bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metropolis Sampling
Authors: Martino Luca , Elvira Victor 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMonte Carlo (MC) sampling methods are widely applied in Bayesian inference, system simulation, and optimization problems. The Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms are a well‐known class of MC methods that generate a Markov chain with the desired invariant distribution. In this document, we focus on the Metropolis–Hastings (MH) sampler, which can be considered as the atom of the MCMC techniques, introducing the basic notions and different properties. We describe in detail all the elements involved in the MH algorithm and the most relevant variants. Several improvements and recent extensions proposed in the literature are also briefly discussed, providing a quick but exhaustive overview of the current Metropolis‐based sampling's world.
Intermolecular Halogenation/Esterification of Alkenes with N‐Halosuccinimide and Acetic Acid Catalyzed by 1,4‐Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
Authors: Pimenta Laura S. , Gusevskaya Elena V. , Alberto Eduardo E. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract1,4‐Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) is a suitable Lewis base that acts as an organocatalyst in the activation of N‐chlorosuccinimide (NCS) towards the chlorination of alkenes. The chloriranium ion formed from NCS and the alkene, can be intermolecularly opened by a nucleophile, such as acetic acid, to produce highly functionalized trans‐chloro esters in high yields. The protocol is also applied to the synthesis of chlorohydrins and chloro ethers using water or methanol as nucleophiles instead of acetic acid. Brominated analogs can also be synthesized from alkenes and N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS) in the presence of various basic catalysts. However, the reaction patterns seem to be remarkably different. The catalytic performance of bases in the bromoesterification of alkenes was found to be strongly affected by their Brønsted basicity, suggesting that acetyl hypobromite, formed in situ from NBS and acetic acid, acts as a real brominating agent in these systems.magnified image
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of Bombyx mori fat body tissue following dietary restriction
Authors: Pan Ye , Lü Peng , Wang Qinyun , Zhu Feifei , Li Chengjun , He Yuanqing , Chen Keping 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDietary restriction (DR) refers to a reduction in food intake to induce undernutrition but not malnutrition, which extends the lifespan of multiple species. Although there are invertebrate aging models, such as the Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, aging studies in Lepidoptera are few in number and the underlying life‐extending molecular mechanisms are not clear. Research on a broader range of animals is necessary to support generalizations on mechanisms of aging and rates of aging. The aim of this study was to further investigate genes and pathways associated with DR in Bombyx mori. Here, we used mRNA deep sequencing (RNA‐seq) to further investigate genes and pathways associated with DR. The transcriptome profiles showed that most of the differentially expressed genes were upregulated following DR, and genes involved in amino acid and protein metabolism, RNA metabolism and translation, energy metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and juvenile hormone pathway‐related proteins were particularly affected. DR also affects the metabolism of uric acid and urea, which accumulated in silkworm following DR. We speculate that this may not be due to activation of uric acid biosynthesis, but rather by downregulating the degradation of uric acid and urea. These results may help us to understand the mechanisms by which DR prolong lifespan in insects and other animals.
Validation of a nomogram for selecting patients for chemotherapy after D2 gastrectomy for cancer
Authors: Wang Z-X , Li G-X , Zhou Z-W , Huang Z-P , Wang F , Xu R-H 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Background
According to some guidelines for the management of gastric cancer, adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended for patients with pT3–4 or node-positive disease. The aim of this study was to define low- and high-risk groups in terms of survival, and to predict the benefit of adjuvant fluoropyrimidine plus oxaliplatin (F-OX) chemotherapy.

Methods
Patients with pT3–4 or node-positive gastric cancer after gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy between 2000 and 2013 were included. The performance of a previously published nomogram was assessed by discrimination and calibration. Patients were stratified into risk groups on the basis of the nomogram-predicted overall survival probability. The efficacy of F-OX within each risk subgroup was assessed using the log rank test and Cox regression analysis weighted by inverse propensity score.

Results
Some 1464 patients were included. The nomogram showed better discrimination than the seventh AJCC staging classification (concordance index 0·72 versus 0·68 respectively; P = 0·008) and accurate calibration. F-OX was not associated with improved survival in patients in the low-risk group, whereas it reduced the risk of death by over 20 per cent in the intermediate- and high-risk groups (P = 0·036 and P &lt; 0·001 respectively) (P for interaction = 0·014).

Conclusion
A nomogram can aid in individualized decision-making regarding the administration of F-OX after gastrectomy for cancer.
A case of HIV‐negative plasmablastic lymphoma of the bone marrow with a unique immunophenotype
Authors: Dittus Christopher , Sarosiek Shayna 
Published: April 2017

Key Clinical MessageWe present an interesting case of plasmablastic lymphoma, which is a rare type of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma that is typically diagnosed in HIV‐positive patients and has an immunophenotype that overlaps with multiple myeloma. Our patient is unique because he is HIV‐negative, has primary bone marrow disease, and has an atypical immunophenotype.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Tandem Activation of C≡N and B−H Bonds under Dihydrogen: Synthesis of BN Heterocycles
Authors: Beguerie Marion , Faradji Charly , Vendier Laure , Sabo‐Etienne Sylviane , Alcaraz Gilles 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe incorporation of a nitrile function ortho to the B(sp2)HNiPr2 group to obtain cyano(aryl)boranes and subsequent ruthenium‐catalyzed transformation of these cyano(aryl)boranes under a dihydrogen atmosphere (0.1 MPa) provided direct access to NH‐containing 1H‐2,1‐benzazaboroles as BN analogues of indene under very mild conditions (i.e., room temperature). The BN heterocycle could be functionalized from the corresponding lithium amide either by N‐elementation with various p‐block (C, Si, P, B) electrophiles or by palladium‐catalyzed N‐arylation with aryl bromides thus to provide a new and powerful protocol for B−N bond decoration.
Organotitania‐Based Nanostructures as a Suitable Platform for the Implementation of Binary, Ternary, and Fuzzy Logic Systems
Authors: Blachecki Andrzej , Mech‐Piskorz Justyna , Gajewska Marta , Mech Krzysztof , Pilarczyk Kacper , Szaciłowski Konrad 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTitanium dioxide nanocomposites were synthesized in hierarchical architectures through the use of a 1,4‐dihydroxyanthraquinone photosensitizer. In the first step, the dye was either incorporated into the TiO2 core or adsorbed on its surface. In the subsequent phase, both structures were covered with an outer layer of titanium dioxide. The structure, morphology, aggregation, spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties of the synthesized TiO2‐based materials are presented with emphasis on the photosensitization and the photocurrent switching phenomena, which are also discussed within the context of the optical logic gates implementation and fuzzy logic systems operation. We present three different interpretations of the photocurrent action spectra yielding binary, ternary, or fuzzy logic circuits.
Similarity of plant functional traits and aggregation pattern in a subtropical forest
Authors: Zhang Bo , Lu Xiaozhen , Jiang Jiang , DeAngelis Donald L. , Fu Zhiyuan , Zhang Jinchi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe distribution of species and communities in relation to environmental heterogeneity is a central focus in ecology. Co‐occurrence of species with similar functional traits is an indication that communities are determined in part by environmental filters. However, few studies have been designed to test how functional traits are selectively filtered by environmental conditions at local scales. Exploring the relationship between soil characteristics and plant traits is a step toward understanding the filtering hypothesis in determining plant distribution at local scale. Toward this end, we mapped all individual trees (diameter >1 cm) in a one‐ha subtropical forest of China in 2007 and 2015. We measured topographic and detailed soil properties within the field site, as well as plant leaf functional traits and demographic rates of the seven most common tree species. A second one‐ha study plot was established in 2015, to test and validate the general patterns that were drawn from first plot. We found that variation in species distribution at local scale can be explained by soil heterogeneity and plant functional traits. (From first plot). (1) Species dominant in habitats with high soil ammonium nitrogen and total phosphorus tended to have high specific leaf area (SLA) and relative growth rate (RGR). (2) Species dominant in low‐fertility habitats tended to have high leaf dry matter content (LDMC), ratio of chlorophyll a and b (ratioab), and leaf thickness (LT). The hypothesis that functional traits are selected in part by environmental filters and determine plant distribution at local scale was confirmed by the data of the first plot and a second regional site showed similar species distribution patterns.
Viral gut metagenomics of sympatric wild and domestic canids, and monitoring of viruses: Insights from an endangered wolf population
Authors: Conceição‐Neto Nádia , Godinho Raquel , Álvares Francisco , Yinda Claude K. , Deboutte Ward , Zeller Mark , Laenen Lies , Heylen Elisabeth , Roque Sara , Petrucci‐Fonseca Francisco , Santos Nuno , Van Ranst Marc , Mesquita João R. , Matthijnssens Jelle 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAnimal host–microbe interactions are a relevant concern for wildlife conservation, particularly regarding generalist pathogens, where domestic host species can play a role in the transmission of infectious agents, such as viruses, to wild animals. Knowledge on viral circulation in wild host species is still scarce and can be improved by the recent advent of modern molecular approaches. We aimed to characterize the fecal virome and identify viruses of potential conservation relevance of diarrheic free‐ranging wolves and sympatric domestic dogs from Central Portugal, where a small and threatened wolf population persists in a highly anthropogenically modified landscape. Using viral metagenomics, we screened diarrheic stools collected from wolves (n = 8), feral dogs (n = 4), and pet dogs (n = 6), all collected within wolf range. We detected novel highly divergent viruses as well as known viral pathogens with established effects on population dynamics, including canine distemper virus, a novel bocavirus, and canine minute virus. Furthermore, we performed a 4‐year survey for the six wolf packs comprising this endangered wolf population, screening 93 fecal samples from 36 genetically identified wolves for canine distemper virus and the novel bocavirus, previously identified using our metagenomics approach. Our novel approach using metagenomics for viral screening in noninvasive samples of wolves and dogs has profound implications on the knowledge of both virology and wildlife diseases, establishing a complementary tool to traditional screening methods for the conservation of threatened species.
Are we ready to detect nematode diversity by next generation sequencing?
Authors: Peham Thomas , Steiner Florian M. , Schlick‐Steiner Birgit C. , Arthofer Wolfgang 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn a Technical Advance article, Porazinska et al. (2009, Molecular Ecology Resources, 9, 1439–1450) assessed next generation sequencing (NGS) as a method for metagenomic analysis of nematode diversity. We agree that NGS has great potential here. However, it is not an easy path to the successful implementation of NGS for environmental DNA analysis of nematodes. Here, we describe the method's limitations and discuss prospective research questions. For instance, only a few direct extraction kits are suitable for nematode DNA extraction from bulk samples without adaptation. They enable the analysis of extracellular nematode DNA. The most crucial and unresolved issue remains the limited availability of suitable primers.
Brief intervention, physical exercise and cognitive behavioural group therapy for patients with chronic low back pain (The CINS trial)
Authors: Harris A. , Moe T.F. , Eriksen H.R. , Tangen T. , Lie S.A. , Tveito T.H. , Reme S.E. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveCognitive‐behavioural treatments (CBT) and physical group exercise (PE) have both shown promising effects in reducing disability and increasing work participation among chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. A brief cognitive intervention (BI) has previously been demonstrated to reduce work disability in CLBP. The aim of this study was to test if the effect of BI could be further increased by adding either group CBT or group PE.MethodsA total of 214 patients, all sick listed 2–10 months due to CLBP, were randomized to BI (n = 99), BI + group CBT (n = 55) or BI + group PE (n = 60). Primary outcome was increased work participation at 12 months, whereas secondary outcomes included pain‐related disability, subjective health complaints, anxiety, depression, coping and fear avoidance.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups in work participation at 12 months follow‐up (χ2 = 1.15, p = 0.56). No significant differences were found on the secondary outcomes either, except for a statistically significant reduction (time by group) in pseudoneurology one domain of subjective health complaints (sleep problems, tiredness, dizziness, anxiety, depression, palpitation, heat flushes) (F2,136 = 3.109, p = 0.048) and anxiety (F2,143 = 4.899, p = 0.009) for the groups BI + group CBT and BI + group PE, compared to BI alone. However, these differences were not significant in post hoc analyses (Scheffé adjusted).ConclusionThere was no support for an effect of the added group CBT or group PE treatments to a brief cognitive intervention in this study of patients on sick leave due to low back pain.SignificanceOur study demonstrates that treatments that previously were found to be effective and are included in most treatment guidelines, such as group cognitive‐behavior therapy and exercise, were not effective in this given context compared to a brief, cognitive intervention. This implies that an optimized brief intervention is difficult to outperform in patients on sick leave due to low back pain.
Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Trace Level Ricin in Castor Seeds Using a Boron‐doped Diamond Electrode
Authors: Ribeiro Williame F. , da Costa Daniel J. E. , Lourenço Anabel S. , de Medeiros Everaldo P. , Salazar‐Banda Giancarlo R. , do Nascimento Valberes B. , Araujo Mario C. U. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractRicin, (Ricinus communis agglutinin, RCA) is one of the most poisonous of naturally occurring substances and has great potential for bioterrorism because no antidote exists. Fast detection at low concentrations is a challenge, and vital to the development of proper countermeasures. In this study, a square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetric (SWAdSV) method for determining RCA using a cathodically polarized boron‐doped diamond (BDD) electrode is presented. An irreversible electrochemical RCA oxidation peak was identified on the BDD electrode by different voltammetric techniques using both direct and adsorptive stripping modes. An adsorption‐controlled (slope log Ip vs log v of 0.80) pH‐dependent process was observed. For values of 1.0≤pH≤9.0, the numbers of protons and electrons associated with the oxidation reaction were estimated (ca. 1.0) by differential pulse voltammetry. The RCA oxidation step may correspond to the oxidation of tryptophan amino acid residues, and occurs in a complex mechanism. The excellent analytical performance of the cathodically polarized BDD electrode in combination with the stripping mode ramp was verified with RCA by using a short deposition time in an open circuit potential (120 s). Under optimized analysis conditions, a linear response in the range of (3.3–94.0)×10−9 mol L−1 (r2=0.9944) and a limit of detection of 6.2×10−10 mol L−1 were estimated. This LOD is lower than several methods found in the literature. For example, it is 168 times lower than that obtained by using square wave voltammetric with a glassy carbon electrode. Moreover, an even lower LOD might be achieved by using the SWAdSV method with a higher pre‐concentration time. In addition, trace levels of RCA were successfully determined in different castor seed cultivars with an overall average recovery from 99.2±1.6 % for the three different RCA‐A concentration levels. The high accuracy of the analytical data highlights the use of the proposed method for determining RCA in other samples.
Influence of drugs on smelling capacity. A review
Authors: Thiermann Finja , Buchbauer Gerhard 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA well‐functioning sense of smell is essential not only for human wellbeing and the quality of life, it is also important to protect the organism from harmful influences it is exposed to, such as gas, toxic agents or rotten food. Various drugs interfere with human olfaction and are able to elicit olfactory dysfunction, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. To date, a wide range of drugs have not been sufficiently investigated with respect to their impact on olfaction. This review provides an overview of drugs that have been identified as inducing olfactory disorders and discusses underlying causes and mechanisms.
Graphene‐based Oxygen Reduction Electrodes for Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Jee Y. , Karimaghaloo A. , Andrade A. Macedo , Moon H. , Li Y. , Han J.‐W. , Ji S. , Ishihara H. , Su P.‐C. , Cha S. W. , Tung V. C. , Lee M. H. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this report, we present a study of using nitrogen‐doped graphene as the air electrode of low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT‐SOFCs) operating at 350 °C or lower. Three graphene derivatives were prepared through hydrothermal reactions and their electrochemical performance and material properties were characterized in the temperature range of 225–350 °C in atmospheric air. Nitrogen‐doped graphene was found to exhibit a decent air electrode performance comparable to a porous Pt electrode aged for 8 h at 350 °C, but only for a limited time. After ∼10 h of operation at 350 °C, the electrode performance degraded significantly due to carbon oxidation. However, alternative routes of synthesizing/doping graphene derivatives are expected to improve the viability of using these materials as a practical high temperature air electrode.
Unobserved health care expenditures: How important is censoring in register data?
Authors: Schmid Christian Philipp Rudolf 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAccurate information on individuals' health service use is important for evaluating health policies and analyzing health care demand. Although register data are considered to be more reliable than survey data, little is known about the extent and effect of censoring of the expenditure distribution in register data. We exploit a recent change in the health provider remuneration system in several Swiss cantons to empirically investigate whether censoring occurs when individuals do not have to disclose their health service use below their deductible level. Applying a difference‐in‐differences approach, we find that between CHF 6.70 (1.7%) to CHF 9.64 (2.4%) of all health service use paid out‐of‐pocket are not observed (per capita per year). This effect seems to be driven by high‐deductible plans where observed out‐of‐pocket expenditures declined by CHF 30.34 (7.6%) after the change. Although statistically significant, these effects are almost negligible in economic terms. We therefore concluded that, if anything, censoring is a very limited issue in Swiss health insurance claims data.
Analysis of the prognostic value of BMI and the difference in its impact according to age and sex in DLBCL patients
Authors: Kanemasa Yusuke , Shimoyama Tatsu , Sasaki Yuki , Tamura Miho , Sawada Takeshi , Omuro Yasushi , Hishima Tsunekazu , Maeda Yoshiharu 
Published: April 2017

AbstractStudies that have evaluated the prognostic value of body mass index (BMI) in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma have recently been reported. However, the impact of BMI on survival outcomes remains controversial. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 406 diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients treated with R‐CHOP or R‐CHOP–like regimens. The number (%) of patients that were categorized into 1 of 4 groups according to BMI were underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), 58 (14.3%); normal weight (≥18.5 to <25 kg/m2), 262 (64.5%); overweight (≥25 to <30 kg/m2), 75 (18.5%); and obese (≥30.0 kg/m2), 11 (2.7%). While the prognosis of overweight patients was good, being similar to that of normal weight, underweight, and obese patients had a worse prognosis (5‐y overall survival [OS] was 57.9%, 74.3%, 73.4%, and 40.9% for underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese patients, respectively; P = .004). In multivariate analysis, underweight and obesity were independent prognostic factors for OS compared with normal weight (hazard ratios 2.90 and 5.17, respectively). In elderly female patients (≥70 y), patients with a low BMI (<25 kg/m2) had significantly inferior OS than those with a high BMI (≥25 kg/m2) (5‐y OS, 61.5% vs 85.7%; P = .039). In contrast, in young female patients (<70 years), patients with a low BMI had significantly better OS than those with a high BMI (5‐y OS, 88.6% vs 46.4%; P < .001). In male patients, there were no differences in the effect of BMI on OS between young and elderly patients. In this study, we demonstrated that being underweight and obese were independent prognostic factors compared with being normal weight. In female patients, BMI had a different impact on the prognosis of young and elderly patients, whereas in male patients, there was no difference in the effect of BMI on prognosis according to age.
Middle meatal packing in endoscopic sinus surgery—to pack or not to pack?—a decision‐analysis model
Authors: Stern‐Shavit Sagit , Nachalon Yuval , Leshno Moshe , Soudry Ethan 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundPacking of the middle meatus and ethmoid cavities is a common practice in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), but its necessity recently has been challenged. The aim of this study was to formulate a decision‐analysis model to determine the need for packing in ESS and identify variables affecting the decision.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was conducted for all randomized control trials comparing packing to no packing in ESS, and a decision‐analysis model was generated. Probabilities and utilities were derived from the literature. Sensitivity analysis was used to determine which variables most affected the model.ResultsNo packing was associated with better expected utilities than packing. On sensitivity analysis, packing was preferred when the disutility of no packing outweighed the disutility of packing, and when the probability for synechiae was greater than 35% without packing or lower than 2% with packing. When the component of packing removal was subtracted from the overall disutility simulating absorbable packing, the results favored packing.ConclusionOur decision‐analysis model indicates that middle meatal packing is not advantageous for patients undergoing ESS. Absorbable packing materials have a less adverse effect on quality of life than nonabsorbable materials.Level of Evidence1a. Laryngoscope, 127:1506–1512, 2017