bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the nature of pleural involvement in necrotizing pneumonia: A report of two cases of life threatening late complications
Authors: Demirel Nadir , Quizon Annabelle , Beltetón De Leon Edgar Leonel , Reiter Joel , Colin Andrew A.
Published: November 2013

Suppurative complications of pneumonia such as empyema, lung abscess, pyopneumothorax, and necrotizing pneumonia (NP) are uncommon in children. Over the last decade an increasing incidence of NP has been reported. Streptococcus pneumoniae continues to be the predominant causative organism of NP, and while sporadic cases were reported prior to routine administration of heptavalent pneumococcal vaccine, a marked increase in NP appears to relate to replacement pneumococcal strains. Pleural involvement is almost universal in NP, and the course of pleural disease often determines its duration and outcome, particularly as it relates to complication of bronchopleural fistula. Cavities are formed in NP within the lung parenchyma and in the pleural space as the fibrosing pleural process organizes. The similarity of the radiologic appearance of parenchymal and pleural space cavities often makes the differentiation of pneumatocele versus residua of loculated pneumothorax challenging. The prevailing perception from most reports on childhood NP is of a favorable outcome with conservative approach. We report two pediatric cases with pneumonia who presented with prolonged fever despite antibiotic treatment, eventually diagnosed with NP. After stabilization on prolonged IV antibiotics, and weeks after discharge, they presented with unexpected acute respiratory failure due to a life‐threatening tension air collection. In this article we discuss the nature of NP, its typical presentation, benign course and outcome, albeit its potential to cause serious late complications in the light of our recent experiences. Increasing awareness of such complications will result in more careful follow‐up and in providing appropriate recommendations to parents of patients recovering from NP. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:E90–E95. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The prescription charge and Hinchcliffe Committee
Authors: Baines Darrin
Published: November 2013

In our series on the history of prescribing policy, Professor Darrin Baines traces how successive governments have attempted to curb drug costs. Here, he describes the introduction of the prescription charge and the recommendations made by the Hinchcliffe Committee.
Recommended diagnosis and management of atopic eczema
Authors: MacKenzie Andrew , Schofield Olivia
Published: November 2013

The pathogenesis of atopic eczema is complex and its management requires a holistic approach. Our Drug review discusses its diagnosis, complications and the available treatment options, followed by sources of further information and an analysis of the prescription data.
Enzalutamide: new second‐line treatment for prostate cancer
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Payne Heather
Published: November 2013

Enzalutamide is a new second‐line treatment for castration‐resistant prostate cancer. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse effects, and Dr Heather Payne discusses its place in treatment.
Atomistic modelling and simulation of arsenic diffusion including mobile arsenic clusters
Authors: Martin‐Bragado Ignacio , Zographos Nikolas , Castrillo Pedro
Published: November 2013

Arsenic diffusivity in heavily doped n‐type silicon has been observed to increase strongly with donor concentration. This behaviour has been related to percolation effect, but other explanations, such as mobile As2V clusters (or, more generally, mobile AsDV clusters, with D being a donor), have also been postulated. In this work, we report the modelling and simulation of arsenic diffusion for high donor concentrations based on AsDV mobile clusters, within the framework of the atomistic non‐lattice kinetic Monte Carlo model. Expressions for arsenic diffusivity in terms of microscopic parameters have been developed, and the parameter set have been calibrated from basic experiments and ab initio calculations. For donor concentrations above 2 × 1020 cm−3, the model predicts a concentration dependence of arsenic diffusivity with an exponent of 3.5, in close agreement to the experimental observations and quite similar to the percolation model. Long‐hop distances of AsDV clusters have been also analysed. The model has been implemented in the atomistic simulator Sentaurus Process KMC. A good agreement with experimental arsenic profiles has been obtained for a wide variety of process conditions, including low ion energy, high dose and amorphizing implants, and annealing temperatures ranging from 750 to 1050 °C. The model has shown to allow efficient and accurate simulation, working together with all the other models accounting for the complex phenomenology of state‐of‐the‐art processes.
Low temperature plasma oxidation for advanced 3D CMOS‐based devices
Authors: Niess J. , Kegel W. , Lerch W.
Published: November 2013

The required temperature in semiconductor process technology is going towards two extreme directions. Either very high temperatures (up to 1300 °C) with very short durations on the order of milliseconds are required for highest dopant activation, or extremely low temperatures are needed for forming high‐quality dielectrics with minimum dopant deactivation and redistribution. This contribution describes a new microwave plasma oxidation apparatus with unique features addressing the before‐mentioned low‐temperature process requirements. With this new technique the oxide growth rate was studied as a function of time, gas ambient, pressure, applied microwave power and silicon substrate parameters to determine crystallographic oxidation rate anisotropy and dopant concentration independent oxidation at temperatures well below 500 °C. The “More Moore” approach of geometrical scaling in 2D will soon come to a physical end and therefore new requirements related to the thermal budget occur. Additionally the transition from 2D to 3D devices requires extremely conformal oxide growth. Both the low temperature and conformal oxide growth will be demonstrated on test structures. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetoresistance effects in current‐perpendicular‐to‐plane structures based on Fe3Si/FeSi2 artificial lattices
Authors: Sakai Ken‐ichiro , Noda Yuta , Takeda Kaoru , Takeda Masayasu , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2013

From Fe3Si/FeSi2 artificial lattices, wherein Fe3Si layers are partially epitaxially grown from the first layer on Si(111) up to the top layer across the FeSi2 layers with the same orientation relationship as that in the first layer, current‐perpendicular‐to‐plane (CPP) structures that partially contain current‐in‐to‐plane (CIP) structural portions were fabricated by a mask method. It was confirmed that the antiparallel alignment of magnetization at a zero magnetic field due to antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling is changed to parallel alignment with the applied magnetic field by polarized neutron reflectometry. The MR ratio was comparable to that of CIP structural films. It might be because a current should predominantly flow in the CIP portion since the CIP structural portion is dimensionally so large as compared with that of the CPP portion. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication of BaSi2 films on (111)‐oriented Si layers formed by inverted Al‐induced crystallization method on glass structure
Authors: Numata Ryohei , Toko Kaoru , Usami Noritaka , Suemasu Takashi
Published: November 2013

The formation process of high‐quality BaSi2 films on glass substrates was investigated. A polycrystal‐Si/Al/SiO2 structure was prepared by means of the inverted Al‐induced crystallization technique. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements revealed that the crystal orientation of the grown Si layer varied significantly depending on the Al/Si thickness: The (111) orientation fraction reached 97% for the 50‐nm‐thick sample and the (100) orientation fraction reached 88% for the 200‐nm‐thick sample. These oriented Si layers on SiO2 glass substrates were used as templates for BaSi2 growth. The θ ‐2θ X‐ray diffraction patterns indicated the formation of BaSi2 films. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication of n+‐BaSi2/p+‐Si tunnel junction on Si(001) surface for characterization of photoresponse properties of BaSi2epitaxial films
Authors: Koike S. , Baba M. , Nakamura K. , Ajmal K. M. , Du W. , Toko K. , Suemasu T.
Published: November 2013

We grew Sb doped n+‐BaSi2 on p+‐Si(001) to form a tunnel junction using undoped BaSi2 templates by reactive deposition epitaxy (RDE). When the RDE growth duration was 30 s, the current became the largest. In addition, a 250‐nm‐thick undoped BaSi2 film was epitaxially grown on the tunnel junction for photoresponse measurement. Photocurrents, measured under the bias voltages between top and bottom electrodes, increased sharply at photon energies greater than 1.25 eV. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication of periodic arrays of silicide nanopillars by using self‐assembled polystyrene nanosphere template and oblique deposition technique
Authors: Suzuki Motofumi , Kaneko Yasuyuki , Nakajima Kaoru , Kimura Kenji
Published: November 2013

We propose a novel self‐assembly process to fabricate periodic arrays of β‐FeSi2 nanopillars for photonic applications. Self‐assembled monolayers of polystyrene nanospheres (PSNSs) are coated with SiO2 by oblique evaporation at a deposition angle of 70°. After the PSNSs are removed by annealing in air at 650 °C, periodic arrays of SiO2 nanospherical crowns (NSCs) remain. On the NSC template, Si and Fe are deposited alternatively at a deposition angle of 80° and a substrate temperature of 470 °C. Due to the strong shadowing effect, non‐close‐packed nanopillar arrays of β‐FeSi2 are successfully fabricated. Periodic arrays of β‐FeSi2 are useful to manipulate thermal and/or solar radiation. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Solid evidence for magnetic moment enhancement in micro‐particles of Mn11Si19
Authors: Hammura Kiyotaka , Udono Haruhiko , Aono Tomosuke
Published: November 2013

We study magnetic properties of Mn11Si19 both in a bulk and in a powder (the averaged diameter of particles was about 5 µm) states. The bulk sample was grown using the temperature gradient solution method, and the powder sample was obtained through pounding the bulk sample in a mortar. We measured magnetisation as a function of temperature using a SQUID magnetometer.

We found that the bulk sample was paramagnetic while the power sample was soft ferromagnetic. The magni‐ tude of the magnetisation of the powder sample was al‐ most unchanged between5K to 300 K. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Germanium‐doped Czochralski silicon: a novel material for solar cells
Authors: Arivanandhan Mukannan , Raira Gotoh , Fujiwara Kozo , Uda Satoshi , Hayakawa Yasuhiro , Konagai Makoto
Published: November 2013

The effect of Ge codoping on the light induced degradation (LID) of B doped Czochralski‐silicon (CZ‐Si) was investigated. The rate of degradation under illumination is relatively suppressed in B and Ge codoped Czochralski‐silicon (CZ‐Si) compared to B‐doped CZ‐Si. The Oi concentrations measured by FTIR spectroscopy was decreased as the Ge concentration increased in the Si crystal. The formation of Ge‐VO complex in silicon lattice is considered as a possible reason for the variation in Oi. Moreover, the compressive strain field around the Ge‐VO complex may increase the barrier for O diffusion which limits the formation of fast diffusing O dimmers. As a consequence, the B‐O dimmer (O2i) related defects were relatively suppressed, which causes the suppression of LID effect in B and Ge codoped CZ‐Si. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Using Embodied Data for Localization and Mapping
Authors: Schwendner Jakob , Joyeux Sylvain , Kirchner Frank
Published: November 2013

Mobile autonomous robots have finally emerged from the confined spaces of structured and controlled indoor environments. To fulfill the promises of ubiquitous robotics in unstructured outdoor environments, robust navigation is a key requirement. The research in the simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) community has largely focused on optical sensors to solve this problem, and the fact that the robot is a physical entity has largely been ignored. In this paper, a hierarchical SLAM framework is proposed that takes the interaction of the robot with the environment into account. A sequential Monte Carlo filter is used to generate local map segments with a combination of visual and embodied data associations. Constraints between segments are used to generate globally consistent maps with a focus on suitability for navigation tasks. The proposed method is experimentally verified on two different outdoor robots. The results show that the approach is viable and that the rich modeling of the robot with its environment provides a new modality with the potential for improving existing visual methods and extending the availability of SLAM in domains where visual processing alone is not sufficient.
Study on Direct Reduction of Hematite Pellets Using a New TG Setup
Authors: Kazemi Mania , Glaser Björn , Sichen Du
Published: November 2013

A new thermogravimetric setup was developed to study direct reduction of iron oxide under well‐controlled experimental conditions. Pure and industrial hematite samples were isothermally reduced by hydrogen and carbon monoxide gaseous mixtures. Influences of gas composition, gas flow rate, and temperature on reduction were investigated. Reduction rates obtained using the new setup were higher compared to conventional thermogravimetric method. This difference was due to the time required to replace the inert gas with the reactant gas in the conventional method, which led to lower reduction rate at the initial stage. Carbon deposited on the surface of the pellets at relatively high gas flow rates and at low temperatures. The presence of pure iron and high carbon potential in the gas phase were the cause for carbon deposition. Study of partially reduced samples illustrated that the outer layer of pellet with high iron content thickened as reduction proceeded inside the pellet. Closure of micro‐pores and formation of dense iron phase in this layer decelerated diffusion of reactant and product gases, and led to decrease of reduction rate at later stages of reaction. At lower temperatures, this effect was coupled with carbon deposition. Therefore, the reduction was seriously hindered.
A plug‐and‐play method in an ICT system for monitoring and diagnosing power equipment conditions
Authors: Otani Tetsuo , Katayama Shigeki
Published: November 2013

Power equipment can be maintained more cost effectively by planning based upon their condition. To estimate the condition of a plant, a number of sensors can be used to measure data such as temperature and pressure, which are then collected by means of an information system along with processes and storage. For this purpose, maintenance staff must install software into the information system each time a sensor is installed; the greater the number of such tasks, the less efficient the maintenance. This paper proposes a method to facilitate the installation of software and thus reduce the burden on maintenance staff. The method proposed manages information with respect to software classes, creates instances from the classes according to sensor detection, and activates them based upon related instance states. Results using an experimental system show that the method works as we expected and also seems to be scalable. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Re: Maternal age and adverse pregnancy outcome: a cohort study. A. Khalil, A. Syngelaki, N. Maiz, Y. Zinevich and K. H. Nicolaides. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013; 42: 634–643
Authors: Audibert F.
Published: November 2013

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013:42:634–643
Discretization and numerical realization of contact problems for elastic‐perfectly plastic bodies. PART I – discretization, limit analysis
Authors: Sysala S. , Haslinger J. , Hlaváček I. , Cermak M.
Published: November 2013

The paper deals with a static case of discretized contact problems for bodies made of materials obeying Hencky's law of perfect plasticity. The main interest is focused on the analysis of the formulation in terms of displacements. This covers the study of: i) a structure of the solution set in the case when the problem has more than one solution ii) the dependence of the solution set on the loading parameter ζ. The latter is used to give a rigorous justification of the limit load approach based on work of external forces as a function of ζ. A model example illustrates the efficiency of the method.
Non‐uniform dependence on initial data of a modified periodic two‐component Camassa‐Holm system
Authors: Lv G.‐Y. , Wang X.‐H.
Published: November 2013

This paper is concerned with some properties of a modified periodic two‐component Camassa‐Holm system. By constructing two sequences of solutions of the two‐component Camassa‐Holm system, we prove that the solution map of the Cauchy problem of the two‐component Camassa‐Holm system is not uniformly continuous in .
Introduction of a New Policy of no Nighttime Appendectomies: Impact on Appendiceal Perforation Rates and Postoperative Morbidity
Authors: Schnüriger Beat , Laue Jessica , Kröll Dino , Inderbitzin Daniel , Seiler Christian A. , Candinas Daniel
Published: November 2013

Background

Working hour limitations and tight health care budgets have posed significant challenges to emergency surgical services. Since 1 January 2010, surgical interventions at Berne University Hospital between 23:00 and 08:00 h have been restricted to patients with an expected serious adverse outcome if not operated on within 6 h. This study was designed to assess the safety of this new policy that restricts nighttime appendectomies (AEs).

Methods

The patients that underwent AE from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2011 (“2010‐2011 group”) were compared retrospectively with patients that underwent AE before introduction of the new policy (1 January 2006–31 December 2009; “2006‐2009 group”).

Results

Overall, 390 patients were analyzed. There were 255 patients in the 2006–2009 group and 135 patients in the 2010–2011 group. Patients’ demographics did not differ statistically between the two study groups; however, 45.9 % of the 2006–2009 group and 18.5 % of the 2010–2011 group were operated between 23:00 and 08:00 h (p < 0.001). The rates of appendiceal perforations and surgical site infections did not differ statistically between the 2006–2009 group and the 2010–2011 group (20 vs. 18.5 %, p = 0.725 and 2 vs. 0 %, p = 0.102). Additionally, no difference was found for the hospital length of stay (3.9 ± 7.4 vs. 3.4 ± 6.0 days, p = 0.586). However, the proportion of patients with an in‐hospital delay of >12 h was significantly greater in the 2010–2011 group than in the 2006–2009 group [55.6 vs. 43.5 %, p = 0.024, odds ratio (95 % confidence interval 1.62 (1.1–2.47)].

Conclusions

Restricting AEs from 23:00 to 08:00 h does not increase the perforation rates and occurrence of clinical outcomes. Therefore, these results suggest that appendicitis may be managed safely in a semielective manner.
A Grounded Explanation of Why Women Present with Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Taib Nur Aishah , Yip Cheng Har , Low Wah Yun
Published: November 2013

Background

Advanced breast cancer presentation remains a large obstacle in lowering mortality rates in low‐ and middle‐resource countries. This study aims to explore the reasons why women present with breast cancer at an advanced stage.

Methods

Purposive sampling of 19 breast cancer patients presenting with advanced cancer that were diagnosed within 2 years at the University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In‐depth interviews were conducted, and audio‐recordings were transcribed. Sample size was determined by theoretic sufficiency, and the constructivist grounded theory method was used.

Results

The reasons for delayed presentation can be displayed in two models. The total breast cancer delay (TBCD) model was derived from the journey of the patients. Four concepts emerged: (1) pluralistic health systems; (2) points of delay; (3) presence of patient or system delays, and (4) patient decision‐making at each stage. Eight points of delay were found. At each point, evidence of a patient decision‐making model emerged: the breast cancer delay explanatory (BCDE) model, which was the process of assessing severity and knowing and choosing options. The four main operational constructs were (1) knowledge on disease and disease outcomes, (2) knowledge of treatment and treatment outcomes, (3) psychological and physical resources and support; and (4) roles in decision‐making.

Conclusions

The phenomenon is explained by the TBCD and BCDE models. Deconstructing why women present with advanced breast cancer and resist treatment provides clarity of the issues and opportunities for intervention.
Using Protamine Can Significantly Reduce the Incidence of Bleeding Complications after Carotid Endarterectomy without Increasing the Risk of Ischemic Cerebral Events
Authors: Mazzalai Franco , Piatto Giacomo , Toniato Antonio , Lorenzetti Renata , Baracchini Claudio , Ballotta Enzo
Published: November 2013

Background

Controversy persists regarding the use of protamine sulfate (PS) during carotid endarterectomy (CEA), chiefly because of conflicting experiences reporting both less bleeding and a higher stroke risk. The goal of the present study was to test the hypothesis that reversing heparin with PS after CEA significantly reduces the incidence of bleeding complications without increasing the risk of postoperative stroke.

Methods

From January 2010 to December 2012 all consecutive patients undergoing CEA under general anesthesia at our institution received 5,000 U of heparin prior to carotid clamping, which was partially (half‐dose) reversed with PS 25 mg immediately after declamping (group I). Heparinization had never been reversed with PS in earlier CEAs performed from 1998 to 2009 at the same institution (group II). All patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively by a neurologist, and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging was performed in all group I patients to exclude any silent cerebral infarction. End points of the study were bleeding complications, perioperative (30‐day) stroke, and death.

Results

Overall, 219 CEAs (201 patients) were performed in group I, and 1,458 CEAs (1,294 patients) in group II. Demographics, risk factors, and preoperative antiplatelet medication were comparable in the two groups. The incidence of adverse events (group I vs group II) was as follows: stroke (0 vs 0.5 % [8/1,458], p = 0.27); death (0 vs 0 %); neck bleeding (0 vs 8.2 % [120/1,458], p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of the present study demonstrate that (1) partially neutralizing heparin with PS after CEA can significantly reduce the risk of bleeding complications, and (2) there is no association between the administration of PS and the incidence of postoperative stroke.
Tissue Expander‐Assisted Ventral Hernia Repair for the Skin‐Grafted Damage Control Abdomen
Authors: Carr John Alfred
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To describe a novel technique using tissue expanders that allows skin coverage over large ventral hernia repairs after damage control laparotomy, including patients with stomas.

Methods

A retrospective study of a single author’s experience with the technique.

Results

Tissue expanders were placed in the lateral abdominal wall skin adjacent to stomas and expanded over a short 6‐week course. The expanders successfully stretched the skin to provide coverage over the large ventral hernia mesh repairs without infectious complications.

Conclusions

The described technique is well tolerated by patients and very useful to provide skin coverage over large ventral hernia defects without infectious complications.
Bacterial community dynamics in a rotating biological contactor treating 2-fluorophenol-containing wastewater
Authors: Duque Anouk F , Bessa Vânia S , Castro Paula M L
Published: November 2013

One of the main factors affecting the performance of rotating biological contactors (RBC) is the biofilm characteristics. Therefore, a deep understanding of the microbial population dynamics and structure of the biofilm is mandatory if optimization of organic matter and nutrients removal is targeted. This study focused on the effects of organic shock loads of 2-fluorophenol (2-FP) on the microbial diversity present in an RBC biofilm. The RBC was seeded with activated sludge from a conventional wastewater treatment plant and was operated during 496 days. During the first 126 days, the RBC was subjected to intermittent 2-FP shocks of 25 mg l−1 and no degradation occurred. Therefore, the reactor was subsequently augmented with a 2-FP-degrading strain (FP1). Afterwards, the RBC had a stable performance when subjected to 2-FP shocks up to 50 mg l−1 and to a starvation period, as indicated by removal of the compound. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) revealed large shifts in microbial communities present in the first and fifth stages, although no clear relation between the sample collection time and spatial factor was found. Phylogenetic affiliation of some predominant members was assessed by direct sequencing of correspondent DGGE bands. Affiliations to α-, β- and δ-Proteobacteria were found. Several bacterial strains isolated from the reactor showed capacity for 2-FP degradation. Strain FP1 was successfully recovered from the biofilm by plating and by DGGE, reinforcing that bioaugmentation was successfully achieved.
A European survey on awareness of post-surgical adhesions among gynaecological surgeons
Authors: Wallwiener Markus , Koninckx Philippe Robert , Hackethal Andreas , Brölmann Hans , Lundorff Per , Mara Michal , Wattiez Arnaud , De Wilde Rudy Leon ,   for The Anti-Adhesions in Gynecology Expert Panel (ANGEL)
Published: November 2013

The present survey was conducted among gynaecological surgeons from several European countries to assess the actual knowledge and practice related to post-surgical adhesions and measures for reduction. From September 1, 2012 to February 6, 2013, gynaecological surgeons were invited to answer an 18-item online questionnaire accessible through the ESGE website. This questionnaire contained eight questions on care settings and surgical practice and ten questions on adhesion formation and adhesion reduction. Four hundred fourteen surgeons participated; 70.8 % agreed that adhesions are a source of major morbidity. About half of them declared that adhesions represented an important part of their daily medical and surgical work. About two thirds informed their patients about the risk of adhesion. Most cited causes of adhesions were abdominal infections and extensive tissue trauma, and endometriosis and myomectomy surgery. Fewer surgeons expected adhesion formation after laparoscopy (18.9 %) than after laparotomy (40.8 %); 60 % knew the surgical techniques recommended to reduce adhesions; only 44.3 % used adhesion-reduction agents on a regular basis. This survey gives a broad picture of adhesion awareness amongst European gynaecological surgeons, mainly from Germany and the UK. The participants had a good knowledge of factors causing adhesions. Knowledge of surgical techniques recommended and use of anti-adhesion agents developed to reduce adhesions need to be improved.
The Treatment of Extensor Lag of the Middle Finger following Crushing–Penetrating Injuries of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint: Case Series
Authors: Hamada Yoshitaka , Hibino Naohito
Published: November 2013

We aimed to introduce a surgical option for crushing–penetrating injuries around the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint of the middle finger with extensor reconstruction of the interphalangeal (IP) joints. We also assessed the outcomes of patients using this surgical protocol. First, MP joint reconstruction was performed early (mean, 1.2 weeks after injury) using free autogenous cartilage or bone graft. We next performed a tendon transfer using a modified Brand method (M. Brand) at the same setting of extensor tendon tenolysis (mean, 4.7 months after injury) in order to extend the IP joints as a bonus for mutilating injuries of the hand. The mean arc of motion of each MP and IP joint increased after the M. Brand procedure. In one patient, worsening of palmar subluxation at the base of the proximal phalanx at the MP joint was observed. We found that tendon transfer by M. Brand achieves additional reconstruction for patients who have an IP joint extension lag after a crushing–penetrating injury around the MP joint. On the basis of these encouraging findings in this small series of cases, we recommend the M. Brand procedure after the MP joint stabilizes, as an optional bonus for mutilating injured hand.
Young people's engagement in ‘new’ parties
Authors: Miβfelder Philipp
Published: November 2013

The rise of the Pirate Party (Piratenpartei) in Germany poses a challenge to the established parties. The young party, which focuses on Internet issues, has experienced a sudden and massive rise in popularity. It is especially popular among many young people, who feel that the issues taken up by the party are derived straight from their everyday lives. Furthermore, the young party offers ways of participation that do not take up too much time. Its distinctly anti-hierarchical structure, which suggests extreme transparency, is rather attractive to young people. But besides challenges, the rise of the Pirate Party also presents opportunities. Topics and trends that have inadvertently been neglected can be taken up. Also, new forms of participation can be incorporated. The Junge Union Deutschlands has successfully taken up this challenge.
The Impact of Government Participation and Prospects on Party Policy Preferences in Belgium
Authors: Dandoy Régis
Published: November 2013

This article analyses the impact of government prospects and government participation on party policy preferences. Comparing the content of manifestos of governing and opposition parties in Belgium during three decades, I observed that the relationship of a party to the act of governing influences the content of its manifesto. In that sense, party preferences are not only driven by ideology and vote-seeking arguments but are part of a larger party strategy: parties adapt their electoral platform when they are in government or are willing to enter into it. The conclusion of the article also discusses the literature on government formation. Such literature hypothesizes that parties that are ideologically similar would form a coalition. However, results for the Belgian case demonstrate that parties strategically adapt their electoral platform when wanting to enter the government. Coalitions are made up of parties with similar policy preferences, not because they ‘are’ alike but because parties strategically ‘make’ them alike.
Understanding the Formation and Actions of Eurosceptic Groups in the European Parliament: Pragmatism, Principles and Publicity
Authors: Whitaker Richard , Lynch Philip
Published: November 2013

This article assesses why Eurosceptic national parties form groups in the European Parliament and examines in what ways two of these groups – the European Conservatives and Reformists and Europe of Freedom and Democracy – operate in the European Parliament. It draws on interviews with politicians and group officials, roll-call votes and expert judgement data. We look at the group formation process with a focus on the British Conservatives and UK Independence Party and find that the European Conservatives and Reformists group was created with a mixture of policy-seeking and party-management aims. The UK Independence Party's interest in the Europe of Freedom and Democracy group is largely on the basis of the group's provision of distinct practical advantages, such as resources for political campaigns. We provide evidence that hard Eurosceptic and regionalist niche parties in the European Parliament struggle to agree with each other in roll-call votes on a range of subjects. Finally, we show that the hard and soft Eurosceptic parties studied here go about policy-seeking in different ways in the European Parliament in line with their differing principles on the integration process.
Nematic–isotropic phase transition in turbulent thermal convection
Authors: Weiss Stephan , Ahlers Guenter
Published: November 2013

We report on turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection of a nematic liquid crystal while it undergoes a transition from the nematic to the isotropic phase in a cylindrical convection cell with a height equal to twice the diameter (aspect ratio $\Gamma = 0. 50$). The difference between the top and bottom plate temperature $ \mathrm{\Delta} T= {T}_{b} - {T}_{t} $ was held constant, while the average temperature ${T}_{m} = ({T}_{b} + {T}_{t} )/ 2$ was varied. There was a significant increase of the transported heat when the phase transition temperature ${T}_{NI} $ was between ${T}_{b} $ and ${T}_{t} $. Measurements of the temperatures along the sidewall of the sample as a function of ${T}_{m} $ showed several ranges with qualitatively different behaviour of quantities such as the time-averaged sidewall temperature, temperature gradient, or temperature fluctuations. We interpret these different ranges in terms of properties of the thermal boundary layers close to the top and bottom plates whose stability and nature depends on the location within the sample of ${T}_{NI} $.
A NOTE ON THE DIOPHANTINE EQUATION
Authors: TERAI NOBUHIRO
Published: November 2013

Let $q$ be an odd prime such that ${q}^{t} + 1= 2{c}^{s} $, where $c, t$ are positive integers and $s= 1, 2$. We show that the Diophantine equation ${x}^{2} + {q}^{m} = {c}^{n} $ has only the positive integer solution $(x, m, n)= ({c}^{s} - 1, t, 2s)$ under some conditions. The proof is based on elementary methods and a result concerning the Diophantine equation $({x}^{n} - 1)/ (x- 1)= {y}^{2} $ due to Ljunggren. We also verify that when $2\leq c\leq 30$ with $c\not = 12, 24$, the Diophantine equation ${x}^{2} + \mathop{(2c- 1)}\nolimits ^{m} = {c}^{n} $ has only the positive integer solution $(x, m, n)= (c- 1, 1, 2). $
Milk minerals modify the effect of fat intake on serum lipid profile: results from an animal and a human short-term study
Authors: Lorenzen Janne K. , Jensen Søren K. , Astrup Arne
Published: November 2013

Despite a high content of saturated fat, evidence from observational studies indicates that the consumption of dairy products may have a neutral effect or may be inversely associated with the risk of CVD. We aimed to examine whether milk minerals modify the effect of saturated fat on serum lipid profile. We present data from two studies. Study I had a randomised, blinded, parallel design (n24 pigs) with a 10 d adaptation period during which a high-fat diet was fed to the pigs and a 14 d intervention period during which the same diet either enriched with milk minerals (MM group) or placebo (control group) was fed to the pigs. Study II had a randomised cross-over design (n9 men) where the subjects were fed either a high-fat diet enriched with milk minerals (MM period) or a regular diet (control period). In both the studies, blood variables were measured before and after the intervention and faecal and urine samples were collected at the end of the dietary periods. The increase in plasma total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations but not in HDL-cholesterol concentration was markedly lowered by milk minerals in both the studies. In the animal study, baseline adjusted total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations in the MM group were 11 % (P= 0·004) and 13 % (P= 0·03) lower compared with those in the control group after the intervention. Similarly in the human study, baseline adjusted total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were 6 % (P= 0·002) and 9 % (P= 0·03) lower after the MM period compared with those in the control period. HDL-cholesterol concentration was not lowered by milk minerals. These short-term studies indicate that the addition of milk minerals to a high-fat diet to some extent attenuates the increase in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, without affecting HDL-cholesterol concentration.
Palaeoenvironmental changes at Col des Tribes (Montagne Noire, France), a reference section for the Famennian of north Gondwana-related areas
Authors: GIRARD CATHERINE , CORNÉE JEAN-JACQUES , CORRADINI CARLO , FRAVALO AURÉLIEN , FEIST RAIMUND
Published: November 2013

We present detailed biostratigraphy based on conodonts and palaeoenvironmental trends deduced from microfacies and conodont abundance through the Famennian (Late Devonian) at Col des Tribes (Montagne Noire, France). The succession is characterized by micritic limestones deposited in settings oscillating between mid to outer ramp. Facies contain poor fauna, widely dominated by nektonic organisms. This section is complete and one of the most conodont-rich for the Famennian of the north Gondwana-related area. The Upper Kellwasser event (Frasnian–Famennian boundary) and the Hangenberg (Devonian–Carboniferous boundary) have been lithologically identified. They are characterized by decimetre-thick black dysoxic to anoxic argillaceous sediments. The Condroz andannulataevents, although not materialized by lithological changes, have been positioned due to the precise stratigraphy. The first event occurred during the deposition of condensed ferruginous facies (griotte limestones) and the second event during the deposition of micrites barren of benthic fauna. The combination of information from both facies and conodont biofacies changes allows a general sea-level curve through the entire Famennian for north Gondwana to be proposed for the first time. At Col des Tribes, the general trend is a slight deepening upwards fromtriangularistotrachyterazones, then a pronounced shallowing-upwards trend from uppertrachyteratopraesulcatazones. This curve correlates with the well-known reference curve from Euramerica concerning the late Famennian (trachyteratopraesulcataZones). There are some discrepancies in minor cycles which can be explained by tectonical phenomena at the onset of the edification of the Variscan belt in Europe.
Conservation of the red-shanked doucPygathrix nemaeusin Lao People's Democratic Republic: density estimates based on distance sampling and habitat suitability modelling
Authors: Coudrat C. N. Z. , Nanthavong C. , Nekaris K. A. I.
Published: November 2013

The Endangered red-shanked doucPygathrix nemaeusis a charismatic Asian colobine endemic to Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR). The largest population is found in central-eastern Lao PDR but it has never been quantified. We conducted line-transect surveys in Nakai–Nam Theun National Protected Area in 2011–2012. We used distance sampling combined with a habitat suitability model to estimate group density and group abundance in the area. Our analysis yielded a density of 2.8 (range 1.9–4.1) groups per km2and c. 4,420 groups within the predicted c. 1,600 km2of suitable habitat in Nakai–Nam Theun. These are the only available data forP. nemaeusin Lao PDR to date. We discuss the limitations of our survey, which involved potential violations of the distance sampling method, and highlight the challenges of using this method for primates. We also consider the importance of assessing limitations in distance sampling studies, to evaluate reliability and facilitate comparisons. The population ofP. nemaeusin Lao PDR is under threat from illegal hunting and is not the focus of any specific conservation action. To avoid a repetition of the decline the species has already experienced in Vietnam, and to secure the species' global survival, conservation projects need to target the population in Nakai–Nam Theun. A long-term conservation and research project in this key biodiversity area will also benefit other threatened and unique co-existing species.
The trick of the runes in The Husband's Message
Authors: Niles John D.
Published: November 2013

The Old English poem known as The Husband's Message begins in the same
minimalist style as is typical of a number of poems of the Exeter Book
(Exeter, Cathedral Library, 3501). A first-person speaker, an ‘I’, begins speaking
without any context for speech yet being established, without any self-introduction,
and without as yet any known purpose: Nu ic onsundran þe secgan
wille … As with the Exeter Book elegies known as The Seafarer, The Wife's
Lament and Wulf and Eadwacer, just as with all fifty Exeter Book riddles that are
put into the first person singular voice, there is an implied challenge for the
reader to discover who the speaker is and to fill out his or her full story. The
poem thus begins with a small enigma. It is easy to tell that we are in the midst
of that part of the Exeter Book that consists of close to one hundred riddles
interspersed by a small miscellany of other poems, several of which are riddle-like
in their resistance to easy interpretation.
The acquisition of accusative object clitics by IA children from China: Evidence of early age effects?
Authors: DELCENSERIE AUDREY , GENESEE FRED
Published: November 2013

The present study compared the performance of twenty-seven French-speaking internationally adopted (IA) children from China to that of twenty-seven monolingual non-adopted French-speaking children (CTL) matched for age, gender, and socioeconomic status on a Clitic Elicitation task. The IA children omitted significantly more accusative object clitics and made significantly more agreement errors using clitics than the CTL children. No other significant differences were found between the groups. The findings suggest that the adoptees may experience difficulties in morphosyntactic development possibly as a result of their delayed exposure to the adopted language.
The relationship between hippocampal asymmetry and temperament in adolescent borderline and antisocial personality pathology
Authors: Jovev Martina , Whittle Sarah , Yücel Murat , Simmons Julian Guy , Allen Nicholas B. , Chanen Andrew M.
Published: November 2013

Investigating etiological processes early in the life span represents an important step toward a better understanding of the development of personality pathology. The current study evaluated the interaction between an individual difference risk factor (i.e., temperament) and a biological risk factor for aggressive behavior (i.e., atypical [larger] rightward hippocampal asymmetry) in predicting the emergence of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder symptoms during early adolescence. The sample consisted of 153 healthy adolescents (M = 12.6 years, SD = 0.4, range = 11.4–13.7) who were selected from a larger sample to maximize variation in temperament. Interactions between four temperament factors (effortful control, negative affectivity, surgency, and affiliativeness), based on the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire—Revised, and volumetric measures of hippocampal asymmetry were examined as cross-sectional predictors of BPD and antisocial personality disorder symptoms. Boys were more likely to have elevated BPD symptoms if they were high on affiliation and had larger rightward hippocampal asymmetry. In boys, low affiliation was a significant predictor of BPD symptoms in the presence of low rightward hippocampal asymmetry. For girls, low effortful control was associated with elevated BPD symptoms in the presence of atypical rightward hippocampal asymmetry. This study builds on previous work reporting significant associations between atypical hippocampal asymmetry and poor behavioral regulation.
An institutional approach to, and results for, patient with tetralogy with pulmonary atresia and major systemic-to-pulmonary collateral arteries
Authors: DeCampli William M. , Argueta-Morales I. Ricardo , Zabinsky Jennifer , Hannan Robert L. , Burke Redmond P.
Published: November 2013

Background

Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and diminutive or absent intrapericardial pulmonary arteries is a rare congenital abnormality, with high morbidity and mortality. Despite great advances in surgical- and catheter-based therapies, management remains challenging and controversial. We describe the surgical methods and the results from our institution.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of the medical records of patients included in our institutional database with tetralogy and pulmonary atresia, concentrating on those predominantly managed by our programme over their lifetime. We obtained demographics and records of all catheterisations and operations, and established mortality. We assessed the current state of those surviving in terms of clinical function at their most recent clinical evaluation and right ventricular function by echocardiography.

Results

We assessed 38 patients, with 89% follow-up. The mean number of catheterisations for each patients was 5, with a range from 1 to 15. The mean number of operations was 2.2, with a range from 1 to 6. Unifocalisation had been performed in 26 patients, with 12 undergoing procedures to recruit the native pulmonary vasculature. Of the overall cohort, eight patients died. The ventricular septal defect had been closed in all but two patients. Most patients have no or mild exercise intolerance. Right ventricle dysfunction has been a continuing hazard for 15 years.

Conclusions

An individualised approach, using unifocalisation as well as aggressive attempts to recruit the available native pulmonary vasculature, achieves outcomes in the intermediate term superior to the natural history of the lesions, and comparable with those of other studies.
Commentary on the adoption of the electronic health record
Authors: Boris Jeffrey R.
Published: November 2013

The promise of the electronic health record is to provide multiple functions including the ability to easily share information among providers, the ability to order studies, the ability to improve the safety of patients, and the ability to coordinate plans of care. Efforts to achieve these goals face multiple challenges including large expenditures of money, large expenditures of time and effort, and a persistent communication gap between the designers and the users of these electronic medical records.
Determinants of trade in recyclable wastes: evidence from commodity-based trade of waste and scrap
Authors: Higashida Keisaku , Managi Shunsuke
Published: November 2013

This paper examines factors that affect the trade of recyclable waste in both exporting and importing countries. To this end, we employ two important elements: first, we adopt a gravity model in our empirical methodology; second, we select five waste and scrap commodities and undertake estimations using commodity-level trade data. We demonstrate that, the higher the wage/per capita GDP/population of an importing country, the more recyclable wastes it imports. This result suggests that the demand for final goods and, accordingly, the demand for materials including recycled material, have strong effects on the import volume of recyclable waste. Moreover, this implies that the imports of a developing country from developed countries increase with expanding industrial activity and economic growth. We find no evidence for a pollution haven for wastes and recycling.