bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Step Synthesis of Photoluminescent Covalent Polymeric Nanocomposites from 2D Silicon Nanosheets
Authors: Helbich Tobias , Lyuleeva Alina , Ludwig Theresa , Scherf Lavinia M. , Fässler Thomas F. , Lugli Paolo , Rieger Bernhard
Published: July 2016

Herein, the synthesis and characterization of the first polymeric nanocomposite based on silicon nanosheets (SiNSs) are reported. In a one‐step reaction, the formation of the polymeric matrix material and simultaneous functionalization of the SiNSs with polymers occur via radical polymerization of organic monomers such as styrene, methyl methacrylate, and acrylic acid. Depending on the purification method used, a covalently linked nanocomposite or the functionalized SiNSs are obtained. SiNSs decompose when exposed to basic conditions or to UV light. The UV‐light‐based decomposition is briefly investigated. In the nanocomposite, the stability of the 2D nanomaterial enhances significantly against these external influences, while the optoelectronic properties (e.g., photoluminescence) of the SiNSs and the processing characteristics of the polymeric matrix are preserved.
Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks (HOFs): A New Class of Porous Crystalline Proton‐Conducting Materials
Authors: Karmakar Avishek , Illathvalappil Rajith , Anothumakkool Bihag , Sen Arunabha , Samanta Partha , Desai Aamod V. , Kurungot Sreekumar , Ghosh Sujit K.
Published: July 2016

Two porous hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) based on arene sulfonates and guanidinium ions are reported. As a result of the presence of ionic backbones appended with protonic source, the compounds exhibit ultra‐high proton conduction values (σ) 0.75× 10−2 S cm−1 and 1.8×10−2 S cm−1 under humidified conditions. Also, they have very low activation energy values and the highest proton conductivity at ambient conditions (low humidity and at moderate temperature) among porous crystalline materials, such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). These values are not only comparable to the conventionally used proton exchange membranes, such as Nafion used in fuel cell technologies, but is also the highest value reported in organic‐based porous architectures. Notably, this report inaugurates the usage of crystalline hydrogen‐bonded porous organic frameworks as solid‐state proton conducting materials.
Hierarchische Selbstassemblierung dreidimensional gedruckter Schlüssel/Schloss‐Kolloide durch Formerkennung
Authors: Tigges Thomas , Walther Andreas
Published: July 2016

Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der kolloidalen Selbstassemblierung hängen stark von der Entwicklung neuer Verfahren zur Herstellung anisotroper Partikel mit räumlich definierten Interaktionsmustern ab, um die Bildung definierter Überstrukturen zu ermöglichen. Hier beschreiben wir erstmalig die Verwendung von direktem 3D‐Laserschreiben zur Herstellung einheitlicher Populationen von anisotropen, kegelförmigen Mikropartikeln, die zur Selbstassemblierung über Schlüssel/Schloss‐Formerkennung in der Lage sind. Triebkraft dieser Assemblierung sind Depletions‐Wechselwirkungen, welche die kolloidalen Partikel zu linearen, suprakolloidalen Polymeren wachsen lassen. Die resultierenden suprakolloidalen Fibrillen zeigen eine hierarchische Ordnung und bilden nematische, flüssigkristalline Domänen. Ein derartiges Verhalten konnte in Abwesenheit externer Felder bisher nicht beobachtet werden. Die Studie eröffnet neue Möglichkeiten, um mithilfe von direktem Laserschreiben maßgeschneiderte Kolloide herzustellen und ihre Selbstassemblierung zu verstehen.
Synthetic Approaches to Trifluoromethoxy‐Substituted Compounds
Authors: Tlili Anis , Toulgoat Fabien , Billard Thierry
Published: July 2016

Because of the unique properties of the trifluoromethoxy group, molecules bearing this moiety will find applications in various fields, particularly in the life sciences. However, despite the great interest in this functional group, only a small number of trifluoromethoxylated molecules are currently synthetically accessible. Over the last few years, several innovative and promising strategies for the synthesis of trifluoromethoxylated compounds have been described. This Minireview discusses these existing methods with a particular focus on more recent advances.
Real‐Time Cellular Imaging of Protein Poly(ADP‐ribos)ylation
Authors: Buntz Annette , Wallrodt Sarah , Gwosch Eva , Schmalz Michael , Beneke Sascha , Ferrando‐May Elisa , Marx Andreas , Zumbusch Andreas
Published: July 2016

Poly(ADP‐ribos)ylation (PARylation) is an important posttranslational protein modification, and is involved in major cellular processes such as gene regulation and DNA repair. Its dysregulation has been linked to several diseases, including cancer. Despite its importance, methods to observe PARylation dynamics within cells are rare. By following a chemical biology approach, we developed a fluorescent NAD+ analogue that proved to be a competitive building block for protein PARylation in vitro and in cells. This allowed us to directly monitor the turnover of PAR in living cells at DNA damage sites after near‐infrared (NIR) microirradiation. Additionally, covalent and noncovalent interactions of selected target proteins with PAR chains were visualized in cells by using FLIM‐FRET microscopy. Our results open up new opportunities for the study of protein PARylation in real time and in live cells, and will thus contribute to a better understanding of its significance in a cellular context.
Protein Patterns and Oscillations on Lipid Monolayers and in Microdroplets
Authors: Zieske Katja , Chwastek Grzegorz , Schwille Petra
Published: July 2016

The Min proteins from E.coli position the bacterial cell‐division machinery through pole‐to‐pole oscillations. In vitro, Min protein self‐organization can be reconstituted in the presence of a lipid membrane as a catalytic surface. However, Min dynamics have so far not been reconstituted in fully membrane‐enclosed volumes. Microdroplets interfaced by lipid monolayers were employed as a simple 3D mimic of cellular compartments to reconstitute Min protein oscillations. We demonstrate that lipid monolayers are sufficient to fulfil the catalytic role of the membrane and thus represent a facile platform to investigate Min protein regulated dynamics of the cell‐division protein FtsZ‐mts. In particular, we show that droplet containers reveal distinct Min oscillation modes, and reveal a dependence of FtsZ‐mts structures on compartment size. Finally, co‐reconstitution of Min proteins and FtsZ‐mts in droplets yields antagonistic localization, thus demonstrating that droplets indeed support the analysis of complex bacterial self‐organization in confined volumes.
Synthesis, characterization and thermoluminescence studies of (ZnS)1‐x(MnTe)x nanophosphors
Authors: Pateria Deepti , Baghel R. N. , Bisen D. P. , Jha Piyush , Chandra V. K. , Chandra B. P.
Published: July 2016

The present paper reports the thermoluminescence (TL) of (ZnS)1‐x(MnTe)x nanophosphors that were prepared by a wet chemical synthesis method. The structure investigated by X‐ray diffraction patterns confirms the formation of a sphalerite phase whose space group was found to be F
3m. From XRD, TEM and SEM analyses the average sizes of the particles were found to be 12 nm, 11 nm and 15 nm, respectively. Initially the TL intensity increased with increasing values of x because the number of luminescence centres increased; however, for higher values of x the TL intensity decreased because of the concentration quenching. Thus the TL, mechanoluminescence and photoluminescence intensities are optimum for a particular value of x, that is for x = 0.05. Thermoluminescence of the (ZnS)1‐x (MnTe)x nanophosphor has not been reported previously. There were two peaks seen in the thermoluminescence glow curves in which the first peak lay at 105–100 °C and the second peak lay at 183.5–178.5 °C. The activation energies for the first and second peaks were found to be 0.45 eV and 0.75 eV, respectively.
Diagnostic accuracy of surgeons and trainees in assessment of patients with acute abdominal pain
Authors:   Acute Abdominal Pain (AAP) Study group, Kiewiet J J S , Gans S L , Luitse J S K , van Westreenen H L , Lamme B , Welling L , Mirck B , Gouma D J , Roos D , Lagarde S M , ter Riele W W , Vrouenraets B C , Donkervoort S C , Boermeester M A
Published: July 2016

Background

Diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of patients with acute abdominal pain in the emergency ward is not adequate. It has been argued that this is because the investigations are carried out predominantly by a trainee. Resource utilization could be lowered if surgeons had a higher initial diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

Patients with acute abdominal pain were included in a prospective cohort study. A surgical trainee and a surgeon made independent assessments in the emergency department, recording the clinical diagnosis and proposed diagnostic investigations. A reference standard diagnosis was established by an expert panel, and the proportion of correct diagnoses was calculated. Diagnostic accuracy was expressed in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Interobserver agreement for the diagnosis and elements of history-taking and physical examination were expressed by means of Cohen's κ. Certainty of diagnosis was recorded using a visual analogue scale.

Results

A trainee and a surgeon independently assessed 126 patients. Trainees made a correct diagnosis in 44·4 per cent of patients and surgeons in 42·9 per cent (P = 0·839). Surgeons, however, recorded a higher level of diagnostic certainty. Diagnostic accuracy was comparable in distinguishing urgent from non-urgent diagnoses, and for the most common diseases. Interobserver agreement for the clinical diagnosis varied from fair to moderate (κ = 0·28–0·57).

Conclusion

The diagnostic accuracy of the initial clinical assessment is not improved when a surgeon rather than a surgical trainee assesses a patient with abdominal pain in the emergency department.
Validation of data quality in the Swedish National Register for Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer
Authors: Linder G , Lindblad M , Djerf P , Elbe P , Johansson J , Lundell L , Hedberg J
Published: July 2016

Background

The Swedish National Register for Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer (NREV) was launched in 2006. Data are reported at diagnosis (diagnostic survey), at the time of surgery (surgical survey) and at first outpatient follow-up (follow-up survey). The aim of this study was to evaluate data originating from NREV in terms of comparability, completeness, accuracy and timeliness.

Methods

Coding routines were compared with international standards and completeness was evaluated by means of a 5-year (2009–2013) comparison with mandatory national registers. Validity was tested by comparison with reabstracted data from source medical records in 400 patients chosen randomly with stratification for hospital size and catchment area population. Timeliness of registration was described.

Results

Coding routines followed national and international guidelines. Compared with the Swedish Cancer Registry from 2009 to 2013, 6069 (95·5 per cent) of 6354 patients were registered in NREV at the time of data extraction. Of 60 variables investigated, 10 966 of 12 035 original entries were correct in the reabstraction, resulting in an exact agreement of 91·1 per cent in the register. There were 782 (6·5 per cent) incorrect and 287 (2·4 per cent) missing entries. Median time to registration was 3·9, 3·4 and 4·1 months for diagnostic, surgical and follow-up surveys respectively.

Conclusion

NREV has reached a position with good coverage of those with the relevant diagnoses, and contains comparable and valid data. Quality data on each variable are available. Timeliness is an area with potential for improvement.
Alcohol and substance abuse, depression and suicide attempts after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Backman O , Stockeld D , Rasmussen F , Näslund E , Marsk R
Published: July 2016

Background

Small studies suggest that subjects who have undergone bariatric surgery are at increased risk of suicide, alcohol and substance use disorders. This population-based cohort study aimed to assess the incidence of treatment for alcohol and substance use disorders, depression and attempted suicide after primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Methods

All patients who underwent primary RYGB in Sweden between 2001 and 2010 were included. Incidence of hospital admission for alcohol and substance use disorders, depression and suicide attempt was measured, along with the number of drugs prescribed. This cohort was compared with a large age-matched, non-obese reference cohort based on the Swedish population. Inpatient care and prescribed drugs registers were used.

Results

Before RYGB surgery, women, but not men, were at higher risk of being diagnosed with alcohol and substance use disorder compared with the reference cohort. After surgery, this was the case for both sexes. The risk of being diagnosed and treated for depression remained raised after surgery. Suicide attempts were significantly increased after RYGB. The adjusted hazard ratio for attempted suicide in the RYGB cohort after surgery compared with the general non-obese population was 2·85 (95 per cent c.i. 2·40 to 3·39).

Conclusion

Patients who have undergone RYGB are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with alcohol and substance use, with an increased rate of attempted suicide compared with a non-obese general population cohort.
Striatal morphology correlates with frontostriatal electrophysiological motor processing in Huntington's disease: an IMAGE‐HD study
Authors: Turner Lauren M. , Jakabek David , Wilkes Fiona A. , Croft Rodney J. , Churchyard Andrew , Walterfang Mark , Velakoulis Dennis , Looi Jeffrey C. L. , Georgiou‐Karistianis Nellie , Apthorp Deborah
Published: July 2016

Background

Huntington's disease (HD) causes progressive atrophy to the striatum, a critical node in frontostriatal circuitry. Maintenance of motor function is dependent on functional connectivity of these premotor, motor, and dorsolateral frontostriatal circuits, and structural integrity of the striatum itself. We aimed to investigate whether size and shape of the striatum as a measure of frontostriatal circuit structural integrity was correlated with functional frontostriatal electrophysiological neural premotor processing (contingent negative variation, CNV), to better understand motoric structure–function relationships in early HD.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and electrophysiological (EEG) measures of premotor processing were obtained from a combined HD group (12 presymptomatic, 7 symptomatic). Manual segmentation of caudate and putamen was conducted with subsequent shape analysis. Separate correlational analyses (volume and shape) included covariates of age, gender, intracranial volume, and time between EEG and MRI.

Results

Right caudate volume correlated with early CNV latency over frontocentral regions and late CNV frontally, whereas right caudate shape correlated with early CNV latency centrally. Left caudate volume correlated with early CNV latency over centroparietal regions and late CNV frontally. Right and left putamen volumes correlated with early CNV latency frontally, and right and left putamen shape/volume correlated with parietal CNV slope.

Conclusions

Timing (latency) and pattern (slope) of frontostriatal circuit‐mediated premotor functional activation across scalp regions were correlated with abnormalities in structural integrity of the key frontostriatal circuit component, the striatum (size and shape). This was accompanied by normal reaction times, suggesting it may be undetected in regular tasks due to preserved motor “performance.” Such differences in functional activation may reflect atrophy‐based frontostriatal circuitry despecialization and/or compensatory recruitment of additional brain regions.
Selective Hydrogenation of Benzene to Cyclohexene over 2Ru/La2O3‐ZnO Catalyst without Additional Modifiers
Authors: Spod Hendrik , Lucas Martin , Claus Peter
Published: July 2016

Selective benzene (BEN) hydrogenation to cyclohexene (CHE) has been studied in a complex four‐phase system by using 2Ru/La2O3‐ZnO as the catalyst. The catalyst is highly efficient (yield of desired cyclohexene=28 %) and stable for about five cycles. Characterizations reveal formation of La(OH)3 on the catalyst surface and formation of Zn(OH)3− during the reaction, which play a key role in the formation of CHE. For the first time, the reaction mixture can be observed in situ, showing the emulsion of this complicated four‐phase system. The droplet size of the organic compound and the rate of hydrogenation are correlated with different stirring rates excluding mass transfer limitations.
Prognostic Role of Right Ventricular Function in Patients With Heart Failure Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Rapacciuolo Antonio , Maffè Stefano , Palmisano Pietro , Ferraro Anna , Cecchetto Antonella , D'Onofrio Antonio , Solimene Francesco , Musatti Paola , Paffoni Paola , Esposito Francesca , Parravicini Umberto , Agresta Alessia , Botto Giovanni Luca , Malacrida Maurizio , Stabile Giuseppe
Published: July 2016

Background

Because 20% to 40% of patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) do not respond to it, identification of potential factors predicting response is a relevant research topic.

Hypothesis

There is a possible association between right ventricular function and response to CRT.

Methods

We analyzed 227 patients from the Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Modular Registry (CRT‐MORE) who received CRT according to current guidelines from March to December 2013. Response to therapy was defined as a decrease of ≥15% in left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV) at 6 months.

Results

The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) value that best predicted improvement in LVESV (sensitivity 68%, specificity 54%) was 17 mm. Stratifying patients according to TAPSE, LVESV decreased ≥15% in 78% of patients with TAPSE >17 mm (vs 59% in patients with TAPSE ≤17 mm; P = 0.006). At multivariate analysis, TAPSE >17 mm was independently associated with LVESV improvement (odds ratio: 1.97, 95% confidence interval: 1.03‐3.80, P < 0.05), together with ischemic etiology (odds ratio: 0.39, 95% confidence interval: 0.20‐0.75, P < 0.01). These results were confirmed for New York Heart Association class III to IV patients (79% echocardiographic response rate in patients with TAPSE >17 mm vs 55% in patients with TAPSE <17 mm; P = 0.012).

Conclusions

Baseline signs of right ventricular dysfunction suggest possible remodeling after CRT. A TAPSE value of 17 mm was identified as a good cutoff for predicting a better response to CRT in patients with both mildly symptomatic and severe heart failure.
Iron‐Catalysed Selective Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols to Carbonyl and Carboxylic Compounds
Authors: Lagerblom Kalle , Wrigstedt Pauli , Keskiväli Juha , Parviainen Arno , Repo Timo
Published: July 2016

A method for aerobic alcohol oxidation catalysed by Fe(NO3)3/2,2’‐bipyridine/TEMPO has allowed highly selective conversion of primary alcohols into either aldehydes or carboxylic acids in one‐step. The oxidation of primary alcohols proceeded selectively to aldehydes, as TEMPO was present in the reaction. Nevertheless, the aldehydes were further oxidized into carboxylic acids as the reaction time was extended. Detailed investigation of the reaction suggested, that the deoxygenation of TEMPO into TMP enabled the auto‐oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids, which was initially inhibited in the presence of TEMPO. The procedure was also efficient in oxidation of secondary alcohols when TEMPO was replaced by the less sterically hindered ABNO.
Responsiveness to Intervention in Children with Dyslexia
Authors: Tilanus Elisabeth A. T. , Segers Eliane , Verhoeven Ludo
Published: July 2016

We examined the responsiveness to a 12‐week phonics intervention in 54 s‐grade Dutch children with dyslexia, and compared their reading and spelling gains to a control group of 61 typical readers. The intervention aimed to train grapheme–phoneme correspondences (GPCs), and word reading and spelling by using phonics instruction. We examined the accuracy and efficiency of grapheme–phoneme correspondences, decoding words and pseudowords, as well as the accuracy of spelling words before and after the intervention. Moreover, responsiveness to intervention was examined by studying to what extent scores at posttest could directly or indirectly be predicted from precursor measures. Results showed that the children with dyslexia were significantly behind in all reading and spelling measures at pretest. During the intervention, the children with dyslexia made more progress on GPC, (pseudo)word decoding accuracy and efficiency, and spelling accuracy than the typical reading group. Furthermore, we found a direct effect of the precursor measures rapid automatized naming, verbal working memory and phoneme deletion on the dyslexic children's progress in GPC speed, and indirect effects of rapid automatized naming and phoneme deletion on word and pseudoword efficiency and word decoding accuracy via the scores at pretest. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subterranean termite phylogeography reveals multiple postglacial colonization events in southwestern Europe
Authors: Lefebvre Thomas , Vargo Edward L. , Zimmermann Marie , Dupont Simon , Kutnik Magdalena , Bagnères Anne‐Geneviève
Published: July 2016

A long‐standing goal of evolutionary biology is to understand how paleoclimatic and geological events shape the geographical distribution and genetic structure within and among species. Using a diverse set of markers (cuticular hydrocarbons, mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences, microsatellite loci), we studied Reticulitermes grassei and R. banyulensis, two closely related termite species in southwestern Europe. We sought to clarify the current genetic structure of populations that formed following postglacial dispersal from refugia in southern Spain and characterize the gene flow between the two lineages over the last several million years. Each marker type separately provided a fragmented picture of the evolutionary history at different timescales. Chemical analyses of cuticular hydrocarbons and phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear genes showed clear separation between the species, suggesting they diverged following vicariance events in the Late Miocene. However, the presence of intermediate chemical profiles and mtDNA introgression in some Spanish colonies suggests ongoing gene flow. The current genetic structure of Iberian populations is consistent with alternating isolation and dispersal events during Quaternary glacial periods. Analyses of population genetic structure revealed postglacial colonization routes from southern Spain to France, where populations underwent strong genetic bottlenecks after traversing the Pyrenees resulting in parapatric speciation.
Potential role for clinical calibration to increase engagement with and application of home telemonitoring: a report from the HeartCycle programme
Authors: Gastelurrutia Paloma , Lupón Josep , Domingo Mar , Stut Wim , Dovancescu Silviu , Cleland John , Frankenstein Lutz , Bayes‐Genis Antoni ,   on behalf of the HeartCycle Programme Investigators
Published: July 2016

Aims

There is a need for alternative strategies that might avoid recurrent admissions in patients with heart failure. home telemonitoring (HTM) to monitor patient's symptoms from a distance may be useful. This study attempts to assess changes in HTM vital signs in response to daily life activities (variations in medication, salt intake, exercise, and stress) and to establish which variations affect weight, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Methods and results

We assessed 76 patients with heart failure (mean age 76 ± 10.8 years, 75% male, mainly in NYHA class II/III and from ischaemic aetiology cause). Patients were given a calendar of interventions scheduling activities approximately twice a week before measuring their vital signs. Eating salty food or a large meal were the activities that had a significant impact on weight gain (+0.3 kg; P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). Exercise and skipping a dose of medication other than diuretics increased heart rate (+3 bpm, P = 0.001 and almost +2 bpm, P = 0.016, respectively).

Conclusions

Our HTM system was able to detect small changes in vital signs related to these activities. Further studies should assess if providing such a schedule of activities might be useful for patient education and could improve long‐term adherence to recommended lifestyle changes.
Two Tales of Return Predictability: The Case of Asia–Pacific Equity Markets
Authors: Shynkevich Andrei
Published: July 2016

If past prices can successfully predict future price movements, it would contradict the notion of weak‐form market efficiency. Return predictability can be assessed via a variety of random walk statistical tests or via the application of mechanical trading rules. Findings of return predictability and state of market efficiency are compared by applying a battery of popular random walk statistical tests and a large set of mechanical trading rules to a family of equity indexes in Asia–Pacific equity markets over a 20‐year period of time. Inferences drawn from different random walk based econometric tests of market efficiency often disagree among themselves and tend to exaggerate the extent of predictability in returns. Testing of return predictability via a set of mechanical trading rules allows one to account for a possible data snooping bias, error measurements due to nonsynchronous trading and market frictions such as trading costs. Persistent predictability of returns that cannot be explained by the combination of data snooping bias, nonsynchronicity bias and moderate level of transaction costs is found in just two emerging equity markets in the region. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clock drawing test in screening for Alzheimer's dementia and mild cognitive impairment in clinical practice
Authors: Vyhnálek Martin , Rubínová Eva , Marková Hana , Nikolai Tomáš , Laczó Jan , Andel Ross , Hort Jakub
Published: July 2016

Objectives

The clock drawing test (CDT) is a commonly used brief cognitive measure. We evaluated diagnostic accuracy of subjective ratings of CDT by physicians (with/without specialty in cognitive neurology) and neuropsychologists in discriminating amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and cognitively healthy older adults. We further compared the diagnostic accuracy of subjective categorical ratings with complex scoring of CDT.

Methods

Three cognitive neurologists, three neuropsychologists and six neurology residents without experience in cognitive neurology blinded to the diagnosis rated 187 CDTs (50 mild AD, 49 aMCI and 88 cognitively healthy older adults) using a “yes” (abnormal) versus “suspected” versus “no” (normal) classification. The rating suspected was combined with yes or no to obtain two sets of sensitivity estimates. We also used a 17‐point CDT rating system.

Results

When using the categorical rating, neuropsychologists had highest sensitivity (89%) in differentiating patients with mild AD (yes/suspected versus no), followed by neurologic residents (80%) and cognitive neurologists (79%). When differentiating patients with aMCI (yes/suspected versus no), the sensitivity was 84% for neuropsychologists, 64% for cognitive neurologists and 62% for residents. The sensitivity using the complex scoring system was 92% in patients with mild AD and 69% in patients with aMCI.

Conclusions

A categorical rating of CDT shows high sensitivity for mild AD even in non‐experienced raters. Neuropsychologists outperformed physicians in differentiating patients with aMCI from cognitively healthy older adults (specificity), which was counterbalanced by the lower specificity of their ratings. The diagnostic accuracy was not substantially improved by using complex scoring system. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Distortive Nature of Temperature – A Symmetry Analysis
Authors: Tuvi‐Arad Inbal , Stirling András
Published: July 2016

A new approach to resolve and quantify the effect of temperature on both the average, as well as the instantaneous, structure of generally symmetric molecules is presented. The method employs the efficient continuous symmetry measure, which is shown here to be capable of separating temperature‐induced instantaneous disorders from other sources of distortion, such as the Jahn−Teller effect. We demonstrate the potential of the method by studying two highly symmetric molecules: adamantane and the cyclopentadienyl anion and their cationic states. Our results show that although the distortive effect of temperature is significant, it does not mask other distortion effects. Symmetry analysis provides means to quantify the extent of the distortion in each case, and is investigated from a statistical point of view. A major experimental and theoretical challenge is to resolve the Jahn−Teller effect from other environmental effects, such as solvent, solid matrix, concentration, etc. Our results provide a step forward in this direction.
“You Pulled Me out of a Dark Well”: A Case Study of a Colombian Displaced Woman Empowered Through Interpersonal Counseling (IPC)
Authors: Ceballos Angela Milena Gomez , Andrade Ana Claudia , Markowitz Talia , Verdeli Helen
Published: July 2016

Interpersonal counseling (IPC), a briefer and simplified adaptation of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), was used with internally displaced women (IDW) in Bogotá, Colombia, an implementation study of a mental health care pathway funded by Grand Challenges Canada. Preliminary evidence suggests that IPC led to positive outcomes for IDW and may be a feasible first line treatment for displaced women with elevated symptoms of common mental disorders. The case study demonstrates the use of IPC as an intervention to treat depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms in one participant across 11 sessions, from the case formulation through the termination phase.
Abnormal structural and functional hypothalamic connectivity in mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Zhou Yongxia
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To investigate whether there is imaging evidence of hypothalamic injury in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), which is a major public health problem due to the high prevalence and difficulty in diagnosis and treatment.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four patients (mean age 34.2, range, 18–56 years) with symptomatic MTBI and 22 age‐matched healthy controls (mean age 37.0, range 20–61 years) participated in the study. Diffusion kurtosis imaging was performed with diffusion‐weighted images acquired along 30 gradient directions and three b‐values (b = 0, 1000, 2000 s/mm2) based on a twice‐refocused spin‐echo sequence with a 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Resting‐state functional (f)MRI with standard echo planar imaging (EPI) were performed to localize the resting‐state networks (RSN) and hypothalamic functional connectivity.

Results

There were significantly reduced mean kurtosis (P = 0.0092) and radial kurtosis (P = 0.0078) in patients as compared to controls in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation (r = –0.675, P = 0.0007) between radial kurtosis in the hypothalamus and fatigue severity scale in patients. The MTBI group also showed disrupted hypothalamic RSNs, with significantly decreased positive connectivity in medial prefrontal cortex, inferior posterior parietal, and cingulate regions but increased connectivity in the peri‐hypothalamic regions and cerebellum, together with significantly decreased negative RSNs in visual and bilateral premotor areas (cluster corrected P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results show disruption of functional and structural hypothalamic connectivity in patients with MTBI, and might further the understanding of an array of clinical symptoms in MTBI such as sleep disturbance and fatigue.

Level of Evidence: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1105–1112
Prolonged stimulation with low‐intensity ultrasound induces delayed increases in spontaneous hippocampal culture spiking activity
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Bum , Swanberg Kelley M. , Han Hee‐Sok , Kim Jung‐Chae , Kim Jun‐Woo , Lee Sungon , Lee C. Justin , Maeng Sungho , Kim Tae‐Seong , Park Ji‐Ho
Published: July 2016

Ultrasound is a promising neural stimulation modality, but an incomplete understanding of its range and mechanism of effect limits its therapeutic application. We investigated the modulation of spontaneous hippocampal spike activity by ultrasound at a lower acoustic intensity and longer time scale than has been previously attempted, hypothesizing that spiking would change conditionally upon the availability of glutamate receptors. Using a 60‐channel multielectrode array (MEA), we measured spontaneous spiking across organotypic rat hippocampal slice cultures (N = 28) for 3 min each before, during, and after stimulation with low‐intensity unfocused pulsed or sham ultrasound (spatial‐peak pulse average intensity 780 μW/cm2) preperfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid, 300 μM kynurenic acid (KA), or 0.5 μM tetrodotoxin (TTX) at 3 ml/min. Spike rates were normalized and compared across stimulation type and period, subregion, threshold level, and/or perfusion condition using repeated‐measures ANOVA and generalized linear mixed models. Normalized 3‐min spike counts for large but not midsized, small, or total spikes increased after but not during ultrasound relative to sham stimulation. This result was recapitulated in subregions CA1 and dentate gyrus and replicated in a separate experiment for all spike size groups in slices pretreated with aCSF but not KA or TTX. Increases in normalized 18‐sec total, midsized, and large spike counts peaked predominantly 1.5 min following ultrasound stimulation. Our low‐intensity ultrasound setup exerted delayed glutamate receptor‐dependent, amplitude‐ and possibly region‐specific influences on spontaneous spike rates across the hippocampus, expanding the range of known parameters at which ultrasound may be used for neural activity modulation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conversion of Paper Waste Into Bioplastic (Poly‐Lactic Acid)
Authors: Neupane Bishnu Prasad , Tiwari Bishnu Raj , Malla Komal Prasad , Gautam Anil
Published: July 2016

The broadly apposite bioplastic, poly lactic acid was synthesized by using deinked paper waste as substrate, fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae under controlled laboratory conditions followed by condensation polymerization. The substrate was initially subjected to acid hydrolysis followed by alkali neutralization to attain an ideal neutral pH for the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. At regular intervals the amount of reducing sugar present in the samples were tested using 2,4‐dinitrosalicyclic acid (DNS) method and the amount of sugar that was metabolized to alcohol and lactate were estimated using cerric ammonium nitrate and ρ‐hydroxy biphenyl method respectively. The lactic acid extract was concentrated using a rotary vacuum evaporator and the amount was determined spectrophotometrically. The concentrated extract was used for polymerization in the presence of stannous chloride. This resulted in the production of white amorphous wafers. Polymerization trial with stannous chloride was done with 1 ml of purified extract with 0.1 g of stannous chloride.
Influence of Nanoclay on the Rheological Properties of PMMA/Organoclay Nanocomposites Prepared by Solvent Blending Technique
Authors: Kumar Manish , Kumar Vijay , Muthuraja A. , Senthilvelan S. , Pugazhenthi G.
Published: July 2016

The aim of present work is to study the effect of organoclay concentration on the rheological properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites. The PMMA nanocomposites containing organoclay in different proportions (3, 5 and 7 wt.%) were prepared by solvent blending method. The rheological properties of PMMA/organoclay nanocomposites were evaluated by parallel‐plate rheometer at fixed temperature (190 °C). Viscoelastic parameters such as storage modulus, loss modulus and complex viscosity exhibit the change from primarily viscous to elastic behaviour when the frequency increases. The thermal degradation kinetic model, Coats‐Redfern, also demonstrates the enhanced activation energy for the nanocomposites with an increase in the organoclay content.
Modification of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) + Epoxy Systems for Improved Thermal and Aging Stability
Authors: Bashta Bogdana , Brostow Witold , Granowski Gregory , Hnatchuk Nathalie
Published: July 2016

Functional oligomers were synthesized via a reaction of ED‐24 epoxy resin or a peroxy derivative of that resin with free peroxy and epoxy groups with adipic acid and via interaction between derivative of pyromellitic dianhydride and peroxy derivative of the same resin in the presence of benzyl triethylammonium chloride. The effects of oligomer presence, oligomer nature and amount on the crosslinking of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) mixtures were investigated. The thermal stability of synthesized oligomers and PVC mixtures based on them were determined, as was resistance to aging. Schematics of cross‐linking reactions of modified mixtures are proposed. Higher thermal stability and better resistance to aging have been achieved.
Quality Control Tests and Matching Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectra for Raw and Intermediate Materials of 2‐Pack Epoxy Paints
Authors: Salim Yoga Sugama , Chan Chin Han , Ong Chong Hup
Published: July 2016

The local users of the oil and gas companies suffering from high cost of repainting the steel structures and pipelines when the coatings fail prematurely, where one of the attributing factors may be the adulterated polymeric coatings supplied to the job sites. This posted the needs to fingerprint the polymeric coatings supplied, which shall not deviate from the submitted specifications for prequalification and tender purpose of projects. The first part of the study shows that the coatings formula remains trade secret, even though spectra of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are submitted along with the delivery of the polymeric coatings. Characterizations of the raw materials (viscosity and density) as well as final products (adhesion and dry film thickness) can hardly be differentiated for different grades of materials with exception on the salt spray test. The salt spray test is usually performed before the paint manufacturer submits its product for qualification and tender purpose. Infrared component searching of various raw and intermediate paint materials ranging from organic color pigments, epoxy resins to epoxy hardeners for 2‐pack epoxy paints was attempted. The materials were analyzed with FTIR. It appears that the component search gives several possible (chemical) compounds according to extensive FTIR library search. Although some of these components are known to exist within the material (color pigments, epoxy resins and epoxy hardeners), it does not reveal further detailed formulation. Reproducibility of the estimation of correlation (r) or the matching ratio of the reference spectrum to that of the sample spectrum is noted when the FTIR analysis was carried out. The statistical examination utilizing two‐sample paired t‐test shows that there is no statistically difference at 95% confidence level for the results of r estimated between Softwares A and B, or between Softwares A and C when the samples were analyzed using Nicolet FTIR spectrometer.
Solidification of Suspended Colloids at Nonplanar Interfaces
Authors: Xu Zhanping , Yu Hongfeng , Yan Jia , Tan Li
Published: July 2016

Freeze‐drying has been widely used to deliver wide varieties of porous structures because of its processing ease and environment‐friendly nature. However, freezing of colloidal suspensions is also complex that depends on interplay of multiple parameters including the rate of processing, the magnitude of temperature gradient, and the portion of each component in the liquid mixture. While these parameters are relatively easy to measure and control, the mutual interaction between the growing solid‐liquid interface and the solute content in the suspension is much harder to evaluate. We present a two‐dimensional numerical model to simulate this latter scenario in a unidirectional freezing process, with a focus of colloidal particle motions at self‐evolving nonplanar solid‐liquid interface. This growing interface is determined by a real‐time thermal and constitutional supercooling in the liquid medium. We found colloidal particles can be rejected by the interface if the repelling from the interface is strong and freezing speed is low. Microscale liquid medium among colloidal particle gaps can freeze when particles are highly packed between frozen solid tips, with small pores easily frozen than larger ones. Noting all these findings are revealed by coupling our simulation with a visualization module though high performance GPU devices.
Pseudomonoballismus in a Deafferented Arm Following Combined Medullary and Cerebellar Lesions of the Proprioceptive Pathways
Authors: McGovern Eavan M. , Foley Maurice , Looby Seamus , Connolly Sean , Farrell Michael , Healy Daniel G.
Published: July 2016

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Multislice CEST MRI improves the spatial assessment of tumor pH
Authors: Randtke Edward A. , Granados Jeffry C. , Howison Christine M. , Pagel Mark D. , Cárdenas‐Rodríguez Julio
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Multislice maps of extracellular pH (pHe) are needed to interrogate the heterogeneities of tumors and normal organs. To address this need, we have developed a multislice chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI acquisition method with a CEST spectrum‐fitting method that measures in vivo pHe over a range of 6.3 to 7.4.

Methods

The phase offset multiplanar (POMP) method was adapted for CEST fast imaging with steady‐state free precession (FISP) MRI to acquire multiple image slices with a single CEST saturation pulse. The Bloch‐McConnell equations were modified to include pH based on a calibration of pH and chemical exchange rate for the contrast agent iopamidol. These equations were used to estimate the pixel‐wise pHe values throughout the multislice acidoCEST MR images of the tumor, kidney, bladder, and other tissues of a MDA‐MB‐231 tumor model.

Results

Multislice acidoCEST MRI successfully mapped a gradient of pHe from 6.73 to 6.81 units from the tumor core to rim, and also mapped a gradient of pHe 6.56 to 6.97 across the mouse kidney. The bladder was found to be pHe 6.3.

Conclusion

AcidoCEST MRI with POMP acquisition and Bloch‐McConnel analysis can map pHe in multiple imaging slices through the tumor, kidney, and bladder. This multislice evaluation facilitates assessments of spatial heterogeneity of tissue pHe. Magn Reson Med 78:97–106, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Optimization of simultaneous multislice EPI for concurrent functional perfusion and BOLD signal measurements at 7T
Authors: Ivanov Dimo , Poser Benedikt A , Huber Laurentius , Pfeuffer Josef , Uludağ Kâmil
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To overcome limitations of previous ultra‐high‐field arterial spin labeling (ASL) techniques concerning temporal resolution and brain coverage by utilizing the simultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) approach.

Methods

An optimized, flow‐alternating inversion recovery quantitative imaging of perfusion using a single subtraction II scheme was developed that tackles the challenges of 7 tesla (T) ASL. The implementation of tailored labeling radiofrequency pulses reduced the effect of transmit field (
) inhomogeneities. The proposed approach utilizes an SMS echo‐planar imaging (EPI) readout to efficiently achieve large brain coverage.

Results

A pulsed ASL (PASL) technique with large brain coverage is described and optimized that can be applied at temporal resolutions below 2.5 s, similar to those achievable at 1.5 and 3T magnetic field strength. The influences of within‐ and through‐slice acceleration factors and reconstruction parameters on perfusion and blood‐oxygenation‐level‐dependent (BOLD)‐signal image and temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) are presented. The proposed approach yielded twice the brain coverage as compared to conventional PASL at 7T, without notable loss in image quality.

Conclusion

The presented SMS EPI PASL at 7T overcomes current limitations in SNR, temporal resolution, and spatial coverage for functional perfusion and BOLD signal as well as baseline perfusion measurements. Magn Reson Med 78:121–129, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial‐NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non‐commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
Putting on weight stigma: A randomized study of the effects of wearing a fat suit on eating, well‐being, and cortisol
Authors: Incollingo Rodriguez Angela C. , Heldreth Courtney M. , Tomiyama A. Janet
Published: July 2016

Objective

Although a considerable amount of research has revealed connections between weight stigma and mental and physical health outcomes, no studies to date have experimentally manipulated the experience of obesity to understand how weight stigma causally affects eating behavior, physiology, and psychological well‐being. Research has also not yet identified effective strategies for reducing weight stigma.

Methods

In this research, the effect of weight stigma on psychological outcomes, unhealthy eating behavior, and the stress hormone cortisol was examined by randomly assigning participants to appear obese by wearing a fat suit or not. It was hypothesized that the physical alteration of participants' apparent body size would lead to similar consequences as those associated with the experience of weight stigma and reduce antifat attitudes.

Results

Supporting these hypotheses, experimentally manipulating apparent body size led participants to consume more unhealthy foods and report higher levels of negative effect. However, the study did not show any differences in cortisol reactivity or reduction in antifat attitudes as a function of the fat suit manipulation.

Conclusions

These findings contribute to an understanding of the potentially deleterious psychological and behavioral effects of weight stigma while also informing future interventions to reduce weight stigma.
A brief history and review of modern casting techniques in early onset scoliosis
Authors: Dede Ozgur , Sturm Peter F.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Body casts have a long history in the treatment of spinal deformity. Currently the use of body casts is limited to early onset scoliosis. Here, we aim to provide a brief narrative of the evolution of cast application for the management of spinal deformity.

Methods

A history of cast application is provided with a brief review of the orthopedic literature. The current indications for cast application and the authors’ preferred technique are described.

Results

Serial casting is an effective treatment method for early onset scoliosis. It may be definitive for most idiopathic curves or used to delay surgical intervention in more severe idiopathic, syndromic and even congenital curves.

Conclusions

Surgeons who treat children with early onset scoliosis should familiarize themselves with serial cast application techniques.