bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and nature of adverse medical device events in hospitalized children
Authors: Brady Patrick W. , Varadarajan Kartik , Peterson Laura E. , Lannon Carole , Gross Thomas
Published: June 2013

Our objective was to describe the prevalence and nature of adverse medical device events (AMDEs) in tertiary care children's hospitals. In our retrospective cohort study of patients at 44 children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS), we included all inpatient stays with an AMDE‐related diagnosis from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2011. We identified AMDEs by diagnoses that specified a device in their definition. We included events present on admission as well as those complicating hospital stays. We described the characteristics of these admissions and patients, and stratified analysis by device category and presence of a complex chronic condition. Of 4,115,755 admissions in the PHIS database during the study period, 136,465 (3.3%) had at least 1 AMDE. Vascular access and nervous system devices together represented 44.4% of pediatric AMDE admissions. The majority (75.5%) of AMDE admissions were of children with complex chronic conditions. The most common age group was patients aged 2 years or less at the time of their first AMDE‐related admission. AMDEs occur commonly in a population cared for in tertiary children's hospitals. Research to more specifically delineate AMDEs and their predictors are next steps to understand and improve device safety in children. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:390–393. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Simultaneous measurement of tissue oxygen level‐dependent (TOLD) and blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) effects in abdominal tissue oxygenation level studies
Authors: Ding Yao , Mason Ralph P. , McColl Roderick W. , Yuan Qing , Hallac Rami R. , Sims Robert D. , Weatherall Paul T.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To assess oxygenation in abdominal organs with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a novel approach is presented to simultaneously measure both T1‐ and ‐maps serially during a single dynamic MRI scan in response to an oxygen challenge.

Materials and Methods

The proposed acquisition scheme consists of a multishot multiecho gradient echo planar imaging sequence (ms‐GEPI) interleaved with a multishot inversion recovery echo planar imaging (ms‐IR‐EPI) sequence. Respiratory motion compensation was accomplished with standard belt triggering and by acquiring all image data at the same phase of expiration. This respiratory‐triggered, free‐breathing, interleaved tissue oxygenation level‐dependent (TOLD) and blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) acquisition technique was validated on phantoms and seven healthy volunteers in response to an oxygen challenge.

Results

Measurements of relaxation times both in vitro and in vivo were in good agreement with those obtained using conventional pulse sequences and reported in the literature. The interleaved sequence was able to measure oxygen‐induced relaxation time changes in human abdominal organs.

Conclusion

The free‐breathing respiratory‐triggered interleaved T1 and sequence successfully provided relaxation time maps of abdominal organs in a dynamic scan without the need for image registration. The simultaneous monitoring of tissue and blood oxygenation improves time efficiency and should enhance studies comparing dynamic T1 and data within the abdomen. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1230–1236. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A retrospective comparison of smart prep and test bolus multi‐detector CT pulmonary angiography protocols
Authors: Suckling Tara , Smith Tony , Reed Warren
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Optimal arterial opacification is crucial in imaging the pulmonary arteries using computed tomography (CT). This poses the challenge of precisely timing data acquisition to coincide with the transit of the contrast bolus through the pulmonary vasculature. The aim of this quality assurance exercise was to investigate if a change in CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) scanning protocol resulted in improved opacification of the pulmonary arteries. Comparison was made between the smart prep protocol (SPP) and the test bolus protocol (TBP) for opacification in the pulmonary trunk.

Methods

A total of 160 CTPA examinations (80 using each protocol) performed between January 2010 and February 2011 were assessed retrospectively. CT attenuation coefficients were measured in Hounsfield Units (HU) using regions of interest at the level of the pulmonary trunk. The average pixel value, standard deviation (SD), maximum, and minimum were recorded. For each of these variables a mean value was then calculated and compared for these two CTPA protocols.

Results

Minimum opacification of 200 HU was achieved in 98% of the TBP sample but only 90% of the SPP sample. The average CT attenuation over the pulmonary trunk for the SPP was 329 (SD = ±21) HU, whereas for the TBP it was 396 (SD = ±22) HU (P = 0.0017). The TBP also recorded higher maximum (P = 0.0024) and minimum (P = 0.0039) levels of opacification.

Conclusion

This study has found that a TBP resulted in significantly better opacification of the pulmonary trunk than the SPP.
Extracellular enzymatic activities and physiological profiles of yeasts colonizing fruit trees
Authors: Molnárová Jana , Vadkertiová Renáta , Stratilová Eva
Published: June 2013

Yeasts form a significant and diverse part of the phyllosphere microbiota. Some yeasts that inhabit plants have been found to exhibit extracellular enzymatic activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of yeasts isolated from leaves, fruits, and blossoms of fruit trees cultivated in Southwest Slovakia to produce extracellular enzymes, and to discover whether the yeasts originating from these plant organs differ from each other in their physiological properties. In total, 92 strains belonging to 29 different species were tested for: extracellular protease, β‐glucosidase, lipase, and polygalacturonase activities; fermentation abilities; the assimilation of xylose, saccharose and alcohols (methanol, ethanol, glycerol); and for growth in a medium with 33% glucose. The black yeast Aureobasidium pullulans showed the largest spectrum of activities of all the species tested. Almost 70% of the strains tested demonstrated some enzymatic activity, and more than 90% utilized one of the carbon compounds tested. Intraspecies variations were found for the species of the genera Cryptococcus and Pseudozyma. Interspecies differences of strains exhibiting some enzymatic activities and utilizing alcohols were also noted. The largest proportion of the yeasts exhibited β‐glucosidase activity and assimilated alcohols independently of their origin. The highest number of strains positive for all activities tested was found among the yeasts associated with leaves. Yeasts isolated from blossoms assimilated saccharose and D‐xylose the most frequently of all the yeasts tested. The majority of the fruit‐inhabiting yeasts grew in the medium with higher osmotic pressure.
Comparison of leafy kale populations from Italy, Portugal, and Turkey for their bioactive compound content: phenolics, glucosinolates, carotenoids, and chlorophylls
Authors: Ferioli Federico , Giambanelli Elisa , D'Antuono L Filippo , Costa Helena S , Albuquerque Tânia G , Silva Ana S , Hayran Osman , Koçaoglu Bike
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Kales are primitive leafy Brassica oleracea L. forms, widespread in local farming systems of several European countries and employed in the preparation of traditional recipes. Kales are also potential sources of healthy bioactive phytochemical components. The present study compared the bioactive compound content of kale populations from Italy, Portugal, and Turkey, either from local sources or grown in an experimental field.

RESULTS

Total phenolics, glucosinolates (GLS), carotenoids, and chlorophylls were in the ranges 8310–38 110, 755–8580, 135–2354, and 1740–16 924 mg kg−1 dry matter, respectively. On average, locally harvested samples showed a total GLS content about twice as high as populations from the experiment. Conversely, pigments were significantly more abundant in experimental than in local kales, owing to the higher soil fertility. Portuguese samples showed higher phenolic and GLS amounts than Italian and Turkish kales, whereas some of the Italian samples were the richest in carotenoids.

CONCLUSION

This paper represented the first cross‐country comparison of local kale accessions with respect to bioactive compound amounts. Both geographic origin and growing environment appeared to be remarkable and discriminating factors in determining bioactive levels in leafy kales, with possible effects on their health‐promoting and sensorial attributes. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
An allotetraploid Brassica napus early‐flowering mutant has BnaFLC2‐regulated flowering
Authors: Huang Yong , Jiang Ling , Ruan Ying , Shen Wenhui , Liu Chunlin
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Flowering time is an important agronomic trait, and wide variation in flowering time exists among Brassica napus accessions. GX50 early‐flowering mutant, induced from Brassica napus by Ethyl Methane Sulfonate (EMS), exhibits a remarkable early transition from vegetative to reproductive growth.

RESULTS

GX50 plants flowered about 60 days earlier than the control wild‐type plant B. napus XY15 under greenhouse conditions. Cytological examination revealed that the GX50 plants form inflorescences as early as from 5 weeks old, flower primordium from 6 weeks old, and siliques from 10 weeks old, whereas 10‐week‐old XY15 plants are still at vegetative growth stage. To unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying the GX50 flowering phenotype, we analyzed the expression of several key regulatory genes. Expressions of all five BnaFLCs (BnaFLC1 to BnaFLC5), BnaFT and BnaSOC1 were detected. Interestingly, BnaFLCs expression levels were lower in GX50 than those in XY15. Among the five BnaFLCs, only the expression pattern of BnaFLC2 corresponded to the timing of floral organ differentiation in GX50. In agreement with previous knowledge that BnaFLCs repress expression of BnaFT and BnaSOC1, increased levels of BnaFT and BnaSOC1 were observed in GX50 compared with XY15.

CONCLUSION

BnaFLC2, but not the other BnaFLC genes, plays an important role in B. napus GX50 floral transition. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparable graft and patient survival in lean and obese liver transplant recipients
Authors: Perez-Protto Silvia E. , Quintini Cristiano , Reynolds Luke F. , You Jing , Cywinski Jacek B. , Sessler Daniel I. , Miller Charles
Published: June 2013

Obesity is among the great health problems facing Americans today. More than 32% of the US population is considered obese on the basis of a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 30 kg/m2. Obesity increases the risk for numerous perioperative complications, but how obesity affects the outcome of liver transplantation remains unclear. We compared graft/patient survival after orthotopic liver transplantation performed at the Cleveland Clinic between April 2005 and June 2011 in 2 groups: obese patients with a BMI ≥ 38 kg/m2 and lean patients with a BMI between 20 and 26 kg/m2. We included 47 obese patients and 183 lean patients, whose demographics and baseline characteristics were well balanced after weighting with the inverse propensity score. After we controlled for observed confounding, no significant differences were observed in graft/patient survival between obese and lean patients (P = 0.30). The estimated hazard ratio for obese patients to experience graft failure or death was 1.19 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.85-1.67]. There were 134 patients who had follow-up for more than 3 years, and they included 27 obese patients and 107 lean patients. Within this subset, the odds of having metabolic syndrome were significantly greater for obese patients (46%) versus lean patients (21%; odds ratio = 4.76, 99.5% CI = 1.66-13.7, P < 0.001). However, no significant association between obesity and any other long-term adverse outcomes was found. In conclusion, this study shows that transplant outcomes were comparable for lean and obese recipients. We thus recommend that even morbid obesity per se should not exclude patients from consideration for transplantation.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide attenuates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice via the cyclic adenosine monophosphate–protein kinase a pathway
Authors: Ji Haofeng , Zhang Yu , Liu Yuanxing , Shen Xiu-Da , Gao Feng , Nguyen Terry T. , Busuttil Ronald W. , Waschek James A. , Kupiec-Weglinski Jerzy W.
Published: June 2013

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), an exogenous, antigen-independent, local inflammation response, occurs in multiple clinical settings, including liver transplantation, hepatic resection, trauma, and shock. The nervous system maintains extensive crosstalk with the immune system through neuropeptide and peptide hormone networks. This study examined the function and therapeutic potential of the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) neuropeptide in a murine model of liver warm ischemia (90 minutes) followed by reperfusion. Liver ischemia/reperfusion (IR) triggered an induction of gene expression of intrinsic VIP; this peaked at 24 hours of reperfusion and coincided with a hepatic self-healing phase. Treatment with the VIP neuropeptide protected livers from IRI; this was evidenced by diminished serum alanine aminotransferase levels and well-preserved tissue architecture and was associated with elevated intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)–protein kinase A (PKA) signaling. The hepatocellular protection rendered by VIP was accompanied by diminished neutrophil/macrophage infiltration and activation, reduced hepatocyte necrosis/apoptosis, and increased hepatic interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression. Strikingly, PKA inhibition restored liver damage in otherwise IR-resistant VIP-treated mice. In vitro, VIP not only diminished macrophage tumor necrosis factor α/IL-6/IL-12 expression in a PKA-dependent manner but also prevented necrosis/apoptosis in primary mouse hepatocyte cultures. In conclusion, our findings document the importance of VIP neuropeptide–mediated cAMP-PKA signaling in hepatic homeostasis and cytoprotection in vivo. Because the enhancement of neural modulation differentially regulates local inflammation and prevents hepatocyte death, these results provide the rationale for novel approaches to managing liver IRI in transplant patients. Liver Transpl 19:945–956, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Stable Single‐Photon Emission by Quantum Dot/Polymer Hybrid Particles
Authors: Negele Carla , Haase Johannes , Budweg Arne , Leitenstorfer Alfred , Mecking Stefan
Published: June 2013

Colloidal quantum dots are well‐established probes for quantum optical experiments. However, they possess a limited stability toward their environment. Herein, the generation of hybrid particles composed of a high optical quality quantum dot centered in a polymer particle by means of a miniemulsion polymerization procedure is reported. This embedding strongly enhances emission intensity and photochemical stability of these single‐photon emitters. At the same time, their colloidal mobile nature is not compromised.

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Increased rate of sporadic and recurrent rare genic copy number variants in Parkinson's disease among Ashkenazi Jews
Authors: Liu Xinmin , Cheng Rong , Ye Xin , Verbitsky Miguel , Kisselev Sergey , Mejia‐Santana Helen , Louis Elan D. , Cote Lucien J. , Andrews Howard F. , Waters Cheryl H. , Ford Blair , Fahn Stanley , Marder Karen , Lee Joseph H. , Clark Lorraine N.
Published: June 2013

To date, only one genome‐wide study has assessed the contribution of copy number variants (CNVs) to Parkinson's disease (PD). We conducted a genome‐wide scan for CNVs in a case–control dataset of Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) origin (268 PD cases and 178 controls). Using high‐confidence CNVs, we examined the global genome wide burden of large (≥100 kb) and rare (≤1% in the dataset) CNVs between cases and controls. A total of 986 such CNVs were observed in our dataset of 432 subjects. Overall global burden analyses did not reveal significant differences between cases and controls in CNV rate, distribution of deletions or duplications or number of genes affected by CNVs. Overall deletions (total CNV size and ≥2× frequency) were found 1.4 times more often in cases than in controls (P = 0.019). The large CNVs (≥500 kb) were also significantly associated with PD (P = 0.046, 1.24‐fold higher in cases than in controls). Global burden was elevated for rare CNV regions. Specifically, for OVOS2 on Chr12p11.21, CNVs were observed only in PD cases (n = 7) but not in controls (P = 0.028) and this was experimentally validated. A total of 81 PD cases carried a rare genic CNV that was absent in controls. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) identified ATXN3, FBXW7, CHCHD3, HSF1, KLC1, and MBD3 in the same disease pathway with known PD genes.
Planktonic foraminiferal area density as a proxy for carbonate ion concentration: A calibration study using the Cariaco Basin ocean time series
Authors: Marshall Brittney J. , Thunell Robert C. , Henehan Michael J. , Astor Yrene , Wejnert Katherine E.
Published: June 2013

Biweekly sediment trap samples and concurrent hydrographic measurements collected between March 2005 and October 2008 from the Cariaco Basin, Venezuela, are used to assess the relationship between [CO32−] and the area densities (ρA) of two species of planktonic foraminifera (Globigerinoides ruber (pink) and Globigerinoides sacculifer). Calcification temperatures were calculated for each sample using species‐appropriate oxygen isotope (δ18O) temperature equations that were then compared to monthly temperature profiles taken at the study site in order to determine calcification depth. Ambient [CO32−] was determined for these calcification depths using alkalinity, pH, temperature, salinity, and nutrient concentration measurements taken during monthly hydrographic cruises. The ρA, which is representative of calcification efficiency, is determined by dividing individual foraminiferal shell weights (±0.43 µg) by their associated silhouette areas and taking the sample average. The results of this study show a strong correlation between ρA and ambient [CO32−] for both G. ruber and G. sacculifer (R2 = 0.89 and 0.86, respectively), confirming that [CO32−] has a pronounced effect on the calcification of these species. Though the ρA for both species reveal a highly significant (p < 0.001) relationship with ambient [CO32−], linear regression reveals that the extent to which [CO32−] influences foraminiferal calcification is species specific. Hierarchical regression analyses indicate that other environmental parameters (temperature and [PO43−]) do not confound the use of G. ruber and G. sacculifer ρA as a predictor for [CO32−]. This study suggests that G. ruber and G. sacculifer ρA can be used as reliable proxies for past surface ocean [CO32−].
Synergistic flame retardant effects of ammonium polyphosphate in ethylene‐vinyl acetate/layered double hydroxides composites
Authors: Li Long , Qian Yi , Jiao Chuanmei
Published: June 2013

Mg–Al–Fe ternary layered double hydroxides (LDH) were synthesized based on bayer red mud by calcination‐rehydration method, and characterized using X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The synergistic flame retardant effects of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) with LDH in ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) composites were studied using limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL 94 test, cone calorimeter test (CCT), and smoke density test (SDT). The thermal degradation behavior of EVA/LDH/APP composites was examined by thermal gravimetric analysis‐fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TG‐FTIR). The results showed that LOI values decreased by incorporation of APP together with LDH; and, a suitable amount of APP in EVA/LDH composites can apparently improve UL 94 rating. The CCT results indicated that heat release rate (HRR) of the EVA/LDH/APP composites with APP decreased in comparison with that of the EVA/LDH composites. The SDT results showed that APP was helpful to suppress smoke. The TG‐FTIR data showed that the composites with APP had a higher thermal stability than the EVA/LDH composites at high temperature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:766–776, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Self‐healing materials for structural applications
Authors: Guadagno L. , Raimondo M. , Naddeo C. , Longo P. , Mariconda A.
Published: June 2013

Self‐healing materials for structural applications offer considerable practical benefits because they would allow to overcome the difficulties connected to damage diagnosis and repair. In this article, a process active at very low temperature for the repair of damaged structural material is shown. The self‐repair function is based on the metathesis polymerization of ENB activated by Hoveyda–Grubbs' first generation catalyst. The self‐healing epoxy mixture, containing the catalyst powder allows a cure temperature up to 180°C. Dynamic mechanical analysis was used to determine mechanical parameters. The autorepair composite shows a high modulus in a wide temperature range, a glass transition temperature at about 100°C and a self‐healing efficiency of about 95%. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:777–784, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
In Situpolymerization functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes with polystyrene
Authors: Kayatin Matthew J. , Davis Virginia A.
Published: June 2013

Thein situpolymerization functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) with polystyrene (PS) is demonstrated utilizing stabilized nanotubes reduced by dissolution of excess lithium in ammonia. Short PS chains are tethered to SWNT sidewalls to facilitate a robust compatibilization strategy for nanotube dispersion. To augment extents of functionalization, while maintainingin situdispersion stability, the effects of multiple monomer addition steps and varied carbon to lithium ratio are studied. The developed functionalization scheme is also effective for the reductive alkylation of SWNT with dodecyl surface groups. By studying the dodecylated SWNT, the molecular weight of grafted PS chains is estimated. The discovery of a general experimental artifact has implications for all functionalization routes utilizing reduction with lithium in ammonia. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3716–3725
The effect of microwave irradiation on the kinetics and activation thermodynamics of ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone
Authors: Yamada Shinji , Takasu Akinori , Kawamura Kazuhiko
Published: June 2013

We examined the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone in toluene between 50 and 70 °C, and catalyzed by some Lewis and Brønsted acids to investigate the effects of microwave versus conventional heating on the kinetics and activation thermodynamics of the reaction. The polymerizations proceeded more rapidly when microwave heating, instead of conventional heating, was used to control the temperature. The number‐average molecular weight (Mn) of the polymer could be controlled even when microwave heating was used. To identify which thermodynamic activation constants were responsible for the accelerated polymerizations, we performed the reaction at different temperatures to obtain data for the Arrhenius and Eyring equations. Although the values for the activation energies and the activation enthalpies were larger when microwave heating rather than conventional heating was used, the frequency factors and the activation entropies (ΔS‡) over compensated for the less favorable activation energies and enthalpies. The more favorable ΔG‡ found for the microwave‐assisted polymerizations mainly reflect the larger ΔS‡ values, and the rate accelerations appear to be a consequence of differently arranged intermediates and/or transition states. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3732–3739
Thermoresponsive hyperbranched polymers via In Situ RAFT copolymerization of peg‐based monomethacrylate and dimethacrylate monomers
Authors: Tai Hongyun , Tochwin Anna , Wang Wenxin
Published: June 2013

Here we report the preparation of PEG‐based thermoresponsive hyperbranched polymers via a facile in situ reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization using bis(thiobenzoyl) disulphide to form 2‐cyanoprop‐2‐yl dithiobenzoate in situ. This novel one‐pot in situ RAFT approach was studied firstly using methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer, then was used to prepare thermoresponsive hyperbranched polymers by copolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMEMA, Mn = 475), poly(propylene glycol) methacrylate (PPGMA, Mn = 375) and up to 30 % of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the branching agent. The resultant PEGMEMA‐PPGMA‐EGDMA copolymers from in situ RAFT were characterized by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and 1H‐NMR analysis. The results confirmed the copolymers with multiple methacrylate groups and hyperbranched structure as well as RAFT functional residues. These water‐soluble copolymers with tailored compositions demonstrated tuneable lower critical solution temperature (LCST) from 22 °C to 32 °C. The phase transition temperature can be further altered by post functionalization via aminolysis of RAFT agent residues in polymer chains. Moreover, it was demonstrated by rheological studies and particle size measurements that these copolymers can form either micro‐ or macro photocrosslinked gels at suitable concentrations due to the presence of multiple methacrylate groups. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3751–3761
A study of the effects of thiols on the frontal polymerization and pot life of multifunctional acrylate systems with cumene hydroperoxide
Authors: Morales Alejandra , Pojman John A.
Published: June 2013

In an effort to create frontal polymerization systems with a “fail‐safe” curing mechanism, we studied the effects of thiols on the thermal frontal polymerization velocity and pot life of a mixture of a multifunctional acrylate, kaolin clay (filler), and cumene hydroperoxide with either trimethylolpropane tris(3‐mercaptopropionate) or 1‐dodecanethiol (DDT). The acrylates were trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylolpropane ethoxylate triacrylate, 1,6‐hexanediol diacrylate, and di(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. Without a thiol, frontal polymerization did not occur. The front velocity increased with the concentration of either thiol, which has not been observed with peroxide initiators. The use of DDT yielded longer pot lives than the trithiol. The front velocities were inversely related to the pot lives. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3850–3855
Managing process safety information based on process safety management requirements
Authors: Aziz H. Abdul , Shariff A. Mohd , Rusli R.
Published: June 2013

Many accidents in process industries have occurred because of employees did not recognize the hazards and risk associated with the activities they were undertaking such as when operating, changing, or maintaining processes, plants, and equipment. Recognizing these hazards and risk requires a company to develop and maintain a corporate memory through an effective management of process safety information (PSI). One of the established standards that addressed the above issue is PSI of Process Safety Management (PSM) 29 CFR 1910.119(d). This article presents a PSI implementation technique that could fulfill with 29 CFR 1910.119(d) requirements. It provides organized strategies to manage documentations, communicate information, and written program for maintaining, revising, and updating hazardous chemical, equipment, and technology information. Process and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) is used as a foundation for data management. The developed technique has been transformed to computer database prototype known as Process Safety Information Management System (PSI4MS), which articulately demonstrate the concept. Implementation of this technique could help employers manage and control hazards of process plant and compliance with PSM regulation. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 33: 41–48, 2014
All‐optically induced ultrafast currents: Beyond the continuous‐wave limit
Authors: Priyadarshi Shekhar , Pierz Klaus , Bieler Mark
Published: June 2013

We observe a new type of optically induced linear‐photogalvanic current in GaAs quantum wells which only exists if the linear polarization of the excitation pulse slowly rotates versus time and if the response of the coherent polarization is non‐instantaneous. The current vanishes in the continuous‐wave limit. Microscopically, it results from a phase mismatch of two orthogonal transition dipole moments. Macroscopically, the current can be linked to an antisymmetric tensor element and, thus, it is different than previously known linear‐photogalvanic currents which are linked to symmetric tensor elements. Our observations of asymmetric response tensors provide the possibility for simultaneous coherent control of commutative and anti‐commutative operations with respect to two time‐delayed pulses. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Blue lasing and strong coupling in ZnSe monolithic microcavities
Authors: Sebald K. , Seyfried M. , Klembt S. , Kruse C. , Aschenbrenner T. , Hommel D. , Bley S. , Rosenauer A. , Gutowski J.
Published: June 2013

Microcavity structures which consist of a cavity formed by two distributed Bragg reflectors can be used to study light‐matter interaction in the weak and strong coupling regime. In this contribution microcavities with one or three ZnSe quantum wells embedded into the cavity are presented. In contrast to the sample with the single quantum well, strong light‐matter coupling can be observed for that one with three quantum wells.

The sample possesses an energy splitting of about 19meV between the upper and lower polariton branch observed by reflectivity measurements. In addition, the transition from strong to weak coupling and the starting of the photonic lasing is demonstrated by excitation density dependent measurements. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Summary of ISO/TC 201 Technical Report: ISO/TR 19319:2013 – Surface chemical analysis – Fundamental approaches to determination of lateral resolution and sharpness in beam‐based methods
Authors: Senoner M. , Unger W. E. S.
Published: June 2013

This Technical Report revises ISO/TR 19319:2003 —Surface chemical analysis—Auger electron spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy—Determination of lateral resolution, analysis area and sample area viewed by the analyser. The revised Technical Report gives a short introduction to basic models of image formation and introduces functions which characterize the performance of imaging instruments with respect to lateral resolution and sharpness. The determination of lateral resolution by imaging of square‐wave gratings and the determination of sharpness by imaging of narrow stripes and straight edges are described in detail. Finally, physical factors affecting lateral resolution, analysis area and sample area viewed by the analyser are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing strategic change: The duality of CEO personality
Authors: Herrmann Pol , Nadkarni Sucheta
Published: June 2013

Using the five factor model (FFM) of personality, we delineate two distinct roles of CEO personality in managing strategic change: initiating strategic change and determining the performance effects of strategic change implementation. Based on data from 120 small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ecuador, we found that some FFM traits of CEOs influenced initiation only (extraversion and openness), others similarly influenced initiation and performance effects of implementation (emotional stability and agreeableness), and still others had opposing effects on initiation and effective implementation (conscientiousness). These results point to a dual role of CEO FFM of personality in managing strategic change, and they indicate the differences in CEO FFM traits needed to initiate strategic change and those needed to improve the performance effects of strategic change implementation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outward foreign direct investment by emerging market firms: A resource dependence logic
Authors: Xia Jun , Ma Xufei , Lu Jane W. , Yiu Daphne W.
Published: June 2013

This study examines and extends the resource dependence logic of diversification for a better understanding of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) activities by emerging market firms. We contend that the diversification logic is bounded by state ownership, an important but less considered component of interdependence. Our empirical results, based on panel data analysis of Chinese listed firms, suggest that the level of interdependence between Chinese and foreign firms in China in multiple forms, including symbiotic, competitive, and partner interdependencies, is positively associated with the level of the Chinese firms' OFDI activities. However, Chinese firms with higher levels of state ownership are less susceptible to the pressures imposed by foreign firms to invest abroad. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementation of maternal blood cell‐free DNA testing in early screening for aneuploidies
Authors: Gil M. M. , Quezada M. S. , Bregant B. , Ferraro M. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To explore the feasibility of routine maternal blood cell‐free (cf) DNA testing in screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 at 10 weeks' gestation.

Method

In this prospective study, women attending The Fetal Medicine Centre in London, UK, between October 2012 and April 2013, with singleton pregnancy and live fetus with CRL 32–45 mm, were screened for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 by cfDNA testing at 10 weeks and the combined test at 12 weeks.

Results

cfDNA testing was performed in 1005 singleton pregnancies with a median maternal age of 37 (range, 20–49) years. Risks for trisomies were provided for 957 (95.2%) cases and in 98.0% these were available within 14 days from sampling. In 48 (4.8%) cases no result was provided due to problems with delivery to the laboratory, low fetal fraction or assay failure. Repeat sampling was performed in 40 cases and a result obtained in 27 (67.5%) of these. In 11 cases the risk score for trisomy 21 and in five cases that for trisomy 18 was > 99%, in one the risk for trisomy 13 was 34% and in 968 the risk for each of the three trisomies was < 0.01%. The suspected trisomies were confirmed by karyotyping after chorionic villus sampling (CVS), except in one case of trisomy 18 in which the karyotype was normal. On the basis of the maternal age distribution of the study population, the expected and observed numbers for each of the three trisomies were similar. Both cfDNA and combined testing detected all trisomies, but the estimated false‐positive rates (FPR) were 0.1% and 3.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Routine screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 by cfDNA testing at 10 weeks is feasible and has a lower FPR than does combined testing, but abnormal results require confirmation by CVS. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Laboratory investigation of capillary trapping under mixed‐wet conditions
Authors: Tanino Y. , Blunt M. J.
Published: June 2013

Remaining oil saturation established by waterflooding was measured in Indiana limestone in its original, water‐wet state and under mixed‐wet conditions established by adding organic acid to the oil phase. The porous plate technique was used to establish initial oil saturations ranging from Snwi = 0.23 to 0.93 under capillary‐dominated conditions. For water‐wet conditions, the residual oil saturation increased linearly with its initial saturation. In contrast, the remaining oil saturation under mixed‐wet conditions, Snw, displayed three distinct regimes. First, Snw increased with its initial saturation up to Snwi = 0.58. Next, Snw decreased from Snwi = 0.58 to 0.76. Finally, Snw increased again as Snwi approached one. The nonmonotonic dependence of Snw on Snwi at Snwi > 0.5 is well described by a concave‐up quadratic function, and may be a salient feature of mixed‐wet rocks.
A quantile function approach to discharge estimation from satellite altimetry (ENVISAT)
Authors: Tourian M. J. , Sneeuw N. , Bárdossy A.
Published: June 2013

The publicly available global discharge database is limited in spatial and temporal coverage. Although regional exceptions exist, the population of the database has declined over the past several years. As discharge is one of the most important parameters for modeling hydrological interactions, alternative measuring techniques must be sought. In the recent past, satellite altimetry has been investigated as an alternative for monitoring inland water level. In the present study, altimetry footprints in the vicinity of river gauging stations for the Amazon, Amur, Brahmaputra, Danube, Don, Mekong, Niger, Ob, and Vistula rivers are analyzed for a functional relationship between the water level measurements from altimetry and discharge from the gauging stations. Such a functional relationship is conventionally established via a rating curve computed using simultaneous data. This study proposes a statistical approach based on quantile functions to infer this functional relation without the need for having synchronous data sets. The statistical approach provides the opportunity of extracting discharge values from altimetry data for rivers like the Mekong, Brahmaputra, Don, and Vistula for which the discharge measurements at the selected gauges were made before the age of satellites. The algorithm is then validated over those rivers which do have discharge measurements available within periods of altimetry. Our validation shows that our algorithm is in the same quality range as the conventional approach. We are thus able to salvage presatellite altimetry discharge data and turn them into active use for the satellite altimetry time frame.
Deviance from truth: Telemetry location errors erode both precision and accuracy of habitat‐selection models
Authors: Morehouse Andrea T. , Boyce Mark S.
Published: June 2013

Radiocollars are an increasingly important tool in wildlife research. Yet, as with all remotely compiled data, measurement error is inherent in the technology. We directly compare radiocollars with low measurement error (Global Positioning System [GPS]) with radiocollars with high measurement error (Argos satellite). Specifically, we compare how differences in precision between GPS and Argos satellite technologies affect the estimation of resource selection functions (RSFs). We estimated RSF models from GPS and Argos satellite radiocollar data collected in December 2008 through April 2009 from wolves within the same pack in southwestern Alberta, Canada, and used Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) to identify the most parsimonious models. In general, β coefficients were closer to zero and coefficients of variation were higher for models estimated using Argos data. But even more serious, AIC identified different top models between the Argos and GPS data sets because measurement error alone can induce attenuation bias, which leads to erroneous conclusions on selection of habitats. GPS radiocollar data were more precise and more accurate, resulting in RSF models that were a better representation of true habitat selection by each wolf pack. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Lithium Mobility in the Stannides Li2CuSn2 and Li2AgSn2
Authors: Winter Florian , Dupke Sven , Eckert Hellmut , Rodewald Ute Ch. , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: June 2013

The stannides Li2CuSn2 and Li2AgSn2 were synthesized by induction‐melting (or in a muffle furnace) of the elements in sealed niobium ampoules. The new phases were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction. The structures of both stannides were investigated by X‐ray diffraction on single crystals: Li2AuSn2 type, I41/amd, a = 442.6(1), c = 1940.9(8) pm, wR2 = 0.0742, 310 F2 values for Li2CuSn2 and a = 456.33(9) c = 2018.2(6) pm, wR2 = 0.0626, 339 F2 values for Li2AgSn2 with 10 variables for each refinement. The transition metal (T) atoms have tetrahedral tin coordination. The TSn4 tetrahedra are condensed via common corners forming layers that are further condensed by Sn–Sn bonding, leading to three‐dimensional [CuSn2] and [AgSn2] networks which leave distorted hexagonal channels for the lithium atoms. The lithium ions show considerable mobility, with activation energies of 0.29 and 0.47 eV extracted from variable temperature 7Li solid state NMR spectra. 119Sn Mössbauer spectra at 78 K show signals at isomer shifts of δ = 2.13(1) mm s–1 for Li2CuSn2 and δ = 2.07(1) mm s–1 for Li2AgSn2. The signals show electric quadrupolar splitting because of the non spherical environment of the tin nuclei. A minor impurity of β‐Sn could be identified in both spectra.
Why cachexia kills: examining the causality of poor outcomes in wasting conditions
Authors: Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Rhee Connie , Sim John J. , Stenvinkel Peter , Anker Stefan D. , Kovesdy Csaba P.
Published: June 2013

Weight loss is the hallmark of any progressive acute or chronic disease state. In its extreme form of significant lean body mass (including skeletal muscle) and fat loss, it is referred to as cachexia. It has been known for millennia that muscle and fat wasting leads to poor outcomes including death. On one hand, conditions and risk factors that lead to cachexia and inadequate nutrition may independently lead to increased mortality. Additionaly, cachexia per se, withdrawal of nutritional support in progressive cachexia, and advanced age may lead to death via cachexia‐specific pathways. Despite the strong and consistent association of cachexia with mortality, no unifying mechanism has yet been suggested as to why wasting conditions are associated with an exceptionally high mortality risk. Hence, the causality of the cachexia–death association, even though it is biologically plausible, is widely unknown. This century‐long uncertainty may have played a role as to why the field of cachexia treatment development has not shown major advances over the past decades. We suggest that cachexia‐associated relative thrombocytosis and platelet activation may play a causal role in cachexia‐related death, while other mechanisms may also contribute including arrhythmia‐associated sudden deaths, endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, and immune system compromise leading to infectious events and deaths. Multidimensional research including examining biologically plausible models is urgently needed to investigate the causality of the cachexia–death association.
Correlates of bullying behaviors among a sample of North American Indigenous adolescents
Authors: Melander Lisa A. , Sittner Hartshorn Kelley J. , Whitbeck Les B.
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between familial, educational, and psychosocial factors and bullying among 702 North American Indigenous adolescents aged 11–14 years. The study used multinomial logistic regression models to differentiate correlates of bully perpetration and victimization versus being neither and between being a perpetrator versus being a victim. Analyses reveal that being a bully victim had different correlates than being a perpetrator. Perceived discrimination was associated with increased odds of being either a victim or a perpetrator, relative to being neither. Several factors differentiated being a bully perpetrator from being a bully victim: adolescent age, parental warmth and support, depressive symptoms, anger, and school adjustment. These findings expand upon the limited understanding of the factors associated with bullying among North American Indigenous youth. Bullying intervention and prevention programs that target Indigenous adolescents should be culturally grounded and begin early within the family.
Gene structure of the two‐domain taurocyamine kinase from Paragonimus westermani: Evidence for a distinct lineage of trematode phosphagen kinases
Authors: Jarilla Blanca R. , Tokuhiro Shinji , Nagataki Mitsuru , Uda Kouji , Suzuki Tomohiko , Acosta Luz P. , Agatsuma Takeshi
Published: June 2013

Taurocyamine kinase (TK) is an enzyme that catalyzes the reversible transfer of a phosphate between ATP and taurocyamine. Annelid TKs were suggested to have evolved from a CK ancestor. However, TKs from the lung fluke Paragonimus westermani comprised another lineage. Construction of phylogenetic tree and comparison of exon/intron organization showed that P. westermani TK and other trematode TKs evolved from a molluscan arginine kinase (AK) gene. Exon shuffling probably caused the changes in amino acid sequence thereby changing the affinity from AK to TK. The present study provides new insights on the evolution of phosphagen kinases found in trematodes.
Patterns of recurrence and second primary tumors in oral squamous cell carcinoma treated with surgery alone
Authors: Liu Chih‐Hsien , Chen Han‐Ju , Wang Pa‐Chun , Chen Huan‐Sen , Chang Yen‐Liang
Published: June 2013

The aim of the present study is to review the recurrence patterns and incidence of second primary tumors (SPTs) in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) who underwent surgery alone without postoperative adjuvant therapy. Data on patients recorded in the head and neck cancer registry of Cathay General Hospital were reviewed. A total of 72 patients with T1‐3N0 OSCC who underwent surgery alone were included. Among the 72 patients, 44 had T1 tumors, 22 had T2 tumors, and 6 had T3 tumors. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate was 77.3%, the recurrence‐free survival rate was 74.1%, and the SPT‐free survival rate was 73%. Eighteen (25%) patients had disease recurrence (regional recurrence in nine patients, local recurrence in seven patients, and locoregional recurrence in two patients). Most patients with local recurrence alone (6/7 patients, 85.7%) could be salvaged with treatment. However, locoregional control was obtained in only five (45.5%) of 11 patients with neck recurrence after surgical salvage therapy. At the time of analysis, 20 patients developed SPTs, and 15 (75%) of the SPTs were in the oral cavity. The annual incidence of SPT was 5%. Neck recurrence and SPT were associated with 48.4% and 24.4% lower 5‐year OS rates, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that neck recurrence was a significant risk factor for low OS (p = 0.008). Neck recurrence was the most important prognostic factor for OS. The incidence of SPT development was high. Regular and long‐term monitoring for recurrence and development of SPTs is necessary to improve the survival rate.
Sudden death after medullary infarction—A case report
Authors: Wang Yuh‐Jen , Hu Han‐Hwa
Published: June 2013

Sudden death in a stable medullary infarction case frequently induces legal problems. Currently, the etiology of the most reported cases are not known because autopsy is rare. Here, we report one female patient with medullary infarction who experienced a sudden cardiopulmonary arrest during a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. The blood flow changes on the MRI indicated that her death resulted from the sudden collapse of systemic circulation. Dysautonomia, or sudden respiratory arrest resulting from brainstem dysfunction, was suspected. In this report, we present her cranial MRI findings and discuss the possible pathophysiology after reviewing the relevant literature. We also recommend certain tests for patients with medullary infarction to prevent the risk of sudden unexpected deaths.