bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies for Adopting Consumer‐generated Media in Small‐sized to Medium‐sized Tourism Enterprises
Authors: Burgess Stephen , Sellitto Carmine , Cox Carmen , Buultjens Jeremy
Published: May 2014

Consumer‐generated media (CGM) are created when consumers submit, review or respond to online content. The bulk of research into CGM has focussed upon its use by consumers, with less research examining the use of CGM by small businesses. This article discusses small business sector use of online technologies such as CGM, concentrating on tourism small businesses as a key industry sector affected by CGM activities. A CGM ‘strategy’ framework, developed from an existing small business strategy framework, is proposed. This serves as a practical tool for developing CGM strategies and as a theoretical foundation for conducting research into the use of CGM. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual classification of tympanoplasty
Authors: Bellucci Richard J.
Published: May 2014

In order to understand the limitations imposed by middle ear pathology encountered in tympanoplasty and to compare statistically postoperative results of the various techniques used, a classification of cases is required. Until recently attempts to represent adequately each case in a classification seemed impossible because of the large number of variables to be considered; however, the variables can be included in two broad groups: one group represents the pathology of the conductive mechanism in the middle ear. This relates directly to the type of reconstruction possible and the degree of hearing improvement expected. The second group of variables relates to middle ear infection. Long lasting good hearing depends on a stable postoperative ear, free of infection. This classification is valuable as a guide for evaluating and grading of the pre‐operative ear with respect to the chances for obtaining a postoperative, stable ear free of infection. A dual classification is, therefore, proposed, representing the major variable factors which are basic to all cases and significantly influence the results obtained in tympanoplasty.
Fundamental frequency characteristics of Japanese Asai Speakers
Authors: Curry E. Thayer , Snidecor John C. , Isshiki Nobuhiko
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Asai procedure in terms of the postoperative fundamental vocal frequency of a group of native Japanese Asai speakers and to ascertain if auditory impressions are related in fact to acoustical impressions of higher fundamental vocal frequency. Study results indicate a postoperative vocal frequency of 97 Hz, which is significantly higher than the previous frequencies reported near 65 Hz. Of special note is the much higher percentage of aperiodicity among the Asai speakers when compared with a group of United States superior esophageal speakers.
A variation of the type B tympanogram
Authors: Martin Frederick N. , Butler Ernest C. , Burns Paul
Published: May 2014

A tympanometric configuration is described which is found in cases of both early and resolving serous otitis media. This tympanogram is useful in diagnosing the stage between negative middle ear pressure and serous effusion, and also in predicting resolution of serous effusion.
An instrument for cannulation of the thoracic duct
Authors: Dedo Douglas D.
Published: May 2014

A new thoracic duct cannulation needle has been created by modifying a Vim‐Silverman biopsy needle. Its use in 10 experiments is described. The needle was shown to facilitate cannulation by preventing lymph leakage and duct collapse. It allowed recannulation of the duct when the cannula clotted during long‐term thoracic duct drainage.
Posterior nasal packing, spontaneous perforation of the esophagus and gram negative septicemia: Report of a case
Authors: Becker Gary D.
Published: May 2014

A posterior nasal pack was inserted to control epistaxis. Four days later a spontaneous esophageal perforation with gram negative septicemia and shock resulted in the patient's rapid demise. These entities have not previously been reported in association with posterior nasal packing. A brief discussion is given of the symptomatology and treatment of these conditions, as well as the influence of antibiotics on the nasopharyngeal flora and its possible role in the production of gram negative sepsis.
Facial nerve anastomosis
Authors: Scaramella L. F. , Tobias Eli
Published: May 2014

A case of traumatic peripheral facial palsy incurred during the removal of an acoustic neuroma via a sub‐occipital craniectomy is presented.

The palsy was rehabilitated by using the ingenious method of Dott with a modification. In this, the second anastomosis between the distal end of the peripheral (sural) nerve graft and the distal trunk of the paralyzed facial nerve was performed within the mastoid rather than in the neck. The result obtained is remarkable. The technique is described and illustrated in detail.
Interaural attenuation characteristics in audiometry
Authors: Snyder Jack M.
Published: May 2014

Interaural attenuation characteristics for air conduction, bone conduction, and speech reception were evaluated through standard clinical audiometry techniques in 256 patients with complete unilateral sensori‐neural hearing loss. Data indicated that differences between ears of about 40 db for air conduction require the use of masking to test the poorer ear. Negative or 0 db interaural attenuation characteristics indicate the general requirement for masking in most tests of bone conduction. Lack of appropriate shadow responses may be indicative of functional involvement.
Total thyroid ablation: A prerequisite to orbital decompression for graves disease ophthalmopathy
Authors: White Irving L.
Published: May 2014

The fundamental cause of the ophthalmopathy of Graves disease is not known. This has precluded a specific means of prevention. Surgical, medical and radiation means of palliation are presented. Our data indicates that total ablation of all active thyroid tissue prevents initiation of ophthalmopathy as well as accomplishing permanent control of progression of already present ophthalmopathy in Graves disease.

Improved surgical techniques of orbital decompression are described and recognized as giving excellent palliation of the ophthalmopathy. These extensive procedures do not take into consideration, have no influence on the underlying cause of, nor do they have any effect upon the progression of the ophthalmopathy.

Presented are patients with Graves disease ophthalmopathy subjected to orbital decompression who experienced only temporary relief of their ophthalmopathy. Subsequent to the decompression there was progression of the ophthalmopathy with increasing chemosis, diplopia, and exophthalmos. Thyroid scans demonstrated residual active disease in all instances.

The temporary benefits of orbital decompression in Graves disease ophthalmopathy are indisputable. It may be vision saving, but also must be considered palliative. A plea is made that all active thyroid tissue be totally ablated before consideration is given to orbital decompression as a therapeutic or palliative procedure, except as an emergency vision saving procedure as in “impending blindness” in Graves disease ophthalmopathy.
I. Goals of the cochlear implant
Authors: House William F.
Published: May 2014

The cochlear implant partially restores hearing to the totally deaf. It has helped greatly in the primitive and warning levels of hearing and is of benefit in lip reading and the symbolic levels of hearing.
External auditory atresia and the deleted chromosome
Authors: Bergstrom Lavonne , Stewart Janet M. , Kenyon Barbara
Published: May 2014

Four patients presented with suspected hearing loss and growth and motor retardation. Hearing loss was confirmed, and in three patients was conductive in nature, associated with bilateral atresia or hypoplasia of the bony external auditory canal and essentially normal pinnae. One patient had normal ear canals and mixed hearing loss. The patients had a variety of somewhat subtle associated defects. These included epicanthic folds, strabismus, microcephaly, hypertelorism, hypoplasia of the mid‐face, carpshaped mouth, short stature, foot anomalies, congenital heart disease and absent IgA. Chromosome analysis showed deletion of the long arm or a ring formation of chromosome 18, which defects are potentially transmissible to the next generation. Petrous pyramid polytomography showed atresia plates in the region of the tympanic membrane in the three patients with abnormal external auditory canals. The middle ears appeared normal. Polytomography was entirely normal in the fourth patient with patent canals and a mixed hearing loss.

The patient with “isolated” auditory atresia, retardation, relatively minor facial abnormalities and either previously surgically corrected or previously undetected other abnormalities (e.g., congenital heart disease, club foot), should be suspect for this disorder. The diagnosis is confirmed by karyotype. Complete workup also includes audiometry and petrous pyramid polytomography. Karyotypes should be performed on the parents to rule out a balanced translocation. Otologic management is basically the same as that in other children with external auditory atresia, but may be contingent on the control of other health problems.
The use of mandibular homografts in reconstructing jaw defects
Authors: Cantrell Robert W.
Published: May 2014

The history of mandibular restoration is reviewed, and the theories of bone regeneration are presented. The indications, techniques, and complications of deFries' method are discussed. deFries' technique involves packing a freeze‐dried mandibular shell with autogenous cancellous bone and marrow taken from the patient's iliac crest or rib. The method is especially helpful in restoring large mandibular defects in which the normal contours are difficult to restore with other grafting techniques.

It is probably no better for small segmental defects than autogenous iliac crest, rib, or chrome‐cobalt cage packed with marrow. It should be avoided in: 1. patients who have received irradiation to the jaw or neck; 2. where there is a poor blood supply to these areas; and 3. in patients with anemia or poor nutritional status.
Functional laryngeal abduction following reimplantation of the recurrent laryngeal nerves
Authors: Miglets Andrew W.
Published: May 2014

Functional reinnervation was established in a patient following complete laryngo‐tracheal separation with avulsion of both recurrent laryngeal nerves. Following reattachment of the larynx to the trachea, the severed stumps of the recurrent laryngeal nerves were implanted into the laryngeal abductors (the posterior crico‐arytenoid muscles). One year later the patient had good abduction and adduction of her vocal cords. The abduction is thought to be a result of reinnervation by the recurrent laryngeal nerves, the adduction due to the action of crico‐thyroid muscle whose innervation was undisturbed by the original injury.
Evaluation and correction of dysphagia‐producing cervical osteophytosis
Authors: Bone Robert C. , Nahum Alan M. , Harris Arthur S.
Published: May 2014

Cervical osteophytosis may or may not be causally related to concomitant dysphagia. Several characteristics of the osteophyte suggest relation to dysphagia: 1. large size; 2. location in the cricoid region; and 3. hoarseness or cough (periesophagitis) caused by rapid expansion of the bony mass. Surgical excision and repair are necessary in unremitting dysphagia. For high cervical lesions, a transoral repair has been proposed; for mid and lower cervical disease, an external approach is performed. A careful consideration of the differential diagnosis of cervical dysphagia is necessary prior to beginning therapy.
Hemorrhagic complications of facial fractures
Authors: Frable Mary Ann , Roman Nabeel El , Lenis Armando , Hung John P.
Published: May 2014

Two hundred ninety‐six facial fracture patients, exclusive of nasal fracture patients treated on an out‐patient basis, came to the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 1972. The various managing services, age and sex of the patients, and the months of occurrences were tabulated. Of interest were six patients who had a hemorrhagic complication after adequate surgical reduction — about a 2 percent incidence. All six patients sustained fractures of the fronto‐naso‐ethmoid complex, medial wall of the maxillary sinus and middle turbinate region.

Five patients required transantral ligation of the sphenopalatine branch of the internal maxillary artery and one patient required an anterior ethmoidal artery ligation. All bleeding ceased after surgical ligation of the bleeding vessel.

A typical patient was presented and the increased morbidity and prolonged hospital stay reviewed before the proper surgical ligation was performed.

The authors stress the importance of careful evaluation of all facial fractures, proper identification of exactly what bones are fractured, and the prompt therapy.
Intranasal sarcoidosis
Authors: Wright Ronald E. , Clairmont Albert A. , Per‐Lee John H. , Butz William C.
Published: May 2014

Sarcoidosis is a protean disease which may involve several anatomic sites often examined by the otolaryngologist. Sarcoidosis of the nasal mucosa may cause nasal obstruction, especially in the presence of a concomitant deviated nasal septum. The authors review current knowledge pertaining to the etiology, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment as a background for presentation of two interesting cases which highlight the usefulness of a topical steroid nasal spray to relieve obstruction and congestion. Topical steroid therapy is effective and is recommended especially when systemic steroids are not otherwise warranted.
Ossicular discontinuity
Authors: Keller A. P.
Published: May 2014

Because of the numerous and varied surgical approaches to ear pathology devised and expanded in the past two decades, we are destined to be confronted with increasingly frequent cases of ossicular defects behind an intact eardrum. Using a technique which is the converse of the established “patch” test a simple office procedure is described which may help establish the diagnosis of ossicular discontinuity in the adult with an intact eardrum. An audiogram is obtained and then a myringotomy performed with insertion of a large ventilation tube. A second audiogram is then done. A rise in the air conduction level, in the absence of fluid, is suggestive of ossicular discontinuity.
Proplast chin augmentation
Authors: Parkes Morey L. , Kamer Frank M. , Merrin Michael L.
Published: May 2014

A method of chin augmentation employing a newer synthetic material (Proplast®)‡ is presented. The characteristics and biocompatibility of Proplast are detailed. Technical considerations and results of short term clinical trials in 20 patients are discussed. One implant necessitated removal secondary to trauma four months after surgery. All other implants including over 30 additional cases have been without incident.
Effective stimulus for the xenopus laevis lateral‐line hair‐cell system
Authors: Bauknight R. Stewart , Strelioff David , Honrubia Vicente
Published: May 2014

An in vitro preparation of the lateral‐line organ of the African clawed toad Xenopus laevis was used to evaluate the properties of the physiological stimuli which are most effective in evoking neural responses in this simple hair‐cell system. Changes in the mean firing rate and the amount of modulation of the neural activity in the fibers innervating the hair cells were determined during the presentation of well‐controlled pressure or water‐movement stimuli in a specially designed chamber that prevented movement and deformation of the organ during stimulation.

It was shown that the most effective stimulus for the preparation was a varying flow of fluid past the organ. Sinusoidally varying water movements over a frequency range of 1 to 100 Hz were effective in evoking neural responses at stimulus amplitudes less than 10 m̈ peak‐to‐peak; in addition, a small response to a constant‐velocity flow was found. Since no movement or deformation of the organ was present during the water‐movement stimuli, it was concluded that these aspects of normal physiological stimuli were not necessary to evoke neural responses. Finally, it was demonstrated that the preparation was sensitive to neither constant nor varying‐pressure stimuli.
Craniofacial and mandibular osseous contour reconstruction: The use of a new “combination” graft
Authors: Leake Donald L. , Habal Mutaz B.
Published: May 2014

The use of autogenous bone graft to repair major defects is most feasible biologically. When the bone could not be shaped or carved to fit a given defect, the use of solid alloplastic biomaterial implants gained wide popularity. We are describing a new method wherein a “combination” graft is used. It possesses the advantage of the dependence on autogenous cancellous bone graft, and the added bone inducing capability of a recently developing biomaterial implant (Polyurethane‐Terephthalate).

The results obtained in the repair of major defects in patients after ablative surgery, or as sequelae of trauma, document the advantages of this new mode of treatment.

In selected patients with major defects due to deficiency or absence of the osseous framework of the face, the use of “combination” grafts has proven to be the most appropriate form of repair.
Gas‐Pressure Molding‐Based Fabrication of Smart Actuators from Nematic Liquid‐Crystalline Elastomer
Authors: Torras Núria , Marshall Jean E. , Zinoviev Kirill E. , Camargo Carlos J. , Terentjev Eugene M. , Esteve Jaume
Published: May 2014

A nematic liquid‐crystalline elastomer enriched with carbon nanotubes (LCE‐CNT) is used to obtain an array of photosensitive actuators based on siloxane chemistry. By the combination of a molding technique together with the application of a controlled gas‐pressure during the crosslinking process, it is possible to obtain well‐aligned arrays of monodomain regions within a polydomain in a single step, creating rounded‐shaped features. Localized optical actuation is demonstrated producing measured changes in height up to 120 μm under illumination, which represent a contraction of about 13% of the features. Finite element modeling was used to tune the experimental conditions – pressure loading – according the size of the actuators, maximizing the vertical displacement reached under illumination. This scalable method overcomes previously reported techniques, broadening technological resources development of novel and customized optically driven actuators and devices.
Cuticles of European and American lobsters harbor diverse bacterial species and differ in disease susceptibility
Authors: Whitten Miranda M. A. , Davies Charlotte E. , Kim Anita , Tlusty Michael , Wootton Emma C. , Chistoserdov Andrei , Rowley Andrew F.
Published: May 2014

Diseases of lobster shells have a significant impact on fishing industries but the risk of disease transmission between different lobster species has yet to be properly investigated. This study compared bacterial biofilm communities from American (Homarus americanus) and European lobsters (H. gammarus), to assess both healthy cuticle and diseased cuticle during lesion formation. Culture‐independent molecular techniques revealed diversity in the bacterial communities of cuticle biofilms both within and between the two lobster species, and identified three bacterial genera associated with shell lesions plus two putative beneficial bacterial species (detected exclusively in healthy cuticle or healing damaged cuticle). In an experimental aquarium shared between American and European lobsters, heterospecific transmission of potentially pathogenic bacteria appeared to be very limited; however, the claws of European lobsters were more likely to develop lesions when reared in the presence of American lobsters. Aquarium biofilms were also examined but revealed no candidate pathogens for environmental transmission. Aquimarina sp. ‘homaria’ (a potential pathogen associated with a severe epizootic form of shell disease) was detected at a much higher prevalence among American than European lobsters, but its presence correlated more with exacerbation of existing lesions rather than with lesion initiation.
Discrete Derivatives for Atom‐Pairs as a Novel Graph‐Theoretical Invariant for Generating New Molecular Descriptors: Orthogonality, Interpretation and QSARs/QSPRs on Benchmark Databases
Authors: Martínez‐Santiago Oscar , Millán‐Cabrera Reisel , Marrero‐Ponce Yovani , Barigye Stephen J. , Martínez‐López Yoan , Torrens Francisco , Pérez‐Giménez Facundo
Published: May 2014

This report presents a new mathematical method based on the concept of the derivative of a molecular graph (G) with respect to a given event (S) to codify chemical structure information. The derivate over each pair of atoms in the molecule is defined as ∂G/∂S(vi , vj)=(fi−2fij+fj)/fij, where fi (or fj) and fij are the individual frequency of atom i (or j) and the reciprocal frequency of the atoms i and j, respectively. These frequencies characterize the participation intensity of atom pairs in S. Here, the event space is composed of molecular sub‐graphs which participate in the formation of the G skeleton that could be complete (representing all possible connected sub‐graphs) or comprised of sub‐graphs of certain orders or types or combinations of these. The atom level graph derivative index, Δi, is expressed as a linear combination of all atom pair derivatives that include the atomic nuclei i. Global [total or local (group or atom‐type)] indices are obtained by applying the so called invariants over a vector of Δi values. The novel MDs are validated using a data set of 28 alkyl‐alcohols and other benchmark data sets proposed by the International Academy of Mathematical Chemistry. Also, the boiling point for the alcohols, the adrenergic blocking activity of N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐halo‐phenethylamines and physicochemical properties of polychlorinated biphenyls and octanes are modeled. These models exhibit satisfactory predictive power compared with other 0–3D indices implemented successfully by other researchers. In addition, tendencies of the proposed indices are investigated using examples of various types of molecular structures, including chain‐lengthening, branching, heteroatoms‐content, and multiple bonds. On the other hand, the relation of atom‐based derivative indices with 17O NMR of a series of ethers and carbonyls reflects that the new MDs encode electronic, topological and steric information. Linear independence between the graph derivative indices and other 0‐3D MDs is demonstrated by using principal component analysis on a dataset of 41 heterogeneous molecules. It is concluded that the graph derivative indices are independent indices containing important structural information to be used in QSPR/QSAR and drug design studies, and permit obtaining easier, more interpretable and robust mathematical models than the majority of those reported in the literature.
Wall shear stress calculations based on 3D cine phase contrast MRI and computational fluid dynamics: a comparison study in healthy carotid arteries
Authors: Cibis Merih , Potters Wouter V. , Gijsen Frank J. H. , Marquering Henk , vanBavel Ed , van der Steen Antonius F. W. , Nederveen Aart J. , Wentzel Jolanda J.
Published: May 2014

Wall shear stress (WSS) is involved in many pathophysiological processes related to cardiovascular diseases, and knowledge of WSS may provide vital information on disease progression. WSS is generally quantified with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), but can also be calculated using phase contrast MRI (PC‐MRI) measurements. In this study, our objectives were to calculate WSS on the entire luminal surface of human carotid arteries using PC‐MRI velocities (WSSMRI) and to compare it with WSS based on CFD (WSSCFD).

Six healthy volunteers were scanned with a 3 T MRI scanner. WSSCFD was calculated using a generalized flow waveform with a mean flow equal to the mean measured flow. WSSMRI was calculated by estimating the velocity gradient along the inward normal of each mesh node on the luminal surface. Furthermore, WSS was calculated for a down‐sampled CFD velocity field mimicking the MRI resolution (WSSCFDlowres). To ensure minimum temporal variation, WSS was analyzed only at diastole. The patterns of WSSCFD and WSSMRI were compared by quantifying the overlap between low, medium and high WSS tertiles. Finally, WSS directions were compared by calculating the angles between the WSSCFD and WSSMRI vectors.

WSSMRI magnitude was found to be lower than WSSCFD (0.62 ± 0.18 Pa versus 0.88 ± 0.30 Pa, p < 0.01) but closer to WSSCFDlowres (0.56 ± 0.18 Pa, p < 0.01). WSSMRI patterns matched well with those of WSSCFD. The overlap area was 68.7 ± 4.4% in low and 69.0 ± 8.9% in high WSS tertiles. The angles between WSSMRI and WSSCFD vectors were small in the high WSS tertiles (20.3 ± 8.2°), but larger in the low WSS tertiles (65.6 ± 17.4°).

In conclusion, although WSSMRI magnitude was lower than WSSCFD, the spatial WSS patterns at diastole, which are more relevant to the vascular biology, were similar. PC‐MRI‐based WSS has potential to be used in the clinic to indicate regions of low and high WSS and the direction of WSS, especially in regions of high WSS. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion basis spectrum imaging detects and distinguishes coexisting subclinical inflammation, demyelination and axonal injury in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Cusick Matthew F. , Wang Yong , Sun Peng , Libbey Jane E. , Trinkaus Kathryn , Fujinami Robert S. , Song Sheng‐Kwei
Published: May 2014

Clinicopathological paradox has hampered significantly the effective assessment of the efficacy of therapeutic intervention for multiple sclerosis. Neuroimaging biomarkers of tissue injury could guide more effective treatment by accurately reflecting the underlying subclinical pathologies. Diffusion tensor imaging‐derived directional diffusivity and anisotropy indices have been applied to characterize white matter disorders. However, these biomarkers are sometimes confounded by the complex pathologies seen in multiple sclerosis and its animal models. Recently, a novel technique of diffusion basis spectrum imaging has been developed to quantitatively assess axonal injury, demyelination and inflammation in a mouse model of inflammatory demyelination. Lenaldekar, which inhibits T‐cell expansion in a non‐cytolytic manner, has been shown to suppress relapses and preserve white matter integrity in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In this study, relapsing–remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis was induced through active immunization of SJL/J mice with a myelin proteolipid protein peptide. The therapeutic efficacy of Lenaldekar treatment was evaluated via daily clinical score, cross‐sectional ex vivo diffusion basis spectrum imaging examination and histological analysis. Lenaldekar greatly reduced relapse severity and protected white matter integrity in these experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice. Diffusion basis spectrum imaging‐derived axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity and restricted diffusion tensor fraction accurately reflected axonal injury, myelin integrity and inflammation‐associated cellularity change, respectively. These results support the potential use of diffusion basis spectrum imaging as an effective outcome measure for preclinical drug evaluation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Small is Beautiful
Authors: Rieger Tobias
Published: May 2014

To reduce system costs in the field of optical gas measurement there is an ongoing trend for miniaturisation. One key element for optical gas detection is an infra‐red source providing a high and stable optical output power, based on low electrical power consumption. Optical stability can be achieved with a broadband emitter which is suited for a wide range of gases and applications. We report here on a thermal broadband infra‐red source produced in MEMS technology. This results in an infrared source of low power consumption, low cost and small size. Because of its stability and the ability of fast modulation, a high signal‐to‐noise ratio can be achieved.
Intramolecularcharge transfer in donor‐bridge‐acceptor compounds with paired linearly conjugated or cross‐conjugated pathways
Authors: Dickson‐Karn Nicole M. , Olson Courtney M. , Leu Wade C. W. , Hartley C. Scott
Published: May 2014

An understanding of intramolecular charge transfer in 2‐D linearly conjugated and cross‐conjugated compounds is necessary for the rational design of molecular electronics, improved solar energy devices, semi‐conducting polymers, and materials with nonlinear optical properties. In this work, the femtosecond transient absorption spectra and kinetics of several donor‐bridge‐acceptor compounds containing cross‐conjugated or linearly conjugated bridging groups were obtained. The veratrole group was used as the donor, and the phthalimide group was used as an acceptor. 2‐D conjugation was achieved by involving two bridging groups arranged cyclically between the donor and acceptor. The donor and acceptor were bridged by m‐phenylene in the cross‐conjugated compounds or 2,5‐thiophene in the linearly conjugated compounds. We found slower charge separation times and slower charge recombination times in the compounds containing cyclic cross‐conjugated bridging groups than in those containing the cyclic linearly conjugated groups in polar solvent. Charge separation rates that were found to be dependent on solvent were observed in the donor‐bridge‐acceptor compounds. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlling interfacial interactions for directed self assembly of block copolymers
Authors: Stein Gila E. , Mahadevapuram Nikhila , Mitra Indranil
Published: May 2014

Over the past 15 years, block copolymer lithography has emerged as its own research field within the broader block copolymer and polymer thin film communities. This distinction is associated with the unique requirements set by the semiconductor device industry, such as low‐defect densities, precise feature registration, and complex pattern layouts. To achieve perfection in block copolymer lithography, the surface and substrate interactions must be carefully tuned to control domain ordering in three dimensions. This perspective discusses recent modeling efforts that underline the challenges of predicting interfacial interactions and the resulting block copolymer structures. We emphasize studies that facilitate the design and interpretation of experiments, including materials selection, guiding pattern geometry, and selecting tools for three‐dimensional metrology. Finally, we propose that translation of block copolymer lithography to semiconductor manufacturing will require integrated experimental and modeling efforts to interrogate the vast parameter space that controls both lateral and out‐of‐plane ordering. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 96–102
Family caregivers' awareness of illness and attitude toward disclosure during chemotherapy for advanced cancer
Authors: Kim Soyeun , Ko Youngjin , Kwon Sinyoung , Shin Dong‐Yeop , Kim Cheol Hyeon , Yang Sung Hyun , Cho Seong‐Jin , Na Im Il
Published: May 2014

Objective

We investigated family caregivers' awareness of disease status and attitude toward disclosure of disease progression compared with those of cancer patients and explored the potential association between family caregivers' attitudes and patients' quality of life (QOL).

Methods

We carried out a survey using self‐administered questionnaires answered by pairs of family caregivers and patients diagnosed with advanced cancer (n = 136 pairs). To assess patients' QOL, we used the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Results

More than half of family caregivers (54%) did not have full knowledge of patients' advanced stage and goal of therapy. Positive attitudes toward disclosure were less common in family caregivers than in patients (59.4% and 85.4%, respectively; p < 0.01). The family caregivers' positive attitudes toward disclosure were inversely associated with patients' low functional scores (emotion [p = 0.04] and cognition [p = 0.02]) and high symptom scores (nausea and vomiting, pain, and insomnia; p < 0.05). However, in most QOL scales, patients' attitudes were not significantly associated with functioning and symptom scores.

Conclusions

A large portion of family caregivers may not know the patients' exact status. This study also suggests that the family caregivers' attitudes may differ from patients' and may be associated with patients' QOL. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silicon nanoparticle charge trapping memory cell
Authors: El‐Atab Nazek , Ozcan Ayse , Alkis Sabri , Okyay Ali K. , Nayfeh Ammar
Published: May 2014

A charge trapping memory with 2 nm silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) is demonstrated. A zinc oxide (ZnO) active layer is deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD), preceded by Al2O3 which acts as the gate, blocking and tunneling oxide. Spin coating technique is used to deposit Si NPs across the sample between Al2O3 steps. The Si nanoparticle memory exhibits a threshold voltage (Vt) shift of 2.9 V at a negative programming voltage of –10 V indicating that holes are emitted from channel to charge trapping layer. The negligible measured Vt shift without the nanoparticles and the good re‐ tention of charges (>10 years) with Si NPs confirm that the Si NPs act as deep energy states within the bandgap of the Al2O3 layer. In order to determine the mechanism for hole emission, we study the effect of the electric field across the tunnel oxide on the magnitude and trend of the Vt shift. The Vt shift is only achieved at electric fields above 1 MV/cm. This high field indicates that tunneling is the main mechanism. More specifically, phonon‐assisted tunneling (PAT) dominates at electric fields between 1.2 MV/cm < E < 2.1 MV/cm, while Fowler–Nordheim tunneling leads at higher fields (E > 2.1 MV/cm). (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Attachment and Penetration of Acyclovir‐resistant Herpes Simplex Virus are Inhibited by Melissa officinalis Extract
Authors: Astani Akram , Heidary Navid Mojdeh , Schnitzler Paul
Published: May 2014

Medicinal plants are increasingly of interest as novel source of drugs for antiherpetic agents, because herpes simplex virus (HSV) might develop resistance to commonly used antiviral drugs. An aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis and the phenolic compounds caffeic acid, p‐coumaric acid and rosmarinic acid were examined for their antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) acyclovir‐sensitive and clinical isolates of acyclovir‐resistant strains in vitro. When drugs were added during the intracellular replication of HSV‐1 infected cells, no antiviral effect was observed by plaque reduction assay. However, Melissa extract interacted directly with free viral particles of two acyclovir‐resistant HSV strains at low IC50 values of 0.13 and 0.23 µg/mL and high selectivity indices of 2692 and 1522, respectively. The Melissa extract and rosmarinic acid inhibited HSV‐1 attachment to host cells in a dose‐dependent manner for acyclovir‐sensitive and acyclovir‐resistant strains. These results indicate that mainly rosmarinic acid contributed to the antiviral activity of Melissa extract. Penetration of herpes viruses into cells was inhibited by Melissa extract at 80% and 96% for drug‐sensitive and drug‐resistant viruses, respectively. Melissa extract exhibits low toxicity and affects attachment and penetration of acyclovir‐sensitive and acyclovir‐resistant HSVs in vitro. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiinflammatory Effects and Chemical Constituents of Veronicastrum axillare
Authors: Zheng Cheng‐Jian , Deng Xue‐Hong , Wu Yu , Jiang Yi‐Ping , Zhu Jian‐Yong , Qin Lu‐Ping
Published: May 2014

Our study aims to ascertain the antiinflammatory activity of Veronicastrum axillare and characterize the bioactive constituents. Antiinflammatory activity of the total extract and different fractions from V. axillare was investigated by employing the xylene‐induced mouse ear edema model. As a result, the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction showed the highest antiinflammatory activity in vivo. From the EtOAc fraction and the inactive dichloromethane fraction, a total of five new compounds, axillasides A–C and axillactones A and B, together with four known compounds, procumboside A, buergeriside C1, indole‐3‐carboxylic acid and apigenin, were isolated and identified. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and by comparison of their nuclear magnetic resonance data with those reported in the literature. Procumboside A, a major constituent in EtOAc fraction, showed significant antiinflammatory activity in vivo. Further studies revealed that procumboside A was a potent COX‐2 inhibitor, significantly reducing the COX‐2 protein level in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical pKa calculations with continuum model solvents, alternative protocols to thermodynamic cycles
Authors: Casasnovas Rodrigo , Ortega‐Castro Joaquin , Frau Juan , Donoso Josefa , Muñoz Francisco
Published: May 2014

This article reviews different formulations of the thermodynamic cycles used for the prediction of pKa values, their advantages, and disadvantages with special emphasis on the limitations resulting from the necessity of gas‐phase calculations, which allow introducing some difficult cases that motivated alternative strategies. Before introducing the protocols that do not consider gas‐phase calculations, the two current opinions available in the literature on the debate about the correct formalism for the calculation of free energies in solution are briefly introduced. Then, the isodesmic proton exchange reaction in solution is reviewed by analyzing its performance on difficult cases for thermodynamic cycles such as carbon acids and amino acids. The pKa values predicted by the isodesmic reaction for common acid species are also reviewed to compare their accuracy results in relation with those of thermodynamic cycles. Linear regressions between experimental pKa values and the calculated free energies obtained with the isodesmic reaction provide expressions for the dependence of the error in the calculated pKas on the pKa difference between the studied acid and the reference species. Finally, it is shown that linear regressions correct the calculated free energies of the isodesmic reaction, when high constant precision is required in a large pKa range. The deviations from the expected behavior are equivalent to those reported previously for different pKa calculation protocols and are determined by the inaccuracies of continuum solvent models on the interactions with ionic species. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Invasion in Riparian Zones Reveals Few Significant Effects on Soil Physico‐Chemical Properties
Authors: Tererai F. , Gaertner M. , Jacobs S. M. , Richardson D. M.
Published: May 2014

Many invasive alien plants alter soil‐nutrient regimes of invaded ecosystems, affecting management outcomes. We assessed the effects of Eucalyptus camaldulensis invasions on physical and chemical properties of riparian soils in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Samples were collected from topsoil beneath the canopy of uninvaded and a gradient of invaded sites, namely, light, moderate and heavy over four seasons. We quantified soil moisture, temperature, litter depth and thickness, primary textural components, concentrations of soil macro (C, N, P and K) and micro (Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe) nutrients, and pH. Available N (NO3−‐N and NH4+‐N) and P, as well as exchangeable Ca and Mg were also assessed. Soil pH levels were significantly lower in invaded than in uninvaded sites in all seasons. Soil moisture decreased consistently with invasion intensity. Concentrations of macro, micro and available nutrients did not vary significantly along the invasion gradient (p > 0.05), but exchangeable cation content was significantly higher in uninvaded than in invaded sites, especially in winter and spring. Sites invaded by E. camaldulensis had higher litter build‐up than non‐invaded sites, but this appears to have little effect on soil‐nutrient regimes. It appears that restoration following removal of invasive stands of E. camaldulensis will not require major interventions to return soil to pre‐invasion conditions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐stage and two‐stage designs for phase II clinical trials with survival endpoints
Authors: Whitehead John
Published: May 2014

This work is motivated by trials in rapidly lethal cancers or cancers for which measuring shrinkage of tumours is infeasible. In either case, traditional phase II designs focussing on tumour response are unsuitable. Usually, tumour response is considered as a substitute for the more relevant but longer‐term endpoint of death. In rapidly lethal cancers such as pancreatic cancer, there is no need to use a surrogate, as the definitive endpoint is (sadly) available so soon. In uveal cancer, there is no counterpart to tumour response, and so, mortality is the only realistic response available. Cytostatic cancer treatments do not seek to kill tumours, but to mitigate their effects. Trials of such therapy might also be based on survival times to death or progression, rather than on tumour shrinkage.

Phase II oncology trials are often conducted with all study patients receiving the experimental therapy, and this approach is considered here. Simple extensions of one‐stage and two‐stage designs based on binary responses are presented. Outcomes based on survival past a small number of landmark times are considered: here, the case of three such times is explored in examples. This approach allows exact calculations to be made for both design and analysis purposes. Simulations presented here show that calculations based on normal approximations can lead to loss of power when sample sizes are small. Two‐stage versions of the procedure are also suggested. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Causal inference for community‐based multi‐layered intervention study
Authors: Wu Pan , Gunzler Douglas , Lu Naiji , Chen Tian , Wymen Peter , Tu Xin M.
Published: May 2014

Estimating causal treatment effect for randomized controlled trials under post‐treatment confounding, that is, noncompliance and informative dropouts, is becoming an important problem in intervention/prevention studies when the treatment exposures are not completely controlled. When confounding is present in a study, the traditional intention‐to‐treat approach could underestimate the treatment effect because of insufficient exposure of treatment. In the recent two decades, many papers have been published to address such confounders to investigate the causal relationship between treatment and outcome of interest based on different modeling strategies. Most of the existing approaches, however, are suitable only for standard experiments. In this paper, we propose a new class of structural functional response model to address post‐treatment confounding in complex multi‐layered intervention studies within a longitudinal data setting. The new approach offers robust inference and is readily implemented. We illustrate and assess the performance of the proposed structural functional response model using both real and simulated data. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ice sheets as interactive components of Earth System Models: progress and challenges
Authors: Vizcaino Miren
Published: May 2014

One of the major impacts of anthropogenic climate change is sea level rise. Reliable estimates of the contribution of ice sheets to future sea level rise are important to policy makers and the civil society. In addition to sea level rise, ice sheet changes can affect the global climate through modified freshwater fluxes in the areas of deep‐water convection. Also, ice sheets modify local and large‐scale climate through changes in surface albedo and in their own topography. In the past, ice sheets have played a fundamental role in shaping climate and climate transitions. Despite their strong interactions with the climate system, they are not yet standard components of climate models. First attempts have been made in this direction, and it is foreseeable that in several years ice sheets will be included as interactive components of most models. The main challenges for this coupling are related to spatial and temporal resolution, ice sheet initialization, model climate biases, the need for explicit representation of snow/ice surface physics (e.g., albedo evolution, surface melt, refreezing, compaction), and coupling to the ocean component. This article reviews the main processes contributing to the ice sheet mass budget, the suite of ice sheet–climate interactions, and the requirements for modelling them in a coupled system. Focus is given to four major subjects: surface mass balance, ice sheet flow, ocean–ice sheet interaction, and challenges in coupling ice sheet models to climate models.

This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Model Components
HR development in local government: how and why does HR strategy matter in organizational change and development?
Authors: Bruns Hans-Jürgen
Published: May 2014

Human resource (HR) management has been proposed as being one of the core drivers of the modernization of the public sector, in particular with reference to the changing nature of people management and ‘HR-public service partnerships’ as an antecedent capacity of modernizing public service organizations. Notwithstanding the ongoing interest in the transformation of HR systems, this study explores how and why such relationships between HR management (HRM) and organizational change emerge. Considering a resource and capability-based approach, the analysis reveals strategic HRM practices as a useful concept to distinguish HR activities and the processes that are occurring when a HR strategy is performed. Moreover, using a multiple case study design, the study exhibits the antecedents and effects of HR strategy formation during accounting change in six German local governments. The results provide evidence that forces of either strategic or administrative patterns of alignment refer to different layers and the sequencing of HRM activities within a process of HR system change, thereby revealing the possibility of contradictory effects induced by HR change agency on either the ‘HR’ or the ‘public service’ side of the strategic coin.
Is transport subcontracting a barrier to modal shift? Empirical evidence from Germany in the context of horizontal transshipment technologies
Authors: Truschkin Eugen , Elbert Ralf , Günter Armin
Published: May 2014

Guided by the theory of organizational path dependence, this paper explores whether transport subcontracting might be a barrier to modal shift from road transport to combined transport if access to combined transport is enabled by horizontal transshipment technologies. In this paper, we attempt to evaluate the path dependence of two different groups of forwarders based on the quantitative data derived from web-based questionnaires conducted in Germany in the spring of 2011. We find that the willingness to shift transport modes is significantly higher if forwarders use their own semi-trailers rather than subcontracting with a transport fleet. Our study contributes to the literature by providing an empirical investigation into the building of organizational paths.