bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voice outcomes following treatment of benign midmembranous vocal fold lesions using a nomenclature paradigm
Authors: Akbulut Sevtap , Gartner‐Schmidt Jackie L. , Gillespie Amanda I. , Young VyVy N. , Smith Libby J. , Rosen Clark A.
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Benign midmembranous vocal fold lesions (BMVFLs) are common voice disorders, but interpretation of outcomes following treatment is difficult due to the lack of a standardized nomenclature system for these lesions. Outcome results are increasingly important to third party payers. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of patients with BMVFLs using a previously validated nomenclature, and to provide incidences and outcome results for each diagnosis.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of BMVFL patients was performed. Treatment was individualized but typically involved implementation of nonsurgical therapy followed by phonomicrosurgery as needed. A previously reported BMVFL stratification system was used.

Results

A total of 224 patients with BMVFLs were studied. Sixty‐seven percent of all patients with a BMVFL underwent phonomicrosurgery. The most common BMVFL types were polyp and nonspecific vocal fold lesion. Pseudocyst represented 0.9% of the cohort. The Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10) and acoustic data demonstrate a high degree of treatment success. The mean change in VHI‐10 was greatest for cyst–subepithelial and polyp. Fibrous mass–ligamentous patients had the smallest mean change in VHI‐10. Mean post‐treatment VHI‐10 scores of all the lesions except fibrous mass–ligamentous were within normal limits (<11).

Conclusions

This study represents the first outcomes‐based report of BMVFLs using a strictly defined nomenclature system for stratification of lesions. Ligamentous fibrous mass lesions have a decreased response to treatment compared to all other lesions. This study demonstrates the ability to return most BMVFL patients to normal speaking voice capabilities following treatment.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:415–420, 2016
A study of phonomicrosurgical arm support postures using a magnetic motion tracking system
Authors: Chen Ting , Vamos Andrew C. , Dailey Seth H. , Geng Zhixian , Jiang Jack J.
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To study the different arm support postures used in phonomicrosurgery by using a magnetic‐based phonomicrosurgery instrument tracking system (MPTS). Through quantitative motion parameter data collected from four arm support postures (elbow support [ES], forearm support [FS], forearm and hand support, and no support), phonomicrosurgical operation postures were analyzed and compared.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Seven subjects operated on phonomicrosurgical simulation cutting tasks with four arm support postures while being monitored by MPTS. The motion parameters, including operation time, path length, depth perception, and motion smoothness were analyzed. The subjects' cutting quality was also calculated.

Results

With the FS, the nondominant hand showed improved S, better D, and shorter P (P < 0.05). Better motion control in the dominant hand resulted from ES posture (P < 0.05). Better operation quality was associated with increased motion control in the nondominant hand.

Conclusions

Forearm support resulted in higher steadiness and shorter surgical path in the nondominant hand. In the dominant hand, ES resulted in increased steadiness, shorter surgical path, and better D. The effect of both gravity and wrist dexterity on movement control should be considered when selecting proper arm supports.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:918–922, 2016
SKUP3RCT; continuous study: Changes in sleepiness and quality of life after modified UPPP
Authors: Browaldh Nanna , Bring Johan , Friberg Danielle
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Our previous study showed that modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), including tonsillectomy, significantly improved nocturnal respiration in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients. This is a continuous study of changes in daytime sleepiness and quality of life.

Study Design

Prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT), two parallel arms.

Methods

Sixty‐five patients with apnea‐hypopnea index ≥ 15, body mass index < 36, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) ≥ 8, Friedman stage I or II, failing nonsurgical treatment. The intervention group (n = 32) underwent surgery, and the controls (n = 33) had no treatment. At baseline and the 7‐month follow‐up, polysomnography, questionnaires, and vigilance tests were implemented.

Results

All patients answered the questionnaires, and 48 took the vigilance test. Epworth Sleepiness Scale decreased significantly in the intervention group, from a mean (standard deviation) of 12.5(3.2) to 6.8(3.9), but nonsignificantly in the control group, from 12.9(3.1) to 12.5(3.9), a significant group difference (P < 0.001). The physical and mental component score on the Short Form‐36 questionnaire increased significantly in the intervention group, from a mean 47.8(8.3) to 51.2(8.8) and from 42.1(10.6) to 48.1(9.7), respectively, but with nonsignificant changes in the controls: 49.0(9.0) to 48.3(9.1) and 41.0(10.2) to 42.7(11.5), significant group differences (P = 0.007, P = 0.031), respectively. The sleep latency/vigilance test showed a significant mean increase in the intervention group of 7(12.4) minutes and a decrease in the controls of 2.2(10.6), a significant group difference (P = 0.011). There were significant correlations between changes in subjective outcomes and nocturnal respiration.

Conclusion

This RCT shows that modified UPPP was effective in improving daytime sleepiness and quality of life in OSAS patients. It strengthens the body of evidence on the potential effect of surgery offered to selected patients.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 126:1484–1491, 2016
Implantation of a defibrillator in a patient with an upper airway stimulation device
Authors: Ong Adrian A. , O'Brien Terrence X. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Gillespie M. Boyd
Published: September 2015

The patient is a 62‐year‐old man with continuous positive airway pressure‐intolerant obstructive sleep apnea who was enrolled in a study for a hypoglossal nerve upper airway stimulation device (UAS). Nearly 2.5 years later, he was admitted to the hospital for unstable angina. Diagnostic workup revealed a prior myocardial infarction, an ejection fraction of 30% on maximal medical therapy, and episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. During hospitalization, the patient received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). This is the first reported case of simultaneous use of a UAS and an ICD, and we report no untoward device interference between the two implantable devices. Laryngoscope, 126:E86–E89, 2016
Nutrient dynamics across the river‐sea interface in the Changjiang (Yangtze River) estuary—East China Sea region
Authors: Gao Lei , Li Daoji , Ishizaka Joji , Zhang Yanwei , Zong Haibo , Guo Laodong
Published: September 2015

A total of 13 cruises were performed in different seasons between July 2010 and July 2012, and in various subsystems of the Changjiang (Yangtze River) Estuary and the adjacent East China Sea (ECS). Multiple vessels were deployed to conduct transect sampling, simultaneous and consecutive sampling, sampling with buoys, and sampling during phytoplankton bloom events, which allowed us to track detached patches of water masses and to collect discrete and time‐series samples in different patches. We found that the river‐derived nutrients from the Changjiang could be transported through the western ECS and reach as far as the northeastern ECS during summer, but in the form of isolated patches rather than continuous plumes. The concentrations of
decreased with increasing seaward distance of these patches, showing largely nonconservative mixing behavior and the ECS being a sink for nutrients. During winter, conversely, all nutrient species showed mostly conservative behavior, with correlative coefficients (R2) even reaching > 0.97 in the salinity‐nutrient correlations for both
and
during the western ECS cruise in February 2012 and during the Changjiang mouth cruise in March 2012. In addition, a large variability in nutrient concentrations was observed within the Changjiang freshwaters and could be partly attributed to inputs from local tributaries. This study highlights the importance of simultaneous field sampling with multiple vessels for investigating the biogeochemical behavior of nutrients in highly dynamic ocean margin areas such as the Changjiang Estuary‐ECS region.
Commercial Plastics: Tertiary Level Postgraduate Education in New Zealand
Authors: Edmonds Neil R. , McKee John , Plimmer Peter N.
Published: September 2015

The Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering in Plastics (PGCertEng (Plastics)) is a joint initiative between The University of Auckland and Plastics New Zealand and was introduced to meet demand from industry for a high level programme focussed on and the chemistry, design and processing of plastics materials. This need arose from industries employing both engineering and science graduates who generally had little formal education in polymer materials or processing or knowledge of the commercial world of plastics. Four courses are delivered over a two year period with lectures delivered by both academic staff and industry experts.
Teaching from Polymer Molecular Structure to Technological Properties; Requirements in Developing Countries
Authors: North Alastair M.
Published: September 2015

Polymer Education is considered against a background of four questions. Why do we teach Polymer Science? To whom and by whom is Polymer Science taught? How can instruction in basic Polymer Science be related to capability in Polymer Technology? What aspects are important in developing countries? In developing countries innovative technological research and gathering “tacit knowledge” are needed if they are to break out of the “middle income trap”. So the education of researchers, mostly in universities, as well as of those who will enter industry directly must encourage holistic thinking. Polymer science is usually taught as polymer chemistry, polymer physics and polymer engineering with very little connection between them. This article suggests how a bridge of understanding, being a consideration of polymer molecular motion, can inter‐relate them.
University Polymer Education in Thailand
Authors: Amornsakchai Taweechai , North Alastair M.
Published: September 2015

The scope in Thailand of education in Polymer Science and Technology is reviewed. Five technical colleges offer a diploma in rubber science and technology. Several universities offer a bachelor degree in Polymer or Rubber Science and Technology or Engineering. Others offer degrees in Industrial Chemistry or Materials Science which emphasize polymer technology. A number of universities in Thailand are registered to offer postgraduate degree courses in polymer science/technology/engineering. Of course many universities are authorized to teach polymer science or engineering in their degree courses, or are engaged in polymer research, but do not offer degrees specific to Polymer Science and Technology. Masters degrees have been offered for several decades and now a number of doctoral programs are authorized. Instruction is mainly in reasonably equipped university Chemistry Departments, although there is some in Materials Science programs. Most lecturers have a doctoral degree from a developed country, although Thai PhD graduates are now entering employment. In the instructional process attention has to be paid to problems arising from the nature of teaching in Thai schools. Postgraduate instruction must realize the limited coverage of the first degree as well as certain cultural factors. The majority of the Polymer Bachelor graduates move into industry each year. 80% of Master graduates enter industry. Of the PhD graduates, each year 30% work in industry, about 50% become university lecturers particularly at new universities in the provinces and about 20% work in government research institutes.
Polymer Education in Germany
Authors: Theato Patrick
Published: September 2015

The present article provides an up‐to‐date overview of the education in polymer science as part of the chemical education in Germany. With the change from the renowned “Diplom” curriculum to a Bachelor‐Master educational system, the educational landscape in Germany has transformed. The intention of this report is to offer German and also foreign students a first overview about polymer education in Germany and the chance to participate. With the change to the globally known Bachelor‐Master education system, students have the possibility to study polymer science at any level ranging from Bachelor degree to a postdoctoral study.
Polymer Education in Vietnam
Authors: Van Thu Le , Van Khoi Nguyen , Tung Ngo Trinh
Published: September 2015

In the report, an overview of the polymer education in Vietnam is presented. The universities and research institutions providing the polymer education programs, especially the institute of chemistry, Vietnam academy of science and technology are introduced. Some achievements and the limitations by the polymer education in Vietnam are also discussed.
Polymer Education in Brazil: Present Situation
Authors: dos Santos Cláudio G. , Dias Marcos L. , Canevarolo Sebastião V.
Published: September 2015

Brazilian institutions involved with polymer education have grown substantially in the last few decades, both in number and quality. This paper provides a panorama of the current situation, presenting a view of the Brazilian educational system and discussing how polymer education evolved in the country and now fits within that structure. Given the continental dimensions of Brazil, a regional analysis is presented examining some aspects of polymer teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The presence of specific courses on polymer science in the syllabi of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Engineering programs delivered by Brazilian institutions is considered. The importance of funding agencies in sponsoring polymer education and research at postgraduate level and the crucial role of the Brazilian Polymer Associtation (ABPol) in promoting all aspects of polymer education in Brazil are highlighted.
High‐performance radiofrequency coils for 23Na MRI: brain and musculoskeletal applications
Authors: Wiggins Graham C. , Brown Ryan , Lakshmanan Karthik
Published: September 2015

23Na RF coil design for brain and MSK applications presents a number of challenges, including poor coil loading for arrays of small coils and SNR penalties associated with providing 1H capability with the same coil. The basics of RF coil design are described, as well as a review of historical approaches to dual tuning. There follows a review of published high performance coil designs for MSK and brain imaging. Several coil designs have been demonstrated at 7T and 3T which incorporate close‐fitting receive arrays and in some cases design features which provide 1H imaging with little penalty to 23Na sensitivity. The “nested coplanar loop” approach is examined, in which small transmit‐receive 1H elements are placed within each 23Na loop, presenting only a small perturbation to 23Na performance and minimizing RF shielding issues. Other designs incorporating transmit‐receive arrays for 23Na and 1H are discussed including a 9.4 T 23Na / 1H brain coil. Great gains in 23Na SNR have been made with many of these designs, but simultaneously achieving high performance for 1H remains elusive. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
T1 and T2 temperature dependence of female human breast adipose tissue at 1.5 T: groundwork for monitoring thermal therapies in the breast
Authors: Baron Paul , Deckers Roel , Knuttel Floor M. , Bartels Lambertus W.
Published: September 2015

The T1 and T2 temperature dependence of female breast adipose tissue was investigated at 1.5 T in order to evaluate the applicability of relaxation‐based MR thermometry in fat for the monitoring of thermal therapies in the breast. Relaxation times T1, T2 and T2TSE (the apparent T2 measured using a turbo spin echo readout sequence) were measured in seven fresh adipose breast samples for temperatures from 25 to 65 °C. Spectral water suppression was used to reduce the influence of the residual water signal. The temperature dependence of the relaxation times was characterized. The expected maximum temperature measurement errors based on average calibration lines were calculated. In addition, the heating–cooling reversibility was investigated for two samples. The T1 and T2TSE temperature (T) dependence could be fitted well with an exponential function of 1/T. A linear relationship between T2 and temperature was found. The temperature coefficients (mean ± inter‐sample standard deviation) of T1 and T2TSE increased from 25 °C (dT1/dT = 5.35 ± 0.08 ms/°C, dT2TSE/dT = 3.82 ± 0.06 ms/°C) to 65 °C (dT1/dT = 9.50 ± 0.16 ms/°C, dT2TSE/dT = 7.99 ± 0.38 ms/°C). The temperature coefficient of T2 was 0.90 ± 0.03 ms/°C. The temperature‐induced changes in the relaxation times were found to be reversible after heating to 65 °C. Given the small inter‐sample variation of the temperature coefficients, relaxation‐based MR thermometry appears to be feasible in breast adipose tissue, and may be used as an adjunct to proton resonance frequency shift (PRFS) thermometry in aqueous tissue (glandular + tumor). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid composites from coir fibers reinforced with woven glass fabrics: Physical and mechanical evaluation
Authors: Hamouda Tamer , Hassanin Ahmed H. , Kilic Ali , Candan Zeki , Safa Bodur Mehmet
Published: September 2015

Sandwich composites based on coir fiber nonwoven mats as core material were manufactured by Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding technique. Mechanical and physical properties of produced coir/polyester and coir‐glass/polyester composites were assessed. Samples were evaluated according to their reinforcement contents, resin contents, areal density, and thickness. Tests on physical properties revealed that coir‐glass/polyester sandwich structure has the lowest values of thickness swelling, water absorption and moisture contents compared with coir/polyester composite. Mechanical tests such as tensile strength, open‐hole tensile strength, and flexural strength were also performed on all samples. Coir‐glass/polyester sandwich structure showed significant increase in tensile strength of 70 MPa compared with 8 MPa of coir/polyester composite. Introducing two skins of fiber glass woven roving to coir/polyester increased its flexural strength from 31.8 to 131.8 MPa for coir‐glass/polyester. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2212–2220, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Modeling of the compression behavior of foam cores reinforced with composite rods
Authors: Zhou Jin , Guan Zhong Wei , Cantwell Wesley James
Published: September 2015

This article models the energy‐absorbing characteristics of polymer foams reinforced with either carbon or glass fiber reinforced epoxy rods. Initially, the compression response of 20 mm thick foams containing rods of equal length was modeled and the resulting predictions were compared with experimental data. The FE models have been shown to accurately predict the load–displacement responses of the reinforced foams in most cases. It has been shown that the energy absorbed by the reinforced cores increases linearly with foam density and that it also increases with increasing rod diameter. The energy values were normalized by the mass of the reinforced core to determine specific energy absorption (SEA) values. It has been shown that the SEA increases rapidly with increasing rod diameter and more slowly with increasing foam density. The validated models were used to predict the compression response of foams of different thickness, where it was shown that increasing the thickness of the core results in a reduction in the SEA. In addition, the FE model was used to model graded cores based on composite rods of different lengths. Using differently sized rods allows for the controlled energy absorption as well as the more gradual increase in the sustained crushing load. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2301–2311, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparison of Warfarin Dosages and International Normalized Ratios Before and After Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass Surgery
Authors: Steffen Kristine J. , Wonderlich Joseph A. , Erickson Ann L. , Strawsell Heather , Mitchell James E. , Crosby Ross D.
Published: September 2015

Study Objective

As data are limited for dosing warfarin in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, our objective was to gather data on warfarin pharmacotherapy to aid in the prescribing practices and dosage adjustment of warfarin after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery.

Design

Retrospective medical record review.

Setting

Anticoagulation clinic.

Patients

Twelve patients who underwent RYGB surgery between 2009 and 2011.

Measurements and Main Results

Data were collected on patient demographics, therapeutic indications for warfarin, weekly warfarin doses, and international normalized ratio (INR) values before and after RYGB surgery. To examine whether the relationship between the warfarin dose and therapeutic effect (i.e., INR) of warfarin changed from before to after surgery, we generated a ratio between each INR measurement and the weekly warfarin dose that immediately preceded it (warfarin dose/INR ratio). Mean weekly warfarin dose after RYGB surgery decreased significantly relative to presurgery dose (estimated marginal mean ± SE presurgery dose 37.08 ± 3.31 mg vs postsurgery dose 28.08 ± 3.27 mg; [F(205.63) = 13.23, p<0.001]), whereas INRs increased significantly after surgery from presurgery levels (estimated marginal mean ± SE presurgery INR 2.36 ± 0.15 vs postsurgery INR 2.94 ± 0.14; [F(213.76) = 6.55, p<0.05]). The ratio of warfarin dose/INR from presurgery (estimated marginal mean ± SE 17.64 ± 1.67) to postsurgery (estimated marginal mean ± SE 10.94 ± 1.64) was also significantly reduced [F(206.47) = 20.61, p<0.001], suggesting that a lower warfarin dose was required to produce the desired INR after surgery compared with before surgery.

Conclusion

Warfarin dosages tended to decrease after RYGB surgery, in agreement with previously published literature. These findings suggest the need for increased INR monitoring and patient education for patients taking warfarin after RYGB surgery.
Evaluation of a Community Pharmacy–Based Screening Questionnaire to Identify Patients at Risk for Drug Therapy Problems
Authors: Pammett Robert T. , Blackburn David , Taylor Jeff , Mansell Kerry , Kwan Debbie , Papoushek Christine , Jorgenson Derek
Published: September 2015

Study Objective

To determine if a short screening questionnaire can identify patients at risk for drug therapy problems (DTPs) in a community pharmacy setting.

Design

Self‐administered questionnaire.

Setting

Three community pharmacies in Saskatoon, Canada.

Patients

Forty‐nine adults who were picking up a refill prescription for a medication that had remained stable over the past 6 months (i.e., no changes to drug, dose, or regimen) during 4 consecutive weeks at each of the three pharmacies between November 2013 and February 2014.

Measurements and Main Results

All patients completed a self‐administered screening questionnaire and underwent a blinded comprehensive medication assessment with a clinical pharmacist. Agreement between the screening questionnaire responses and responses based on information from the medication assessment were assessed with Cohen's κ coefficient. The DTPs identified during the medication assessments were categorized in one of the eight standard DTP categories: unnecessary drug therapy, inappropriate drug, subtherapeutic dose, supratherapeutic dose, drug therapy required, adverse drug reaction, noncompliance, and other or unsure. The DTPs were also assigned a severity—mild, moderate, or severe—using adapted Schneider criteria. The number and severity of DTPs identified were compared among patients categorized as high versus low risk for DTPs as determined by the questionnaire responses. Of the 49 patients who completed the study, 18 (37%) were high risk and 31 (63%) low risk. The agreement between risk categorization based on the screening questionnaire and medication assessment was very good (κ = 0.91, p<0.01). Also, patients identified as high risk on the screening questionnaire had a mean of 3.7 (p<0.01) more DTPs than low‐risk patients. Seventeen (94%) of the 18 high‐risk patients had at least one moderate or severe DTP compared with 15 (48%) of the 31 low‐risk patients.

Conclusion

The screening questionnaire was a reliable method for identifying patients in community pharmacies who have a large number of DTPs.
Effect of the partner's health and support on cancer patients' use of general practitioner care
Authors: Heins M. J. ( Marianne) , Hopman E. P. C. ( Petra) , Korevaar J. C. ( Joke) , Schellevis F. G. ( François) , Donker G. A. (Gé) , Rijken P. M. ( Mieke)
Published: September 2015

Objective

Cancer and its treatment often have a profound impact on patients, leading to increased health care use in the years after diagnosis. Social support is an important determinant of health care use. Partners of cancer patients may not always be able to provide all support patients need and patients may then revert to professional health care. We examined whether partners' health and the support they provide affect the use of general practitioner (GP) care in cancer patients.

Methods

Cancer patients aged ≥18, diagnosed <20 years ago with a cancer type with a 5‐year survival rate >20% and no distant metastases were sent a questionnaire, along with their partners. Patients' self‐reported recent use of GP care, i.e. whether they had discussed health problems with the GP in the past year, was assessed. Partner support as perceived by the patient was measured on three scales: Active engagement, protective buffering and overprotection.

Results

We included 219 patients and partners. Many patients discussed physical and emotional problems with their GP (60% and 28% of patients, respectively). Patients were less likely to discuss physical problems when they experienced active engagement and protective buffering, the latter only for females.

Conclusion

Partner support affects use of GP care in cancer patients. GPs should therefore pay attention to the support style of the partner. GPs could ask about the support provided by the partner and inform both patients and partners about support groups where they can share experiences. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patients are dissatisfied with information provision: perceived information provision and quality of life in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Lamers Romy E. D. , Cuypers Maarten , Husson Olga , de Vries Marieke , Kil Paul J. M. , Ruud Bosch J. L. H. , van de Poll‐Franse Lonneke V.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To determine the satisfaction with information received by prostate cancer survivors and associations with health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and illness perception.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed among 999 patients diagnosed between 2006 and 2009. All patients received a questionnaire on HRQoL (EORTC QLQ‐C30), illness perception (B‐IPQ) and satisfaction with information provision (EORTC QLQ‐INFO‐25). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the association between satisfaction with information provision and HRQoL as well as illness perception.

Results

Response rate was 70% (N = 697), 34% (N = 222) indicated to be dissatisfied with the information received. Multivariate linear regression analyses showed a significant positive association between satisfaction with information provision and global health (P = <0.001), emotional functioning (P = 0.004), social functioning (P = 0.027), physical functioning (P = 0.002) and role functioning (P = 0.001). Satisfaction was negatively associated with illness perception subscales on consequences (P = 0.020), timeline (P = 0.031), personal control (P = 0.013), treatment control (P < 0.001), illness concern (P < 0.001), coherence (P = 0.001) and emotional representation (P = 0.004). Hence, more satisfied patients reported fewer consequences of disease, illness concern and emotional representation, but higher personal and treatment control and coherence.

Conclusions

A third of all prostate cancer survivors reported to be dissatisfied with the information received and scored worse on HRQoL and illness perception. A prospective randomized study is needed to study the effect of an intervention that improves information provision on HRQoL and illness perception outcomes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microstructure of the HMX‐Based PBX KS32 after Mechanical Loading
Authors: Herrmann Michael , Förter‐Barth Ulrich , Bohn Manfred A. , Krause Horst , Koch Michael , Arnold Werner
Published: September 2015

Non‐destructive X‐ray diffraction techniques were applied in order to monitor the influence of mechanical and shock‐loading on the microstructure of the plastic‐bonded high explosive KS32. The investigations uncovered damage to embedded coarse HMX crystals and to the binder system HTPB‐IPDI. Damage to the crystals occurred already during the kneading process in terms of deformation twinning. On higher loading between 400 MPa (static) and 480 MPa (dynamic) also crystal fracture was observed. The change in the binder structure was found after both static and dynamic loading, but not in the cured, differently kneaded samples. Moreover, the change in binder structure after dynamic loading was verified by dynamic mechanical analysis, and interpreted as a partial damage of the binder rubber shell around the explosive particles. The results are compared to literature data from imaging techniques.
Childhood Mortality Differentials by Ecological Region in Nepal
Authors: Goli Srinivas , Bhandari Prem , Atla Uma Maheswara Rao , Chattopadhayay Aparajita
Published: September 2015

Despite the rapid decline of childhood mortality in Nepal, there is considerable variation in the rate of progress by ecological region. Using the Nepal Demographic Health Survey 2011 data, we investigate two critical questions: first, whether the ecological differences in childhood mortality still remain independent of the factors known to influence mortality and second, what socio‐economic and demographic factors shape these differences in childhood mortality across the ecological regions? The results from the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, which controls for established socio‐economic and demographic factors known to influence childhood mortality, suggest that children who live in the hill and the Terai regions have a lower probability of death than those from the mountainous areas. The results of the Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition model further reveal that father's education, household economic status, place of residence, higher‐order births with lower birth interval, and mother's employment status significantly contribute to differences in childhood mortality across the ecological regions. Our findings provide important insights on the issue of (ecological) regional disparities in childhood mortality and draw attention to critical challenges for socio‐economic, population, and health policy in Nepal. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A low cost outdoor testing facility for detailed photovoltaic device performance characterization
Authors: Ogulgonen Guvenc , Ozden Talat , Yardim Ugur , Turan Rasit , Kincal Serkan
Published: September 2015

Long term outdoor performance monitoring is the ultimate method to capture the long term performance characteristics of PV devices. As time consuming as this process might be, it is the only way in which the local environmental condition versus PV device characteristics may be captured when making investment decisions. This data needs to be captured at least once through the seasonal cycle. It needs to be correlated to the environmental conditions, this monitoring climatic conditions is a requirement. Solar irradiation conditions must be monitored over a range of inclination angles – direct, diffuse and reflected components must be ideally captured separately. The panels must be held at maximum power generating point through the varying illumination conditions. Periodic IV traces must be captured, in addition to the power output to understand mechanisms of degradation, if present. Furthermore, the IV curves must be summarized in terms of relevant performance metrics. This work describes an outdoor testing facility that addresses all the aforementioned requirements. Reliable equipment selections coupled with adequate modelling strategies allow for the generation of a robust and accessible database of performance data. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Bayesian adaptive blinded sample size adjustment method for risk differences
Authors: Hartley Andrew Montgomery
Published: September 2015

Adaptive sample size adjustment (SSA) for clinical trials consists of examining early subsets of on trial data to adjust estimates of sample size requirements. Blinded SSA is often preferred over unblinded SSA because it obviates many logistical complications of the latter and generally introduces less bias. On the other hand, current blinded SSA methods for binary data offer little to no new information about the treatment effect, ignore uncertainties associated with the population treatment proportions, and/or depend on enhanced randomization schemes that risk partial unblinding. I propose an innovative blinded SSA method for use when the primary analysis is a non‐inferiority or superiority test regarding a risk difference. The method incorporates evidence about the treatment effect via the likelihood function of a mixture distribution. I compare the new method with an established one and with the fixed sample size study design, in terms of maximization of an expected utility function. The new method maximizes the expected utility better than do the comparators, under a range of assumptions. I illustrate the use of the proposed method with an example that incorporates a Bayesian hierarchical model. Lastly, I suggest topics for future study regarding the proposed methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The maximum sustainable heat flux in stably stratified channel flows
Authors: Donda J. M. M. , van Hooijdonk I. G. S. , Moene A. F. , van Heijst G. J. F. , Clercx H. J. H. , van de Wiel B. J. H.
Published: September 2015

In analogy to the nocturnal atmospheric boundary layer, a flux‐driven, cooled channel flow is studied using direct numerical simulations. In agreement with earlier studies, turbulence collapses when the surface cooling exceeds a critical value. In that case, laminarization occurs. Here, the so‐called maximum sustainable heat flux (MSHF) hypothesis is tested. It explains why laminarization will occur at strong cooling rates. It states that in stratified flows the downward heat flux is limited to a maximum, which, in turn, is determined by the momentum of the flow. If the heat extraction at the surface exceeds this maximum, near‐surface stability will increase rapidly, which hampers efficient vertical heat transport further. This positive feedback eventually causes turbulence to be suppressed fully by the intensive density stratification. This framework is used to predict the collapse of turbulence and a good agreement between theory and simulations is found. Therefore, it is concluded that the maximum sustainable heat flux mechanism explains the collapse of turbulence in this kind of flow. In future work, there is the need for an extension to more realistic configurations, allowing for Coriolis effects and more realistic surface boundary conditions.
To track or not to track?
Authors: Pagani Patricio
Published: September 2015

You cannot make the same mistake twice. Or can you?
Client‐side researchers are pivotal as we reinvent market research
Authors: Smith David , Finnemore Giles
Published: September 2015

Do client‐side market researchers play a pivotal role as we reframe what now differentiates market research from other professionals in the evidence‐based decision‐making space?
Formation of oxide films for high‐capacitance aluminum electrolytic capacitor by liquid‐phase deposition and anodizing
Authors: Sakairi Masatoshi , Fujita Ryota , Nagata Shinji
Published: September 2015

Liquid‐phase deposition (LPD) treatment and anodizing were used to form oxide layer for a high‐capacitance aluminum electrolytic capacitor. Formation of protective oxide layers and modification of LPD conditions make it possible to prolong the LPD duration and lead to the formation of TiO2 and NaF deposits on aluminum. A titanium oxide/aluminum oxide mixed layer was formed by a combination process of LPD treatment and anodizing. The capacitance of the formed layer was about 300% higher than that of an anodic oxide film formed on electropolished aluminum. The structures and compositions of the films that were formed were determined by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Systematic Review of Preoperative Fatty Infiltration and Rotator Cuff Outcomes
Authors: Khair M. Michael , Lehman Jason , Tsouris Nicholas , Gulotta Lawrence V.
Published: September 2015

Background

Fatty infiltration (FI) of the muscle as graded by the Goutallier classification (GC) is a well-known sequela following rotator cuff injury. The degree to which this predicts the success of rotator cuff repair is unknown.

Questions/Purposes

We conducted a systematic review to address the following questions: (1) Does the grade of FI of the rotator cuff muscles present preoperatively predict retear rates postoperatively? (2) Are amounts of preoperative FI predictive of functional outcomes following repair?

Methods

Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials online databases were searched for all literature published between January 1966 and March 2015. Keywords were chosen to achieve a broad search category. All articles were reviewed by three of the authors, and those meeting the study inclusion criteria were selected for data abstraction.

Results

The systematic literature review yielded 11 studies reporting on a total of 925 shoulders. Rotator cuffs with moderate or significant FI preoperatively (grades 2–4) had a significantly higher retear rate than those with no or minimal FI (grades 0–1) (59 vs. 25%, p = 0.045). Four studies reported postoperative Constant scores and preoperative GC scores. One study found that lower GC scores were associated with higher Constant scores postoperatively, one found no association, and the data was inconclusive in the other two.

Conclusions

While lower preoperative GC scores are associated with lower rates of rotator cuff retear following repair, there is insufficient data to make conclusions on the effects of FI on functional outcomes following repair.
Surfactant Enhanced Oil Recovery in a High Temperature and High Salinity Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: Ge Jijiang , Wang Yang
Published: September 2015

The goal of this work was to find an effective surfactant system for enhanced oil recovery after water injection substituting for oil at a vuggy fractured reservoir with a high temperature and high salinity (220,000 mg/L). Four types of surfactants with concentrations (less than 0.2 %) were screened. Washing oil experiments were conducted in Amott cells. A surfactant system was established by mixing a surfactant with best ultimate recovery and one with best recovery rate. The optimized surfactant system could recover 50 % of remaining oil. To study the mechanism of enhanced oil recovery after water injection substituting oil, interfacial tension (IFT) and contact angle were measured. Experimental results showed that surfactants with good washing ability had low IFT, but surfactants with low IFT may not have a good washing ability. IFT had no obvious relationship with the increased oil recovery or washing ability. The optimized system could not alter carbonate to decrease the oil‐wetting capability. Though octadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride had a good ability wet the carbonate with water, it could not recover much oil. Therefore, except for interfacial tension and wettability alteration, there must be other parameters dominating oil recovery after water injection substituting for oil.
New modelling approaches to predict wood properties from its cellular structure: image-based representation and meshless methods
Authors: Perré Patrick , Almeida Giana , Ayouz Mehdi , Frank Xavier
Published: September 2015

Key message

The real tissue structure, including local anisotropy directions, is defined from anatomical images of wood. Using this digital representation, thermal/mass diffusivity and mechanical properties (stiffness, large deformation, rupture) are successfully predicted for any anatomical pattern using suitable meshless methods.

Introduction

Wood, an engineering material of biological origin, presents a huge variability among and within species. Understanding structure/property relationships in wood would allow engineers to control and benefit from this variability. Several decades of studies in this domain have emphasised the need to account simultaneously for the phase properties and the phase morphology in order to be able to predict wood properties from its anatomical features. This work is focused on the possibilities offered by meshless computational methods to perform upscaling in wood using actual tissue morphologies obtained by microscopic images.

Methods

After a section devoted to the representation step, the digital representation of wood anatomy by image processing and grid generation, the papers focuses on three meshless methods applied to predict different macroscopic properties in the transverse plane of wood (spruce earlywood, spruce latewood and poplar): Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) allows thermal conductivity and mass diffusivity to be predicted, Material Point Method (MPM) deals with rigidity and compression at large deformations and peridynamic method is used to predict the fracture pathway in the cellular arrangement.

Results

This work proves that the macroscopic properties can be predicted with quite good accuracy using only the cellular structure and published data regarding the cell wall properties. A whole set of results is presented and commented, including the anisotropic ratios between radial and tangential directions.
Religiosity and mental health of pre-adolescents with psychiatric problems and their parents: The TRAILS study
Authors: van der Jagt-Jelsma W. , de Vries-Schot M.R. , de Jong Rint , Hartman C.A. , Verhulst F.C. , Klip H. , van Deurzen P.A.M. , Buitelaar J.K.
Published: September 2015

Background:

This study investigated the association between the religiosity of parents and pre-adolescents, and pre-adolescents’ psychiatric problems.

Method:

In a clinic-referred cohort of 543 pre-adolescents at least once referred to a mental health outpatient clinic mental health problems were assessed using self-reports (Youth Self-Report; YSR), parent reports (Child Behavior Checklist; CBCL), and teacher reports (Teacher's Report Form; TRF) of child behavioral and emotional problems. Paternal, maternal, and pre-adolescent religiosity were assessed by self-report. MANCOVAs were performed for internalizing and externalizing problems as dependent variables, with maternal religiosity, paternal religiosity, pre-adolescent religiosity, parental religious harmony, and gender as independent variables, and socioeconomic status and divorce as covariates.

Results:

Internalizing problems. Pre-adolescents of actively religious mothers had more internalizing symptoms than pre-adolescents of nonreligious mothers. Harmony and gender did not significantly affect the association between maternal religiosity and internalizing problems. Externalizing problems. No associations between religiosity of pre-adolescents, religiosity of mothers, religiosity of fathers and/or harmony of parents and externalizing problem behavior have been found.

Discussion and conclusions:

Overall, associations between mental health and religiosity were modest to absent. Results are discussed in the context of a clinic-referred cohort, the quest phase of internalizing religious beliefs and role modeling of parents.
A new reading of Binchois'sMon seul et souverain desir
Authors: COOK KAREN M.
Published: September 2015

The copyist of the manuscript Oxford, Bodleian Library, Canon. Misc. 213 was detailed and well versed in numerous notational styles, and as a result, examples of unusual notation in this manuscript have drawn a critical eye. Yet the unique transcription of Binchois's rondeauMon seul et souverain desir, in which the copyist alternates between the two common note shapes for the semiminim in the cantus voice, has thus far gone unexplained. This notation has no rhythmic significance; as such, it appears to be a superficial anomaly. In this article, I lay out a rationale for a reading of the notation of the semiminims in this piece as potentially deliberate and meaningful. Over the course of compiling the manuscript, the copyist increasingly aligned semiminim shape with prolation: the full-black shape is used exclusively in minor prolation, whereas the void flagged shape becomes more frequently restricted to major prolation. Since the rondeau is in minor prolation, I suggest that the copyist might have used the void flagged figure in order to suggest a momentary shift into major prolation. In so doing, the copyist might have left to us a witness of a performance practice in which the mensural and rhythmic possibilities inherent in the built-in tension betweenandwere explored.
Liturgical chant bibliography 24
Authors: PAUCKER GÜNTHER MICHAEL
Published: September 2015

The Liturgical chant bibliography 24 retains the traditional format: (1) Editions and facsimile editions, (2) Books and reprints, (3) Congress reports, (4) Chant journals, (5) Colections of essays and dictionaries, (6) Articles in periodicals and Festschriften. Additions to the bibliographies of previous years (mostly reviews) are listed directly after this introduction. This year's bibliography opens with five Cantus planus databases and indexes, which were introduced in a detailed review published in the Journal of the American Musicological Society, 67 (2014), 267–85 (24001).