bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helical Tomotherapy for the Treatment of Anal Canal Cancer: A Dosimetric Comparison with 3D Conformal Radiotherapy
Authors: Ugurluer Gamze , Ballerini Giorgio , Moeckli Raphael , Matzinger Oscar , Bourhis Jean , Ozsahin Mahmut
Published: April 2015

Aims and Background

The standard treatment of anal canal cancer (ACC) is combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT), which is complex because of the shape of the target volumes and the need to minimize the irradiation of normal pelvic structures. In this study we compared the dosimetric results of helical tomotherapy (HT) plans with traditional 3D conformal RT (3DRT) plans for the treatment of ACC.

Methods and Study Design

Twelve patients (median age 57 years, range 38–83; F/M 8/4) treated with HT and concurrent chemotherapy for locally advanced ACC were selected. All had histologically confirmed squamous-cell carcinoma. A clinical target volume including the tumor and pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes was treated with HT to a total dose of 36 Gy in 1.8-Gy daily fractions. Then a sequential boost of 23.4 Gy in 1.8-Gy daily fractions (total dose 59.4 Gy) was delivered to the tumor and involved nodes. For all 12 patients, 3DRT plans were generated for comparison. Treatment plans were evaluated by means of standard dose-volume histograms. Dose coverage of the planning target volumes (PTVs), homogeneity index (HI), and mean doses to organs at risk (OARs) were compared.

Results

The coverage of PTV was comparable between the two treatment plans. HI was better in the HT vs. 3DRT plans (1.25 and 3.57, respectively; p<0.0001). HT plans resulted in better sparing of OARs (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

HT showed superior target dose conformality and significant sparing of pelvic structures compared with 3DRT. Further investigation should determine if these dosimetric improvements will improve clinical outcomes regarding locoregional control, survival, and treatment-related acute and late morbidity.
Multifraction Radiotherapy for Palliation of Painful Bone Metastases: 20 Gy versus 30 Gy
Authors: Valeriani Maurizio , Scaringi Claudia , Blasi Luciana , Carnevale Alessia , De Sanctis Vitaliana , Bonome Paolo , Bracci Stefano , Marrone Gianluca , Minniti Giuseppe , Enrici Riccardo Maurizi
Published: April 2015

Aims and Background

To compare 2 multifraction radiotherapy schedules in the palliation of painful bone metastases.

Methods and Study Design

We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 105 patients with a total of 140 painful bone metastases who were treated with 20 Gy in 5 fractions or 30 Gy in 10 fractions. The primary tumors were breast (30%), lung (28%), and prostate (14%). The main sites of irradiation were spine (n = 79) and sacrum or pelvis (n = 39). Pain was graded by patients according to the pain numeric rating scale just before and 1 month after radiotherapy. Pain progression was defined as an increase ≥2 on pain scale after an initial response.

Results

The overall response rate at 1 month was 88.6%. Overall response rate was 89.6% in the 20-Gy arm and 87.3% in the 30-Gy arm (p = 0.669). The rate of complete response was statistically better in patients treated with 30 Gy (p = 0.019). The mean reduction in pain was 3.2 in the 20-Gy group and 3.6 in the 30-Gy group. Pain progression was 6.5% and 1.6%, respectively. The incidence of acute toxicity was statistically significantly higher in the 30-Gy arm (23.8%) than in the 20-Gy arm (2.6%) (p = 0.001). One pathologic fracture of the irradiated bone was observed in the 30-Gy arm. Two lesions, one in each group, were re-irradiated for pain recurrence. Pain progression was found in 6.5% of the irradiated lesions in the 20-Gy arm and in 1.6% in the 30-Gy arm.

Conclusions

In our series, both regimens achieved high rate of pain relief, although the group treated with higher total dose reported better complete response rate. The 30-Gy arm had a significantly higher rate of acute toxicity.
Emergency Embolization of Actively Bleeding Small Renal Angiomyolipoma with a Fast Growth in Four Months
Authors: Chiancone Francesco , Mirone Vincenzo , Imbimbo Ciro , Pucci Luigi , Meccariello Clemente , Fedelini Maurizio , Fedelini Paolo
Published: April 2015

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is the most common benign tumour of the kidney and is composed of smooth muscle cells, blood vessels and fat elements. AMLs are usually casually discovered when the kidneys are imaged for other reasons. Their first presentation is often a spontaneous retroperitoneal haemorrhage or bleeding into the urinary collection system, which can be life-threatening. The bleeding tendency is related to the irregular, aneurysmal, tortuous blood vessels that compose the tumor. The greatest risks for bleeding are tumour size and grade of the vascular component of the tumour. Moreover, the risk of bleeding is proportional to the size of the lesion (it is higher in AMLs with a diameter more than 4 cm). Shock due to a grave haemorrhage from AML rupture is called Wunderlich syndrome that is clinically characterized by the Lenk's triad: acute flank pain, a flank mass and hypovolemic shock. Other symptoms and signs may be present: haematuria, palpable mass, flank pain, urinary tract infections, renal failure or hypertension. Small AMLs usually require no therapy, although follow-up is recommended in order to follow its growth. Larger or symptomatic lesions can be electively embolized and/or resected with a partial nephrectomy. AMLs that present with retroperitoneal haemorrhage frequently require emergency embolization. We describe a case of an actively bleeding small renal AML, with a rapid growth, without any evidence for big aneurysmal vessels, who underwent an emergency embolization at our hospital.
University versus Practice
Authors: van Romburgh Henriëtte , van der Merwe Nico
Published: April 2015

This study aims to determine the skills shortages in first-year trainee accountants entering practice in South Africa and to recommend ways to address and overcome those shortages. Questionnaires were administered to registered audit firms in Gauteng Province to gather the perceptions of senior trainees, managers and partners on the skills shortages in first-year trainee accountants. The overall view was that universities did not equip first-year trainees sufficiently with the skills to be successful in practice, especially with regard to professional communication and exposure to computer accounting software packages. It is argued that professional bodies and universities should work together to overcome these skills shortages.
University—Firm Interactions in Brazil
Authors: Rapini Marcia Siqueira , Chiarini Tulio , Bittencourt Pablo Felipe
Published: April 2015

The motivation for this article comes from the proposition in the literature that Latin American universities are detached from the research needs of the productive sector and that they limit their role to the human resources and training missions. The authors investigated the Brazilian scenario, using data from a survey conducted in 2008–2009 with universities and firms that interacted with each other. They found that some university–firm interactions in Brazil were diversified and embraced sophisticated knowledge generation and exchange. They also found that interactions with firms reinforced universities' missions of human resources and training provision and generated new knowledge for universities. Brazilian firms themselves have also been changing. They have been increasingly involved in innovative activities and also in more sophisticated interactions with universities.
Research Collaboration and Commercialization
Authors: Dooley Lawrence , Kenny Breda
Published: April 2015

This paper explores PhD students' perceptions of their entrepreneurial and commercial capabilities, their attitude towards university supports and the extent to which they engage in external collaboration. The study concentrated on current PhD researchers at one university in Ireland as a unit of analysis and provides encouraging evidence from the PhD student perspective. There is a strong base to work from, considering the level of absorptive capacity in terms of industrial experience and the desire to increase business/entrepreneurial capability. This capacity sits alongside a realism on the part of the students, who openly acknowledge their skills deficit but believe that education modules can close this gap. There was a willingness to invest in entrepreneurial up-skilling to a point, with the students wishing to maintain a balance between mastery of their discipline and the development of entrepreneurial capability. However, no evidence was found that individual capability combined with university supports is a predictor of research commercialization activities or of collaborative research endeavours.
Universities and Innovation in a Factor-Driven Economy
Authors: Hadidi Hala El , Kirby David A.
Published: April 2015

The paper explores the role of universities in innovation in the modern knowledge economy, discusses the Triple Helix model and the entrepreneurial university, and then examines the application of these concepts in Egypt. The study, which specifically addresses the roles of universities in the innovation process in Egypt, is based on a series of in-depth interviews with eighteen Egyptian experts drawn from government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academia. The paper shows that universities do play a role in the innovation process in Egypt, but that more needs to be done. It points to the challenges the universities encounter and calls for an integrated innovation policy that includes higher education. The paper will be of particular relevance to academics and policy makers in Egypt and other factor-driven economies.
Sources, Problems, and Prospects for a History on the Piety of Jan Długosz, with Special Reference to Liturgy
Authors: Radzilowski Paul J.
Published: April 2015

While remembered primarily as author of a landmark fifteenth- century chronicle of Polish history, Jan Długosz was also a diplomat and priest, among other occupations. This article attempts to highlight Długosz’s “piety,” in its medieval sense emphasizing the qualities of holy mercy and charity, chiefly through an examination of liturgical sources. After weighing the complexities of issues and evidence, the author concludes that a satisfactory picture of the piety of Długosz emerges, consistent with the themes and exhortations found in his historical writings.
Heroes and the Monstrous Event of the Holocaust inSchindler’sList andKorczak
Authors: Szczypa Piotr
Published: April 2015

Two notable films set against the backdrop of wartime Poland and the Holocaust, released three years apart—Andrzej Wajda’s Korczak and Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List—are compared. Numerous similarities are found, possibly because Spielberg was influenced by the earlier work. Both films are structured around their title characters—alike in some ways, profoundly different in others—the first a Polish- Jewish educator and orphanage director who remained faithful to his youthful charges even unto death at Treblinka, the second a German Nazi profiteer who repented and famously arranged to save the lives of his Jewish workers. Each is presented as a strong fatherly figure, although Korczak is presented as an idealist who stays true to his principles despite the war and Schindler as a man transformed for the better by the conflict. While there is strong reason to believe that Schindler offers an idealized picture of its protagonist, Wajda’s portrayal of Korczak can be considered historically accurate.
The Polish American Congress and the Organized Polish American Community Since 1999 Defining a New Mission After Poland’s Entry to NATO
Authors: Pienkos Donald E.
Published: April 2015

The liberation of Poland from dictatorship and foreign domination, and its transformation into a democracy allied with the United States after its admission to NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization), fulfilled the original mission of the Polish American Congress (PAC), founded in 1944. This success brought with it the challenge of rethinking the organization’s objectives. For a variety of reasons, little was done to meet this challenge until 2008, when the PAC began taking a series of steps to determine its future course. These steps have included the adoption of a revised mission statement and a pair of meetings held in 2014. Still, the task of equipping the PAC to play a significant role in American civic life remains a work in progress.
O COMPORTAMENTO AMBIENTAL DE ESTUDANTES DE GRADUAÇÃO: UM MODELO INTERNACIONAL DE EQUAÇÕES ESTRUTURAIS APLICADO AO CONTEXTO BRASILEIRO.
Authors: Jacomossi Rafael Ricardo , Morano Rogério , Barrichello Alcides
Published: April 2015

Com a necessidade emergente de que cidadãos desenvolvam maior criticidade e reflexão em suas rotinas sobre assuntos ligados a preservação do meio-ambiente, e, sobretudo, que esse maior nível de conscientização se traduza em modificações de comportamento na direção de uma sociedade mais sustentável, a educação formal, principalmente no escopo de cursos de graduação, vem demonstrando sinais significativos de que pode contribuir nesse processo. Visando entender esta relação, educação formal / comportamento sustentável, o presente artigo apresenta como objetivo aplicar e testar no Brasil um modelo de equações estruturais, desenvolvido no âmbito de estudantes de graduação da Malásia. A amostragem desse estudo se deu com 446 estudantes de graduação de cursos de negócios na cidade de São Paulo e utilizou-se de análise fatorial confirmatória através do software Lisrel® para embasar as análises e conclusões. Comparativamente à pesquisa original, a inovação no método se deu pela incorporação do construto desejabilidade social, o que permitiu verificar o não enviesamento das respostas, eliminando-se o risco de obtenção de dados politicamente corretos, mas que não representassem a real opinião dos componentes da amostra pesquisada. Como resultado da pesquisa, inferiu-se que a formalização do ensino de sustentabilidade com sua inclusão na grade formal dos cursos de graduação contribui para que estudantes tenham comportamentos ambientalmente corretos em suas práticas diárias.
RESPONSABILIDADE SOCIAL EM PEQUENAS EMPRESAS: EFEITO SOBRE A DESIGUALDADE SOCIAL - “XVI ENGEMA”
Authors: Mulinari Zanin Elis Regina , Dos Santos Parisotto Iara Regina
Published: April 2015

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar os efeitos das ações de Responsabilidade Social Empresarial (RSE), praticadas nas pequenas empresas, sobre a desigualdade social. De modo geral, as pesquisas sobre RSE tem centrado a atenção quase que exclusivamente para grandes corporações, fato que justifica a importância deste estudo. Os argumentos teóricos propostos por Carroll (1979, 1991) sobre RSE foram considerados como base para o estudo, em que foram testadas seis hipóteses de pesquisa, considerando os efeitos das dimensões de RSE, tamanho e experiência da empresa. Para tanto, coletou-se um total de 66 questionários respondidos por empresas do setor da indústria de transformação de São Miguel do Oeste (SC). A partir de análises fatoriais e regressão linear múltipla foram testadas 21 ações de RSE relacionadas a desigualdade social. Vale ressaltar que a responsabilidade econômica da empresa, bem como o cumprimento irrestrito a legislação não produzem efeitos sobre a desigualdade social. Evidencia-se que o comportamento ético e a promoção de ações filantrópicas pelas pequenas empresas produzem efeitos quanto à desigualdade social. Ainda, os efeitos das ações de RSE sobre a desigualdade social são moderados pelo tamanho de empresa, contudo não apresentam moderação pela variável de controle experiência de empresa.
Probable nature of higher-dimensional symmetries underlying mammalian grid-cell activity patterns
Authors: Mathis Alexander , Stemmler Martin B , Herz Andreas VM
Published: April 2015

Lattices abound in nature—from the crystal structure of minerals to the honey-comb organization of ommatidia in the compound eye of insects. These arrangements provide solutions for optimal packings, efficient resource distribution, and cryptographic protocols. Do lattices also play a role in how the brain represents information? We focus on higher-dimensional stimulus domains, with particular emphasis on neural representations of physical space, and derive which neuronal lattice codes maximize spatial resolution. For mammals navigating on a surface, we show that the hexagonal activity patterns of grid cells are optimal. For species that move freely in three dimensions, a face-centered cubic lattice is best. This prediction could be tested experimentally in flying bats, arboreal monkeys, or marine mammals. More generally, our theory suggests that the brain encodes higher-dimensional sensory or cognitive variables with populations of grid-cell-like neurons whose activity patterns exhibit lattice structures at multiple, nested scales.
Use of a Novel Assay to Measure Pre-to Posttraining Palpatory Skills of First-Year Osteopathic Medical Students
Authors: Loh Meredith S. , Gevitz Norman , Gilliar Wolfgang G. , Iacono Lauren M. , Jung Min-Kyung , Krishnamachari Bhuma , Amsler Kurt
Published: April 2015

Context: Although palpation is a central skill in the practice of osteopathic medicine, few data are available on factors affecting the development of palpatory skills.

Objective: To use a novel palpatory skills assay to assess the role of training and practice in the development of palpatory skills in an osteopathic medical student population.

Methods: The palpatory skills of first-year osteopathic medical students were assessed using a simple, objective palpation assay that consisted of locating a dime placed under sheets of copy paper at depths of 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, and 400 sheets. Two trials were performed at each depth. The assay was performed at the beginning and at the end of the students' first term. To determine whether practice with the assay impacted participant performance, a third assay was conducted to compare the performance of students who completed the assays at the beginning and at the end of the term with that of students who had never completed the assay.

Results: Sixty-three participants completed the assays at the beginning and end of the term. Fifty-seven of those 63 participants and 192 participants who had not previously completed the assay completed the third assay. A wide variability in number of correct responses per participant was observed at both the beginning (range, 0-11 correct) and the end (range, 2-12 correct) of the term. The mean (SD) number of correct responses per participant increased from the beginning (5.49 [2.78]) to the end (7.17 [2.27]) of the term. Analysis using the generalized estimating equation model demonstrated that both paper depth and experience (ie, beginning vs end of the term) were statistically significant determinants of the number of correct responses (P<.001). The Kaplan-Meier method indicated that the median paper depth at which participants first scored no correct responses increased from 200 sheets (95% CI, 171-229) at the beginning of the term to 300 sheets (95% CI, 232-367) at the end of the term (P<.001). In the third assay, no significant differences were noted in the performance of students who had completed the 2 previous assays vs participants who had not completed the previous assays (P=.136).

Conclusion: Participants' palpatory skills improved from the beginning to the end of the term. The range of participants' palpatory skills at the beginning of the term suggests that other factors in addition to training influenced participants' palpatory skill level. Additional research is needed to identify and investigate factors that influence the development of palpatory skills. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2015;115(1):32-40 doi:10.7556/jaoa.2015.005
Sonography of Traumatic Quadriceps Tendon Tears With Surgical Correlation
Authors: Foley Ryan , Fessell David , Yablon Corrie , Nadig Jeffrey , Brandon Catherine , Jacobson Jon
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Using surgical correlation as the reference standard, the purpose of this study was to assess the ability of sonography to detect quadriceps tendon tears that require surgical treatment (high‐grade partial tears and complete ruptures).

Methods

Two hundred thirty‐nine consecutive sonographic reports of the knee (May 2001 to October 2008) with subsequent surgical correlation were retrospectively reviewed for surgical intervention on the quadriceps tendon. All sonograms were blindly and retrospectively reviewed. Surgical findings were compared with results from the consensus review. Results from the original sonographic reports (nonretrospective interpretation) were also compared with the surgical findings.

Results

On the retrospective consensus review, the sensitivity (23 of 23), specificity (16 of 16), and accuracy (39 of 39) were 100% for identifying high‐grade partial tears or complete ruptures versus a normal quadriceps tendon. For the original, nonretrospective sonographic reports, 22 of 23 high‐grade partial tears or complete ruptures (96%) were correctly diagnosed.

Conclusions

Sonography is an effective tool for identifying quadriceps tendon tears that require surgical treatment (high‐grade partial tears and complete ruptures).
Estimation of the Growth Rate in Fetuses With an Abnormal Cerebroplacental Ratio Compared to Those With Suspected Growth Restriction Without Evidence of Centralization of Blood Flow
Authors: Regan Jodi , Masters Heather , Warshak Carri R.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the growth rate in fetuses with suspected growth restriction according to their Doppler characteristics.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of fetuses with suspected growth restriction was identified. We reviewed umbilical artery and middle cerebral Doppler pulsatility indices and calculated the cerebroplacental ratio. Three study groups were determined: (1) normal umbilical artery Doppler findings; (2) abnormal umbilical artery findings with a normal cerebroplacental ratio; and (3) abnormal umbilical artery findings with an abnormal cerebroplacental ratio. The primary outcome was the growth rate as estimated by fetal biometry from serial sonographic evaluations. Analysis of the mean growth rate in each study group was performed by analysis of variance. In addition, linear regression analysis comparing the cerebroplacental ratio to the growth rate was performed.

Results

Fetal growth restriction was suspected in 416 patients; 176 patients were included in this analysis: 113, 38, and 25 in groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. The estimated mean (SD) growth rate in group 3 was significantly lower than in groups 1 and 2: 8.3 (4.4) versus 19.6 (6.0) and 18.6 (7.7) g/d, respectively (P < .001). Linear regression analysis revealed a strong correlation between the growth rate and cerebroplacental ratio (r = 0.76; R2 = 0.58) as well as the birth weight and cerebroplacental ratio (r = 0.78; R2 = 0.61).

Conclusions

In fetuses with suspected growth restriction and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler findings, an abnormal cerebroplacental ratio is strongly associated with reduced fetal growth. In contrast, if the cerebroplacental ratio is normal, even in the setting of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler findings, fetuses grow similarly to those with normal umbilical artery findings.
Quantification of Kidney Fibrosis Using Ultrasonic Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Moon Sung Kyoung , Kim Sang Yoon , Cho Jeong Yeon , Kim Seung Hyup
Published: April 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ultrasonic shear wave elastography for quantification of renal fibrosis in an experimental rabbit model.

Methods

Thirty‐eight kidneys of 19 rabbits were studied and categorized into 3 groups: group I, ureter obstruction (n = 9); group II, renal vein occlusion (n = 10); and group III, normal control (n = 19). Before surgery, we measured stiffness at the renal cortex using shear wave elastography and evaluated the sonographic findings, including size, echogenicity, and resistive index. We repeated the same sonographic examinations weekly until the fourth week. The degree of histologically quantified fibrosis and the measured stiffness values were statistically compared.

Results

There was no significant difference in the mean stiffness values for the renal cortex in the 3 groups before surgery (8.95 kPa in group I, 9.06 kPa in group II, and 9.74 kPa in group III; P > .05). However, the mean stiffness in each group on the last sonographic examination was significantly different (10.91 kPa in group I, 13.92 kPa in group II, and 9.77 kPa in group III; P = .003). Pathologically, the degree of fibrosis was also significantly different (3.62% in group I, 11.70% in group II, and 0.70% in group III; P< .001). The fibrosis degree and stiffness were positively correlated (ρ = 0.568; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Tissue stiffness measured by ultrasonic shear wave elastography was positively correlated with histopathologic renal fibrosis. Ultrasonic shear wave elastography may be used as a noninvasive tool for predicting renal fibrosis.
Sonographic Findings in an Isolated Widened Fetal Subarachnoid Space
Authors: Tongsong Theera , Puntachai Pongsun , Tongprasert Fuanglada , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Luewan Suchaya , Traisrisilp Kuntharee
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this series was to describe sonographic features of an isolated widened fetal subarachnoid space with a thin cerebral mantle and possible associations. Between January 2004 and December 2013, fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of a widened subarachnoid space were prospectively recruited and followed. Histories of medical and familial diseases, as well as other demographic data such as drug exposure and lifestyles, were assessed and prospectively recorded. The women were investigated for possible associated factors. Ten pregnant women were recruited. Their fetuses showed various degrees of a widened subarachnoid space, ranging from 5 to 20 mm. Nearly all were diagnosed in the second half of pregnancy. Four cases had normal brain structures documented at midpregnancy anomaly screening. Only 1 case had a prenatal diagnosis of a widened subarachnoid space at 20 weeks' gestation. Two fetuses had exposure to alcohol in utero; 2 were proven to have cytomegalovirus infection; 1 had subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to maternal use of warfarin; and 1 had a diagnosis of lissencephaly. Only 1 case in this series had normal postnatal development. A prenatal series of fetal widened subarachnoid spaces with possible associated factors is described. Although such relationships were not fully proven, they should be index cases for future studies.
La mise en œuvre d'une intervention Logement d'abord en région rurale canadienne
Authors: Jetté Jonathan , Aubry Tim , Cherner Rebecca , Ecker John , Yamin Stéphanie , Bourque Jimmy
Published: April 2015

Cet article présente une évaluation formative d'un programme Logement d'abord (Housing First) offert en région rurale. Les deux objectifs consistent à décrire les personnes desservies et comment le modèle Logement d'abord fut adapté afin d'offrir des services en milieu rural. La recherche repose sur une méthodologie mixte. Le volet quantitatif, de nature descriptive, porte sur 23 participants et participantes. Le volet qualitatif s'attarde à ce qui a pu contribuer à l'implantation du modèle et les défis qui subsistent, selon 15 informateurs clés. Les leçons tirées de l'expérience et les retombées pour les politiques et les programmes de logement au Canada sont discutées.
A unified GPS‐based earthquake catalog for the Sumatran plate boundary between 2002 and 2013
Authors: Feng Lujia , Hill Emma M. , Banerjee Paramesh , Hermawan Iwan , Tsang Louisa L. H. , Natawidjaja Danny H. , Suwargadi Bambang W. , Sieh Kerry
Published: April 2015

We have compiled the first self‐consistent GPS‐based earthquake catalog for the Sumatran plate boundary. Using continuous daily position time series from the Sumatran GPS Array (SuGAr), we document 30 earthquakes which occurred within or outside the SuGAr network from August 2002 through the end of 2013, and we provide estimates of both vertical and horizontal coseismic offsets associated with 1 M9.2, 3 M8, 6 M7, 19 M6, and 1 M5.9 earthquakes, as well as postseismic decay amplitudes and times associated with 9 M > 7 earthquakes and 1 M6.7 earthquake. For most of the previously studied earthquakes, our geodetic catalog provides more complete coseismic displacements than those published, showing consistent patterns of motion across a large range of distances. For many of the moderate to large earthquakes, we publish their coseismic displacements for the first time, providing new constraints on their locations and slip distributions. For the postseismic time series, we have tackled the challenge of separating the signals for individual events from the overlapping effects of many other earthquakes. As a result, we have obtained either new or much longer time series than previously published. Based on our long time series, we find logarithmic decay times ranging from several days to more than 20 years, and sometimes a second decay time is needed, suggesting that when studying large to great Sumatran earthquakes, we need to consider multiple postseismic mechanisms. Our geodetic catalog provides rich spatial and temporal Sumatran earthquake cycle information for future studies of the physics and dynamics of the Sumatran plate boundary.
Role of tides on the formation of the Antarctic Slope Front at the Weddell‐Scotia Confluence
Authors: Flexas M. M. , Schodlok M. P. , Padman L. , Menemenlis D. , Orsi A. H.
Published: April 2015

The structure of the Antarctic Slope Front (ASF) and the associated Antarctic Slope Current (ASC) on the Scotia Sea side of the Weddell‐Scotia Confluence (WSC) is described using data from a hydrographic survey and three 1 year long moorings across the continental slope. The ASC in this region flows westward along isobaths with an annual mean speed of ∼0.2 m s−1, with time variability dominated by the K1 and O1 tidal diurnal constituents, a narrowband oscillation with ∼2‐week period attributable to the spring/neap tidal cycle, and seasonal variability. Realistic and idealized high‐resolution numerical simulations are used to determine the contribution of tides to the structure of the ASF and the speed of the ASC. Two simulations forced by realistic atmospheric forcing and boundary conditions integrated with and without tidal forcing show that tidal forcing is essential to reproduce the measured ASF/ASC cross‐slope structure, the time variability at our moorings, and the reduced stratification within the WSC. Two idealized simulations run with tide‐only forcing, one with a homogeneous ocean and the other with initial vertical stratification that is laterally homogeneous, show that tides can generate the ASC and ASF through volume flux convergence along the slope initiated by effects including the Lagrangian component of tidal rectification and mixing at the seabed and in the stratified ocean interior. Climate models that exclude the effects of tides will not correctly represent the ASF and ASC or their influence on the injection of intermediate and dense waters from the WSC to the deep ocean.
On the effect of connectivity on solute transport in spatially heterogeneous combined unsaturated‐saturated flow systems
Authors: Russo David
Published: April 2015

Detailed numerical analyses of flow and transport were used to investigate the effect of spatially connected features on transport in three‐dimensional (3‐D), spatially heterogeneous, combined vadose zone‐groundwater flow systems. Formations with spatially connected fine‐textured and coarse‐textured features (F‐formation and C‐formation, respectively), representing the10th and the 90th percentiles of the distributions of the formation's hydraulic parameters, respectively, were considered here. Results of the analyses suggest that in steady state flow, when the unsaturated zone of the combined flow domains is relatively wet, as compared with a Multivariate‐Gaussian (MG) formation, spatially connected features may reduce the solute first arrival time, particularly in the C‐formation, and may enhance the spreading of the solute breakthrough, particularly in the F‐formation. The effect of the spatially connected features on the hydrological response, however, decreases as the unsaturated zone becomes drier. The latter result stems from the decrease in the fraction of the water‐filled, pore‐space occupied by the connected structures, with decreasing water content. The latter finding also explains the result that the response of more realistic, combined flow systems, whose unsaturated zone is associated with relatively low, intermittent water contents, is essentially independent of the spatially connected features of the formations, regardless of their soil texture.
Response of reverse convection to fast IMF transitions
Authors: Taguchi S. , Tawara A. , Hairston M. R. , Slavin J. A. , Le G. , Matzka J. , Stolle C.
Published: April 2015

The nature of the transition that high‐latitude reverse convection makes in response to fast interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) changes is investigated using observations from multiple spacecraft and a ground magnetometer array. We focused on two fast IMF‐transition events on 22 April 2006. Immediately after the first event, three ST5 spacecraft identified a clear change in the distribution of the polar cap field‐aligned current. Coordinate observations with the Greenland magnetometer chain showed that the near‐noon Hall current distribution, which is closely related to the polar cap field‐aligned current or reverse convection, was in a transition state for about 10 min. For the second event, the Greenland magnetic perturbations also showed that a transition state occurred in the near‐noon sector for 10–15 min. Three DMSP spacecraft that traversed the polar cap provided evidence showing that variations of the ground magnetic perturbations were produced by the transition from clockwise plasma circulation to the anticlockwise circulation over the polar cap. A simple calculation based on the Biot‐Savart law shows that the near‐noon transition state is consistent with the approach of a new convection region to the near‐noon sector at the speed of 0.5–1 km s–1, which is coupled with the moving away of the old convection region at a similar speed. For the higher‐latitude sunward flow region, it is found that the convection takes a transition state almost simultaneously (within 1 min) with that in the near‐noon sector, i.e., quasi‐instantaneous response.
The crustal structure of the western Himalayas and Tibet
Authors: Gilligan Amy , Priestley Keith F. , Roecker Steven W. , Levin Vadim , Rai S. S.
Published: April 2015

We present new, high‐resolution, shear velocity models for the western Himalayas and West Tibet from the joint inversion of P receiver functions recorded using seismic stations from four arrays in this region and fundamental mode Rayleigh wave group velocity maps from 5–70 s covering Central and Southern Asia. The Tibetan Plateau is a key locality in understanding large‐scale continental dynamics. A large number of investigations has examined the structure and processes in eastern Tibet; however, western Tibet remains relatively understudied. Previous studies in this region indicate that the western part of the Tibetan Plateau is not a simple extension of the eastern part. The areas covered by these arrays include the Karakoram and Altan‐Tagh faults, and major terrane boundaries in West Tibet and the Himalayas. The arrays used include broadband data collected by the West Tibet Array, a U.S.‐China deployment on the western side of the Tibetan Plateau between 2007 and 2011. We use the shear wave velocity models to obtain estimates of Moho depth. The Moho is deep (68–84 km) throughout West Tibet. We do not observe significant steps within the Moho beneath West Tibet. A large step in Moho depth is observed at the Altyn‐Tagh fault, where Moho depths are 20–30 km shallower to the north of the fault compared to those to the south. Beneath the Lhasa Terrane and Tethyan Himalayas, we observe a low‐velocity zone in the midcrust. This feature is not interrupted by the Karakoram Fault, suggesting that the Karakoram Fault does not cut through the entire crust.
High‐resolution imaging of rapid tremor migrations beneath southern Vancouver Island using cross‐station cross correlations
Authors: Peng Yajun , Rubin Allan M. , Bostock Michael G. , Armbruster John G.
Published: April 2015

We develop a cross‐station method to detect and locate tremor and low‐frequency earthquakes (LFEs), based on the original work of Armbruster et al. (2014) that compares waveforms from the same time window at stations separated by roughly 10 km. To improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio, we first rotate the horizontal components into the empirical shear wave particle motion direction. The large‐scale “rapid tremor reversals” beneath southern Vancouver Island are best recorded by stations that exhibit pronounced shear wave splitting, which obscures this optimal direction. We correct for splitting using the stacked templates of 11 low‐frequency earthquake families obtained in this region by Bostock et al. (2012). We find that the style of rapid tremor migrations (RTMs) evolves as the main front passes over a region. Very close to the main front, numerous small‐scale migrations occur with recurrence intervals far shorter than tidal periods. These usually propagate along the main front even when that is not parallel to dip. Several larger RTMs propagating along the main front have prominent elongation orthogonal to the propagation direction, inconsistent with the interpretation that their large propagation speed is an “apparent” velocity caused by the slow main front intersecting a preexisting linear structure on the plate interface. Farther behind the main front, RTMs gradually progress to being tidally modulated and have generally slower propagation speeds. Many reversal‐like RTMs are observed, some of which evolve from fronts initially propagating along the main front. These reversals are sometimes coherent across regions of low tremor density.
Thin PZT‐Based Ferroelectric Capacitors on Flexible Silicon for Nonvolatile Memory Applications
Authors: Ghoneim Mohamed T. , Zidan Mohammed A. , Alnassar Mohammed Y. , Hanna Amir N. , Kosel Jurgen , Salama Khaled N. , Hussain Muhammad M.
Published: April 2015

A flexible version of traditional thin lead zirconium titanate ((Pb1.1Zr0.48Ti0.52O3)‐(PZT)) based ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM) on silicon shows record performance in flexible arena. The thin PZT layer requires lower operational voltages to achieve coercive electric fields, reduces the sol‐gel coating cycles required (i.e., more cost‐effective), and, fabrication wise, is more suitable for further scaling of lateral dimensions to the nano‐scale due to the larger feature size‐to‐depth aspect ratio (critical for ultra‐high density non‐volatile memory applications). Utilizing the inverse proportionality between substrate's thickness and its flexibility, traditional PZT based FeRAM on silicon is transformed through a transfer‐less manufacturable process into a flexible form that matches organic electronics' flexibility while preserving the superior performance of silicon CMOS electronics. Each memory cell in a FeRAM array consists of two main elements; a select/access transistor, and a storage ferroelectric capacitor. Flexible transistors on silicon have already been reported. In this work, we focus on the storage ferroelectric capacitors, and report, for the first time, its performance after transformation into a flexible version, and assess its key memory parameters while bent at 0.5 cm minimum bending radius.
Controlling Resistance Switching Polarities of Epitaxial BaTiO3 Films by Mediation of Ferroelectricity and Oxygen Vacancies
Authors: Li Ming , Zhou Jian , Jing Xiaosai , Zeng Min , Wu Sujuan , Gao Jinwei , Zhang Zhang , Gao Xingsen , Lu Xubing , Liu J.‐M. , Alexe Marin
Published: April 2015

In this work, the observations of different resistive switching polarities of epitaxial BaTiO3 (BTO) thin films fabricated by pulsed laser deposition are reported. The BTO films with various ferroelectric states and oxygen vacancy (VO) concentrations are achieved by carefully controlling the oxygen pressure during the depositions. For films with no ferroelectricity and high VO concentrations, the resistance will change from a low resistance state (LRS) to a high resistance state (HRS) during a positive voltage cycle (0 → 3 → 0 V), and from a HRS to a LRS during a negative voltage cycle (0 → −3 → 0 V). However, completely opposite RS polarity is observed for the films with weak ferroelectricity and intermediate VO concentrations. Such RS behaviors and polarity can be hardly observed or negligible for the films with good ferroelectricity and nearly free of VO. It is proposed that the unique resistance switching polarities of BTO films are attributed to the competition between the ferroelectricity and oxygen vacancy migration dynamics. Results clarify the complex RS mechanisms in the BTO films, and address the competing ferroelectricity and VO migration in modulating the RS behaviors of ferroelectric oxide‐based resistive memory devices.
High‐temperature molecular dynamics simulation of cellobiose and maltose
Authors: Murillo Jessica D. , Moffet Melissa , Biernacki Joseph J. , Northrup Scott
Published: April 2015

Thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to renewable fuels and chemicals occurs through high temperature decomposition of the main structural components in plants, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Cellulose and hemicellulose comprise mostly carbohydrates. Two disaccharides, maltose and cellobiose, are used as model compounds to explore differences in thermal stability due to the orientation of the glycosidic bond. First principles molecular dynamics and density functional theory have been used to probe the decomposition of these disaccharides during pyrolysis at 700 K. The results suggest that maltose, the α‐disaccharide, is less thermally stable. Dynamic bond length analysis for maltose indicates that several CC bonds and the CO bonds on the pyranose ring demonstrate signs of weakening, whereas no such scissile bonds were identified for cellobiose. The higher stability of the cellobiose is believed to originate from the persistence of low‐energy hydroxymethyl conformers throughout the simulation which enable strong inter‐ring hydrogen bonding. Thermogravimetric and mass spectroscopic experiments corroborate the enhanced thermal stability of cellobiose, wherein the onset of decomposition was observed at higher temperatures for cellobiose than for maltose. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 2562–2570, 2015
Does comorbid anxiety predict quality of life outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis following endoscopic sinus surgery?
Authors: Steele Toby O. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: April 2015

Background

Approximately 25% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have comorbid anxiety and both conditions independently decrease quality of life (QOL). QOL outcomes for CRS and depression have garnered the majority of research attention, but efforts to better understand the impact of anxiety disorders on QOL are increasing. We evaluated the role of comorbid anxiety in patients with CRS undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods

Adult patients (n = 148) with CRS with and without comorbid anxiety were prospectively enrolled into a treatment outcomes investigation. History of comorbid anxiety was retrospectively identified (n = 30; 20%) and preoperative and postoperative QOL (Rhinosinusitis Disability Index [RSDI], and 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test [SNOT‐22]) scores were compared to patients without comorbid anxiety.

Results

Compared to patients without anxiety, patients with anxiety were found to be younger (p = 0.02) and have a higher prevalence of female gender (p = 0.05), diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), and tobacco use (p = 0.03). Participants with comorbid anxiety reported significantly worse preoperative psychological dysfunction as measured by SNOT‐22 subdomain scores (p = 0.02), as well as worse preoperative functional (p = 0.04) and emotional (p = 0.001) impairment as evaluated by RSDI subdomain scores. After adjustment for other cofactors, patients with anxiety improved significantly less on SNOT‐22 total scores compared to participants without anxiety after ESS (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Anxiety occurs with higher prevalence in patients with CRS and the presence of comorbid anxiety is associated with worse preoperative QOL and reduced QOL improvement following ESS. These findings warrant improvement in screening, diagnosis, and treatment for patients with CRS and comorbid anxiety.
Review of methodological choices in LCA of biorefinery systems ‐ key issues and recommendations
Authors: Ahlgren Serina , Björklund Anna , Ekman Anna , Karlsson Hanna , Berlin Johanna , Börjesson Pål , Ekvall Tomas , Finnveden Göran , Janssen Matty , Strid Ingrid
Published: April 2015

The current trend in biomass conversion technologies is toward more efficient utilization of biomass feedstock in multiproduct biorefineries. Many life‐cycle assessment (LCA) studies of biorefinery systems have been performed but differ in how they use the LCA methodology. Based on a review of existing LCA standards and guidelines, this paper provides recommendations on how to handle key methodological issues when performing LCA studies of biorefinery systems. Six key issues were identified: (i) goal definition, (ii) functional unit, (iii) allocation of biorefinery outputs, (iv) allocation of biomass feedstock, (v) land use, and (vi) biogenic carbon and timing of emissions. Many of the standards and guidelines reviewed here provide only general methodological recommendations. Some make more specific methodological recommendations, but these often differ between standards. In this paper we present some clarifications (e.g. examples of research questions and suitable functional units) and methodological recommendations (e.g. on allocation). © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
A small molecule—DNA binding landscape
Authors: Chaires Jonathan B.
Published: April 2015

This brief account traces the development of a “competition dialysis” method used to characterize the structural and sequence selectivity of DNA binding compounds. The method was inspired by a simple “differential dialysis” method pioneered by Don Crothers to explore base‐selective intercalator binding. Results from compiled competition dialysis studies provide a small‐molecule DNA binding landscape that shows a rich diversity of interactions and molecular recognition. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 103: 473–479, 2015.
Succesful antegrade subintimal bypass restenting of in‐stent chronic total occlusion
Authors: Quevedo Henry C. , Irimpen Anand , Abi Rafeh Nidal
Published: April 2015

Coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are known to cause significant patient morbidity. Over the past several years, the techniques and devices for treating these CTOs have advanced tremendously. The interventional management of CTOs within previously placed coronary stents, however, remains challenging. Here, we present a case of an in‐stent restenosis of the right coronary artery CTO bypassed using a controlled subintimal dissection re‐entry technique via antegrade approach creating side‐by‐side stents. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.