bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced clinical outcome with manual massage following cryolipolysis treatment: A 4‐month study of safety and efficacy
Authors: Boey Gerald E. , Wasilenchuk Jennifer L.
Published: December 2013

Background and Objectives

Cryolipolysis procedures have been shown to safely and effectively reduce the thickness of fat in a treated region. This study was conducted to determine whether the addition of post‐treatment manual massage would improve efficacy while maintaining the safety profile of the original cryolipolysis treatment protocol.

Materials and Methods

The study population consisted of an efficacy group (n = 10) and a safety group (n = 7). Study subjects were treated on each side of the lower abdomen with a Cooling Intensity Factor of 42 (−72.9 mW/cm2) for 60 minutes. One side of the abdomen was massaged post‐treatment and the other side served as the control. Immediately post‐treatment, the massage side was treated for 1 minute using a vigorous kneading motion followed by 1 minute of circular massage using the pads of the fingers. For the efficacy group, photos and ultrasound measurements were taken at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months post‐treatment. For the safety group, histological analysis was completed at 0, 3, 8, 14, 30, 60, and 120 days post‐treatment to examine the effects of massage on subcutaneous tissue over time.

Results

Post‐treatment manual massage resulted in a consistent and discernible increase in efficacy over the non‐massaged side. At 2 months post‐treatment, mean fat layer reduction was 68% greater in the massage side than in the non‐massage side as measured by ultrasound. By 4 months, mean fat layer reduction was 44% greater in the massage side. Histological results showed no evidence of necrosis or fibrosis resulting from the massage.

Conclusion

Post‐treatment manual massage is a safe and effective technique to enhance the clinical outcome from a cryolipolysis procedure. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:20–26, 2014. © 2013 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gold Nanoparticle Loaded Hybrid Nanofibers for Cardiogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells for Infarcted Myocardium Regeneration
Authors: Ravichandran Rajeswari , Sridhar Radhakrishnan , Venugopal Jayarama Reddy , Sundarrajan Subramanian , Mukherjee Shayanti , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: December 2013

Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in many industrialized nations and is often related to irregularities in electrical function that can radically damage cardiac functioning. The aim of this study is to develop a novel therapeutic hybrid scaffold that can couple electrical, mechanical, and biological properties, desirable for cardiac tissue regeneration. BSA/PVA scaffolds are fabricated in the ratio 2:1 and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) embedded scaffolds in the ratios BSA/PVA/Au of 2:1:0.1 (lower concentration) and BSA/PVA/Au of 2:1:0.4 (higher concentration) by electrospinning. The scaffolds are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), contact angle, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and tensile testing to analyze the fiber morphology, AuNP distribution, hydrophilicity, surface functional groups, and mechanical properties of the scaffolds, respectively. Results show that ex vivo pretreatment of MSCs using 5‐aza and AuNPs loaded conductive nanofibrous construct could lead to enhanced cardiomyogenic differentiation and result in superior biological and functional effects on infarcted myocardium regeneration.
Compatibility of nickel and silver‐based brazing alloys with E85 fuel blends
Authors: Dimatteo A. , Lovicu G. F. , Desanctis M. , Valentini R. , Santarelli S. , Cognetta F.
Published: December 2013

In this study, the corrosion behavior of AISI 304 fuel rail brazed joints in presence of ethanolic E85 fuel has been evaluated. The galvanic corrosion resulting from coupling steel and copper brazing alloys has been studied as it represents a potential risk for the functionality of the fuel rail and injectors. The corrosion can lead to nozzle clogging by the increase of level of solute metallic ions or rupture of the joint itself. Tests have been carried out both on specimens simulating the brazed joints and on real fuel rail component. Static immersion tests and static filling tests in standard gasoline, E85 and modified E85 fuels have been carried out. The latter have been prepared by adding aggressive reagent, such as acetic acid, sulfuric acid, and chlorides, to the E85 fuel. Tests have been carried out at room temperature and at 60 °C.

Alternative brazing materials to copper alloys (nickel‐ and silver‐based alloys) have also been tested, with the aim of comparing their corrosive resistance. From results here obtained, the nickel‐based brazing alloys, which have been tested because of their intrinsic ability to passivate, have proved to be more resistant to corrosion than copper, but only during exposure to commercial E85 and at room temperature. Silver‐based brazing alloys have shown poor resistance to corrosion and the tendency of soluted Ag ions to precipitate in presence of chloride ions.
Rod‐Like Nano‐Light Harvester
Authors: Ling Jun , Zheng Zhicheng , Köhler Anna , Müller Axel H. E.
Published: December 2013

Imitating the natural “energy cascade” architecture, we present a single‐molecular rod‐like nano‐light harvester (NLH) based on a cylindrical polymer brush. Block copolymer side chains carrying (9,9‐diethylfluoren‐2‐yl)methyl methacrylate units as light absorbing antennae (energy donors) are tethered to a linear polymer backbone containing 9‐anthracenemethyl methacrylate units as emitting groups (energy acceptors). These NLHs exhibit very efficient energy absorption and transfer. Moreover, we manipulate the energy transfer by tuning the donor–acceptor distance.

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Comparison of sensitivity and specificity among 15 criteria for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Breiner Ari , Brannagan Thomas H.
Published: December 2013

Introduction: There have been 15 formal sets of criteria published for the diagnosis of CIDP. No study to date has compared the sensitivity and specificity of all published criteria in the same patient population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with CIDP (n = 56) and controls with diabetic polyneuropathy (n = 37) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n = 39) who were followed in an academic neuromuscular practice. The sensitivity and specificity of each CIDP criterion was calculated, including clinical, laboratory, and electrodiagnostic components. Results: Sensitivities ranged from 1.8% to 87.5%; the Dyck (87.5%), Neuropathy Association (75%), and European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS; 73.2%) criteria ranked highest. Specificities ranged from 65.6% to 100% and, among the 3 most sensitive criteria, the EFNS (90.8%) and Neuropathy Association (82.9%) criteria were most specific. Conclusions: In our patient population, the EFNS and Neuropathy Association criteria stand out due to high sensitivity and specificity. Muscle Nerve 50: 40–46, 2014
Atypical presentation of late‐onset Tay‐sachs disease
Authors: Deik Andres , Saunders‐Pullman Rachel
Published: December 2013

Introduction: Late‐onset Tay‐Sachs disease (LOTS) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficient Beta‐hexosaminidase A activity. Methods: We describe a 53‐year‐old woman who presented with adult‐onset leg weakness, and whose initial diagnosis was progressive muscular atrophy without identifiable etiology. Development of cerebellar ataxia in mid‐life prompted reassessment. Results: Beta‐hexosaminidase A quantification assay demonstrated absence of the isozyme. Genetic testing identified compound heterozygous mutations in the HEXA gene, confirming the diagnosis of LOTS. Conclusions: The phenotypic spectrum of LOTS includes motor neuronopathy, ataxia, choreoathetosis, neuropathy, and psychiatric symptoms in various combinations. This patient highlights the emergence of different clinical features over many years and emphasizes the need to consider LOTS in the differential diagnosis of progressive muscular atrophy. Muscle Nerve 49: 768–771, 2014
Can Real Time Location System Technology (RTLS) Provide Useful Estimates of Time Use by Nursing Personnel?
Authors: Jones Terry L. , Schlegel Cara
Published: December 2013

Accurate, precise, unbiased, reliable, and cost‐effective estimates of nursing time use are needed to insure safe staffing levels. Direct observation of nurses is costly, and conventional surrogate measures have limitations. To test the potential of electronic capture of time and motion through real time location systems (RTLS), a pilot study was conducted to assess efficacy (method agreement) of RTLS time use; inter‐rater reliability of RTLS time‐use estimates; and associated costs. Method agreement was high (mean absolute difference = 28 seconds); inter‐rater reliability was high (ICC = 0.81–0.95; mean absolute difference = 2 seconds); and costs for obtaining RTLS time‐use estimates on a single nursing unit exceeded $25,000. Continued experimentation with RTLS to obtain time‐use estimates for nursing staff is warranted. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Particle simulation of granular media and homogenisation towards continuum quantities
Authors: Bidier Sami , Ehlers Wolfgang
Published: December 2013

From a microscopic point of view, various natural and engineering materials consist of individual grains, whose motion strongly influence the macroscopic material behaviour. Exemplarily, one may look at the development of shear zones in natural granular materials, such as sand, occurring as a result of local grain dislocations and the transition of the granulate from a denser to a looser packing. The intuitive modelling approach for granular assemblies is consequently the consideration of each grain as a rigid particle. In a numerical framework, this leads to the Discrete Element Method (DEM), wherein the motion of each particle can be obtained solving Newton's equations for each particle. The present contribution discusses the basic fundaments of modelling granular material on the microscopic scale by use of the DEM. Special interest is taken to the constitutive choice of the governing particle‐to‐particle contact forces, as they have to account for plastic material behaviour as well as for assumptions concerning particle shape, size and distribution. As engineering problems are regularly described on the macroscale by means of continuum mechanics, a homogenisation strategy transfers the information from the microscale towards continuum quantities via volume averaging. Therefore, characteristic Representative Elementary Volumes (REV) are constructed by an ensemble of particles, where each particle can be chosen as the centre of a REV. (© 2013 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Unsteady Flow and its Influence to Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic of VAWT's
Authors: Dumitrache Alexandru , Dumitrescu Horia , Frunzulica Florin , Bogateanu Radu
Published: December 2013

A study is reported of the influence of unsteady flow on the aerodynamics and aeroacoustics of vertical axis wind turbines by numerical simulation. The combination of aerodynamic predictions with a discrete vortex method and aeroacoustic predictions based on Ffowcs Williams‐Hawkings equation is used to achieve this goal. The numerical results show that unsteady flow of the turbine has a significant influence on the turbine aerodynamics and can lead to a decrease in generated noise as compared to the conventional horizontal axis wind turbine at the similar aerodynamic performance. (© 2013 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Topology optimization methods for guided flow – comparison of optimality criteria vs. phase‐field method
Authors: Quarti Michael , Selzer Michael , Pandolfo da Veiga Arthur , Gottlieb Andreas , Bühler Karl , Kachel Gerhard , Nestler Britta
Published: December 2013

Optimization of guided flow problems is an important task for industrial applications especially those with high Reynolds numbers. There exist several optimization methods to increase the energy efficiency of these problems. Different optimization methods are shown bei Klimetzek [1], Hinterberger [2] and Pingen [3]. In recent years the phase‐field method has been shown to be an applicable method for different kinds of topology optimization [4, 5].

We present results of topology optimization methods with optimality criterion and by using a phase‐field model in the area of guided fluid flow problems. The two methods aim on the same main target reducing the pressure drop between the inlet and outlet of the flow domain. The first method is based on local optimality criterion, preventing the backflow in the flow domain [1, 6, 7]. The second method is based on a phase field model, which describes a minimization problem and uses a specially constructed driving force to minimize the total energy of the system [4, 5].

We investigate the capabilities and limits of both methods and present examples of different resulting geometries. The initial configurations are prepared in a way that the same optimization problem is solved with both methods. We discuss these results regarding the shape of the improved flow geometry. (© 2013 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Numerical Studies of Viscoelastic Flow Using the Software OpenFOAM
Authors: Guranov Iva , Ćoćić Aleksandar , Lečić Milan
Published: December 2013

Viscoelastic fluids are a special class of non‐Newtonian fluids. There are several types of viscoelastic fluid models, and all of them have a complex rheological response in comparison to Newtonian fluids. This response can be viewed as a combination of viscous and elastic effects and non‐linear phenomena. This complex physics makes a numerical simulation a rather challenging task, even in simple test‐cases. Studies presented in this paper are numerical studies of the viscoelastic fluid flow in several test cases. These studies have been done in OpenFOAM, an open‐source CFD package. Implementation of viscoelastic models and a solver is only available in a community driven version of software (OpenFOAM‐ext). One of the goals of research in this paper was to test the solver and models on some simple test cases. We considered start‐up and pulsating flows of viscoelastic fluid in a channel and a circular pipe. The important thing is that an analytical solution can be found in these cases, making in possible to test all aspects of numerical simulation in OpenFOAM. Obtained results showed an excellent agreement with the analytical solution for both velocity and stress components. These results encouraged authors' motivation and a choice to use OpenFOAM for simulation of viscoelastic flows. We hope that our research will make a contribution to the OpenFOAM community. Our plan for the further research is a simulation of blood flow in arteries with the viscoelastic solver. (© 2013 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Applications of mass spectrometry for quantitative protein analysis in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues
Authors: Steiner Carine , Ducret Axel , Tille Jean‐Christophe , Thomas Marlene , McKee Thomas A. , Rubbia‐Brandt Laura , Scherl Alexander , Lescuyer Pierre , Cutler Paul
Published: December 2013

Proteomic analysis of tissues has advanced in recent years as instruments and methodologies have evolved. The ability to retrieve peptides from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues followed by shotgun or targeted proteomic analysis is offering new opportunities in biomedical research. In particular, access to large collections of clinically annotated samples should enable the detailed analysis of pathologically relevant tissues in a manner previously considered unfeasible. In this paper, we review the current status of proteomic analysis of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues with a particular focus on targeted approaches and the potential for this technique to be used in clinical research and clinical diagnosis. We also discuss the limitations and perspectives of the technique, particularly with regard to application in clinical diagnosis and drug discovery.
Sarcoidosis in children: HRCT findings and correlation with pulmonary function tests
Authors: Sileo C. , Epaud R. , Mahloul M. , Beydon N. , Elia D. , Clement A. , Pointe H. Ducou Le
Published: December 2013

Rationale

High‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) plays an important role in the diagnosis and staging of pulmonary sarcoidosis, but implies radiation exposure. In this light, we aimed to describe HRCT findings as well as their relationship with pulmonary function tests (PFT) in children with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Methods

In a retrospective study, 18 pediatric patients with sarcoidosis, including 12 with pulmonary abnormalities (PA group) and 6 without pulmonary abnormalities (APA group) were followed over a 16‐year period. Relationships between HRCT scores and PFT were studied by non‐parametric Spearman's test at diagnosis and by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) analysis during follow‐up.

Results

Forty‐three HRCT were scored. Twelve patients showed abnormal HRCT findings at diagnosis with multiple nodules or micronodules, while ground‐glass opacities were seen in 11 patients. Ten patients exhibited pleural thickening or thickening of the fissure and 6 had interlobular septal thickening at diagnosis. No correlation between HRCT and forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), forced expiratory flow during the mid‐half of the FVC (FEF25–75) and specific dynamical compliance (SpecCLdyn) was found at diagnosis. However, linear mixed models showed that changes in total HRCT scores over time were significantly associated with SpecCLdyn, FVC, and FEV1 modifications.

Conclusion

Radiologic findings in children with pulmonary sarcoidosis were similar to those in adults. HRCT and PFT are both essential investigations at diagnosis; however, the correlation between HRCT pulmonary parenchymal findings and PFT over time suggests the possibility of reducing the number of HRCT during follow‐up to decrease unnecessary radiation exposure. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:1223–1233. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Otago Exercise Program Performed as Group Training Versus Home Training in Fall‐prone Older People: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kyrdalen Ingebjørg L. , Moen Kjersti , Røysland Anne Sofie , Helbostad Jorunn L.
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose

Exercise programs targeting muscle strength and balance can reduce falls. The study aimed to compare the Otago Exercise Program (OEP), originally designed as supervised home training (HT), with the same programme performed as GT, on functional balance and muscle strength, mobility, fall efficacy and self‐reported health.

Methods

A single‐blind randomized controlled trial with assessments at baseline (T1), following the 12‐week intervention (T2), and 3 months following intervention (T3), was performed. 125 people, mean age 82.5 (SD = 5.7) years, 73% women, referred to a Falls Outpatient Clinic, participated. 74% had fallen, and 37% had a fall‐related hospital stay during the previous year. OEP supervised by physiotherapists was performed as GT twice weekly or as HT three times a week, for 12 weeks. Total exercise time was comparable between groups. The primary outcome was the Berg Balance Scale assessed at T2.

Results

From T1–T2, Berg Balance Scale improved significantly more in the GT group than in the HT group (mean group difference in change of 3.2 points, 95%CI = 0.7–5.8, p = 0.014). Of the secondary outcomes, the 30‐second sit‐to‐stand test (p = 0.004), and physical health measured by the Short Form‐36 (p = 0.004), improved significantly more for the GT group. Change in mobility measured by the Timed Up and Go test, mental health by the Short Form‐36, and fall efficacy by the Fall Efficacy Scale International did not differ between groups. The 30‐second sit‐to‐stand test and the Timed Up and Go, but not the Berg Balance Scale, was still better in the GT group at T3.

Discussion

In fall‐prone home‐dwelling older people, the OEP performed as GT is more effective for improving functional balance, muscle strength and physical health, but not fall efficacy and mental health than when performed as HT. The OEP provided as GT should be considered in this population. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of abiraterone acetate versus ketoconazole in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer refractory to docetaxel
Authors: Peer Avivit , Gottfried Maya , Sinibaldi Victoria , Carducci Michael A. , Eisenberger Mario A. , Sella Avishay , Leibowitz‐Amit Raya , Berger Raanan , Keizman Daniel
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

Abiraterone, a potent CYP 17 inhibitor, is standard treatment in docetaxel refractory, metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, in countries where abiraterone has not been approved yet, or for patients who cannot afford it, ketoconazole is used as an alternative CYP 17 inhibitor. Although preclinical data suggests that ketoconazole is a less potent inhibitor of CYP 17, there are limited clinical data comparing both agents. We aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of abiraterone versus ketoconazole in docetaxel refractory mCRPC.

METHODS

Records from mCRPC patients treated with ketoconazole (international multicenter database, n = 162) were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty‐six patients treated post docetaxel were individually matched by clinicopathologic factors to patients treated with abiraterone (national multicenter database, n = 140). We compared the PSA response, biochemical and radiological progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) between the groups. PFS and OS were determined by Cox regression.

RESULTS

The groups were matched by Gleason score, pre‐treatment disease extent, ECOG PS, pre‐treatment risk category (Keizman, Oncologist 2012). Furthermore, they were balanced regarding other known confounding risk factors. In the groups of abiraterone versus ketoconazole, PSA response was 46% versus 19% (OR 4.3, P = 0.04), median biochemical PFS 7 versus 2 months (HR 1.54, P = 0.02), median radiological PFS 8 versus 2.5 months (HR 1.8, P = 0.043), median OS 19 versus 11 months (HR 0.53, P = 0.79), and treatment interruption d/t severe adverse events 8% (n = 2) versus 31% (n = 8) (0R 0.6, P = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

In docetaxel refractory mCRPC, the outcome of abiraterone treatment may be superior to ketoconazole. Prostate 74:433–440, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The expanded FindCore method for identification of a core atom set for assessment of protein structure prediction
Authors: Snyder David A. , Grullon Jennifer , Huang Yuanpeng J. , Tejero Roberto , Montelione Gaetano T.
Published: December 2013

Maximizing the scientific impact of NMR‐based structure determination requires robust and statistically sound methods for assessing the precision of NMR‐derived structures. In particular, a method to define a core atom set for calculating superimpositions and validating structure predictions is critical to the use of NMR‐derived structures as targets in the CASP competition. FindCore (Snyder and Montelione, Proteins 2005;59:673–686) is a superimposition independent method for identifying a core atom set and partitioning that set into domains. However, as FindCore optimizes superimposition by sensitively excluding not‐well‐defined atoms, the FindCore core may not comprise all atoms suitable for use in certain applications of NMR structures, including the CASP assessment process. Adapting the FindCore approach to assess predicted models against experimental NMR structures in CASP10 required modification of the FindCore method. This paper describes conventions and a standard protocol to calculate an “Expanded FindCore” atom set suitable for validation and application in biological and biophysical contexts. A key application of the Expanded FindCore method is to identify a core set of atoms in the experimental NMR structure for which it makes sense to validate predicted protein structure models. We demonstrate the application of this Expanded FindCore method in characterizing well‐defined regions of 18 NMR‐derived CASP10 target structures. The Expanded FindCore protocol defines “expanded core atom sets” that match an expert's intuition of which parts of the structure are sufficiently well defined to use in assessing CASP model predictions. We also illustrate the impact of this analysis on the CASP GDT assessment scores. Proteins 2014; 82(Suppl 2):219–230. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The future for weed control and technology
Authors: Shaner Dale L , Beckie Hugh J
Published: December 2013

This review is both a retrospective (what have we missed?) and prospective (where are we going?) examination of weed control and technology, particularly as it applies to herbicide‐resistant weed management (RWM). Major obstacles to RWM are discussed, including lack of diversity in weed management, unwillingness of many weed researchers to conduct real integrated weed management research or growers to accept recommendations, influence or role of agrichemical marketing and governmental policy and lack of multidisciplinary research. We then look ahead to new technologies that are needed for future weed control in general and RWM in particular, in areas such as non‐chemical and chemical weed management, novel herbicides, site‐specific weed management, drones for monitoring large areas, wider application of ‘omics’ and simulation model development. Finally, we discuss implementation strategies for integrated weed management to achieve RWM, development of RWM for developing countries, a new classification of herbicides based on mode of metabolism to facilitate greater stewardship and greater global exchange of information to focus efforts on areas that maximize progress in weed control and RWM. There is little doubt that new or emerging technologies will provide novel tools for RMW in the future, but will they arrive in time? © 2013 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Pest Management Science © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of solvent evaporation on the self‐assembly of poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) and on the film morphology during electrospray deposition
Authors: Liao Yingjie , Fukuda Takeshi , Kamata Norihiko
Published: December 2013

A high‐voltage rectangular pulse was applied to the electro‐spray deposition (ESD) to control the evaporation‐induced self‐assembly of poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT). Two groups of P3HT thin films were deposited by a series of high‐voltage rectangular pulses. Compared with the ESD driven by a constant voltage, the pulse‐driven ESD enables to probe the effect of solvent evaporation on the self‐assembly of P3HT molecules. The droplet size and the evaporation of residual solvent in the droplet determine the film morphology. Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy was used to identify the ordering of P3HT molecules in the films. The self‐assembly of P3HT molecules took place during the solvent evaporation which can be controlled by a combination of the pulse amplitude and the pulse interval. With an appropriate combination of the amplitude and the interval, the ESD produced a P3HT thin film with high chain ordering.

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(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Two‐way regularization for MEG source reconstruction via multilevel coordinate descent
Authors: Siva Tian Tian , Huang Jianhua Z. , Shen Haipeng
Published: December 2013

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) source reconstruction refers to the inverse problem of recovering the neural activity from the MEG time course measurements. A spatiotemporal two‐way regularization (TWR) method was recently proposed by Tianet al.to solve this inverse problem and was shown to outperform several one‐way regularization methods and spatiotemporal methods. This TWR method is a two‐stage procedure that first obtains a raw estimate of the source signals and then refines the raw estimate to ensure spatial focality and temporal smoothness using spatiotemporal regularized matrix decomposition. Although proven to be effective, the performance of two‐stage TWR depends on the quality of the raw estimate. In this paper we directly solve the MEG source reconstruction problem using a multivariate penalized regression where the number of variables is much larger than the number of cases. A special feature of this regression is that the regression coefficient matrix has a spatiotemporal two‐way structure that naturally invites a two‐way penalty. Making use of this structure, we develop a computationally efficient multilevel coordinate descent algorithm to implement the method. This new one‐stage TWR method has shown its superiority to the two‐stage TWR method in three simulation studies with different levels of complexity and a real‐world MEG data analysis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2013
Preventive effect of different toothpastes on enamel erosion: AFM and SEM studies
Authors: Lombardini Marco , Ceci Matteo , Colombo Marco , Bianchi Stefano , Poggio Claudio
Published: December 2013

The aim of the present in vitro study was the evaluation of new formulation toothpastes on preventing enamel erosion produced by a soft drink (Coca Cola), using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fifty enamel specimens were assigned to 10 groups of 5 specimens each. 1: intact enamel, 2: enamel + soft drink, 3: intact enamel + BioRepair Plus‐Sensitive Teeth, 4: enamel + soft drink + BioRepair Plus‐Sensitive Teeth, 5: intact enamel + BioRepair Plus‐Total Protection, 6: enamel + soft drink + BioRepair Plus‐Total Protection, group 7: intact enamel + Sensodyne Repair & Protect, 8: dentin + soft drink + Sensodyne Repair & Protect, 9: intact dentin + Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief, 10: dentin + soft drink + Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief. The surface of each specimen was imaged by AFM and SEM. The root mean‐square roughness (Rrms) was obtained from the AFM images and the differences in the averaged values among the groups were analyzed by ANOVA test. Comparing groups 4, 6, 8, 10 (soft drink + toothpastes) Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief promoted enamel remineralization, while BioRepair Plus‐Sensitive Teeth, Biorepair Plus‐Total Protection and Sensodyne Repair & Protect provided lower effectiveness in protecting enamel against erosion. Significance: the use of new formulation toothpastes can prevent enamel demineralization. SCANNING 36:401–410, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mixture models for calibrating the BED for HIV incidence testing
Authors: Mahiane Severin Guy , Fiamma Agnès , Auvert Bertran
Published: December 2013

A number of antibody biomarkers have been developed to distinguish between recent and established Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and used for HIV incidence estimation from cross‐sectional specimens. In general, a cut‐off value is specified, and estimates of the following parameters are needed: (i) the mean time interval (w) between seroconversion and reaching that cut‐off; (ii) the probability of correctly identifying individuals who became infected in the last w years (sensitivity); and (iii) the probability of correctly identifying individuals who have been infected for more than w years (specificity). We develop two statistical methods to study the distribution of a biomarker and derive a formula for estimating HIV incidence from a cross‐sectional survey. Both methods allow handling interval censored data and basically consist of using a generalized mixture model to model the growth of the biomarker as a function of time since infection. The first uses data from all followed‐up individuals and allows incidence estimation in the cohort, whereas the second only uses data from seroconverters. We illustrate our methods using repeated measures of the IgG capture BED enzyme immunoassay. Estimates of calibration parameters, that is, mean window period, mean recency period, sensitivity, and specificities obtained from both models are comparable. The formula derived for incidence estimation gives the maximum likelihood estimate of incidence which, for a given window period, depends only on sensitivity and specificity. The optimal choice of the window period is discussed. Numerical simulations suggest that data from seroconverters can provide reasonable estimates of the calibration parameters. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Publication rates of presentations given at annual conferences of The Wildlife Society, 1994–2006
Authors: McRoberts Jon T. , Ferguson Adam W. , Schwalm Donelle L. , Timmer Jennifer M. , Ballard Warren B.
Published: December 2013

Annual conferences of The Wildlife Society (TWS) are important venues to advance wildlife science research through the presentation of papers and posters. However, no longitudinal analysis has been conducted of publication rates of TWS conference presentations. We classified all conference presentations from 1994 to 2006 by publication status, publication outlet, lead author affiliation, and elapsed time between presentation and publication to analyze presentation and publication trends. Of the 6,279 presentations reviewed, 1,771 were published (28.2%), primarily in the Journal of Wildlife Management (22.9%) or the Wildlife Society Bulletin (15.2%). The average time between presentation and publication was 30.1 ± 0.6 months. Academics provided most of the presentations (52.6%), as well as publications (62.4%). We believe consideration of TWS annual conference presentation and publication metrics by TWS membership and conference organizers is warranted to ensure maximum stakeholder benefit. We discuss these implications of publication analysis and offer suggestions for increasing publication rates, if that becomes a goal of TWS. We encourage periodic investigation to quantify conference benefits and to better assess the efficacy of TWS conferences. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Polynitro Containing Energetic Materials based on Carbonyldiisocyanate and 2, 2‐Dinitropropane‐1, 3‐diol
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Krumm Burkhard , Rest Sebastian F. , Sućeska Muhamed
Published: December 2013

New polynitro compounds containing a carbonyl biscarbamate moiety derived from the precursor carbonyldiisocyanate were synthesized. In addition, 2, 2‐dinitropropane‐1, 3‐diyl bis(2, 2,2‐trinitroethylcarbamate) and 2, 2‐dinitropropane‐1, 3‐diyl bis(2, 2,2‐trinitroethyl) dicarbonate, were synthesized using 2, 2‐dinitropropane‐1, 3‐diol as starting material. The compounds were characterized by using the analytical methods, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman), multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. The thermal behavior was investigated with DSC measurements. The suitability of the compounds as potential oxidizers in energetic formulations was determined. The heats of formation of the compounds were calculated with GAUSSIAN 09. The detonation parameters such as the detonation pressure, velocity, energy, and temperature were computed using the EXPLO5 code. For a secure handling of the materials, the sensitivity towards impact, friction, and electrical discharge was tested using the BAM drop hammer, BAM friction tester as well as a small‐scale electrical discharge device, respectively.
Castor bean growth and rhizosphere soil property response to different proportions of arbuscular mycorrhizal and phosphate‐solubilizing fungi
Authors: Zhang Huan Shi , Li Gang , Qin Feng Fei , Zhou Ming Xi , Qin Pei , Pan Shao Ming
Published: December 2013

A pot culture experiment was performed to study the effects of infection with different proportions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) and phosphate‐solubilizing fungus (PSF) on the rhizosphere soil property of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.). One AMF, Glomus mosseae, and one PSF, Mortierella sp. (Ms), were applied to non‐sterilized coastal saline soil. The plant dry mass, leaf chlorophyll content, and P‐uptake of castor bean were assessed. In coastal saline soil, the different proportions of both fungi‐inoculated seedlings showed significantly greater shoot and root dry weight than the controls, which had lower root‐to‐shoot ratios than the inoculated seedlings. An increase in phosphorus (P) and chlorophyll contents was also observed in the inoculated seedlings compared with the controls. The appropriate Ms proportion seemed to be advantageous for AMF colonization. However, available P content of fungi‐treated soil increased in proportion to the increase in Ms population and AMF colonization. By contrast, the pH of inoculated soil decreased because of the increased proportion of Mortierella, and electrical conductivity values showed a negative correlation with AMF colonization. Soil enzyme activities (i.e., urease, invertase, neutral phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase) and soil organic matter were also stimulated by inoculation with different proportions of both fungi. However, the catalase activities of inoculated soil were inhibited compared with those of the control soil. Results from this study prove that castor bean planting associated with an appropriate proportion of AMF and PSF will benefit the amelioration of coastal saline soils of eastern China.
Moderation Analysis Using a Two-Level Regression Model
Authors: Yuan Ke-Hai , Cheng Ying , Maxwell Scott
Published: December 2013

Moderation analysis is widely used in social and behavioral research. The most commonly used model for moderation analysis is moderated multiple regression (MMR) in which the explanatory variables of the regression model include product terms, and the model is typically estimated by least squares (LS). This paper argues for a two-level regression model in which the regression coefficients of a criterion variable on predictors are further regressed on moderator variables. An algorithm for estimating the parameters of the two-level model by normal-distribution-based maximum likelihood (NML) is developed. Formulas for the standard errors (SEs) of the parameter estimates are provided and studied. Results indicate that, when heteroscedasticity exists, NML with the two-level model gives more efficient and more accurate parameter estimates than the LS analysis of the MMR model. When error variances are homoscedastic, NML with the two-level model leads to essentially the same results as LS with the MMR model. Most importantly, the two-level regression model permits estimating the percentage of variance of each regression coefficient that is due to moderator variables. When applied to data from General Social Surveys 1991, NML with the two-level model identified a significant moderation effect of race on the regression of job prestige on years of education while LS with the MMR model did not. An R package is also developed and documented to facilitate the application of the two-level model.
Additive Multilevel Item Structure Models with Random Residuals: Item Modeling for Explanation and Item Generation
Authors: Cho Sun-Joo , De Boeck Paul , Embretson Susan , Rabe-Hesketh Sophia
Published: December 2013

An additive multilevel item structure (AMIS) model with random residuals is proposed. The model includes multilevel latent regressions of item discrimination and item difficulty parameters on covariates at both item and item category levels with random residuals at both levels. The AMIS model is useful for explanation purposes and also for prediction purposes as in an item generation context. The parameters can be estimated with an alternating imputation posterior algorithm that makes use of adaptive quadrature, and the performance of this algorithm is evaluated in a simulation study.
Ausgewählte Ionenkanalerkrankungen des peripheren Nervensystems
Authors: Borck G. , Kubisch C.
Published: December 2013

Ionenkanalerkrankungen des peripheren Nervensystems können sich primär als Syndrome mit veränderter Schmerzwahrnehmung oder als periphere Neuropathien manifestieren. Von besonderem Interesse sind die Erkrankungen, die durch Mutationen im SCN9A-Gen verursacht werden, das für den spannungsabhängigen Natriumkanal Nav1.7 kodiert. Während Gain-of-function-Mutationen in SCN9A die erbliche Erythromelalgie und andere seltene Erkrankungen verursachen, die mit starken Schmerzattacken einhergehen, wurden SCN9A-Funktionsverlustmutationen bei Patienten mit kompletter angeborener Schmerzinsensitivität identifiziert. Diese Erkrankungen und die durch Mutationen in TRPV4 („transient receptor potential channel 4“) bedingten Neuropathien, wie skapuloperoneale spinale Muskelatrophie und Charcot-Marie-Tooth-Erkrankung 2C, verdeutlichen die klinische Relevanz der Fehlfunktion von Ionenkanälen nicht nur im zentralen, sondern auch im peripheren Nervensystem.
Ionenkanalerkrankungen des Gehirns – monogene Migräneformen
Authors: Freilinger T. , Dichgans M.
Published: December 2013

Im Gegensatz zu den häufigen genetisch komplexen Formen der Migräne existieren auch einige seltene monogene Migränevarianten. Klassischer Vertreter ist die sog. familiäre hemiplegische Migräne (FHM), eine schwere Unterform der Migräne mit Aura, für die mittlerweile 3 ursächliche Gene (FHM1–3; allesamt Ionenkanäle bzw. -transporter) bekannt sind. Dieser Artikel stellt den derzeitigen Wissensstand über Klinik, (Differenzial-)Diagnostik, Therapie, Genetik sowie Pathophysiologie der FHM kompakt dar. Dabei werden auch klinisch bzw. genetisch überlappende Erkrankungen, wie episodische Ataxie Typ 2 (EA-2), spinozerebelläre Ataxie Typ 6 (SCA-6), alternierende Hemiplegie der Kindheit (AHC), besprochen und neue Gene, die in Einzelfällen mit der HM oder Migräne in Verbindung gebracht werden, kritisch beleuchtet. Ergänzend werden monogene vaskuläre Syndrome besprochen, bei denen als Teil des Phänotyps eine Migräne auftritt.
Culture and Demography: From Reluctant Bedfellows to Committed Partners
Authors: Bachrach Christine A.
Published: December 2013

Demography and culture have had a long but ambivalent relationship. Cultural influences are widely recognized as important for demographic outcomes but are often “backgrounded” in demographic research. I argue that progress toward a more successful integration is feasible and suggest a network model of culture as a potential tool. The network model bridges both traditional (holistic and institutional) and contemporary (tool kit) models of culture used in the social sciences and offers a simple vocabulary for a diverse set of cultural concepts, such as attitudes, beliefs, and norms, as well as quantitative measures of how culture is organized. The proposed model conceptualizes culture as a nested network of meanings represented by schemas that range in complexity from simple concepts to multifaceted cultural models. I illustrate the potential value of a model using accounts of the cultural changes underpinning the transformation of marriage in the United States and point to developments in the social, cognitive, and computational sciences that could facilitate the application of the model in empirical demographic research.
Functional connectivity between parietal cortex and the cardiac autonomic system in uremics
Authors: Liou Li‐Min , Ruge Diane , Kuo Mei‐Chuan , Tsai Jer‐Chia , Lin Che‐Wei , Wu Meng‐Ni , Hsu Chung‐Yao , Lai Chiou‐Lian
Published: December 2013

Although the central autonomic network (CAN) has been well researched in animal models, the CAN in humans is still unclear, especially for cardiovascular control. This study aimed to investigate which areas of the cerebral cortices are associated with the peripheral cardiac autonomic control involved in the CAN in uremic patients with autonomic dysfunction and normal controls. The central and peripheral autonomic network in 19 uremic patients with significant autonomic dysfunction and 24 age‐ and sex‐matched controls [mean age ± standard deviation (SD), 55.16 ± 10.45 years and 55.42 ± 5.42 years, respectively] were evaluated by simultaneous spectral analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography recording (ECG), along with serial autonomic tests [autonomic questionnaire and orthostatic blood pressure (BP) change]. Only frequency‐domain heart rate variability (f‐HRV) during the deep‐breathing stage could differentiate the two groups. Although there is no significant difference in f‐HRV during the quiet‐breathing stage, different patterns of central oscillation and their correlation with peripheral cardiac autonomic indices could be found for the two groups. Although the power of specific EEG bands under electrode T3 and T6 correlated significantly with the power of peripheral HRV indices in the control group, those under electrodes P3 and Pz had significant correlations in the uremic group suggesting a role of functional connectivity between them. In addition, sympathetic activity is correlated with slow wave EEG (theta/delta) power whereas parasympathetic activity is correlated with fast wave EEG (beta) power. In conclusion, there is functional connectivity between the parietal cortex and the peripheral cardiac autonomic system (PAN) in uremics and the pattern of central autonomic connectivity differs between uremic patients with autonomic dysfunction and normal controls.
News and Announcements
Authors: Polisenska Veronika
Published: December 2013

In this issue, we present news from Germany, Spain, and the UK, as well as a short note on the Slovenian Psychologists’ Association’s 2013 annual conference. In Germany, the professional psychologists’ association (BDP) has published its annual report, focusing on “inclusion, integration, and participation;” there are also reports on an initiative regarding health promotion in the workplace, implementation of EuroPsy, and a postgraduate program in forensic psychology, among others. In Spain, a program training psychologists with regard to ISO 10667 assessments of people in work settings has been set up. From the UK, the British Psychological Society reports on its new president and honorary officers, as well as extending an invitation to its 2014 annual conference.
Dwindling Resources
Authors: Whitehurst Geoffrey
Published: December 2013

Applied aviation research can be extremely expensive and time consuming. Generally, aviation researchers use group-designed experimental models, requiring large sample sizes, to observe intervention effects. Currently, in an environment of dwindling resources and the ever-increasing costs associated with participant recruitment/retention, data collection, equipment usage, etc., the use of the appropriate and most efficient experimental design may provide researchers with a less expensive way to test hypotheses and demonstrate effects of the independent variable. This paper offers one such potential alternative that may be suitable for some research studies – the multiple-baseline on subjects single-case research design (MBSCRD), a design requiring only 3–5 participants.
Detection of Heightened Emotional Activity in Commercial Airline Crews
Authors: Arthur Drury D. , Dorrian Jill , Ferguson Sally A. , Thomas Matthew J. W.
Published: December 2013

Behavioral markers are used in training and assessment of nontechnical skills (NTSs). This study tested the reliability of a unique set of markers designed to help assess heightened emotional activity (HEA) as a response to perceived threats. Using five markers that represent instances of negative emotional states, 27 commercial airline pilots recorded their observations of HEA in eight video vignettes of scripted flight deck situations. The raters’ scores were analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha for dichotomous data. The alpha statistics indicated high inter-rater reliability across all five HEAs. This study demonstrates that the chosen instances of HEA can be reliably identified by airline pilots.