bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iterations of Olympic security: Montreal and Vancouver
Authors: Boyle Philip , Clément Dominique , Haggerty Kevin D
Published: September 2014

This article compares security dynamics at two Olympic Games hosted by Canada: Montreal (1976) and Vancouver (2010). It is the first study of security at the Montreal Olympics and was only made possible after four years of requests under the Access to Information Act that resulted in the release of thousands of classified security documents in French and English. A comparative study of the two largest peacetime security operations in Canadian history offers unique insights into the challenges of hosting a major international gathering in the aftermath of an international terrorist incident: the 1972 Munich massacre and the 11 September 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. The comparison further offers an opportunity to chart the continuities and differences in Olympic security over time. We focus in part on how the historical context of each event informed ‘imaginaries of disaster’. We also examine continuities in the official security response, such as the emphasis on advance intelligence gathering, security ‘mock-ups’, manpower allocation, coalitions of security agencies and technological innovation. We conclude with some considerations on security legacies and the importance of major event security as a subject of comparative inquiry.
Direct numerical determination of stabilized dissipated energy of shape memory alloys under cyclic tensile loadings
Authors: Sameallah Shima , Kadkhodaei Mahmoud , Legrand Vincent , Saint-Sulpice Luc , Chirani Shabnam Arbab
Published: September 2014

When shape memory alloys are subjected to cyclic loadings, the stabilized dissipated energy is an effective parameter in studying their performance, for instance, the fatigue life. However, thermomechanical coupling in the behavior of shape memory alloys under cyclic loadings causes the amount of stabilized dissipated energy to be obtainable once the responses of all transient cycles are determined. In this article, direct formulae are proposed to numerically evaluate stabilized dissipated energy of a shape memory alloy under cyclic tensile loadings as a function of maximum and minimum applied stresses as well as the loading frequency. A one-dimensional fully coupled thermomechanical constitutive model with a cycle-dependent phase diagram is utilized to be able to directly predict the uniaxial stress–strain response of a shape memory alloy in a specified cycle with no need of solving the previous cycles. The results are experimentally assessed for NiTi and CuAlBe specimens. Since the backward transformation in CuAlBe is realized to more gradually occur than that in NiTi, an enhanced phase diagram is proposed in which different slopes are considered for the start and finish of backward transformation strip. The numerical predictions of the present approach are shown to be in a good agreement with the experimental findings for cyclic tensile loadings.
Learning from documents: Applying new theories of materiality to journalism
Authors: Neff Gina
Published: September 2014

This article briefly reviews theories of materiality emerging in communication technology studies and organizational communication and then suggests three ways that journalism scholars might apply these theories to studies of news production. How journalists work, how journalism is shaped within newsrooms, the ways the news industry is changing, and ultimately, the effects of digital transitions can all benefit from including a focus on the ‘objects of journalism’. First, objects, such as documents, help scholars describe the social settings where objects are found. Second, the objects of journalism help scholars uncover lines of authority, contexts of news routines, and richness and persistence of news practices. Third, studying the objects of journalism can help explain the persistence of so-called residual practices that might otherwise seem dysfunctional in digital news. Materiality theories can help journalism scholars explain the impact of the transition to digital news on the work and practices of journalists and the news industry as a whole.
Stainless steel surface electrodeposited with dextran–salicylate for biomedical application
Authors: Chen B. , Chen J. , Yang L. , Zhao G. , Ding G.
Published: September 2014

The natural dextran was electrodeposited on the surface of stainless steel (SS) for improving the properties of corrosion resistance and hemocompatibility for the biomedical applications. Dextran–salicylate was synthesised by grafting electro polymerisable salicylate onto dextran by transesterification for the electrodeposition. 1H NMR spectrum was used to determine the structure of the dextran–salicylate and its degree of substitution. The comparisons of surface properties of the SS before and after dextran modification were performed by FTIR, Tafel plots and EIS technologies, respectively. The hemocompatibility of virgin and dextran modified stainless steel was evaluated by BSA adsorption and platelet adhesion.
Electrodepositing salicylate modified PHEMA on stainless steel surface for hemocompatibility
Authors: Chen B. , Chen J. , Yang L. , Zhao G. , Ding G.
Published: September 2014

Using electrodeposition of poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate)–glycidyl methacrylate–salicylic acid (PHEMA-GMA-SA) in this study, the surface of stainless steel was modified by PHEMA to improve its surface properties of corrosion resistance and hemocompatibility for biomedical applications. Electropolymerisable SA was introduced on PHEMA-GMA by ring opening reaction of the epoxy group of GMA. Poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate)–glycidyl methacrylate was synthesised by precipitation copolymerisation of HEMA and GMA in ethyl acetate. Ultraviolet spectrum was applied for calculating the degree of substitution of SA in the copolymer. Structure of the electrodeposited layer was verified by Fourier transform infrared. Polarisation curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technologies were used to estimate the corrosion resistance of PHEMA modified stainless steel. The hemocompatibility of PHEMA modified stainless steel was determined by bovine serum albumin adsorption and platelet adhesion.
α-1-Antitrypsin (AAT)–modified donor cells suppress GVHD but enhance the GVL effect: a role for mitochondrial bioenergetics
Authors: Marcondes A. Mario , Karoopongse Ekapun , Lesnikova Marina , Margineantu Daciana , Welte Tobias , Dinarello Charles A. , Hockenbery David , Janciauskiene Sabina , Deeg H. Joachim
Published: September 2014

Key Points

Donor treatment with AAT suppresses GVHD in the transplant recipient while enhancing the GVL effect. AAT effects are mediated via cell type–specific alterations of mitochondrial bioenergetics.
Secular trends in the prevalence of low risk factor burden for cardiovascular disease according to obesity status among Chinese adults, 1993–2009
Authors: Du Tingting , Sun Xingxing , Yin Ping , Yuan Gang , Zhang Muxun , Zhou Xinrong , Yu Xuefeng
Published: September 2014

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity are now common among Chinese. We aimed to examine secular trends in the prevalence of low risk profile and to examine whether comparable changes in the prevalence of low risk profile across waist circumference (WC) groups and body mass index (BMI) categories have occurred.

Methods

We used data from the nationwide China Health and Nutrition Survey conducted in 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, and 2009. There were 7274, 8368, 9369, 8948, 8786, and 9278 participants included in the analyses across the six study periods. We created an index of low risk factor burden from the following variables: not currently smoking, BMI < 25 kg/m2, WC < 90/80 cm in men/women, untreated systolic/diastolic blood pressure < 120/80 mmHg, and not having been previously diagnosed with diabetes.

Results

During the period of 1993–2009, the age-adjusted prevalence of low risk profile decreased from 16.2 to 11.5% among men and from 46.3 to 34.6% among women (both P < 0.001); Similar significant trends were observed in all age groups, rural/urban settings, education groups, WC status and BMI categories. The change in the prevalence of low risk profile was more striking among obese persons (P for interaction terms cohort *BMI were < 0.001). In 2009, 2.0 and 25.6% among central obese men and women had a low risk profile; Of note, was that 0.1 and 0.3% general obese men and women had a low risk profile.

Conclusions

The prevalence of low risk profile declined considerably over the past 17 years in all demographic groups, WC status, and BMI categories. Public health prevention strategies are urgently needed.
A wood density and aboveground biomass variability assessment using pre-felling inventory data in Costa Rica
Authors: Svob Sienna , Arroyo-Mora J Pablo , Kalacska Margaret
Published: September 2014

Background

The high spatio-temporal variability of aboveground biomass (AGB) in tropical forests is a large source of uncertainty in forest carbon stock estimation. Due to their spatial distribution and sampling intensity, pre-felling inventories are a potential source of ground level data that could help reduce this uncertainty at larger spatial scales. Further, exploring the factors known to influence tropical forest biomass, such as wood density and large tree density, will improve our knowledge of biomass distribution across tropical regions. Here, we evaluate (1) the variability of wood density and (2) the variability of AGB across five ecosystems of Costa Rica.

Results

Using forest management (pre-felling) inventories we found that, of the regions studied, Huetar Norte had the highest mean wood density of trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than or equal to 30 cm, 0.623 ± 0.182 g cm-3(mean ± standard deviation). Although the greatest wood density was observed in Huetar Norte, the highest mean estimated AGB (EAGB) of trees with a DBH greater than or equal to 30 cm was observed in Osa peninsula (173.47 ± 60.23 Mg ha-1). The density of large trees explained approximately 50% of EAGB variability across the five ecosystems studied. Comparing our study's EAGB to published estimates reveals that, in the regions of Costa Rica where AGB has been previously sampled, our forest management data produced similar values.

Conclusions

This study presents the most spatially rich analysis of ground level AGB data in Costa Rica to date. Using forest management data, we found that EAGB within and among five Costa Rican ecosystems is highly variable. Combining commercial logging inventories with ecological plots will provide a more representative ground level dataset for the calibration of the models and remotely sensed data used to EAGB at regional and national scales. Additionally, because the non-protected areas of the tropics offer the greatest opportunity to reduce rates of deforestation and forest degradation, logging inventories offer a promising source of data to support mechanisms such as the United Nations REDD + (Reducing Emissions from Tropical Deforestation and Degradation) program.
Solid-phase microextraction fiber development for sampling and analysis of volatile organohalogen compounds in air
Authors: Attari Seyed Ghavameddin , Bahrami Abdolrahman , Shahna Farshid Ghorbani , Heidari Mahmoud
Published: September 2014

A green, environmental friendly and sensitive method for determination of volatile organohalogen compounds was described in this paper. The method is based on a homemade sol-gel single-walled carbon nanotube/silica composite coated solid-phase microextraction to develop for sampling and analysis of Carbon tetrachloride, Benzotrichloride, Chloromethyl methyl ether and Trichloroethylene in air. Application of this method was investigated under different laboratory conditions. Predetermined concentrations of each analytes were prepared in a home-made standard chamber and the influences of experimental parameters such as temperature, humidity, extraction time, storage time, desorption temperature, desorption time and the sorbent performance were investigated. Under optimal conditions, the use of single-walled carbon nanotube/silica composite fiber showed good performance, high sensitive and fast sampling of volatile organohalogen compounds from air. For linearity test the regression correlation coefficient was more than 98% for analyte of interest and linear dynamic range for the proposed fiber and the applied Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector technique was from 1 to 100 ngmL-1. Method detection limits ranged between 0.09 to 0.2 ngmL-1 and method quantification limits were between 0.25 and 0.7 ngmL-1. Single-walled carbon nanotube/silica composite fiber was highly reproducible, relative standard deviations were between 4.3 to 11.7 percent.
Acquisition aperture correction in the angle domain toward true-reflection reverse time migration
Authors: Yan Rui , Guan Huimin , Xie Xiao-Bi , Wu Ru-Shan
Published: September 2014

Due to incomplete aperture coverage and complex overburden structures, the migration process cannot provide a true-amplitude image even though a true-amplitude propagator is used. Amplitude compensation based on source-side illumination ignores the aperture effects on the receiver side, and it may fail to recover the true-reflection/scattering strength of a geologic structure from the image. The structural dip largely controls if the wave incident on the structure can be reflected back and received by the acquisition aperture, so it should be taken into account in removing the acquisition effects from the migration image. We derived a dip-angle domain amplitude correctionfrom the resolution theory. The stacked migration image created by reverse time migration was decomposed into common dip images, which were compensated individually by the corresponding amplitude correction factor. Then, we summed up the corrected images to form a final image. To construct the amplitude correction factor, we generated a monofrequency Green’s function at the shot/geophone location and further decomposed it into incident/scattered plane waves. They were combined based on Snell’s law to construct correction factors for different dips. The final amplitude correction factor was formed by visiting all the shot-geophone pairs in the observation system. We devised efficient algorithms to make the amplitude correction more practical. We evaluated two numerical experiments, a five-layer model and the SEG/EAGE salt model, in which the amplitude correction led to a scalar/pressure image with an amplitude better matching the true impedance contrasts of subsurface structures, especially in areas with steep dips and in subsalt regions.
On the estimation of the structural index from low-pass filtered magnetic data
Authors: Florio Giovanni , Fedi Maurizio , Pašteka Roman
Published: September 2014

The estimation of the structural index and of the depth to the source is the main task of many popular methods used to analyze potential field data, such as Euler deconvolution. However, these estimates are unstable even in the presence of a weak amount of noise, and Euler deconvolution of noisy data leads to an underestimation of structural index and depth. We have studied how the structural index and depth estimates are affected by applying low-pass filtering to the data. Physically based low-pass filters, such as upward continuation and integration, have been shown to be the best choice over a range of altitudes (upward continuation) or orders (integration filters), mainly because their outputs have a well-defined physical meaning. In contrast, mathematical low-pass filters require that the filter parameters be tuned carefully by means of several trial tests to produce optimally smoothed fields. The C-norm criterion is a reliable strategy to produce a stabilized vertical derivative, and we discourage Butterworth filters because they tend to a vertical integral filter, for a high cutoff wavenumber, thus complicating the interpretation of the estimated structural index. We found that the estimated structural index and depth to source increase proportionally with the amount of smoothing, unless in the case of overfiltering. In that case, the severe distortion of the original field may cause a decrease of the estimated structural index and depth to source.
Quadrature conductivity: A quantitative indicator of bacterial abundance in porous media
Authors: Zhang Chi , Revil André , Fujita Yoshiko , Munakata-Marr Junko , Redden George
Published: September 2014

The abundance and growth stages of bacteria in subsurface porous media affect the concentrations and distributions of charged species within the solid-solution interfaces. Therefore, spectral induced polarization (SIP) measurements can be used to monitor changes in bacterial biomass and growth stage. Our goal was to gain a better understanding of the SIP response of bacteria present in a porous material. Bacterial cell surfaces possess an electric double layer and therefore become polarized in an electric field. We performed SIP measurements over the frequency range of 0.1–1 kHz on cell suspensions alone and cell suspensions mixed with sand at four pore water conductivities. We used Zymomonas mobilis at four different cell densities (including the background). The quadrature conductivity spectra exhibited two peaks, one around 0.05–0.10 Hz and the other around 1–10 Hz. Because SIP measurements on bacterial suspensions are typically made at frequencies greater than 1 Hz, these peaks have not been previously reported. In the bacterial suspensions in growth medium, the quadrature conductivity at peak I was linearly proportional to the density of the bacteria. For the case of the suspensions mixed with sands, we observed that peak II presented a smaller increase in the quadrature conductivity with the cell density. A comparison of the experiments with and without sand grains illustrated the effect of the porous medium on the overall quadrature conductivity response (decrease in the amplitude and shift of the peaks to the lower frequencies). Our results indicate that for a given porous medium, time-lapse SIP has potential for monitoring changes in bacterial abundance within porous media.
Fractal dimension of pore-space geometry of an Eocene sandstone formation
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Weller Andreas
Published: September 2014

The geometry of pore structure of reservoir rock is described by the shape, size, distribution and connection of pores, and pore throats of rocks. Pore-space properties are important for the description and characterization of fluid storage and transport in reservoir rocks. We used the fractal concept to describe the geometric structure of the pores of 24 samples from an Eocene sandstone formation in China. The fractal behavior of pore volume distribution was investigated by capillary pressure curves and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Additionally, the fractal dimension of the pore surface was determined based on data of the specific surface area per unit pore volume ([Formula: see text]). The comparison of fractal dimensions determined by three different methods indicates a clear differentiation into the “surface dimension” and “volume dimension.” The fractal dimension resulting from longer transverse NMR relaxation times and lower capillary pressure reflects the volume dimension of larger pores. The fractal dimension derived from the short NMR relaxation times is similar to the fractal dimension of the internal surface. The surface dimension increases with rising [Formula: see text]. The average value of surface dimension was determined to be 2.31 for the set of Eocene sandstones. This value of fractal dimension was successfully applied in a model of permeability prediction that is based on formation factor and specific surface area ([Formula: see text]).
Phase I Study of 30-Minute Infusion of Carfilzomib As Single Agent or in Combination With Low-Dose Dexamethasone in Patients With Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Papadopoulos Kyriakos P. , Siegel David S. , Vesole David H. , Lee Peter , Rosen Steven T. , Zojwalla Naseem , Holahan Joseph R. , Lee Susan , Wang Zhengping , Badros Ashraf
Published: September 2014

Purpose

Carfilzomib is an irreversible inhibitor of the constitutive proteasome and immunoproteasome. This phase I study evaluated the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of carfilzomib administered as a 30-minute intravenous (IV) infusion. Safety and efficacy of carfilzomib as a single agent or in combination with low-dose dexamethasone were assessed.

Patients and Methods

Patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) were administered single-agent carfilzomib on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 of a 28-day cycle. Cycle one day 1 and 2 doses were 20 mg/m2, followed thereafter by dose escalation to 36, 45, 56, or 70 mg/m2. Additionally, carfilzomib was combined with low-dose dexamethasone (40 mg/wk).

Results

Thirty-three patients were treated with single-agent carfilzomib. Dose-limiting toxicities in two patients at 70 mg/m2 were renal tubular necrosis and proteinuria (both grade 3). The MTD was 56 mg/m2. Nausea (51.5%), fatigue (51.5%), pyrexia (42.4%), and dyspnea and thrombocytopenia (each 39.4%) were the most common treatment-related toxicities. Overall response rate (ORR) was 50% (56-mg/m2 cohort). Increasing carfilzomib dosing from 20 to 56 mg/m2 resulted in higher area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to last sampling and maximum plasma concentration exposure with short half-life (range, 0.837 to 1.21 hours) and dose-dependent inhibition of proteasome chymotrypsin-like activity. In 22 patients treated with 45 or 56 mg/m2 of carfilzomib plus low-dose dexamethasone, the ORR was 55% with a safety profile comparable to that of single-agent carfilzomib.

Conclusion

Carfilzomib administered as a 30-minute IV infusion at 56 mg/m2 (as single agent or with low-dose dexamethasone) was generally well tolerated and highly active in patients with relapsed and/or refractory MM. These data have provided the basis for the phase III randomized, multicenter trial ENDEAVOR.
Aprepitant, Granisetron, and Dexamethasone for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting After High-Dose Melphalan in Autologous Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Trial
Authors: Schmitt Thomas , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Neben Kai , Freiberger Anja , Hüsing Johannes , Gronkowski Martina , Thalheimer Markus , Pelzl Le Hang , Mikus Gerd , Burhenne Jürgen , Ho Anthony D. , Egerer Gerlinde
Published: September 2014

Purpose

The optimal regimen to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) for patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) is unclear. To evaluate the effect of aprepitant in addition to a standard regimen, we conducted this randomized, placebo-controlled phase III trial.

Patients and Methods

Patients with multiple myeloma were randomly assigned at a one-to-one ratio to receive either aprepitant (125 mg orally on day 1 and 80 mg orally on days 2 to 4), granisetron (2 mg orally on days 1 to 4), and dexamethasone (4 mg orally on day 1 and 2 mg orally on days 2 to 3) or matching placebo, granisetron (2 mg orally on days 1 to 4), and dexamethasone (8 mg orally on day 1 and 4 mg orally on days 2 to 3). Melphalan 100 mg/m2 was administered intravenously on days 1 to 2. ASCT was performed on day 4. The primary end point (complete response) was defined as no emesis and no rescue therapy within 120 hours of melphalan administration. Quality of life was assessed by modified Functional Living Index–Emesis (FLIE) questionnaire on days −1 and 6.

Results

Overall, 362 patients were available for the efficacy analysis (181 in each treatment arm). Significantly more patients receiving aprepitant reached the primary end point (58% v 41%; odds ratio [OR], 1.92; 95% CI, 1.23 to 3.00; P = .0042). Absence of major nausea (94% v 88%; OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.09 to 5.15; P = .026) and emesis (78% v 65%; OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.25 to 3.18; P = .0036) within 120 hours was increased by aprepitant. Mean total FLIE score (± standard deviation) was 114 ± 18 for aprepitant and 106 ± 26 for placebo (P < .001).

Conclusion

The addition of aprepitant resulted in significantly less CINV and had a positive effect on quality of life.
Relationship Between Male Pattern Baldness and the Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer: An Analysis of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial
Authors: Zhou Cindy Ke , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Cleary Sean D. , Hoffman Heather J. , Levine Paul H. , Chu Lisa W. , Hsing Ann W. , Cook Michael B.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

Male pattern baldness and prostate cancer appear to share common pathophysiologic mechanisms. However, results from previous studies that assess their relationship have been inconsistent. Therefore, we investigated the association of male pattern baldness at age 45 years with risks of overall and subtypes of prostate cancer in a large, prospective cohort—the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial.

Methods

We included 39,070 men from the usual care and screening arms of the trial cohort who had no cancer diagnosis (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer) at the start of follow-up and recalled their hair-loss patterns at age 45 years. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were estimated by using Cox proportional hazards regression models with age as the time metric.

Results

During follow-up (median, 2.78 years), 1,138 incident prostate cancer cases were diagnosed, 571 of which were aggressive (biopsy Gleason score ≥ 7, and/or clinical stage III or greater, and/or fatal). Compared with no baldness, frontal plus moderate vertex baldness at age 45 years was not significantly associated with overall (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.45) or nonaggressive (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.30) prostate cancer risk but was significantly associated with increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.80). Adjustment for covariates did not substantially alter these estimates. Other classes of baldness were not significantly associated with overall or subtypes of prostate cancer.

Conclusion

Our analysis indicates that frontal plus moderate vertex baldness at age 45 years is associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer and supports the possibility of common pathophysiologic mechanisms.
Incorporation of Pazopanib in Maintenance Therapy of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: du Bois Andreas , Floquet Anne , Kim Jae-Weon , Rau Joern , del Campo Josep M. , Friedlander Michael , Pignata Sandro , Fujiwara Keiichi , Vergote Ignace , Colombo Nicoletta , Mirza Mansoor R. , Monk Bradley J. , Kimmig Rainer , Ray-Coquard Isabelle , Zang Rongyu , Diaz-Padilla Ivan , Baumann Klaus H. , Mouret-Reynier Marie-Ange , Kim Jae-Hoon , Kurzeder Christian , Lesoin Anne , Vasey Paul , Marth Christian , Canzler Ulrich , Scambia Giovanni , Shimada Muneaki , Calvert Paula , Pujade-Lauraine Eric , Kim Byoung-Gie , Herzog Thomas J. , Mitrica Ionel , Schade-Brittinger Carmen , Wang Qiong , Crescenzo Rocco , Harter Philipp
Published: September 2014

Purpose

Pazopanib is an oral, multikinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) -1/-2/-3, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) -α/-β, and c-Kit. Preclinical and clinical studies support VEGFR and PDGFR as targets for advanced ovarian cancer treatment. This study evaluated the role of pazopanib maintenance therapy in patients with ovarian cancer whose disease did not progress during first-line chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods

Nine hundred forty patients with histologically confirmed cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum, International Federation Gynecology Obstetrics (FIGO) stages II-IV, no evidence of progression after primary therapy consisting of surgery and at least five cycles of platinum-taxane chemotherapy were randomized 1:1 to receive pazopanib 800 mg once per day or placebo for up to 24 months. The primary end point was progression-free survival by RECIST 1.0 assessed by the investigators.

Results

Maintenance pazopanib prolonged progression-free survival compared with placebo (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.91; P = .0021; median, 17.9 v 12.3 months, respectively). Interim survival analysis based on events in 35.6% of the population did not show any significant difference. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events of hypertension (30.8%), neutropenia (9.9%), liver-related toxicity (9.4%), diarrhea (8.2%), fatigue (2.7%), thrombocytopenia (2.5%), and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (1.9%) were significantly higher in the pazopanib arm. Treatment discontinuation related to adverse events was higher among patients treated with pazopanib (33.3%) compared with placebo (5.6%).

Conclusion

Pazopanib maintenance therapy provided a median improvement of 5.6 months (HR, 0.77) in progression-free survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer who have not progressed after first-line chemotherapy. Overall survival data to this point did not suggest any benefit. Additional analysis should help to identify subgroups of patients in whom improved efficacy may balance toxicity (NCT00866697).
Importance of Surveillance and Success of Salvage Strategies After Definitive Chemoradiation in Patients With Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Sudo Kazuki , Xiao Lianchun , Wadhwa Roopma , Shiozaki Hironori , Elimova Elena , Taketa Takashi , Blum Mariela A. , Lee Jeffrey H. , Bhutani Manoop S. , Weston Brian , Ross William A. , Komaki Ritsuko , Rice David C. , Swisher Stephen G. , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Maru Dipen M. , Skinner Heath D. , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

Patients with esophageal carcinoma (EC) who are treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (bimodality therapy [BMT]) experience frequent relapses. In a large cohort, we assessed the timing, frequency, and types of relapses during an aggressive surveillance program and the value of the salvage strategies.

Patients and Methods

Patients with EC (N = 276) who received BMT were analyzed. Patients who had surgery within 6 months of chemoradiotherapy were excluded to reduce bias. We focused on local relapse (LR) and distant metastases (DM) and the salvage treatment of patients with LR only. Standard statistical methods were applied.

Results

The median follow-up time was 54.3 months (95% CI, 48.4 to 62.4). First relapses included LR only in 23.2% (n = 64), DM with or without LR in 43.5% (n = 120), and no relapses in 33.3% (n = 92) of patients. Final relapses included no relapses in 33.3%, LR only in 14.5%, DM only in 15.9%, and DM plus LR in 36.2% of patients. Ninety-one percent of LRs occurred within 2 years and 98% occurred within 3 years of BMT. Twenty-three (36%) of 64 patients with LR only underwent salvage surgery, and their median overall survival was 58.6 months (95% CI, 28.8 to not reached) compared with those patients with LR only who were unable to undergo surgery (9.5 months; 95% CI, 7.8 to 13.3).

Conclusion

Unlike in patients undergoing trimodality therapy, for whom surveillance/salvage treatment plays a lesser role, 1 in the BMT population, approximately 8% of all patients (or 36% of patients with LR only) with LRs occurring more than 6 months after chemoradiotherapy can undergo salvage treatment, and their survival is excellent. Our data support vigilant surveillance, at least in the first 24 months after chemotherapy, in these patients.
Evaluating a weight management package for overweight primary school children
Authors: Boyle Nicola , Anderson Jane
Published: September 2014

The school nursing and dietetic services in Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust developed a targeted childhood weight management programme, FamilyStart, in response to the obesity rates in Kensington and Chelsea.

In 2013, FamilyStart was piloted with school nurses leading on delivery to children and their families identified as overweight (BMI >91st–98th centile) through the National Childhood Measurement Programme (NCMP) and local Year 3 measurements. Participating families attended three individualised appointments over an average period of 106 days (3.5 months). 79% of completing children successfully reduced BMI z-score with an average decrease of 0.13. Additional benefits were seen with improvements of nutrition and activity knowledge, behaviours and high attainment levels of individualised goals.
Double-barrelled wet colostomy: is one stoma better than two?
Authors: Hopkins Gillian
Published: September 2014

A wet colostomy is a relatively ‘old’ operation, first performed in 1948. Over the years, it has been updated and the technique improved, with patients having better outcomes. A double-barrelled wet colostomy (DBWC) is a simultaneous urinary and faecal diversion surgery, performed as an alternative to creating two separate stomas in a patient. Instead of an ileal conduit, which would typically be in the right iliac fossa (RIF), and a colostomy, typically in the left iliac fossa (LIF), there is a single abdominal stoma brought out through the abdominal wall in the LIF. This article gives an overview of the surgical procedure and includes a case study of a patient and his wife as they adapt to a life following the formation of a DBWC. It also describes the stoma care nurse's experience in caring for this patient and the appliances used.
Prediction of the Decay and Termite Resistance of Western Red Cedar Heartwood
Authors: Stirling Rod , Morris Paul I. , Grace J. Kenneth
Published: September 2014

Western red cedar (WRC; Thuja plicata) is highly valued for its natural durability. Rapid methods to assess heartwood durability are needed to identify breeding stock that will ultimately yield trees with durable wood when harvested. Chromatographic methods to detect heartwood extractives have been developed, but these still require significant time and laboratory resources and rely upon an understanding of the relationship between extractives and durability that is still incomplete. Visible/near-infrared (VIS/NIR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical analysis has been used to rapidly predict a wide range of wood properties, including extractive content and decay resistance. The present work investigates the ability of VIS/NIR spectroscopy to predict extractive content, decay resistance, and termite resistance of WRC heartwood and explores the association between extractive content and durability. Partial least squares (PLS) models based on VIS/NIR spectra had moderate predictive ability for lignans, plicatic acid, beta-thujaplicinol, and total extractives. Other extractives were poorly predicted. Developed PLS models were not predictive for decay resistance but were moderately predictive of termite resistance. Decay and termite resistance were not strongly associated with any measured extractive. A moderately strong correlation was observed between termite resistance and red coloration (a*). Some of the models developed may be suitable for screening, but none are accurate enough for phenotyping.
Maintained and acquired heritage Spanish in the Netherlands: The case of dative constructions
Authors: Irizarri van Suchtelen Pablo
Published: September 2014

The present study examines five types of dative constructions in heritage Spanish in the Netherlands. Elicited production data from first generation bilinguals and heritage speakers were analyzed and compared to those of monolingual controls. The results indicate that the first generation is not different from the monolingual baseline in their use of datives. The heritage group showed a remarkable subdivision: those with a history of relatively high exposure to Spanish in childhood, move away significantly from the use of dative experiencers and datives of interest, while they are native-like regarding the other constructions. Those who grew up with only one Spanish speaking parent and/or did not productively use Spanish in childhood, however, appear to avoid or restructure all dative constructions. Moreover, the observed innovations correlate with speech rate. It is hypothesized that, whereas influence of Dutch may be one of the factors at play, particularly in the case of dative experiencers and datives of interest, a principal underlying factor to all observed innovations is a Spanish-internal optimization mechanism of omitting dative verbal clitics, which serves to free up processing resources in the less-automatized systems of those who had low childhood exposure to Spanish.
Heritage language use and maintenance in multilingual communities
Authors: Juan-Garau Maria
Published: September 2014

Over the last decades, the amount of research on heritage language (HL) use and maintenance has increased exponentially, and a picture is beginning to emerge of the developmental patterns that are seen to take place and of the main factors that impinge on HL use and maintenance in increasingly multilingual settings. The present paper aims at providing a short account of relevant findings in this area and situating the studies in this special issue against that background. More specifically, we will consider the difficulties associated with HL maintenance at home, the impact of the different linguistic and cultural experiences HL learners go through on their identity, cross-linguistic influence between HLs and other languages present in the community, and issues related to HL education, particularly teacher language competencies.
Modeling of Hybrid Piezoelectrodynamic Generators
Authors: Zessin Henrik , Mateu Loreto , Spies Peter
Published: September 2014

Vibrational energy harvesters are used for collecting electrical power from mechanical vibrations and supplying low power applications. Combining a piezoelectric generator with an electrodynamic generator creates a hybrid piezoelectrodynamic generator. In this paper, a model for this hybrid generator is proposed. The model allows the accurate simulation of the mechanical and electrical part of the generator. It also makes it possible to analyze the waveforms and phase relationships of the two electrical outputs of the hybrid generator and thus simulate power management circuits and their feedback on the generator.
Nonlocal vibration of a carbon nanotube embedded in an elastic medium due to moving nanoparticle analyzed by modified Timoshenko beam theory-parametric excitation and spectral response
Authors: Senjanović Ivo , Tomić Marko , Hadžić Neven
Published: September 2014

The Timoshenko beam theory, which deals with the deflection and rotation in two partial differential equations of motion, is transformed into a single partial differential equation with pure bending deflection as a potential function for the determination of the total deflection, rotation angle, and sectional forces. Inclusion of a nonlocal stress parameter results in the extension of the governing differential equation from the 4th to the 6th order. A simply supported nanotube is considered, and the governing differential equation is decomposed into a system of ordinary differential equations by employing the modal superposition method, separation of variables, and the Galerkin method. Both moving nanoparticle gravity and inertia force are consistently taken into account, resulting in ordinary and parametric excitation, respectively. As a novelty, the parameters are split into a constant and a time-dependent part. The former is added to the ordinary system of equations, which is solved analytically in the frequency domain by the harmonic balance method, while the system with variable coefficients is solved in the time domain by the perturbation method. The effects of slenderness ratio, nonlocal parameter, stiffness of elastic medium, nanoparticle gravity and inertia force, and velocity on the free and forced nanotube response are also investigated. Special attention is paid to the influence of damping on resonance. Performed parametric analysis is physically transparent due to the obtained semi-analytical solution. Some analytical results of illustrative examples are compared with numerical ones from the relevant literature, and notable differences are discussed.
Vitamin D status and its associations with components of metabolic syndrome in healthy children
Authors: Mellati Ali Awsat , Sharifi Faranak , Faghihzade Soghrat , Mousaviviri Seyed Akbar , Chiti Hosain , Kazemi Seyed Ali Naghi
Published: September 2014

High prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency has been reported in populations of different countries. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence and association of vitamin D status with components of metabolic syndrome.

Lipid profile indices, anthropometric indices [body mass index and waist circumference (WC)], insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), C-reactive protein, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration were evaluated in 297 healthy schoolchildren aged 7–11 years. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine independent predictors associated with low serum 25(OH)D concentrations.

The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 14.12±8.20 ng/mL (35.3±20.5 nmol/L); 96% of children had low serum 25(OH)D levels, 31.0% were deficient, and 65.0% had insufficient levels of 25(OH)D. Vitamin D deficiency was higher in girls (χ

The prevalence of low vitamin D level in the studied healthy children was high and it is correlated with some components of metabolic syndrome. Outdoor activity for optimum sun exposure and additional studies are needed to evaluate the underlying metabolic syndrome components and hypovitaminosis D complications.
Hypothyroidism caused by the combination of two heterozygous mutations: one in the TSH receptor gene the other in the DUOX2 gene
Authors: Satoh Mari , Aso Keiko , Ogikubo Sayaka , Yoshizawa-Ogasawara Atsuko , Saji Tsutomu
Published: September 2014

Subjects who are heterozygous for
Die Bundeswehr als Zauberlehrling der Politik? Der ISAF-Einsatz und das Provincial Reconstruction Team Kunduz 2003 bis 2012
Authors: Chiari Bernhard
Published: September 2014

Using the example of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Kunduz, the paper explores the capabilities of military history to contribute to current debates on the change of German Military- and Security policy by providing studies on the »army on operations«. Based on official sources, which the German MoD made generally accessible for researchers of the MGFA/ZMSBw in 2011, the author analyzes the Bundeswehr’s presence in Kunduz between 2003 and 2012. He critically assesses, to what extent the Bundeswehr - aside from supply, logistics and force protection - actually did produce security and stability in Afghanistan. Documents and interviews give an insight into how conceptions of conflict resolution and Peace Building, based on lessons learned on the Balkans, interacted with the experiences made in Northern Afghanistan, but failed to prevent the spread of the Taliban-movement. Field reports, war diaries and other sources reflect the complex interdependency between the troops in the field, higher ISAF commands, and the responsible military staffs in Germany.
Dimensions of Sales Tax Exemption Policy: The Arizona Model
Authors: Hager Mark A. , McArdle Susanne
Published: September 2014

State exemption of qualified nonprofit organizations from paying sales taxes on certain purchases is one tool by which government encourages private development and delivery of public goods. We review Arizona’s “transaction privilege” exemption for health nonprofits through review of statutes, interviews with state officials, interviews with nonprofits that seek and make use of the exemption, and secret shopping with Arizona businesses to see how they react to requests for tax-exempt purchases. We conclude that public data is inadequate for a full policy evaluation and that current exemption procedures include imprecision regarding which nonprofits qualify for the benefit. Nonetheless, given the policy goal of advancing public goods, we suggest that the exemption might fruitfully be extended to other categories of qualified nonprofits.
Responsive Microgels at Surfaces and Interfaces
Authors: Wellert Stefan , Richter Marcel , Hellweg Thomas , von Klitzing Regine , Hertle Yvonne
Published: September 2014

Stimuli responsive surface structures attract increasing attention due
to a large variety of envisioned applications. The controlled
organization of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamid), PNIPAM microgel
particles at solid surfaces inspired numerous research activities. In
this review article, we briefly discuss the swelling/deswelling
properties of adsorbed microgel particles in comparison to the
behavior in the bulk phase. The presence of the solid interface highly
influences and changes their behavior with respect to the properties
in solution. Furthermore, the confinement on a solid substrate allows
the direct and in-situ investigation of the mechanical properties of
the microgel particles. Additionally, we briefly review the research
on microgel particles at liquid interfaces. At these interfaces new
interesting effects occur. Moreover, we discuss some interesting work
on potential applications. In this context, microgel particles are
often used as an active component for responsive coatings of various
functionality envisioning applications, e.g. in medicine,
biotechnology, and nanooptics.
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Hyperandrogenism after menopause
Authors: Markopoulos Marios C , Kassi Evanthia , Alexandraki Krystallenia I , Mastorakos George , Kaltsas Gregory
Published: September 2014

Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism is a state of relative or absolute androgen excess originating from either the adrenals and/or the ovaries, clinically manifested as the appearance and/or increase in terminal hair growth or the development of symptoms/signs of virilization. In either settings, physicians need to evaluate such patients and exclude the presence of the relatively rare but potentially life-threatening underlying tumorous causes, particularly adrenal androgen-secreting tumors. It has been suggested that the rapidity of onset along with severity of symptom and the degree of androgen excess followed by relevant imaging studies may suffice to identify the source of excessive androgen secretion. However, up to date, there is no consensus regarding specific clinical and hormonal indices and/or imaging modalities required for diagnostic certainty. This is particularly relevant as the aging population is increasing and more cases of postmenopausal women with clinical/biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism may become apparent. Furthermore, the long-term sequels of nontumorous hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women in respect to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality still remain unsettled. This review delineates the etiology and pathophysiology of relative and absolute androgen excess in postmenopausal women. Also, it attempts to unravel distinctive clinical features along with specific hormonal cut-off levels and/or appropriate imaging modalities for the facilitation of the differential diagnosis and the identification of potential long-term sequels.
Polyurethane Functional Coatings for Protection of Different Surfaces from Aggressive Environmental Factors
Authors: Savelyev Yuriy ,   Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv
Published: September 2014

New polyurethane compositions (PC) as multifunctional protective materials that can serve as coatings or binders or impregnating materials have been created. PC have high adhesion values and the PC-based materials are waterproof and resistant to aggressive biotic (abiotic) and technogenic factors (biocorrosion, UV radiation, chemical agents). Putting active compounds into the polymer macrochain prolongs the protection functions of the materials. This is their advantage to existing materials.