bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Winner of the student award in the undergraduate category, 10th World Biomaterials Congress, May 17–22, 2016, Montreal QC, Canada: Evaluation of the tissue response to alginate encapsulated islets in an omentum pouch model
Authors: Ibarra Veronica , Appel Alyssa A. , Anastasio Mark A. , Opara Emmanuel C. , Brey Eric M.
Published: May 2016

Islet transplantation is currently in clinical use as a treatment for type I diabetes, but donor shortages and long‐term immunosuppression limit broad application. Alginate microcapsules coated with poly‐l‐ornithine can be used to encapsulate islets in an environment that allows diffusion of glucose, insulin, nutrients, and waste products while inhibiting cells and antibodies. While clinical trials are ongoing using islets encapsulated in alginate microbeads, there are concerns in regards to long‐term stability. Evaluation of the local tissue response following implantation provides insight into the underlying mechanisms contributing to biomaterial failure, which can be used to the design of new material strategies. Macrophages play an important role in driving the response. In this study, the stability of alginate microbeads coated with PLO containing islets transplanted in the omentum pouch model was investigated. Biomaterial structure and the inflammatory response were characterized by X‐ray phase contrast (XPC) μCT imaging, histology, and immunostaining. XPC allowed evaluation of microbead 3D structure and identification of failed and stable microbeads. A robust inflammatory response characterized by high cell density and the presence of pro‐inflammatory macrophages was found around the failed grafts. The results obtained provide insight into the local tissue response and possible failure mechanisms for alginate microbeads. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1581–1590, 2016.
Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts of Australian Cane Toad Skins Suppress Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokine Secretion in U937 Cells via NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zulfiker Abu Hasanat Md. , Hashimi Saeed M. , Qi Ji , Grice I. Darren , Wei Ming Q.
Published: May 2016

Toad skin extracts, such as aqueous extracts (AE) of Chinese toad skins, have demonstrated therapeutic benefits for a range of diseases including pain, inflammation, swelling, heart failure, and various types of cancers. In this study, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory potential of an AE (0.1–10 μg/mL) and a 60% ethanol extract (EE; 0.1–10 μg/mL) from Australian cane toad (Bufo marinus) skins and the known bioactive compound, bufotenine (BT; 0.1–10 nM). The assay employed a model of the human monocyte cell line U937 stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) for the release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐6. We demonstrated that AE, EE, and BT significantly inhibited the release and expression of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in a dose‐dependent manner when the cells were pre‐treated at non‐cytotoxic concentrations. Further investigation revealed that the inhibition of TNF‐α and IL‐6 release and expression was associated with the suppression of nuclear factor (NF)‐kappa (κ)B activation. These results indicate that AE, EE, and BT are strong inflammation inhibitors, thus have the potential for further development as anti‐inflammatory therapeutic agents from a natural source regarded as a feral pest in Australia. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2769–2780, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multi‐layered Youden Rectangles
Authors: Preece D. A. , Morgan J. P.
Published: May 2016

Multi‐layered Youden rectangles are introduced. These new designs include double and triple Youden rectangles as subdesigns. Though many double Youden rectangles are known, the triples, introduced in 1994, have to now yielded few nontrivial examples. Two infinite series of multi‐layered Youden rectangles are constructed, and so also many new triple Youden rectangles.
Importance of joint line preservation in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: Finite element analysis
Authors: Kwon Oh‐Ryong , Kang Kyoung‐Tak , Son Juhyun , Suh Dong‐Suk , Baek Changhyun , Koh Yong‐Gon
Published: May 2016

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an effective surgical technique for pain relief and functional restoration in patients with localized osteoarthritis of the knee joint. However, the role of the joint line in UKA, especially its biomechanical effect, has not been previously investigated. This study numerically evaluates the effects of the joint line on the contact stresses in polyethylene (PE) inserts, articular cartilage, and lateral meniscus using the finite element (FE) analysis. The FE model for joint line was modeled as the orthogonal projection line from the medial tibial plateau to the anatomical axis. The joint line was varied from −6 to +6 mm in 2 mm intervals, and the seven FE models were analyzed and compared under ISO gait loading conditions. The contact stresses in the PE insert, articular cartilage, and lateral meniscus matched those of the reference joint line (0 mm) in the ±2 and ±4 mm joint line cases but significantly differed from the reference in the ±6 mm joint line cases. On the +6 mm joint line, the contact stress was greater on the PE insert than on the articular cartilage, whereas the reverse occurred on the −6 mm joint line. This study confirms the post‐operative significance of joint line preservation in UKA implantation surgery. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:347–352, 2017.
Crop yield and SOC responses to biochar application were dependent on soil texture and crop type in southern Quebec, Canada
Authors: Backer Rachel G. M. , Schwinghamer Timothy D. , Whalen Joann K. , Seguin Philippe , Smith Donald L.
Published: May 2016

Changes to soil nutrient availability and increases for crop yield and soil organic C (SOC) concentration on biochar‐amended soil under temperate climate conditions have only been reported in a few publications. The objective of this work was to determine if biochar application rates up to 20 Mg ha−1 affect nutrient availability in soil, SOC stocks and yield of corn (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) on two coarse‐textured soils (loamy sand, sandy clay loam) in S Quebec, Canada. Data were collected from field experiments for a 3‐y period following application of pine wood biochar at rates of 0, 10, and 20 Mg ha−1. For corn plots, at harvest 3 y after biochar application, 20 Mg biochar ha−1 resulted in 41.2% lower soil NH
$ _4^+ $ on the loamy sand; the same effect was not present on the sandy clay loam soil. On the loamy sand, 20 Mg biochar ha−1 increased corn yields by 14.2% compared to the control 3 y after application; the same effect was not present on the sandy clay loam soil. Biochar did not alter yield or nutrient availability in soil on soybean or switchgrass plots on either soil type. After 3 y, SOC concentration was 83 and 258% greater after 10 and 20 Mg ha−1 biochar applications, respectively, than the control in sandy clay loam soil under switchgrass production. The same effect was not present on the sandy clay loam soil. A 67% higher SOC concentration was noted with biochar application at 20 Mg ha−1 to sandy clay loam soil under corn.
Effect of bone chars on phosphorus‐cadmium‐interactions as evaluated by three extraction procedures
Authors: Morshedizad Mohsen , Zimmer Dana , Leinweber Peter
Published: May 2016

Foreseen P shortage and contamination problems have stimulated the search for renewable and contaminant‐free P‐fertilizers and amendments that immobilize Cd. We investigated the P‐dissolution and Cd‐immobilizing effect of bone char (pyrolyzed de‐fatted bone chips; BC) and bone char with added reduced S compounds (BCplus). Five soils varying in pH and low to high Cd‐contamination were incubated with slow‐release P‐fertilizers (BC and BCplus) and the fast P‐release diammonium phosphate (DAP), and extracted with NH4NO3‐, NaHCO3‐solutions, and H2O. The P‐concentrations obtained by the three extractants were well correlated and NH4NO3 well suited to simultaneously assess the P‐ and Cd‐solubility. The addition of BC increased pH in all soils whereas BCplus and DAP lowered the pH in soils with pH > 5. Similar trends for NH4NO3‐P differences between treatments and control were observed for BC and BCplus during the incubation period, although BCplus resulted in much larger P‐concentrations. The highest Cd‐immobilization efficiency was obtained in BC‐treated soils. The addition of BCplus and DAP decreased the Cd‐concentrations until 34 d of incubation in all soils and remained effective in Cd‐immobilizing in soils that showed a pH raise over 145 d of incubation. Thus, the results indicate that surface modification of BC may promote the P‐dissolution along with a concomitant Cd‐immobilization largely through its pH‐effect but this must be confirmed in studies under non‐equilibrium conditions.
Audit of inpatient and outpatient paliperidone palmitate injection prescribing practices
Authors: Adewumi Adeleke D.
Published: May 2016

Background

Paliperidone palmitate is marketed as a once‐monthly long‐acting antipsychotic injection and is expected to provide an avenue for long‐term control of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Although marketed as once monthly medication, some medication references recommend a dosing interval of every 4 weeks for maintenance doses.

Aim

(a) To assess whether the prescribing/administration practices relating to the dosing and dosing interval of paliperidone palmitate are consistent with recommendations outlined in major medication references in Australia and (b) to assess the number of doses and any differences in costs associated with different dosing intervals.

Method

A retrospective audit of doses of paliperidone palmitate administered in a regional mental health service in Queensland between 1 October 2011 and 30 October 2013.

Results

Twenty‐five of the twenty‐nine patients who had initiation doses prescribed for days 1 and 8 received the recommended initiation regimen. Sixteen percent of first monthly doses administered to patients were the recommended 75 mg strength; 60% of maintenance doses were administered ≤28 days after the previous dose, and 78% of patients studied for a year or more received at least 13 doses in 1 year, rather than 12 doses.

Conclusion

A dosing interval of every 4 weeks resulted in at least one extra injection per patient per year, with associated cost. There is a need for a consensus on the dosing interval of paliperidone palmitate so that there is consistency in the number of doses received per patient, per year.
Dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum dy‐1 fermented barley suppresses body weight gain in high‐fat diet‐induced obese rats
Authors: Zhang Jiayan , Xiao Xiang , Dong Ying , Xu Tian , Wu Fei
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Cereal fermentations have shown significant potential in improvement and design of the nutritional quality and health effects of foods and ingredients. In the present study, the effect of supplementary Lactobacillus plantarum dy‐1 fermented barley (LFB) on obesity in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese rats was investigated.

RESULTS

LFB treatment showed a lower rate of increase in body weight and percentage of body fat and a reversal of HFD‐induced glucose intolerance, with ameliorated hyperinsulinemia, decreased levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol, and inhibited concentration of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α. Moreover, LFB treatment also showed the strongest inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)‐kB activation and exhibited the greatest effects in blocking the degradation of the inhibitor of NF‐kB and inhibiting p38 and JNK1 phosphorylation compared with HFD and raw barley treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

It was clear that Lactobacillus plantarum dy‐1 fermentation significantly improves the anti‐obesity properties of barley. The results establish the foundation for ameliorating diet‐induced obesity of product with LFB as nutritional supplements. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Laryngeal adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified: A population‐based perspective
Authors: Spinazzi Eleonora F. , Abboud Mohammad T. , Dubal Pariket M. , Verma Sunil P. , Park Richard Chan Woo , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: May 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Laryngeal adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (LAdC NOS) is a category to which variants of minor salivary gland tumors of the larynx that do not fit other well‐characterized histological subtypes are assigned. Its rare nature and inconsistency in available reports has hindered the investigation and further understanding of this malignancy. In this study, a national population‐based resource was used to evaluate the epidemiology and survival of this rare entity.

Study Design

Retrospective population‐based analysis.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was searched for patients diagnosed with LAdC NOS between 1973 and 2012. Patient demographics, tumor location, TNM stage, grade, incidence, and survival trends were collected and analyzed.

Results

One hundred eleven patients met criteria for diagnosis of LAdC NOS, of which the majority were male (80.2%), white (84.7%), with a mean age of 65 years. The supraglottis was the most common site at presentation (38.7%). The majority presented with grade II tumor (45.7%). TNM staging revealed T2 (36.8%), N0 (72.2%), and M0 (88.9%) to be the most common classification. The overall incidence between the years of 2000 and 2012 was 0.008/100,000 individuals. The overall 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) was 60.1%, compared to 85.7% in patients treated with combination surgery and radiotherapy.

Conclusions

LAdC NOS is an uncommon malignancy. It most commonly affects men in their mid‐60s, indiscriminate of race. Lesions most commonly present in the supraglottis and are more often low grade histologically. DSS is highest in patient treated with combination surgery and radiotherapy.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2016 127:424–429, 2017
Longterm clinical and radiological follow‐up of living liver donors
Authors: Murad Sarwa Darwish , Fidler Jeff L. , Poterucha John J. , Sanchez William , Jowsey Sheila G. , Nagorney David , Rosen Charles B. , Heimbach Julie K.
Published: May 2016

Although short‐term risks of living donor hepatectomy have been well defined, little is known about the longterm impact. We aimed to perform a systematic follow‐up to screen for unanticipated health consequences of liver donation. All donors who were more than 1 year from donation were invited for a systematic evaluation including physical and laboratory assessment, quality of life questionnaire, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Those unable to return were offered the questionnaire and laboratory assessment at home. Out of our total of 97 donors, 45 returned for a full assessment and 23 completed labs and survey locally (total n = 68; 70%) after a median of 5.5 years (1.5‐10.9 years) after donation. The only laboratory abnormality was a significant decrease in platelet count (median 198 ×109/L versus 224 ×109/L before donation; P < 0.001), whereas 93% of patients were still above normal limits. No late biliary strictures or other structural abnormalities were found on MRI/MRCP. Liver regeneration was complete. Spleen volume did significantly increase (median 278 cm3 versus 230 cm3 before donation; P < 0.001) without resulting in lowered platelets (P = 0.73). The most common complaints were persistent incisional numbness and changed bowel habits. Seven donors (11%) reported problems obtaining insurance. The vast majority (97%) would have donated again. In conclusion, longterm outcome following liver donation appears satisfactory. None of our donors have developed occult biliary strictures, failure of regeneration, abnormal liver function, or other important health consequences after a median of 5.5 years from surgery. These findings can be used when counseling potential donors in the future. Liver Transplantation 22 934–942 2016 AASLD
Preparation of Microscale Polymer Janus Particles by Sandwich Microcontact Printing
Authors: Seidel Philipp , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: May 2016

Sandwich microcontact printing provides a straightforward way to obtain Janus polymer particles by postfunctionalization. In this paper, the synthesis of poly(glycidylmethacrylate‐co‐divinylbenzene) [poly(GMA‐co‐DVB)] particles with a diameter below 3 μm by precipitation polymerization with narrow size distribution and GMA content up to 70% is presented. Infrared spectra show the increasing GMA content of the particles. Successful functionalization of Janus particles with A‐B, A‐B‐A, and A‐B‐C structure by sandwich microcontact printing is demonstrated by printing low‐molecular‐weight fluorescent inks such as dansylcadaverine and rhodamine onto the particles in well‐defined and homogeneous patches. Under optimized conditions, Janus particles with a diameter of 2 μm are accessible in a single printing step.

image
Self‐Reported Barriers to Healthcare Access for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in Rural and Northern Saskatchewan: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Nair B. V. , Schuler R. , Stewart S. , Taylor‐Gjevre R. M.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to identify potential barriers for access to medical and allied health services from the perspective of rural and Northern Saskatchewan rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

A total of 100 adults with established RA, residing in rural and Northern Saskatchewan, were recruited from two rheumatology practices. Structured interviews with standardized scripts solicited patient perspectives on appointment waiting times, travel required to access medical services and satisfaction with healthcare provision. Thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data.

Results

Patients‐reported concerns regarding waiting time for their first rheumatology appointment. There was reduced access to allied health professionals, with only 53% of the participants having seen a physiotherapist (PT), and only 26% an occupational therapist (OT). Patients had similar driving distances to their family physician, PT, pharmacy and laboratory services but commuted significantly further for rheumatologist and OT services. There were high levels of satisfaction with their rheumatologist and family physician appointments (8.96 and 8.04 on a ten‐point scale). Patients with longer travel times had higher satisfaction with their health care appointments: Patients who travelled one, two and more than two hours had satisfaction scores of 0.93, 0.88 and 1.32 points higher on a ten‐point scale (p < 0.03).

Conclusions

Access to medical services is a concern for this population. Patients were dissatisfied with the waiting time for their first specialist appointment and with decreased access to allied health professionals. Patients travelling longer distances were more satisfied with their health care provider's care, suggesting that good patient‐care giver relationships helped to ameliorate the difficulties of travelling to their appointments. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probabilistic analyses of soil consolidation by prefabricated vertical drains for single‐drain and multi‐drain systems
Authors: Bari Mohammad Wasiul , Shahin Mohamed A. , Soubra Abdul‐Hamid
Published: May 2016

Natural soils are one of the most inherently variables in the ground. Although the significance of inherent soil variability in relation to reliable predictions of consolidation rates of soil deposits has long been realized, there have been few studies that addressed the issue of soil variability for the problem of ground improvement by prefabricated vertical drains. Despite showing valuable insights into the impact of soil spatial variability on soil consolidation by prefabricated vertical drains, available stochastic works on this subject are based on a single‐drain (or unit cell) analyses. However, how the idealized unit cell solution can be a supplement to the complex multi‐drain systems for spatially variable soils has never been addressed in the literature. In this study, a rigorous stochastic finite elements modeling approach that allows the true nature of soil spatial variability to be considered in a reliable and quantifiable manner, both for the single‐drain and multi‐drain systems, is presented. The feasibility of performing an analysis based on the unit cell concept as compared with the multi‐drain analysis is assessed in a probabilistic context. It is shown that with proper input statistics representative of a particular domain of interest, both the single‐drain and multi‐drain analyses yield almost identical results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/multiwall carbon nanotube nanocomposites under impact loading
Authors: Taheri Somayeh , Moftakharian Esfahani Javad , Nakhlband Ehsan , Nazockdast Hossein , Sabet Ali Reza , Rahmat Momtahan
Published: May 2016

In this study, the effect of polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)‐reinforced multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites under a high‐velocity impact was investigated. PC/ABS (70/30 w/w)/MWCNT nanocomposites containing 1, 2, and 4 wt% were used to manufacture samples for this study. The samples were fabricated in sheet form with 100 × 100 mm dimensions and tested by gas gun for high‐velocity impact tests. The experimental results indicate that the energy absorption, limit velocity, and tensile modulus of the nanocomposite samples increased by approximately 121%, 52%, and 103% for the PC/ABS (70/30 w/w)/2 wt% MWCNT samples respectively. These results were confirmed by a transmission electron microscopy analysis test that was conducted for the state of dispersion of MWCNTs in the nanocomposite samples. The transmission electron microscopy results show that the best morphological structure of carbon nanotube at the interface of PC and ABS is that for the nanocomposite containing 2 wt% MWCNTs, which led to improved interface of the nanocomposites and higher mechanical properties. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of a Once/Day Tobramycin Regimen to Achieve Target Concentrations in Adult Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Staubes Britta A. , Metzger Nicole L. , Walker Seth D. , Peasah Samuel K.
Published: May 2016

Study Objective

To evaluate the success of an initial tobramycin dosing regimen to achieve target peak and trough concentrations in adult patients with pulmonary exacerbations of cystic fibrosis (CF).

Design

Retrospective single‐center medical record review.

Setting

Large tertiary care academic medical center.

Patients

A total of 186 patient encounters where 112 patients with CF were treated for acute pulmonary exacerbations with 10 mg/kg/day of tobramycin between January 1, 2009, and December 5, 2014.

Measurements and Main Results

Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, tobramycin data, and pharmacokinetic variables were collected. The primary outcome evaluated the success of the initial tobramycin dosing regimen in attaining the target peak concentration. Secondary end points were achievement of the target trough concentration, achievement of combined peak and trough targets, and incidence of nephrotoxicity. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with achieving target concentrations. Of the 186 patient encounters, 41% achieved the target peak with the first dosing regimen, 62% achieved a target trough, and 23% achieved the target peak and trough. Nephrotoxicity occurred in 10% of patient encounters. A body mass index (BMI) of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 was associated with higher odds of meeting the target peak compared with a BMI lower than 18.5 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR] 24.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.2–117.2). Conversely, a BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 was associated with lower odds of attaining the target trough compared with a BMI lower than 18.5 kg/m2 (OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.05–0.56). Higher volume of distribution and elimination rate constants (Kel) were associated with significantly lower odds of achieving the target peak. In addition, higher Kel values were associated with significantly higher odds of achieving the target trough.

Conclusions

The current initial tobramycin regimen did not achieve target serum tobramycin concentrations reliably. Optimization of the initial CF tobramycin dosing regimen is warranted.
A Review of Antiviral and Antifungal Use and Safety during Pregnancy
Authors: Cottreau Jessica M. , Barr Viktorija O.
Published: May 2016

Antiviral and antifungal use in pregnancy presents challenges because of the paucity of clinical and safety data for many agents in these classes. If untreated, viral and fungal infections can have deleterious effects on both maternal and fetal health. Understanding the use and risks of these medications in pregnancy is vital to provide appropriate care. This article reviews the current literature for the use of antiviral and antifungals, the pharmacokinetics of these agents, and their safety in pregnancy.
Effect of thermal insulation of the back side of PV modules on the module temperature
Authors: Koehl Michael , Hamperl Simon , Heck Markus
Published: May 2016

The module temperatures of free‐standing modules were compared with identical modules with thermally insulated back side simulating roof integration for 45° south orientation in Freiburg, Germany, at 1000 W/m2 solar irradiation. The thickness of the thermal insulation was varied in order to find a minimum thickness sufficient for suppressing the heat losses and for the simulation of roof integration. The module‐dependent coefficients for the Faiman model for the module temperature depend on the back‐side heat losses. A correction for roof integration is proposed. This model allows the calculation of the maximum temperatures reached for given climatic situations (irradiation in plane of array, ambient temperature, and wind speed). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic and structural properties of Zn‐doped yttrium iron garnet nanoparticles
Authors: Peña‐Garcia R. , Delgado A. , Guerra Y. , Farias B. V. M. , Martinez D. , Skovroinski E. , Galembeck A. , Padrón‐Hernández E.
Published: May 2016

Zn‐doped YIG was prepared using the sol–gel method with TGA measurements showing the phase formation between 900 and 1000 °C. XRD analysis showed close to 1100 °C the formation of Franklinite phase, coexisting with the cubic YIG. Y3(Fe1–xZnx)5O12 samples with different Zn concentrations (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) were prepared and analyzed for a magnetic study. A decrease in magnetic moment of the samples was confirmed on increasing the concentration of Zn ions. This decrease is due to the substitution of Fe ions by Zn. This also confirmed the results of XRD showing the linear increase in the lattice parameter. Fittings by Bloch's law shows results compared with those already reported in the literature. The exponent and constant for the Bloch law presented similar values to those reported for YIG doped with other ions. We obtained the parameter α ∼10−6 K−n with n close to 1.9 for all samples.
A flexible parametric approach for estimating continuous‐time inverse probability of treatment and censoring weights
Authors: Saarela Olli , Liu Zhihui (Amy)
Published: May 2016

Marginal structural Cox models are used for quantifying marginal treatment effects on outcome event hazard function. Such models are estimated using inverse probability of treatment and censoring (IPTC) weighting, which properly accounts for the impact of time‐dependent confounders, avoiding conditioning on factors on the causal pathway. To estimate the IPTC weights, the treatment assignment mechanism is conventionally modeled in discrete time. While this is natural in situations where treatment information is recorded at scheduled follow‐up visits, in other contexts, the events specifying the treatment history can be modeled in continuous time using the tools of event history analysis. This is particularly the case for treatment procedures, such as surgeries. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for flexible parametric estimation of continuous‐time IPTC weights and illustrate it in assessing the relationship between metastasectomy and mortality in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A method for investigating the quality of evolving object‐oriented software using defects in global software development projects
Authors: Jabangwe Ronald , Wohlin Claes , Petersen Kai , Šmite Darja , Börstler Jürgen
Published: May 2016

Context: Global software development (GSD) projects can have distributed teams that work independently in different locations or team members that are dispersed. The various development settings in GSD can influence quality during product evolution. When evaluating quality using defects as a proxy, the development settings have to be taken into consideration.

Objective: The aim is to provide a systematic method for supporting investigations of the implication of GSD contexts on defect data as a proxy for quality.

Method: A method engineering approach was used to incrementally develop the proposed method. This was done through applying the method in multiple industrial contexts and then using lessons learned to refine and improve the method after application.

Results: A measurement instrument and visualization was proposed incorporating an understanding of the release history and understanding of GSD contexts.

Conclusion: The method can help with making accurate inferences about development settings because it includes details on collecting and aggregating data at a level that matches the development setting in a GSD context and involves practitioners at various phases of the investigation. Finally, the information that is produced from following the method can help practitioners make informed decisions when planning to develop software in comparable circumstances. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formal modelling and verification of GALS systems using GRL and CADP
Authors: Jebali Fatma , Lang Frédéric , Mateescu Radu
Published: May 2016

A GALS (
Globally Asynchronous, Locally Synchronous
) system consists of several synchronous components that evolve concurrently and interact with each other asynchronously. The design of GALS systems is tedious and error-prone due to the high degree of synchronous and asynchronous concurrency present in complex architectures. In this paper, we present GRL (
GALS Representation Language
), a formal language designed to model GALS systems, for the purpose of formal verification of the asynchronous aspects. GRL combines the synchronous reactive model underlying dataflow languages and the asynchronous concurrent model underlying process algebras. We propose a translation from GRL to LNT, a value-passing concurrent language with classical process algebra flavour. This makes possible the analysis of GRL specifications using all the state-of-the-art simulation and verification functionalities provided by the CADP toolbox.
On the diversity of asynchronous communication
Authors: Chevrou Florent , Hurault Aurélie , Quéinnec Philippe
Published: May 2016

Asynchronous communication is often viewed as a single entity, the counterpart of synchronous communication. Although the basic concept of asynchronous communication is the decoupling of send and receive events, there is actually room for a variety of additional specification of the communication, for instance in terms of ordering. Yet, these different asynchronous communications are used interchangeably and seldom distinguished. This paper is a contribution to the study of these models, their differences, and how they are related. In this paper, the variety of point-to-point asynchronous communication paradigms is considered with two approaches. In the first and theoretical one, communication models are specified as properties on the ordering of events in distributed executions. In the second and more practical approach that involves composition of peers, they are modeled with transition systems and message histories as part of a framework. The described framework enables to model peer composition and compatibility properties. Besides, an implemented tool chain based on the TLA
+
formalism and model checking is also proposed and illustrated. The conformance of the two approaches is highlighted. A hierarchy is established between the studied communication models. From the execution viewpoint, it completes existing work in the area by introducing more asynchronous communication models and showing their differences. The framework is shown to offer abstract implementations of the communication models. Both the correctness and the completeness of the descriptions in the framework are studied. This reveals necessary restrictions on the behavior of the peers so that the communication models are actually implementable.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Provision of Surgical Care in Vanuatu: A Mixed Methods Analysis
Authors: Young S. , Perry W. R. G. , Leodoro B. , Nosa V. , Bissett I. , Windsor J. A. , Dare A. J.
Published: May 2016

Background

The Pacific island nation of Vanuatu faces a number of challenges in delivering surgical care to its population. We aimed to understand and document the barriers, opportunities and required actions to improve surgical care in the country using a mixed methods analysis which incorporated the perspectives of local health stakeholders.

Methods

A baseline quantitative assessment of surgical capacity in Vanuatu was carried out using the WHO situational analysis tool. Twenty semi‐structured interviews were then conducted on the two main islands (Efate and Espiritu Santo) with surgeons, allied health staff, health managers, policy‐makers and other key stakeholders, using a grounded theory qualitative case study methodology. Initial informants were identified by purposive sampling followed by snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews were open and axially coded with subsequent thematic analysis.

Results

Vanuatu faces deficits in surgical infrastructure, equipment and human resources, especially in the rural provinces. Geographic isolation, poverty and culture—including the use of traditional medicine and low health literacy—all act as barriers to patients accessing timely surgical care. Issues with governance, human resourcing and perioperative care were commonly identified by stakeholders as key challenges facing surgical services. Increasing outreach clinics, developing efficient referral systems, building provincial surgical capacity and undertaking locally led research were identified as key actions that can improve surgical care.

Conclusion

Documenting locally identified challenges and opportunities for surgical care in Vanuatu is an important first step towards developing formal strategies for improving surgical services at the country level.
No Need of Immediate Treatment for Hypovascular Tumors Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Midorikawa Yutaka , Takayama Tadatoshi , Nara Satoshi , Hashimoto Takuya , Omichi Kiyohiko , Ebisawa Kiyoko , Higaki Tokio , Tsuji Shingo , Sakamoto Hirohiko , Shimada Kazuaki , Makuuchi Masatoshi
Published: May 2016

Background

Hypovascular tumors associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be diagnosed, but it remains unknown whether such lesions should be treated immediately. This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of treating hypovascular liver nodules.

Methods

After diagnosis of hypovascular tumors smaller than 3 cm, 104 patients underwent liver resection immediately (Group 1), while 93 patients were placed under observation (Group 2). In Group 1, 98 patients were diagnosed as having HCC (Group 1′), while 80 patients in Group 2 underwent liver resection after vascularization or appearance of other hypervascular HCC (Group 2′), eight patients had been observed, and five patients could not undergo operation due to appearance of other multiple HCCs. To avoid lead time bias for tumor vascularization, survival rates of patients after diagnosis of hypovascular tumors as well as those after operation in the two groups were compared.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 3.3 years (range 0.6–11.2), the 5‐year overall survival rates after liver resection of Group 1′ (74.8 %; 95 % CI 64.3–86.1) was significantly higher than that of Group 2′ (59.2 %; 46.4–75.6; P = 0.027). However, the 5‐year overall survival rates after diagnosis of hypovascular liver nodules of Group 1′ (74.7 %; 66.1–85.0) was not significantly different from that of Group 2′ (77.1 %; 67.0–88.6; P = 0.761). Consequently, the 5‐year overall survival rate after diagnosis of Group 2 (75.6 %; 64.7–83.1) was not significantly different from that of Group 1 (73.2 %; 67.5–86.1; P = 0.591) by intention‐to‐treat analysis.

Conclusions

It is not necessary to treat hypovascular liver tumors immediately after diagnosis.
Seasonal habitat selection by adult female polar bears in western Hudson Bay
Authors: McCall Alysa G. , Pilfold Nicholas W. , Derocher Andrew E. , Lunn Nicholas J.
Published: May 2016

Individual variation in habitat selection has emerged as an important component necessary for understanding population ecology. For threatened species, where habitat loss and alteration affect population trends, understanding habitat use provides insight into mechanisms of population change. Polar bears, Ursus maritimus, in the Western Hudson Bay subpopulation have experienced declines in body condition, survival, and abundance associated with delayed freeze‐up and earlier break‐up of sea ice due to climate change. Although this subpopulation has been intensively studied, sea ice habitat selection remains poorly understood. We developed a habitat selection model using a mixed conditional logistic regression to determine habitat selection across seasons (freeze‐up, early winter, late winter, break‐up) and assess individual variation in habitat selection. We used 8487 locations collected between 2004 and 2010 from 64 GPS satellite linked radio‐collars on adult females to compare habitat selected to habitat available. Selection changed across seasons and varied the most among individuals during the freeze‐up and break‐up seasons. During later winter, there was less variation in habitat selection among individuals and bears showed the least amount of selection in habitat use. Distance to the denning area, a core terrestrial refuge habitat, was the top‐ranked covariate in all seasons suggesting site fidelity plays a role in habitat selection. Some individual variation may have been due to reproductive status, though we could not account for this directly. Recognizing individual differences, especially in a rapidly changing environment, allows managers to identify critical habitats instead of simply average resources, and may lead to more successful efforts to protect habitats.
Qualitative urinary organic acid analysis: 10 years of quality assurance
Authors: Peters Verena , Bonham James R. , Hoffmann Georg F. , Scott Camilla , Langhans Claus‐Dieter
Published: May 2016

Over the last 10 years, a total of 90 urine samples from patients with metabolic disorders and controls were circulated to different laboratories in Europe and overseas, starting with 67 laboratories in 2005 and reaching 101 in 2014. The participants were asked to analyse the samples in their usual way and to prepare a report as if to a non‐specialist pediatrician. The performance for the detection of fumarase deficiency, glutaric aciduria type I, isovaleric aciduria, methylmalonic aciduria, mevalonic aciduria, phenylketonuria and propionic aciduria was excellent (98–100 %). Over the last few years, detection has clearly improved for tyrosinaemia type I (39 % in 2008 to over 80 % in 2011/2014), maple syrup urine disease (85 % in 2005 to 98 % in 2012), hawkinsinuria (62 % in 2010 to 88 % in 2014), aminoacylase I deficiency (43 % in 2009 to 73 % in 2012) and 3‐methylcrotonyl‐CoA carboxylase deficiency (60 % in 2005 to 93 % by 2011). Normal urines were mostly considered as normal (83–100 %), but laboratories often made additional diagnostic suggestions. When the findings were unambiguous, the reports were mostly clear. However, when they were less obvious, the content and quality of reports varied greatly. Repetition of organic acid measurements on a fresh sample was rarely suggested, while more complex or invasive diagnostic strategies, including further metabolic screening or biopsy were recommended. Surprisingly very few participants suggested referral from the general paediatrician to a specialist metabolic centre to confirm a diagnosis and, if applicable, to initiate treatment despite evidence suggesting that this improves the outcome for patients with inherited metabolic disorders. The reliability of qualitative organic acid analysis has improved over the last few years. However, several aspects of reporting to non‐specialists may need discussion and clinicians need to be aware of the uncertainty inherent in all forms of laboratory diagnostic analysis.
Partition of n‐Butanol Among Phases and Solubilization Ability of Winsor type III Microemulsions
Authors: Liu Huie , Wu Zhanghui , Jing Jiange , Huang Jiankun , Ding Chuanqin , Chen Shuang
Published: May 2016

The partition of n‐butanol in Winsor type III (W‐III) microemulsions was investigated in this work. Three kinds of anionic surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium dodecyl sulfonate (DSS), and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS)) and two kinds of anionic/cationic surfactant mixtures (SDS/octadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (OTAC) mixtures and DSS/OTAC mixtures) were studied. Internal standard gas chromatography was employed in n‐butanol content analysis. The results showed that no water exists in the excess oil (EO) phase and no oil exists in the excess water (EW) phase. For the W‐III microemulsions obtained by salinity scanning, relatively constant n‐butanol content in the EO (11–12 v%) and EW (1–4 v%) was found under different salinities. Accurate measurement of n‐butanol content in each phase is important for those systems having low solubilization ability. For the W‐III microemulsions prepared using SDS/OTAC surfactant mixture, the percentage of n‐butanol distributed into the interfacial layer decreased while the fraction of n‐butanol in the interfacial layer first increased sharply and then tended to be stable with the addition of n‐butanol. For the different optimum W‐III microemulsion systems tested, most of the surfactant‐to‐alcohol molar ratio data are near 1:3, but obvious deviation could be observed for some data. On the basis of the accurate measurement of n‐butanol content in the EO and EW phases, the standard free energy, ΔGo→in* (T = 298.15 K) of n‐butanol transferring from the EO phase to the interfacial region was calculated. The results show negative ΔGo→in* values. For microemulsions with the same components, n‐butanol content is an important factor influencing the ΔGo→in* value, and a high absolute value of ΔGo→in* leads to high solubilization ability.
The Impact of Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Surfactants in the Microstructure and Rheological Behaviour of Emulsions Made With Melted Fat From Cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum)
Authors: Teixeira Gerson Lopes , Züge Luana Carolina Bosmuler , Silveira Joana Léa Meira , Scheer Agnes de Paula , Ribani Rosemary Hoffmann
Published: May 2016

Cupuassu fat is a good candidate for partial substitution of cocoa butter in many products, including emulsions. However, for such use it is necessary to know the characteristics of the products prepared with cupuassu fat. Therefore, the main goal of this work is to characterize emulsions prepared with cupuassu fat using the surfactants Tween® 60, Tween® 80 and Tween® 85 as emulsifiers. The emulsions were prepared at 43 °C with addition of 0.5 or 1.5 % (w/v) of surfactant and compared with an emulsion without surfactant. All emulsions were analysed by conductivity, stability, pH, optical microscopy, rheology and oxidative stability. It was verified that the emulsions prepared with Tween® 60 and Tween® 80 have higher stability, smaller droplet size and higher apparent viscosity. Also, these properties are positively influenced by the concentration of the surfactant. On the other hand, emulsions prepared with Tween 85 or without surfactant reached unsatisfactory results. The rheological behaviour of the emulsions was adequately described by both Herschel‐Bulkley and Mizhari‐Berki models revealing pseudoplastic character. These emulsions also present strong gel behaviour, with storage modulus higher than loss modulus. In conclusion, cupuassu fat can be used as oil phase for emulsions products and this characterization helps to understand their behaviour in order to increase their use in food industry.
Experimental Study on Foam Properties of Mixed Systems of Silicone and Hydrocarbon Surfactants
Authors: Sheng Youjie , Wu Xiujuan , Lu Shouxiang , Li Changhai
Published: May 2016

Silicone surfactants are inevitably involved in industrial applications in combination with hydrocarbon surfactants, but properties of the mixtures of silicone and hydrocarbon surfactants have received little attention, especially foam properties of the mixtures. In this study, aqueous solutions of respective binary mixtures of a nonionic silicone surfactant with anionic, cationic, and nonionic hydrocarbon surfactants were prepared for evaluation of their foam properties. Surface tension of aqueous solutions of the mixtures were measured with the maximum bubble pressure method. Foaming ability and foam stability of the mixtures were then evaluated with the standard Ross–Miles method. The findings show that the addition of the silicone surfactant results in a decrease in surface tension for aqueous solutions of the hydrocarbon surfactants. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the hydrocarbon surfactants is also changed by the additive silicone surfactant. Additionally, clear foam synergistic effects were observed in the mixtures of silicone and hydrocarbon surfactants, regardless of the ionic types of the hydrocarbon surfactant. The foam stability of the hydrocarbon surfactant was shown to generally improve with the increasing concentration of the silicone surfactant. Even so, aqueous solutions of different ionic hydrocarbon surfactants in the presence of the silicone surfactant will give different foam stabilities. The results of the present study are meant to provide guidance for the practical application of foams generated by the mixtures of the silicone and hydrocarbon surfactants.
Estimating the regional climate signal in a late Pleistocene and early Holocene lake-sediment δ18O record from Vermont, USA.
Authors: Mandl Maximilian Benedict , Shuman Bryan Nolan , Marsicek Jeremiah , Grigg Laurie
Published: May 2016

We present a new oxygen isotope (δ18O) record from carbonate-rich lake sediments from central Vermont. The record from Twin Ponds spans from 13.5 cal ka BP (1950 AD) to present, but contains a 6 ka long hiatus starting shortly after 7.5 cal ka BP. We compare the record for ca. 13.5–7.5 cal ka BP with published δ18O data from the region after using a Bayesian approach to produce many possible chronologies for each site. Principal component analysis then identified chronologically-robust, multi-site oxygen isotope signals, including negative values during the Younger Dryas, but no significant deviations from the early Holocene mean of the regional records. However, differences among sites indicate significant trends that likely relate to interacting changes in the regional gradients of seasonal temperatures and precipitation as well as moisture sources, moisture pathways, and aridity that were controlled by large-scale climatic controls such as insolation, the progressive decline of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, and changes in oceanic circulation. Centennial shifts punctuate these trends at ca. 9.3 and 8.2 cal ka BP, and reveal that the local character of these short-lived features requires a detailed understanding of lake hydrology and regional isotopic gradients to yield reliable information for regional climate reconstructions.