bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The spatial scale of model errors and assimilated retrievals in a terrestrial water storage assimilation system
Authors: Forman B. A. , Reichle R. H.
Published: October 2013

Synthetic satellite observations (or retrievals) of terrestrial water storage (TWS) in the Mackenzie River basin located in northwestern Canada were assimilated into the Catchment land surface model to evaluate the impact (i) assimilating TWS retrievals at subbasin (∼105 km2) or basin (∼106 km2) scales and (ii) incorrectly specifying the model error correlation length that is used for the perturbation of model forcing and prognostic variables in the ensemble‐based assimilation system. Specifically, a total of 16 experiments were conducted over a 9 year study period using different combinations of the spatial scale of the assimilated TWS retrievals and the horizontal model error correlation length. In general, assimilation of the TWS retrievals at the subbasin scale (∼2.7 × 105 km2 on average) yielded the best agreement relative to the synthetic truth. Greater improvement in TWS and snow water equivalent, in general, was witnessed as the (designed) horizontal model error correlation length increased. Conversely, subsurface soil water, evaporation, and runoff estimates typically improved (or remained unchanged) as the horizontal model error correlation length decreased. As the scale of the assimilated TWS retrieval decreased, more mass was effectively transferred from snow water equivalent into the subsurface, thereby dampening the hydrologic runoff response in the study area and correcting for improper model physics related to the runoff routing scheme. In general, TWS retrievals should be assimilated at the smallest spatial scale for which the observation errors can be considered uncorrelated while the specification of the horizontal error correlation length scale is of secondary importance.
An International Network of Magnetic Observatories
Authors: Love Jeffrey J. , Chulliat Arnaud
Published: October 2013

Since its formation in the late 1980s, the International Real‐Time Magnetic Observatory Network (INTERMAGNET), a voluntary consortium of geophysical institutes from around the world, has promoted the operation of magnetic observatories according to modern standards [e.g., Rasson, 2007]. INTERMAGNET institutes have cooperatively developed infrastructure for data exchange and management as well as methods for data processing and checking. INTERMAGNET institutes have also helped to expand global geomagnetic monitoring capacity, most notably by assisting magnetic observatory institutes in economically developing countries by working directly with local geophysicists.
Adapting to Permafrost Change: A Science Framework
Authors: Vincent Warwick F. , Lemay Mickaël , Allard Michel , Wolfe Brent B.
Published: October 2013

Permafrost is a defining feature of the circumpolar north, and with climate change already affecting its range and behavior, understanding the fate of northern environments is a pressing concern. The Canadian Arctic Development and Adaptation to Permafrost in Transition (ADAPT) project is bringing together researchers from within and outside Canada to study the mechanisms and consequences of permafrost degradation and to place this information within an interdisciplinary systems framework.
Post‐drilling changes in fluid discharge pattern, mineral deposition, and fluid chemistry in the Iheya North hydrothermal field, Okinawa Trough
Authors: Kawagucci Shinsuke , Miyazaki Junichi , Nakajima Ryota , Nozaki Tatsuo , Takaya Yutaro , Kato Yasuhiro , Shibuya Takazo , Konno Uta , Nakaguchi Yuzuru , Hatada Kenta , Hirayama Hisako , Fujikura Katsunori , Furushima Yasuo , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Watsuji Tomo‐o , Ishibashi Jun‐ichiro , Takai Ken
Published: October 2013

The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 331 investigated the Iheya North hydrothermal field in the Okinawa Trough. Several post‐drilling underwater vehicle investigations were conducted over 2 years to identify post‐drilling changes in fluid discharge pattern, mineral deposition, and fluid chemistry. Drilling‐induced high‐temperature hydrothermal fluid vents were identified at deep holes not only near the naturally occurring NBC hydrothermal fluid vent (Site C0016) but also at the seafloor ∼450 m distal to the NBC vent (Site C0014), where no hydrothermal fluid discharge was observed prior to drilling. A chimney structure at Hole C0016A grew rapidly at the NBC mound crest, where only small chimneys had been found before drilling. A drilling‐induced diffuse hydrothermal flow region spread at Site C0014, and this area was newly colonized by the galatheid crab. From a fluid chemistry perspective, the post‐drilling hydrothermal fluids were enriched in Cl relative to seawater, although this fluid chemistry was not observed during the 12 years prior to drilling. The Cl‐enriched fluid reservoir underlying the subseafloor impermeable layers, observed by IODP Expedition 331, is likely source for the Cl‐enriched fluids discharging from the post‐drilling vents. The drilling‐induced physical disturbance of subseafloor hydrogeological structures would release such fluids to the seafloor. In turn, the rapid chimney growth at the NBC mound crest may also be attributed to highly turbulent fluid flow with the enlarged artificial vent of Hole C0016A, which can contribute to the retention of the fluid‐seawater mixture for a sufficiently long period to precipitate sulfide/sulfate minerals on the seafloor.
Examining reliability of seasonal to decadal sea surface temperature forecasts: The role of ensemble dispersion
Authors: Ho Chun Kit , Hawkins Ed , Shaffrey Len , Bröcker Jochen , Hermanson Leon , Murphy James M. , Smith Doug M. , Eade Rosie
Published: October 2013

Useful probabilistic climate forecasts on decadal timescales should be reliable (i.e., forecast probabilities match the observed relative frequencies) but this is seldom examined. This paper assesses a necessary condition for reliability, which the ratio of ensemble spread to forecast error being close to one, for seasonal to decadal sea surface temperature retrospective forecasts from the Met Office Decadal Prediction System. Factors which may affect reliability are diagnosed by comparing this spread‐error ratio for an initial condition ensemble and two perturbed physics ensembles for initialized and uninitialized predictions. At lead times less than 2 years, the initialized ensembles tend to be underdispersed and produce overconfident and hence unreliable forecasts. For longer lead times, all three ensembles are predominantly overdispersed. Such overdispersion is primarily related to excessive interannual variability in the climate model. These findings highlight the need to carefully evaluate simulated variability in seasonal and decadal prediction systems.
Wind‐driven nutrient pulses to the subsurface chlorophyll maximum in seasonally stratified shelf seas
Authors: Williams Charlotte , Sharples Jonathan , Mahaffey Claire , Rippeth Tom
Published: October 2013

Shelf seas are an important global carbon sink. In the seasonal thermocline, the subsurface chlorophyll maximum (SCM) supports almost half of summer shelf production. Using observations from the seasonally stratified Celtic Sea (June 2010), we identify wind‐driven inertial oscillations as a mechanism for supplying the SCM with the nitrate needed for phytoplankton growth and carbon fixation. Analysis of wind, currents, and turbulent dissipation indicates that inertial oscillations are triggered by a change in the wind velocity. High magnitude, short‐lived dissipation spikes occur when the shear and wind vectors align, increasing the daily nitrate flux to the SCM by a factor of at least 17. However, it is likely that the sampling resolution of turbulent dissipation does not always capture the maximum wind‐driven peak in mixing. We estimate that wind‐driven inertial oscillations supply the SCM with ~33% to 71% of the nitrate required for new production in shelf seas during summer.
Methyl chloride variability in the Taylor Dome ice core during the Holocene
Authors: Verhulst Kristal R. , Aydin Murat , Saltzman Eric S.
Published: October 2013

Methyl chloride (CH3Cl) is a naturally occurring, ozone‐depleting trace gas and one of the most abundant chlorinated compounds in the atmosphere. CH3Cl was measured in air from the Taylor Dome ice core in East Antarctica to reconstruct an atmospheric record for the Holocene (11–0 kyr B.P.) and part of the last glacial period (50–30 kyr B.P.). CH3Cl variability throughout the Holocene is strikingly similar to that of atmospheric methane (CH4), with higher levels in the early and late Holocene, and a well‐defined minimum during mid‐Holocene. The sources and sinks of atmospheric CH3Cl and CH4 are located primarily in the tropics, and variations in their atmospheric levels likely reflect changes in tropical conditions. CH3Cl also appears to correlate with atmospheric CH4 during the last glacial period (50–30 kyr B.P.), although the temporal resolution of sampling is limited. The Taylor Dome data provide information about the range of natural variability of atmospheric CH3Cl and place a new constraint on the causes of past CH4variability.
An initial assessment of Suomi NPP VIIRS vegetation index EDR
Authors: Vargas M. , Miura T. , Shabanov N. , Kato A.
Published: October 2013

The Suomi National Polar‐orbiting Partnership (S‐NPP) satellite with Visible/Infrared Imager/Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) onboard was launched in October 2011. VIIRS is the primary instrument for a suite of Environmental Data Records (EDR), including Vegetation Index (VI) EDR, for weather forecasting and climate research. The VIIRS VI EDR operational product consists of the Top of the Atmosphere (TOA) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Top of the Canopy (TOC) Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and per‐pixel product quality information. In this paper, we report results of our assessment of the early VIIRS VI EDR (beta quality) using Aqua MODIS and NOAA‐18 AVHRR/3 as a reference for May 2012 to March 2013. We conducted two types of analyses focused on an assessment of physical (global scale) and radiometric (regional scale) performances of VIIRS VI EDR. Both TOA NDVI and TOC EVI of VIIRS showed spatial and temporal trends consistent with the MODIS counterparts, whereas VIIRS TOA NDVI was systematically higher than that of AVHRR. Performance of the early VIIRS VI EDR was limited by a lack of adequate per‐pixel quality information, commission/omission errors of the cloud mask, and uncertainties associated with the surface reflectance retrievals. A number of enhancements to the VI EDR are planned, including: (1) implementation of a TOC EVI back‐up algorithm, (2) addition of more detailed quality flags on aerosols, clouds, and snow cover, and (3) implementation of gridding and temporal compositing. A web‐based, product quality monitoring tool has been developed and automated product validation protocols are being prototyped.
Distribution and sources of organic matter in surface sediments of the eastern continental margin of India
Authors: Krishna M. S. , Naidu S. A. , Subbaiah Ch. V. , Sarma V. V. S. S. , Reddy N. P. C.
Published: October 2013

The sources and distribution of organic matter (OM) in surface sediments of the eastern continental margin of India, including the region influenced by river discharge, were investigated using content, molar C:N ratios and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen. Despite relatively high water column integrated chlorophyll‐a concentrations were found in the continental shelf than the slope; however, the lower sediment organic carbon (SOC) was found in the former than the latter region suggesting that in situ production did not play significant role on preservation of SOC in the coastal Bay of Bengal. The broad range of δ13C of SOC (−23.2 to −16.7‰) suggests that OM is a broad mixture of terrestrial and marine OM. Relative contributions from terrestrial C3 and C4 plants and marine sources are quantified as 34%, 23%, and 43%, respectively, indicating that dominant source of allochthonous OM (~57%) in the coastal Bay of Bengal. Relatively higher contribution of OM from C4 plants was found in the sediments at off river Krishna indicating that this region received detritus of agricultural crops such as jowar, bajra, and sugar cane, which are dominant in its drainage basin, during SW monsoon. This study revealed that relatively high OM preserved in the slope than shelf region along the coastal Bay of Bengal and the composition of OM is primarily controlled by the type of agricultural crops and vegetation in the drainage basin of the river.
Revisiting wildfires at the K‐Pg boundary
Authors: Morgan Joanna , Artemieva Natalia , Goldin Tamara
Published: October 2013

The discovery of large amounts of soot in clays deposited at the Cretaceous‐Paleogene (K‐Pg) boundary and linked to the ~65 Ma Chicxulub impact crater led to the hypothesis that major wildfires were a consequence of the asteroid impact. Subsequently, several lines of evidence, including the lack of charcoal in North American sites, were used to argue against global wildfires. Close to the impact site fires are likely to be directly ignited by the impact fireball, whereas globally they could be ignited by radiation from the reentry of hypervelocity ejecta. To‐date, models of the latter have yet to take into account that ejection—and thus the emission of thermal radiation—is asymmetric and dependent on impact angle. Here, we model: (1) the impact and ejection of material, (2) the ballistic continuation of ejecta around a spherical Earth, and (3) the thermal pulse delivered to the Earth's surface when ejecta reenters the atmosphere. We find that thermal pulses in the downrange direction are sufficient to ignite flora several thousand kilometers from Chicxulub, whereas pulses at most sites in the uprange direction are too low to ignite even the most susceptible plant matter. Our analyses and models suggest some fires were ignited by the impact fireball and ejecta reentry, but that the nonuniform distribution of thermal radiation across the surface of the Earth is inconsistent with the ignition of fires globally as a direct and immediate result of the Chicxulub impact. Instead, we propose that the desiccation of flora by ejecta reentry, as well as the effects of postimpact global cooling/darkness, left much of the terrestrial flora prone to fires, and that the volume of soot in the global K‐Pg layer is explained by a combination of syn‐ and postimpact wildfires.
On a recent solute transport laboratory experiment involving sandstone and its modeling
Authors: Ginn Timothy R. , Nassar Mohamed K. , Kamai Tamir , Klise Katherine , Tidwell Vince , McKenna Sean
Published: October 2013

We analyze and simulate laboratory data on flow and solute transport in a submeter scale sample of Massillon sandstone and we re‐evaluate studies that have stated that these data indicate a failure of the advection‐dispersion, and that nonlocal modeling approaches are necessary. Our examination reveals experimental issues including artificial edge effects in the data, as well as inconsistency in the measured solute injection rates. When the edge effects are removed the data no longer exhibit power‐law tailing. Our simulations show that failure of the advection‐dispersion equation has not been demonstrated and that nonlocal approaches are not necessary.
Electronic Negotiation Systems
Authors: Vetschera Rudolf , Koeszegi Sabine T. , Schoop Mareike
Published: October 2013

Electronic support for negotiations has to fulfill several functions. In this paper, we review approaches for communication support, decision support, and behavioral support in negotiations and identify open questions and research opportunities in these three areas and their integration.
WritingORMS/Analytics Cases
Authors: Begen Mehmet A. , Krishnamoorthy Srinivas , Wilson John
Published: October 2013

The case method is widely used in a variety of disciplines. In this article, we provide an overview of writing cases in an ORMS/analytics setting. In addition, we discuss types of cases, the benefits of writing cases, the different sources for cases, and outlets for publishing cases.
Using Holistic Multicriteria Assessments: The Convex Cones Approach
Authors: Karsu Özlem
Published: October 2013

This article provides a review of the literature on interactive MCDM approaches, which use convex cones as a means of representing the decision maker's preference structure. We discuss the assumptions that are made about the decision maker's underlying preference relation and cover the basic theory on the convex cones approach. We review relevant studies that appear in the literature and state future research areas that await further attention.
Profiling Native Kinases by Immuno‐Assisted Activity‐Based Profiling
Authors: Okerberg Eric , Shih Ann , Brown Heidi , Alemayehu Senait , Aban Arwin , Nomanbhoy Tyzoon K.
Published: October 2013

The protocols in this unit describe efficient and cost‐effective approaches to determine the interaction of small‐molecule inhibitors with native kinases, and also analyze the interactions between kinases and their binding partners in a cellular setting. The combined attributes of activity‐based probes and western blotting procedures provide for quantitative measurement of inhibitor efficacy, isoform selectivity, and post‐translational modifications. We further demonstrate the ability to identify protein‐protein interactions between a probe‐labeled protein and its noncovalent binding partners. Curr. Protoc. Chem. Biol. 5:213‐226 © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Generalized Wiener system identification: General backlash nonlinearity and finite impulse response linear part
Authors: Reyland John , Bai Er‐Wei
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we develop an algorithm for identification of the finite impulse response linear part of a block‐oriented Wiener System. The nonlinear block is a general backlash function with nonlinear ascending and descending functions. Only the horizontal axis intersection points are assumed known a priori. We propose an identification algorithm and establish identifiability. Simulation results are also presented and discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the Damage Behavior of Cast Steel 42CrMo4 During Ultrasonic Fatigue by Combination of Thermography and Fractography
Authors: Krewerth Dominik , Weidner Anja , Biermann Horst
Published: October 2013

The present paper illustrates the application of infrared thermography measurements for the investigation of fatigue behavior of different types of defects in the high‐cycle fatigue range of cast steel 42CrMo4 alloy (1.732). The influence of several defects on the fatigue damage behavior was studied by the combination of fractography and thermography. Different crack initiation times and locations of several defects were detected and evaluated in one specimen. Furthermore, a direct correlation of fractography and thermography was carried out. The presented results demonstrate well that the combination of fractography and thermography can give a significant contribution to the knowledge of crack initiation and propagation modes during ultrasonic fatigue of 42CrMo4 steel.
Multiphase hydrodynamics and distribution characteristics in a monolith bed measured by optical fiber probe
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Dudukovic Milorad P. , Al‐Dahhan Muthanna H. , Liu Hui
Published: October 2013

The optical fiber probe has been for the first time applied to investigate the hydrodynamics and gas‐phase distribution at high gas/liquid ratios in a two‐phase flow monolith bed with 0.048 m diameter and 400 cpsi. Local hydrodynamic parameters including gas holdup, bubble frequency, bubble velocity, and bubble length in single channels were measured by 16 inserted single‐point optical fiber probes within the bed under a nozzle as the liquid distributor. The following findings are reported. (1) The optical fiber probe can be used as an efficient and convenient technique for measuring local hydrodynamic parameters inside the channels of a monolith bed; (2) within the range of high gas/liquid ratios under which experiments were conducted, churn flow regime occurred. In this regime, the monolith bed radial distribution of gas holdup, bubble frequency, bubble velocity, and bubble length is nonuniform in nature. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J 60: 740–748, 2014
Seasonal and socioeconomic influences on thyroid function among the Yakut (Sakha) of Eastern Siberia
Authors: Levy Stephanie B. , Leonard William R. , Tarskaia Larissa A. , Klimova Tatiana M. , Fedorova Valentina I. , Baltakhinova Marina E. , Krivoshapkin Vadim G. , Snodgrass James J.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Previous research has shown that the extreme cold and short day lengths of polar winters promote increased production and uptake of thyroid hormones, resulting in marked declines in free triiodothyronine (fT3). However, this “polar T3 syndrome” has been documented almost exclusively on small samples of male sojourners and little is known about seasonal changes in thyroid function among indigenous circumpolar groups. The present study addresses this gap by examining seasonal changes in thyroid hormone levels among the indigenous Yakut (Sakha) of northeastern Siberia.

Methods

Anthropometric dimensions and thyroid measures (fT3, free thyroxine [fT4], thyroid‐stimulating hormone [TSH]) were obtained on two occasions (July/August, 2009 and January 2011) on a sample of 134 Yakut adults (51 men, 83 women) from the village of Berdygestiakh, Sakha Republic/Yakutia, Russia.

Results

Yakut men and women both displayed significant declines in fT3 and fT4, and significant increases in TSH from summer to winter despite showing only modest seasonal changes in body mass and composition. Among men, gains in fat‐free mass (FFM) were associated with larger reductions in fT3 and greater increases in TSH. Men living more traditional lifeways showed larger winter declines in fT4 and greater increases in TSH.

Conclusions

The Yakut exhibited significant winter declines in fT3 levels similar to other circumpolar groups studied. However, the magnitude of seasonal change was greater in the Yakut, perhaps reflecting their distinctive metabolic physiology. Lifestyle factors play a mediating role in thyroid responses, such that men with more traditional lifeways had more exaggerated seasonal changes. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:814–820, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and validation of assay protocols for use with dried blood spot samples
Authors: McDade Thomas W.
Published: October 2013

Dried blood spots (DBS)—drops of capillary whole blood collected from finger stick—represent a minimally invasive alternative to venipuncture that facilitates the collection of blood samples from research participants in naturalistic, field‐based research settings. But the number of validated assays for quantifying biomarkers in DBS samples is relatively low in comparison with serum or plasma. The objective of this review is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of DBS sampling, and to outline the steps involved in developing and validating an immunoassay for application to DBS samples. These steps include deciding on reagents, preparing calibration and quality control material, evaluating elution protocols, optimizing sample quantity, and assessing multiple aspects of assay performance, including intra‐ and interassay variation, lower limit of detection, accuracy, stability, and agreement between results from matched DBS and plasma samples. The broader goal of this “how‐to” approach is to encourage investigators to validate, implement, and disseminate assay protocols for DBS samples in order to advance field‐based research on human biology. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:1–9, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dietary variability in the western black crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor) inhabiting an isolated and disturbed forest fragment in Southern Yunnan, China
Authors: Ni Qing‐Yong , Huang Bei , Liang Zong‐Li , Wang Xiao‐Wei , Jiang Xue‐Long
Published: October 2013

Forest fragmentation and isolation can reduce the size of available habitat and lead to lower food availability for some primate species. The persistence of nonhuman primates in fragments depends largely on their ability to adjust their diet in response environmental change. The western black crested gibbon (Nomascus concolor) is distributed in northern Vietnam, northwestern Laos, and southwestern China, but little is known about its diet except from studies in the well‐protected forests of Mt. Wuliang and Mt. Ailao, central Yunnan. We studied food abundance and diet over 2 years in a small group surviving in an isolated and disturbed forest at Bajiaohe, southern Yunnan, and drew a comparison with the population at Dazhaizi in Mt. Wuliang. We found that gibbons at Bajiaohe consumed mostly fruit, but did not eat figs, unlike most other gibbon populations. Liana fruits and mature leaves were used as alternative foods during periods of tree fruit scarcity. Our results indicate that gibbons in Bajiaohe respond to habitat fragmentation and isolation by consuming a variety of plant species, depending on those that are locally available, and increasing time spent feeding on fruits of trees and lianas rather than increasing time spent consuming leaves. Am. J. Primatol. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clay‐induced degradation during the melt reprocessing of waste polycarbonate
Authors: de la Orden Maria Ulagares , Pascual Davinia , Muñoz Cristina , Lorenzo Vicente , Urreaga Joaquín Martínez
Published: October 2013

The addition of small amounts of organoclays during the reprocessing of waste polycarbonates (WPCs) is a promising method for improving the properties of the recycled plastics. However, the clays can also induce the degradation of the polymer during the melt compounding and thus lower the properties of the final materials. This clay‐induced degradation of polycarbonate (PC) was examined in this study. A WPC, a virgin PC (VPC) (that served as a comparison), and two commercial montmorillonites, Cloisite 15A and Cloisite 30B, were melt compounded in a twin‐screw microextruder. The degradation of the polymer, which caused the formation of phenolic compounds and the reduction of the average molar mass, was monitored with UV spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and solution viscosimetry. The results reveal that the effect of the clays on the degradation depended on the amount of clay used and the chemical nature of the organic modification. When small amounts of the appropriate clay were used, the polymer degradation was minimized, and a net improvement of some properties of the recycled PC was achieved. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39997.
Highly Selective “Turn‐On” Fluorescent and Colorimetric Sensing of Fluoride Ion Using 2‐(2‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐2,3‐dihydroquinolin‐4(1 H)‐one based on Excited‐State Proton Transfer
Authors: Kanagaraj Kuppusamy , Pitchumani Kasi
Published: October 2013

A simple, highly selective and sensitive colorimetric system for the detection of fluoride ion in an aqueous medium has been developed using 2‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2,3‐dihydroquinolin‐4(1 H)‐one. This system allows selective “turn‐on” fluorescence detection of fluoride ion, which is found to be dependent upon guest basicity. An excited‐state proton transfer is proposed to be the signaling mechanism, which is rationalized by DFT and TD‐DFT calculations. The present sensor can also be applied to detect fluoride levels in real water samples.
Choice Blindness and Preference Change: You Will Like This Paper Better If You (Believe You) Chose to Read It!
Authors: Johansson Petter , Hall Lars , Tärning Betty , Sikström Sverker , Chater Nick
Published: October 2013

Choice blindness is the finding that participants both often fail to notice mismatches between their decisions and the outcome of their choice and, in addition, endorse the opposite of their chosen alternative. But do these preference reversals also carry over to future choices and ratings? To investigate this question, we gave participants the task of choosing which of a pair of faces they found most attractive. Unknown to them, we sometimes used a card trick to exchange one face for the other. Both decision theory and common sense strongly suggest that most people would easily notice such a radical change in the outcome of a choice. But that was not the case: no more than a third of the exchanges were detected by the participants. We also included a second round of choices using the same face pairs, and two stages of post‐choice attractiveness ratings of the faces. This way we were able to measure preference strength both as choice consistency and by looking at measures of rating differences between chosen and rejected options. We found that the initially rejected faces were chosen more frequently in the second choice, and the perceived attractiveness of these faces was increased even in uncoupled individual ratings at the end of the experiment. This result is discussed in relation to Chen and Risen's recent criticism of the Free Choice Paradigm, as it shows that choices can affect future preferences. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical safety
Authors: Ram K , Boermeester M A
Published: October 2013

Clinician led
Factors predictive of lymph node metastasis in the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Blanchard C , Brient C , Volteau C , Sebag F , Roy M , Drui D , Hamy A , Mathonnet M , Henry J-F , Mirallié E
Published: October 2013

Background

The treatment of papillary thyroid carcinomas larger than 1 cm usually consists of total thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection (LND). In patients with the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC), preoperative cytology and intraoperative frozen-section analysis cannot always establish the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate predictive factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with FVPTC and to identify patients who might benefit from LND.

Methods

The study included patients with FVPTC treated by total thyroidectomy and LND between 2000 and 2010 in four departments. When fewer than six non-involved lymph nodes were removed, the patient was excluded from the analysis.

Results

Some 199 patients were included. The median tumour size was 17 (range 1–85) mm, and tumours were classified as T1a in 28 patients, T1b in 40, T2 in 53, and T3 in 78. Eighty-one patients (40·7 per cent) had lymph node metastasis (51 classified as N1a and 30 as N1b). Four risk factors were predictive of lymph node metastasis in the multivariable analysis: multifocality (odds ratio (OR) 2·36, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·15 to 4·86), angiolymphatic invasion (OR 3·67, 1·01 to 13·36), absence of tumour capsule (OR 3·00, 1·47 to 6·14) and tumour involvement of perithyroid tissue (OR 3·89, 1·85 to 8·18). The rate of lymph node metastasis varied between 14 and 94 per cent depending on the presence of risk factors.

Conclusion

The rate of lymph node metastasis in patients with FVPTC varies widely according to the presence or absence of predictive risk factors.
Outcome following laparoscopic and open total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer
Authors: Penninckx F , Kartheuser A , Van de Stadt J , Pattyn P , Mansvelt B , Bertrand C , Van Eycken E , Jegou D , Fieuws S
Published: October 2013

Background

There are few reports on the oncological quality of resection and outcome after laparoscopic versus open total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer in everyday surgical practice.

Methods

Between January 2006 and October 2011, data for patients with mid or low rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent elective TME were recorded in the PROCARE database. A multivariable model and the propensity score as a co-variable in Cox or logistic regression models were used for adjustment of differences in patient mix and non-random assignment of surgical approach.

Results

Data for 2660 patients from 82 hospitals were recorded. Implementation of laparoscopic TME was highly variable. The oncological quality of resection was similar in the laparoscopic and the open group: incomplete mesorectal excision in 13·2 and 11·4 per cent respectively, circumferential resection margin positivity in 18·1 per cent, and a median of 11 lymph nodes examined per specimen in both groups. The hazard ratio for survival after laparoscopic versus open TME was 1·05 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·88 to 1·24) after correction for differences in patient mix, and 1·06 (0·89 to 1·25) after correction for the propensity score. The definitive colostomy rate was similar in the two groups: 31·0 per cent after open and 31·4 per cent after laparoscopic TME. Postoperative morbidity was lower and length of stay was shorter after laparoscopic TME compared with open TME. Survival was not negatively affected by converted laparoscopic resection, whereas postoperative morbidity, mortality and length of stay after converted laparoscopy were comparable with those after open TME.

Conclusion

Oncological outcome is comparable after laparoscopic and open TME in everyday surgical practice.
Outcomes following surgery for perforating Crohn's disease
Authors: Bellolio F , Cohen Z , MacRae H M , O'Connor B I , Huang H , Victor J C , McLeod R S
Published: October 2013

Background

The most common indications for surgery for patients with ileocolic Crohn's disease are fibrostenotic or perforating disease. The objective was to compare surgical outcomes of patients with perforating versus non-perforating disease following ileocolic resection.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of all patients who had their first ileocolic resection between 1990 and 2010, identified from a prospectively maintained inflammatory bowel disease database. Demographic information, preoperative medication, intraoperative findings and postoperative outcome data were collected. Outcomes in patients who had an abscess drained before surgery or were found to have a fistula or abscess at surgery or at pathology were compared with outcomes in all others.

Results

A total of 434 patients (56·2 per cent women) were included, 293 with perforating and 141 with non-perforating disease. Median age, tobacco use, and preoperative steroid and biological agent use were similar in the two groups. Forty patients (13·7 per cent) in the perforating group had abscesses drained before surgery and 251 patients had at least one fistula, most commonly to the sigmoid colon. Patients with perforating disease were more likely to require preoperative total parenteral nutrition, need another resection, have an ileostomy and a longer mean postoperative stay, and less likely to undergo a laparoscopic procedure. Patients in this group also developed more postoperative abscesses or leaks (4·8 versus 0 per cent; P = 0·006). The reoperation rate was similar (3·1 versus 0·7 per cent; P = 0·178).

Conclusion

Patients with penetrating Crohn's disease are more likely to require a more complex procedure, and an ileostomy, and to a have longer postoperative stay.
Extent and completeness of mesorectal excision evaluated by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Bondeven P , Hagemann-Madsen R H , Laurberg S , Pedersen B Ginnerup
Published: October 2013

Background

The major advance in rectal cancer management over the past 20 years has been the standardization of mesorectal excision. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and localization of inadvertent residual mesorectum detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after rectal cancer surgery.

Methods

Postoperative T2-weighted MRI of the pelvis was performed on patients following mesorectal excision. A multidisciplinary team radiologist evaluated the images with regard to residual mesorectum and distal margin. Only mesorectum above the level of the anastomosis perpendicular to the bowel was regarded as inadvertent residual mesorectum after partial mesorectal excision. Histopathological records, standardized photographs and clinical records were assessed. The pathology and MRI findings were evaluated independently in a blinded fashion.

Results

MRI-detected residual mesorectum was identified in 54 (39·7 per cent) of 136 patients. There was agreement with the pathology findings in 88 patients (64·7 per cent). Residual mesorectum was more frequent in patients treated with partial mesorectal excision (63 per cent) than those who had total mesorectal excision (36 per cent) or abdominoperineal resection (13 per cent) (P < 0·001). Pathology and MRI findings both showed that the distal resection margin after partial mesorectal excision was less than 5 cm in more than three-quarters of patients, and less than 3 cm in more than one-third.

Conclusion

Inadvertent residual mesorectum was commonly found on postoperative MRI, especially after partial mesorectal excision.
Concussive Brain Injury in the Military: September 2001 to the Present
Authors: Logan Bret W. , Goldman Sarah , Zola Marc , Mackey Angela
Published: October 2013

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, 1,348,405 citizens have been deployed to combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation New Dawn in Iraq, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (OEF). During this same period 266,810 (20%) of these individuals have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The majority of these were Army soldiers, with 155,282 (58%) receiving the diagnosis. Mild TBI comprised 82% of the total, with the remainder being moderate to severe. Over this same period the Department of Defense (DoD) has invested $374.9 million to enhance access and quality of care services, including 57 TBI treatment centers in the combat theater and throughout the U.S. The Army's medical research division, the Medical Research and Material Command (MRMC), has invested an additional $700 million to TBI research during this time. The effort has faced a number of challenges, including limited human subject basic and translational research, limited epidemiological data on combat‐related injuries, limited capacity and standards for data acquisition, and a lack of standardized evidenced‐based protocols for treatment. All these areas have undergone significant growth and development, leading to the comprehensive system of care present today. A further challenge in this patient population has been the clinical co‐morbidity of TBI, post‐traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain syndrome. The Army and the DoD have created treatment programs that are interdisciplinary in clinical approach, targeting particular neuropsychological domains of dysfunction rather than diagnostic category or etiology of injury. This article presents the history of this effort, the challenges to accurate and adequate diagnosis and care that remain, and the future of brain injury clinical and research efforts in the military. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Pterosin Sesquiterpenes and Antitubercular Constituents from Pteris ensiformis
Authors: Chen Jih‐Jung , Wang Tai‐Chi , Yang Chieh‐Kai , Liao Hsiang‐Ruei , Sung Ping‐Jyun , Chen Ih‐Sheng , Cheng Ming‐Jen , Peng Chien‐Fang , Chen Jinn‐Fen
Published: October 2013

Two new pterosin sesquiterpenes, (2S)‐13‐hydroxypterosin A (1) and (2S,3S)‐12‐hydroxypterosin Q (2), were isolated from the whole plants of Pteris ensiformis, together with six known compounds. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined through extensive 1D/2D‐NMR and MS analyses. Compound 2 exhibited antitubercular activity (MIC 6.25 μg/ml) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv in vitro.
The real world experience of the biodegradable polymer‐coated sirolimus‐eluting coronary stent system
Authors: Rajasekhar D. , Vanajakshamma V. , Shashank C. , Srinivasakumar M.L. , Sivasankara C.
Published: October 2013

Objectives: This INDOLIMUS Registry sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the biodegradable polymer coated Indolimus® sirolimus‐eluting coronary stent for the treatment of coronary artery disease across a wide range of patients treated in routine clinical practice, including those with high‐risk characteristics and complex lesions. Background: First‐generation drug‐eluting stents utilize nonbiodegradable polymeric coatings, whose persistent presence in the arterial wall may negatively affect long‐term outcomes. It has been hypothesized that persistent presence of polymer may compromise the safety of drug‐eluting stents, and that therefore biodegradable polymer coatings might reduce late adverse events in an unselected patient population. Methods: All 530 consecutive unselected patients (415 males and 115 females) included who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention at the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, India between August 2012 and March 2013, with an in‐hospital, at 30‐days and at 6‐months follow‐up. Retrospective analysis of those data had been done. Results: A total of 617 lesions were treated in 530 enrolled patients (mean age 54.9 ± 10.8 years) with average stent length of 18.8 ± 6.0 mm. An average of 1.18 stents was implanted per patient. The patients' characteristics are noted as having 169 (31.9%) patients of diabetics and 215 (40.6%) hypertension. Smoking, alcoholism and tobacco chewing were found in 273 (51.5%), 130 (24.5%) and 17 (3.2%), respectively. The indications for intervention were unstable angina in 77 (14.5%) and previous myocardial infarction in 56 (10.6%) of the patients. Lesions were of type B2 in 264 (42.7%) and type C in 127 (20.6%). Stent delivery was successful in all cases and in‐hospital, 30‐days and 6‐months follow‐up of all 530 patients was obtained. The incidence of any major adverse cardiac events at in‐hospital, at 30‐days and at 6‐months were 5 (0.94%), 8 (1.52%), and 18 (3.40%), respectively. Long term follow‐up of this registry is ongoing to confirm safety and efficacy profiles. Conclusions: The relatively low event rate that was observed in INDOLIMUS Registry indicates that the biodegradable polymer coated Indolimus® sirolimus‐eluting coronary stent can achieve excellent clinical performances in a large group of patients. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Percutaneous cardiac assist devices compared with surgical hemodynamic support alternatives
Authors: Maini Brijeshwar , Gregory David , Scotti Dennis J. , Buyantseva Larisa
Published: October 2013

Objectives

This study evaluates the cost‐effectiveness of percutaneous cardiac assist device (pVAD) therapy in the emergent setting compared with traditional surgical hemodynamic support alternatives. Background: Previous research has demonstrated the cost‐effectiveness of pVAD hemodynamic support for patients undergoing high‐risk percutaneous coronary intervention. For patients in cardiogenic shock (CS), use of pVAD therapy has been shown to reduce length of stay (LOS). Methods: National utilization and outcome data from the 2010–2011 MedPAR and state‐sponsored all‐payer databases were collected for patients with an acute myocardial infarction complicated by CS who were treated with either a pVAD (n = 883) or with traditional surgical hemodynamic support alternatives (ECMO and extracorporeal VAD) (n = 305). Results: Discharge survival was greater with pVADs than with surgical alternatives (56% vs. 42%, P < 0.001) and was achieved with a strong trend toward reduced LOS (13.2 and 17.9 days, respectively, P = 0.055) and a significantly lower cost of the index admission ($90,929 and $144,257, respectively, P < 0.001). Cost‐effectiveness analysis based on the national data demonstrated that pVAD achieved improved outcomes at lower cost. Data were also collected for similar patients who underwent protocol‐guided pVAD therapy (using Impella 2.5) at PinnacleHealth, between 2009 and 2011 (n = 30). At this site, the survival rate increased to 60%, length of hospitalization was shortened to 6 days, and admission costs were lowered to $53,850 relative to the surgical alternatives strategy. Conclusions: For patients in CS requiring emergent hemodynamic support, pVAD therapy offers a less invasive alternative that can be deployed sooner, resulting in better outcomes, shorter LOS, lower costs and with no incremental cost, and a survival benefit when compared with traditional surgical hemodynamic support alternatives. PVAD therapy (and Impella 2.5 in particular) is emerging as a dominant strategy for this challenging patient population. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Right heart catheterization using antecubital venous access: Feasibility, safety and adoption rate in a tertiary center
Authors: Shah Sachin , Boyd Graham , Pyne Christopher T. , Bilazarian Seth D. , Piemonte Thomas C. , Jeon Cathy , Waxman Sergio
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To determine feasibility, safety, and adoption rates of right heart catheterization (RHC) using antecubital venous access (AVA) as compared to using the traditional approach of proximal venous access (PVA).

Background

RHC via PVA (i.e., internal jugular, femoral or subclavian) is generally a low risk procedure; however, complications may occur and are usually access site related. RHC via an antecubital approach has regained attention given the increase in transradial left heart catheterizations.

Methods

Patients undergoing RHC for any indication at a single large academic medical center were identified over a 5‐year period (January 2008 to December 2012) from a database. Medical records were retrospectively analyzed for demographic, procedural and outcomes data.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐two RHC procedures were included (106 AVA, 166 PVA). The adoption rate of AVA for RHC increased rapidly since its introduction in our laboratory in 2010 (100% PVA in 2008 and 2009, 85% AVA in 2012). All procedures were successful; however, 6% of procedures required additional, alternate access to the original site. Initial success rates were similar in the two groups (91 vs. 96% for AVA and PVA respectively, P = 0.12). Fluoroscopy time was shorter in the group of patients who underwent the procedure via AVA. The complication rate was 0% in the AVA group compared with 3% in the PVA group (P = 0.16).

Conclusion

RHC via the AVA is a feasible and safe alternative to PVA. Our experience and rapid adoption support the use AVA as the access site of choice for RHC in uncomplicated patients. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paravalvular leak closure for persisting aortic regurgitation after implantation of the corevalve transcatheter valve
Authors: Poliacikova Petra , Hildick‐Smith David
Published: October 2013

Significant aortic regurgitation after TAVI results in lack of symptomatic and prognostic benefit from the procedure and generally requires intervention. While most of the regurgitations can be successfully targeted with standard techniques, occasional patients have restrictive calcification resistant to post‐dilatation and significant regurgitation persists. We present a case of refractory aortic regurgitation successfully treated with percutaneous paravalvular leak closure. An 81‐year‐old man with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis underwent a transfemoral CoreValve TAVI in December 2009. He had significant aortic regurgitation refractory to medical and interventional therapy including balloon post‐dilatation, valve repositioning and valve‐in‐valve reimplantation. Aortic regurgitation remained severe and therefore in early 2013, we proceeded with an attempted percutaneous closure of the residual paraprosthetic leak. Using 6‐French femoral access and a Terumo wire, the defect was successfully crossed with a 4‐French Multipurpose catheter and an 8 mm Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4 device (St. Jude Medical) was deployed through this catheter, resulting in abolition of aortic regurgitation on aortography and TOE, with associated excellent clinical response. Refractory paravalvular aortic regurgitation post CoreValve implantation can be successfully treated using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4 device. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.