bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical details concerning development of a 1200 yr proxy index for global volcanism
Authors: Crowley T. J. , Unterman M. B.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. This report describes details of developing a volcano forcing reconstruction (Crowley et al., 2008) for climate models that is based primarily on sulphate records in Antarctic and Greenland ice cores. The chronology of eruptions is considered accurate to within 1 yr for the interval AD 1104–2000 and about 2 yr for AD 800–1103. The reconstruction involves (1) calibration against satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) estimates of the 1991 Pinatubo/Hudson eruptions; (2) partial validation against independent lunar estimates of AOD and global sulphate emissions; (3) partial assessment of uncertainties in AOD estimates; (4) assessment of possible tropical "false positives" in ice core reconstructions due to simultaneous occurrence of mid/high-latitude eruptions in each hemisphere; (5) identification of a new category of eruptions, termed "unipolar" tropical eruptions, in which the eruption plume penetrates mainly to polar regions in only the hemisphere of its eruption; (6) use of different growth curves for high- and low-latitude eruptions; (7) specification of 2/3 power shortwave scaling for eruptions larger than the 1991 Pinatubo eruption; (8) introduction of an estimate of effective particle size that affects lifetime and scattering properties of stratospheric aerosols; and (9) utilization of bimonthly-resolution electrical conductivity measurements to estimate the eruption date of the 1258/1259 eruption as 1257.7±0.2. The data, and a high-temporal resolution reconstruction for climate models, are available at: http://hurricane.ncdc.noaa.gov/pls/paleox/f?p=519:1:::::P1_STUDY_ID:14168.
Detection of coatings within liquid-filled tubes and containers by mode conversion of leaky Lamb waves
Authors: Schmitt M. , Schmidt K. , Olfert S. , Rautenberg J. , Lindner G. , Henning B. , Reindl L. M.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. In this paper, a new acoustic sensor principle for coating detection within liquid-filled tubes and containers based on mode conversion of leaky Lamb waves is introduced. Leaky Lamb waves are excited and detected by single-phase transducers, which are attached on the outer side of a tube or container. By transmission time and amplitude measurements, coating formation within the liquid-filled tube and container is detected non-invasively. This new sensor principle is subdivided into the separate considerations of Lamb wave excitation, mode conversion and inverse mode conversion. The Lamb wave excitation by a single-phase transducer is visualized by scanning laser Doppler vibrometer imaging. The mode conversion process of leaky Lamb waves is measured by membrane hydrophone measurements and Schlieren visualization; afterwards, the measured emission angles are compared with the theoretical one. The inverse mode conversion process of pressure waves back to leaky Lamb waves is visualized by Schlieren images. By merging the results of Lamb wave excitation, mode conversion and inverse mode conversion, the new sensor concept is explained. Theoretical considerations and measurement results of adhesive tape coating inside a liquid-filled plastic tube and a liquid-filled stainless steel container verify the new acoustic sensor principle. Finally the measuring sensitivity and the technical realization are discussed.
Religion and Rebellion: Moravian Mission and (Post)–Emancipation Revolts in the British and Danish Caribbean
Authors: Hüsgen Jan
Published: May 2013

Missionary activities were regarded with suspicion by colonial authorities and planters. When slave rebellions occurred, missionaries were often blamed for having supported rebellious attempts of slaves. In case of the Moravian mission, mission historiography and contemporary historians have pointed out that missionary teaching successfully disciplined the slaves and made them obedient. This article reevaluates this assumption by analyzing and comparing two insurrections in the British and Danish Caribbean, the labor revolt in St. Kitts in 1834 and the slave rebellion in St. Croix in 1848.
Laparoscopic Management of Diverticular Colovesical Fistula: Experience in 15 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Marney Lucy A. , Ho Yik-Hong
Published: May 2013

Colovesical fistulas secondary to diverticular disease may be considered a contraindication to the laparoscopic approach. The feasibility of laparoscopic management of complicated diverticulitis and mixed diverticular fistulas has been demonstrated. However, few studies on the laparoscopic management of diverticular colovesical fistulas exist. A retrospective analysis was performed of 15 patients with diverticular colovesical fistula, who underwent laparoscopic-assisted anterior resection and bladder repair. Median operating time was 135 minutes and median blood loss, 75 mL. Five patients were converted to an open procedure (33.3%) with an associated increase in hospital stay (P = 0.035). Median time to return of bowel function was 2 days and median length of stay, 6 days. Overall morbidity was 20% with no major complications. There was no mortality. There was no recurrence during median follow-up of 12.4 months. These results suggest that laparoscopic management of diverticular colovesical fistulas is both feasible and safe in the setting of appropriate surgical expertise.
Transdisciplinarity in Corporate Sustainability: Mapping the Field
Authors: Schaltegger Stefan , Beckmann Markus , Hansen Erik G.
Published: May 2013

Sustainability challenges are complex. So are the challenges that business firms encounter in their corresponding quest for corporate sustainability. Given this complexity, there is a need for new approaches to corporate sustainability management research. We discuss transdisciplinarity as such a novel approach in three steps. After showing that specialization is the primary conventional response to increasing complexity, we first briefly compare how inter‐, multi‐ and transdisciplinarity reintegrate decentralized, specialized knowledge. The second step describes how the emerging sustainability science has recently advanced the transdisciplinary methodology. Based on the two dimensions of interdisciplinarity and academia–practice collaboration, we third generate a framework for mapping existing research approaches in terms of their transdisciplinary qualities. We use this framework to identify room for novel methodologies in sustainability management research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Serum visfatin levels and metabolic syndrome criteria in obese female subjects
Authors: de Luis D. A. , Aller R. , Gonzalez Sagrado M. , Conde R. , Izaola O. , de la Fuente B.
Published: May 2013

Background

Serum visfatin concentrations are associated with cardiovascular risk factors and obesity. Relation of this adipokine with metabolic syndrome is unclear. We decide to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome and visfatin levels in female obese subjects.

Subjects

A sample of 826 female obese subjects was analyzed. A complete nutritional and biochemical evaluation was performed. Serum visfatin levels were measured and to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, the definitions of the Adult Treatment Panel III was considered

Results

Mean age was 48.1 + 12.6 years. Patients were divided in three groups by tertiles of visfatin value, group I (<7.94 ng/ml), group II (7.95–11.78 ng/ml) and group 3 (>11.79 ng/ml). A total of 350 women had metabolic syndrome (42.4%). Values of body mass index, weight, fat mass and waist circumference were lower in patients in the highest tertile group of visfatin than the lowest and middle tertiles of visfatin. Values of C reactive protein were higher in patients in the highest tertile group of visfatin than the lowest and middle tertiles of visfatin. Correlation analysis showed a significant correlation among serum visfatin levels and the independent variables; total cholesterol (r = 0.14;p < 0.05) and C reactive protein (r = 0.12;p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, only visfatin concentration increase 0.123 ng/ml (CI95%:0.033–0.445) for each mg/dl of C reactive protein.

Conclusion

Only C reactive protein remained associated in an independent way. Serum visfatin was not associated with the accumulation of metabolic syndrome factors or the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in obese female subjects. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alternative forms for genomic clines
Authors: Fitzpatrick Benjamin M.
Published: May 2013

Understanding factors regulating hybrid fitness and gene exchange is a major research challenge for evolutionary biology. Genomic cline analysis has been used to evaluate alternative patterns of introgression, but only two models have been used widely and the approach has generally lacked a hypothesis testing framework for distinguishing effects of selection and drift. I propose two alternative cline models, implement multivariate outlier detection to identify markers associated with hybrid fitness, and simulate hybrid zone dynamics to evaluate the signatures of different modes of selection. Analysis of simulated data shows that previous approaches are prone to false positives (multinomial regression) or relatively insensitive to outlier loci affected by selection (Barton's concordance). The new, theory‐based logit‐logistic cline model is generally best at detecting loci affecting hybrid fitness. Although some generalizations can be made about different modes of selection, there is no one‐to‐one correspondence between pattern and process. These new methods will enhance our ability to extract important information about the genetics of reproductive isolation and hybrid fitness. However, much remains to be done to relate statistical patterns to particular evolutionary processes. The methods described here are implemented in a freely available package “HIest” for the R statistical software (CRAN;http://cran.r-project.org/).
Terutroban, a TP-receptor antagonist, reduces portal pressure in cirrhotic rats
Authors: Rosado Eugenio , Rodríguez-Vilarrupla Aina , Gracia-Sancho Jorge , Tripathi Dinesh , García-Calderó Héctor , Bosch Jaume , García-Pagán Juan Carlos
Published: May 2013

Increased production of vasoconstrictive prostanoids, such as thromboxane A2 (TXA2), contributes to endothelial dysfunction and increased hepatic vascular tone in cirrhosis. TXA2 induces vasoconstriction by way of activation of the thromboxane-A2/prostaglandin-endoperoxide (TP) receptor. This study investigated whether terutroban, a specific TP receptor blocker, decreases hepatic vascular tone and portal pressure in rats with cirrhosis due to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or bile duct ligation (BDL). Hepatic and systemic hemodynamics, endothelial dysfunction, liver fibrosis, hepatic Rho-kinase activity (a marker of hepatic stellate cell contraction), and the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling pathway were measured in CCl4 and BDL cirrhotic rats treated with terutroban (30 mg/kg/day) or its vehicle for 2 weeks. Terutroban reduced portal pressure in both models without producing significant changes in portal blood flow, suggesting a reduction in hepatic vascular resistance. Terutroban did not significantly change arterial pressure in CCl4-cirrhotic rats but decreased it significantly in BDL-cirrhotic rats. In livers from CCl4 and BDL-cirrhotic terutroban-treated rats, endothelial dysfunction was improved and Rho-kinase activity was significantly reduced. In CCl4-cirrhotic rats, terutroban reduced liver fibrosis and decreased alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen-I, and transforming growth factor beta messenger RNA (mRNA) expression without significant changes in the eNOS pathway. In contrast, no change in liver fibrosis was observed in BDL-cirrhotic rats but an increase in the eNOS pathway.

Conclusion

: Our data indicate that TP-receptor blockade with terutroban decreases portal pressure in cirrhosis. This effect is due to decreased hepatic resistance, which in CCl4-cirrhotic rats was linked to decreased hepatic fibrosis, but not in BDL rats, in which the main mediator appeared to be an enhanced eNOS-dependent vasodilatation, which was not liver-selective, as it was associated with decreased arterial pressure. The potential use of terutroban for portal hypertension requires further investigation. (Hepatology 2013;58:1424–1435)
Heat and Mass Transfer by Mixed Convection from a Vertical Slender Cylinder with Chemical Reaction and Soret and Dufour Effects
Authors: El‐Kabeir S.M.M. , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: May 2013

This work is focused on the study of heat and mass transfer by mixed convection over a vertical slender cylinder in the presence of chemical reaction and thermal‐diffusion and diffusion‐thermo effects. The resulting equations have the property whereby they reduce to various special cases previously considered in the literature. An adequate implicit, tri‐diagonal finite‐difference scheme is employed for the numerical solution of the obtained equations. Various comparisons with previously published work are performed and the results are found to be in excellent agreement. Representative results for the local skin‐friction coefficient, local Nusselt number, and the local Sherwood number illustrating the influence of the surface transverse curvature parameter, Richardson number, concentration to thermal buoyancy ratio, Schmidt number, chemical reaction, and the Dufour and Soret numbers are presented and discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 42(7): 618–629, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21045
A novel diagnostic technique to investigate cloud‐controlling factors
Authors: Lacagnina Carlo , Selten Frank
Published: May 2013

Cloud properties depend on the local meteorological conditions. This relation is quantified using a simple framework which expands on previous methodologies. This novel diagnostic technique is applied in order to understand and assess the relative contribution of various environmental factors to the observed interannual and seasonal variations in cloud properties. In this analysis framework, sea surface temperature, sea level pressure, and, to a lesser extent, the humidity field are the largest contributors to the interannual cloud anomalies in the equatorial Pacific. In addition, in contrast to previous studies, we find that the interannual variability of the ratio of shortwave to longwave cloud radiative effect (N) is independent of the tropopause temperature. Finally, we quantify the role of different factors which are thought to influence the seasonal cycle of the stratocumulus in the subtropics. Off the California coast, the lower tropospheric stability (LTS) better describes the seasonal low‒cloud amount changes than the estimated inversion strength (EIS). When the spatial variation in LTS (or EIS) and low‒cloud amount is considered within a season, a different relationship is found that depends on the season. The nonlinear relationships between environmental factors and cloud properties can, to a certain extent, be described within the novel framework proposed.
Health‐care providers' perspectives on childhood cancer treatment in Manado, Indonesia
Authors: Mostert S. , Gunawan S. , van Dongen J. A. P. , van de Ven P. M. , Sitaresmi M. N. , Wolters E. E. , Veerman A. J. P. , Mantik M. , Kaspers G. J. L.
Published: May 2013

Background

Childhood cancer survival in low‐income countries is low.

Objective

Our study investigated health‐care providers' perspectives on childhood cancer treatment in Indonesia. Their health beliefs and attitudes toward parental financial difficulties, protocol adherence, parental education, and communication were explored.

Methods

A self‐administered questionnaire was filled in by 222 health‐care providers (156 doctors, 51 nurses, 6 social workers, 9 administrators)

Results

Health of children with cancer is beyond doctor's control and determined by luck, fate or God according to 35% of health‐care providers, 30% were uncertain about this statement, and 35% disagreed. Combination of chemotherapy and alternative treatment is best to achieve cure according to 15% of health‐care providers, 50% were uncertain, and 35% disagreed. Prosperous parents adhere better with treatment (67%). Doctors adhere better with cancer treatment for prosperous patients (55%). When dealing with poor families, less elaborate explanation is given (62%), more difficult vocabulary is used (49%), and less cooperation is offered (46%). Reasons for non‐adherence with treatment protocol were as follows: financial difficulties parents (82%), side‐effects (77%), lack of motivation parents (75%), and inadequate drugs supply at pharmacy (70%). Information about cancer and treatment makes parents more afraid or depressed about future, and parents prefer not to know according to 27% of health‐care providers, 20% were uncertain, and 53% disagreed. Communication with parents is hindered by differences in status and social hierarchical structures (83%).

Conclusions

Health‐care providers' beliefs about childhood cancer treatment are characterized by much uncertainty and contradiction. This likely affects adherence of health‐care providers, parents, and childhood cancer treatment outcome. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of hopelessness and depression among Chinese hospitalized esophageal cancer patients and their family caregivers
Authors: Han Yanhong , Yuan Jie , Luo Zhiguo , Zhao Jing , Wu Junbo , Liu Rongying , Lopez Violeta
Published: May 2013

Background

It has been well documented that the diagnosis of cancer is psychologically devastating to both the patients and caregivers. The incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer were 20.85 and 16.24 per 100,000 persons and the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth main cause of cancer death in China. We surveyed patients–caregivers dyad and examined the determinants of their depression and hopelessness.

Results

The prevalence of depression among patients and caregivers was 52.8% and 47.2%, and the prevalence for hopelessness was 64.4% and 53.9%, respectively Regression models indicate that the variables measured could explain 58.9% and 51.7% of the variance in depression and 66.8% and 45.7% of the variance in hopelessness among patients and caregivers, respectively. Overall, hopelessness was a determinant of depression and vice versa to both patients and caregivers.

Conclusion

Esophageal patients' depression and hopelessness could also affect caregivers' depression and hopelessness despite the social support that family caregivers have. Psychosocial interventions should be planned to both Chinese patients and caregivers considering the predictors found in this study. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mining Compressing Sequential Patterns
Authors: Lam Hoang Thanh , Mörchen Fabian , Fradkin Dmitriy , Calders Toon
Published: May 2013

Pattern mining based on data compression has been successfully applied in many data mining tasks. For itemset data, the Krimp algorithm based on the minimum description length (MDL) principle was shown to be very effective in solving the redundancy issue in descriptive pattern mining. However, for sequence data, the redundancy issue of the set of frequent sequential patterns is not fully addressed in the literature. In this article, we study MDL‐based algorithms for mining non‐redundant sets of sequential patterns from a sequence database. First, we propose an encoding scheme for compressing sequence data with sequential patterns. Second, we formulate the problem of mining the most compressing sequential patterns from a sequence database. We show that this problem is intractable and belongs to the class of inapproximable problems. Therefore, we propose two heuristic algorithms. The first of these uses a two‐phase approach similar to Krimp for itemset data. To overcome performance issues in candidate generation, we also propose GoKrimp, an algorithm that directly mines compressing patterns by greedily extending a pattern until no additional compression benefit of adding the extension into the dictionary. Since checks for additional compression benefit of an extension are computationally expensive we propose a dependency test which only chooses related events for extending a given pattern. This technique improves the efficiency of the GoKrimp algorithm significantly while it still preserves the quality of the set of patterns. We conduct an empirical study on eight datasets to show the effectiveness of our approach in comparison to the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms in terms of interpretability of the extracted patterns, run time, compression ratio, and classification accuracy using the discovered patterns as features for different classifiers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2013
Probability interpretations of intraclass reliabilities
Authors: Ellis Jules L.
Published: May 2013

Research where many organizations are rated by different samples of individuals such as clients, patients, or employees frequently uses reliabilities computed from intraclass correlations. Consumers of statistical information, such as patients and policy makers, may not have sufficient background for deciding which levels of reliability are acceptable. It is shown that the reliability is related to various probabilities that may be easier to understand, for example, the proportion of organizations that will be classed significantly above (or below) the mean and the probability that an organization is classed correctly given that it is classed significantly above (or below) the mean. One can view these probabilities as the amount of information of the classification and the correctness of the classification. These probabilities have an inverse relationship: given a reliability, one can ‘buy’ correctness at the cost of informativeness and conversely. This article discusses how this can be used to make judgments about the required level of reliabilities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐Year Follow‐up After Open Abdomen Therapy With Vacuum‐Assisted Wound Closure and Mesh‐Mediated Fascial Traction
Authors: Bjarnason Thordur , Montgomery A. , Ekberg O. , Acosta S. , Svensson M. , Wanhainen A. , Björck M. , Petersson U.
Published: May 2013

Background

Open abdomen (OA) therapy frequently results in a giant planned ventral hernia. Vacuum‐assisted wound closure and mesh‐mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) enables delayed primary fascial closure in most patients, even after prolonged OA treatment. Our aim was to study the incidence of hernia and abdominal wall discomfort 1 year after abdominal closure.

Methods

A prospective multicenter cohort study of 111 patients undergoing OA/VAWCM was performed during 2006–2009. Surviving patients underwent clinical examination, computed tomography (CT), and chart review at 1 year. Incisional and parastomal hernias and abdominal wall symptoms were noted.

Results

The median age for the 70 surviving patients was 68 years, 77 % of whom were male. Indications for OA were visceral pathology (n = 40), vascular pathology (n = 22), or trauma (n = 8). Median length of OA therapy was 14 days. Among 64 survivors who had delayed primary fascial closure, 23 (36 %) had a clinically detectable hernia and another 19 (30 %) had hernias that were detected on CT (n = 18) or at laparotomy (n = 1). Symptomatic hernias were found in 14 (22 %), 7 of them underwent repair. The median hernia widths in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were 7.3 and 4.8 cm, respectively (p = 0.031) with median areas of 81.0 and 42.9 cm2, respectively (p = 0.025). Of 31 patients with a stoma, 18 (58 %) had a parastomal hernia. Parastomal hernia (odds ratio 8.9; 95 % confidence interval 1.2–68.8) was the only independent factor associated with an incisional hernia.

Conclusions

Incisional hernia incidence 1 year after OA therapy with VAWCM was high. Most hernias were small and asymptomatic, unlike the giant planned ventral hernias of the past.
A basic dynamic transmission model of Staphylococcus aureus in the US population
Authors: HOGEA C. , VAN EFFELTERRE T. , ACOSTA C. J.
Published: May 2013

We present a basic mathematical model of Staphylococcus aureus transmission in the USA based on natural history of infection and nationally representative data. We employed a Susceptible-Colonized-Infected-Recovered-Susceptible compartmental modelling framework with two different phenotypes of S. aureus: methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA). The model is dynamic and accounts for the US population growth. For model calibration/validation, we used published 1999–2005 S. aureus infection data in conjunction with the 2001–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey colonization data. Baseline model projections illustrated how MRSA might continue to expand and gradually replace MSSA over time, in the absence of intervention, if there is strong competition for colonization. The model-based estimate of the basic reproduction number (R0) highlights the need for infection control. We illustrate the potential population-level impact of intervention with a hypothetical S. aureus vaccination component.
Performance of a rapid human metapneumovirus antigen test during an outbreak in a long-term care facility
Authors: HAMADA N. , HARA K. , MATSUO Y. , IMAMURA Y. , KASHIWAGI T. , NAKAZONO Y. , GOTOH K. , OHTSU Y. , OHTAKI E. , MOTOHIRO T. , WATANABE H.
Published: May 2013

Using a newly developed rapid test, an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in a long-term care facility was detected within only 2 days after the onset of symptoms in a putative index case. The outbreak was almost under control within 8 days mainly by zoning patients, with the exception of two cases of HMPV that were diagnosed 16 and 17 days after the onset of the outbreak. According to an immunological diagnosis as well as the rapid test, it was eventually proven that 18 patients had HMPV infections. We suspected that even asymptomatic residents, who had not been completely separated from the facility population, were a source of infection. That suggested that all asymptomatic residents should be tested and that the separation of the infected patients should be absolute, if an outbreak of HMPV infection is suspected in such a facility.
Cross-talk among epigenetic modifications: lessons from histone arginine methylation
Authors: Molina-Serrano Diego , Schiza Vassia , Kirmizis Antonis
Published: May 2013

Epigenetic modifications, including those occurring on DNA and on histone proteins, control gene expression by establishing and maintaining different chromatin states. In recent years, it has become apparent that epigenetic modifications do not function alone, but work together in various combinations, and cross-regulate each other in a manner that diversifies their functional states. Arginine methylation is one of the numerous PTMs (post-translational modifications) occurring on histones, catalysed by a family of PRMTs (protein arginine methyltransferases). This modification is involved in the regulation of the epigenome largely by controlling the recruitment of effector molecules to chromatin. Histone arginine methylation associates with both active and repressed chromatin states depending on the residue involved and the configuration of the deposited methyl groups. The present review focuses on the increasing number of cross-talks between histone arginine methylation and other epigenetic modifications, and describe how these cross-talks influence factor binding to regulate transcription. Furthermore, we present models of general cross-talk mechanisms that emerge from the examples of histone arginine methylation and allude to various techniques that help decipher the interplay among epigenetic modifications.
Nano-particle based scattering layers for optical efficiency enhancement of organic light-emitting diodes and organic solar cells
Authors: Chang Hong-Wei , Lee Jonghee , Hofmann Simone , Hyun Kim Yong , Müller-Meskamp Lars , Lüssem Björn , Wu Chung-Chih , Leo Karl , Gather Malte C.
Published: May 2013

The performance of both organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic solar cells (OSC) depends on efficient coupling between optical far field modes and the emitting/absorbing region of the device. Current approaches towards OLEDs with efficient light-extraction often are limited to single-color emission or require expensive, non-standard substrates or top-down structuring, which reduces compatibility with large-area light sources. Here, we report on integrating solution-processed nano-particle based light-scattering films close to the active region of organic semiconductor devices. In OLEDs, these films efficiently extract light that would otherwise remain trapped in the device. Without additional external outcoupling structures, translucent white OLEDs containing these scattering films achieve luminous efficacies of 46 lm W−1 and external quantum efficiencies of 33% (both at 1000 cd m−2). These are by far the highest numbers ever reported for translucent white OLEDs and the best values in the open literature for any white device on a conventional substrate. By applying additional light-extraction structures, 62 lm W−1 and 46% EQE are reached. Besides universally enhancing light-extraction in various OLED configurations, including flexible, translucent, single-color, and white OLEDs, the nano-particle scattering film boosts the short-circuit current density in translucent organic solar cells by up to 70%.
Study of dopant activation in biaxially compressively strained SiGe layers using excimer laser annealing
Authors: Luong G. V. , Wirths S. , Stefanov S. , Holländer B. , Schubert J. , Conde J. C. , Stoica T. , Breuer U. , Chiussi S. , Goryll M. , Buca D. , Mantl S.
Published: May 2013

Excimer Laser Annealing (ELA) with a wavelength of 248 nm is used to study doping of biaxialy compressively strained Si1−xGex/Si heterostructures. The challenge is to achieve a high activation of As in SiGe, while conserving the elastic strain and suppressing dopant diffusion. Doping of 20 nm Si0.64Ge0.36 layers by ion implantation of 1 × 1015 As+/cm2 and subsequent laser annealing using single 20 ns pulse with an energy density of 0.6 J/cm2 leads to an As activation of about 20% and a sheet resistance of 650 Ω/sq. At this laser energy density, the entire SiGe layer melts and the subsequent fast recrystallization on a nanosecond time scale allows high As incorporation into the lattice. Moreover, using these annealing parameters, the SiGe layer exhibits epitaxial regrowth with negligible strain relaxation. ELA at energy densities greater than 0.6 J/cm2 resembles Pulsed Lased Induced Epitaxy, leading to an intermixing of the SiGe layer with the Si substrate, thus to thicker single-crystalline strained SiGe layers with sheet resistance down to 62 Ω/sq. Effects of energy densities on composition, crystal quality, activation of As and co-doping with B are discussed and related to the spatial and temporal evolution of the temperature in the irradiated zone, as simulated by Finite Element Methods.
A phase-field study on the hysteresis behaviors and domain patterns of nanocrystalline ferroelectric polycrystals
Authors: Liu Ning , Su Yu , Weng George J.
Published: May 2013

The overall hysteresis behavior of nanocrystalline ferroelectric polycrystals demonstrates unique characteristics against conventional ferroelectric ceramics. The existence of low-permittivity paraelectric grain boundary and its influence to the microstructure of grains can be a key factor leading to such characteristics, especially the grain size-dependent properties. A two dimensional (2D) polycrystalline phase-field model, which distinguishes the grain boundary from the ferroelectric grain, has been developed to investigate the microstructural evolution and hysteresis behavior of nanocrystalline barium titanate (BaTiO3) polycrystals. The results show apparent grain-size dependence on the hysteresis and noticeable vortex polarization structure that dominates the grains as the grain size reduces to tens of nanometers. By studying the hysteresis and domain patterns, it is observed that the grain size-dependent properties are significantly attributed to the grain boundary in two ways: the “dilution effect” due to its low permittivity and paraelectric property that are intensified with increased volume concentration, and the extrinsic effect due to the existence of depolarization field, leading to the superparaelectric domain structure. We conclude that this grain-size dependent microstructural mechanism can well explain various experimentally observed properties of nano-grained ferroelectric polycrystals.
Direct evidence of the magnetoelastic interaction in Ni2MnGa magnetic shape memory system
Authors: Recarte V. , Pérez-Landazábal J. I. , Sánchez-Alarcos V. , Cesari E. , Jiménez-Ruiz M. , Schmalzl K. , Chernenko V. A.
Published: May 2013

The martensitic transformation in stoichiometric Ni2MnGa alloys is preceded by a weakly first order transformation from a high temperature cubic phase to a near-cubic modulated intermediate phase related to the presence of a soft phonon mode. This transformation has been proposed to appear as a consequence of the magnetoelastic coupling. Inelastic neutron scattering experiment performed under external magnetic field shows a temperature shift of the characteristic energy dip at ζ ≈ 0.33. Furthermore, an enhancement of the long-wavelength limit (C′) of this branch with the applied magnetic field has been observed. Both results evidence a strong magnetoelastic interaction at the intermediate transition.
Competence for Informed Consent for Treatment and Research
Authors: Kim Scott Y. H.
Published: May 2013

Modern medical ethics and law place a very high value on individual autonomy. But the prevalence of decision-making incapacity-i.e., when a person lacks the capacity to exercise that autonomy-will continue to increase as the populations of western nations age. Abnormal brain aging due to neurodegenerative disease is very common and often impairs the cognitive processes needed to give informed consent for medical treatment and participation in research. This chapter reviews the ethico-legal framework for the assessment of decisional capacity, discusses in detail the empirical research on various risk factors for incapacity, and provides a practical guide for assessment. Special issues in assessment of decisional capacity in the research consent context is also discussed.
Part III, 11 Religious Group Autonomy
Authors: Rex Ahdar , Ian Leigh
Published: May 2013

This chapter examines religious group autonomy, which comprises the right of religious communities to determine and administer their own internal religious affairs without interference from the state. It begins with a brief survey of the law's recognition of religious group autonomy. It contrasts a liberal understanding of religious autonomy with that of the religious communities themselves. It then focuses upon three illustrative matters of concern in this area. One is the right of religious groups to select their own religious leaders and ministers. The second is the right of groups to assemble for worship in buildings and locations of their choosing. The third concern is the right of religious communities to determine for themselves who they will marry within the rites of their communities.
The Limits of Electoral Reform
Authors: Bowler Shaun , Donovan Todd
Published: May 2013

Institutions to electoral reform advocates and political scientists#x2014;both argue that variation in electoral institutions affectshow elected officials and citizens behave. Change the rules, and citizen engagement with politics can be renewed. Yeta look at the record of electoral reformreveals a string of disappointments. This book examines a variety of reforms, including campaign finance,direct democracy, legislativeterm limits, and changes to the electoral system itself. This study findselectoral reforms have limited, and in many cases no,effects. Despite reform claims, and contrary to the 2018;institutions matter literature, findings heresuggestthere are hard limits to effects of electoral reform. The explanations for this are threefold. The first is political. Reformers exaggerate claimsabout transformative effects of new electoral rules, yet their goal may simply be to maximize their partisan advantage.The second is empirical. Cross-sectional comparative research demonstratesthat variation in electoral institutions corresponds with different patterns of political attitudes and behaviour. But this method cannot assess what happens when rules are changed. Using examples from the US, UK, New Zealand, Australia, and elsewhere, this book examinesattitudes and behaviouracross time where rules were changed. Results do not match expectations from the institutional literature. The third is a point of logic. There is an inflated sense of the effects of institutions generally, and of electoral institutions in particular. Given larger social and economic forces at play, it is unrealistic to expect that changes in electoral arrangements will have substantial effects on political engagement or onhow people viewpolitics and politicians.
Facial Onset Sensory Motor Neuronopathy
Authors: Knopp Michael , Vaghela Naresh N. , Shanmugam Senthilkumar V. , Rajabally Yusuf A.
Published: May 2013

Facial onset sensory motor neuronopathy (FOSMN) is a recently identified condition characterized initially by trigeminal sensory involvement followed by sensory propagation and motor neuronopathy. Few cases have been reported, and latest evidence points toward a neurodegenerative cause. We describe a 59-year-old female who presented a typical clinical picture of FOSMN over 10 years. Immunological investigations showed positive antinuclear antibodies and antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (anti-Ro antibodies). A mild inflammatory infiltrate was found on salivary gland biopsy. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was effective in improving and then stabilizing this patient’s condition. The pathophysiology of FOSMN remains uncertain, and this condition may be heterogeneous. An immune basis cannot be discounted in any given case, and suspected cases merit a trial of immunotherapy.
Isolated Severe Median Mononeuropathy Caused by a Jellyfish Sting
Authors: Al-Ajmi Abdullah M. , Jayappa Sateesh , Rousseff Rossen T.
Published: May 2013

Neuropathies caused by jellyfish stings are extremely rare and poorly studied. A 20-year-old female patient was stung on the volar aspect of the right forearm by an unidentified species of jellyfish. Local cutaneous reaction was followed within few days by severe median mononeuropathy, involving the motor and sensory branches to the hand and forearm but sparing the palmar branch. The patient had neuropathic pain relieved by pregabaline. Electrodiagnostic studies confirmed a demyelinating lesion. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the median nerve revealed uniform swelling with mild uptake of contrast along the forearm. Within 2 months, strength improved significantly, pain subsided, and numbness partially resolved. Literature review and discussion of the possible mechanisms and implications of this rare effect of marine animal envenomation is presented. Jellyfish sting may cause focal mononeuropathies most probably because of the local effects of the toxins.
A Male With Progressive Lower Extremity Weakness and Monoclonal Gammopathy
Authors: Mansoor Simin , Bertorini Tulio E.
Published: May 2013

Educational Objectives:

To discuss a case of progressive lower extremity paresis and paresthesias in a patient found to have monoclonal gammopathy.

Key Questions:

(1) What is the differential diagnosis of progressive lower extremity paresis and paresthesias? (2) How would one approach diagnostic testing for such a patient? (3) What is the differential diagnosis of neuropathy associated with gammopathy? and (4) What is the treatment for this patient?
What's in the Literature?
Authors: Lacomis David , El-Dokla Ahmed
Published: May 2013

We review new evidence that there is a difference in the electrophysiologic features of fasciculation potentials from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) versus those with benign fasciculations. A report on the entity of fasciculation anxiety syndrome in clinicians is also covered. An interesting association between ALS with the C9ORF72 mutation and multiple sclerosis has been reported; ALS is more severe in this setting. The genetic etiology of Welander distal myopathy is now known, and genetic predispositions for ambulatory loss in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and epilepsy were recently reported. Several recent articles on myasthenia gravis (MG) provide updates on the incidence of late-onset MG, genetic risk factors for MG development, and the complications of central versus peripheral access for plasma exchange. Last, several relatively recent articles address prevention and risk of developing paclitaxel-induced neuropathy.
An Empirical Comparison of Tree‐Based Methods for Propensity Score Estimation
Authors: Watkins Stephanie , Jonsson‐Funk Michele , Brookhart M. Alan , Rosenberg Steven A. , O'Shea T. Michael , Daniels Julie
Published: May 2013

Objective

To illustrate the use of ensemble tree‐based methods (random forest classification [RFC] and bagging) for propensity score estimation and to compare these methods with logistic regression, in the context of evaluating the effect of physical and occupational therapy on preschool motor ability among very low birth weight (VLBW) children.

Data Source

We used secondary data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Birth Cohort (ECLS‐B) between 2001 and 2006.

Study Design

We estimated the predicted probability of treatment using tree‐based methods and logistic regression (LR). We then modeled the exposure‐outcome relation using weighted LR models while considering covariate balance and precision for each propensity score estimation method.

Principal Findings

Among approximately 500 VLBW children, therapy receipt was associated with moderately improved preschool motor ability. Overall, ensemble methods produced the best covariate balance (Mean Squared Difference: 0.03–0.07) and the most precise effect estimates compared to LR (Mean Squared Difference: 0.11). The overall magnitude of the effect estimates was similar between RFC and LR estimation methods.

Conclusion

Propensity score estimation using RFC and bagging produced better covariate balance with increased precision compared to LR. Ensemble methods are a useful alterative to logistic regression to control confounding in observational studies.
Incidence and predictors of understaging in patients with clinical T1 urothelial carcinoma undergoing radical cystectomy
Authors: Ark Jacob T. , Keegan Kirk A. , Barocas Daniel A. , Morgan Todd M. , Resnick Matthew J. , You Chaochen , Cookson Michael S. , Penson David F. , Davis Rodney , Clark Peter E. , Smith Joseph A. , Chang Sam S.
Published: May 2013

Objective

To evaluate predictors of understaging in patients with presumed non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) identified on transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) with attention to the role of a restaging TURBT.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 279 consecutive patients with clinically staged T1 (cT1) disease after TURBT who underwent RC at our institution from April 2000 to July 2011.

In all, 60 of these cT1 patients had undergone a restaging TURBT before RC.

The primary outcome measure was pathological staging of ≥T2 disease at the time of RC.

Results

In all, 134 (48.0%) patients were understaged.

Of the 60 patients who remained cT1 after a restaging TURBT, 28 (46.7%) were understaged.

Solitary tumour (odds ratio [OR] 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25–0.76, P = 0.004) and fewer prior TURBTs (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71–1.00, P = 0.05) were independent risk factors for understaging.

Conclusions

Despite the overall improvement in staging accuracy linked to restaging TURBTs, the risk of clinical understaging remains high in restaged patients found to have persistent T1 urothelial carcinoma who undergo RC.

Solitary tumour and fewer prior TURBTs are independent risk factors for being understaged. Incorporating these predictors into preoperative risk stratification may allow for augmented identification of those patients with clinical NMIBC who stand to benefit most from RC.
Nightly vs on‐demand sildenafil for penile rehabilitation after minimally invasive nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy: results of a randomized double‐blind trial with placebo
Authors: Pavlovich Christian P. , Levinson Adam W. , Su Li‐Ming , Mettee Lynda Z. , Feng Zhaoyong , Bivalacqua Trinity J. , Trock Bruce J.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To clarify the role of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in post‐prostatectomy penile rehabilitation (PPPR).

To compare nightly and on‐demand use of PDE5 inhibitors after nerve‐sparing minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (RP).

Patients and Methods

We conducted a single‐institution, double‐blind, randomized controlled trial of nightly vs on‐demand 50‐mg sildenafil citrate after nerve‐sparing minimally invasive RP.

A total of 100 preoperatively potent men, aged <65 years, with scores on the Erectile Function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐EF) ≥26, underwent nerve‐sparing surgery.

The patients were randomized to either nightly sildenafil and on‐demand placebo (nightly sildenafil group), or on‐demand sildenafil and nightly placebo (on‐demand sildenafil group; maximum on‐demand dose six tablets/month) for 12 months. Patients then underwent a 1‐month washout period.

Validated measures of erectile function (IIEF‐EF score and the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite [EPIC]) were compared between treatment groups over the entire 13‐month time course, using multivariable mixed linear regression models.

Results

The treatment groups were well matched preoperatively (mean age 54.3 vs 54.6 years, baseline IIEF‐EF score 29.4 vs 29.3, for the nightly vs the on‐demand sildenafil groups, respectively).

No significant differences were found in erectile function between treatments (nightly vs on‐demand sildenafil) at any single timepoint after RP, after adjusting for potential confounding factors.

When evaluated over all timepoints simultaneously, no significant effects of treatment group (nightly vs on‐demand sildenafil) were found on recovery of potency, as assessed by absolute IIEF‐EF scores (P = 0.765), on percentage of men returning to an IIEF‐EF score >21 (P = 0.830), or on IIEF‐EF score recovery to a percentage of baseline value (P = 0.778).

When evaluated over all timepoints simultaneously, no significant effects of treatment group were found on secondary endpoints such as assessment of potency (including EPIC item 59 response ‘erections firm enough for intercourse’), attempted intercourse frequency or confidence.

Conclusions

Erectile recovery up to 1 year after RP does not differ between previously potent men who use sildenafil nightly compared to on‐demand.

This trial does not support chronic nightly sildenafil as being any better than on‐demand sildenafil for use in penile rehabilitation after nerve‐sparing minimally invasive RP.