bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Reductive Amination of Aldehydes via Environmentally Benign Bentonite‐Gold Nanohybrid Catalysis
Authors: Maya R. J. , Poulose Susanna , John Jubi , Luxmi Varma R.
Published: March 2017

An efficient, green and reliable method for the direct reductive amination of aldehydes was developed using an environmentally benign bentonite‐gold nanohybrid catalyst. Use of this heterogeneous catalyst affords a variety of secondary amines in excellent yield under ambient reaction conditions in the presence of phenyldimethylsilane as mild hydride donor. The catalyst is recyclable, selective and is well applicable for the gram‐scale preparation of secondary amines.

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Vicinal Difunctionalization of Alkenes under Iodine(III) Catalysis involving Lewis Base Adducts
Authors: Aertker Kristina , Rama Raquel J. , Opalach Julita , Muñiz Kilian
Published: March 2017

The influence of a 2‐pyridinyl substituent on the catalytic performance of aryl iodides as catalyst in iodine(III) chemistry was explored. An efficient Lewis base adduct between the pyridine nitrogen and the electrophilic iodine(III) center was identified and confirmed by X‐ray analysis. This arrangement was shown to generate a kinetically competent superior catalyst structure for the catalytic dioxygenation of alkenes. It introduces the concept of Lewis base adduct formation as a kinetic factor in iodine(I/III) catalysis.

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The role of interlayer grafting on the mechanical properties of magadiite/styrene‐butadiene rubber composites
Authors: Mao Yating , Li Shigeng , Ploehn Harry J.
Published: March 2017

This work examines the mechanisms by which magadiite (MGD), a synthetic layered silicate, acts as an active filler to provide high levels of mechanical reinforcement in styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) composites. Cetyltrimethylammonium (CTA+) expands the MGD layer spacing and promotes intercalation of SBR and silane coupling agent (Si69); the resulting CMGD/SBR composites have greater tensile moduli than comparable silica/SBR composites. CMGD was reacted in solution with Si69 (or MPTES) to prepare “pre‐grafted” MGD with varying levels of interlayer silane functionalization (SMGD). If the silane graft density is relatively low, the resulting SMGD/SBR composite has mechanical properties comparable to CMGD composites prepared with Si69 added during batch mixing. However, SMGD with high silane graft density does not permit SBR intercalation and produces composites with inferior mechanical properties, demonstrating the necessity of silane‐mediated interlayer grafting. Omitting Si69 from the formulation dramatically reduces the level of mechanical reinforcement as measured by DMA and tensile testing. Adding extra bulk sulfur (to replace sulfur omitted with Si69) does not produce composites with mechanical properties comparable to CMGD/SBR or SMGD/SBR prepared with Si69. This work demonstrates that silane‐mediated SBR‐MGD grafts within the MGD interlayer space are essential for achieving high levels of mechanical reinforcement in MGD/SBR composites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45025.
Boric acid incorporated on the surface of reactive nanosilica providing a nano‐crosslinker with potential in guar gum fracturing fluid
Authors: Zhang Zifeng , Pan Hao , Liu Peisong , Zhao Mengyun , Li Xiaohong , Zhang Zhijun
Published: March 2017

Small molecule borate crosslinker widely used in hydraulic fracturing treatment has a low crosslinking efficiency of less than 1%. Thus boric acid was introduced onto the surface of reactive nanosilica (denoted as nano‐SiO2; size: about 20 nm) containing NH2 group to obtain a nanosilica‐based crosslinker (denoted as nano‐crosslinker) with increased crosslinking efficiency, thereby broadening the application of nano‐SiO2 in guar gum fracturing fluid. Moreover, the influence of the as‐prepared nano‐crosslinker on the rheological behavior of guar gum gel was investigated with borate crosslinker as a reference. Results show that boric acid chemically reacts with the amino group of the reactive nano‐SiO2 to form NB bond, which is beneficial to the formation of the network structure of guar gum gel. The guar gum gel crosslinked with the 57 ppm of borate based on the carrier of nano‐SiO2 exhibits better temperature tolerance and shear resistance as well as breaking behavior than the counterpart crosslinked with 200 ppm of borate. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45037.
Optical coherence tomography in biofilm research: A comprehensive review
Authors: Wagner Michael , Horn Harald
Published: March 2017

Imaging of biofilm systems is a prerequisite for a better understanding of both structure and its function. The review aims to critically discuss the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the visualization of the biofilm structure as well as its dynamic behavior. A short overview on common and well‐known, established imaging techniques for biofilms such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), Raman microscopy (RM), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) paves the way to imaging biofilms at the mesoscale, which is perfectly covered by means of OCT. Principle, resolution, imaging velocity, and limitations of OCT are subsequently presented and discussed in the context of biofilm applications. Examples are provided showing the strength of this technique with respect to the visualization of the mesoscopic biofilm structure as well as the estimation of flow profiles and shear rates. Common and new structural parameters derived from OCT datasets are presented. Additionally, the review shows the importance of OCT with respect to a better description of mechanical biofilm properties. Finally, the implementation of multi‐dimensional OCT datasets in biofilm modelling is shown by several examples aiming on an improved understanding of mass transfer at the bulk‐biofilm interface. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1386–1402. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognostic impact of margin status in liver resections for colorectal metastases after bevacizumab
Authors: Sasaki K , Margonis G A , Andreatos N , Wilson A , Weiss M , Wolfgang C , Sergentanis T N , Polychronidis G , He J , Pawlik T M
Published: March 2017

Background

Margin status with resection of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) was an important prognostic factor in the years before the introduction of biological chemotherapy. This study examined outcomes following CRLM resection in patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without the monoclonal antiangiogenic antibody bevacizumab.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgery for CRLM at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2000 and 2015 were identified from an institutional database. Data regarding surgical margin status, preoperative bevacizumab administration and overall survival (OS) were assessed using multivariable analyses.

Results

Of 630 patients who underwent CRLM resection, 417 (66·2 per cent) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with (214, 34·0 per cent) or without (203, 32·2 per cent) bevacizumab. The remaining 213 (33·8 per cent) did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Univariable analysis found that positive margins were associated with worse 5-year OS than R0 resection (36·2 versus 54·9 per cent; P = 0·005). After dichotomizing by the receipt of preoperative bevacizumab versus chemotherapy alone, the prognostic value of pathological margin persisted among patients who did not receive preoperative bevacizumab (5-year OS 53·0 versus 37 per cent after R0versus R1 resection; P = 0·010). OS was not significantly associated with margin status in bevacizumab-treated patients (5-year OS 46·8 versus 33 per cent after R0versus R1 resection; P = 0·081), in whom 5-year survival was slightly worse (presumably reflecting more advanced disease) than among patients treated with cytotoxic agents alone. Pathological margin status was not significantly associated with 5-year OS in patients with a complete or near-complete response to chemotherapy and bevacizumab (43 versus 30 per cent after R0versus R1 resection; P = 0·917), but this may be due to a type II error.

Conclusion

The impact of margin status varied according to the receipt of bevacizumab. Bevacizumab may have a role to play in improving outcomes among patients with more advanced disease.
Highly Ordered Mesostructured Vanadium Phosphonate toward Electrode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Mei Peng , Pramanik Malay , Lee Jaewoo , Ide Yusuke , Alothman Zeid Abdullah , Kim Jung Ho , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: March 2017

Highly ordered mesostructured vanadium phosphonates (VP) have been synthesized in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a structure‐directing agent. Nitrilotris(methylene)triphosphonic acid (NMPA) and (ammonium/sodium) metavanadate (NH4VO3/NaVO3) have been used for the construction of pore walls. The CTAB templates are removed from the materials by an extraction process without destroying the parent mesostructure. The formation mechanism for the ordered mesoporous structure and its impact on electrochemical application in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are explained by considering the structural and electrochemical stability of the framework. The results demonstrate that the counter cations (NH4+/Na+) of the metavanadate precursors have a crucial role in stabilizing the mesoporous structure of the mesoporous VP materials. Mesoporous VP materials with highly ordered structure have great applicability as high‐performance electrode materials in LIBs due to the advantages of their large contact area with electrolyte and short transport paths for lithium ions. Mesoporous VP electrodes exhibit high reversible specific capacity with superb cycling stability (100 cycles) and excellent retention of capacity (92 %).
Echocardiography fails to detect left ventricular noncompaction in a cohort of patients with noncompaction on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Diwadkar Sachin , Nallamshetty Leelakrishna , Rojas Carlos , Athienitis Alexia , Declue Chris , Cox Chad , Patel Aarti , Chae Sanders H.
Published: March 2017

Background

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a rare disorder characterized by increased left ventricular trabeculation, deep intertrabecular recesses, and a thin compacted myocardial layer with associated clinical sequelae. Cardiac imaging with echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMRI) can detect variable myocardial morphology including excessive trabeculations. Multiple CMRI and echocardiographic criteria have been offered that attempt to identify LVNC morphology. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of echocardiogram in identifying LVNC in a cohort of patients with LVNC detected on CMRI.

Hypothesis

Echocardiography fails to identify LVNC morphology in a large proportion of patients with LVNC/hypertrabeculation detected on CMRI.

Methods

There were 1060 CMRI studies collected from 2009 to 2015 at 2 institutions. The patients included in this study (n = 37) met the criteria for LVNC on CMRI and had complete CMRI and echocardiogram images Clinical and imaging data were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Of the 37 patients with LVNC on CMRI, only 10 patients (27%) had LVNC identified on echocardiogram (P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval: 25.7%‐66.2%). Echocardiography and CMRI were also significantly different in terms of identification of distribution of LVNC. Although 21 of 37 patients (57%) had evidence of LVNC in either the anterior or lateral walls on CMRI, there were 0 patients with LVNC detected in the anterior or lateral walls on echocardiogram (P = 0.019).

Conclusions

Echocardiogram fails to detect LVNC morphology/hypertrabeculation in a significant number of a cohort of patients with LVNC on CMRI. LVNC may be missed if echocardiogram is the only imaging modality performed in a cardiac evaluation.
Reproductive interference by male Drosophila subobscura on female D. persimilis: A laboratory experiment
Authors: Manzano‐Winkler Brenda , Hish Alexander J. , Aarons Emily K. , Noor Mohamed A. F.
Published: March 2017

While females often reject courtship attempts by heterospecific males, reproductive interference by harassment from such males can nonetheless occur, potentially reducing female fitness. Such effects may be profound following a range expansion, when males from a new species may suddenly encounter (and perhaps even become abundant relative to) females of related native species. Drosophila subobscura recently invaded North America and may impact native species through reproductive interference and other processes. We test for the potential for reproductive interference by D. subobscura males on D. persimilis females in the laboratory. D. subobscura males aggressively copulated with D. persimilis females, including many females that exhibit rejection behaviors. Despite females attempting to dismount the males, the heterospecific copulations are on average longer than conspecific copulations, and females exhibit some reluctance to remate with conspecific males following this harassment. Females confined with both conspecific and heterospecific males produce fewer adult progeny than those with either conspecific males only or with conspecific males and distantly related D. simulans males that do not engage in female harassment. Overall, our results illustrate how reproductive interference by an invasive species can have negative effects on resident natural populations.
Evaluation Results of the Signal Decomposition Technique for OFDM Transmission which Achieves the Power‐Added Efficiency Improvement and the SNR Enhancement Using the Noise Elimination
Authors: SHIRATO YUSHI , KAMEDA HIROFUMI , MURAGUCHI MASAHIRO
Published: March 2017

The authors have proposed the signal decomposition technique as one of the powerful solution to mitigate the large peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) to be addressed in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmitters especially on mobile terminals. In order to enhance the receiver SNR, the simple noise elimination techniques working together with the signal decomposition technique have also been proposed that eliminates the noise added on the decomposed constant amplitude on‐off‐signals taking advantage of the knowledge of their constant amplitude at the receiver. In this paper, we discuss the parameter design issue of the proposed techniques and their optimization. Then, demonstrate the PAPR, the power‐added efficiency (PAE), and also the BER performances operating on the optimized parameters. It is confirmed that the proposed signal decomposition technique improves the PAPR by 4 dB and doubles the PAE at the complementary cumulative distribution function of 1%. It is also confirmed that the proposed noise elimination technique improves the receiver SNR by 3 dB at the BER of 10 to 3, which is nearly equal to that of conventional OFDM, under the conditions that the decomposed signals are transmitted over the independent additive white Gaussian noise channels. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the proposed techniques work properly when the decomposed signals are transmitted over 2 × 2 multi‐input multi‐output.
Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells mitigate caspase‐3 and 8‐hydroxy proline induced via β‐adrenergic agonist in pulmonary injured rats
Authors: Kadry Mai O , Abdel‐Megeed Rehab M
Published: March 2017

Estimating the ability of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) to alleviate pulmonary injury induced via isoproterenol (ISP). ISP was injected in a dose of (100 mg/kg, subcutaneously twice at an interval of 24 h). One month post BM‐MSCs transplantation by intravenous injection, pulmonary oxidative stress was assessed, and Western blot analyses and histopathological investigations were conducted. Compared with the normal control group, BM‐MSCs transplantation significantly decreased the expression of pulmonary anti‐oxidative stress marker. Western blot analysis revealed that ISP significantly reduced the protein expression of the anti‐oxidative stress marker nuclear related factor‐2 (Nrf2). However, the apoptotic marker (caspase‐3) and collagen content marker (8‐hydroxyproline) were markedly elevated. These biochemical markers were confirmed by histopathological investigations. Finally, it was demonstrated that BM‐MSCs transplantation showed a superior effect in improving pulmonary function through alleviating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and collagen content.
Efficacy Comparison of Six Chemotherapeutic Combinations for Osteosarcoma and Ewing's Sarcoma Treatment: A Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhang Song , Yang Feifei , Wang Lili , Zhu Sigang , Qiu Bing , Li Shunhua , Deng Zhongliang
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to address the insufficiency of traditional meta‐analysis and provide improved guidelines for the clinical practice of osteosarcoma treatment. The heterogeneity of the fixed‐effect model was calculated, and when necessary, a random‐effect model was adopted. Furthermore, the direct and indirect evidence was pooled together and exhibited in the forest plot and slash table. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) value was also measured to rank each intervention. Finally, heat plot was introduced to demonstrate the contribution of each intervention and the inconsistency between direct and indirect comparisons. This network meta‐analysis included 32 trials, involving a total of 5,626 subjects reported by 28 articles. All the treatments were classified into six chemotherapeutic combinations: dual agent with or without ifosfamide (IFO), multi‐agent with or without IFO, and dual agent or multi‐agent with IFO and etoposide. For the primary outcomes, both overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) rates were considered. The multi‐agent integrated with IFO and etoposide showed an optimal performance for 5‐year OS, 10‐year OS, 3‐year EFS, 5‐year EFS, and 10‐year EFS when compared with placebo. The SUCRA value of this treatment was also the highest of these six interventions. However, multi‐drug with IFO alone had the highest SUCRA value of 0.652 and 0.516 when it came to relapse and lung‐metastasis. It was efficient to some extent, but no significant difference was observed in both outcomes. Chemotherapy, applied as induction or adjuvant treatment with radiation therapy or surgery, is able to increase the survival rate of patients, especially by combining multi‐drug with IFO and etoposide, which demonstrated the best performance in both OS and EFS. As for relapse and the lung‐metastasis, multiple agents with IFO alone seemed to have the optimal efficiency, although no significant difference was observed here. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 250–259, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
School environments and obesity: The mediating role of personal stress
Authors: Milam Adam J. , Jones Chandria D. , Debnam Katrina J. , Bradshaw Catherine P.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Youth spend a large amount of time in the school environment. Given the multiple influences of teachers, peers, and food and physical activity options, youth are likely to experience stressors that can influence their weight. This study examines the association between school climate and weight status.

Method:

Students (n= 28,582; 58 schools) completed an online, anonymous school climate survey as part of the Maryland Safe and Supportive Schools Project. Multilevel structural equation modeling was used to explore the association between school climate, personal stress, and obesity. Analyses were stratified by gender.

Results:

At the individual level, poor school climate (bullying, physical safety, and lack of whole‐school connectedness) was associated with an increased likelihood of being overweight among females (β = .115,p= .019) but not males (β = .138;p= .244), after controlling for age, race, and physical activity. There was no association between school climate at the school level and being overweight among males or females. A second model included stress as a potential mediator; stress attenuated the relationship between poor school‐related climate and being overweight (β = .039;p= .048) among females.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that stress related to school climate can play a role in the health and weight status of youth.
Al4SiC4 vibrational properties: density functional theory calculations compared to Raman and infrared spectroscopy measurements
Authors: Pedesseau L. , Chaix‐Pluchery O. , Modreanu M. , Chaussende D. , Sarigiannidou E. , Rolland A. , Even J. , Durand O.
Published: March 2017

Al4SiC4 is a new semiconductor with numerous potential technological applications. We report here the first thorough experimental Raman and Infrared (IR) investigation of vibrational properties of Al4SiC4 single crystals grown by high temperature solution growth method. The experimental results are compared with the full theoretical analysis of vibrational properties based on Density Functional Theory calculations that are revisited here. We have obtained a good agreement between the experimental and calculated Raman phonon modes, and this allowed the symmetry assignment of all the measured Raman modes. We have revisited the Density Functional Theory calculation of the IR active phonon modes and our results for LO‐TO splitting indicate a substantial decrease of ΔωLO − TO compared with the previous reported calculation. Moreover, most of the IR modes have been symmetry assigned from the comparison of the experimental IR spectra with the corresponding Raman spectra and the Al4SiC4 calculated phonon modes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Im Brennpunkt der Seife
Authors: Schlichting Hans Joachim
Published: March 2017

Manche Seifen haben nicht nur die Form einer Sammellinse, sie verhalten sich auch so, wenngleich ihre Form alles andere als optimal ist.
Keplers Traum
Authors: Mecke Klaus
Published: March 2017

In seiner Astronomia Nova formulierte Johannes Kepler 1609 seine berühmten ersten beiden Bewegungsgesetze der Planeten. Kaum einer weiß aber, dass Kepler sich im selben Jahr eine fiktionale Erzählung ausdachte, die als eine der ersten Science‐Fiction durchaus Literaturgeschichte schrieb. Warum aber begibt sich ein erfolgreicher Wissenschaftler auf der Höhe seiner Erforschung der realen Welt auf das trügerische Eis fiktiver Figuren und erfundener Handlungen?
Predicting the redox properties of uranyl complexes using electronic structure calculations
Authors: Khungar Bharti , Roy Ankita , Kumar Anand , Sadhu Biswajit , Sundararajan Mahesh
Published: March 2017

A plethora of chemical reactions is redox driven processes. The conversion of toxic and highly soluble U(VI) complexes to nontoxic and insoluble U(IV) form are carried out through proton coupled electron transfer by iron containing cytochromes and mineral surfaces such as machinawite. This redox process takes place through the formation of U(V) species which is unstable and immediately undergo the disproportionation reaction. Thus, theoretical methods are extremely useful to understand the reduction process of U(VI) to U(V) species. We here have carried out the structures and reduction properties of several U(VI) to U(V) complexes using a variety of electronic structure methods. Due to the lack of experimental ionization energies for uranyl (UO2(V)‐UO2(VI)) couple, we have benchmarked the current and popularly used density functionals and cost effective ab initio methods against the experimental electron detachment energies of [UO2F4]1‐/2‐ and [UO2Cl4]1‐/2‐. We find that electron detachment energy of U(VI) predicted by RI‐MP2 level on the BP86 geometries correlate nicely with the experimental and CCSD(T) data. Based on our benchmark studies, we have predicted the structures and electron detachment energies of U(V) to U(VI) species for a series of uranium complexes at the RI‐MP2//BP86 level which are experimentally inaccessible till date. We find that the redox active molecular orbital is ligand centered for the oxidation of U(VI) species, where it is metal centered (primarily f‐orbital) for the oxidation of U(V) species. Finally, we have also calculated the detachment energies of a known uranyl [UO2]1+ complex whose X‐ray crystal structures of both oxidation states are available. The large bulky nature of the ligand stabilizing the uncommon U(V) species which cannot be routinely studied by present day CCSD(T) methods as the system size are more than 20–30 atoms. The success of our efficient computational strategy can be experimentally verified in the near future for the complex as the structures are stable in gas phase which can undergo oxidation.
Exploring Protein–Nanoparticle Interactions with Coarse‐Grained Protein Folding Models
Authors: Wei Shuai , Ahlstrom Logan S. , Brooks Charles L.
Published: March 2017

Understanding the fundamental biophysics behind protein–nanoparticle (NP) interactions is essential for the design and engineering bio‐NP systems. The authors describe the development of a coarse‐grained protein–NP model that utilizes a structure centric protein model. A key feature of the protein–NP model is the quantitative inclusion of the hydrophobic character of residues in the protein and their interactions with the NP surface. In addition, the curvature of the NP is taken into account, capturing the protein behavior on NPs of different size. The authors evaluate this model by comparison with experimental results for structure and adsorption of a model protein interacting with an NP. It is demonstrated that the simulation results recapitulate the structure of the small α/β protein GB1 on the NP for data from circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, the calculated protein adsorption free energy agrees well with the experimental value. The authors predict the dependence of protein folding on the NP size, surface chemistry, and temperature. The model has the potential to guide NP design efforts by predicting protein behavior on NP surfaces with various chemical properties and curvatures.
Clinicopathological Characteristics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Microscopic Portal Venous Invasion and the Role of Anatomical Liver Resection in These Cases
Authors: Shimada Shingo , Kamiyama Toshiya , Yokoo Hideki , Orimo Tatsuya , Wakayama Kenji , Einama Takahiro , Kakisaka Tatsuhiko , Kamachi Hirofumi , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: March 2017

Background

The aims of this study were to investigate predictive factors for microscopic portal venous invasion (mPVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and whether anatomical liver resection (ALR) was useful in such cases.

Methods

We analyzed 852 patients with HCC without macroscopic portal venous invasion who were treated at our hospital between January 1990 and May 2014. These patients were stratified into a microscopic portal venous invasion group (mPVI group; n = 153) and non‐microscopic portal venous invasion group (NmPVI group; n = 699).

Results

PIVKA‐II ≥100 mAU/ml, a tumor size ≥5 cm, a confluent lesion, and poor differentiation were found to be independent risk factors for mPVI. Among the mPVI group who had single HCC under 5 cm, serum albumin level <4.0 g/dl, PIVKA‐II ≥100 mAU/ml, a positive surgical margin, and non‐ALR (NALR) were independent unfavorable prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). PIVKA‐II ≥100 mAU/ml, a positive surgical margin and NALR were independent unfavorable prognostic factors for relapse‐free survival (RFS). ALR was significantly favorable factor for both OS and RFS of the mPVI group who had single HCC under 5 cm.

Conclusions

Even if no portal venous invasion is detectable in HCC patients preoperatively, a PIVKA‐II ≥100 mAU/ml, tumor size ≥5 cm, and a confluent lesion indicate a high risk of mPVI. ALR should be considered for the patients with these characteristics because it is a favorable prognostic factor in these cases with mPVI.
Unusual gastrointestinal and cutaneous toxicities by bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin: a case report with pharmacogenetic analysis to personalize treatment
Authors: Del Re Marzia , Latiano Tiziana , Fidilio Leonardo , Restante Giuliana , Morelli Franco , Maiello Evaristo , Danesi Romano
Published: March 2017

The standard treatment of testicular germ cell tumors is based on the combination of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (PEB). However, this treatment may be associated with severe adverse reactions, such as hematological and non-hematological toxicities. Here, we report a case of a patient suffering from severe PEB-related toxicities, to whom pharmacogenetic analyses were performed, comprising a panel of genes involved in PEB metabolism. The analysis revealed the presence of a complex pattern of polymorphisms inGSTP1,UGT1A1(TA)6/7,UGT1A7, andABCB1. The present case shows that a pharmacogenetic approach can help in the management of adverse drug reactions in order to predict, prevent, and personalize treatments.
Computer-aided surgery meets predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine
Authors: Joskowicz Leo
Published: March 2017

Computer-aided surgery (CAS) is now nearly 30 years old. It has brought to surgery a variety of tools, techniques, and paradigm changes that have had an impact on how surgeries are planned, executed, and evaluated. In this review, we examine the predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM) aspects of CAS. We present a brief history of CAS, summarize its the state of the art, and discuss current trends and future developments related to PPPM. Of the three Ps, we note that the most important impact of CAS is on Personalization, in all the steps of the surgical treatment: preoperative planning, intraoperative execution, and postoperative evaluation. Prediction in CAS is reflected in the preoperative evaluation of the various surgical options and in the evaluation of the possible surgical outcomes. Prevention in CAS is related to intraoperative execution, to help prevent possible surgical complications. We foresee that CAS will play an increasingly important role in PPPM in the coming years.
Structural Analysis of the Umbilical Cord and Its Vessels in Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Pre-eclampsia
Authors: Gayatri Ravikumar , Crasta Julian , Thomas Tinku , Pratibha Dwarkanath , Thomas Annamma , Sridhar Tirumalai Srinivas , Kurpad Anura V.
Published: March 2017

Both intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and pre-eclampsia (PE) are accompanied by alterations in the vascular structures of the umbilical cord (UC). However, it is unclear if the vasculature is significantly different when both conditions co-exist. Digitized sections of 77 UC from four groups of women were analyzed morphometrically. The groups included women with PE (group I), IUGR and PE (group II), IUGR (group III) and women with uncomplicated pregnancy as controls (group IV). The effect of PE, IUGR and their combination on UC parameters were examined using two-way ANOVA and the correlation of birth weight and placental weight in these parameters were measured. There were 12 cases in group I, 22 in group II, 26 in group III and 17 in group IV. The umbilical vein (UV) parameters like wall thickness (0.33 vs 0.42 mm, p = 0.04), cross sectional area, (2.9 vs 4.1 mm2, p = 0.01), diameter (2.2 vs 2.6 mm, p = 0.04) and muscle cross sectional area (1.53 vs 2.4 mm2, p = 0.01) were lower in the IUGR group as compared to other groups. In the group with PE, UV wall:lumen ratio (0.28 vs 0.2, p = 0.05), UA D (0.77 vs 0.63 mm, p = 0.04) and UA CSA (0.99 vs 0.8 mm2, p = 0.04) were significantly higher compared to other groups. The interaction effect of PE and IUGR was not significant for any of the umbilical vessel parameters. The UV dimensions are significantly smaller in IUGR and PE pregnancies. These differences were mainly seen in the IUGR group and the presence of PE did not amplify the differences.
Satisfacción laboral del médico egresado de una universidad peruana: estudio preliminar
Authors: Toro-Huamanchumo Carlos J. , Meza-Liviapoma Jessica , Roque-Roque Joel S. , Novoa-Sandoval Paola
Published: March 2017

La satisfacción laboral se define como un estado emocional positivo o placentero, resultado de la apreciación de la persona respecto a sus experiencias laborales y el clima organizacional. Puede dividirse en factores intrínsecos y extrínsecos. Los primeros están relacionados a las atribuciones psicológicas del trabajo (naturaleza, responsabilidad, habilidad y reconocimiento). Los segundos, a su organización y arquitectura (horario, remuneración y condiciones laborales)
La tutoría como proceso que fortalece el desarrollo y crecimiento personal del alumno
Authors: Liliana Aguirre Benítez Elsa , Herrera Zamorano Beatriz Roxana , Vargas Huicochea Ingrid , Ramírez López Norma Lucila , Aguilar Vega Laura , Aburto-Arciniega Mónica Beatriz , Guevara-Guzmán Rosalinda
Published: March 2017

Introducción: La interacción que se da entre tutor y tutorado conlleva a la concienciación del estudiante sobre el progreso de sus potencialidades que incide en su desarrollo y crecimiento personal.

Objetivo: Analizar la percepción de los tutores de ciclos básicos del Programa Institucional de Tutorías sobre las actividades que realizan con sus tutorados y si contribuyen al logro del desarrollo y crecimiento personal del alumno, competencia 8 del Plan de Estudios 2010 de la Facultad de Medicina, UNAM.

Método: Se utilizó la metodología cualitativa; las categorías analizadas fueron la formación del tutor, la figura del tutor y la tutoría para el «desarrollo y crecimiento personal».

Resultados: El análisis de las entrevistas indica que el tutor debe tener una formación dentro del campo de las ciencias de la salud y se le identifica como un orientador, facilitador y acompa˜nante para el alumno; de aquí surge la necesidad de realizar una selección de tutores que cumplan con el perfil del Programa Institucional de Tutorías. En cuanto a las actividades de la tutoría que inciden en el crecimiento personal, deben ser estandarizadas y se requiere de una capacitación específica. La escucha activa del tutor se percibió como  una herramienta básica para la detección de las necesidades del alumno que requieren ser atendidas.

Conclusiones: Es necesario el apoyo institucional para que los tutores/profesores y alumnos conozcan de manera clara sus funciones y alcances dentro del Plan de Estudios 2010. Este fortalecimiento promovería en el alumno la adquisición de competencias para el ejercicio de la Medicina y en particular, para el abordaje de actividades que, a través del apoyo de tutoría del Programa Institucional de Tutorías, fortalezcan su desarrollo y crecimiento personal.
A Checklist for Sustainable Management of Archaeological Collections
Authors: Childs S. Terry , Benden Danielle M.
Published: March 2017

The discipline of archaeology has been tolerating, at best, a “curation crisis” for decades that is unsustainable. The many issues related to long-term collections care continue to worsen. To counter this trend, we advocate that planning for collections be integrated into project administration from inception such that the management of archaeological collections begins before fieldwork and continues well after recovered collections reach the repository. To conceptualize this process, we identify the Collection Management Cycle as a framework for the many stakeholders involved in archaeological projects. We also provide a checklist that identifies the responsibilities stakeholders have to the collections they generate, fund, care for, manage, and/or study. Concerted use of the checklist and other proposed solutions will lead to a new era of a more sustainable archaeological practice.
Are Supreme Court Nominations a Move-the-Median Game? – ERRATUM
Authors: CAMERON CHARLES M. , KASTELLEC JONATHAN P.
Published: March 2017

The above paper (Cameron, C.M. and Kastellec, J.P. 2016) was published with a few errors.

Figure 2 and some accompanying text is incorrect. These errors do not affect the discussion of the predicted locations of nominee ideology—instead, the published version sometimes characterizes nominees as moving-the-median when in fact they do not (they also do not affect any of the empirical tests in the article). This mischaracterization occurs for the position-taking senators and mixed-motivations model—for the court-outcome and nearly court-outcome models, Figure 2 and the accompanying text are unchanged. We regret the errors.
Life in a continuous traumatic situation: perspective of the older population
Authors: NUTTMAN-SHWARTZ ORIT , REGEV IRIT
Published: March 2017

The literature is divided with regard to how older persons cope with traumatic situations of war and terror, and few studies have focused on continuous exposure to traumatic situations. To fill the gap in existing knowledge, the present study examined how older people cope with a continuous security threat which includes periods of intensive attacks. Three focus groups were conducted among older residents of rural localities situated near the Israeli border with Gaza. Content analysis of transcripts from the group sessions revealed four main aspects that concern the older participants when they cope with situations of war: (a) moral issues; (b) emotional issues; (c) intergenerational issues; and (d) resilience and future challenge. The analysis revealed that the older participants’ coping patterns derive from a combination of their stage of life, the changing lifestyle in their communal rural localities, and the ways that the older residents and younger residents of the communities cope with exposure to a continuous security threat. The theoretical framework for discussion of the findings is based on social theories of trauma and resilience. In addition, recommendations are provided for interventions at the individual and community levels.
Excitation of nonlinear ion acoustic wave and stimulated Brillouin scattering of hollow Gaussian beam in relativistic plasma
Authors: Sharma P.
Published: March 2017

In the present work, excitation of nonlinear ion acoustic wave (IAW) in collisionless plasma by laser beam having null intensity at the center is examined considering relativistic nonlinearity. The differential equation for beam-width parameter is determined considering relativistic nonlinearity using the paraxial and Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin approximations by the parabolic equation method. The propagation features of the IAW are found to be modified due to the nonlinearity present in the system. The hollow Gaussian beam (HGB) gets nonlinearly coupled with the seed IAW, results in excitation of nonlinear IAW. The interaction of nonlinear IAW with pump beam demonstrated stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) of HGB. It is found that the power of IAW and power of SBS is affected with the order of HGB. The power of IAW and backscattered power of SBS is determined analytically and numerically for various orders of HGB. It is found that the power of IAW and the backscattering is diminished for higher order of HGB.
“RELATIVE MOVEMENTS OF REAL WAGES AND OUTPUT”—HOW DOES KEYNES’S 1939 ESSAY RELATE TO HIS THEORY OF EFFECTIVE DEMAND?
Authors: Hartwig Jochen
Published: March 2017

John Maynard Keynes’s essay “Relative Movements of Real Wages and Output” is widely believed to be an important amendment to his General Theory because, in this essay, Keynes relaxed his core assumption of decreasing marginal returns to labor. I discuss the reasons that prompted Keynes to do so and then examine the consequences of replacing decreasing with non-decreasing returns for the model of effective demand from chapter 3 of the General Theory. I conclude that non-decreasing marginal returns do not sit comfortably with the principle of effective demand. The view that Keynes’s 1939 essay constitutes an important amendment to his General Theory has thus to be put into perspective.
Remission and recovery associated with lurasidone in the treatment of major depressive disorder with subthreshold hypomanic symptoms (mixed features): post-hoc analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled study with longer-term extension
Authors: Goldberg Joseph F. , Ng-Mak Daisy , Siu Cynthia , Chuang Chien-Chia , Rajagopalan Krithika , Loebel Antony
Published: March 2017

Objective

This post-hoc analysis assessed rates of symptomatic and functional remission, as well as recovery (combination of symptomatic and functional remission), in patients treated with lurasidone for major depressive disorder (MDD) associated with subthreshold hypomanic symptoms (mixed features).

Method

Patients with MDD plus two or three manic symptoms (defined as per the DSM–5 mixed-features specifier) were randomly assigned to flexible-dose lurasidone 20–60 mg/day (n=109) or placebo (n=100) for 6 weeks, followed by a 3-month open-label, flexible-dose extension study for U.S. sites only (n=48). Cross-sectional recovery was defined as the presence of both symptomatic remission (Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score ≤ 12) and functional remission (all Sheehan Disability Scale [SDS] domain scores ≤3) at week 6, and at both months 1 and 3 of the extension study (“sustained recovery”).

Results

A significantly higher proportion of lurasidone-treated patients (31.3%) achieved recovery (assessed cross-sectionally) compared to placebo (12.2%, p=0.002) at week 6. The number of manic symptoms at baseline moderated the effect size for attaining cross-sectional recovery for lurasidone treatment (vs. placebo) (p=0.028). Sustained recovery rates were higher in patients initially treated with lurasidone (20.8%) versus placebo (12.5%).

Conclusions

In this post-hoc analysis of a placebo-controlled study with open-label extension that involved patients with MDD and mixed features, lurasidone was found to significantly improve the rate of recovery at 6 weeks (vs. placebo) that was sustained at month 3 of the extension study. The presence of two (as opposed to three) manic symptoms moderated recovery at the acute study endpoint.
Context-based Composition in an Interdisciplinary Collaborative Framework
Authors: Otondo Felipe
Published: March 2017

This article describes two site-specific sound installations conceived as part of interdisciplinary collaborations which aimed to explore different acoustic and perceptual features of urban and rural landscapes. The creative process involved in the design and implementation of both installations is described, focusing on the organic montage techniques based on spatial and temporal features of field recording methods. Future developments of the works will consider ways of developing further spatial-temporal sampling methods to assess particular features of soundscapes by panels of trained listeners.
COMPUTATIONAL METHODS FOR LOGISTICS PROBLEMS RELATED TO OPTIMAL TREES
Authors: WU LONGSHU , WANG QIN , YANG XIAOBING
Published: March 2017

In recent years, balanced network optimization problems play an important role in practice, especially in information transmission, industry production and logistics management. In this paper, we consider some logistics optimization problems related to the optimal tree structures in a network. We show that the most optimal subtree problem is NP-hard by transforming the connected dominating set problem into this model. By constructing the network models of the most balanced spanning tree problem with edge set restrictions, and by finding the optimal subtrees in special networks, we present efficient computational methods for solving some logistics problems.
A qualitative study of patient and provider perspectives on using web-based pain coping skills training to treat persistent cancer pain
Authors: Rini Christine , Vu Maihan B. , Lerner Hannah , Bloom Catherine , Carda-Auten Jessica , Wood William A. , Basch Ethan M. , Voorhees Peter M. , Reeder-Hayes Katherine E. , Keefe Francis J.
Published: March 2017

Objective:

Persistent pain is common and inadequately treated in cancer patients. Behavioral pain interventions are a recommended part of multimodal pain treatments, but they are underused in clinical care due to barriers such as a lack of the resources needed to deliver them in person and difficulties coordinating their use with clinical care. Pain coping skills training (PCST) is an evidence-based behavioral pain intervention traditionally delivered in person. Delivering this training via the web would increase access to it by addressing barriers that currently limit its use. We conducted a patient pilot study of an 8-week web-based PCST program to determine the acceptability of this approach to patients and the program features needed to meet their needs. Focus groups with healthcare providers identified strategies for coordinating the use of web-based PCST in clinical care.

Method:

Participants included 7 adults with bone pain due to multiple myeloma or metastasized breast or prostate cancer and 12 healthcare providers (4 physicians and 8 advanced practice providers) who treat cancer-related bone pain. Patients completed web-based PCST at home and then took part in an in-depth qualitative interview. Providers attended focus groups led by a trained moderator. Qualitative analyses identified themes in the patient and provider data.

Results:

Patients reported strongly favorable responses to web-based PCST and described emotional and physical benefits. They offered suggestions for adapting the approach to better fit their needs and to overcome barriers to completion. Focus groups indicated a need to familiarize healthcare providers with PCST and to address concerns about overburdening patients. Providers would recommend the program to patients they felt could benefit. They suggested applying a broad definition of cancer pain and having various types of providers help coordinate program its use with clinical care.

Significance of results:

Web-based PCST was acceptable to patients and providers. Our findings suggest that patients could benefit from this approach, especially if patient and provider barriers are addressed.
The diversity of wage regimes: why the Eurozone is too heterogeneous for the Euro
Authors: Höpner Martin , Lutter Mark
Published: March 2017

Why did the transnational synchronization of wage inflations fail during the first 10 years of the euro? We analyze data from 1999 to 2008 for 12 euro members and estimate increases of nominal unit labor costs both in the overall economy and in manufacturing as dependent variables. While our analysis confirms that differences in economic growth shaped the inflation of labor costs, we add a political-institutional argument to the debate and argue that the designs of the wage regimes had an additional, independent impact. In coordinated labor regimes, increases in nominal unit labor costs tended to fall below the European Central Bank’s inflation target, while in uncoordinated labor regimes, the respective increases tended to exceed the European inflation target. Due to the stickiness of wage-bargaining institutions, the lack of the capacity to synchronize inflation is not likely to disappear in the foreseeable future.
Reconfigurable and responsive droplet-based compound micro-lenses
Authors: Nagelberg Sara , Zarzar Lauren D. , Nicolas Natalie , Subramanian Kaushikaram , Kalow Julia A. , Sresht Vishnu , Blankschtein Daniel , Barbastathis George , Kreysing Moritz , Swager Timothy M. , Kolle Mathias
Published: March 2017

Micro-scale optical components play a crucial role in imaging and display technology, biosensing, beam shaping, optical switching, wavefront-analysis, and device miniaturization. Herein, we demonstrate liquid compound micro-lenses with dynamically tunable focal lengths. We employ bi-phase emulsion droplets fabricated from immiscible hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon liquids to form responsive micro-lenses that can be reconfigured to focus or scatter light, form real or virtual images, and display variable focal lengths. Experimental demonstrations of dynamic refractive control are complemented by theoretical analysis and wave-optical modelling. Additionally, we provide evidence of the micro-lenses’ functionality for two potential applications—integral micro-scale imaging devices and light field display technology—thereby demonstrating both the fundamental characteristics and the promising opportunities for fluid-based dynamic refractive micro-scale compound lenses.