bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in advanced imaging use for women undergoing breast cancer surgery
Authors: Breslin Tara M. , Banerjee Mousumi , Gust Cathryn , Birkmeyer Nancy J.
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND:

Evidence‐based guidelines recommend limited perioperative diagnostic imaging for new breast cancer diagnoses. For patients aged >65 years, conventional imaging use (mammography, plain radiographs, and ultrasound) has remained stable, whereas advanced imaging (computed tomography [CT], nuclear medicine scans [positron emission tomography/bone scans], and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) use has increased. In this study, the authors evaluated traditional and advanced imaging use among younger patients (aged ≤65 years) undergoing breast cancer surgery.

METHODS:

The MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Research Database from 2005 through 2008 was analyzed to evaluate the use of conventional and advanced diagnostic imaging associated with surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or stage I through III invasive breast cancer.

RESULTS:

The study cohort included 52,202 women (13% with DCIS and 87% with stage I‐III breast cancer). The proportion of patients undergoing conventional imaging remained stable, whereas the average number of conventional imaging tests per patient increased from 4.21 tests in 2005 to 4.79 tests per patient in 2008 (P < .0001). For advanced imaging, the proportion of women who underwent imaging increased from 48.8% in 2005 to 68.8% in 2008 (P < .0001), as did the number of tests per patient (from 1.53 tests in 2005 to 1.98 tests in 2008; P < .0001). MRI examinations accounted for nearly all of the increase in advanced imaging. Patients who underwent MRI examinations received significantly more traditional imaging tests compared with to those who did not, indicating that these tests are additive and are not replacing traditional imaging.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results demonstrate that the use of perioperative breast MRI has increased among women aged <65 years. Further study is indicated to determine whether the benefits of this procedure justify increased use. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Realization of arbitrary current transfer functions based on commercially available CCII + s
Authors: Yuce Erkan , Minaei Shahram
Published: December 2012

In this paper, a new topology for realizing arbitrary nth‐order current transfer function (TF), consisting of only plus‐type second‐generation current conveyors (CCII+s), is suggested. The proposed TF simulator employs only grounded capacitors and is free from the passive element matching requirements. The developed TF simulator can be constructed directly with commercially available active components such as AD844s. It has low‐input and high‐output impedances, a feature which makes it fully cascadable with other current‐mode topologies. Moreover, the proposed simulator can provide gain at its outputs. Simulation and experimental test results for various filter examples are included to confirm the claimed theory. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of fat volume fraction, sodium caseinate, and starch on the optimization of the sensory properties of frankfurter sausages
Authors: Petridis Dimitris , Ritzoulis Christos , Tzivanos Iakovos , Vlazakis Eleuterios , Derlikis Emmanuel , Vareltzis Patroklos
Published: December 2012

The effect of two important nonmeat constituents (starch and sodium caseinate) and fat content on the sensory perception of frankfurter sausages has been assessed for two mixture amounts (17% and 27%). A strong correlation among objective fattiness, elasticity, and chewiness has been established; these correlate negatively to consistency and hardness. This has been attributed to the protein gel disruption arising from local phase separations. Hedonic consistency, elasticity, and chewiness showed a very strong positive correlation to one another. Contour plots, based on responses of principal component axes, show that lard is important in increasing the objective sensory intensities of fattiness, chewiness, and elasticity, and for decreasing hardness and consistency. In higher lard proportions, caseinate and starch decrease the red color intensity and the acceptability of chewiness, elasticity, and consistency. Optimization of the component amounts was performed using response trace plots. After redundancy analysis, sensory and instrumental variables were found in very good mutual agreement; hardness was assessed as the most important mechanical variable, followed by chewiness.
Safeguarding the provision of ecosystem services in catchment systems
Authors: Everard Mark
Published: December 2012

A narrow technocentric focus on a few favored ecosystem services (generally provisioning services) has led to ecosystem degradation globally, including catchment systems and their capacities to support human well-being. Increasing recognition of the multiple benefits provided by ecosystems is slowly being translated into policy and some areas of practice, although there remains a significant shortfall in the incorporation of a systemic perspective into operation management and decision-making tools. Nevertheless, a range of ecosystem-based solutions to issues as diverse as flooding and green space provision in the urban environment offers hope for improving habitat and optimization of beneficial services. The value of catchment ecosystem processes and their associated services is also being increasingly recognized and internalized by the water industry, improving water quality and quantity through catchment land management rather than at greater expense in the treatment costs of contaminated water abstracted lower in catchments. Parallel recognition of the value of working with natural processes, rather than “defending” built assets when catchment hydrology is adversely affected by unsympathetic upstream development, is being progressively incorporated into flood risk management policy. This focus on wider catchment processes also yields a range of cobenefits for fishery, wildlife, amenity, flood risk, and other interests, which may be optimized if multiple stakeholders and their diverse value systems are included in decision-making processes. Ecosystem services, particularly implemented as a central element of the ecosystem approach, provide an integrated framework for building in these different perspectives and values, many of them formerly excluded, into commercial and resource management decision-making processes, thereby making tractable the integrative aspirations of sustainable development. This can help redress deeply entrenched inherited assumptions, habits, and vested interests, replacing them in many management situations with wider recognition of the multiple values of ecosystems and their services. Global interest in taking an ecosystem approach is promoting novel scientific and policy thinking, yet there is a shortfall in its translation into practical management tools. Professional associations may have key roles to play in breaking down barriers to the “mainstreaming” of systemic perspectives into common practice, particularly through joining u different sectors of society essential to their implementation and ongoing adaptive management. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013; 9: 252–259. © 2012 SETAC
Enhancement of hepatic 4-hydroxylation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 through CYP3A4 induction in vitro and in vivo: Implications for drug-induced osteomalacia
Authors: Wang Zhican , Lin Yvonne S , Dickmann Leslie J , Poulton Emma-Jane , Eaton David L , Lampe Johanna W , Shen Danny D , Davis Connie L , Shuhart Margaret C , Thummel Kenneth E
Published: December 2012

Long-term therapy with certain drugs, especially cytochrome P450 (P450; CYP)-inducing agents, confers an increased risk of osteomalacia that is attributed to vitamin D deficiency. Human CYP24A1, CYP3A4, and CYP27B1 catalyze the inactivation and activation of vitamin D and have been implicated in the adverse drug response. In this study, the inducibility of these enzymes and monohydroxylation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) were evaluated after exposure to P450-inducing drugs. With human hepatocytes, treatment with phenobarbital, hyperforin, carbamazepine, and rifampin significantly increased the levels of CYP3A4, but not CYP24A1 or CYP27B1 mRNA. In addition, rifampin pretreatment resulted in an 8-fold increase in formation of the major metabolite of 25OHD3, 4β,25(OH)2D3. This inductive effect was blocked by the addition of 6′,7′-dihydroxybergamottin, a selective CYP3A4 inhibitor. With human renal proximal tubular HK-2 cells, treatment with the same inducers did not alter CYP3A4, CYP24A1, or CYP27B1 expression. 24R,25(OH)2D3 was the predominant monohydroxy metabolite produced from 25OHD3, but its formation was unaffected by the inducers. With healthy volunteers, the mean plasma concentration of 4β,25(OH)2D3 was increased 60% (p < 0.01) after short-term rifampin administration. This was accompanied by a statistically significant reduction in plasma 1α,25(OH)2D3 (−10%; p = 0.03), and a nonsignificant change in 24R,25(OH)2D3 (−8%; p = 0.09) levels. Further analysis revealed a negative correlation between the increase in 4β,25(OH)2D3 and decrease in 1α,25(OH)2D3 levels. Examination of the plasma monohydroxy metabolite/25OHD3 ratios indicated selective induction of the CYP3A4-dependent 4β-hydroxylation pathway of 25OHD3 elimination. These results suggest that induction of hepatic CYP3A4 may be important in the etiology of drug-induced osteomalacia. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Electrochemical synthesis of cuprous oxide with a cylindrical bipolar reactor
Authors: González Pérez Omar , Bisang José M.
Published: December 2012

Background

This work analyzes the behaviour of monopolar and bipolar electrochemical reactors with a cylindrical configuration using woven wire meshes as three‐dimensional anodes for the production of cuprous oxide.

Results

Calcium gluconate as an additive diminishes cell voltage because of the depolarization of the hydrogen evolution reaction, and it also avoids the reduction of cuprous oxide to metallic copper. The quality of the powders obtained in a bipolar reactor with three‐dimensional anodes is similar to that of a monopolar reactor. Powders containing 97% cuprous oxide were obtained at current densities ranging from 21 to 103 mA cm‐2 with current efficiencies near 100%. The bipolar arrangement presents a simpler electrical connection; however, special attention must be paid to some features of construction to minimize the leakage current.

Conclusion

Cylindrical bipolar electrochemical reactors with three‐dimensional anodes show a good performance for the production of cuprous oxide powder. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Turning the Corner in Quadrupedal Arboreal Locomotion: Kinetics of Changing Direction While Running in the Siberian Chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus)
Authors: Lammers Andrew R. , Sufka Kelley M.
Published: December 2012

Arboreal animals frequently change directions during locomotion on tree branches, trunks, or twigs. Linear and rotational impulses required to change direction and rotate the body while running are largely unexplored. We trained Siberian chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus) to run on narrow cylindrical trackways. The first trackway was straight and the second had a 45° bend to the right. A force pole collected substrate reaction forces and torques, and linear and rotational impulses were calculated. When the chipmunks ran and jumped across the bend, they exerted strong impulses to the left, pushing the body to the right. Before the bend the substrate reaction yaw angular impulse rotated the animal to the new heading. After passing over the 45° bend in the trackway, opposing yaw angular impulses were exerted to stop the body's rotation. Rolling angular impulses were mostly similar between straight and turning trials. We conclude that mediolateral forces are more important than craniocaudal forces to change direction in locomotion. Yaw angular impulse is necessary to start and stop the rotation of the body around the center of mass. To avoid rolling during turns, the chipmunks relied on banking rather than exerting rolling torques. J. Exp. Zool. 319A:99–112, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stereotype Processing's Effect on the Impact of the Myth/Fact Message Format and the Role of Personal Relevance
Authors: Yeh Marie A. , Jewell Robert D. , Hu Michael Y.
Published: December 2012

This research examines the effectiveness of the myth/fact message format (MFMF)—a message format that first presents a common misperception as a myth then counters it with a correcting fact—within the health‐care and social marketing context of mental illness (MI). Stereotype processing theory predicts that the use of a negative aspect of the stereotype in a MFMF may further instantiate the negative belief, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the message. Conversely, using a message format that conveys only facts (i.e., new positive beliefs) without inclusion of the myth will lead to more positive attitudes. However, this effect will only be seen among people with personal relevance with MI as only they are sufficiently motivated to suppress the automatically activated stereotype and elaborate on the message. A study demonstrates that advertising utilizing a fact‐only format leads to more positive attitudes than the MFMF among people with personal relevance while people without personal relevance to MI demonstrate no differences in attitude between myth/fact and fact‐only message formats. Personal relevance had the opposite moderating effect on perceived learning. These findings suggest that the MFMF's impact on attitudes, the typical focal point of social marketing campaigns targeting misconceptions about stereotyped groups, may be ineffective. Thus, using a fact‐only format that conveys new positive beliefs in a social marketing message is recommended within the specific context of MI and may be warranted in other health‐care and social issues.
Can Consumers Forgo the Need to Touch Products? An Investigation of Nonhaptic Situational Factors in an Online Context
Authors: Yazdanparast Atefeh , Spears Nancy
Published: December 2012

Touch is an important source of information for consumers, and there is much to learn about its role in an online purchase decision context where the ability to touch products is not (at least currently) possible. The present investigation examines three nonhaptic situation‐specific factors that moderate the relationship between haptic motivation and consumer responses. The results indicate that positive mood, price promotions, and level of situation‐specific product expertise are influential, yielding greater purchase intentions and product judgment confidence when touch is not available. Additionally, the findings of the investigation suggest that imagining a Web site is comparable to actually viewing a Web site. Several implications for consumer behavior research and online marketers are discussed.
Polynomial solutions of certain differential equations arising in physics
Authors: Azad H. , Laradji A. , Mustafa M. T.
Published: December 2012

Conditions for the existence of polynomial solutions of certain second‐order differential equations have recently been investigated by several authors. In this paper, a new algorithmic procedure is given to determine necessary and sufficient conditions for a differential equation with polynomial coefficients containing parameters to admit polynomial solutions and to compute these solutions. The effectiveness of this approach is illustrated by applying it to determine new solutions of several differential equations of current interest. A comparative analysis is given to demonstrate the advantage of this algorithmic procedure over existing software. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of maternal folate status on human fetal growth parameters
Authors: van Uitert Evelyne M. , Steegers‐Theunissen Régine P. M.
Published: December 2012

Worldwide periconceptional folic acid supplement use is recommended to prevent neural tube defects. This also stimulated research on maternal folate status in association with fetal growth, an important predictor of perinatal and future development and health. We provide an overview of literature on associations between maternal folate status during pregnancy determined by folate biomarker concentrations in blood, folic acid supplement use and dietary folate intake, and fetal growth parameters. Literature was searched in PubMed up to November 2011. Some studies suggest inverse associations between serum folate, folic acid supplement use and dietary folate intake and risk of a low birth weight or small for gestational age infant. The strongest evidence, however, revealed positive associations between birth weight and red blood cell folate, folic acid supplement use and dietary folate intake. Red blood cell folate appeared to be most consistently associated with other fetal growth parameters. These findings contribute to the knowledge of the impact of maternal folate status on fetal growth, and subsequently perinatal health and disease risks in later life. Future research is recommended to examine effects of windows, duration and dose of folic acid supplement use and use of folate‐rich dietary patterns in different populations on fetal growth parameters.
Enhanced tissue differentiation in the developing mouse brain using magnetic resonance micro‐histology
Authors: Norris Francesca C. , Betts‐Henderson Joanne , Wells Jack A. , Cleary Jon O. , Siow Bernard M. , Walker‐Samuel Simon , McCue Karen , Salomoni Paolo , Scambler Peter J. , Lythgoe Mark F.
Published: December 2012

Purpose: Worldwide efforts to understand developmental processes demand new high‐resolution 3D imaging methods to detect the consequences of gene function in embryo development and diseases. Encouragingly, recent studies have shown that MRI contrast agents can highlight specific tissue structures in ex vivo adult mouse brains. MR imaging of mouse embryos is currently limited by a lack of tissue staining capabilities that would provide the flexibility and specificity offered by histological stains conventionally used for mouse embryo phenotyping.

Methods: The MRI staining properties of two readily available contrast agents, Mn‐DPDP and Gd‐DTPA, were investigated in mid‐gestation mouse embryos.

Results: Brain tissue substructures not normally visible using MRI were detected. Mn‐DPDP and Gd‐DTPA provided spatially distinct tissue staining patterns. An initial assessment indicated that these agents utilized independent contrast enhancement mechanisms. Mn‐DPDP was identified as a potential MRI contrast agent for enhancement of mouse embryonic cellular density and enabled identification of regions containing populations of neural stem and progenitor cells within the intact embryo brain.

Conclusions: Different contrast agents may be used to provide tissue‐specific contrast enhancement, suggesting that a host of specialized MRI stains may be available for probing the developing mouse brain and investigating developmental and disease mechanisms. Magn Reson Med 70:1380–1388, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebral blood volume MRI with intravascular superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Seong‐Gi , Harel Noam , Jin Tao , Kim Tae , Lee Phil , Zhao Fuqiang
Published: December 2012

The cerebral blood volume (CBV) is a crucial physiological indicator of tissue viability and vascular reactivity. Thus, noninvasive CBV mapping has been of great interest. For this, ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles, including monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticles, can be used as long‐half‐life, intravascular susceptibility agents of CBV MRI measurements. Moreover, CBV‐weighted functional MRI (fMRI) with USPIO nanoparticles provides enhanced sensitivity, reduced large vessel contribution and improved spatial specificity relative to conventional blood oxygenation level‐dependent fMRI, and measures a single physiological parameter that is easily interpretable. We review the physiochemical and magnetic properties, and pharmacokinetics, of USPIO nanoparticles in brief. We then extensively discuss quantifications of baseline CBV, vessel size index and functional CBV change. We also provide reviews of dose‐dependent sensitivity, vascular filter function, specificity, characteristics and impulse response function of CBV fMRI. Examples of CBV fMRI specificity at the laminar and columnar resolution are provided. Finally, we briefly review the application of CBV measurements to functional and pharmacological studies in animals. Overall, the use of USPIO nanoparticles can determine baseline CBV and its changes induced by functional activity and pharmacological interventions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matching boundary conditions for lattice dynamics
Authors: Wang X. , Tang S.
Published: December 2012

We design a class of accurate and efficient absorbing boundary conditions for molecular dynamics simulations of crystalline solids. In one space dimension, the proposed matching boundary conditions take the form of a linear constraint of displacement and velocity at atoms near the boundary, where the coefficients are determined by matching the dispersion relation with a minimal number of atoms involved. Bearing the nice features of compactness, locality, and high efficiency, the matching boundary conditions are then extended to treat the out‐of‐plane wave problems in the square lattice. We construct multidirectional absorbing boundary conditions via operator multiplications. Reflection coefficient analysis and numerical studies verify their effectiveness for spurious reflection suppression in all directions. Compact and local in both space and time, they are directly applicable to nonlinear lattices and multiscale simulations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neutropenia‐Associated Outcomes in Adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Receiving Cytarabine Consolidation Chemotherapy with or without Granulocyte Colony‐Stimulating Factor
Authors: Bradley Amber M. , Deal Allison M. , Buie Larry W. , van Deventer Hendrik
Published: December 2012

Study Objective

To determine whether granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) prophylaxis after consolidation with high‐ or intermediate‐dose cytarabine (H/IDAC) for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) reduces the frequency of neutropenia‐associated complications.

Design

Retrospective medical record review.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Patients

Seventy‐eight patients aged 18 years or older in whom H/IDAC consolidation chemotherapy was initiated for consolidation of AML between November 2004 and November 2010.

Measurements and Main Results

Patient demographic data, information on the hospitalization for consolidation, data on G‐CSF use after H/IDAC chemotherapy, and details on any readmissions were collected. Patients were deemed to have received G‐CSF prophylaxis if there was documentation of the intent for use of either filgrastim or pegfilgrastim. Outcome data also were collected, including dates of relapse or second induction treatment course, and death or last follow‐up visit. We compared data based on patient receipt of G‐CSF (G‐CSF vs no G‐CSF) after each chemotherapy cycle. We assessed differences in the duration of hospitalization, fever, intravenous antibiotic use, and neutropenia, as well as rate of documented infections, time to disease recurrence, and overall survival. Compared with no G‐CSF, use of G‐CSF after cycle 1 of H/IDAC significantly reduced the rate of hospitalization for febrile neutropenia (p=0.039); however, no significant differences were noted for subsequent cycles. No significant differences were seen in duration of hospitalization, rate of documented infections, or time to treatment failure between groups. Overall survival was longer for patients who received G‐CSF during their first cycle (p=0.018) and for those who received G‐CSF during any of their cycles (p=0.04).

Conclusion

Use of G‐CSF prophylaxis after cycle 1 of H/IDAC consolidation for AML appears to reduce the frequency of hospitalization for febrile neutropenia and to increase overall survival compared with no G‐CSF use. Prospective, controlled studies are needed to support our findings.
Effect of 1,4‐cyclohexylene units on thermal properties of poly(1,4‐cyclohexylenedimethylene adipate) and similar aliphatic polyesters
Authors: Celli Annamaria , Marchese Paola , Sisti Laura , Dumand Deborah , Sullalti Simone , Totaro Grazia
Published: December 2012

In the field of aliphatic polyesters there is a great interest in building novel macromolecular structures that may effectively feature the required properties for specific applications. For this reason, it is extremely important to understand the correlations between chemical structure and final performance. Monomers based on the 1,4‐cyclohexylene unit are interesting as they are potentially bio‐based and rigid enough to improve glass transition and melting temperatures. The present paper describes the preparation of samples of poly(1,4‐cyclohexylenedimethylene adipate), characterized by different cis/trans isomeric ratio of the cyclic units, the analysis of their thermal properties and the comparison with the properties of similar polymers such as poly(butylene adipate), poly(butylene‐1,4‐cyclohexanedicarboxylate) and poly(1,4‐cyclohexylenedimethylene‐1,4‐cyclohexanedicarboxylate). The effect of the rigidity and of the stereochemistry of the 1,4‐cyclohexylene unit on the thermal properties was analysed. Such an effect reaches its maximum level when the cyclic‐containing monomers are the diacid or the diester and when the trans isomers predominate. Starting from such a result, the combination of specific cyclic building blocks with the correct cis/trans ratio makes it possible to build macromolecular structures with the required final properties.
InGaP/GaAs/Ge triple‐junction solar cells with ZnO nanowires
Authors: Hou Jei‐Li , Chang Shoou‐Jinn , Hsueh Ting‐Jen , Wu Chih‐Hung , Weng Wen‐Yin , Shieh Jia‐Min
Published: December 2012

ZnO nanowire (NW) grown on triple‐junction (TJ) solar cells via the hydrothermal growth method to enhance efficiency is investigated. In this paper, experimental results indicate that TJ solar cells with ZnO NW as an antireflection (AR) coating have the lowest reflectance in the short wavelength spectrum, as compared with those of bare TJ solar cells (without AR coating) and solar cells with SiNx and TiO2/Al2O3 AR coatings. ZnO NW has the lowest light reflection among all experimental samples, especially in the range of ultraviolet to green light (300–500 nm). It was found that ZnO NW could enhance the conversion efficiency by 6.92%, as compared with the conventional TJ solar cell. In contrast, SiNx and TiO2/Al2O3 AR coatings could only enhance the conversion efficiency by 3.72% and 6.46% increase, respectively. The encapsulated results also suggested that the cell with ZnO NW coating could provide the best solar cell performances. Furthermore, all samples are measured at tilt angles of 0°–90° and results show that the solar cells with ZnO NW have the highest efficiency at all tilt angles. Furthermore, a small NW diameter increases light absorption. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On estimating average effects for multiple treatment groups
Authors: Landsman V. , Pfeiffer R.M.
Published: December 2012

We propose to estimate average exposure (or treatment) effects from observational data for multiple exposure groups by fitting an approximation of the marginal sample distribution of the response variable in each exposure group to the data. The marginal sample distribution is a function of the true distribution of the response variable in the population and the assignment rule governing the allocation of the subjects to different exposure groups. The assignment rule can depend on the response variable in addition to measured covariates, and hence the method is appropriate even when the assumption of ignorable treatment assignment is not justified. We estimate the exposure effects are estimated based on the population expectation (PE) of the outcome variable. We compare the PE approach with an instrumental variable method and with several other methods including propensity score based approaches that assume ignorable assignment mechanisms. We evaluate the robustness of the PE method under model misspecifications and illustrate it using data from a study of the impact of soy consumption on urinary concentrations of estrogen and estrogen metabolites in Asian American women. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Industriebauten von Albert Kahn. Zum 70. Todestag
Authors: Mislin Miron
Published: December 2012

Diese Studie ist eine Reverenz an den Industriearchitekten Albert Kahn, der seit Beginn des 20. Jahrhundert bis zu seinem Tod am 8. Dezember 1942 über 2500 Fabriken geplant hat. Die Industrie‐Architektur und der Industriebau standen am Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts und Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts noch unter dem Einfluss von eklektizistischen Stilen und von dem Historismus verpflichteten Baumeistern. Kahn gebührt das Verdienst, die Industriearchitektur an ihre technisch‐rationale Aufgabenstellung zurückgeführt zu haben. Er hat sich dabei nicht nur auf die architektonisch‐funktionalen Erfordernisse beschränkt, sondern darüber hinaus neue konstruktive Lösungen für große Spannweiten und stützenfreie Innenräume entwickelt.
Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Partial Hepatectomy for Small Centrally Located Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Guo Wei‐Xing , Sun Ju‐Xian , Cheng Yu‐Qiang , Shi Jie , Li Nan , Xue Jie , Wu Meng‐Chao , Chen Yi , Cheng Shu‐Qun
Published: December 2012

Background

It is not known whether percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) could get the same treatment efficacy and fewer complications as partial hepatectomy (PH) in patients with small centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of PH and PRFA in the treatment of small centrally located HCC.

Methods

From January 2002 until December 2007, 196 patients with small centrally located HCC (≤5 cm) were included. Of these 196 patients, 94 received PRFA and 102 patients were treated with PH. Treatment outcomes, including major complications and survival data, were studied.

Results

No treatment‐related death occurred in either group. There were no significant differences in survival rates between the two groups. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year disease‐free survival rates for the PRFA and PH groups were 57.9 %, 36.4 %, 34.0 %, and 59.8 %, 42.4 %, 40.8 %, respectively (P = 0.50). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall survival rates for the two groups were 94.3 %, 74.7 %, and 49.8 %, and 89.2 %, 74.1 %, and 63.1 %, respectively (P = 0.96). PRFA had a lower rate of major complications than PH (8.5 vs 19.6 %), and the hospital stay was also shorter in the PRFA group than in the PH subgroup (4 vs 13 days).

Conclusions

Based on the data obtained, we concluded that PRFA might be equal to PH for the treatment of small centrally located HCC. However, PRFA has the benefits of shorter hospital stay as well as a lower rate of complications.
Family Planning and Women’s and Children’s Health: Long-Term Consequences of an Outreach Program in Matlab, Bangladesh
Authors: Joshi Shareen , Schultz T. Paul
Published: December 2012

We analyze the impact of an experimental maternal and child health and family planning program that was established in Matlab, Bangladesh, in 1977. Village data from 1974, 1982, and 1996 suggest that program villages experienced a decline in fertility of about 17 %. Household data from 1996 confirm that this decline in “surviving fertility” persisted for nearly two decades. Women in program villages also experienced other benefits: increased birth spacing, lower child mortality, improved health status, and greater use of preventive health inputs. Some benefits also diffused beyond the boundaries of the program villages into neighboring comparison villages. These effects are robust to the inclusion of individual, household, and community characteristics. We conclude that the benefits of this reproductive and child health program in rural Bangladesh have many dimensions extending well beyond fertility reduction, which do not appear to dissipate rapidly after two decades.
Intergenerational transmission of religious beliefs and practices and the reduction of adolescent delinquency in urban Thailand
Authors: Chamratrithirong Aphichat , Miller Brenda A. , Byrnes Hilary F. , Rhucharoenpornpanich Orratai , Cupp Pamela K. , Rosati Michael J. , Fongkaew Warunee , Atwood Katharine A. , Todd Michael
Published: December 2012

This study examines the intergenerational transmission of family religion as measured by parent's and adolescent's beliefs and practices in Buddhism, and its relation to delinquent behaviors among early adolescents in Thailand. The data set is from the Thai Family Matters Project 2007, a representative sample of 420 pairs of parents and teens in Bangkok. A structural equation model is employed for the analysis. The intergenerational transmission and the direct and indirect association between parents' and adolescents' beliefs and practices in Buddhism and adolescents' minor and serious delinquent behaviors are revealed to be significant, controlling for secular parental monitoring. Spirituality within the family can play an important role in preventing delinquency among early adolescents. Policies in the areas related to family empowerment and delinquency prevention may need to consider integrating both secular and non‐secular program inputs in their implementation design.
Continued loss of temperate old-growth forests in the Romanian Carpathians despite an increasing protected area network
Authors: KNORN JAN , KUEMMERLE TOBIAS , RADELOFF VOLKER C. , KEETON WILLIAM S. , GANCZ VLADIMIR , BIRIŞ IOVU-ADRIAN , SVOBODA MIROSLAV , GRIFFITHS PATRICK , HAGATIS ADRIAN , HOSTERT PATRICK
Published: December 2012

Old-growth forests around the world are vanishing rapidly and have been lost almost completely from the European temperate forest region. Poor management practices, often triggered by socioeconomic and institutional change, are the main causes of loss. Recent trends in old-growth forest cover in Romania, where some of the last remaining tracts of these forests within Europe are located, are revealed by satellite image analysis. Forest cover declined by 1.3 % from 2000 to 2010. Romania's protected area network has been expanded substantially since the country's accession to the European Union in 2007, and most of the remaining old-growth forests now are located within protected areas. Surprisingly though, 72% of the old-growth forest disturbances are found within protected areas, highlighting the threats still facing these forests. It appears that logging in old-growth forests is, at least in part, related to institutional reforms, insufficient protection and ownership changes since the collapse of communism in 1989. The majority of harvesting activities in old-growth forest areas are in accordance with the law. Without improvements to their governance, the future of Romania's old-growth forests and the important ecosystem services they provide remains uncertain.
Objective assessment of chromatic and achromatic pattern adaptation reveals the temporal response properties of different visual pathways
Authors: ROBSON ANTHONY G. , KULIKOWSKI JANUS J.
Published: December 2012

The aim was to investigate the temporal response properties of magnocellular, parvocellular, and koniocellular visual pathways using increment/decrement changes in contrast to elicit visual evoked potentials (VEPs). Static achromatic and isoluminant chromatic gratings were generated on a monitor. Chromatic gratings were modulated along red/green (R/G) or subject-specific tritanopic confusion axes, established using a minimum distinct border criterion. Isoluminance was determined using minimum flicker photometry. Achromatic and chromatic VEPs were recorded to contrast increments and decrements of 0.1 or 0.2 superimposed on the static gratings (masking contrast 0–0.6). Achromatic increment/decrement changes in contrast evoked a percept of apparent motion when the spatial frequency was low; VEPs to such stimuli were positive in polarity and largely unaffected by high levels of static contrast, consistent with transient response mechanisms. VEPs to finer achromatic gratings showed marked attenuation as static contrast was increased. Chromatic VEPs to R/G or tritan chromatic contrast increments were of negative polarity and showed progressive attenuation as static contrast was increased, in keeping with increasing desensitization of the sustained responses of the color-opponent visual pathways. Chromatic contrast decrement VEPs were of positive polarity and less sensitive to pattern adaptation. The relative contribution of sustained/transient mechanisms to achromatic processing is spatial frequency dependent. Chromatic contrast increment VEPs reflect the sustained temporal response properties of parvocellular and koniocellular pathways. Cortical VEPs can provide an objective measure of pattern adaptation and can be used to probe the temporal response characteristics of different visual pathways.
The application of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in situation of prolonged occupation: only a matter of time?
Authors: Koutroulis Vaios
Published: December 2012

The article deals with the effect of the time factor in the application of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL) in ‘prolonged belligerent occupations’. It demonstrates that IHL applies in its entirety to such situations and that the adjustments necessary can be made through the interpretation of existing IHL norms. As for IHRL, the protracted character of an occupation reinforces the importance of respecting and applying human rights. It cannot, however, be invoked in order to influence the interpretation of the notion of a state of emergency leading to the adoption of derogations from IHRL rules.
Determining the beginning and end of an occupation under international humanitarian law
Authors: Ferraro Tristan
Published: December 2012

International humanitarian law (IHL) does not provide a precise definition of the notion of occupation, nor does it propose clear-cut standards for determining when an occupation starts and when its ends. This article analyses in detail the notion of occupation under IHL and its constitutive elements, and sets out a legal test for identifying when a situation qualifies as an occupation for the purposes of IHL. It concludes by suggesting an adjustment of the legal test to the specific characteristics of occupation by proxy and occupation by multinational forces.
Solar wind forcing at Mercury: WSA‐ENLIL model results
Authors: Baker Daniel N. , Poh Gangkai , Odstrcil Dusan , Arge C. Nick , Benna Mehdi , Johnson Catherine L. , Korth Haje , Gershman Daniel J. , Ho George C. , McClintock William E. , Cassidy Timothy A. , Merkel Aimee , Raines Jim M. , Schriver David , Slavin James A. , Solomon Sean C. , Trávníček Pavel M. , Winslow Reka M. , Zurbuchen Thomas H.
Published: December 2012

Analysis and interpretation of observations from the MESSENGER spacecraft in orbit about Mercury require knowledge of solar wind “forcing” parameters. We have utilized the Wang‐Sheeley‐Arge (WSA)‐ENLIL solar wind modeling tool in order to calculate the values of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) strength (B), solar wind velocity (V) and density (n), ram pressure (~nV2), cross‐magnetosphere electric field (V × B), Alfvén Mach number (MA), and other derived quantities of relevance for solar wind‐magnetosphere interactions. We have compared upstream MESSENGER IMF and solar wind measurements to see how well the ENLIL model results compare. Such parameters as solar wind dynamic pressure are key for determining the Mercury magnetopause standoff distance, for example. We also use the relatively high‐time‐resolution B‐field data from MESSENGER to estimate the strength of the product of the solar wind speed and southward IMF strength (Bs) at Mercury. This product VBs is the electric field that drives many magnetospheric dynamical processes and can be compared with the occurrence of energetic particle bursts within the Mercury magnetosphere. This quantity also serves as input to the global magnetohydrodynamic and kinetic magnetosphere models that are being used to explore magnetospheric and exospheric processes at Mercury. Moreover, this modeling can help assess near‐real‐time magnetospheric behavior for MESSENGER or other mission analysis and/or ground‐based observational campaigns. We demonstrate that this solar wind forcing tool is a crucial step toward bringing heliospheric science expertise to bear on planetary exploration programs.
Asymmetric distribution of reconnection jet fronts in the Jovian nightside magnetosphere
Authors: Kasahara S. , Kronberg E. A. , Kimura T. , Tao C. , Badman S. V. , Masters A. , Retinò A. , Krupp N. , Fujimoto M.
Published: December 2012

Magnetic reconnection plays important roles in mass transport and energy conversion in planetary magnetospheres. It is considered that transient reconnection causes localized auroral arcs or spots in the Jovian magnetosphere, by analogy to the case in the Earth's magnetosphere. However, the local structures of transient reconnection events (i.e., magnetospheric plasma parameters) and their spatial distribution have not been extensively investigated for the Jovian magnetosphere. Here we examine plasma velocity and density during strong north‐south magnetic field events in the Jovian nightside magnetosphere, which may be associated with tail reconnection. We find prominent reconnection jet fronts predominantly on the dawnside of the nightside magnetosphere, which would be a signature unique to rotation‐dominant planetary magnetospheres. The observed plasma structures are consistent with significant field‐aligned currents which would generate localized aurora.
The seismic cycle at subduction thrusts: 2. Dynamic implications of geodynamic simulations validated with laboratory models
Authors: van Dinther Y. , Gerya T. V. , Dalguer L. A. , Corbi F. , Funiciello F. , Mai P. M.
Published: December 2012

The physics governing the seismic cycle at seismically active subduction zones remains poorly understood due to restricted direct observations in time and space. To investigate subduction zone dynamics and associated interplate seismicity, we validate a continuum, visco‐elasto‐plastic numerical model with a new laboratory approach (Paper 1). The analogous laboratory setup includes a visco‐elastic gelatin wedge underthrusted by a rigid plate with defined velocity‐weakening and ‐strengthening regions. Our geodynamic simulation approach includes velocity‐weakening friction to spontaneously generate a series of fast frictional instabilities that correspond to analog earthquakes. A match between numerical and laboratory source parameters is obtained when velocity‐strengthening is applied in the aseismic regions to stabilize the rupture. Spontaneous evolution of absolute stresses leads to nucleation by coalescence of neighboring patches, mainly occurring at evolving asperities near the seismogenic zone limits. Consequently, a crack‐, or occasionally even pulse‐like, rupture propagates toward the opposite side of the seismogenic zone by increasing stresses ahead of its rupture front, until it arrests on a barrier. The resulting surface displacements qualitatively agree with geodetic observations and show landward and, from near the downdip limit, upward interseismic motions. These are rebound and reversed coseismically. This slip increases adjacent stresses, which are relaxed postseismically by afterslip and thereby produce persistent seaward motions. The wide range of observed physical phenomena, including back‐propagation and repeated slip, and the agreement with laboratory results demonstrate that visco‐elasto‐plastic geodynamic models with rate‐dependent friction form a new tool that can greatly contribute to our understanding of the seismic cycle at subduction zones.
The seismic cycle at subduction thrusts: 1. Insights from laboratory models
Authors: Corbi F. , Funiciello F. , Moroni M. , van Dinther Y. , Mai P. M. , Dalguer L. A. , Faccenna C.
Published: December 2012

Subduction megathrust earthquakes occur at the interface between the subducting and overriding plates. These hazardous phenomena are only partially understood because of the absence of direct observations, the restriction of the instrumental seismic record to the past century, and the limited resolution/completeness of historical to geological archives. To overcome these restrictions, modeling has become a key‐tool to study megathrust earthquakes. We present a novel model to investigate the seismic cycle at subduction thrusts using complementary analog (paper 1) and numerical (paper 2) approaches. Here we introduce a simple scaled gelatin‐on‐sandpaper setup including realistic tectonic loading, spontaneous rupture nucleation, and viscoelastic response of the lithosphere. Particle image velocimetry allows to derive model deformation and earthquake source parameters. Analog earthquakes are characterized by “quasi‐periodic” recurrence. Consistent with elastic theory, the interseismic stage shows rearward motion, subsidence in the outer wedge and uplift of the “coastal area” as a response of locked plate interface at shallow depth. The coseismic stage exhibits order of magnitude higher velocities and reversal of the interseismic deformation pattern in the seaward direction, subsidence of the coastal area, and uplift in the outer wedge. Like natural earthquakes, analog earthquakes generally nucleate in the deeper portion of the rupture area and preferentially propagate upward in a crack‐like fashion. Scaled rupture width‐slip proportionality and seismic moment‐duration scaling verifies dynamic similarities with earthquakes. Experimental repeatability is statistically verified. Comparing analog results with natural observations, we conclude that this technique is suitable for investigating the parameter space influencing the subduction interplate seismic cycle.
Processes of breaking of large‐amplitude unsteady lee waves leading to turbulence
Authors: Abe S. , Nakamura T.
Published: December 2012

The transition to turbulence after excitation of large‐amplitude (~200 m) unsteady lee waves in Amchitka Pass, Alaska, is investigated using a nonhydrostatic vertically two‐dimensional model with realistic topography. The model resolves motions two orders smaller than a large‐amplitude unsteady lee wave, which is excited in the lee of the ridge, and shows that transition processes near the ridge top and downstream of the first trough of the unsteady lee wave are different. Near the ridge top, three stages of transition are identified. In the first stage, convection begins on the upstream sides (forward wave breaking) and downstream sides (backward wave breaking) of the crests of the unsteady lee wave. In the next stage, Kelvin‐Helmholtz (KH) waves develop in regions of enhanced shear between statically unstable regions and downslope flow on the bottom. In the last stage, Tollmien‐Schlichting (TS) waves develop on the bottom, under the KH waves, and form vortices, which finally break down. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to report on the occurrence of backward wave breaking and the possibility of TS wave excitation in the ocean. Downstream of the first trough of the unsteady lee wave, flow is separated from the bottom by an adverse pressure gradient attributed to the unsteady lee wave. The separated flow forms vortices, which are shed quasi‐periodically. Diapycnal mixing is enhanced by the development of KH and TS waves and flow separation, as well as by convection due to overturning isopycnals induced by the unsteady lee wave.