‐Coating
Authors: Park Minwoo , Min Yuho , Lee Yu‐Jeong , Jeong Unyong
Published: January 2014

This study demonstrates the growth of long triisopropylsilyethynyl pentacene (TIPS‐PEN) nanofibrils in a thin film of a crystalline polymer, poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL). During spin‐coating, TIPS‐PEN molecules are locally extracted around the PCL grain boundaries and they crystallize into [010] direction forming long nanofibrils. Molecular weight of PCL and weight fraction (α) of TIPS‐PEN in PCL matrix are key factors to the growth of nanofibrils. Long high‐quality TIPS‐PEN nanofibrils are obtained with high‐molecular‐weight PCL and at the α values in the range of 0.03–0.1. The long nanofibrils are used as an active layer in a field‐effect organic transistor.

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Individually Addressable Thermo‐ and Redox‐Responsive Block Copolymers by Combining Anionic Polymerization and RAFT Protocols
Authors: Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J. , Elbert Johannes , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Gallei Markus
Published: January 2014

A novel diblock copolymer consisting of poly(vinylferrocene) (PVFc) and poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide) (PDEA) is synthesized via a combination of anionic and RAFT polymerization. The use of a novel route to hydroxyl‐end‐functionalized metallopolymers in anionic polymerization and subsequent esterification with a RAFT agent leads to a PVFc macro‐CTA ( = 3800 g mol−1; Đ = 1.17). RAFT polymerization with DEA affords block copolymers as evidenced by 1H NMR spectroscopy as well as size exclusion chromatography (6400 ≤ ≤ 33700 g mol−1; 1.31 ≤ Đ 1.28). Self‐assembly of the amphiphilic block copolymers in aqueous solution leads to micelles as shown via TEM. Importantly, the distinct thermo‐responsive and redox‐responsive character of the blocks is probed via dynamic light scattering and found to be individually and repeatedly addressable.

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One‐dimensional image‐selected in vivo spectroscopy localized phosphorus saturation transfer at 7T
Authors: Valkovič Ladislav , Bogner Wolfgang , Gajdošík Martin , Považan Michal , Kukurová Ivica Just , Krššák Martin , Gruber Stephan , Frollo Ivan , Trattnig Siegfried , Chmelík Marek
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of a one‐dimensional image‐selected in vivo spectroscopy (1D‐ISIS) saturation transfer (ST) sequence at 7T for localized in vivo measurements of energy metabolism in different tissues in clinically reasonable examination times.

Methods

The performance of a gradient offset independent adiabacity‐based 1D‐ISIS localization was tested on phantom and the localized ST sequence was compared with the nonlocalized version in vivo. We performed localized measurements of basal metabolism of human liver and different muscle groups of the calf. Localized ST experiments took 15–25 minutes.

Results

The selectivity of the 1D‐ISIS sequence was 81.63% and the outer volume suppression was 97.57%. The ST parameters acquired with the 1D‐ISIS sequence and with the nonlocalized acquisition in the muscle were not statistically different. The forward rate constants for phosphocreatine (PCr)–adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi)–ATP exchange reactions were measured in the soleus (kCK = 0.30 ± 0.06 s−1 and kATP = 0.11 ± 0.02 s−1, respectively) and in the medial gastrocnemius (kCK = 0.27 ± 0.06 s−1 and kATP = 0.09 ± 0.03s−1, respectively) in 15 minutes per muscle group. The corresponding fluxes were FCK = 6.26 ± 1.28 μmol/g/s, FATP = 0.22 ± 0.05 μmol/g/s and FCK = 6.29 ± 1.66 μmol/g/s, FATP = 0.21 ± 0.07 μmol/g/s, for soleus and gastrocnemius, respectively. The hepatic ATP synthesis measurement was feasible in 24 minutes.

Conclusion

The fast assessment of PCr–ATP and Pi–ATP exchange rates at 7T makes the 1D‐ISIS ST sequence a promising tool for examining local resting‐state metabolism in clinically acceptable measurement times. Magn Reson Med 72:1509–1515, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The relationship between body fat mass percentiles and inflammation in children
Authors: Singer Kanakadurga , Eng Donna S. , Lumeng Carey N. , Gebremariam Achamyeleh , M. Lee Joyce
Published: January 2014

Objective

Obesity has been associated with markers of increased systemic inflammation in both human and animal studies. Increased inflammation is linked to metabolic and cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between percentile body fat and inflammation in a nationally representative sample of US children.

Methods: 6,950 children 8‐18 years of age between 1999 and 2004 were studied. Measurement of body fat percentage was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan and converted to an age‐ and sex‐adjusted percentile. The main outcome measures were abnormal c‐reactive protein (CRP > 1.0 mg/dl) and absolute neutrophil count (ANC > 6,600).

Results

Children with higher levels of body fat (≥70th percentile) had a higher odds of having elevated CRP (OR 2.88‐10.69) and elevated ANC (OR 2.14‐3.24) compared with children with body fat <70th percentile.

Conclusions

The link between inflammation and body fat in children warrants further longitudinal research to understand the temporal relationship between overweight/obesity and inflammation in the pediatric obese population and its implications for chronic disease risk.
Association between vitamin D receptor activator and the risk of infection‐related hospitalizations among incident hemodialysis patients: a nested case–control study
Authors: Normand Isabelle , Elftouh Naoual , Laurin Louis‐Philippe , Ouimet Denis , Harrak Hind , Lafrance Jean‐Philippe
Published: January 2014

Background

Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease are at greater risk of developing infection than the normal population, and infections are the second cause of mortality after cardiovascular complications in this population. Some reports suggest that the intake of active vitamin D might be beneficial to prevent infections. Therefore, we aimed to determine if the oral intake of vitamin D receptor activator (VDRA) is associated with a lower risk of infection‐related hospitalization (IRH) among incident chronic hemodialysis patients.

Methods

We conducted a nested case–control study in a cohort of 4933 patients initiating chronic hemodialysis between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2007 in Quebec, Canada, using administrative databases. We identified cases of hospital admission indicating an infection as main diagnosis on the hospital's discharge sheet. Up to 10 controls were randomly selected for each case. Association between oral VDRA use and risk of IRH was estimated using conditional logistic regression.

Results

We identified 1136 cases of IRH and 10 396 controls during the study period. The intake of VDRA was not associated with the risk of being hospitalized due to an infection (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95–1.20). Using the prior 6‐month cumulative dose of VDRA, we also found that a cumulative VDRA dose of less than 45 mcg (OR, 1.05; 95%CI, 0.92–1.19) or greater than 45 mcg (OR, 1.15; 95%CI, 0.96–1.36) was not associated with the IRH risk.

Conclusions

The oral intake of VDRA was not associated with the risk of IRH in incident hemodialysis patients. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local sequence of protein β‐strands influences twist and bend angles
Authors: Fujiwara Kazuo , Ebisawa Shinichi , Watanabe Yuka , Toda Hiromi , Ikeguchi Masamichi
Published: January 2014

β‐Sheet twisting is thought to be mainly determined by interstrand hydrogen bonds with little contribution from side chains, but some proteins have large, flat β‐sheets, suggesting that side chains influence β‐structures. We therefore investigated the relationship between amino acid composition and twists or bends of β‐strands. We calculated and statistically analyzed the twist and bend angles of short frames of β‐strands in known protein structures. The most frequent twist angles were strongly negatively correlated with the proportion of hydrophilic amino acid residues. The majority of hydrophilic residues (except serine and threonine) were found in the edge regions of β‐strands, suggesting that the side chains of these residues likely do not affect β‐strand structure. In contrast, the majority of serine, threonine, and asparagine side‐chains in β‐strands made contacts with a nitrogen atom of the main chain, suggesting that these residues suppress β‐strand twisting. Proteins 2014; 82:1484–1493. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PRIMSIPLR: Prediction of inner‐membrane situated pore‐lining residues for alpha‐helical transmembrane proteins
Authors: Nguyen Duy , Helms Volkhard , Lee Po‐Hsien
Published: January 2014

Transmembrane proteins such as transporters and channels mediate the passage of inorganic and organic substances across biological membranes through their central pore. Pore‐lining residues (PLRs) that make direct contacts to the substrates have a crucial impact on the function of the protein and, hence, their identification is a key step in mechanistic studies. Here, we established a nonredundant data set containing the three‐dimensional (3D) structures of 90 α‐helical transmembrane proteins and annotated the PLRs of these proteins by a pore identification software. A support vector machine was then trained to distinguish PLRs from other residues based on the protein sequence alone. Using sixfold cross‐validation, our best performing predictor gave a Matthews's correlation coefficient of 0.41 with an accuracy of 0.86, sensitivity of 0.61, and specificity of 0.89, respectively. We provide a novel software tool that will aid biomedical scientists working on transmembrane proteins with unknown 3D structures. Both standalone version and web service are freely available from the URL http://service.bioinformatik.uni-saarland.de/PRIMSIPLR/. Proteins 2014; 82:1503–1511. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
InSb:Mn – A high temperature ferromagnetic semiconductor
Authors: Lähderanta E. , Lashkul A. V. , Kochura A. V. , Lisunov K. G. , Aronzon B. A. , Shakhov M. A.
Published: January 2014

Diluted magnetic semiconductor InSb:Mn exhibits a ferromagnetic behavior up to T ∼ 600 K due to presence of nanosize MnSb precipitates [Kochura et al., J. Appl. Phys. 113, 083905 (2013)]. Transport properties of InSb:Mn, including the resistivity, the magnetoresistance (MR), and the Hall effect, are investigated between T ∼ 1.6 and 300 K in magnetic fields B up to 15 T. The resistivity, ρ(T), displays an upturn with lowering the temperature below T ∼ 10–20 K attributable to the Kondo effect, where the universal Kondo behavior is observed. The Hall resistivity, ρH, demonstrates a nonlinear dependence on B up to T ∼ 300 K, suggesting an anomalous contribution due to the effect of the MnSb nanoprecipitates. The relative MR, Δρ(B)/ρ(0), is positive (pMR) above T ∼ 10 K and transforms into a negative one (nMR) with lowering temperature. The Hall effect and pMR are interpreted simultaneously with the two‐band model, addressed to presence of the two types of holes with quite different concentrations and mobilities. The dependences of nMR on B and T follow those of the Khosla–Fischer model, taking into account damping of the spin‐dependent scattering of charge carriers in magnetic field.
Excitonic and activator recombination channels in binary halide scintillation crystals
Authors: Gridin S. , Vasil'ev A. N. , Belsky A. , Shiran N. , Gektin A.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this paper is to study the efficiency of excitonic and activator recombination channels in activated alkali halides depending on the activator concentration. Both theoretical considerations and experimental verification of competition of these channels were carried out. For a model system a CsI‐based scintillator was chosen. It is shown that at low temperature (20 K) the excitonic luminescence significantly drops in a hyperbolic law with increase of activator (Tl or In) emission. A corresponding increase of the activator‐related recombination channel at 20 K was found to be only 20% of the excitonic yield of pure crystals, reaching a saturation at about 0.04 mol% of the activator. The energy loss observed is attributed to trapping of electron excitations at different centers. This is connected with the competition of electron–hole recombination and trapping of electrons on activators. Estimation of recombination efficiency was done based on the generalized Onsager model. Activator‐induced screening, broad spatial distribution of thermalized electrons (mean thermalization length in CsI is about 180 nm) and strongly inhomogeneous electron track structure were taken into account in the model. Energy transfer from the excitons to the activator was suggested to be the main cause of the activator emission observed in doped CsI crystals at 20 K.
Speed tracking control of surface‐mounted permanent‐magnet synchronous motor with unknown exosystem
Authors: Ping Zhaowu , Huang Jie
Published: January 2014

The surface‐mounted permanent‐magnet synchronous motor is a two‐input, two‐output nonlinear system. The multi‐input, multi‐output nature of the system has posed some specific challenges to various control methods. Recently, the robust output regulation problem of the system subject to a known neutrally stable exosystem was studied. The problem came down to a global robust stabilization problem of an augmented system composed of the original plant and an internal model. In this paper, we will further study the robust output regulation problem of the system subject to an unknown neutrally stable exosystem. Like in the case where the exosystem is known, the current problem can be solved by globally stabilizing an augmented system. But unlike in the case where the exosystem is known, the augmented system takes a much more complicated form because of uncertainty in the exosystem than the case where the exosystem is known. In particular, the dynamic uncertainty in the current augmented system contains linearly parameterized uncertainty, and hence is not input‐to‐state stable. By utilizing some dynamic coordinate transformation technique, and combining some robust control and adaptive control techniques, we will solve the problem via a recursive approach. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Gaussian compound decision bakeoff
Authors: Koenker Roger
Published: January 2014

A non‐parametric mixture model approach to empirical Bayes compound decisions for the Gaussian location model is compared with a parametric empirical Bayes approach recently suggested by Martin and Walker and several recent more formal Bayes procedures.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Attitudes About Internet Support Groups Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and their Parents
Authors: Martin Staci , Wolters Pamela L. , Baldwin Andrea , Roderick Marie Claire , Toledo‐Tamula Mary Anne , Gillespie Andrea , Widemann Brigitte
Published: January 2014

Youth with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) have multiple, complex symptoms associated with physical, social‐emotional, and cognitive difficulties. In addition, caring for a child with NF1 can be extremely challenging for parents. Since research with other chronic illness populations suggests that social support, including internet support groups (ISGs), can be beneficial, this survey study aimed to determine the attitudes and preferences of adolescents and young adults with NF1 and parents of a child with NF1 regarding ISGs. Thirty patients and 30 caregivers completed a 24‐item survey about ISGs. Many patients and parents are not aware of any ISGs for NF1, but are interested in using one in the future for a variety of reasons, including to get answers to their questions about NF1, to find out about research studies, and to discuss problems and concerns about NF1. Specific concerns of interest include physical, social‐emotional, and cognitive aspects of NF1. ISGs have potential as a social support intervention within the NF1 community. ISGs for the NF1 population should include patients with NF1 (or parents of children with NF1) as well as a health professional, and both chat rooms and discussion boards likely would be well‐received.
Stair falls: Caregiver's “missed step” as a source of childhood fractures
Authors: Pennock Andrew T. , Gantsoudes George D. , Forbes Jennifer L. , Asaro Amanda M. , Mubarak Scott J.
Published: January 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to describe fractures sustained by children and to analyze the associated costs when a caretaker falls down stairs while holding a child.

Materials and methods

Between 2004 and 2012, 16 children who sustained a fracture after a fall down stairs while being carried by a caregiver were identified. Parents/caregivers were interviewed to see how the fall occurred, and a cost analysis was performed.

Results

The average age of the patients was 14.5 months (7–51 months). The lower extremity was involved in 15 of 16 fractures, with 8 involving the femur. The majority were buckle fractures, but all diaphyseal femur fractures were spiral. Three patients required a reduction in the operating room. All fractures healed with cast immobilization. Five patients underwent skeletal surveys, as the treating physicians were concerned about potential child abuse. The average cost of treatment was $6785 (range $948–45,876). Detailed histories from the caregivers showed that they “missed a step” due to the child being carried in front of the caregiver, obscuring their vision.

Conclusions

A fall in a caregiver's arms while going down stairs can result in multiple orthopedic injuries. The costs of treating these injuries are not insignificant, and the suspicion of child abuse can be both costly and unnecessary in the case of a true accident. While descending the stairs with a child in their arms, the caregiver should hold the child to the side so as not to obscure their vision of the step with one arm, ideally holding the handrail with the other.

Level of evidence

IV case series.