bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physically symmetric wideband waveguide T‐junction with equal‐phase and unequal‐power division
Authors: Huang Guan‐Long , Chio Tan‐Huat , Hui Hon‐Tat , Yeo Tat‐Soon
Published: March 2015

An H‐plane wideband rectangular waveguide T‐junction divider with an equal‐phase and an unequal‐power‐division is proposed. This T‐junction has an intrinsic hallmark of symmetry, namely, the lengths of two output branches being maintained equally with reference to the input port. Numerical analysis results are compared with the measured ones to verify the design idea. This device has a potential application in array feeding network designs where equal‐phase and unequal‐power division are to be achieved by equal‐length feeding lines. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1216–1219, 2015
Rotational circular split ring resonator array loaded CPW for dual notch and wide bandstop applications
Authors: Saha Chinmoy , Siddiqui Jawad Y. , Shaik Latheef A. , Antar Yahia M. M.
Published: March 2015

A compact design of a wide bandstop and dual notch filter using an array of circular split ring resonators (SRR) on a coplanar waveguide is proposed in this article. The band rejection is determined by the resonance frequencies of the loaded SRRs. The resonance frequencies of the SRRs are optimized by gradual angular rotation of the inner rings of the SRRs. The dual notch is achieved with dual SRR pairs with two different angular orientations of (0°–60° and 0°–90°). A wideband rejection is achieved by an array of eight pairs of SRRs with gradually changing angular orientation from 0° to 90°. Good agreement is achieved between the simulated and the measured results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1204–1209, 2015
A CPW‐fed wideband circularly polarized slot antenna with FSS for enhanced gain
Authors: Ramkrishna RVS , Kumar Raj
Published: March 2015

A CPW fed slot antenna is proposed. The slot is rectangular in shape and is excited by a two step feed terminated on a circular disc which protrudes into the slot center. Perturbations in the form of metallic L‐shape strips are attached at two opposite corners of the slot while the other two slot corners are blended with circular arcs. Further, slant narrow rectangular slits are cut on the circular disc. The frequency selected surface (FSS) designed to improve the gain and the Circular Polarization (CP) of the antenna is an array of rectangular metallic patches printed on one side of a substrate. The antenna—FSS combination achieves an impedance bandwidth of 2.3–12.0 GHz (136%, measured). The 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) achieved by the combination is from 4.3–6.9 GHz (46.4%, measured). The measured peak gain is 7–8 dBi over much of the band which is an enhancement of about 4 dBi when compared to the antenna without the FSS. The antenna along with the FSS can be useful for CP applications such as in ground penetrating radar and vehicular radar where high gain is additionally required. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1199–1204, 2015
A coupled line bandpass filter using a novel SIR with intentional coupled length
Authors: Kim In‐Seon , Shin Imseob , Lee Byeong‐Nam
Published: March 2015

A novel stepped impedance resonator (SIR) and its design formulas for the coupled line bandpass filter (BPF) are proposed. The proposed SIR can provide tight coupling by intentionally extending the length of a coupled line. In addition, it forms the second passband much farther away compared to the conventional SIR. To show the validity of the proposed SIR and its application to the coupled line BPF, the three‐pole SIR BPF is designed and fabricated. The measured and simulated results are in very good agreement. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1259–1262, 2015
XD‐GRASP: Golden‐angle radial MRI with reconstruction of extra motion‐state dimensions using compressed sensing
Authors: Feng Li , Axel Leon , Chandarana Hersh , Block Kai Tobias , Sodickson Daniel K. , Otazo Ricardo
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To develop a novel framework for free‐breathing MRI called XD‐GRASP, which sorts dynamic data into extra motion‐state dimensions using the self‐navigation properties of radial imaging and reconstructs the multidimensional dataset using compressed sensing.

Methods

Radial k‐space data are continuously acquired using the golden‐angle sampling scheme and sorted into multiple motion‐states based on respiratory and/or cardiac motion signals derived directly from the data. The resulting undersampled multidimensional dataset is reconstructed using a compressed sensing approach that exploits sparsity along the new dynamic dimensions. The performance of XD‐GRASP is demonstrated for free‐breathing three‐dimensional (3D) abdominal imaging, two‐dimensional (2D) cardiac cine imaging and 3D dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI of the liver, comparing against reconstructions without motion sorting in both healthy volunteers and patients.

Results

XD‐GRASP separates respiratory motion from cardiac motion in cardiac imaging, and respiratory motion from contrast enhancement in liver DCE‐MRI, which improves image quality and reduces motion‐blurring artifacts.

Conclusion

XD‐GRASP represents a new use of sparsity for motion compensation and a novel way to handle motions in the context of a continuous acquisition paradigm. Instead of removing or correcting motion, extra motion‐state dimensions are reconstructed, which improves image quality and also offers new physiological information of potential clinical value. Magn Reson Med 75:775–788, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphological changes in the salivary acini after in vivo cholinergic stimulation
Authors: Hassan Sherif S. , Rachakatla Raja , McGarvey Terence , Youakeem Magdy F.
Published: March 2015

Aims

Overactive bladder syndrome treated by muscarinic receptor antagonists may be complicated by reduced salivation. Cholinergic agonists may reverse this effect. The aim of the present study was to determine the antagonizing effect of a cholinergic agonist (carbachol) on a muscarinic receptor antagonist (oxybutynin) in the submandibular acini in a rat model.

Methods

Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: Group I (control), Group II (vehicle), and Group III (treatment). Group III was subdivided so Group IIIa was treated with a muscarinic receptor antagonist (oxybutynin) for 1 week, Group IIIb was treated with oxybutynin for 3 weeks, and Group IIIc was treated with oxybutynin for 1 week and oxybutynin and a cholinergic agonist (carbachol) for 2 weeks. Histological and ultrastructural studies were performed on submandibular glands.

Results

Group IIIa showed moderate atrophic changes in the serous acini and ducts. Group IIIb showed serous acini with distorted wall, widening of the inter‐lobar space, and deposition of mononuclear cells in the connective tissue. Group IIIc had serous acini similar to Group I, with mildly dilated inter‐lobar ducts, but some serous acini revealed double nuclei and the inter‐lobar duct showed luminal vacuolations. Ultrastructural studies confirmed histological results.

Conclusions

Muscarinic receptor antagonist administration led to changes in the submandibular gland of rats, while concomitant administration of cholinergic agonists seemed to counteract these atrophic changes. Additional studies should assess carbachol as a cholinergic agonist in treating dry mouth in patients with overactive bladder syndrome who are taking the muscarinic receptor. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:574–581, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sacrifice of the Social Outcasts: Two Cases of Klippel–Feil Syndrome at Midnight Terror Cave, Belize
Authors: Kieffer C. L.
Published: March 2015

The archaeological record indicates that the ancient lowland Maya sacrificed a wide variety of people in caves for various reasons. Ritual theorists have proposed that individuals chosen for sacrifice cross‐culturally are typically outsiders either geographically or socially with slaves, prisoners of war, children (typically orphaned), sorcerers and the physically handicapped. Prior to this study, all but the physically handicapped were documented as sacrificial victims at cave sites. The site of Midnight Terror Cave in the Cayo District of Belize contains at least 118 individuals and is now one of the largest sacrificial assemblages ever discovered in the Maya Lowlands. This assemblage supports previous notions of who the ancient Maya chose for human sacrifice and documents the first cases of physically handicapped sacrifices. Two individuals with probable Klippel–Feil syndrome, a physically debilitating pathological condition with many associated abnormalities that would have made certain aspects of social life difficult, were documented in the assemblage. Ultimately, these results suggest that ritual theory predicts all the types of social outcasts chosen for sacrifice Maya caves. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changing Covenants in Samoa? From Brothers and Sisters to Husbands and Wives?
Authors: Latai Latu
Published: March 2015

This article explores how in the process of Christian conversion in Samoa by the London Missionary Society, the indigenous sacred covenant between brother and sister was transposed onto the relation between the pastor, his wife, and the congregation. I consider how far Victorian models of gender and domesticity, based on more individuated modes of personhood and the nuclear family, were promoted by foreign missionaries and whether Samoan people accepted, resisted, and transformed these models. In Samoa, women had assumed powerful statuses as feagaiga ‘covenants’ and as tamasa ‘sacred child’. These ascriptions gave Samoan women sacred power and they were highly esteemed in their families and natal villages. What impact would Christian conversion have on this high valuation of Samoan women? And how would this transformation impact on Samoan ideas about gender and personhood?
Loss of tumour suppressor PTEN expression in renal injury initiates SMAD3‐ and p53‐dependent fibrotic responses
Authors: Samarakoon Rohan , Helo Sevann , Dobberfuhl Amy D , Khakoo Nidah S , Falke Lucas , Overstreet Jessica M , Goldschmeding Roel , Higgins Paul J
Published: March 2015

Deregulation of the tumour suppressor PTEN occurs in lung and skin fibrosis and diabetic and ischaemic renal injury. However, the potential role of PTEN and associated mechanisms in the progression of kidney fibrosis is unknown. Tubular and interstitial PTEN expression was dramatically decreased in several models of renal injury, including aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN), streptozotocin (STZ)‐mediated injury and ureteral unilateral obstruction (UUO), correlating with Akt, p53 and SMAD3 activation and fibrosis. Stable silencing of PTEN in HK‐2 human tubular epithelial cells induced dedifferentiation and CTGF, PAI‐1, vimentin, α‐SMA and fibronectin expression, compared to HK‐2 cells expressing control shRNA. Furthermore, PTEN knockdown stimulated Akt, SMAD3 and p53Ser15 phosphorylation, with an accompanying decrease in population density and an increase in epithelial G1 cell cycle arrest. SMAD3 or p53 gene silencing or pharmacological blockade partially suppressed fibrotic gene expression and relieved growth inhibition orchestrated by deficiency or inhibition of PTEN. Similarly, shRNA suppression of PAI‐1 rescued the PTEN loss‐associated epithelial proliferative arrest. Moreover, TGFβ1‐initiated fibrotic gene expression is further enhanced by PTEN depletion. Combined TGFβ1 treatment and PTEN silencing potentiated epithelial cell death via p53‐dependent pathways. Thus, PTEN loss initiates tubular dysfunction via SMAD3‐ and p53‐mediated fibrotic gene induction, with accompanying PAI‐1‐dependent proliferative arrest, and cooperates with TGFβ1 to induce the expression of profibrotic genes and tubular apoptosis. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new periodic pattern with five‐neighbored domain packing from ABC triblock terpolymer/B homopolymer blend
Authors: Izumi Yuki , Yamada Mutsuhiko , Takano Atsushi , Matsushita Yushu
Published: March 2015

Self‐assembled structures from poly(isoprene‐b‐styrene‐b‐2‐vinylpyridine)(ISP)/styrene homopolymer blend were investigated. Five terpolymers whose total molecular weight, M, is in the narrow range of 121k < M < 214k, and volume fractions of the center block polystyrenes, ϕS, are similar at around 0.55, were prepared as parent block terpolymers. Their ϕP/ϕI ratios, used as an indicator of asymmetry, are varied in the range 0.32 < ϕP/ϕI < 2.46. Three low‐molecular weight styrene homopolymers with molecular weights of 3k, 9k, and 12k, respectively, were mixed with those block terpolymers to produce blends with almost constant styrene content within the range 0.65 < ϕS < 0.68. Both ISP/S(3k) and ISP/S(12k) blend series show a morphological transition from tetragonally packed cylinders (TPC) to double hexagonal structure (DHS) with hexagonally arrayed polyisoprene cylinders, each surrounded by six thin cylinders as satellites. If one focuses on ISP‐III(150k)/S blends whose ϕP/ϕI is 0.88, TPC for ISP‐III/S(3k) was transformed to DHS for ISP‐III/S(12k), evidently due to the molecular weight effect of the added homopolymer. Finally a new periodic pattern, having P cylinders surrounded by five I cylinders each, has been discovered from ISP‐III/S(9k) at overall composition of ϕI/ϕS/ϕP = 0.17/0.68/0.15 and polystyrene block/styrene homopolymer ratio of wS(b)/wS(h) = 1.4. This structure was confirmed to possess hexagonal symmetry with larger unit cell than regular patterns ever known by X‐ray diffraction experiment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 907–911
Un modèle de points chauds fondé sur l'implosion de la porosité microstructurale
Authors: Belmas R. , Plotard J.P. , Bianchi C. , Leroy M. , Nicollet M. , Meillot E.
Published: March 2015

Ein Hot‐Spot‐Modell auf der Grundlage der Implosion der mikroporösen Gefügestruktur

Wir zeigen das Prinzip und die Grundgleichungen eines Hot‐Spot‐Modells, das sich gründet auf der viskoplastischen Verformung des Sprengstoffs im Bereich der kollabierenden Mikroporen unter Einwirkung von Schock‐ oder Kompressionswellen. Dieses Modell bildet für sich ein leistungsfähiges Werkzeug zur Analyse der Zündphänomene von Sprengstoffen bei mechanischer Beanspruchung. Ein Verfahren für die Bestimmung der Viskosität der Sprengstoffe, ein grundlegender Parameter für den Einsatz des Modells, wird vorgeschlagen. Zwei Versionen des Modells werden vorgestellt. Das eine erfordert eine numerische Integration der Bewegungsgleichungen und der Wärmegleichungen. Die andere Version ist ein analytisches Modell, das leicht in den hydrodynamischen Code eingebaut und mit dem Abbrandgesetz des Korns verbunden werden kann, um ein kinetisches Gesetz zur Simulation des Übergangs Schock‐Detonation aufzustellen.
Impact of dislocations and defects on the relaxation behavior of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells grown on Si and sapphire substrates
Authors: Yoshida Hisashi , Hikosaka Toshiki , Nago Hajime , Nunoue Shinya
Published: March 2015

We investigated the relaxation behavior of InGaN/GaN blue multiple quantum wells (MQWs) grown on Si (111) and sapphire (0001) substrates to determine how the threading dislocation density (TDD) in the underlying GaN layer, the thickness of the MQWs, and the growth substrate (Si or sapphire) affect the relaxation behavior of MQWs. The results demonstrate that the value of the in‐plane lattice parameter difference between MQWs and GaN (IPLDMQWs–GaN) is strongly dependent on the TDD in the underlying GaN layer. The thickness of the InGaN well layer has the greatest effect on the IPLDMQWs–GaN value of the blue MQW structure: a thin InGaN well layer with high In content is more effective than a thick InGaN well layer with low In content for obtaining high‐quality blue MQWs without misfit dislocations (MDs). Furthermore, MQWs grown on Si are likely to contain MDs and unlikely to form V‐defects, whereas the opposite tendency is true of MQWs grown on sapphire. Using threading dislocations, MDs, and V‐defects, we propose relaxation mechanisms for MQWs grown on Si (111) and sapphire (0001) substrates.
Practical Reliability and Maintainability Analysis Tool for an Open Source Cloud Computing
Authors: Tamura Yoshinobu , Yamada Shigeru
Published: March 2015

We focus on a cloud computing environment by using open source softwares such as OpenStack and Eucalyptus because of the unification management of data and low cost. A cloud computing is attracting attention as a network service to share the computing resources, that is, networks, servers, storage, applications, and services. We propose jump diffusion models based on stochastic differential equations in order to consider the interesting aspect of the provisioning process. Especially, the reliability and maintainability analysis tool for cloud computing is developed in this paper. Also, we analyze actual data to show numerical illustrations of application of the software analysis tool considering the characteristics of cloud computing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variation in δ15N and δ13C stable isotope values in common dolphins (Delphinus spp.) worldwide, with particular emphasis on the eastern North Atlantic populations
Authors: Pinela A. M. , Borrell A. , Aguilar A.
Published: March 2015

Rationale

Distinguishing population units of small cetaceans continuously distributed in a widespread area is challenging but critical for their conservation and management. The use of chemical markers allows the investigation of foraging ecology and inter‐specific variability, in order to detect population structure and niche segregation in the common dolphin (Delphinus spp.).

Methods

The stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C values) and nitrogen (δ15N values) were measured in the bone tissue of common dolphins accidentally by‐caught or stranded along the north‐eastern and eastern Subtropical Atlantic Ocean, by means of continuous flow elemental analyser/isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Trophic positions were determined and compared, taking into account the local ecosystem trophic baseline for each study area. Data obtained for the study areas were qualitatively compared with those for common dolphin species/populations distributed worldwide.

Results

The δ13C and δ15N values were higher in the eastern Subtropical Atlantic as a consequence of the coexistence in the area of the common dolphin short‐ and long‐beaked morphotypes. Individuals from the north‐eastern Atlantic displayed lower δ15N values, reflecting dissimilarities in diet and variation in local isotopic baselines. Comparisons with other areas around the world suggest that the species is extremely adaptive and feeds at different trophic levels to adapt to local variations.

Conclusions

Stable isotopes are a useful tool to investigate population structure and trophic niche segregation. The trophic behaviour of worldwide populations of common dolphins was fruitfully analysed and revealed substantial differences, probably reflective of both adaptive strategies of the genus and dissimilarities in the structure of the ecosystems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robustness of ISS systems to inputs with limited moving average: Application to spacecraft formations
Authors: Grøtli Esten Ingar , Panteley Elena , Chaillet Antoine , Gravdahl Jan Tommy
Published: March 2015

We provide a theoretical framework that fits realistic challenges related to spacecraft formation with disturbances. We show that the input‐to‐state stability of such systems guarantees some robustness with respect to a class of signals with bounded average‐energy, which encompasses the typical disturbances acting on spacecraft formations. Solutions are shown to converge to the desired formation, up to an offset, which is somewhat proportional to the considered moving average of disturbances. In the presence of fast peaking perturbations, the approach provides a tighter evaluation of the disturbances' influence, which allows for the use of more parsimonious control gains. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prepare to respond to increase in transcript fraud involving international students
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: March 2015

ST. PETERSBURG BEACH, FLA. — The 3.2 percent growth in international student enrollment in the last academic year at U.S. colleges and universities has brought with it an unwelcome and often unseen partner — an increasing number of fraudulent international applications.
Did failure to follow procedures violate student's rights?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: March 2015

Judy Chang was a student in the Department of Nursing at Purdue University in January 2007. At that time, lab personnel attempted to discuss their concerns about Chang's lab skills, but she allegedly became very argumentative and stated she felt targeted.
Does Microfinance Impact on Rural Empowerment in Bangladesh? Differences Between Governmental and Non‐Governmental Microfinance Programs
Authors: Mazumder Mohummed Shofi Ullah , Wencong Lu
Published: March 2015

We investigate the impact of microfinance providers on economic, family and social, and political empowerment. Data were collected in two phases from 300 microfinance beneficiaries and 200 controls. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, multiple regression, propensity score matching and the Rosenbaum bound method were used for analysis. In the majority of areas, microfinance increased recipients’ empowerment. Both econometric estimations showed the largest effects for family and social and political empowerment in recipients of governmental microfinance, while non‐governmental microfinance recipients saw greater improvements in economic empowerment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Wellbeing and Sustainability: A Relational Approach
Authors: Helne Tuula , Hirvilammi Tuuli
Published: March 2015

Sustainable development has been a political catchphrase for almost 30 years. However, a genuine transition towards sustainability has not yet begun. The prevailing values have remained intact, with polarization towards economic aspects of sustainability. The dominant weak interpretation of sustainable development is based on a human exemptionalism paradigm that does not fully recognize the interconnectedness of human wellbeing and the vitality of ecosystems. Moreover, the ultimate goal of sustainable development, i.e. wellbeing, has been understood narrowly, and mainly in economic terms. To increase the chances of a transition to sustainability, it is necessary to enrich the understanding of wellbeing on the basis of a relational paradigm, in which the dependency of human wellbeing on the health of the ecosystems is internalized. To this end, we present a relational, multidimensional and needs‐based conceptualization of wellbeing, arguing that this approach holds significant promise for both sustainability and wellbeing research and policies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Intermediary Products: FDI Strategies, Imports, Exports, and Trade Balances in Developed Economies
Authors: Napshin Stuart , Brouthers Lance Eliot
Published: March 2015

Has the relationship between the dominant investment motives of multinational enterprises (MNEs) and national trade balances, imports, and exports changed over time? A 1996 study hypothesized and found that the MNE market versus resource seeking investment motives in developed countries (DCs) resulted in different aggregate impacts on national trade balances, imports, and exports. In this study, we ask whether the increased use of intermediary products, a major change in the way MNEs conduct business, affect the previously found patterns. Because firm‐level data on intermediary products is not widely available across countries, we indirectly test their impact, hypothesizing that the rise in use of intermediary products has changed MNE investment motives in DCs, resulting in stronger relationships between foreign direct investment (FDI) and imports/exports in high‐FDI DCs but weaker links between FDI and national trade balances. Implications and future research directions are discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Implementation of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology Improves Malignancy Detection Despite Lower Rate of Thyroidectomy in Indeterminate Nodules
Authors: Hirsch Dania , Robenshtok Eyal , Bachar Gideon , Braslavsky Diana , Benbassat Carlos
Published: March 2015

Background

The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (TBSRTC) was developed in 2009 to standardize the terminology for interpreting fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) specimens.

Methods

A historical prospective case series design was employed. The study group included patients with a thyroid nodule classified as TBSRTC AUS/FLUS (B3) or FN/SFN (B4) in 2011–2012 in a tertiary university‐affiliated medical center. Rates of surgery and malignancy detection were compared to our pre‐TBSRTC (1999–2000) study.

Results

Of 3927 nodules aspirated, 575 (14.6 %) were categorized as B3/B4. Complete data were available for 322. Thyroidectomy was performed in 123 (38.2 %) cases: 66/250 (26.4 %) B3 and 57/72 (79.2 %) B4. Differentiated thyroid cancer was found in 66 (53.7 %) patients: 30/66 (45.5 %) B3 and 36/57 (63.2 %) B4 (p = 0.075). Operated patients were younger than the non‐operated (B3: 52.4 ± 16 vs. 59.7 ± 13 years, p = 0.009; B4: 51.7 ± 15 vs. 60.5 ± 14 years, p = 0.042), and operated B3 nodules were larger than the non‐operated (27.2 vs. 22.2 mm, p = 0.014). Additional FNA was done in 160 patients (49.7 %): 137/250 (54.8 %) B3 and 23/72 (31.9 %) B4 (p = 0.002). The additional B3 nodules aspirations yielded a diagnosis of B2 in 84 patients (61.3 %), B3 in 48 (35 %), and B4 in 5 (3.6 %). Of the 23 repeated B4 aspirations, B2 was reported in 5 (21.7 %), B3 in 12 (52.2 %), B4 in 4 (17.4 %), and B6 in 2 (8.7 %). The number of aspirated nodules was twice that reported in 1999–2000. The rate of indeterminate nodules increased from 6 to 14.6 %, the surgery rate decreased from 52.3 to 38.2 %, and the accuracy of malignancy diagnosis increased from 25.9 to 53.7 %.

Conclusions

The application of TBSRTC significantly improves diagnostic accuracy for indeterminate thyroid nodules, leading to higher rates of malignancy detection despite lower rates of thyroidectomies.
The Effect of β‐blockade on Survival After Isolated Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Mohseni Shahin , Talving Peep , Thelin Eric P. , Wallin Göran , Ljungqvist Olle , Riddez Louis
Published: March 2015

Background

Several North American studies have observed survival benefit in patients exposed to β‐blockers following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of β‐blockade on mortality in a Swedish cohort of isolated severe TBI patients.

Methods

The trauma registry of an urban academic trauma center was queried to identify patients with an isolated severe TBI between 1/2007 and 12/2011. Isolated severe TBI was defined as an intracranial injury with an Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) ≥3 excluding extra‐cranial injuries AIS ≥3. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the effect of β‐blocker exposure on mortality. Also, a subgroup analysis was performed to investigate the risk of mortality in patients on pre‐admission β‐blocker versus not and the effect of specific type of β‐blocker on the overall outcome.

Results

Overall, 874 patients met the study criteria. Of these, 33 % (n = 287) were exposed to β‐blockers during their hospital admission. The exposed patients were older (62 ± 16 years vs. 49 ± 21 years, p < 0.001), and more severely injured based on their admission GCS, ISS, and head AIS scores (GCS ≤8: 32 % vs. 28 %, p = 0.007; ISS ≥16: 71 % vs. 59 %, p = 0.001; head AIS ≥4: 60 % vs. 45 %, p < 0.001). The crude mortality was higher in patients who did not receive β‐blockers (17 % vs. 11 %, p = 0.007) during their admission. After adjustment for significant confounders, the patients not exposed to β‐blockers had a 5‐fold increased risk of in‐hospital mortality (AOR 5.0, CI 95 % 2.7–8.5, p = 0.001). No difference in survival was noted in regards to the type of β‐blocker used. Subgroup analysis revealed a higher risk of mortality in patients naive to β‐blockers compared to those on pre‐admission β‐blocker therapy (AOR 3.0 CI 95 % 1.2–7.1, p = 0.015).

Conclusions

β‐blocker exposure after isolated severe traumatic brain injury is associated with significantly improved survival. We also noted decreased mortality in patients on pre‐admission β‐blocker therapy compared to patients naive to such treatment. Further prospective studies are warranted.
Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery Pathway After Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Patients with Low Drain Fluid Amylase
Authors: Sutcliffe Robert P. , Hamoui Majd , Isaac John , Marudanayagam Ravi , Mirza Darius F. , Muiesan Paolo , Roberts John K.
Published: March 2015

Introduction

The safety and feasibility of an enhanced recovery pathway (ERP) after pancreatic surgery is largely unknown. Our aim was to prospectively evaluate a targeted ERP after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), using first postoperative day (POD) drain fluid amylase (DFA1) values to identify patients at low risk of pancreatic fistula (PF).

Patients and methods

Non‐randomized cohort study of 130 consecutive patients. Perioperative outcomes were compared before (pre‐ERP; N = 65) and after (post‐ERP; N = 65) implementation of an ERP. Patients in each group were stratified according to the risk of PF using DFA1 <350 IU/l. Low‐risk patients in the post‐ERP group were selected for early oral intake and early drain removal.

Results

81/130 patients had a DFA1 <350. Incidence of PF was significantly lower in low‐risk patients (9 vs. 45 %, P = 0.0001). In low‐risk patients, morbidity (43 vs. 36 %) and mortality (2.7 vs. 4.5 %) were similar for both pre‐ and post‐ERP patients. Hospital stay (median 9 vs. 7 days, P = 0.03) and 30‐day readmissions (17 vs. 2 %, P = 0.04) were lower in low‐risk patients in the post‐ERP group. In high‐risk patients, there was no difference in outcomes between pre‐ and post‐ERP.

Conclusion

Patients at low risk of PF after PD can be identified by first POD DFA1. Enhanced recovery after PD is safe and leads to improved short‐term outcomes in low‐risk patients.
Rosuvastatin Enhances the Catabolism of LDL apoB‐100 in Subjects with Combined Hyperlipidemia in a Dose Dependent Manner
Authors: Le Ngoc‐Anh , Diffenderfer Margaret R. , Thongtang Nuntakorn , Ooi Esther M. M. , Barrett P. Hugh R. , Horvath Katalin V. , Dolnikowski Gregory G. , Asztalos Bela F. , Schaefer Ernst J. , Brown W. Virgil
Published: March 2015

Dose‐associated effects of rosuvastatin on the metabolism of apolipoprotein (apo) B‐100 in triacylglycerol rich lipoprotein (TRL, d < 1.019 g/ml) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) and of apoA‐I in high density lipoprotein (HDL) were assessed in subjects with combined hyperlipidemia. Our primary hypothesis was that maximal dose rosuvastatin would decrease the apoB‐100 production rate (PR), as well as increase apoB‐100 fractional catabolic rate (FCR). Eight subjects received placebo, rosuvastatin 5 mg/day, and rosuvastatin 40 mg/day for 8 weeks each in sequential order. The kinetics of apoB‐100 in TRL and LDL and apoA‐I in HDL were determined at the end of each phase using stable isotope methodology, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, and multicompartmental modeling. Rosuvastatin at 5 and 40 mg/day decreased LDL cholesterol by 44 and 54 % (both P < 0.0001), triacylglycerol by 14 % (ns) and 35 % (P < 0.01), apoB by 30 and 36 % (both P < 0.0001), respectively, and had no significant effects on HDL cholesterol or apoA‐I levels. Significant decreases in plasma markers of cholesterol synthesis and increases in cholesterol absorption markers were observed. Rosuvastatin 5 and 40 mg/day increased TRL apoB‐100 FCR by 36 and 46 % (both ns) and LDL apoB‐100 by 63 and 102 % (both P < 0.05), respectively. HDL apoA‐I PR increased with low dose rosuvastatin (12 %, P < 0.05) but not with maximal dose rosuvastatin. Neither rosuvastatin dose altered apoB‐100 PR or HDL apoA‐I FCR. Our data indicate that maximal dose rosuvastatin treatment in subjects with combined hyperlipidemia resulted in significant increases in the catabolism of LDL apoB‐100, with no significant effects on apoB‐100 production or HDL apoA‐I kinetics.
The Mescal Cave Fauna (San Bernardino County, California) and testing assumptions of habitat fidelity in the Quaternary fossil record
Authors: Stegner Mary Allison
Published: March 2015

The late Pleistocene and Holocene vertebrate fossil record for the northern Mojave Desert (southwestern USA) is known primarily from five sites. Until now, only two of these have been radiometrically dated, and temporal placement of the others has been based on stratigraphic or biostratigraphic correlation, leading to circular interpretations of mammal extirpations in the Mojave. Here, I report a revised and complete faunal list for Mescal Cave, along with 22 AMS radiocarbon dates from 5 vertebrate taxa recovered from its deposits. The results reported here demonstrate time-averaging in Mescal Cave encompassing around ~ 34 ka, a maximum age 14 ka older and minimum age 10 ka younger than previously thought. Furthermore, radiocarbon analyses suggest local extirpation ofMarmota flaviventrisaround 3.6 cal ka BP, considerably younger than expected based on regional patterns of warming and aridification in the Mojave. Conversely, radiocarbon dates from another presumably boreal species,Neotoma cinerea, are considerably older than expected, suggesting either that climate change at this site did not directly mirror regional patterns, that habitat requirements for these two species are not strictly boreal or cool/mesic as has often been assumed, or that local edaphic conditions and/or competitive interactions overrode the regional climatic controls on theses species' distribution.
Using Functional Needs and Personal Care Assistance Rather Than Disability Status During Chronic Care Triage in Community Mass Care
Authors: Fannin Athena , Brannen Donald E. , Howell Melissa , Martin Shari
Published: March 2015

Objective

To evaluate Medical Reserve Corps volunteers and public health workers in conducting chronic care triage by use of a rubric prior to sheltering to connect survivors with services.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 algorithms or a control group during a simulated disaster scenario and were asked to rate 20 survivors arriving at a chronic care triage station with situation-appropriate transport services. Survivors were simulated on the basis of the expected disability distributions of mobility, sensory-visual, cognition, medical devices, capacity to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), age (18 to 90 years), weight, and gender expected in the general population but expanded to 90% of those presenting. Mean percentage correct scores were assessed by using one-way analysis of variance.

Results

Accounting for personal care assistance and service methodology during chronic care triage increased efficiency by up to 8% in meeting chronic care health service needs during disaster community mass care management.

Conclusions

A chronic care triage process as part of community mass care management that considers the availability of personal care assistance and service methodology will enhance the allocation of functional needs support services and increase compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements regarding not segregating persons because of disability. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness.2015;9:265-274)
The influence of a small upstream wire on transition in a rotating cylinder wake
Authors: Rao Anirudh , Radi Alexander , Leontini Justin S. , Thompson Mark C. , Sheridan John , Hourigan Kerry
Published: March 2015

Recent experimental research on rotating cylinder wakes has found that a previously numerically predicted subharmonic instability mode, mode C, occurs for considerably lower rotation rates than predicted through stability analysis, yet other mode transitions occur closer to the predicted onset. One difference between the theoretical and experimental set-ups is the use of a small-diameter hydrogen bubble visualisation wire placed upstream of the rotating cylinder. The current paper tests the hypothesis that a wire, of only $1/100$th of the cylinder diameter, placed five diameters upstream of the cylinder, sufficiently perturbs the flow to substantially affect certain wake transitions, including the onset of mode C. This is achieved using stability analysis of a flow that includes the upstream wire. The results indeed show that the wire of a tiny diameter induces a non-negligible asymmetry in the flow, triggering the subharmonic mode at substantially lower rotation rates. Furthermore, at higher rotation rates, the onset of two other three-dimensional modes are delayed to higher Reynolds numbers. These results make the point that even seemingly minute perturbations caused by minimally intrusive methods may result in substantially altered experimental flow behaviour.
Teacher Perceptions of Factors for Successful Inclusive Early Childhood Education in Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Frances Lai Mui , Yeung Alexander Seeshing , Barker Katrina , Tracey Danielle , Fan Jesmond C. M.
Published: March 2015

In this study the authors aimed to examine the differentiability of 5 factors that preschool teachers may perceive as essential for successful implementation of inclusive education in regular classrooms. The 5 hypothetically influential factors were teamwork, curriculum, school support, government support, and stakeholders’ attitudes. Teachers from half-day kindergarten and full-day childcare centre settings in Hong Kong with varying teaching experience were surveyed (N = 461). Confirmatory factor analysis defined the 5 distinct factors, all of which displayed high scores (Ms > 4 on a 5-point scale). A 2 (experience: low; high) x 2 (school type: half-day kindergarten; full-day childcare centre settings) multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) found some subtle group differences. Less experienced teachers found stakeholders’ attitudes to be important, and more so than more experienced teachers, whereas full-day childcare centre teachers found teamwork, curriculum, and stakeholders’ attitudes more important than did half-day kindergarten teachers. The findings imply that whereas all 5 factors are perceived by teachers as important for the success of inclusive education, some factors are of greater concern to teachers working in full-day childcare centres than teachers working in half-day kindergartens. The findings provide advice on how best to allocate limited resources across settings with the intention of promoting inclusive education.
HOW MANY MILES TO BABYLON? MAPS, GUIDES, ROADS, AND RIVERS IN THE EXPEDITIONS OF XENOPHON AND ALEXANDER
Authors: Stoneman Richard
Published: March 2015

When Alexander III of Macedon set out on campaign against the Persian Empire in 334bc, he had little previous experience to draw on in devising the route to follow. Xenophon had covered some of the ground, but his written account took the route in reverse and was notably full of crisis management and extemporizing: it is doubtful whether Alexander made much use of it. Herodotus had described the basic topography of the Persian empire over a century before, but not in much detail. This article considers the kinds of information that Alexander had to draw on in planning his route, and the ways in which he, and Xenophon before him, acquired the information they needed on the way.
Roman History
Authors: Grig Lucy
Published: March 2015

I begin this review with amega biblionthat will be hugely welcomed by Roman historians of all stripes: Tim Cornell and his team's long-awaited new edition of the fragments of the Roman historians, featuring more than one hundred Roman writers of history, biography, and memoir. Cornell and his team have replaced the long-outdated edition of Hermann W. G. Peter with a state-of-the-art three-volume work. The first volume provides an excellent and comprehensive guide to the authors; the second features the parallel texts themselves, alongside new translations; the final volume comprises the commentary, plus the necessary concordances and indices. The clear layout makes it easy to match up the introductions to each author, theirtestimoniaand fragments, and then the related commentary. The selection and presentation of the Roman authors is careful: the introduction describes the aim to present all that is known about the authors and their work but also emphasize ‘the limits of our knowledge’ (7). This is clearly a more conservative selection than before (and rightly so; the thirty-sixHistoria Augusta‘historians’, for instance, are relegated to their own appendix). The coverage is broadly chronological, ending in the third century (which is of course slightly disappointing for those interested in the rich body of late Roman historiography). This is clearly a landmark achievement, and it is especially to be welcomed that it is unusually user-friendly, for students as well as for scholars. Another point might be of interest: out of the 111 Roman authors (or groups of authors) featured there is but one woman: Agrippina the Younger (no. 77), whose memoirs were cited by both Tacitus and Pliny the Elder. Of the ten historians involved in this project, incidentally, just one is a woman. These figures have led me to consider the gender ratio of the books under review this time and the results are striking: out of the sixteen books under review, just three have female authors.
TRANSITIONAL CONSTITUTIONALISM AND THE CASE OF THE ARAB SPRING
Authors: Turner Catherine
Published: March 2015

This paper seeks to explore the relationship between the framework of transition and the enactment of a new constitution for Egypt. It does so by using the relatively under explored concept of transitional constitutionalism, interrogating some of the key claims on which transitional constitutionalism is based, and questioning their application in the Egyptian context. By doing this the paper explores the broader paradox of the imposition of a framework of transition that is rooted in principles of liberalism in the context where liberalism is far from the agreed or prevailing political model.
Integrating mobile technology with routine dietetic practice: the case of myPace for weight management
Authors: Harricharan Michelle , Gemen Raymond , Celemín Laura Fernández , Fletcher David , de Looy Anne E. , Wills Josephine , Barnett Julie
Published: March 2015

The field of Mobile health (mHealth), which includes mobile phone applications (apps), is growing rapidly and has the potential to transform healthcare by increasing its quality and efficiency. The present paper focuses particularly on mobile technology for body weight management, including mobile phone apps for weight loss and the available evidence on their effectiveness. Translation of behaviour change theory into weight management strategies, including integration in mobile technology is also discussed. Moreover, the paper presents and discusses the myPace platform as a case in point. There is little clinical evidence on the effectiveness of currently available mobile phone apps in enabling behaviour change and improving health-related outcomes, including sustained body weight loss. Moreover, it is unclear to what extent these apps have been developed in collaboration with health professionals, such as dietitians, and the extent to which apps draw on and operationalise behaviour change techniques has not been explored. Furthermore, presently weight management apps are not built for use as part of dietetic practice, or indeed healthcare more widely, where face-to-face engagement is fundamental for instituting the building blocks for sustained lifestyle change. myPace is an innovative mobile technology for weight management meant to be embedded into and to enhance dietetic practice. Developed out of systematic, iterative stages of engagement with dietitians and consumers, it is uniquely designed to complement and support the trusted health practitioner–patient relationship. Future mHealth technology would benefit if engagement with health professionals and/or targeted patient groups, and behaviour change theory stood as the basis for technology development. Particularly, integrating technology into routine health care practice, rather than replacing one with the other, could be the way forward.
Life satisfaction and mental health problems (18 to 35 years)
Authors: Fergusson D. M. , McLeod G. F. H. , Horwood L. J. , Swain N. R. , Chapple S. , Poulton R.
Published: March 2015

Background

Previous research has found that mental health is strongly associated with life satisfaction. In this study we examine associations between mental health problems and life satisfaction in a birth cohort studied from 18 to 35 years.

Method

Data were gathered during the Christchurch Health and Development Study, which is a longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 1265 children, born in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1977. Assessments of psychiatric disorder (major depression, anxiety disorder, suicidality, alcohol dependence and illicit substance dependence) using DSM diagnostic criteria and life satisfaction were obtained at 18, 21, 25, 30 and 35 years.

Results

Significant associations (p < 0.01) were found between repeated measures of life satisfaction and the psychiatric disorders major depression, anxiety disorder, suicidality, alcohol dependence and substance dependence. After adjustment for non-observed sources of confounding by fixed effects, statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) remained between life satisfaction and major depression, anxiety disorder, suicidality and substance dependence. Overall, those reporting three or more mental health disorders had mean life satisfaction scores that were nearly 0.60 standard deviations below those without mental health problems. A structural equation model examined the direction of causation between life satisfaction and mental health problems. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) reciprocal associations were found between life satisfaction and mental health problems.

Conclusions

After adjustment for confounding, robust and reciprocal associations were found between mental health problems and life satisfaction. Overall, this study showed evidence that life satisfaction influences mental disorder, and that mental disorder influences life satisfaction.
Adopting trust and assurance as indicators for the reassignment of responsibilities in multi-agent systems
Authors: Gâteau Benjamin , Ouedraogo Moussa , Feltus Christophe , Guemkam Guy , Danoy Grégoire , Seredynski Marcin , Khan Samee U. , Khadraoui Djamel , Bouvry Pascal
Published: March 2015

Multi-agent systems have been widely used in the literature, including for the monitoring of distributed systems. However, one of the unresolved issues in this technology remains in the reassignment of the responsibilities of monitoring agents when some of them become unable to meet their obligations. This paper proposes a new approach for solving this problem based on (a) the gathering of evidence on whether the agent can or cannot fulfil the tasks it has been assigned and (b) the reassignment of the task to alternative agents using their trust level as a selection parameter. A weather station case study is proposed as an instantiation of the proposed model.