bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scleroderma yunnanense, a new species from South China
Authors: Zhang Chunxia , Xu Xiao-E , Liu Jing , He Mingxia , Wang Wenbing , Wang Yun , Ji Kaiping
Published: December 2013

Scleroderma yunnanense sp. nov. is described from Yunnan, China. Previously misidentified as Scleroderma citrinum, the new species is diagnosed by its echinulate-spiny spores and thick peridium. Molecular analysis supports erection of this new species. Perhaps unique for
the genus, S. yunnanense is edible and considered a delicacy in Yunnan.
Digitella rigidophora and Redbia inflata, two new microfungi from Mexico
Authors: Castañeda-Ruíz Rafael F. , Heredia Gabriela , Arias Rosa M.
Published: December 2013

Two microfungi collected from plant debris in cloud forests during a survey of the fungi associated with leaf litter in Veracruz are described and illustrated. Digitella rigidophora gen. et sp. nov. is distinguished by polytretic conidiogenous cells having a successive sympodial
but rectilinear or geniculated proliferation and with discoid to papillateperforate thickened conidiogenous loci and digitate solitary dark brown to brown conidia. Redbia inflata sp. nov. is characterized by alternate, curved to coiled, slightly echinulate branches that possess a distinct
ampulla at the ends and by coarsely verruculose, subhyaline, 0–1-septate conidia.
Xylaria in southern China – 8. X. bannaensis sp. nov. and X. brunneovinosa new to the mainland
Authors: Ma Hai-Xia , Vasilyeva Larissa , Li Yu
Published: December 2013

Two Xylaria species associated with termite nests in China are reported. Xylaria bannaensis is described as a species new to science, and X. brunneovinosa is reported for the first time from Mainland China. The morphological descriptions and photographs of stromata
and microstructures are provided based on Chinese materials.
Study on the phylogeny of Nephroma helveticum and allied species
Authors: Wang Hai-Ying , Jiang Dai-Feng , Huang Yan-Hong , Wang Pan-Meng , Li Tao
Published: December 2013

Nephroma subhelveticum sp. nov. is described, supported by both morphological and molecular data as a species new to science. The nrDNA ITS sequence analysis indicates that N. subhelveticum and N. flavorhizinatum are allied species of N. helveticum, and that
N. isidiosum derives from N. helveticum.
Hydnotrya laojunshanensis sp. nov. from China
Authors: Li Lin , Zhao Yong-Chang , Zhang Xiao-Lei , Su Hong-Yan , Li Shu-Hong , Zhou De-Qun
Published: December 2013

In August 2012, a solitary Hydnotrya specimen was collected under Abies forrestii var. mithii in the Laojun mountains, Yunnan Province, southwest China. Morphological and molecular analyses showed that this was a new species, which is described here as H. laojunshanensis.
New records of crustose lichens from China — 1
Authors: Ren Qiang , Li Shuxia
Published: December 2013

During recent studies on the crustose lichens from northeast China, Cyphelium lucidum, Varicellaria lactea, and Diploschistes euganeus were revealed as new records for China or mainland China. Illustrations and brief taxonomic descriptions are provided for these
three newly reported species.
The lichen genus Graphis from Vietnam
Authors: Joshi Santosh , Jayalal Udeni , Oh Soon-Ok , Nguyen Thi Thuy , Dzung Nguyen Anh , Hur Jae-Seoun
Published: December 2013

The status of Graphis (Ostropales: Graphidaceae) in Vietnam is presented, based on literature and observation of recently collected specimens. Eleven new records of the genus are described for the country. All important diagnostic characters of species are documented
and supported by distribution, ecology, and illustrations. A key to the seventeen Graphis species in Vietnam is also provided.
Setosynnema yunnanense sp. nov. from submerged decaying leaves
Authors: Bai Ya-Li , Li Jian-Ying , Qiao Min , Qian Wen-Yun , Yang Guang-Zhu , Yu Ze-Fen
Published: December 2013

Setosynnema yunnanense, a new species isolated from decaying leaves collected in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China, is described. It is placed in Setosynnema based on its chain-like conidia constricted at some septa (resulting in adjacent cells being connected by a
narrow isthmus). It differs from the type species, S. isthmosporum, by its deeper and more frequent constrictions and its shorter conidia.
Two new species of Septobasidium (Septobasidiaceae) from Yunnan Province in China
Authors: Li Wei , Guo Lin
Published: December 2013

Two new species, Septobasidium fissuratum on Castanea sp. associated with Pseudaulacaspis sp. and Septobasidium heliciae on Helicia nilagirica associated with Lepidosaphes sp., are described.
Ethanol Production and Gasoline Prices: A Spurious Correlation
Authors: Knittel Christopher R. , Smith Aaron
Published: December 2013

Ethanol made from corn comprises 10% of U.S. gasoline, up from 3% in 2003. This dramatic increase was spurred by recent policy initiatives such as the Renewable Fuel Standard and state-level blend mandates and supported by direct subsidies such as the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit. Some proponents of ethanol have argued that ethanol production greatly lowers gasoline prices, with one industry group claiming it reduced gasoline prices by 89 cents in 2010 and $1.09 in 2011. The 2010 figure has been cited in numerous speeches by Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack. We show that these estimates were generated by implausible economic assumptions and spurious statistical correlations. To support this last point, we use the same statistical models and find that ethanol production “decreases” natural gas prices, but “increases” unemployment in both the U.S. and Europe. We even show that ethanol production “increases” the ages of our children. Overall, we see no compelling reason to believe that the effect of ethanol use on gasoline prices has been more than $0.10 per gallon.
Assessment of Three-dimensional Set-up Errors using Megavoltage Computed Tomography (MVCT) during Image-guided Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for Craniospinal Irradiation (CSI) on Helical Tomotherapy (HT)
Authors: Gupta Tejpal , Upasani Maheshkumar , Master Zubin , Patil Anita , Phurailatpam Reena , Nojin Siji , Kannan Sadhana , Godasastri Jayant , Jalali Rakesh
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study was to assess three-dimensional (3D) set-up errors using megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) during image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for supine craniospinal irradiation (CSI) on helical tomotherapy (HT). Patients were immobilized in a customized 4-clamp thermoplastic head mask with or without whole-body vacuum cradle. Set-up was based primarily on a set of cranial fiducial markers. MVCT scans were acquired and co-registered with planning scan separately at three different levels (brain, upper, and lower spine) at every fraction. Only translational displacements were analysed, wherein positive sign denotes deviation in anterior, left, and superior direction; while negative sign denotes deviation in posterior, right, and inferior direction. Mean displacements, systematic, and random errors of the study population were calculated at all three levels separately. Local residual uncertainty of the upper and lower spine was also derived assuming perfect co-registration of the skull. Set-up margins for clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) were derived at these three levels separately using published margin recipes. Data from 1868 co-registrations in 674 fractions on 33 patients was included. The mean displacements in the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical directions were −1.21, −1.36, and 1.38 mm; −1.25, −0.34, and 0.65 mm; and −1.47, −2.78, and 0.22 mm for the brain; upper spine; and lumbar spine respectively. The corresponding 3D vector of displacement was 2.28; 1.45; and 3.15 mm respectively. There was a distinct systematic trend towards increasing inaccuracy from the brain towards the lower spine. Using Stroom’s formula, the minimum recommended CTV to PTV margins in absence of daily image-guidance were 6.5; 7.0; and 9.5 mm for the brain; upper spine; and lower spine respectively. This increased to 7.5; 8.5; and 11.5 mm using van Herk’s formula. Subset and sensitivity analyses could not identify any factor predictive of increased inaccuracy. Residual uncertainty of the spinal column was lesser after daily co-registration referenced to the skull, suggesting that smaller set-up margins maybe appropriate while using daily image-guidance with an online correction protocol. Daily MVCT imaging during supine CSI on HT provides volumetric verification of the set-up process. There is substantial site-dependent variability in translational displacements that increases systematically from brain towards the lower spine with implications for differential set-up -margins for the brain, upper, and lower spine.
Measuring Service Quality in the Banking Industry: A Hong Kong Based Study
Authors: Lau Mei Mei , Cheung Ronnie , Lam Aris Y. C. , Chu Yuen Ting
Published: December 2013

The goal of this study is to identify the interrelationships between service quality, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in the retail banking sector in Hong Kong. The study also aims to find out the most important attributes of service quality in retail banks, which can be used to evaluate the characteristics of banking service quality as perceived by customers. A sample of 119 retail banking customers was drawn from the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) in Hong Kong. The questionnaire developed for this study was based on a SERVQUAL model that identified the influence of five dimensions (i.e. tangibility, responsibility, reliability, assurance and empathy) in banking service environments on customer satisfaction. The results indicate that the five SERVQUAL dimensions have a positive influence on customer satisfaction. Tangibility, responsibility, reliability and assurance were more significant in contributing to customer satisfaction, while empathy was the least significant. This study suggests that SERVQUAL is a suitable instrument for measuring service quality in the retail banking sectors in Hong Kong. Hence, banking industry practitioners can consider this instrument as a tool to assess and help improve their service quality. Keywords: SERVQUAL, Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Loyalty, Banking Industry, Hong Kong To cite this document: Mei Mei Lau, Ronnie Cheung, Aris Y. C. Lam, and Yuen Ting Chu, "Measuring Service Quality in the Banking Industry: A Hong Kong Based Study", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.9, No.3, pp.263-282, 2013. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.11060
SEM Approach to Teen Influence in Family Decision Making
Authors: Kaur Anupriya , Medury Yajulu
Published: December 2013

The primary purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical design on teen influence and its predictors in the context of family decision making. Structure equation modeling (SEM) is employed to test the proposed conceptual model on teen influence and its predictors. The SEM approach also provides for the construct validity of the key measures. Results indicate that teenage children in urban Indian households significantly influence purchase-related decisions in the family. The findings from the empirical data suggest that peers, shopping and the Internet are significant predictors of teen influence in family purchases, although the media’s role is marginalized (as a predictor) to the influence that teenagers have in family decision making. This study is significant, as great scholastic interest is placed on such contemporary research, which aims to discern the role of a variety of factors that impact teen influence in the family. This study also addresses the problem of construct validity of key measures, which has been somewhat overlooked in the past research. Keywords: Indian Teenagers, Family Decision Making, Teen Influence, Consumer Socialization, SEM, Internet, Peers, Media and Shopping To cite this document: Anupriya Kaur and Yajulu Medury, "SEM Approach to Teen Influence in Family Decision Making", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.9, No.3, pp.323-342, 2013. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.11080
Flooding the Colorado River Delta: A Landscape‐Scale Experiment
Authors: Flessa Karl W. , Glenn Edward P. , Hinojosa‐Huerta Osvel , de la Parra‐Rentería Carlos A. , Ramírez‐Hernández Jorge , Schmidt John C. , Zamora‐Arroyo Francisco A.
Published: December 2013

A large pulse of water is planned to be released into the dry Colorado River channel in Mexico. This engineered experimental spring flood, which will flow from Lake Mead and pass through downstream reservoirs, is the culmination of decades of applied research. The pulse flow is a rare opportunity for research at the landscape scale [Glenn et al., 2013].
Thomas F. Malone (1917–2013)
Authors: Good Gregory A.
Published: December 2013

Thomas F. Malone, a prominent figure in meteorological and climatological research and institutions in the mid and late twentieth century and AGU president from 1961 to 1964, died at his home on 6 July 2013 at age 96. He made his mark not only in research but also as an organizer of large‐scale projects, as an administrator of critical institutions, and as an early voice for scientists concerned about nuclear war, climate change, and responsible development.
Exploring High‐Energy Phenomena in Earth's Atmosphere
Authors: Chilingarian Ashot A.
Published: December 2013

The study of high‐energy phenomena in the atmosphere provides unique information about particle acceleration and multiplication in the lower and upper atmosphere during thunderstorms. Generation and propagation of large fluxes of electrons, positrons, gamma rays, and neutrons in the atmosphere and in near space are related to the development of thunderstorms and may be used for monitoring dangerous consequences of extreme weather. Electromagnetic emissions connected with thunderstorms trigger various dynamic processes in the Earth's magnetosphere, causing global geomagnetic storms and changing electrodynamics properties of the ionosphere. The large fluences of energetic electrons, photons, and neutrons produced by runaway electron avalanches can potentially be a danger to aircraft crews, passengers, and onboard electronic systems.
Accurate Hf isotope determinations of complex zircons using the “laser ablation split stream” method
Authors: Fisher Christopher M. , Vervoort Jeffery D. , DuFrane S. Andrew
Published: December 2013

The “laser ablation split stream” (LASS) technique is a powerful tool for mineral‐scale isotope analyses and in particular, for concurrent determination of age and Hf isotope composition of zircon. Because LASS utilizes two independent mass spectrometers, a large range of masses can be measured during a single ablation, and thus, the same sample volume can be analyzed for multiple geochemical systems. This paper describes a simple analytical setup using a laser ablation system coupled to a single‐collector (for U‐Pb age determination) and a multicollector (for Hf isotope analyses) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC‐ICPMS). The ability of the LASS for concurrent Hf + age technique to extract meaningful Hf isotope compositions in isotopically zoned zircon is demonstrated using zircons from two Proterozoic gneisses from northern Idaho, USA. These samples illustrate the potential problems associated with inadvertently sampling multiple age and Hf components in zircons, as well as the potential of LASS to recover meaningful Hf isotope compositions. We suggest that such inadvertent sampling of differing age and Hf components can be a significant cause of excess scatter in Hf isotope analyses and demonstrate that the LASS approach offers a robust solution to these issues. The veracity of the approach is demonstrated by accurate analyses of 10 reference zircons with well‐characterized age and Hf isotopic composition, using laser spot diameters of 30 and 40 µm. In order to expand the database of high‐precision Lu‐Hf isotope analyses of reference zircons, we present 27 new isotope dilution‐MC‐ICPMS Lu‐Hf isotope measurements of five U‐Pb zircon standards: FC1, Temora, R33, QGNG, and 91500.
Ground‐motion prediction from tremor
Authors: Baltay Annemarie S. , Beroza Gregory C.
Published: December 2013

The widespread occurrence of tremor, coupled with its frequency content and location, provides an exceptional opportunity to test and improve strong ground‐motion attenuation relations for subduction zones. We characterize the amplitude of thousands of individual 5 min tremor events in Cascadia during three episodic tremor and slip events to constrain the distance decay of peak ground acceleration (PGA) and peak ground velocity (PGV). We determine the anelastic attenuation parameter for ground‐motion prediction equations (GMPEs) to a distance of 150 km, which is sufficient to place important constraints on ground‐motion decay. Tremor PGA and PGV show a distance decay that is similar to subduction‐zone‐specific GMPEs developed from both data and simulations; however, the massive amount of data present in the tremor observations should allow us to refine distance‐amplitude attenuation relationships for use in hazard maps, and to search for regional variations and intrasubduction zone differences in ground‐motion attenuation.
Characteristics of low clouds over the Arabian Sea
Authors: Sathiyamoorthy V. , Mahesh C. , Gopalan Kaushik , Prakash Satya , Shukla Bipasha P. , Mathur A. K.
Published: December 2013

This paper studies climatically important low clouds (with cloud top below 680 hPa) over the Arabian Sea using the Kalpana‐1 satellite data and International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project cloud data. Characteristics and possible mechanisms behind low‐cloud formation in the summer monsoon season are presented. The dominant lower tropospheric circulation over the Arabian Sea during the summer season is the monsoon low‐level jet (LLJ). Low clouds are predominantly found on the exit portion of the LLJ with decelerating winds. We postulate that the moisture carried by the LLJ from the entrance region with accelerating winds converge at the exit region with decelerating winds. This low‐level convergence (observed ~925 hPa level) may be conducive for moisture convergence, parcel uplifting, and low‐cloud formation. These clouds are unable to grow vertically due to the presence of lower tropospheric thermal inversion. Change in the spatial extent of low‐level convergence is found to influence the spatial coverage of the low clouds. It is found that low cloud cover is inversely related to the Indian summer monsoon activity. It is speculated that the changes in the strength of the lower tropospheric stability and spatial extent of convergence may be possible causes behind the observed inverse relation between low cloud cover and monsoon activity. Based on Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System data, we find that these low clouds exert a peak cooling of about −55 Wm−2.
Effect of accumulation rate on water stable isotopes of near‐surface snow in inland Antarctica
Authors: Hoshina Yu , Fujita Koji , Nakazawa Fumio , Iizuka Yoshinori , Miyake Takayuki , Hirabayashi Motohiro , Kuramoto Takayuki , Fujita Shuji , Motoyama Hideaki
Published: December 2013

Postdepositional changes in water stable isotopes in polar firn were investigated at three sites characterized by different accumulation rates along the East Antarctic ice divide near Dome Fuji. Water stable isotopes, major ion concentrations, and tritium contents of three 2–4 m deep pits were measured at high resolution (2 cm). Temporally, the snow pits cover the past 50 years with snow accumulation rates in the range of 29–41 kg m−2 a−1 around Dome Fuji. Oxygen isotopic profiles in the three pits do not show annual fluctuations, but instead exhibit multiyear cycles. These multiyear cycles are lower in frequency at Dome Fuji as compared with the other two sites. Peaks of water stable isotopes in the multiyear cycles correspond to some ion concentration minima in the pits, although such relationships are not observed in coastal regions. We propose that the extremely low accumulation environment keeps the snow layer at the near surface, which result in postdepositional modifications of isotopic signals by processes such as ventilation and vapor condensation‐sublimation. We estimate that oxygen isotopic ratios could be modified by >10‰ and that the original seasonal cycle could be completely overprinted under the accumulation conditions at Dome Fuji. Moreover, stake measurements at Dome Fuji suggest that the large variability in snow accumulation rate is the cause of the multiyear cycles.
Trends and Considerations Affecting Noncredit Programs
Authors: Baker Nelson C.
Published: December 2013

Noncredit programs help to define continuing education programs. Current trends indicate that change in noncredit programming will continue, and likely accelerate, as a result of new audiences, technologies, and institutional expectations.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: White Ronald G.
Published: December 2013

The extent to which continuing educators respond to the challenges and opportunities presented in this volume will determine to a large extent their future relevance to their institutions.
Value of Questionnaire‐Based Screening as a Proxy for Neurocognitive Testing in Childhood‐Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Vega‐Fernandez Patricia , Zelko Frank A. , Klein‐Gitelman Marisa , Lee Jiha , Hummel Jessica , Nelson Shannen , Thomas Erin C. , Ying Jun , Beebe Dean W. , Brunner Hermine I.
Published: December 2013

Objective

To investigate the utility of questionnaire‐based assessment of cognitive function and behavioral/emotional symptoms to screen for neurocognitive dysfunction in childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE).

Methods

Forty children with cSLE and 24 healthy controls ages 10–16 years were enrolled. Formal neurocognitive testing (FNCT) was done to determine cognitive performance in 4 key areas that appear to be sensitive to the adverse effects of cSLE: attention, working memory, psychomotor speed, and visuoconstructional ability. Paper and pencil questionnaires sampling cognitive functioning and behavioral/emotional symptoms were also completed: the Subjective Awareness of Neuropsychological Deficits for Children (SAND‐C) questionnaire by patients, and the Child Behavioral Checklist and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) by parents.

Results

Domain and summary scores of the BRIEF and SAND‐C correlated modestly with participants' performance on FNCT. Questionnaire ratings did not discriminate subjects with different levels of cognitive ability as measured by FNCT.

Conclusion

Contrary to some reports in adults with SLE, self‐administered questionnaires of cognitive functioning and parent ratings of executive functioning do not appear well suited to replace FNCT in screening for neurocognitive impairment of children and adolescents with cSLE. However, they may provide information that is complementary to FNCT and therefore play a useful role in clinical followup.
Design and Development of a Decision Support Package for Low Back Pain
Authors: Patel Shilpa , Ngunjiri Anne , Sandhu Harbinder , Griffiths Frances , Thistlewaite Jill , Brown Sally , Friede Tim , Lord Joanne , Tysall Colin , Woolvine Mark , Underwood Martin
Published: December 2013

Objective

To develop a decision support package for people with low back pain (LBP) referred for physiotherapy.

Methods

We used a program of exploratory work, including literature reviews, a Delphi study, a nominal group with physiotherapists, focus groups with patients, and secondary analysis of existing interview data.

Results

We developed an information booklet describing the evidence‐based treatment modalities available in a physiotherapy department. This includes data on likely benefits and risks and how the intervention is delivered. The booklet specifically addresses questions identified as important in our exploratory work. Space is provided for patients to note down the pros and cons of each treatment and what matters to them when choosing treatments. The patient is subsequently directed to a section that explores any gaps in knowledge, values, support, and choice before finally clarifying if a treatment decision is possible. At this stage they are encouraged to note down any questions or concerns they have to be discussed at the first physiotherapy consultation. This overall package includes patient material in the form of a booklet posted prior to their consultation, plus the enhanced consultation with the specially trained physiotherapist. Patients then receive their chosen treatment. In addition we developed a training package for physiotherapists that explains the content of the booklet and supports them in using informed, shared decision making in their consultation.

Conclusion

This package has the potential to improve effectiveness of treatments and patient satisfaction for LBP by facilitating patient choice and therefore matching patients more effectively to different treatments.
Does the “Hispanic Paradox” Occur in Rheumatoid Arthritis? Survival Data From a Multiethnic Cohort
Authors: Molina Emily , Haas Roy , del Rincon Inmaculada , Battafarano Daniel F. , Restrepo Jose F. , Escalante Agustin
Published: December 2013

Objective

Despite lower socioeconomic status (SES) and higher disease burden, Hispanics in the US paradoxically display equal or lower mortality on average than non‐Hispanic whites. Our objective was to determine if the “Hispanic paradox” occurs among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

In a cohort of 706 RA patients, we compared differences in RA severity and comorbidity between Hispanic and non‐Hispanic white ethnic groups at baseline. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate and compare mortality risk between Hispanics and non‐Hispanic whites.

Results

We studied 706 patients with RA, of whom 434 were Hispanic and 272 were non‐Hispanic white. Hispanics had significantly lower SES, greater inflammation, as well as higher tender and swollen joint counts. Patients were observed for 6,639 patient‐years, during which time 229 deaths occurred by the censoring date (rate 3.4 per 100 person‐years; 95% confidence interval 3.0, 3.9). Age‐ and sex‐adjusted mortality was not significantly different between the 2 ethnic groups (hazard ratio [HR] 0.96). After adjustment for comorbidities, RA severity, and level of acculturation, mortality among Hispanics was lower (HR 0.56, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Despite greater severity in most clinical manifestations and lower SES among Hispanics, paradoxically, their mortality was not increased. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this survival paradox.
Relationship of Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines With Health‐Related Utility
Authors: Sun Kai , Song Jing , Lee Jungwha , Chang Rowland W. , Eaton Charles B. , Ehrlich‐Jones Linda , Kwoh Kent C. , Manheim Larry M. , Semanik Pamela A. , Sharma Leena , Sohn Min‐Woong , Dunlop Dorothy D.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Health‐related utility measures overall health status and quality of life and is commonly incorporated into cost‐effectiveness analyses. This study investigates whether attainment of federal physical activity guidelines translates into better health‐related utility in adults with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Cross‐sectional data from 1,908 adults with or at risk for knee OA participating in the accelerometer ancillary study of the Osteoarthritis Initiative were assessed. Physical activity was measured using 7 days of accelerometer monitoring and was classified as 1) meeting guidelines (≥150 bouted moderate‐to‐vigorous [MV] minutes per week); 2) insufficiently active (≥1 MV bout[s] per week but below guidelines); or 3) inactive (zero MV bouts per week). A Short Form 6D health‐related utility score was derived from patient‐reported health status. Relationship of physical activity levels to median health‐related utility adjusted for socioeconomic and health factors was tested using quantile regression.

Results

Only 13% of participants met physical activity guidelines, and 45% were inactive. Relative to the inactive group, median health‐related utility scores were significantly greater for the meeting guidelines group (0.063; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.055, 0.071) and the insufficiently active group (0.059; 95% CI 0.054, 0.064). These differences showed a statistically significant linear trend and strong cross‐sectional relationship with physical activity level even after adjusting for socioeconomic and health factors.

Conclusion

We found a significant positive relationship between physical activity level and health‐related utility. Interventions that encourage adults, including persons with knee OA, to increase physical activity even if recommended levels are not attained may improve their quality of life.
Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: Fatigue Is an Ever‐Present, Fluctuating, and Uncontrollable Lack of Energy
Authors: Mengshoel Anne Marit , Norheim Katrine B. , Omdal Roald
Published: December 2013

Objective

To examine how fatigue may differ from ordinary tiredness in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

Methods

A purposive, heterogeneous sample of individuals with primary SS who had participated in a study that examined the effects of medication on fatigue was asked to participate in individual interviews. Patients were asked about their fatigue before and after the onset of illness, changes due to medications, and how fatigue was experienced in daily life. An inductive thematic analysis founded on a social constructionist perspective was performed.

Results

Five women and 4 men ages 27–76 years participated. Two themes were identified. “A heavy, resistant body and ever‐present lack of vitality” represented a profound, ever‐present lack of energy along with an unfamiliar bodily heaviness quite different from the experience after alleviation by the drug and being healthy. The patients had scaled down their everyday life in different ways to manage this lack of energy. “Unpredictable and uncontrollable fluctuations in fatigue” expressed how the level of fatigue fluctuated from day to day and even within a particular day. The informants tried to portion out their energy without knowing exactly how much energy they would have at any time. On bad days, patients felt that their “batteries were flat,” and they had to put their life on hold.

Conclusion

Fatigue in primary SS clearly differs from ordinary tiredness. Patients describe it as an ever‐present, fluctuating, and nonrelievable lack of vitality being beyond one's own control.
The Effect of Substrates at Cathodes in Low‐temperature Fuel Cells
Authors: Ma Jiwei , Habrioux Aurélien , Alonso‐Vante Nicolas
Published: December 2013

The direct electrochemical conversion of chemical energy in low‐temperature fuel cells is underpinned by the activity of the catalytic center. The latter, in nanodivided form (either precious or non‐precious), is also influenced by the effect of the support, which serves as electron conductor. Herein, we discuss the relevant physicochemical driving force that leads to a “strong interaction” with substrates of carbon and oxide nature. Due to the interest in the activity and stability, special attention is given to the cathodic process, that is, to the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Manganese Oxide/Graphene Aerogel Composites as an Outstanding Supercapacitor Electrode Material
Authors: Wang Chun‐Chieh , Chen Hsuan‐Ching , Lu Shih‐Yuan
Published: December 2013

Graphene aerogels (GA), prepared with an organic sol–gel process, possessing a high specific surface area of 793 m2 g−1, a high pore volume of 3 cm3 g−1, and a large average pore size of 17 nm, were applied as a support for manganese oxide for supercapacitor applications. The manganese oxide was electrochemically deposited into the highly porous GA to form MnO2/GA composites. The composites, at a high manganese oxide loading of 61 wt. %, exhibited a high specific capacitance of 410 F g−1 at 2 mV s−1. More importantly, the high rate specific capacitances measured at 1000 mV s−1 for these composites were two‐fold higher than those obtained with samples prepared in the absence of the GA support. The specific capacitance retention ratio, based on the specific capacitance obtained at 25 mV s−1, was maintained high, at 85 %, even at the high scan rate of 1000 mV s−1, in contrast with the significantly lower value of 67 % for the plain manganese oxide sample. For the cycling stability, the specific capacitance of the composite electrode decayed by only 5 % after 50,000 cycles at 1000 mV s−1. The success of this MnO2/GA composite may be attributed to the structural advantages of high specific surface areas, high pore volumes, large pore sizes, and three‐dimensionally well‐connected network of the GA support. These structural advantages made possible the high mass loading of the active material, manganese oxide, large amounts of electroactive surfaces for the superficial redox events, fast mass‐transfer within the porous structure, and well‐connected conductive paths for the involved charge transport.
Racial/ethnic differences in clinical trial enrollment, refusal rates, ineligibility, and reasons for decline among patients at sites in the National Cancer Institute's Community Cancer Centers Program
Authors: Langford Aisha T. , Resnicow Ken , Dimond Eileen P. , Denicoff Andrea M. , Germain Diane St. , McCaskill‐Stevens Worta , Enos Rebecca A. , Carrigan Angela , Wilkinson Kathy , Go Ronald S.
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

This study examined racial/ethnic differences among patients in clinical trial (CT) enrollment, refusal rates, ineligibility, and desire to participate in research within the National Cancer Institute's Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) Clinical Trial Screening and Accrual Log.

METHODS

Data from 4509 log entries were evaluated in this study. Four logistic regression models were run using physical/medical conditions, enrollment into a CT, patient eligible but declined a CT, and no desire to participate in research as dependent variables.

RESULTS

Age ≥ 65 years (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.28‐1.79), males (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.92‐2.71), and non‐Hispanic black race (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.2‐1.96) were significantly associated with more physical/medical conditions. Age ≥ 65 years was significantly associated with lower CT enrollment (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.7‐0.98). Males (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.65‐0.94) and a higher grade level score for consent form readability (OR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.83‐0.97) were significantly associated with lower refusal rates. Consent page length ≥ 20 was significantly associated with lower odds of “no desire to participate in research” among CT decliners (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.58‐0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no racial/ethnic differences in CT enrollment, refusal rates, or “no desire to participate in research” as the reason given for CT refusal. Higher odds of physical/medical conditions were associated with older age, males, and non‐Hispanic blacks. Better management of physical/medical conditions before and during treatment may increase the pool of eligible patients for CTs. Future work should examine the role of comorbidities, sex, age, and consent form characteristics on CT participation. Cancer 2014;120:877–884. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) contributes to a triple‐negative test in preoperative screening of pancreatic cysts
Authors: Wu Roseann I. , Yoon Won Jae , Brugge William R. , Mino‐Kenudson Mari , Pitman Martha B.
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) of pancreatic cysts obtains cyst fluid for cytologic and biochemical analysis, which may determine whether the cyst is mucinous and malignant, contributing to patient management. Despite this added value, EUS‐FNA remains controversial in the preoperative assessment of pancreatic cysts. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of EUS‐FNA in a cohort of small pancreatic cysts that were benign on imaging studies.

METHODS

All pancreatic cysts that underwent initial EUS‐FNA in 2006 and 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. Ninety‐two patients with pancreatic cysts met the inclusion criteria. Patients who had high‐risk or worrisome features on imaging studies were excluded. Cytology, histology, and cyst fluid analysis data were collected. The main outcome measurements were radiologic and clinical follow‐up as well as cytopathologic and histologic results.

RESULTS

EUS‐FNA supported a diagnosis of a mucinous cyst in 38 of 92 patients (41%) by carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) measurement and/or cytology. Cytology demonstrated an absence of high‐grade atypia (HGA) in 89 of 92 patients (97%). The mean follow‐up was 4.4 years (range, 0‐7.7 years), during which 6 cysts were surgically resected and 16 cysts were resampled by at least 1 subsequent EUS‐FNA. The overall negative predictive value of cytologic examination for HGA was 99%.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS‐FNA is a screening test that contributes to a triple‐negative test for pancreatic cysts—no high‐risk stigmata, no worrisome features, and no HGA on cytology—providing a negative predictive value of 99% for conservative management.Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol)2014;122:412–419. ©2013 American Cancer Society.
Biocompatibility and tissue integration of a novel shape memory surgical mesh for ventral hernia: In vivo animal studies
Authors: Zimkowski Michael M. , Rentschler Mark E. , Schoen Jonathan A. , Mandava Nageswara , Shandas Robin
Published: December 2013

Approximately 400,000 ventral hernia repair surgeries are performed each year in the United States. Many of these procedures are performed using laparoscopic minimally invasive techniques and employ the use of surgical mesh. The use of surgical mesh has been shown to reduce recurrence rates compared to standard suture repairs. The placement of surgical mesh in a ventral hernia repair procedure can be challenging, and may even complicate the procedure. Others have attempted to provide commercial solutions to the problems of mesh placement, but these have not been well accepted by the clinical community. In this article, two versions of shape memory polymer (SMP)‐modified surgical mesh, and unmodified surgical mesh, were compared by performing laparoscopic manipulation in an acute porcine model. Also, SMP‐integrated polyester surgical meshes were implanted in four rats for 30–33 days to evaluate chronic biocompatibility and capacity for tissue integration. Porcine results show that the modified mesh provides a controlled, temperature‐activated, automated deployment when compared to an unmodified mesh. In rats, results indicate that implanted SMP‐modified meshes exhibit exceptional biocompatibility and excellent integration with surrounding tissue with no noticeable differences from the unmodified counterpart. This article provides further evidence that an SMP‐modified surgical mesh promises reduction in surgical placement time and that such a mesh is not substantially different from unmodified meshes in chronic biocompatibility. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1093–1100, 2014.
Multiple finite source queueing model with dynamic priority scheduling
Authors: Tosirisuk Phadhana , Chandra Jeya
Published: December 2013

This article involves the study of a multiple finite source queueing model with a single server and dynamic, nonpreemptive priority service discipline. The input to the queue is comprised of customers from multiple finite sources. The time which the customers spend at the corresponding sources are exponentially distributed. The service times of the customers can follow exponential, Erlang, or hyperexponential probability density function, with the same mean regardless of the class. Using an extension of mean value analysis, a recursive algorithm is developed to obtain approximate values of the mean waiting time in queues for each priority class. The mean number of waiting customers and the server utilization of each priority class can be obtained using the result of this recursive algorithm and Little's formula. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the methodology. The algorithm developed in this article is validated using simulation.
Split delivery routing
Authors: Dror Moshe , Trudeau Pierre
Published: December 2013

This article examines a relaxed version of the generic vehicle routing problem. In this version, a delivery to a demand point can be split between any number of vehicles. In spite of this relaxation the problem remains computationally hard. Since only small instances of the vehicle routing problem are known to be solved using exact methods, the vehicle route construction for this problem version is approached using heuristic rules. The main contribution of this article to the existing body of literature on vehicle routing issues in (a) is presenting a new vehicle routing problem amenable to practical applications, and (b) demonstrating the potential for cost savings over similar “traditional” vehicle routing when implementing the model and solutions presented here. The solution scheme allowing for split deliveries is compared with a solution in which no split deliveries are allowed. The comparison is conducted on six sets of 30 problems each for problems of size 75, 115, and 150 demand points (all together 540 problems). For very small demands (up to 10% of vehicle's capacity) no significant difference in solutions is evident for both solution schemes. For the other five problem sets for which point demand exceeds 10% of vehicle's capacity, very significant cost savings are realized when allowing split deliveries. The savings are significant both in the total distance and the number of vehicles required. The vehicles' routes constructed by our procedure tend to cover cohesive geographical zones and retain some properties of optimal solutions.
Beyond Cosmopolitanism and Expat Bubbles: Challenging Dominant Representations of Knowledge Workers and Trailing Spouses
Authors: van Bochove Marianne , Engbersen Godfried
Published: December 2013

Expatriates – in this paper understood as highly skilled temporary migrants and accompanying spouses – are generally portrayed either as cosmopolitans with universal ties or as organisation men or women who live in a local expat bubble. On the basis of 75 interviews with expatriates in the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, we argue that both dominant images are partly true but do not do justice to the fragmented nature of expatriates' local and cross‐border involvement. First, our study shows that expatriates' identifications are characterised by fragmentation. Instead of seeing themselves solely as cosmopolitans or expats, they have multilayered identities, of which national identity is often an important component. Second, our study proves that the scale and nature of expatriates' activities depend on what aspect of life is taken into account: many can be characterised as organisation men or women in the economic sphere, moderate cosmopolitans in the political sphere, and ‘wannabe’ locals in the sociocultural sphere. The dominant representations of expatriates thus need to be reconsidered. Expatriates actually have particularistic ties (with people who are like them, based on a shared expat existence or nationality) as well as a universal, cosmopolitan orientation (i.e. the wish to bridge cultural differences). Instead of setting expatriates apart as an extraordinary type of people, their differences and similarities with other types of migrants deserve more future attention. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hexagon functions and the three-loop remainder function
Authors: Dixon Lance J. , Drummond James M. , von Hippel Matt , Pennington Jeffrey
Published: December 2013

Abstract

We present the three-loop remainder function, which describes the scattering of six gluons in the maximally-helicity-violating configuration in planar
$ \mathcal{N} $
= 4 super-Yang-Mills theory, as a function of the three dual conformal cross ratios. The result can be expressed in terms of multiple Goncharov polylogarithms. We also employ a more restricted class of hexagon functions which have the correct branch cuts and certain other restrictions on their symbols. We classify all the hexagon functions through transcendental weight five, using the coproduct for their Hopf algebra iteratively, which amounts to a set of first-order differential equations. The three-loop remainder function is a particular weight-six hexagon function, whose symbol was determined previously. The differential equations can be integrated numerically for generic values of the cross ratios, or analytically in certain kinematic limits, including the near-collinear and multi-Regge limits. These limits allow us to impose constraints from the operator product expansion and multi-Regge factorization directly at the function level, and thereby to fix uniquely a set of Riemann ζ valued constants that could not be fixed at the level of the symbol. The near-collinear limits agree precisely with recent predictions by Basso, Sever and Vieira based on integrability. The multi-Regge limits agree with the factorization formula of Fadin and Lipatov, and determine three constants entering the impact factor at this order. We plot the three-loop remainder function for various slices of the Euclidean region of positive cross ratios, and compare it to the two-loop one. For large ranges of the cross ratios, the ratio of the three-loop to the two-loop remainder function is relatively constant, and close to −7.
Mind the gap: the transition to hospital consultant
Authors: Westerman Michiel
Published: December 2013

Thesis defended on the 19th of December 2012 at the faculty of Medicine of the VU University Amsterdam. Promotors: Professor Fedde Scheele MD, PhD, (VUmc Amsterdam) and Professor Albert Scherpbier MD, PhD (University of Maastricht). Copromotors: Pim Teunissen, MD, PhD (University of Maastricht) and Carl Siegert MD, PhD (St. Lucas Andreas Hospital, Amsterdam).
Should Political Scientists Care about Civic Education?
Authors: Battistoni Richard M.
Published: December 2013

For the past decade, concern about a crisis in civic education and engagement, especially among young people, has been rampant. In 2003, The Civic Mission of Schools report sounded a clarion call for greater attention to citizenship education in K–12 schools and touched off a national campaign, joined by such luminaries as Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, advocating improvements in the way we educate American youth for participation in democracy. Two years later, the work of the American Political Science Association's Committee on Civic Education and Engagement culminated in the publication of Democracy at Risk, which examined growing trends toward civic disengagement and proposed reforms to reinvigorate political participation in the United States. Just last year, a joint effort by the US Department of Education and the Association of American Colleges and Universities produced A Crucible Moment: College Learning and Democracy's Future, once again chronicling a “civic recession” across the land and issuing a “National Call to Action” for higher education to do more to educate young citizens for democracy.
Adsorption performance for bromine ion using bromide ion–lanthanum nitrate modified chitosan imprinted polymer
Authors: Wu Haifeng , Qiu Junhong
Published: December 2013

A new method for the extraction of bromine from seawater was developed using a bromide ion–lanthanum nitrate modified chitosan imprinted polymer which showed excellent recognition properties for bromide ion adsorption.
Supramolecular assembly in a Janus-type urea system
Authors: Lloyd Gareth O. , Steed Jonathan W.
Published: December 2013

A pyrazolyl urea ligand exhibits marked conformational polymorphism, with the balance in conformer preference tipped by metallosupramolecular cluster assembly.
Towards sustainable polymer chemistry with homogeneous metal-based catalysts
Authors: Schröder Kristin , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof , Noonan Kevin J. T. , Mathers Robert T.
Published: December 2013

A qualitative approach to maximizing sustainability in polymer chemistry.