bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Study toward Consistent Soil Moisture from AMSR2
Authors: Parinussa Robert M. , Holmes Thomas R. H. , Wanders Niko , Dorigo Wouter A. , de Jeu Richard A. M.
Published: December 2014

A preliminary study toward consistent soil moisture products from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) is presented. Its predecessor, the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (AMSR-E), has provided Earth scientists with a consistent and continuous global soil moisture dataset. A major challenge remains to achieve synergy between these soil moisture datasets, which is hampered by the lack of an overlapping observation period of the sensors. Here, observations of the multifrequency microwave radiometer on board the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite were used to improve consistency between AMSR-E and AMSR2. Several scenarios to achieve synergy between the AMSR-E and AMSR2 soil moisture products were evaluated. The novel soil moisture retrievals from C-band observations, a frequency band that is lacking on board the TRMM satellite, are also presented. A global comparison of soil moisture retrievals against ERA-Interim soil moisture demonstrates the need for an intercalibration procedure. Several different scenarios based on filtering were tested, and the impact on the soil moisture retrievals was evaluated against two independent reference soil moisture datasets (reanalysis and in situ soil moisture) that cover both individual observation periods of the AMSR-E and AMSR2 sensors. Results show a high degree of consistency between both satellite products and two independent reference products for the soil moisture products retrieved from X-band observations. Care should be taken in the interpretation of the presented soil moisture products, and future research is needed to further align the AMSR2 and AMSR-E sensor calibrations.
Towards dialogues with and within silence in psychotherapy processes: Why the person of the therapist and the client matters?
Authors: Lehmann Olga V
Published: December 2014

A clinical practice, when seen as a cultural setting, acts as a social regulator of both talk and silence. Taking the paper of Martínez et al. as a starting point, I suggest an integrative understanding of the psychotherapeutic process as a discursive genre highlighting the possible implications that the focus on silence can have in the dynamics of different I-positions. Furthermore, I hypothesize that generalization in psychotherapy research from the perspective of Semiotic Cultural Psychology and Dialogical Self Theory is to contemplate the tension between the uniqueness and sameness of specific: (a) psychotherapeutic approaches; (b) emotional tonalities of both therapist and client; (c) trajectories of the psychotherapeutic process; and (d) understandings of dialogue, meeting/encounter, and awareness.
Development of administrative data algorithms to identify patients with critical limb ischemia
Authors: Bekwelem Wobo , Bengtson Lindsay GS , Oldenburg Niki C , Winden Tamara J , Keo Hong H , Hirsch Alan T , Duval Sue
Published: December 2014

Administrative data have been used to identify patients with various diseases, yet no prior study has determined the utility of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM)-based codes to identify CLI patients. CLI cases ( n=126), adjudicated by a vascular specialist, were carefully defined and enrolled in a hospital registry. Controls were frequency matched to cases on age, sex and admission date in a 2:1 ratio. ICD-9-CM codes for all patients were extracted. Algorithms were developed using frequency distributions of these codes, risk factors and procedures prevalent in CLI. The sensitivity for each algorithm was calculated and applied within the hospital system to identify CLI patients not included in the registry. Sensitivity ranged from 0.29 to 0.92. An algorithm based on diagnosis and procedure codes exhibited the best overall performance (sensitivity of 0.92). Each algorithm had differing CLI identification characteristics based on patient location. Administrative data can be used to identify CLI patients within a health system. The algorithms, developed from these data, can serve as a tool to facilitate clinical care, research, quality improvement, and population surveillance.
The molecular biology of the olive fly comes of age
Authors: Sagri Efthimia , Reczko Martin , Tsoumani Konstantina T , Gregoriou Maria-Eleni , Harokopos Vaggelis , Mavridou Anna-Maria , Tastsoglou Spyros , Athanasiadis Konstantinos , Ragoussis Jiannis , Mathiopoulos Kostas D
Published: December 2014

Background

Olive cultivation blends with the history of the Mediterranean countries since ancient times. Even today, activities around the olive tree constitute major engagements of several people in the countryside of both sides of the Mediterranean basin. The olive fly is, beyond doubt, the most destructive pest of cultivated olives. The female fly leaves its eggs in the olive fruit. Upon emergence, the larvae feed on the olive sap, thus destroying the fruit. If untreated, practically all olives get infected. The use of chemical insecticides constitutes the principal olive fly control approach. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), an environmentally friendly alternative control method, had been tried in pilot field applications in the 1970's, albeit with no practical success. This was mainly attributed to the low, non-antagonistic quality of the mixed-sex released insects. Many years of experience from successful SIT applications in related species, primarily the Mediterranean fruit fly,Ceratitis capitata, demonstrated that efficient SIT protocols require the availability of fundamental genetic and molecular information.

Results

Among the primary systems whose understanding can contribute towards novel SIT approaches (or its recently developed alternative RIDL: Release of Insects carrying a Dominant Lethal) is the reproductive, since the ability to manipulate the reproductive system would directly affect the insect's fertility. In addition, the analysis of early embryonic promoters and apoptotic genes would provide tools that confer dominant early-embryonic lethality during mass-rearing. Here we report the identification of several genes involved in these systems through whole transcriptome analysis of female accessory glands (FAGs) and spermathecae, as well as male testes. Indeed, analysis of differentially expressed genes in these tissues revealed higher metabolic activity in testes than in FAGs/spermathecae. Furthermore, at least five olfactory-related genes were shown to be differentially expressed in the female and male reproductive systems analyzed. Finally, the expression profile of the embryonicserendipity-αlocus and the pre-apoptotichead involution defectivegene were analyzed during embryonic developmental stages.

Conclusions

Several years of molecular studies on the olive fly can now be combined with new information from whole transcriptome analyses and lead to a deep understanding of the biology of this notorious insect pest. This is a prerequisite for the development of novel embryonic lethality female sexing strains for successful SIT efforts which, combined with improved mass-reared conditions, give new hope for efficient SIT applications for the olive fly.
Hydrothermal synthesis of 3D hollow porous Fe3O4 microspheres towards catalytic removal of organic pollutants
Authors: Wang Xiansong , Huang He , Li Guoqing , Liu Yi , Huang Jiale , Yang Da-Peng
Published: December 2014

Three-dimensional hollow porous superparamagnetic Fe3O4 microspheres were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal process. A series of characterizations done with X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy indicated that the production of Fe3O4 microspheres possessed good monodispersity, uniform size distribution, hollow and porous structural characters, and strong superparamagnetic behavior. The obtained Fe3O4 microspheres have a diameter of ca. 300 nm, which is composed of many interconnected nanoparticles with a size of ca. 20 nm. The saturation magnetization is 80.6 emu·g-1. The as-prepared products had promising applications as novel catalysts to remove organic pollutants (methylene blue) from wastewater in the presence of H2O2 and ultrasound irradiation.
Dislocation luminescence in GaN single crystals under nanoindentation
Authors: Huang Jun , Xu Ke , Fan Ying Min , Wang Jian Feng , Zhang Ji Cai , Ren Guo Qiang
Published: December 2014

This work presents an experimental study on the dislocation luminescence in GaN by nanoindentation, cathodoluminescence, and Raman. The dislocation luminescence peaking at 3.12 eV exhibits a series of special properties in the cathodoluminescence measurements, and it completely disappears after annealing at 500°C. Raman spectroscopy shows evidence for existence of vacancies in the indented region. A comprehensive investigation encompassing cathodoluminescence, Raman, and annealing experiments allow the assignment of dislocation luminescence to conduction-band-acceptor transition involving Ga vacancies. The nanoscale plasticity of GaN can be better understood by considering the dislocation luminescence mechanism.
Clinical outcomes following ankle fracture: a cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Segal Ganit , Elbaz Avi , Parsi Alon , Heller Ziv , Palmanovich Ezequiel , Nyska Meir , Feldbrin Zeev , Kish Benjamin
Published: December 2014

Background

The purpose of the current study was to examine objective and subjective differences between three severity groups of ankle fractures patients compared to healthy controls.

Methods

This was a case‐controlled study. 92 patients with an ankle fracture injury of which 41 patients were eligible to participate in the study. 72 healthy people served as controls. All patients underwent a computerized gait test, completed self‐assessment questionnaires (The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the SF‐36), evaluated with the American Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) form and completed the 6‐min walk test. The control group performed a computerized gait test and completed the SF‐36 health survey.

Results

All ankle fracture patients presented compromised gait patterns and limb symmetry compared to controls (p < 0.05). Ankle fracture patients also had lower SF‐36 scores compared to controls (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found between the unimalleolar group compared to the bimalleolar and trimalleolar groups in most parameters, except for the FAOS scores. There were no significant differences between the bimalleolar fracture group and the trimalleolar fracture groups.

Conclusions

Although all fracture severity classification groups presented a compromised gait pattern and worse clinical symptoms compared to controls, it seems that patients with a unimalleolar fracture is a different group compared to bimalleolar and trimalleolar fracture. Furthermore, it seems that bimalleolar fracture and trimalleolar fracture affect the gait pattern and clinical symptoms to an equal extent, at least in the short‐term.

Trial registration

NCT01127776.
Temporal variability is a personalized feature of the human microbiome
Authors: Flores Gilberto E , Caporaso J Gregory , Henley Jessica B , Rideout Jai Ram , Domogala Daniel , Chase John , Leff Jonathan W , Vázquez-Baeza Yoshiki , Gonzalez Antonio , Knight Rob , Dunn Robert R , Fierer Noah
Published: December 2014

Background

It is now apparent that the complex microbial communities found on and in the human body vary across individuals. What has largely been missing from previous studies is an understanding of how these communities vary over time within individuals. To the extent to which it has been considered, it is often assumed that temporal variability is negligible for healthy adults. Here we address this gap in understanding by profiling the forehead, gut (fecal), palm, and tongue microbial communities in 85 adults, weekly over 3 months.

Results

We found that skin (forehead and palm) varied most in the number of taxa present, whereas gut and tongue communities varied more in the relative abundances of taxa. Within each body habitat, there was a wide range of temporal variability across the study population, with some individuals harboring more variable communities than others. The best predictor of these differences in variability across individuals was microbial diversity; individuals with more diverse gut or tongue communities were more stable in composition than individuals with less diverse communities.

Conclusions

Longitudinal sampling of a relatively large number of individuals allowed us to observe high levels of temporal variability in both diversity and community structure in all body habitats studied. These findings suggest that temporal dynamics may need to be considered when attempting to link changes in microbiome structure to changes in health status. Furthermore, our findings show that, not only is the composition of an individual’s microbiome highly personalized, but their degree of temporal variability is also a personalized feature.
Rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibody positivity, but not level, are associated with increased mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from two large independent cohorts
Authors: Humphreys Jennifer H , van Nies Jessica AB , Chipping Jackie , Marshall Tarnya , van der Helm-van Mil Annette HM , Symmons Deborah PM , Verstappen Suzanne MM
Published: December 2014

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) status and levels as predictors of mortality in two large cohorts of patients with early inflammatory arthritis (EIA).

Methods

Data from the Norfolk Arthritis Register (NOAR) and Leiden Early Arthritis Clinic (EAC) cohorts were used. At baseline, patients had demographic data and smoking status recorded; RF, ACPA and inflammatory markers were measured in the local laboratories. Patients were flagged with national death registers until death or censor date. Antibody status was stratified as negative, low or high positive by RF and ACPA levels individually. In addition, patients were grouped as seronegative, RF positive, ACPA positive or double antibody (RF and ACPA) positive. Cox regression models explored associations between antibody status and mortality adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, inflammatory markers and year of enrolment.

Results

A total of 4962 patients were included, 64% were female. Median age at onset was 56 (NOAR) and 54 (EAC) years. In NOAR and EAC respectively, 35% and 42% of patients were ACPA/RF positive. When antibody status was stratified as negative, low or high positive, there were no consistent findings between the two cohorts. Double antibody positivity was associated with excess mortality in both cohorts compared to seronegative patients: NOAR and EAC respective adjusted HR (95% confidence interval) 1.35 (1.09 to 1.68) and 1.58 (1.16 to 2.15).

Conclusions

Patients with EIA who are seropositive for both RF and ACPA have increased mortality compared to those who are single positive or seronegative. Antibody level in seropositive patients was not consistently associated with excess mortality.
Preparation of superhydrophobic and transparent micro-nano hybrid coatings from polymethylhydroxysiloxane and silica ormosil aerogels
Authors: Nagappan Saravanan , Park Jin Joo , Park Sung Soo , Ha Chang-Sik
Published: December 2014

Superhydrophobic and transparent polymethylhydroxysiloxane (PMHOS)/silica ormosil aerogel hybrids were prepared successfully by mixing of PMHOS with various weight percentages of silica ormosil aerogels (as synthesized from methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) precursors) in separate seal perfume glass vials. The hybrids were spin coated on glass substrate at 1000 rpm for 60 seconds and used for further analysis. The surface morphology and chemical compositions of the hybrids were analyzed by high resolution scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force spectroscopy, adsorption and desorption isotherm, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The transparency, thermal decomposition and static contact angle (SCA) of each sample were measured by UV-Visible spectrophotometer, TGA and drop shape analysis system, respectively. The spin coated substrates showed good superhydrophobic properties, thermal stability as well as transparency on the glass substrates.
Study of electrospun polycarbosilane (PCS) nanofibrous web by needle-less technique
Authors: Sinha Mukesh Kumar , Das Biswa Ranjan , Mishra Raghwesh , Ranjan Ashok , Srivastava Anurag , Saxena Arvind Kumar
Published: December 2014

This study reports on the various functional characteristics of silicon carbide (SiC) nanofibrous web. The SiC nanofibrous web was spun by the electrospinning technique using Nano Spider (needle-less) machine. The as-spun nanofibrous web was cured to 180°C and subsequently, pyrolized at 1000°C under inert nitrogen (N2) atmosphere to convert into silicon carbide nanofibrous web. The various properties of SiC web is characterized by using FESEM, Thermal Analysis, X-ray Diffraction, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX), Atomic Force Microscopy and Surface Profilomertry. FESEM microphotographs indicated the interconnected fibres leading to pores of prepared SiC Nanofibrous web. Deep rooted fibre surface porosity was revealed by AFM. The thermal behavior of as-spun, cured and pyrolized PCS webs are influenced by the heat treatment at different temperatures. The surface roughness changes with the heat treatment of PCS nanofibrous webs. The pyrolized web carries higher surface roughness as compared to as-spun and cured webs. The EDX plots indicated the presence of C and Si elements in pyrolized PCS nanofibrous web.
Transient bending analysis of a functionally graded circular plate with integrated surface piezoelectric layers
Authors: Jafari Ali Asghar , Jandaghian Ali Akbar , Rahmani Omid
Published: December 2014

Background

Thin and piezoelectric materials are widely used as sensors or actuators in smart structures by embedding or surface-mounted them.

Methods

This paper report on the exact, explicit solution for the transient bending of a circular functionally graded (FG) plates integrated with two uniformly distributed actuator layers made of piezoelectric material based on the classical plate theory (CPT). The material properties of the FG substrate plate are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction according to the power-law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents and the distribution of electric potential field along the thickness direction of piezoelectric layers is simulated by a quadratic function. The form of the electric potential field in the piezoelectric layer is considered such that the Maxwell static electricity equation is satisfied. The governing equations are solved for clamped and simply supported edge boundary condition of the circular plate. The solutions are expressed by elementary Bessel functions and derived via exact inverse Laplace transform.

Results and Conclusions

It is seen that the power index (g) and thickness of piezo-layer have significant effect on the deflection amplitude and natural frequency of piezo-FG plate.
A Comprehensive Faculty, Staff, and Student Training Program Enhances Student Perceptions of a Course-Based Research Experience at a Two-Year Institution
Authors: Wolkow Thomas D. , Durrenberger Lisa T. , Maynard Michael A. , Harrall Kylie K. , Hines Lisa M.
Published: December 2014

Early research experiences must be made available to all undergraduate students, including those at 2-yr institutions who account for nearly half of America's college students. We report on barriers unique to 2-yr institutions that preclude the success of an early course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE). Using a randomized study design, we evaluated a CURE in equivalent introductory biology courses at a 4-yr institution and a 2-yr institution within the same geographic region. We found that these student populations developed dramatically different impressions of the experience. Students at the 4-yr institution enjoyed the CURE significantly more than the traditional labs. However, students at the 2-yr institution enjoyed the traditional labs significantly more, even though the CURE successfully produced targeted learning gains. On the basis of course evaluations, we enhanced instructor, student, and support staff training and reevaluated this CURE at a different campus of the same 2-yr institution. This time, the students reported that they enjoyed the research experience significantly more than the traditional labs. We conclude that early research experiences can succeed at 2-yr institutions, provided that a comprehensive implementation strategy targeting instructor, student, and support staff training is in place.
The Python Project: A Unique Model for Extending Research Opportunities to Undergraduate Students
Authors: Harvey Pamela A. , Wall Christopher , Luckey Stephen W. , Langer Stephen , Leinwand Leslie A.
Published: December 2014

Undergraduate science education curricula are traditionally composed of didactic instruction with a small number of laboratory courses that provide introductory training in research techniques. Research on learning methodologies suggests this model is relatively ineffective, whereas participation in independent research projects promotes enhanced knowledge acquisition and improves retention of students in science. However, availability of faculty mentors and limited departmental budgets prevent the majority of students from participating in research. A need therefore exists for this important component in undergraduate education in both small and large university settings. A course was designed to provide students with the opportunity to engage in a research project in a classroom setting. Importantly, the course collaborates with a sponsor's laboratory, producing a symbiotic relationship between the classroom and the laboratory and an evolving course curriculum. Students conduct a novel gene expression study, with their collective data being relevant to the ongoing research project in the sponsor's lab. The success of this course was assessed based on the quality of the data produced by the students, student perception data, student learning gains, and on whether the course promoted interest in and preparation for careers in science. In this paper, we describe the strategies and outcomes of this course, which represents a model for efficiently providing research opportunities to undergraduates.
Shear-wave group-velocity surfaces in low-symmetry anisotropic media
Authors: Grechka Vladimir
Published: December 2014

Shear waves excited by natural sources constitute a significant part of useful energy recorded in downhole microseismic surveys. In rocks, such as fractured shales, exhibiting symmetries lower than transverse isotropy (TI), the shear wavefronts are always multivalued in certain directions, potentially complicating the data processing and analysis. This paper discusses a basic tool — the computation of the phase and group velocities of all waves propagating along a given ray — that intends to facilitate the understanding of geometries of the shear wavefronts in homogeneous anisotropic media. With this tool, arbitrarily complex group-velocity surfaces can be conveniently analyzed, providing insights into possible challenges to be faced when processing shear waves in anisotropic velocity models that have symmetries lower than TI. Among those challenges are complicated multipathing and the presence of cones of directions, known as internal refraction cones, in which no fast shear waves propagate and the entire shear portion of the body-wave seismic data consists of several branches of the slow shear wavefronts.
Structural interpretation in color — A new RGB processing application for seismic data
Authors: Laake Andreas
Published: December 2014

Structure-sharpened continuous red-green-blue (SRGB) color processing allows the interpreter to explore seismic data more thoroughly for geologic features, facilitates the extraction of structures or geobodies along horizons for them, and provides a visualization environment for the interpretation of geologic objects in their spatial context. SRGB-textured horizons and geobodies offer an intuitive interpretation similar to the way satellite images provide visual information about the surface of the earth. A case study that I conducted from the Green Canyon area in the Gulf of Mexico, which is located across the escarpment from the salt canopy to the abyssal plain, illustrated that the SRGB method delivers subtle structures from geologic and flow processes at the seafloor, helps delineate and understand salt sutures and impurities, and provides details about individual stages in deepwater mass transport systems. With all geologic aspects combined, the SRGB method assists in the mapping and assessment of shallow drilling hazards such as gas hydrates and seafloor instabilities.
Writing Nothing: Negation and Subjectivity in the Holocaust Poetry of Paul Celan and Dan Pagis
Authors: Feldman Daniel
Published: December 2014

This article addresses the pervasive articulation of nothing in the poetry of Paul Celan and Dan Pagis. The essay ties nullification in speech to cancellation of self in Celan and aims to understand his attestation of a form of subjectivity reconfigured by the Holocaust as negative presence. Celan's depictions of negative subjectivity, I argue, vitally inform his attempt to create a negative poetics and reveal an important distinction between Celan's and Heidegger's ontologies of nothing. For Heidegger, nothing is nothing more than negation; for Celan, however, nothing may itself be negated. Finally, by tracing the same structure of negated subjectivity in the work of the Hebrew poet Dan Pagis, I show that this dispute is not merely a local debate between two German-language thinkers but an indication of a deeper fault line in poetic representation of the Holocaust.
On the Prosody of German Lyric Song
Authors: Snarrenberg Robert
Published: December 2014

Proceeding from the premise that a nineteenth-century German lyric song is a reading of its text, the author develops new resources for describing acts of reading poetry and establishes the analytical relevance of the approach using examples drawn mainly from songs by Brahms. Part I provides an account of the rules that generate phonological words and phrases in German, the principles that determine the normal placement of stress in words and phrases, and motivations for the abnormal placement of stress. Part II looks at higher-level, facultative structures in prosodic phonology: intonation units, various rhythmic aspects of intonation (pulses, pauses, and lengthening), intonation sequences, and intonation contours. The study develops new methods of textual analysis specifically for use in forming and comparing interpretations of nineteenth-century German lyric song, but the approach also has clear implications for the study of other repertories.
Dancing with the Scales
Authors: Žabka Marek
Published: December 2014

This article introduces basics of a theory of generated tone systems. It is built on an explicit conceptualization of the notion of comma and yields illuminative insights into diverse areas of music-theoretical discourse. Superchromatic and chromatic comma lattices lead to well-known just-intonation systems. On the other hand, various families of generated tone systems based on subchromatic comma lattices provide relevant models of structures found in chromatic music. They include families of triads, seventh chords, and heptachords. Special attention is paid to three families of generated heptachords leading to an attractive scalar model. The theoretical model is illustrated by analyses of chromatic passages from music by Mozart, Chopin, and Debussy.
Nanoclustering as a dominant feature of plasma membrane organization
Authors: Garcia-Parajo Maria F. , Cambi Alessandra , Torreno-Pina Juan A. , Thompson Nancy , Jacobson Ken
Published: December 2014

Early studies have revealed that some mammalian plasma membrane proteins exist in small nanoclusters. The advent of super-resolution microscopy has corroborated and extended this picture, and led to the suggestion that many, if not most, membrane proteins are clustered at the plasma membrane at nanoscale lengths. In this Commentary, we present selected examples of glycosylphosphatidyl-anchored proteins, Ras family members and several immune receptors that provide evidence for nanoclustering. We advocate the view that nanoclustering is an important part of the hierarchical organization of proteins in the plasma membrane. According to this emerging picture, nanoclusters can be organized on the mesoscale to form microdomains that are capable of supporting cell adhesion, pathogen binding and immune cell-cell recognition amongst other functions. Yet, a number of outstanding issues concerning nanoclusters remain open, including the details of their molecular composition, biogenesis, size, stability, function and regulation. Notions about these details are put forth and suggestions are made about nanocluster function and why this general feature of protein nanoclustering appears to be so prevalent.
Countries’ Biomedical Publications and Attraction Scores
Authors: Xu Qinyi , Boggio Andrea , Ballabeni Andrea
Published: December 2014

Studying publication volumes at the country level is key to understanding and improving a country’s research system. PubMed is a public search engine of publications in all life sciences areas. Here, we show how this search engine can be used to assess the outputs of life science-related research by country. We have measured the numbers of publications during different time periods based on the country of affiliation of the first authors. Moreover, we have designed scores, which we have named Attraction Scores, to assess the relative focus either toward particular types of studies, such as clinical trials or reviews, or toward specific research areas, such as public health and pharmacogenomics, or toward specific topics, for instance embryonic stem cells; we have also investigated a possible use of these Attraction Scores through a correlation analysis with regulatory policies. We have weighed the statistics against general indicators such as country populations and gross domestic products (GDP). During the 5-year period 2008-2012, the United States was the country with the highest number of publications and Denmark the one with the highest number of publications per capita. Among the 40 countries with the highest GDPs, Israel had the highest publications-to-GDP ratio. Among the 20 countries with the most publications, Japan had the highest Attraction Score for induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and Italy the highest proportion of review publications. More than 50% of publications in English were from countries in which English is not the primary language. We show an assorted and extensive collection of rankings and charts that will inform scholars and policymakers in studying and improving the research systems both at the national and international level.
Predictors of time to revision and clinical outcomes following revision of metal-on-metal hip replacements for adverse reaction to metal debris
Authors: Matharu G. S. , Pynsent P. B. , Sumathi V. P. , Mittal S. , Buckley C. D. , Dunlop D. J. , Revell P. A. , Revell M. P.
Published: December 2014

We undertook a retrospective cohort study to determine clinical outcomes following the revision of metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacements for adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD), and to identify predictors of time to revision and outcomes following revision. Between 1998 and 2012 a total of 64 MoM hips (mean age at revision of 57.8 years; 46 (72%) female; 46 (72%) hip resurfacings and 18 (28%) total hip replacements) were revised for ARMD at one specialist centre. At a mean follow-up of 4.5 years (1.0 to 14.6) from revision for ARMD there were 13 hips (20.3%) with post-operative complications and eight (12.5%) requiring re-revision.

The Kaplan–Meier five-year survival rate for ARMD revision was 87.9% (95% confidence interval 78.9 to 98.0; 19 hips at risk). Excluding re-revisions, the median absolute Oxford hip score (OHS) following ARMD revision using the percentage method (0% best outcome and 100% worst outcome) was 18.8% (interquartile range (IQR) 7.8% to 48.3%), which is equivalent to 39/48 (IQR 24.8/48 to 44.3/48) when using the modified OHS. Histopathological response did not affect time to revision for ARMD (p = 0.334) or the subsequent risk of re-revision (p = 0.879). Similarly, the presence or absence of a contralateral MoM hip bearing did not affect time to revision for ARMD (p = 0.066) or the subsequent risk of re-revision (p = 0.178).

Patients revised to MoM bearings had higher rates of re-revision (five of 16 MoM hips re-revised; p = 0.046), but those not requiring re-revision had good functional results (median absolute OHS 14.6% or 41.0/48). Short-term morbidity following revision for ARMD was comparable with previous reports. Caution should be exercised when choosing bearing surfaces for ARMD revisions.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1600–9.
Adverse reaction to metal debris is more common in patients following MoM total hip replacement with a 36 mm femoral head than previously thought
Authors: Lainiala O. , Eskelinen A. , Elo P. , Puolakka T. , Korhonen J. , Moilanen T.
Published: December 2014

We conducted a retrospective study to assess the prevalence of adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD) in patients operated on at our institution with metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip replacements with 36 mm heads using a Pinnacle acetabular shell. A total of 326 patients (150 males, 175 hips; 176 females, 203 hips) with a mean age of 62.7 years (28 to 85) and mean follow-up of 7.5 years (0.1 to 10.8) participating in our in-depth modern MoM follow-up programme were included in the study, which involved recording whole blood cobalt and chromium ion measurements, Oxford hip scores (OHS) and plain radiographs of the hip and targeted cross-sectional imaging. Elevated blood metal ion levels (> 5 parts per billion) were seen in 32 (16.1%) of the 199 patients who underwent unilateral replacement. At 23 months after the start of our modern MoM follow-up programme, 29 new cases of ARMD had been revealed. Hence, the nine-year survival of this cohort declined from 96% (95% CI 95 to 98) with the old surveillance routine to 86% (95% CI 82 to 90) following the new protocol. Although ARMD may not be as common in 36 mm MoM THRs as in those with larger heads, these results support the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency guidelines on regular reviews and further investigations, and emphasise the need for specific a follow-up programme for patients with MoM THRs.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1610–17.
The usefulness of MRI and arthroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of soft-tissue injuries associated with split-depression fractures of the lateral tibial condyle
Authors: Parkkinen M. , Madanat R. , Mäkinen T. J. , Mustonen A. , Koskinen S. K. , Lindahl J.
Published: December 2014

The role of arthroscopy in the treatment of soft-tissue injuries associated with proximal tibial fractures remains debatable. Our hypothesis was that MRI over-diagnoses clinically relevant associated soft-tissue injuries. This prospective study involved 50 consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment for a split-depression fracture of the lateral tibial condyle (AO/OTA type B3.1). The mean age of patients was 50 years (23 to 86) and 27 (54%) were female. All patients had MRI and arthroscopy. Arthroscopy identified 12 tears of the lateral meniscus, including eight bucket-handle tears that were sutured and four that were resected, as well as six tears of the medial meniscus, of which five were resected. Lateral meniscal injuries were diagnosed on MRI in four of 12 patients, yielding an overall sensitivity of 33% (95% confidence interval (CI) 11 to 65). Specificity was 76% (95% CI 59 to 88), with nine tears diagnosed among 38 menisci that did not contain a tear. MRI identified medial meniscal injuries in four of six patients, yielding an overall sensitivity of 67% (95% CI 24 to 94). Specificity was 66% (95% CI 50 to 79), with 15 tears diagnosed in 44 menisci that did not contain tears.

MRI appears to offer only a marginal benefit as the specificity and sensitivity for diagnosing meniscal injuries are poor in patients with a fracture. There were fewer arthroscopically-confirmed associated lesions than reported previously in MRI studies.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1631–6.
Field testing the Unified Classification System for periprosthetic fractures of the femur, tibia and patella in association with knee replacement
Authors: Van der Merwe J. M. , Haddad F. S. , Duncan C. P.
Published: December 2014

The Unified Classification System (UCS) was introduced because of a growing need to have a standardised universal classification system of periprosthetic fractures. It combines and simplifies many existing classification systems, and can be applied to any fracture around any partial or total joint replacement occurring during or after operation. Our goal was to assess the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the UCS in association with knee replacement when classifying fractures affecting one or more of the femur, tibia or patella.

We used an international panel of ten orthopaedic surgeons with subspecialty fellowship training and expertise in adult hip and knee reconstruction (‘experts’) and ten residents of orthopaedic surgery in the last two years of training (‘pre-experts’). They each received 15 radiographs for evaluation. After six weeks they evaluated the same radiographs again but in a different order.

The reliability was assessed using the Kappa and weighted Kappa values.

The Kappa values for inter-observer reliability for the experts and the pre-experts were 0.741 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.707 to 0.774) and 0.765 (95% CI 0.733 to 0.797), respectively. The weighted Kappa values for intra-observer reliability for the experts and pre-experts were 0.898 (95% CI 0.846 to 0.950) and 0.878 (95% CI 0.815 to 0.942) respectively.

The UCS has substantial inter-observer reliability and ‘near perfect’ intra-observer reliability when used for periprosthetic fractures in association with knee replacement in the hands of experienced and inexperienced users.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1669–73.
Increased risk of failure following revision total knee replacement in patients aged 55 years and younger
Authors: Stambough J. B. , Clohisy J. C. , Barrack R. L. , Nunley R. M. , Keeney J. A.
Published: December 2014

The aims of this retrospective study were to compare the mid-term outcomes following revision total knee replacement (TKR) in 76 patients (81 knees) < 55 years of age with those of a matched group of primary TKRs based on age, BMI, gender and comorbid conditions. We report the activity levels, functional scores, rates of revision and complications. Compared with patients undergoing primary TKR, those undergoing revision TKR had less improvement in the mean Knee Society function scores (8.14 (–55 to +60) vs 23.3 points (–40 to +80), p < 0.001), a similar improvement in UCLA activity level (p = 0.52), and similar minor complication rates (16% vs 13%, p = 0.83) at a mean follow-up of 4.6 years (2 to 13.4). Further revision surgery was more common among revised TKRs (17% vs 5%, p = 0.02), with deep infection and instability being the most common reasons for failure. As many as one-third of patients aged < 55 years in the revision group had a complication or failure requiring further surgery.

Young patients undergoing revision TKR should be counselled that they can expect somewhat less improvement and a higher risk of complications than occur after primary TKR.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1657–62
Mineralogical and Isotopic Record of Diagenesis from the Opalinus Clay Formation at Benken, Switzerland: Implications for the Modeling of Pore-Water Chemistry in a Clay Formation
Authors: Lerouge Catherine , Grangeon Sylvain , Claret Francis , Gaucher Eric , Blanc Philippe , Guerrot Catherine , Flehoc Christine , Wille Guillaume , Mazurek Martin
Published: December 2014

Argillaceous rocks are considered to be a suitable geological barrier for the long-term containment of wastes. Their efficiency at retarding contaminant migration is assessed using reactive-transport experiments and modeling, the latter requiring a sound understanding of pore-water chemistry. The building of a pore-water model, which is mandatory for laboratory experiments mimicking in situ conditions, requires a detailed knowledge of the rock mineralogy and of minerals at equilibrium with present-day pore waters. Using a combination of petrological, mineralogical, and isotopic studies, the present study focused on the reduced Opalinus Clay formation (Fm) of the Benken borehole (30 km north of Zurich) which is intended for nuclear-waste disposal in Switzerland. A diagenetic sequence is proposed, which serves as a basis for determining the minerals stable in the formation and their textural relationships. Early cementation of dominant calcite, rare dolomite, and pyrite formed by bacterial sulfate reduction, was followed by formation of iron-rich calcite, ankerite, siderite, glauconite, (Ba, Sr) sulfates, and traces of sphalerite and galena. The distribution and abundance of siderite depends heavily on the depositional environment (and consequently on the water column). Benken sediment deposition during Aalenian times corresponds to an offshore environment with the early formation of siderite concretions at the water/sediment interface at the fluctuating boundary between the suboxic iron reduction and the sulfate reduction zones. Diagenetic minerals (carbonates except dolomite, sulfates, silicates) remained stable from their formation to the present. Based on these mineralogical and geochemical data, the mineral assemblage previously used for the geochemical model of the pore waters at Mont Terri may be applied to Benken without significant changes. These further investigations demonstrate the need for detailed mineralogical and geochemical study to refine the model of pore-water chemistry in a clay formation.
Full-term extrauterine abdominal pregnancy with healthy newborn: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Bashir Mohammed Elkhair , Alawad Awad
Published: December 2014

Abdominal pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy with very high morbidity and mortality for both the mother and the fetus. Diagnosis and management can pose some difficulties especially in low-resource centers. High index of suspicion is vital in making prompt diagnosis in such situations. A case of abdominal pregnancy that resulted in a live healthy newborn at a Regional Hospital in Somalia is presented.
Importance of Absent Ductus Arteriosus in Tetralogy of Fallot with Absent Pulmonary Valve Syndrome
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Yasir , Burkhart Harold M. , Julsrud Paul , Cetta Frank
Published: December 2014

Tetralogy of Fallot without pulmonary valve syndrome is almost always associated with an absent ductus arteriosus. Patients with right aortic arch and retroesophageal left subclavian artery have a vascular ring if the left ductus arteriosus or its remnant and the Kommerell diverticulum are present. We report the cases of 2 infants in whom the role of an absent ductus arteriosus or its remnant is noteworthy. Both patients had a combination of tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve syndrome and right aortic arch with retroesophageal left subclavian artery without a vascular ring. The absence of the ductus arteriosus has a role in the pathogenesis of tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve syndrome. The absence of a ductus arteriosus in the right aortic arch with retroesophageal left subclavian artery precludes a vascular ring.
Ruptured Mycotic Common Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm: Fatal Pulmonary Embolism after Emergency Stent-Grafting in a Drug Abuser
Authors: Karkos Christos D. , Kalogirou Thomas E. , Giagtzidis Ioakeim T. , Papazoglou Konstantinos O.
Published: December 2014

The rupture of a mycotic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm in an intravenous drug abuser is a limb- and life-threatening condition that necessitates emergency intervention. Emergency stent-grafting appears to be a viable, minimally invasive alternative, or a bridge, to subsequent open surgery. Caution is required in cases of suspected concomitant deep vein thrombosis in order to minimize the possibility of massive pulmonary embolism during stent-grafting, perhaps by omitting stent-graft postdilation or by inserting an inferior vena cava filter first. We describe the emergency endovascular management, in a 60-year-old male intravenous drug abuser, of a ruptured mycotic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm, which was complicated by a fatal pulmonary embolism.
Synthesis of the new heterocyclic system 7,8-dihydro-6H-benzotetrazolothiadiazine and derivatives
Authors: Rezaeian Shima , Rahimizadeh Mohammad , Eshghi Hossein , Bakavoli Mehdi , Haghbin Kamahldin , Saadatmandzadeh Mohammad
Published: December 2014

New N,N-disubstituted 7,7-dimethyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-benzotetrazolothiadiazine-9-amines were synthesized from sodium 1-amino-1H-tetrazole-5-thiolate and 2-bromo-5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione in multiple steps. The compounds were characterized by 13C NMR, 1H NMR, IR, MS, and elemental analysis.
Reaction of hydrazones derived from electron-deficient ketones with Vilsmeier-Haack reagent
Authors: Ivonin Sergey P. , Kurpil’ Bohdan B. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O. , Volochnyuk Dmitry M.
Published: December 2014

Reaction of hydrazones derived from ketones bearing an acceptor substituent adjacent to the carbonyl group (α,α,α-trifluoroacetone and ethyl pyruvate) with Vilsmeier-Haack reagent was studied. In most cases, the method allows for regioselective preparation of 1,3-disubstituted pyrazole-4-carbaldehydes – the products of initial C-electrophilic attack, although in one case, the product resulting from concurrent N- and C-attacks of the electrophile at the hydrazone moiety is observed. Under analogous conditions, the reaction of N-arylhydrazone derived from butanedione leads to the formation of 3-chloro-3-(1-arylpyrazol-3-yl)acrylaldehyde – the product of double formylation at both ketone and hydrazone moieties of the starting material.
A typological sketch of affricates
Authors: Berns Janine
Published: December 2014

This article presents a typological overview of affricates. The inventories of languages in the genetically balanced UPSID 1992 survey are examined with respect to different distributional characteristics of affricates, like place of articulation, voicing, and segmental attributes. Moreover, the relation between affricates, plosives, and fricatives is considered. Independently of any particular formal modelling, this study aims to provide a picture of the crosslinguistic patterns of affricates, a category presenting many a challenge to phonological analysis and theory.
Epidemiology and Clinical Research Design, Part 1: Study Types
Authors: Manja Veena , Lakshminrusimha Satyan
Published: December 2014

Selecting the best available preventive and therapeutic measures to avoid disability and death is an important goal for all health care practitioners. To achieve this goal, we need to perform studies that determine the value of these measures. In this article, we discuss the possible study designs that can be used for evaluating new approaches to prevention and treatment. The gold standard study design is a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial. In many instances, a randomized controlled trial may not be ethically or practically feasible. Other study types, such as case series, case-control studies, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, crossover designs, and open-label studies, may be required to hypothesize and evaluate the link between an exposure or predictor variable and an outcome variable. Various study types pertaining to neonatal-perinatal medicine are reviewed in this article.