bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Your Check Transactions Secure Enough?
Authors: McGee Jo Ann , Byington J. Ralph
Published: October 2013

Cash misappropriations—which include currency, checks, and money orders—is the most common target of white‐collar criminals. And check tampering is one of their most common methods. This article explains the different types of check tampering schemes that dishonest employees use—and how to prevent and detect them. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Managing Euro FX Risk With Benchmark Data
Authors: Makar Stephen , Wang Li
Published: October 2013

Prompted by the financial crisis, central banks have offered unprecedented support for the global economy since 2007. But a primary concern of treasurers remains: How do you manage euro foreign exchange (FX) risk? So treasurers worry about the uncertainties: When and how will monetary policy be normalized? How will FX rates respond? And what information is needed to manage the accompanying FX risk prudently? The authors of this article help readers by providing benchmark data pertaining to euro FX risk management. They also explore the strategic implications of the data. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphological and quantitative evaluation of the ovarian recrudescence in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after spawning in captivity
Authors: Melo Rafael Magno Costa , Martins Yuri Simões , de Alencar Teixeira Edgar , Luz Ronald Kennedy , Rizzo Elizete , Bazzoli Nilo
Published: October 2013

The Nile tilapia is one of the most important fish species for aquaculture worldwide. Understanding their reproductive biology is essential for improving their aquaculture methods. The morphological and quantitative dynamics of ovarian recrudescence of Oreochromis niloticus was studied for 21 days postspawning. To accomplish this, breeding females were kept in controlled conditions and ovarian samples were collected weekly for histological, ultrastructural and morphometric analyses. Ovarian follicle morphology revealed an intense synthesis activity of the follicular cells, which actively contributed to formation of the zona radiata and oocyte development following spawning. Recently spawned ovaries contained follicles at all developmental stages, but they were predominantly early primary growth (∼42%) and full‐grown follicles (∼20%). Remnants of spawning, postovulatory follicle complexes represented approximately 5% of the former ovarian follicles immediately after spawning, and less than 1% after 7 days. Atretic follicles accounted for approximately 2% of the follicles studied during the period. The stock of primary growth follicles was stable during ovarian recrudescence, indicating their availability for continuous recruitment. Only the frequency of full‐grown follicles significantly increased in the ovaries during recrudescence, representing approximately 35% of the follicles 21 days postspawning. The diameters of all follicles were significantly different between the periods analyzed. The ovaries' morphological characteristics, the maintenance of young follicles stocks and the gradual and significant increase in the proportion and diameter of full‐grown follicles showed a rapid ovarian recovery and follicular growth of O. niloticus, in 21 days at 29.5°C, necessary for the next spawning. J. Morphol. 275:348–356, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Common solutions to resolve different dietary challenges in the ruminant dentition: The functionality of bovid postcanine teeth as a masticatory unit
Authors: Gailer Juan Pablo , Kaiser Thomas M.
Published: October 2013

Plasticity of tooth shape in mammals is of great adaptive value for the efficient exploitation of specific feeding niches and is a crucial mechanism for ecological diversification. In this study, we aimed to infer chewing effectiveness from the functional shape of different postcanine teeth within bovids, the most diverse extant group of large herbivorous mammals. We consider the postcanine dentition as a masticatory unit and test for differences related to food biomechanical properties, dietary abrasiveness, and chewing dynamics. We compare functional properties of the postcanine tooth row among species with well‐known dietary strategies by integrating digitalization of high‐resolution occlusal surface 3D‐models of upper postcanine dentitions and quantification of the indentation index (D), a structural parameter representing enamel complexity. We test for differences in the occlusal shape among tooth positions in the postcanine dentition using robust, heteroscedastic tests in a one‐way analysis of variance. Our results show three distinct patterns of enamel complexity along the tooth row: (1) D is more homogeneously distributed among tooth positions; (2) D increases gradually in the mesiodistal axis along the tooth row; and (3) D increases abruptly only at the transition between premolars and molars. We interpreted these patterns as different adaptive configurations of the postcanine tooth row relating to diet. Grass‐ and fruit‐eating bovids show the same abrupt increase in enamel complexity at the transition from premolars to molars. Intermediate feeding and leaf‐browsing species show the same gradual, mesiodistal increase in complexity along the tooth row. The absolute physical dietary resistance (biomechanical properties plus abrasiveness) and its relation to mechanical constraints of the chewing stroke are the likely selective factors leading to convergence of enamel complexity patterns along the tooth row among taxa with different diets. J. Morphol. 275:328–341, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Involvement of antioxidant defense system in solvent tolerance of Pseudomonas putida BCNU 106
Authors: Choi Hye Jung , Yoo Ju‐Soon , Jeong Yong Kee , Joo Woo Hong
Published: October 2013

The highly solvent‐tolerant bacterium Pseudomonas sp. BCNU 106 was investigated to elucidate the solvent tolerance under specific culture conditions with the presence of solvents and its adaptive mechanisms to those conditions with reference to the antioxidant system. When exposed to 10% toluene, Pseudomonas sp. BCNU 106 increased the generation of reactive oxygen species assessed by monitoring the oxidation of 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein. Typical antioxidant enzymes (viz. catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase) showed increased activity with prolonged incubation in 10% toluene. In addition, the levels of these antioxidant proteins were higher during exposure to 10% toluene than in toluene‐free condition. The present study indicates that antioxidant defense activity is one of the adaptive and protective mechanisms developed to avoid the deleterious damage of organic solvents, especially toluene.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from deep sea bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa JQ989348 for antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activity
Authors: Ramalingam V. , Rajaram R. , PremKumar C. , Santhanam P. , Dhinesh P. , Vinothkumar S. , Kaleshkumar K.
Published: October 2013

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (JQ989348) was isolated from deep sea water sample and used for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). AgNPs were confirmed by analyzing surface plasmon resonance using UV–visible spectrophotometer at 420 nm. Further scanning electron microscope analysis confirmed the range of particle size between 13 and 76 nm and XRD pattern authorizes the anisotropic crystalline nature of AgNPs. Fourier transform infrared spectrum endorsed the presence of high amount of proteins and other secondary metabolites in synthesized AgNPs influence the reduction process and stabilization of nanoparticles. The inhibitory activity of AgNPs was tested against human pathogens showed high activity against Eschericia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Aeromonas sp., and Cornebacterium sp. demonstrating its antimicrobial value against pathogenic diseases. Additionally, biologically synthesized AgNPs have notable anti‐biofilm activity against primary biofilm forming bacteria P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The MTT assay method was evaluated using human cervical cancer cells exposed the AgNPs have excellent cytotoxic activity.
Comparison of elevation and remote sensing derived products as auxiliary data for climate surface interpolation
Authors: Alvarez Otto , Guo Qinghua , Klinger Robert C , Li Wenkai , Doherty Paul
Published: October 2013

Climate models may be limited in their inferential use if they cannot be locally validated or do not account for spatial uncertainty. Much of the focus has gone into determining which interpolation method is best suited for creating gridded climate surfaces, which often a covariate such as elevation (Digital Elevation Model, DEM) is used to improve the interpolation accuracy. One key area where little research has addressed is in determining which covariate best improves the accuracy in the interpolation. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation was carried out in determining which covariates were most suitable for interpolating climatic variables (e.g. precipitation, mean temperature, minimum temperature, and maximum temperature). We compiled data for each climate variable from 1950 to 1999 from approximately 500 weather stations across the Western United States (32° to 49° latitude and −124.7° to −112.9° longitude). In addition, we examined the uncertainty of the interpolated climate surface. Specifically, Thin Plate Spline (TPS) was used as the interpolation method since it is one of the most popular interpolation techniques to generate climate surfaces. We considered several covariates, including DEM, slope, distance to coast (Euclidean distance), aspect, solar potential, radar, and two Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) products derived from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). A tenfold cross‐validation was applied to determine the uncertainty of the interpolation based on each covariate. In general, the leading covariate for precipitation was radar, while DEM was the leading covariate for maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures. A comparison to other products such as PRISM and WorldClim showed strong agreement across large geographic areas but climate surfaces generated in this study (ClimSurf) had greater variability at high elevation regions, such as in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Snow cover trend analysis using Interactive Multisensor Snow and Ice Mapping System data over Turkey
Authors: Sönmez Ibrahim , Tekeli Ahmet Emre , Erdi Erdem
Published: October 2013

The daily snow cover data from Interactive Multisensor Snow and Ice Mapping System (IMS) by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NOAA/NESDIS) covering the 2004–2012 time period is used in this study. In the first part of the study, daily IMS product is validated over Turkey using daily ground truth snow depth measurements from 219 climatological and synoptic sites. The categorical statistics of probability of detection (POD) and false alarm rates (FAR) are provided both for whole Turkey and with respect to geographical sub‐regions. The overall POD and FAR amounts for Turkey are obtained as 73.55 and 25.11%, respectively. The performed analysis indicates an increase in IMS accuracies as the snowpack depth at the stations increase. In the second part of the study, the nonparametric Mann‐Kendall test is performed to analyse the snow cover trend over Turkey with respect to sub‐regions considering the whole year and each season separately. A negative trend in snow‐covered area percentage is obtained for Turkey at the significance level of α = 0.05. From the seasonal perspective for Turkey, negative trend for spring and summer seasons, positive trend for autumn season and combination of negative and no trend for winter season are obtained at the same significance level. Almost the same results are valid for the sub‐regions with some local and seasonal variations.
Methodological quality of meta‐analyses: matched‐pairs comparison over time and between industry‐sponsored and academic‐sponsored reports
Authors: Lane Peter W. , Higgins Julian P.T. , Anagnostelis Betsy , Anzures‐Cabrera Judith , Baker Nigel F. , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Haughie Scott , Hollis Sally , Lewis Steff C. , Moneuse Patrick , Whitehead Anne
Published: October 2013

Context

Meta‐analyses are regularly used to inform healthcare decisions. Concerns have been expressed about the quality of meta‐analyses and, in particular, about those supported by the pharmaceutical industry.

Objective

The objective of this study is to compare the quality of pharmaceutical‐industry‐supported meta‐analyses with academic meta‐analyses and of meta‐analyses published before and after companies started to disclose their data.

Data Sources

We identified industry‐supported meta‐analyses by searching the Scopus bibliographic database, using author affiliations. We matched each industry‐supported meta‐analysis with an academic meta‐analysis using high‐level MeSH terms in PubMed.

Study Selection

We included meta‐analyses of randomized trials assessing the efficacy or safety of any pharmaceutical intervention in humans, published in 2002–2004 or 2008–2009. Cochrane reviews were excluded. Two individuals independently selected papers, with discrepancies resolved by two further individuals.

Assessment

We developed and piloted a quality‐assessment tool, consisting of 43 questions in four domains, with a key summary question covering each domain. Two individuals independently assessed each meta‐analysis.

Results

We examined 126 meta‐analysis publications in 63 matched pairs. The average quality was low, with fewer than 50% adequate in three of the four domains. Industry‐supported meta‐analyses less often demonstrated adequate methods for locating studies and assessing their quality (odds ratio 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.21 to 0.92), for analysing the included studies (0.52, 0.25 to 1.06), for undertaking meta‐analyses (0.82, 0.40 to 1.68) and in reaching sound conclusions (0.62, 0.30 to 1.28). Quality generally improved over time, particularly for some aspects of industry reports.

Conclusions

Academic meta‐analysis papers are generally of higher quality than industry‐supported ones. This is largely due to less detailed reporting in industry‐supported meta‐analyses and a tendency for them to take the included studies at face value, probably arising from the implicit assumption that these studies already have high methodological standards to meet licensing requirements. The improved quality over time does not appear to be due to the use of data disclosed by industry. The main limitations of this study are the small sample of papers and the subjective nature of some of the assessment processes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defining and Characterizing Severe Hypoxemia After Liver Transplantation in Hepatopulmonary Syndrome
Authors: Nayyar Dhruv , Man Jeffrey H. S. , Granton John , Gupta Samir
Published: October 2013

Hepatopulmonary syndrome is defined as a triad of liver disease, intrapulmonary vascular dilatations, and abnormal gas exchange, and it carries a poor prognosis. Liver transplantation is the only known cure for this syndrome. Severe hypoxemia in the early postoperative period has been reported to be a major complication and often leads to death in this population, but it has been poorly characterized. We sought to propose an objective definition for this complication and to describe its risk factors, incidence, and outcomes. We performed a systematic literature search and reviewed our single-center experience to characterize this complication. On the basis of the most commonly applied definition in 27 identified studies, we objectively defined severe postoperative hypoxemia as hypoxemia requiring a 100% fraction of inhaled oxygen to maintain a saturation ≥ 85% and out of proportion to any concurrent lung process. Nineteen of the 27 reports (70%) fulfilled this definition, as did 4 of the 21 patients (19%) at our center. We determined the prevalence and mortality of this complication from reports including 10 or more consecutive patients and providing sufficient postoperative details to determine whether this complication had occurred. In these reports, the prevalence of this complication was 12% (25/209). For the 11 cases with reported outcomes, the posttransplant mortality rate was 45% (5/11). There was a trend toward an increased risk of developing this complication in patients with very severe preoperative hypoxemia, defined as a partial pressure of arterial oxygen ≤ 50 mm Hg (8/41 with very severe hypoxemia versus 3/49 without severe hypoxemia, P = 0.053), and there was a significantly increased risk for patients with anatomic shunting ≥ 20% (7/25 with anatomic shunting ≥ 20% versus 1/25 without anatomic shunting ≥ 20%, P = 0.049). In conclusion, increased preoperative vigilance for this common complication is required among high-risk patients, and further research is required to identify the best management strategies. Liver Transpl 20:182-190, 2014. © 2013 AASLD.
Executive Compensation, Corporate Governance and Corporate Performance: A Simultaneous Equation Approach
Authors: Ntim Collins G. , Lindop Sarah , Osei Kofi A. , Thomas Dennis A.
Published: October 2013

This paper investigates the association between executive compensation and performance. It uniquely utilises a comprehensive set of corporate governance mechanisms within a three‐stage least squares (3SLS) simultaneous equation framework. Results based on estimating a conventional single equation model indicate that the executive pay and performance sensitivity is relatively weak, whereas those based on estimating a 3SLS model generally suggest improved executive pay and performance sensitivity. Our findings highlight the need for future research to control for possible simultaneous interdependencies when estimating the executive pay and performance link. The findings are generally robust across a raft of econometric models that control for different types of endogeneities, executive pay and performance proxies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduction of conformational mobility and aggregation in W60G β2‐microglobulin: assessment by 15N NMR relaxation
Authors: Gümral Devrim , Fogolari Federico , Corazza Alessandra , Viglino Paolo , Giorgetti Sofia , Stoppini Monica , Bellotti Vittorio , Esposito Gennaro
Published: October 2013

The amyloid pathology associated with long‐term haemodialysis is due to the deposition of β2‐microglobulin, the non‐polymorphic light chain of class I major histocompatibility complex, that accumulates at bone joints into amyloid fibrils. Several lines of evidence show the relevance of the tryptophan residue at position 60 for the fibrillogenic transition of the protein. A comparative 15N NMR relaxation analysis is presented for wild‐type human β2‐microglobulin and W60G β2‐microglobulin, i.e. the mutant with a glycyne replacing the natural tryptophan residue at position 60. The experimental data, collected at 11.4 T and 310 K, were analyzed by means of the reduced spectral density approach. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and corresponding thermodynamic integration, together with hydrodynamic calculations were performed to support data interpretation. The analysis results for the mutant protein are consistent with a reduced aggregation with respect to the wild‐type counterpart, as a consequence of an increased conformational rigidity probed by either NMR relaxation and MD simulations. Although dynamics in solution is other than fibrillar competence, the assessed properties of the mutant protein can be related with its reduced ability of forming fibrils when seeded in 20% trifluoroethanol. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface functionalization of HMPBO fibers with MSA/KH550/GlycidylEthyl POSS and improved interfacial adhesion
Authors: Gu Junwei , Bai Ting , Dang Jing , Feng Junjun , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: October 2013

A novel “three‐step approach” of methanesulfonic acid/γ‐aminopropyl triethoxy silane/GlycidylEthyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (MSA/KH550/POSS) was proposed to functionalize the surface of high modulus poly (p‐phenylene‐2,6‐benzobisoxazole) (HMPBO) fibers. Results indicated that GlycidylEthyl POSS was successfully grafted on the surface of HMPBO fibers and the surface roughness of HMPBO fibers was increased obviously. The single fiber pull‐out strength of POSS‐g‐HMPBO/epoxy resin microcomposite was improved to 1.19 MPa, better than that of native HMPBO/epoxy resin microcomposite. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:611–616, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Bio‐based hyperbranched polyurethane/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites as shape memory materials
Authors: Kalita Hemjyoti , Karak Niranjan
Published: October 2013

Mesua ferrea L. seed oil based hyperbranched polyurethane/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites were prepared by solution polymerization technique. The multi‐walled carbon nanotubes were modified with the polyoxyethylene octyl phenyl ether (Triton X‐100). The transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study revealed the homogeneous distribution of the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes in the polymer matrix and the presence of strong interfacial interaction between them, respectively. The tensile strength (5.5–21.5 MPa) and scratch resistance (3–6.1 kg) increase with the increase of the content of carbon nanotubes (0 to 2 wt%). The thermo‐gravimetric analysis result showed the increment of thermal stability (240–275°C) of the nanocomposites. All the prepared nanocomposites exhibited the excellent shape fixity and shape recovery. The shape recovery time decreases (127–73 s) with the increase of the concentration of carbon nanotubes in the nanocomposites. Thus the prepared nanocomposites might be utilized as advanced shape memory applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:636–643, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effect of xylene as aromatic solvent to aminoglycolysis of post consumer PET bottles
Authors: Acar Işıl , Bal Ayça , Güçlü Gamze
Published: October 2013

This study deals with the use of ethylene glycol and diethylamine for the aminoglycolytic degradation of waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Our aim is to investigate how the product composition changes according to depolymerization conditions and to obtain oligomer mixtures having different properties. For this purpose, simultaneous aminolysis–glycolysis reactions of postconsumer soft‐drink PET bottles were carried out in a high pressure reactor with or without xylene. As a result, the oligomer mixtures having carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amine end groups were obtained at the end of the aminoglycolysis of PET. All products were characterized by acid value, hydroxyl value, and amine value determinations as well as by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimeter. Use of xylene has provided initially easily mixable low viscosity dispersions and depolymerization reactions proceeded more easily. It also provided water soluble and lower molecular weight oligomers with deep depolymerization of PET in the presence of xylene. In case of using xylene, glycolysis reaction was dominant reaction rather than aminolysis and hydrolysis. Functional oligomer mixtures obtained from degradation of waste PET can be used for synthesis of coating materials, such as water reducible alkyd resins and epoxy resins. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 53:2429–2438, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morphology–properties relationship in high‐renewable content polyurethanes
Authors: Ugarte L. , Fernández‐d'Arlas B. , Valea A. , González M. L. , Corcuera M.A. , Eceiza A.
Published: October 2013

The effect of diisocyanate nature and hard segment content on the morphology and properties of high‐renewable content segmented thermoplastic polyurethanes was studied. Vegetable oil‐based polyether diol and corn sugar derived chain extender were used as renewable reactants together with an aliphatic (1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate, HDI) or aromatic (4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate, MDI) diisocyanate as hard segment. Segmented thermoplastic polyurethanes were synthesized by two‐step bulk polymerization. Morphology and physicochemical, thermal and mechanical properties were analyzed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, atomic force microscopy, and mechanical testing. The effect of mechanical deformation over the microstructure was also analyzed. Changes in crystallinity and hard segment hydrogen bonding after mechanical testing were evaluated by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The increase of physical crosslinking sites by aromatic diisocyanate and chain extender ratio in the polyurethane results in hard segment crystalline domains with spherulitic morphology, which enhance the stiffness and hardness whereas percentage elongation at break diminish. The flexible, linear aliphatic nature of HDI favors the arrangement of urethane groups thus creating strong hard segment interactions and hard segment crystal microdomains composed of fibrillar morphology are observed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2282–2291, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Prevalence and risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome in recovered and non‐recovered borderline patients over 10 years of prospective follow‐up
Authors: Niesten Isabella J. M. , Karan Esen , Frankenburg Frances R. , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Zanarini Mary C.
Published: October 2013

This study examined rates of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) over 10 years of prospective follow‐up among recovered and non‐recovered patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Subsequently, risk factors for IBS were examined in female BPD patients. As part of the McLean Study of Adult Development, 264 BPD patients were assessed at baseline, and their medical conditions and time‐varying predictors of IBS were assessed over five waves of follow‐up (from 6‐year follow‐up to 16‐year follow‐up). Semi‐structured interviews were used to assess both our IBS outcome variable and our baseline and time‐varying predictor variables. Rates of IBS were not significantly different between recovered and non‐recovered borderline patients when men and women were considered together and when men were considered alone. However, a significant difference in IBS rates was found between recovered and non‐recovered female BPD patients, with the latter reporting significantly higher rates. The rates of IBS in women with BPD were found to be significantly predicted by a family history of IBS and a childhood history of verbal, emotional and/or physical abuse. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that both biological/social learning factors and childhood adversity may be risk factors for IBS in women with BPD. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polaronic phase transitions and complex permittivity of solid polar insulators with gigantic dielectric response
Authors: Ligatchev Valeri
Published: October 2013

Gigantic dielectric response (GDR) in polar insulators attracts significant scientific interest due its remarkable physics and the bright future of GDR materials in energy storage and memory devices. So far, the physical mechanism of extremely high complex dielectric permittivity (with the real part up to 106) is not established convincingly. Moreover, the application area of GDR materials is currently restricted due to unacceptable losses. In this paper, the polaronic approach for elucidation the GDR in solid polar insulators is developed based on a classical Fröhlich polaron model and polaronic phase transition criteria, pioneered by Fratini and Quémerais [Eur. Phys. J. B 14, 99 (2000)]. The dielectric functions of isolated Fröhlich polarons, a polaronic Wigner crystal, a “polaronic liquid” and an “electron liquid” exhibit surprising diversity. In particular, sufficient for GDR “dipolar” permittivity and a moderate level of dielectric loss are expected for a “polaronic liquid,” while extremely high metal‐like negative real part of the complex permittivity and its excessive imaginary part are customary for the “electron liquid.” Natural explanations for so‐called “low‐temperature anomalies” in the GDR response observed in codoped nickel oxide, CaCu3Ti4O12 and other quaternary compounds as well as a realistic model for the spectra of optical conductivity and dielectric permittivity obtained from those materials in the far‐ and midinfrared regions at different temperatures are provided based on the proposed polaronic approach and the Fano resonance model. Furthermore, this polaronic approach provides physically transparent guidelines for the design of new GDR materials, i.e., selection of appropriate host insulators and dopants (codopants) to them, estimations of their critical concentrations and temperature ranges corresponding to a GDR with an acceptable loss level.

Simulated effect of polaron concentration n on static dielectric permittivity of CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) and NiO, codoped with Li, Ti (LTNO).
Thermal distribution in amorphous InSnZnO thin‐film transistor
Authors: Urakawa Satoshi , Tomai Shigekazu , Ueoka Yoshihiro , Yamazaki Haruka , Kasami Masashi , Yano Koki , Wang Dapeng , Furuta Mamoru , Horita Masahiro , Ishikawa Yasuaki , Uraoka Yukiharu
Published: October 2013

We have investigated thermal distribution of an amorphous InSnZnO thin‐film transistor (TFT) under voltage stress by using thermal imaging system. To clarify an influence of only self‐heating phenomenon on reliability, we have focused on a channel scale dependence of heating. As the result, heating effect were strongly depended on channel scale and showed two types of dependences on channel length and width. When positive bias stress was applied to TFT, severe threshold voltage shift and high heating temperature were observed for wider TFT. Moreover, reliability under voltage stress was seems to be affected by accumulation of heating in wider TFT. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization of VT‐instability in enhancement‐mode Al2O3‐AlGaN/GaN MIS‐HEMTs
Authors: Lu Yunyou , Yang Shu , Jiang Qimeng , Tang Zhikai , Li Baikui , Chen Kevin J.
Published: October 2013

The threshold voltage (VT) instability of metal‐insulator‐semiconductor high electron mobility transistors (MIS‐HEMTs) is investigated. In the enhancement‐mode AlGaN/GaN MIS‐HEMT fabricated by fluorine plasma implantation technique featuring Al2O3 gate dielectric, a hysteresis of 0.6 V in transfer characteristics is observed by quasi‐static I ‐V (current‐voltage) measurement, in which the gate bias is swept at a low rate (0.7 V/s). Pulsed transfer characteristics measurement, however, unveils much larger hysteresis under the same gate voltage swing. The VT‐instability is attributed to the traps located at the dielectric/III‐nitride interface as well as in the bulk of gate dielectric. It is proposed that pulsed measurement can count for the effect of fast traps (shallow traps) while the quasi‐static measurement can only reflect slow traps (deep traps), and is more accurate for VT‐instability evaluation. In addition, the existence of bulk traps is implied by a slow time‐dependent shift of VT under large gate bias. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication and characterization of BN/AlGaN/GaN metal‐insulator‐semiconductor heterojunction field‐effect transistors with sputtering‐deposited BN gate dielectric
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Quy , Shih Hong‐An , Kudo Masahiro , Suzuki Toshi‐kazu
Published: October 2013

We investigated BN/AlGaN/GaN metal‐insulator‐semiconductor heterojunction field‐effect transistors (MIS‐HFETs) with sputtering‐deposited BN gate dielectric. Amorphous BN thin films obtained by RF magnetron sputtering deposition were applied to MIS‐HFET device fabrication. The MIS‐HFET devices exhibit very low gate leakage current indicating good insulating properties of BN, and almost no negative drain conductance. The device characteristics and its temperature dependence were investigated, where we observe decreasing drain current and increasing gate current with increase in temperature. The relative decrease in the drain current for the low field region is larger than that for the high field region, according to the temperature dependence of low‐ and high‐field electron velocities. The temperature dependence of the gate leakage current is explained by a mechanism with thermally activated tunneling and direct tunneling. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Adjusting overall survival for treatment switches: commonly used methods and practical application
Authors: Watkins Claire , Huang Xin , Latimer Nicholas , Tang Yiyun , Wright Elaine J.
Published: October 2013

In parallel group trials, long‐term efficacy endpoints may be affected if some patients switch or cross over to the alternative treatment arm prior to the event. In oncology trials, switch to the experimental treatment can occur in the control arm following disease progression and potentially impact overall survival. It may be a clinically relevant question to estimate the efficacy that would have been observed if no patients had switched, for example, to estimate ‘real‐life’ clinical effectiveness for a health technology assessment. Several commonly used statistical methods are available that try to adjust time‐to‐event data to account for treatment switching, ranging from naive exclusion and censoring approaches to more complex inverse probability of censoring weighting and rank‐preserving structural failure time models. These are described, along with their key assumptions, strengths, and limitations. Best practice guidance is provided for both trial design and analysis when switching is anticipated. Available statistical software is summarized, and examples are provided of the application of these methods in health technology assessments of oncology trials. Key considerations include having a clearly articulated rationale and research question and a well‐designed trial with sufficient good quality data collection to enable robust statistical analysis. No analysis method is universally suitable in all situations, and each makes strong untestable assumptions. There is a need for further research into new or improved techniques. This information should aid statisticians and their colleagues to improve the design and analysis of clinical trials where treatment switch is anticipated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
European Federation of Statisticians in the Pharmaceutical Industry's position on access to clinical trial data
Authors: Fletcher Christine , Driessen Stefan , Burger Hans Ulrich , Gerlinger Christoph , Biesheuvel Egbert ,   on behalf of the EFSPI
Published: October 2013

The European Federation of Statisticians in the Pharmaceutical Industry (EFSPI) believes access to clinical trial data should be implemented in a way that supports good research, avoids misuse of such data, lies within the scope of the original informed consent and fully protects patient confidentiality. In principle, EFSPI supports responsible data sharing. EFSPI acknowledges it is in the interest of patients that their data are handled in a strictly confidential manner to avoid misuse under all possible circumstances. It is also in the interest of the altruistic nature of patients participating in trials that such data will be used for further development of science as much as possible applying good statistical principles. This paper summarises EFSPI's position on access to clinical trial data. The position was developed during the European Medicines Agency (EMA) advisory process and before the draft EMA policy on publication and access to clinical trial data was released for consultation; however, the EFSPI's position remains unchanged following the release of the draft policy. Finally, EFSPI supports a need for further guidance to be provided on important technical aspects relating to re‐analyses and additional analyses of clinical trial data, for example, multiplicity, meta‐analysis, subgroup analyses and publication bias. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization on the internal insulation system of gas‐insulated bushing for 1100‐kV GIS based on multiobjective optimization method
Authors: Peng Liu , Hong‐ling Zhang , Shi‐ling Zhang , Zong‐ren Peng
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we first study the voltage and electric field distribution characteristics under the basic lightning impulse level (BIL) of 2400 kV by finite element method (FEM) calculation which are affected by the internal shielding structure of the gas‐insulated bushing for the 1100‐kV gas‐insulated substation (GIS). On this basis, four parameters of the shielding structure are determined to be the decision variables in the optimization process. Four electric field objective functions and four potential objective functions are also proposed. Using a multiobjective optimization method, we then construct an evaluation function with the eight objective functions mentioned above, which are used to evaluate the electric field and potential distribution synthetically. Furthermore, a combination of FEM and the evolution strategy is used to construct the stochastic optimization objective function with the multiobjective evaluation function. The electric field and potential distribution of the gas‐insulated bushing are greatly improved after optimization, and the electric field strength at key spots is effectively reduced. The insulation system of gas‐insulated bushing for 1100‐kV GIS designed by this method has passed type tests and worked well nearly 3 years. So, this optimization provides a constructive method and useful basis for the design of gas‐insulated bushings for 1100‐kV GIS and other electrical equipment. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A new current control strategy based on the internal model principle for a current balancer in single‐phase three‐wire distribution systems
Authors: Baba Yusuke , Wakasa Yuji , Hiraki Eiji , Tanaka Toshihiko , Okamoto Masayuki , Lee Seong Ryong
Published: October 2013

This paper proposes a new current control strategy that is based on the internal model principle for a current balancer in single‐phase three‐wire distribution systems. The proposed current control strategy includes a sinusoidal reference input model to achieve the zero steady‐state error tracking. The appropriate control gains of this control strategy can be systematically determined by using a state‐feedback controller design method via linear matrix inequalities. The basic principle of the proposed control strategy is discussed in detail, and then confirmed by digital computer simulation using the PSIM software. A prototype experimental model is constructed and tested. Experimental results demonstrate that zero steady‐state error tracking is achieved by the proposed control strategy. Also, balanced source currents are obtained on the secondary side of a pole‐mounted distribution transformer while the load conditions are unbalanced. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Reaction of Unsaturated Vicinal Phosphane/Borane Frustrated Lewis Pairs with Benzaldehyde
Authors: Ekkert Olga , Kehr Gerald , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Fröhlich Roland , Wibbeling Birgit , Petersen Jeffrey L. , Erker Gerhard
Published: October 2013

Diarylphosphino‐substituted alkynes undergo a 1, 1‐carboboration reaction with tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane to yield 2‐diarylphosphino‐substituted alkenylboranes. These unsaturated systems show a P/B interaction. Nevertheless, they feature a limited frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) reactivity. Four such unsaturated vicinal FLPs were shown to react with benzaldehyde to give the respective six‐membered heterocyclic P/B FLP 1, 2‐addition products, which were characterized by X‐ray diffraction.
A Small‐molecule Model System of Galactose Oxidase: Geometry, Reactivity, and Electronic Structure
Authors: Wendt Franziska , Rolff Malte , Thimm Wulf , Näther Christian , Tuczek Felix
Published: October 2013

The active site of galactose oxidase (GOase) contains a copper atom coordinated by a tyrosyl radical. This enzyme catalyzes the two‐electron oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes. We present a GOase model system, which catalytically mediates the conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde with a TON of 74. The crystal structure of the mononuclear copper complex [CuII(L6‐H)(CH3CN)](ClO4)2 coordinated by acetonitrile reveals an apical position for the phenol group. Furthermore we prepared the dimeric complex [(CuII)2(L6)2](PF6)2, which was structurally characterized as well. Cleavage of the dimer along with formation of the phenoxyl radical was effected by cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate. The dimer could also be cleaved by treatment with pyridine. In order to obtain information about the interaction between the unpaired electron in the d‐orbital of CuII to the electron in the half‐occupied orbital of the tyrosyl radical DFT is employed. In the ground state a ferromagnetic coupling (S = 1) is obtained.
Assessment of adrenocortical activity and behavior of the collared anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) in response to food‐based environmental enrichment
Authors: Eguizábal Gabina V. , Palme Rupert , Villarreal Daniel , Dal Borgo Carla , Di Rienzo Julio A. , Busso Juan M.
Published: October 2013

One of the current standard approaches to the study of animal welfare is measuring hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal activity, frequently in association with behavioral assessment. We studied the effects of food‐based environmental enrichment on adrenocortical activity and behavior in zoo‐housed collared anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla; n = 5). We successfully validated measurements of fecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) using an 11‐oxoetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay by stimulating (ACTH injection) and suppressing (dexamethasone administration) adrenocortical activity. Three months later, we subjected animals to an ABA‐type experiment (three 6‐week periods): pre‐enrichment (routine diet: A), enrichment (modified diet: B), and post‐enrichment (routine diet: A) periods. We assessed adrenocortical activity by collecting individual feces three times a week (total number of samples: 228), and evaluated behavior by performing 3 days of behavioral observations per period (with a total of 3,600 behavioral data points for the individuals studied). Statistical analysis revealed changes in FCM concentrations (µg/g) over the periods (3.04 ± 0.68, 2.98 ± 0.66, and 4.04 ± 0.90, respectively). Additionally, it showed that the number of FCM peaks was highly reduced during enrichment; meanwhile active natural behaviors were significantly increased. We consider that these changes in response to food‐based environmental enrichment improved the welfare of individual zoo‐housed collared anteaters. This research might contribute to in situ and ex situ studies on the physiology and behavior of this endemic South American species. Zoo Biol. 32:632–640, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison Between Preconsultation Ultrasonography and Office Surgeon‐Performed Ultrasound in Patients with Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Carneiro‐Pla Denise , Amin Sonesh
Published: October 2013

Background

Cervical ultrasonography (US) is mandatory before surgery for thyroid cancer and recommended for thyroid nodule evaluation. Therefore, most patients undergo thyroid ultrasound before surgical evaluation. Several US findings are critical for adequate surgical planning but they are often not mentioned on preconsultation US. The goal of this study is to compare the preconsultation US findings with surgeon‐performed US (SUS) and describe the changes in management as a consequence of SUS findings in patients with thyroid cancer.

Methods

The charts of 194 consecutive patients with thyroid cancer (2007–2013) from a single institution were reviewed. Preconsultation US and SUS reports were available for 136 patients. Mention of nodes, local invasion, thyroid nodule features/location, and presence of intrathoracic extension was recorded and changes in preoperative and/or operative management based on SUS findings were described.

Results

From 136 patients with the diagnosis of thyroid cancer, SUS changed the management of 61 (45 %) patients by identifying preoperatively central and/or lateral node metastasis, indicating preoperative biopsy of suspicious thyroid lesions/nodes, and pointing out thyroid intrathoracic extension. When compared to SUS, the preconsultation US failed to mention node status in 101 (74 %) patients, suspicious nodule features in 60/111 (54 %) patients with suspicious lesions, bilateral thyroid lesions in 19/88 (22 %) patients with bilateral nodules, local invasion in 5/5 (100 %), and intrathoracic extension in 5/5 (100 %) cases.

Conclusion

Surgeon‐performed US changed the operative management of patients with thyroid cancer by demonstrating additional and distinct information compared to preconsultation US in almost half of the patients. Ultrasound is more accurate and critical in the evaluation of patients with thyroid cancer when performed by the surgeon.
Population‐level response of coyotes to a pulsed resource event
Authors: Petroelje Tyler R. , Belant Jerrold L. , Beyer Dean E. , Wang Guiming , Leopold Bruce D.
Published: October 2013

From foraging theory, generalist predators should increase consumption of prey if prey availability increases. Pulsed resource events introduce a large influx of prey to predators that may exhibit a functional response of increased consumption rate on, or specialization to, this abundant food resource. We predicted that coyotes (Canis latrans) would respond functionally to numerical increases of neonate white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) during the pulsed resource event of parturition. We used howl surveys and deer camera surveys with occupancy modeling to estimate densities for coyotes, adult deer, and fawns, respectively, in Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA, 2009–2011. We estimated biomass of adult and fawn deer consumed by coyotes during 2 periods [fawn limited mobility period (LMP) and social mobility period (SMP)] in May–August each year. Coyote densities were 0.32 and 0.37/km2 for 2010–2011, respectively. Adult deer densities (3.7–3.9/km2) and fawn densities (0.6–1.3/km2) were similar across years. Overall, fawn hair occurrence in coyote scats was 2.3 times greater in LMP than SMP. Estimated consumption of fawns between periods (n = 157–880) by coyotes varied, suggesting a functional response, with increasing consumption of fawns relative to their availability. Coyotes, on average, consumed 2.2 times greater biomass of fawns than adults across years, and consumed 1.5 times greater fawn biomass, on average, during LMP than SMP. We suggest that consumption rates of coyotes is associated positively with increases in fawn density, and fawn consumption by coyotes follows predictions of optimal foraging theory during this pulsed resource event.