bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and properties of iron oxide coated carbon nanotubes hybrid materials and their use in epoxy coatings
Authors: He Yi , Chen Chunlin , Zhong Fei , Chen Hangyun , Qing Dayong
Published: February 2015

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were acidified with nitration mixture, and the Fe2O3‐MWCNTs (iron oxide coated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes) hybrid material via sol‐gel method then verified the results through scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis. We modified the hybrid material with silane coupling agent (KH560), Fe2O3‐MWCNTs/epoxy, MWCNTs/epoxy composites coating, and the pure epoxy coatings were respectively prepared. The properties of the composite coatings were tested through the electrochemical workstation (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), shock experiments, and thermal gravimetric analysis. Finally, we used scanning electron microscope to observe the surface conditions of the coatings. The results show that Fe2O3‐MWCNTs have good dispersion in the epoxy resin, and the Fe2O3‐MWCNTs/epoxy composite coatings have enhanced mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of quinine and mortality‐risk in patients with heart failure—a Danish nationwide observational study
Authors: Gjesing Anne , Gislason Gunnar H. , Christensen Stefan B. , Jørgensen Mads E. , Mérie Charlotte , Norgaard Mette Lykke , Poulsen Henrik Enghusen , Gustafsson Finn , Køber Lars , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Andersson Charlotte
Published: February 2015

Purpose

Leg cramps are common in patients with heart failure. Quinine is frequently prescribed in low doses to these patients, but safety of this practice is unknown. We studied the outcomes associated with use of quinine in a nationwide cohort of patients with heart failure.

Methods

Through individual‐level‐linkage of Danish national registries, we identified patients discharged from first‐time hospitalization for heart failure in 1997–2010. We estimated the risk of mortality associated with quinine treatment by time‐dependent Poisson regression models.

Results

A total of 135 529 patients were included, with 14 510 patients (11%) using quinine at some point. During a median time of follow‐up of 989 days (interquartile range 350–2004) 88 878 patients (66%) died. Patients receiving quinine had slightly increased mortality risk, adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.07). The risks differed according to concomitant β‐blocker treatment. For patients treated with both quinine and β‐blockers IRR was 1.15 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.21) vs. 0.99 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.03) for patients treated with quinine but not β‐blockers. The risks were highest shortly after initiation of therapy: for the first 14 days of treatment IRR was 2.12 (95% CI 1.54 to 2.93) for patients in treatment with β‐blockers and 1.17 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.59) for patients not treated with β‐blockers.

Conclusions

Use of quinine was common and associated with increased mortality in heart failure, especially if administered together with β‐blockers and shortly after treatment initiation. Mechanisms underlying the findings remain to be established. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Greatly enhanced thermo‐oxidative stability of polybenzoxazine thermoset by incorporation of m‐carborane
Authors: Huang Xin , Zhang Qiuhong , Meng Zheng , Gu Jiangjiang , Jia Xudong , Xi Kai
Published: February 2015

Novel polybenzoxazine precursor containing m‐carborane unit in the main‐chain has been firstly synthesized through click reaction of diazidomethyl m‐carborane (DAMC) and diacetylene bisbenzoxazine (DABB). Meanwhlie, the traditional polybenzoxazine precursor was also prepared through click reaction of diazidomethyl p‐benzene (DAPB) and DABB as a control. 1H NMR was used to confirm the structures of the monomers and the resulting polymers. FT‐IR and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the curing behavior of carborane‐containing benzoxazine polymer (CCBP). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) study demonstrated that the cured CCBP had high storage moduli and high Tg. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and ablation test showed that the cured CCBP had outstanding thermo‐oxidative stability. During thermal ablation of cured CCBP, organic material was degraded, and a passivation layer with oxidized m‐carboranes was formed, which prevented the underlying polymer from further degradation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 973–980
Blue light‐emitting hyperbranched polymers using fluorene‐co‐dibenzothiophene‐S,S‐dioxide as branches
Authors: Guo Ting , Yu Lei , Zhao Baofeng , Ying Lei , Wu Hongbin , Yang Wei , Cao Yong
Published: February 2015

A series of blue light‐emitting hyperbranched polymers comprising poly(fluorene‐co‐dibenzothiophene‐S,S‐dioxide) as the branch and benzene, triphenylamine, or triphenyltriazine as the core were synthesized by an “A2 + A2' + B3” approach of Suzuki polymerization, respectively. All resulted copolymers exhibited quite comparable thermal properties with the glass transition temperatures in the range of 59–68 °C and relatively high decomposition temperatures over 420 °C. Photoluminescent spectra exhibited slight variation with the molar ratio of the dibenzothiophene‐S,S‐dioxide unit and the size of the core units. Polymer light‐emitting devices demonstrated blue emission with excellent stability of electroluminescence. Copolymers based on smaller core units of benzene and triphenylamine exhibited enhanced device performances regarding to that of triphenyltriazine. With the device configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/polymer/CsF/Al, a maximum luminous efficiency of 4.5 cd A−1 was obtained with Commission Internationale de L'.Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.16, 0.19) for the copolymer PFSO15B. These results indicated that hyperbranched structure can be a promising strategy to attain spectrally stable blue‐light‐emitting polymers with high efficiency. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1043–1051
A General‐purpose System for Teleoperation of the DRC‐HUBO Humanoid Robot
Authors: Zucker Matt , Joo Sungmoon , Grey Michael X. , Rasmussen Christopher , Huang Eric , Stilman Michael , Bobick Aaron
Published: February 2015

We present a general system with a focus on addressing three events of the 2013 DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC) trials: debris clearing, door opening, and wall breaking. Our hardware platform is DRC‐HUBO, a redesigned model of the HUBO2+ humanoid robot developed by KAIST and Rainbow, Inc. Our system allowed a trio of operators to coordinate a 32 degree‐of‐freedom robot on a variety of complex mobile manipulation tasks using a single, unified approach. In addition to descriptions of the hardware and software, and results as deployed on the DRC‐HUBO platform, we present some qualitative analysis of lessons learned from this demanding and difficult challenge.
Supporting Use of Evidence in Argumentation Through Practice in Argumentation and Reflection in the Context of SOCRATES Learning Environment
Authors: IORDANOU KALYPSO , CONSTANTINOU COSTAS P.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to examine how students used evidence in argumentation while they engaged in argumentive and reflective activities in the context of a designed learning environment. A Web‐based learning environment, SOCRATES, was developed, which included a rich data base on the topic of climate change. Sixteen 11th graders, working with a partner, engaged in electronic argumentive dialogs with classmates who held an opposing view on the topic and in some evidence‐focused reflective activities, based on transcriptions of their dialogs. Another sixteen 11th graders, who studied the data base in the learning environment for the same amount of time as experimental‐condition students but did not engage in an argumentive discourse activity, served as a comparison condition. Students who engaged in an evidence‐focused dialogic intervention increased the use of evidence in their dialogs, used more evidence that functioned to weaken opponents’ claims and used more accurate evidence. Significant gains in evidence use and in metalevel communication about evidence were observed after students engaged in reflective activities. We frame our discussion of these findings in terms of their implications for promoting use of evidence in argumentation and in relation to the development of epistemological understanding in science.
Die Farbe von Stahltragwerken
Authors: Bernabeu Larena Jorge , Bernabeu Larena Alejandro
Published: February 2015

Die Farbe bestimmt die Wahrnehmung des Charakters des Tragwerks, insbesondere bei Metalltragwerken. Eine wenige Mikrometer feine Farbschicht trägt die Verantwortung für die optische Identität des Tragwerks. Auf der Grundlage der Farbenlehre und unter Bezugnahme auf repräsentative Bauwerke wird hier ein Ausflug in die Psychologie und die Bedeutung der wichtigsten Farben angeboten. Es werden die Zusammenhänge zwischen Form und Farbe sowie zwischen Farbe und Tragwerk analysiert. Die Farbe sollte als ästhetisches Instrument für Tragwerkplaner verstanden werden, mit deren Hilfe sie ihre Sensibilität ausbilden und ihre Kreativität anregen können.

Colour of steel structures. Colour is decisive in the perception and character of structural engineering works, especially with steel structures. A micrometric coat of paint is responsible for the visual identity of the structure. Based on colour theory and relevant examples of structural engineering works, we propose a look at the psychology and meanings of the main colours. The analysis examines the relationships between shape and colour and between colour and structure. Colour should be an aesthetic instrument used by structural engineer’s to educate sensitivity and stimulate creativity.
Deutscher Stahlbautag 2014 in Hannover
Authors: Kurrer Karl‐Eugen
Published: February 2015

Der vom 29. bis 30. Oktober 2014 im Hannover Congress Centrum (HCC) abgehaltene und vom Deutschen Stahlbau‐Verband DSTV und bauforumstahl ausgerichtete 37. Deutsche Stahlbautag 2014 stand unter dem Motto “Stahl! Modern und nachhaltig bauen“. Damit war der deutsche Stahlbau zum dritten Mal Gast in Hannover, fand doch dort 1947 der denkwürdige 1. und 1968 der 14. Deutsche Stahlbautag statt.

Mit rd. 850 Teilnehmern und zahlreichen Ausstellern konnte der 37. Deutsche Stahlbautag seine Position als zentrales Forum der deutschsprachigen Stahlbaubeflissenen weiter ausbauen.
SPS bridge decks for new bridges and strengthening of existing bridge decks
Authors: Kennedy Stephen J. , Martino Aldo E.
Published: February 2015

The sandwich plate system (SPS) is a structural composite material made up of two metal plates bonded to a polyurethane elastomer core. SPS delivers high strength and stiffness, making it an excellent alternative to conventional stiffened steel and reinforced concrete. For strengthening of orthotropic bridge decks, SPS Overlay can be used to create a stiff bridge deck without removing the original plates. The renewed deck improves the distribution of wheel loads across the longitudinal stiffening elements, decreases deck curvatures associated with large concentrated wheel loads, extends the fatigue life of fatigue‐critical welds and increases the life of the wearing surface and the whole bridge. For new bridge applications, prefabricated SPS bridge deck plates reduce the dead load by up to 70 % compared with concrete bridge decks, thus allowing bridges to carry significantly greater live load without the need for girder or pier strengthening. Deck replacement can be completed while leaving the steel or concrete girders in place or, where speed of erection is critical, pre‐assembled longitudinal deck‐girder units can be used.
Risk Analysis of Biofuels Industry for Aviation with Scenario‐Based Expert Elicitation
Authors: Connelly Elizabeth B. , Colosi Lisa M. , Clarens Andres F. , Lambert James H.
Published: February 2015

The aviation sector relies almost exclusively on petroleum‐derived fuels at the present time. Due to concerns including national security, long‐term availability of crude oil feedstock, and environmental impacts, there is an increasing interest in identifying alternatives to conventional jet fuel. Viable alternatives must meet a number of criteria, related to quality and quantity of supply, cost‐competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. Priorities for diverse industry initiatives for the development of a biojet fuel industry are influenced by uncertainties including environmental regulation, market prices of crude oil and refinery products, and competition from other industries. This work uses scenario‐based preferences to elicit and inform decision makers on the combinations of emergent and future conditions that are most impactful to the priorities for the industry. The analysis also reveals which initiatives are robust to evolving political, economic, and technological conditions, thus supporting decision‐making relevant to establishing a secure supply of biojet fuel. The method and its results are helpful to the generation of systems engineering requirements recognizing key sources of risk for an emerging industry.
Controlled islanding of power systems using label propagation
Authors: Qing Xiangyun
Published: February 2015

This paper presents a label propagation controlled islanding (LPCI) algorithm for large interconnected power systems. The proposed algorithm is suitable for finding an islanding solution quickly when a power system with large disturbances need to avoid uncontrolled system separation and to prevent wide‐area blackouts. By referring to the graph theory for the power system, a similar graph is first introduced according to the branch power flows the power system. Then, the buses of coherent generators are viewed as labeled data, while the left buses are viewed as unlabeled data. As a result, the controlled islanding problem is converted into a semi‐supervised learning problem. At last, a classical semi‐supervised learning algorithm, i.e. label propagation, is applied to solve the controlled islanding problem. In addition, a small‐scale strategy space for power system splitting is provided according to the proposed entropy criterion. Characteristics of the proposed algorithm are presented, as well as feasibility to the active splitting control of power systems. The results on four test cases show its correctness and computationally efficient. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cooperation of Coordinative and π···π Interaction in Directing Two‐fold Interpenetrated Architecture of Two Eu/Dy(III) 2‐Sulfoterephthalate Complexes with 4,4′‐Bipyridine
Authors: Ren Yi‐Xia , An Miao , Chai Hong‐Mei , Zhang Mei‐Li , Wang Ji‐Jiang
Published: February 2015

Two novel lanthanide coordination polymers, {[Ln(stp)(bipy)(H2O)]·(H2O)}n [Ln = Eu (1) and Dy (2)], were synthesized by hydrothermal reactions of 2‐sulfoterephthalate (stp) and 4,4′‐bipyridine (bipy) ligands with europium/dysprosium(III) salts. Structural analyses show that both complexes 1 and 2 are isomorphic and crystallize in the monoclinic crystal system with space group P21/n. Complex 1 exhibits a two‐dimensional grid‐like structure from europium(III) ions bridged by the carboxyl and sulfonate groups of stp ligands. Notably, the stretching 4,4′‐bipyridine ligands besides the 2D grid‐like layers form π···π interactions and interpenetrate into the empty voids of another adjacent layer into a twofold interpenetrated structure. Fluorescence analysis show that the emission of two complexes exhibit the characteristic peaks of lanthanide ions.
The Clathrate Ba8–xSi46 Revisited: Preparation Routes, Electrical and Thermal Transport Properties
Authors: Castillo Rodrigo , Schnelle Walter , Bobnar Matej , Burkhardt Ulrich , Böhme Bodo , Baitinger Michael , Schwarz Ulrich , Grin Yuri
Published: February 2015

The clathrate‐I Ba8–xSi46 was manufactured from BaSi2 and α‐Si by high‐pressure high‐temperature synthesis at 5 GPa and 900 °C and by redox reaction from Ba4Li2Si6. The transport properties were measured on specimens from the high‐pressure high‐temperature synthesis. The composition of the Ba8–xSi46 phase [space group Pm$\bar{3}$n, a = 10.3051(1) Å] corresponds to x = 0.8(2) according to the refined lattice parameter, the value determined from full‐profile refinement of powder X‐ray diffraction data amounts to x = 0.73(1), and the chemical analysis results in x = 1.0(1), yielding the average composition Ba7.2(2)Si46. The electrical transport properties of the phase with x = 0.8 were determined in the temperature range 2–300 K using a polycrystalline bulk specimen. The material is a metallic conductor with ρ(300 K) = 3.3 μΩ m and S(300 K) = –6.8 μV K–1. The thermal conductivity shows a relatively large – for an intermetallic clathrate – value of about 8 W·K–1 m–1.
Quality vs. quantity: Assessing the visibility of the jaguars housed at Chester Zoo, UK
Authors: Turnock Suzanne , Moss Andrew
Published: February 2015

To fulfill an educational or visitor‐related role in the zoo's collection, a species needs to be visible to the visiting public. However, this may not always be achievable for animals housed in naturalistic enclosures, particularly species which are highly camouflaged and have an elusive nature, such as jaguars. Four jaguars housed at Chester Zoo (UK) were studied to assess the quality of visibility from the public viewing area and to provide recommendations for assessing visibility to evaluate the educational role of elusive species. Data were recorded on whether the jaguar could be seen, the proportion of the body that was visible and their behavior. The jaguars could be seen 19.5% (i.e. quantity), from the public viewing area, of the observed time. 69.2% of this time the whole of the jaguars’ body was on‐show and it was possible to observe their behavior during all of these observations. However, when less of the body was visible, the behavior of the jaguars could be observed on significantly fewer occasions (P < .001). When we incorporate behavior and proportion of body into the analysis and look at ‘educationally meaningful visibility’ (i.e. whole of the animal's body and a behavior could be observed), then the measurement of visibility is reduced to 13.3% (i.e. quality). A simple yes or no, in relation to whether an animal is visible or not, does not give us the detail needed to assess if a species is fulfilling an educational role. Potential solutions to address poor visibility are also discussed. Zoo Biol. 34:189–192, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Investigating the impact of large carcass feeding on the behavior of captive Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) and its perception by zoo visitors
Authors: Gaengler Hannah , Clum Nancy
Published: February 2015

Naturalistic feeding methods, such as the provision of whole carcasses to zoo animals, are potentially controversial because zoo visitors might not approve of them. However, since several species of zoo animals feed from large carcasses in the wild, this food type could benefit their welfare in captivity compared to other less‐natural food types. Scavengers in particular almost exclusively live on carcasses in nature; therefore, their welfare in captivity could significantly depend on the opportunity to express behaviors related to carcass feeding. In this study, we assessed the frequency of carcass feeding for vultures in North American zoos and investigated the effect of different food types on the behavior of zoo‐housed Andean condors (Vultur gryphus). We also evaluated the opinion of North American zoo visitors about carcass feeding. Our results show that small whole carcasses (rats, rabbits) are part of the diet of vultures in most North American zoos, but large whole carcasses (ungulates) are rarely fed. Our behavioral study indicated that Andean condors appear to be more motivated to feed on more natural food types, which also seem to physically engage the birds more and occupy them longer. Most zoo visitors approved of carcass feeding for captive vultures over a range of prey animals, and the majority would also like to observe the vultures eat. Collectively, our results demonstrate that carcass feeding, particularly with larger prey, potentially enriches both zoo‐housed vultures as well as the visitor experience. Zoo Biol. 34:118–129, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
The SF‐36 and 6‐Minute Walk Test are Significant Predictors of Complications After Major Surgery
Authors: Awdeh Haitham , Kassak Kassem , Sfeir Pierre , Hatoum Hadi , Bitar Hala , Husari Ahmad
Published: February 2015

Background

Major surgeries are associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Current preoperative evaluation fails to identify patients at increased risk of postoperative complications. This study is aimed to determine whether the Short Form‐36 health survey (SF‐36) and the 6‐minute walk test (6‐MWT) are useful predictors of postoperative complications after major surgery.

Methods

All patients scheduled to undergo major surgery were eligible for the study. Major surgeries include patients undergoing thoracotomy, sternotomy, or upper abdominal laparotomy. The SF‐36 health survey and 6‐MWT were administered prior to surgery. Spirometry and other preoperative testing, ordered by the surgeon, like echocardiography were included in the study. Patients were then followed‐up for postoperative complications for 30 days.

Results

One‐hundred and seventeen subjects undergoing major surgery were recruited to the study. The mean age was 58 years and 66 (56.4 %) were male. Physical Functioning as a component of the SF‐36 positively correlated with decreased length of hospital stay (LOS). The 6‐MWT had a negative correlation with LOS (p < 0.0001) and with severity of postoperative complications (p < 0.0001). Spirometry and echocardiography did not correlate with LOS or grade of complications.

Conclusions

SF‐36 (Physical Functioning) and 6‐MWT are useful indicators for predicting postoperative complications and LOS.

Condensed abstract

Patients undergoing major surgery answered SF‐36 and performed 6‐MWT. Physical Functioning as a component of the SF‐36 correlated with LOS. The 6‐MWT had a negative correlation with LOS and with complication grade. SF‐36 and 6‐MWT are useful predictors of postoperative complications.
The EPOS‐CC Score: An Integration of Independent, Tumor‐ and Patient‐Associated Risk Factors to Predict 5‐years Overall Survival Following Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Haga Yoshio , Ikejiri Koji , Wada Yasuo , Ikenaga Masakazu , Koike Shoichiro , Nakamura Seiji , Koseki Masato
Published: February 2015

Background

Surgical audit is an essential task for the estimation of postoperative outcome and comparison of quality of care. Previous studies on surgical audits focused on short‐term outcomes, such as postoperative mortality. We propose a surgical audit evaluating long‐term outcome following colorectal cancer surgery. The predictive model for this audit is designated as ‘Estimation of Postoperative Overall Survival for Colorectal Cancer (EPOS‐CC)’.

Methods

Thirty‐one tumor‐related and physiological variables were prospectively collected in 889 patients undergoing elective resection for colorectal cancer between April 2005 and April 2007 in 16 Japanese hospitals. Postoperative overall survival was assessed over a 5‐years period. The EPOS‐CC score was established by selecting significant variables in a uni‐ and multivariate analysis and allocating a risk‐adjusted multiplication factor to each variable using Cox regression analysis. For validation, the EPOS‐CC score was compared to the predictive power of UICC stage. Inter‐hospital variability of the observed‐to‐estimated 5‐years survival was assessed to estimate quality of care.

Results

Among the 889 patients, 804 (90 %) completed the 5‐years follow‐up. Univariate analysis displayed a significant correlation with 5‐years survival for 14 physiological and nine tumor‐related variables (p < 0.005). Highly significant p‐values below 0.0001 were found for age, ASA score, severe pulmonary disease, respiratory history, performance status, hypoalbuminemia, alteration of hemoglobin, serum sodium level, and for all histological variables except tumor location. Age, TNM stage, lymphatic invasion, performance status, and serum sodium level were independent variables in the multivariate analysis and were entered the EPOS‐CC model for the prediction of survival. Risk‐adjusted multiplication factors between 1.5 (distant metastasis) and 0.16 (serum sodium level) were accorded to the different variables. The predictive power of EPOS‐CC was superior to the one of UICC stage; area under the curve 0.87, 95 % CI 0.85–0.90 for EPOS‐CC, and 0.80, 0.76–0.83 for UICC stage, p < 0.001. Quality of care did not differ between hospitals.

Conclusions

The EPOS‐CC score including the independent variables age, performance status, serum sodium level, TNM stage, and lymphatic invasion is superior to the UICC stage in the prediction of 5‐years overall survival. This higher accuracy might be explained by the inclusion of physiological factors, thus also taking non‐tumor‐associated deaths into account. Furthermore, EPOS‐CC score may compare quality of care among different institutions. Future studies are necessary to further evaluate this score and help improving the prediction of long‐term survival following colorectal cancer surgery.
Surgery for Undiagnosed Ground Glass Pulmonary Nodules: Decision Making Using Serial Computed Tomography
Authors: Ueda Kazuhiro , Hayashi Masataro , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Hoshii Yoshinobu , Tanaka Toshiki , Hamano Kimikazu
Published: February 2015

Background

Although long‐term observation of ground glass nodules on computed tomography facilitates the ability to distinguish malignant lesions from benign lesions, the resulting treatment delay can increase the rate of cancer recurrence. We reviewed our surgical cases of pathologically undiagnosed lung nodules possessing ground glass to clarify the clinical impact of selecting surgical candidates based on serial computed tomography, not preoperative biopsy results.

Methods

A consecutive series of 100 patients with clinically suspected lung cancer possessing ground glass among our prospective database of 262 surgical cases of suspected lung cancer were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Surgical indication was determined based on the interval change in the outer diameter or internal attenuation of the lesions in 53 patients (increasing lesions), while that was determined based on the specific marginal or internal features of the lesions in 47 patients (non‐increasing lesions). The length of preoperative follow‐up was significantly longer in the patients with increasing lesions than in the patients with non‐increasing lesions (27 vs. 3 months, P < 0.001). The final pathological diagnoses consisted of 97 adenocarcinomas and three non‐malignant lesions. All increasing lesions were adenocarcinomas. Surgical biopsy contributed in avoiding futile lobectomy in patients with non‐malignant lesions, while that caused false‐negative result in one patient with an increasing lesion. Postoperative recurrence occurred in two patients.

Conclusions

In a surgical series, serial computed tomography‐diagnosed ground glass lesions are highly suggestive of adenocarcinoma, especially increasing lesions. Despite spending a long‐term preoperative follow‐up period without a pathological diagnosis, the surgical outcome is satisfactory. Surgical biopsy for increasing lesions is generally futile.
Organic acids from lignocellulose: Candida lignohabitans as a new microbial cell factory
Authors: Bellasio Martina , Mattanovich Diethard , Sauer Michael , Marx Hans
Published: February 2015

Biorefinery applications require microbial cell factories for the conversion of various sugars derived from lignocellulosic material into value-added chemicals. Here, the capabilities of the yeast Candida lignohabitans to utilize a range of such sugars is characterized. Substrates efficiently converted by this yeast include the pentoses xylose and arabinose. Genetic engineering of C. lignohabitans with the isolated endogenous GAP promoter and GAP terminator was successful. GFP expression was used as a proof of functionality for the isolated transcription elements. Expression of lactate dehydrogenase and cis-aconitate decarboxylase resulted in stable and reproducible production of lactic acid and itaconic acid, respectively. The desired organic acids were accumulated converting pure sugars as well as lignocellulosic hydrolysates. C. lignohabitans proved therefore to be a promising reliable microbial host for production of organic acids from lignocellulosic material.
Capital Constraints and Industry Mix Implications for African-American Business Success
Authors: Reuben Lucy J. , Queen Pamela E.
Published: February 2015

Although not universally appreciated, African-Americans have a long history of entrepreneurial achievements against the odds. African-Americans are more likely to start a business, yet, are less likely to succeed. Well-documented discriminatory practices by industry sectors exclude minorities from lucrative business opportunities. This paper examines participation of African-American owned businesses in key industries to assess implications for revenue generation and hiring potential. While the numbers of African-American owned businesses are increasing; and these firms are providing greater contributions to the socio-economic progress of African Americans and potentially other disadvantaged groups, evidence that African-American owned businesses suffer adversely from unequal access to capital markets and institutional barriers is prevalent. A wealth gap between African-American owned business and non-minority business owners exists and for some industries has widened, as survival of African-American owned business is threaten.
The binding study advice in medical education: a 2-year experience
Authors: Eijsvogels Thijs M. H. , Goorden Ronald , Van den Bosch Wil , Hopman Maria T. E.
Published: February 2015

To improve the effectiveness of higher education, Dutch universities implemented the binding study advice at medical faculties. Accordingly, medicine students of Radboud University need to gain ≥ 42 out of 60 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits to obtain a positive binding study advice and to continue their study programme. In case of a negative advice, the student is obliged to terminate the study, and he/she cannot register for the same study programme in the Netherlands within the next three years. The purpose of this manuscript is to evaluate the effect of implementation of the binding study advice on study outcomes. First, the binding study advice did not impact on student performance, as the average ECTS credits were comparable before and after its introduction. Second, study progress improved 8 % with 93 % of the students obtaining access to the second year of the study programme after binding study advice implementation. Third, the binding study advice did not impact propaedeutic graduation rates. These data demonstrate that the implementation of the binding study advice in medical faculties has only a small impact on study outcomes. The high performance levels of medical students compared with peers at other faculties are likely to contribute to these findings and suggest a ‘ceiling effect’ in the potential improvement of study outcomes at medical faculties.
Solution structure of the rat P2X4 receptor head domain involved in inhibitory metal binding
Authors: Igawa Tatsuhiro , Abe Yoshito , Tsuda Makoto , Inoue Kazuhide , Ueda Tadashi
Published: February 2015

The P2X receptor is an ATP‐gated cation channel expressed on the plasma membrane. The head domain (Gln111–Val167 in the rat P2X4 receptor) regulates ATP‐induced cation influx. In this study, we prepared a head domain with three disulfide bonds, such as the intact rat P2X4 receptor contains. NMR analysis showed that the head domain possessed the same fold as in the zebrafish P2X4 receptor previously determined by crystallography. Furthermore, the inhibitory, divalent, metal ion binding sites were determined by NMR techniques. These findings will be useful for the design of specific inhibitors for the P2X receptor family.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Resident Use of iPad Mini Mobile Devices
Authors: Niehaus William , Boimbo Sandra , Akuthota Venu
Published: February 2015

Background

Previous research on the use of tablet devices in residency programs has been undertaken in radiology and medicine or with standard‐sized tablet devices. With new, smaller tablet devices, there is an opportunity to assess their effect on resident behavior. This prospective study attempts to evaluate resident behavior after receiving a smaller tablet device.

Objective

To evaluate whether smaller tablet computers facilitate residents' daily tasks.

Design

Prospective study that administered surveys to evaluate tablet computer use.

Setting

Residency program.

Participants

Thirteen physical medicine and rehabilitation residents.

Methods

Residents were provided 16‐GB iPad Minis and surveyed with Redcap to collect usage information at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Survey analysis was conducted using SAS (SAS, Cary, NC) for descriptive analysis.

Main Outcome Measurements

To evaluate multiple areas of resident education, the following tasks were selected: accessing e‐mail, logging duty hours, logging procedures, researching clinical information, accessing medical journals, reviewing didactic presentations, and completing evaluations. Then, measurements were taken of: (1) residents' response to how tablet computers made it easier to access the aforementioned tasks; and (2) residents' response to how tablet computers affected the frequency they performed the aforementioned tasks.

Results

After being provided tablet computers, our physical medicine and rehabilitation residents reported significantly greater access to e‐mail, medical journals, and didactic material. Also, receiving tablet computers was reported to increase the frequency that residents accessed e‐mail, researched clinical information, accessed medical journals, reviewed didactic presentations, and completed evaluations. After receiving a tablet computer, residents reported an increase in the use of calendar programs, note‐taking programs, PDF readers, online storage programs, and file organization programs.

Conclusions

These physical medicine and rehabilitation residents reported tablet computers increased access to e‐mail, presentation material, and medical journals. Tablet computers also were reported to increase the frequency residents were able to complete tasks associated with residency training.
Dry Needling Alters Trigger Points in the Upper Trapezius Muscle and Reduces Pain in Subjects With Chronic Myofascial Pain
Authors: Gerber Lynn H. , Shah Jay , Rosenberger William , Armstrong Kathryn , Turo Diego , Otto Paul , Heimur Juliana , Thaker Nikki , Sikdar Siddhartha
Published: February 2015

Objective

To determine whether dry needling of an active myofascial trigger point (MTrP) reduces pain and alters the status of the trigger point to either a non–spontaneously tender nodule or its resolution.

Design

A prospective, nonrandomized, controlled, interventional clinical study.

Setting

University campus.

Participants

A total of 56 subjects with neck or shoulder girdle pain of more than 3 months duration and active MTrPs were recruited from a campus‐wide volunteer sample. Of these, 52 completed the study (23 male and 33 female). Their mean age was 35.8 years.

Interventions

Three weekly dry needling treatments of a single active MTrP.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes: Baseline and posttreatment evaluations of pain using a verbal analogue scale, the Brief Pain Inventory, and the status of the MTrP as determined by digital palpation. Trigger points were rated as active (spontaneously painful), latent (requiring palpation to reproduce the characteristic pain), or resolved (no palpable nodule).

Secondary Outcomes

Profile of Mood States, Oswestry Disability Index, and Short Form 36 scores, and cervical range of motion.

Results

Primary outcomes: A total of 41 subjects had a change in trigger point status from active to latent or resolved, and 11 subjects had no change (P < .001). Reduction in all pain scores was significant (P < .001). Secondary outcomes: Significant improvement in posttreatment cervical rotational asymmetry in subjects as follows: unilateral/bilateral MTrPs (P = .001 and P = 21, respectively); in pain pressure threshold in subjects with unilateral/bilateral MTrPs, (P = .006 and P = .012, respectively); improvement in the SF‐36 mental health and physical functioning subscale scores (P = .019 and P = .03), respectively; and a decrease in the Oswestry Disability Index score (P = .003).

Conclusions

Dry needling reduces pain and changes MTrP status. Change in trigger point status is associated with a statistically and clinically significant reduction in pain. Reduction of pain is associated with improved mood, function, and level of disability.
Law, Religion, and Feeling Included/Excluded: Case Studies in Canadian Religious Freedom Litigation
Authors: Kislowicz Howard
Published: February 2015

Based on a small qualitative study of three religious freedom cases, this article uses litigant narratives as springboards for reflection on the theme of inclusion in the Canadian political community. The article attends to the affective dimension of inclusion, focusing on whether participants felt included or excluded. Successful litigants told narratives of Canada as a country in which they could be included in public life without forgoing their religious practices. The narratives of unsuccessful litigants were more complex. These particular litigants did not have a desire to participate in public practices and institutions. Rather, their narratives understood religious freedom on a contractual basis, portraying their loss in court as a breach of covenant. Moreover, though these narratives contained themes of rejection and exclusion, participants said that they had faith enough in their eventual success that they would stay in Canada rather than emigrate.
Measurements of the coupling between the tumbling of rods and the velocity gradient tensor in turbulence
Authors: Ni Rui , Kramel Stefan , Ouellette Nicholas T. , Voth Greg A.
Published: February 2015

We present simultaneous experimental measurements of the dynamics of anisotropic particles transported by a turbulent flow and the velocity gradient tensor of the flow surrounding them. We track both rod-shaped particles and small spherical flow tracers using stereoscopic particle tracking. By using scanned illumination, we are able to obtain a high enough seeding density of tracers to measure the full velocity gradient tensor near the rod. The alignment of rods with the vorticity and the eigenvectors of the strain rate from experimental results agree well with numerical findings. A full description of the tumbling of rods in turbulence requires specifying a seven-dimensional joint probability density function (jPDF) of five scalars characterizing the velocity gradient tensor and two scalars describing the relative orientation of the rod. If these seven parameters are known, then Jeffery’s equation specifies the rod tumbling rate and any statistic of rod rotations can be obtained as a weighted average over the jPDF. To look for a lower-dimensional projection to simplify the problem, we explore conditional averages of the mean-squared tumbling rate. The conditional dependence of the mean-squared tumbling rate on the magnitude of both the vorticity and the strain rate is strong, as expected, and similar. There is also a strong dependence on the orientation between the rod and the vorticity, since a rod aligned with the vorticity vector tumbles due to strain but not vorticity. When conditioned on the alignment of the rod with the eigenvectors of the strain rate, the largest tumbling rate is obtained when the rod is oriented at a certain angle to the eigenvector that corresponds to the smallest eigenvalue, because this particular orientation maximizes the contribution from both the vorticity and strain.
Measurement of the dispersion relation for random surface gravity waves
Authors: Taklo Tore Magnus A. , Trulsen Karsten , Gramstad Odin , Krogstad Harald E. , Jensen Atle
Published: February 2015

We report laboratory experiments and numerical simulations of the Zakharov equation, designed to have sufficient resolution in space and time to measure the dispersion relation for random surface gravity waves. The experiments and simulations are carried out for a JONSWAP spectrum and Gaussian spectra of various bandwidths on deep water. It is found that the measured dispersion relation deviates from the linear dispersion relation above the spectral peak when the bandwidth is sufficiently narrow.
Enumeration, orthogonality and completeness of the incompressible Coriolis modes in a sphere
Authors: Ivers D. J. , Jackson A. , Winch D.
Published: February 2015

We consider incompressible flows in the rapid-rotation limit of small Rossby number and vanishing Ekman number, in a bounded volume with a rigid impenetrable rotating boundary. Physically the flows are inviscid, almost rigid rotations. We interpret the Coriolis force, modified by a pressure gradient, as a linear operator acting on smooth inviscid incompressible flows in the volume. The eigenfunctions of the Coriolis operator$\boldsymbol{{\mathcal{C}}}$so defined are the inertial modes (including any Rossby modes) and geostrophic modes of the rotating volume. We show$\boldsymbol{{\mathcal{C}}}$is a bounded operator and that$-\text{i}\boldsymbol{{\mathcal{C}}}$is symmetric, so that the Coriolis modes of different frequencies are orthogonal. We prove that the space of incompressible polynomial flows of degree$N$or less in a sphere is invariant under$\boldsymbol{{\mathcal{C}}}$. The symmetry of$-\text{i}\boldsymbol{{\mathcal{C}}}$thus implies the Coriolis operator is non-defective on the finite-dimensional space of spherical polynomial flows. This enables us to enumerate the Coriolis modes, and to establish their completeness using the Weierstrass polynomial approximation theorem. The fundamental tool, which is required to establish invariance of spherical polynomial flows under$\boldsymbol{{\mathcal{C}}}$and completeness, is that the solution of the polynomial Poisson–Neumann problem, i.e. Poisson’s equation with a Neumann boundary condition and polynomial data, in a sphere is a polynomial. We also enumerate the Coriolis modes in a sphere, with careful consideration of the geostrophic modes, directly from the known analytic solutions.
Effects of sodium benzoate on pre-pulse inhibition deficits and hyperlocomotion in mice after administration of phencyclidine
Authors: Matsuura Akiko , Fujita Yuko , Iyo Masaomi , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: February 2015

Objective

A recent clinical study demonstrated that sodium benzoate (SB), a prototype competitived-amino acid oxidase inhibitor, was effective in the treatment of several symptoms, such as positive and negative symptoms, and cognitive impairment in medicated patients with schizophrenia. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of SB on behavioural abnormalities such as pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) deficits and hyperlocomotion in mice after a single administration of theN-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, phencyclidine (PCP).

Methods

The effects of SB on behavioural abnormalities (PPI deficits and hyperlocomotion) in mice after PCP administration were examined. Furthermore, effects of SB on tissue levels of amino acids were also examined.

Results

A single oral dose of SB (100, 300, or 1000 mg/kg) attenuated PPI deficits in mice after administration of PCP (3.0 mg/kg, s.c.) in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, L-701,324 (10 mg/kg), an antagonist at the glycine site of the NMDA receptor, did not affect the effect of SB (1000 mg/kg) on PCP-induced PPI deficits. Furthermore, a single oral dose of SB (1000 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the hyperlocomotion in mice after administration of PCP (3.0 mg/kg, s.c.). However, a single oral dose of SB (1000 mg/kg) caused no changes tod-serine levels in plasma or in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum of these animals.

Conclusion

This study suggests that SB induced antipsychotic effects in the PCP model of schizophrenia, although it did not increased-serine levels in the brain.
Provenance of the Roman basalt stone at Kotterbos (Lelystad, the Netherlands): A geoarchaeological study based on petrographic and geochemical analysis, and comparison with a synthesis of basalt stones along the northern Limes
Authors: Linthout K.
Published: February 2015

A solitary unprocessed, 26-cm basalt stone recently found at the Roman (69 AD) site at Kotterbos (Lelystad, the Netherlands), situated 40 km north of the Limes, has been examined petrographically and geochemically. The rock is similar to previously investigated Roman basalt stones and blocks from the Limes in the province of Utrecht. All are alkali olivine basalts and basanites, which are also the dominant rock types in the nearby volcanic hinterland in Germany. On the basis of 23 criteria, including all major and minor elements plus a selection of trace elements, the Kotterbos stone correlates with a distinctive subgroup of Limes basalts. This subgroup is characterised by relatively high Mg# and low TiO2 wt% values, as opposed to the other subgroup with lower Mg# and higher TiO2 wt% values. It is argued that the high Mg#–low TiO2 subgroup and the Kotterbos basalt have common geological provenance(s). Five basalt bodies in the hinterland match the criteria of this subgroup, and might be considered as locations of provenance. Of these five, only Rolandsbogen, located next to an ideal anchorage on the west bank of the Rhine, about 12 km upstream from Bonn, can also conform to sensible Roman demands concerning effective logistics and military safety. Consequently, Rolandsbogen is the most likely site of provenance for the high Mg#–low TiO2 subgroup, which includes the Kotterbos basalt. It is argued that the Kotterbos stone is not a rock that somehow got separated from a shipment of building stones to the northern Limes; rather, it is speculated that the stone was picked up as a stray cobble near the basalt body and taken onboard a Roman vessel moored at the Rolandsbogen anchorage.
Why Does Alejandro Know More about Politics than Catalina? Explaining the Latin American Gender Gap in Political Knowledge
Authors: Fraile Marta , Gomez Raul
Published: February 2015

This article tests contextual and individual-level explanations of the gender gap in political knowledge in Latin American countries. It suggests that this gap is impacted by political and economic settings through two interrelated mechanisms: gender accessibility (that is, the extent of available opportunities for women to influence the political agenda) and gender-bias signaling (that is, the extent to which women play important roles in the public sphere). Analyzing data from the 2008 Americas Barometer survey, this study shows that the gender gap in political knowledge is smaller among highly educated citizens, in rural areas (where both men and women know little about politics) and in bigger cities (where women’s levels of political knowledge are higher). More importantly, the magnitude of the gap varies greatly across countries. Gender differences in income, party system institutionalization and the representation of women in national parliaments are all found to play a particularly important role in explaining the magnitude of the gender gap in political knowledge across Latin America.