bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resource allocation and congestion control in clustered M2M communication using Q‐learning
Authors: Hussain Fatima , Anpalagan Alagan , Khwaja Ahmed Shaharyar , Naeem Muhammad 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we apply a Q‐learning algorithm to carry out slot assignment for machine type communication devices (MTCDs) in machine‐to‐machine communication. We first make use of a K‐means clustering algorithm to overcome the congestion problem in an machine‐to‐machine network where each MTCD is associated with one controller. Subsequently, we formulate the slot selection problem as an optimisation problem. Then, we present a solution using the Q‐learning algorithm to select conflict‐free slot assignment in a random access network with MTCD controllers. The performance of the solution is dependent on parameters such as learning rate and reward. We thoroughly analyse the performance of the proposed algorithm considering different parameters related to its operation. The convergence time, that is, the time required to reach a solution, decreases with increasing value of learning rate, whereas the convergence probability increases. In addition, for smaller values of learning rate, the convergence time decreases with increasing reward values. We also compare with simple ALOHA and channel‐based scheduled allocation and show that the proposed Q‐learning‐based technique has a higher probability of assigning slots compared with these techniques. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consistent Estimation in Mendelian Randomization with Some Invalid Instruments Using a Weighted Median Estimator
Authors: Bowden Jack , Davey Smith George , Haycock Philip C. , Burgess Stephen 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTDevelopments in genome‐wide association studies and the increasing availability of summary genetic association data have made application of Mendelian randomization relatively straightforward. However, obtaining reliable results from a Mendelian randomization investigation remains problematic, as the conventional inverse‐variance weighted method only gives consistent estimates if all of the genetic variants in the analysis are valid instrumental variables. We present a novel weighted median estimator for combining data on multiple genetic variants into a single causal estimate. This estimator is consistent even when up to 50% of the information comes from invalid instrumental variables. In a simulation analysis, it is shown to have better finite‐sample Type 1 error rates than the inverse‐variance weighted method, and is complementary to the recently proposed MR‐Egger (Mendelian randomization‐Egger) regression method. In analyses of the causal effects of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol on coronary artery disease risk, the inverse‐variance weighted method suggests a causal effect of both lipid fractions, whereas the weighted median and MR‐Egger regression methods suggest a null effect of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol that corresponds with the experimental evidence. Both median‐based and MR‐Egger regression methods should be considered as sensitivity analyses for Mendelian randomization investigations with multiple genetic variants.
U–Pb zircon geochronology and geochemistry of Late Palaeozoic and Early Mesozoic igneous rocks of the Bujinhei area: implications for the tectonic evolution of south Great Xing'an Range
Authors: Zhang Xuebing , Wang Keyong , Wang Chengyang , Fu Lijuan , Zhang Miao , Wang Yicun , Wang Zhigao 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe Bujinhei region, situated in the southern reach of the Great Xing'an Range, has experienced multistage tectonic‐magmatic activities, which have led to the formation of different stages and types of magmatic rocks. LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb dating was performed, and geochemical data were obtained for magmatic rocks samples from the Bujinhei area to analyse the times of magmatic rocks and their tectonic setting. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that Middle Permian (269.8 Ma) magmatic event formed two‐mica granite, and Middle Jurassic (158–170 Ma) magmatic events formed monzogranite, quartz monzonite‐porphyry and granite porphyry. Chemical analyses indicate that the Middle Permian two‐mica granite is S‐type granite, rich in SiO2, Al2O3and K2O and low in Na2O, A/CNK > 1. Middle Jurassic monzogranite is a metaluminous I‐type granite, rich in SiO2, Al2O3and K2O and low in Na2O and CaO. Quartz monzonite porphyry and granite porphyry are high in K2O and peraluminous and derived from a granitic liquid as a result of strong interaction with hydrothermal fluid during the late magmatic stage; they have high Zr saturation temperature and belong to A‐type granites. Geochemically, two‐mica granite formed in a compressional tectonic regime related to collision, whereas Middle Jurassic intrusive rocks have affinities with intrusive rocks from the extensional environment influenced by post‐collision. Therefore, the southern Great Xing'an Range has experienced the collisional orogenesis of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in the Middle Permian, whereas in the Middle Jurassic, the southern Great Xing'an Range turned into a post‐collision extensional setting influenced by the Mongol–Okhotsk tectonic regime. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Out‐of‐synchrony speech entrainment in developmental dyslexia
Authors: Molinaro Nicola , Lizarazu Mikel , Lallier Marie , Bourguignon Mathieu , Carreiras Manuel 
Published: April 2016

AbstractDevelopmental dyslexia is a reading disorder often characterized by reduced awareness of speech units. Whether the neural source of this phonological disorder in dyslexic readers results from the malfunctioning of the primary auditory system or damaged feedback communication between higher‐order phonological regions (i.e., left inferior frontal regions) and the auditory cortex is still under dispute. Here we recorded magnetoencephalographic (MEG) signals from 20 dyslexic readers and 20 age‐matched controls while they were listening to ∼10‐s‐long spoken sentences. Compared to controls, dyslexic readers had (1) an impaired neural entrainment to speech in the delta band (0.5–1 Hz); (2) a reduced delta synchronization in both the right auditory cortex and the left inferior frontal gyrus; and (3) an impaired feedforward functional coupling between neural oscillations in the right auditory cortex and the left inferior frontal regions. This shows that during speech listening, individuals with developmental dyslexia present reduced neural synchrony to low‐frequency speech oscillations in primary auditory regions that hinders higher‐order speech processing steps. The present findings, thus, strengthen proposals assuming that improper low‐frequency acoustic entrainment affects speech sampling. This low speech‐brain synchronization has the strong potential to cause severe consequences for both phonological and reading skills. Interestingly, the reduced speech‐brain synchronization in dyslexic readers compared to normal readers (and its higher‐order consequences across the speech processing network) appears preserved through the development from childhood to adulthood. Thus, the evaluation of speech‐brain synchronization could possibly serve as a diagnostic tool for early detection of children at risk of dyslexia. Hum Brain Mapp 37:2767–2783, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of the upregulated expression of focal adhesion kinase with poor prognosis and tumor dissemination in hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Omura Go , Ando Mizuo , Saito Yuki , Kobayashi Kenya , Yoshida Masafumi , Ebihara Yasuhiro , Kanaya Kaori , Fujimoto Chisato , Sakamoto Takashi , Kondo Kenji , Asakage Takahiro , Yamasoba Tatsuya 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundFocal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays an important role in tumor metastasis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of FAK expression in surgically treated patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of patients treated at our institution between 2004 and 2012 and identified 87 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. FAK expression status was retrospectively evaluated using immunohistochemistry.ResultsFAK‐positive patients displayed significantly worse disease‐specific survival than FAK‐negative patients (p = .001). Multivariate analyses revealed that FAK positivity and extracapsular spread (ECS) were independent, significant adverse prognostic factors. Furthermore, FAK positivity significantly correlated with the number of metastatic lymph nodes (p = .048), and FAK‐positive patients displayed a higher incidence of distant metastases (p = .009).ConclusionThe current study demonstrated that upregulated FAK expression correlates with poor prognosis and tumor dissemination in surgically treated patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:1164–1169, 2016
Brachytherapy after salvage surgery in cases with large isolated cervical recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma in the previously irradiated neck
Authors: Miroir Jessica , Biau Julian , Saroul Nicolas , Moreira Jean‐François , Russier Marc , Lapeyre Michel 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundPerioperative brachytherapy after salvage surgery is a therapeutic option in patients with cervical relapse of a primary, controlled, previously irradiated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcome of this treatment.MethodsBetween 2008 and 2013, 8 patients underwent cervical brachytherapy after neck dissection. The mean node size was 5.5 cm. Recurrence occurred in an irradiated field (median dose, 50 Gy). Brachytherapy was performed with 192iridium and dosimetry in accord with the rules of the Paris system. The dose was 60 to 62.7 Gy on the reference isodose.ResultsThe mean follow‐up was 17 months. The median overall survival (OS) was 12 months. The OS was 19% at 2 years and 0% at 5 years. A grade 5 postoperative adverse event occurred in 1 patient. At 6 months, all patients had a grade 3 neck soft tissue fibrosis. One patient had a lethal hemorrhage at 56 months.ConclusionBrachytherapy is toxic in this population with poor OS. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2490–E2494, 2016
Historical compliance rates for providing postoperative radiotherapy in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hinther Ashley , Nakoneshny Steven C. , Dort Joseph C. , Chandarana Shamir P. , Matthews T. Wayne 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn 2014, Alberta Health Services released guidelines for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed to assess the historical selection of patients with OSCC for postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in a prospectively collected cohort of patients being treated with primary surgery. The primary outcome was compliance with the 2014 Alberta Health Services (AHS) guideline recommendations for PORT. The secondary outcome was the selection of PORT according to published pathological indications of high, intermediate, and low risk of recurrence. Reasons for discordance were analyzed.ResultNoncompliance with the new AHS guidelines and published indications for PORT was observed in 17% and 30% of cases, respectively. The reasons for discordance with published indications included: clinician decision (n = 41) and unmodifiable factors (n = 17).ConclusionThe impact of noncompliance on patient outcomes is being studied. The effect of the publication of the guidelines on selection for PORT going forward will be monitored. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: First–1529, 2016
Prognostic value of FDG‐PET volumetric parameters in patients with p16‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who received curative resection followed by postoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Kim Kyung Hwan , Lee Jeongshim , Chang Jee Suk , Lee Chang Geol , Yun Mijin , Choi Eun Chang , Kim Se‐Heon , Keum Ki Chang 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine whether pretreatment 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) volumetric parameters add more prognostic information to p16‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 86 patients with p16‐positive oropharyngeal SCC who underwent surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured.ResultsHigher total MTV (tMTV), nodal MTV (nMTV), and tumor TLG (tTLG) were significantly associated with lower disease‐free survival (DFS) (all p < .05) and higher distant metastasis rates (all p < .05). Multivariate analysis of DFS revealed that tMTV (p = .032), nMTV (p = .004), and tTLG (p = .018) were independently significant prognosticators.ConclusionPatients with p16‐positive disease with high metabolic tumor burden were associated with higher distant metastasis rates, translating into worse survival. These patients may not be optimal candidates for treatment deintensification. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: First–1524, 2016
Three New Chalcones from the Aerial Parts of Angelica keiskei
Authors: Kil Yun‐Seo , Kwon Jaeyoung , Lee Dongho , Seo Eun Kyoung 
Published: April 2016

Three new chalcones, 3′‐carboxymethyl‐4,2′‐dihydroxy‐4′‐methoxychalcone (1), (±)‐4,2′,4′‐trihydroxy‐3′‐[(3‐hydroxy‐2,2‐dimethyl‐6‐methylenecyclohexyl)methyl]chalcone (2), and 2′′‐hydroxyangelichalcone (3), were isolated from the aerial parts of Angelica keiskei (Umbelliferae) together with five known compounds, artocarmitin A (4), (+)‐cis‐(3′R,4′R)‐methylkhellactone (5), (−)‐trans‐(3′R,4′S)‐methylkhellactone (6), 3,4‐dihydroxanthotoxin (7), and (Z)‐p‐coumaryl alcohol (8). The known compounds 4 – 8 were identified from A. keiskei for the first time. The structures of 1 – 3 were elucidated by interpreting spectroscopic data including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR.
Self‐Determined Feedback Seeking: The Role of Perceived Supervisor Autonomy Support
Authors: Beenen Gerard , Pichler Shaun , Levy Paul E. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe use self‐determination theory (SDT) as a framework for investigating how perceived autonomy‐supportive supervision positively influences conditions that motivate newcomer subordinates to engage in feedback seeking. Based on data collected from MBA interns at two time periods, perceived autonomy support predicted task autonomy, informal supervisor feedback, and subordinate relationship building, and the latter two mediated the relationship between autonomy support and feedback seeking. Our study provides an SDT perspective on newcomer socialization by highlighting the important role supervisor support for autonomy can play in motivating feedback seeking as a proactive socialization tactic. Organizations and human resources management professionals should consider including training around autonomy support in supervisory training programs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reach‐scale contributions of road‐surface sediment to the Honna River, Haida Gwaii, BC
Authors: Reid David A. , Hassan Marwan A. , Floyd William 
Published: April 2016

AbstractGravel road surfaces can be a major source of fine sediment to streams, yet their contribution to channel reach sediment balances remains poorly documented. To quantify the input of road surface material and to compare this input with natural sediment sources at the reach scale, suspended sediment dynamics was examined and a 16‐month sediment balance was developed for a ~35 channel‐width (approx. 425 m) reach of the Honna River, a medium‐size, road‐affected stream located in coastal British Columbia. Of the 105 ± 33 t of suspended material passing through the reach, 18 ± 6% was attributed to the road surface. The high availability of sediment on the road surface appears to limit hysteresis in road run‐off. During rainstorms that increase streamflow, road surface material composed 0.5–15% of sediment inputs during relatively dry conditions from April to the end of September and 5–70% through wetter conditions from October to the end of March, but our data do not show evidence of major sediment accumulation on the riverbed in the reach. A comparison of modelled sediment production on the road surface with observed yields from drainage channels suggests that (1) during low intensity rainfall, ditches and drainage channels may trap sediment from road run‐off, which is subsequently released during events of greater intensity, and/or (2) production models do not effectively describe processes, such as deposition or erosion of sediment in ditches, which control sediment transport and delivery. Our findings further emphasize the risk of unpaved roads in polluting river systems and highlight the continued need for careful road design and location away from sensitive aquatic environments. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Penalized Quantile Regression with Semiparametric Correlated Effects: An Application with Heterogeneous Preferences
Authors: Harding Matthew , Lamarche Carlos 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThis paper proposes new ℓ1‐penalized quantile regression estimators for panel data, which explicitly allows for individual heterogeneity associated with covariates. Existing fixed‐effects estimators can potentially suffer from three limitations which are overcome by the proposed approach: (i) incidental parameters bias in nonlinear models with large N and small T; (ii) lack of efficiency; and (iii) inability to estimate the effects of time‐invariant regressors. We conduct Monte Carlo simulations to assess the small‐sample performance of the new estimators and provide comparisons of new and existing penalized estimators in terms of quadratic loss. We apply the technique to an empirical example of the estimation of consumer preferences for nutrients from a demand model using a large transaction‐level dataset of household food purchases. We show that preferences for nutrients vary across the conditional distribution of expenditure and across genders, and emphasize the importance of fully capturing consumer heterogeneity in demand modeling. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived Supports and Barriers for Career Development for Second‐Year STEM Students
Authors: Peña‐Calvo José‐Vicente , Inda‐Caro Mercedes , Rodríguez‐Menéndez Carmen , Fernández‐García Carmen‐María 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundThis study was designed to determine the effect of perceived supports and barriers on self‐efficacy beliefs and other social‐cognitive variables related to second‐year science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students' career development. Social cognitive career theory (SCCT) states that career interest is influenced by four cognitive‐person variables: self‐efficacy beliefs, outcome expectations, interests, and goals. Other variables, such as social supports and barriers, also play an important role.PurposeThis study explores the influence of gender and STEM major on perceived supports and barriers. It also analyzes the effects of perceived supports and barriers on the SCCT cognitive‐person variables.MethodParticipants were 811 sophomore students in STEM programs at the University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney U tests analyzed the difference in the perceived supports and barriers by gender and students' major. Multiple‐group structural equation modeling was implemented to predict the relationship between perceived supports and barriers and SCCT cognitive‐person variables.ResultsThe engineering students perceived more teaching staff barriers and fewer teaching staff supports than other students. Male software and hardware engineering students perceived more barriers than other male engineering students. The fit of the model revealed an important effect of perceived teaching staff supports on the four cognitive‐person variables.ConclusionsTo determine the influences on the cognitive‐person variables, it is necessary to analyze the perceived supports and barriers. Peers and family are the most important perceived supports, while teaching staff and financial difficulties are the greatest perceived barriers.
Latina/o Adolescents' Funds of Knowledge Related to Engineering
Authors: Wilson‐Lopez Amy , Mejia Joel Alejandro , Hasbún Indhira María , Kasun G. Sue 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundAccording to a growing body of research, many Latinas/os experience dissonance between their everyday cultural practices and the cultural practices prevalent in engineering. This dissonance contributes to many Latinas/os' sense that engineering is “not for me.”PurposeThis study sought to explore the meaning in the relationship between engineering cultural practices and the funds of knowledge found in Latina/o adolescents' familial, community, and recreational settings.Design/MethodThis ethnographic study followed seven groups of Latina/o adolescents as they identified problems in their communities and solved them through engineering design processes. Using a modified form of constant comparative analysis, we analyzed three data sources: individual interviews, observations of group meetings, and concurrent or retrospective protocols. We developed a coding scheme that categorized the participants' funds of knowledge as they related to engineering.ResultsThe participants' everyday skills and bodies of knowledge aligned with engineering practices. Specifically, their familial, community, and recreational funds of knowledge mapped onto the application of engineering design processes, systems thinking, ethical and empathetic reasoning, knowledge of production and processing, use of communication and construction tools, scientific and mathematical knowledge, and teamwork.ConclusionsEngineering instruction for Latina/o adolescents can be reconceptualized as a third space of learning and knowing where adolescents' everyday familial, community, and recreational practices are actively solicited and connected with the cultural practices of engineering.
Profunda artery perforator flap for isolated vulvar defect reconstruction after oncological resection
Authors: Chang Tommy Nai‐Jen , Lee Che‐Hsiung , Lai Chyong‐Huey , Wu Chih‐Wei , Chang Chun‐Shin , Cheng Ming‐Huei , Huang Jung‐Ju 
Published: April 2016

SummaryIsolated vulvar reconstruction using profunda artery‐based perforator flaps have good functional as well as quality of life restoration. Surgical techniques, complications, and final evaluation using questionnaires are presented.BackgroundVulvar reconstruction remains a great challenge to reconstructive surgeons. A local fasciocutaneous flap from the medial thigh is a good option with multiple choices of the donor arteries. Here, we extended the clinical application of a profunda perforator artery (PAP) flap with the design of an island pedicle flap.MethodsFrom 2012 to 2015, 12 female patients with vulvar cancer received tumor ablation and immediate reconstruction using a PAP flap. The flaps (n = 19) were divided into V‐Y advancement perforator flap (group I, n = 4) and island pedicle perforator flap (group II, n = 15). All of the demographic data were collected and analyzed.ResultsAll of the flaps were transferred successfully, and all of the donor sites were closed without morbidities. Group II was superior to group I because of the smaller required flap size (P = 0.004), the smaller defect size/flap size ratio (P = 0.001), and a lower rate of post‐op debridement (P = 0.037). The other parameters were not statistically significant.ConclusionsPAP flap is a good choice for vulvar reconstruction. We preferred an island pedicle setting for its thin and pliable fasciocutaneous component and robust flap circulation. The favorable functional and aesthetic results can be achieved with limited donor site morbidities. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:828–834. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.