bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The extracranial arterial system in the heads of beaked whales, with implications on diving physiology and pathogenesis
Authors: Costidis Alexander M. , Rommel Sentiel A.
Published: October 2015

Beaked whales are medium‐sized toothed whales that inhabit depths beyond the continental shelf; thus beaked whale strandings are relatively infrequent compared to those of other cetaceans. Beaked whales have been catapulted into the spotlight by their tendency to strand in association with naval sonar deployment. Studies have shown the presence of gas and fat emboli within the tissues and analysis of gas emboli is suggestive of nitrogen as the primary component. These findings are consistent with human decompression sickness (DCS) previously not thought possible in cetaceans. Because, tissue loading with nitrogen gas is paramount for the manifestation of DCS and nitrogen loading depends largely on the vascular perfusion of the tissues, we examined the anatomy of the extracranial arterial system using stranded carcasses of 16 beaked whales from five different species. Anatomic regions containing lipid and/or air spaces were prioritized as potential locations of nitrogen gas absorption due to the known solubility of nitrogen in adipose tissue and the nitrogen content of air, respectively. Attention was focused on the acoustic fat bodies and accessory sinus system on the ventral head. We found much of the arterial system of the head to contain arteries homologous to those found in domestic mammals. Robust arterial associations with lipid depots and air spaces occurred within the acoustic fat bodies of the lower jaw and pterygoid air sacs of the ventral head, respectively. Both regions contained extensive trabecular geometry with small arteries investing the trabeculae. Our findings suggest the presence of considerable surface area between the arterial system, and the intramandibular fat bodies and pterygoid air sacs. Our observations may provide support for the hypothesis that these structures play an important role in the exchange of nitrogen gas during diving. J. Morphol. 277:5–33, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The relationship between fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing outcome and symptoms of anxiety and depression in dysphagic patients
Authors: Verdonschot Rob J. C. G. , Baijens Laura , Vanbelle Sophie , Florie Michelle , Kremer Bernd , Leue Carsten
Published: October 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Affective complaints are involved in bothersome oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). The aim was to determine the relationship between the severity of OD and affective symptoms.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

One hundred seven patients underwent a standardized examination protocol including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Two observers independently assessed patient performance on four ordinal FEES‐variables (for thin and thick liquid consistency, blindly assessed). The relationship between FEES outcome and the presence of clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and depression was analyzed using binary logistic regression.

Results

Significant associations were found between clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and two variables: piecemeal deglutition (thin liquid consistency only) (P = .026) and postswallow vallecular pooling (thick liquid consistency only) (P = .015). The probability of presenting with anxiety symptoms decreased as the severity of piecemeal deglutition and postswallow vallecular pooling increased. No significant association was found between clinically relevant symptoms of depression and any specific FEES variable.

Conclusions

These data revealed few associations between anxiety symptoms and the measured FEES variables. However, the more severe the score on FEES variables, the less important the affective complaints were. Anxiety seems to play a role in OD, but no causal relationship was found, commensurate with a cross‐sectional study design. The contribution of affective symptoms to the development and treatment of OD warrants longitudinal research.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 126:E199–E207, 2016
Effects of free fat grafting on the prevention of Frey's syndrome and facial depression after parotidectomy: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Wang Shaoxin , Li Ling , Chen Jin , Li Xiaoxia , Yin Jun , Liu Kun , Li Chunhua , Wang Zhaohui , Li Chao , Zhu Guiquan
Published: October 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the effectiveness of free fat grafting in preventing Frey's syndrome (FS) and facial depression after parotidectomy compared with acellular dermis.

Methods

A prospective randomized trial was performed. Patients who underwent parotidectomy were randomly assigned to abdominal free fat or acellular dermis grafting groups. The occurrence of FS, the aesthetic outcome, economic results, and other complications were evaluated.

Results

Both acellular dermis and free fat grafts were effective in preventing FS with an equal rate of postoperative complications. Patients undergoing free fat grafting had a significantly higher aesthetic score and lower cost than those undergoing acellular dermis grafting.

Conclusion

Free fat grafting has equal risks but more advantages compared with acellular dermis. Free fat grafting is an effective, convenient, and inexpensive option for parotidectomy defect reconstruction.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 126:815–819, 2016
Gastroesophageal reflux disease and odds of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in North Carolina
Authors: Busch Evan L. , Zevallos Jose P. , Olshan Andrew F.
Published: October 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Exposure to excess gastric acid resulting from gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux or heartburn, might contribute to initiation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly laryngeal cancer. Prior epidemiologic studies have reported inconsistent results. We sought to clarify this relationship using an observational study with a larger available sample size and better‐characterized exposure information than most prior studies.

Study Design

A population‐based case‐control study of head and neck cancer in North Carolina with 1,340 newly diagnosed cases and 1,378 controls matched on age, race, and sex.

Methods

We used unconditional logistic regression to examine associations between self‐reported heartburn and development of overall head and neck cancer as well as development of cancer at specific tumor sites. Subgroup analysis by smoking and alcoholic drinking status was used to make comparisons with a previous study that used a similar study design.

Results

Overall, an increased odds of head and neck cancer was not associated with either self‐reported history of heartburn symptoms (odds ratio = 0.85; 95% confidence interval 0.68, 1.06) or self‐reported medical diagnosis of GERD (OR = 0.89; 95% CI 0.71, 1.11). These patterns held for specific tumor sites. For laryngopharyngeal cancer, we did not detect any associations regardless of joint smoking and alcoholic drinking status.

Conclusion

Gastroesophageal reflux does not appear to play a role in development of head and neck cancer.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 126:1091–1096, 2016
The late‐annotated small ORF LSO1 is a target gene of the iron regulon of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: An Xiuxiang , Zhang Caiguo , Sclafani Robert A. , Seligman Paul , Huang Mingxia
Published: October 2015

We have identified a new downstream target gene of the Aft1/2‐regulated iron regulon in budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the late‐annotated small open reading frame LSO1. LSO1 transcript is among the most highly induced from a transcriptome analysis of a fet3‐1 mutant grown in the presence of the iron chelator bathophenanthrolinedisulfonic acid. LSO1 has a paralog, LSO2, which is constitutively expressed and not affected by iron availability. In contrast, we find that the LSO1 promoter region contains three consensus binding sites for the Aft1/2 transcription factors and that an LSO1‐lacZ reporter is highly induced under low‐iron conditions in a Aft1‐dependent manner. The expression patterns of the Lso1 and Lso2 proteins mirror those of their mRNAs. Both proteins are localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm, but become more cytoplasmic upon iron deprivation consistent with a role in iron transport. LSO1 and LSO2 appear to play overlapping roles in the cellular response to iron starvation since single lso1 and lso2 mutants are sensitive to iron deprivation and this sensitivity is exacerbated when both genes are deleted.
Survival of microvascular free flaps in mandibular reconstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Markiewicz Michael R. , Bell R. Bryan , Bui Tuan G. , Dierks Eric J. , Ruiz Ramon , Gelesko Savannah , Pirgousis Phillip , Fernandes Rui
Published: October 2015

Background

Free tissue transfer is commonly used in the reconstruction of post‐ablative defects of the mandible. Due to lack of statistical power, comparing the survival of various free flaps, even in large studies, is challenging. The purpose of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis comparing the survival of the most commonly used free flaps for mandibular reconstruction.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS for relevant studies. A meta‐analysis using the Peto one‐step odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to compare the pooled survival of the most commonly used free flaps for mandibular reconstruction.

Results

Of the 25,303 studies reviewed, 17 were selected for data extraction. A total of 1,221 subjects received 1,262 free flaps. Sixty‐five free flaps failed. The pooled survival of all free flaps used for mandibular reconstruction was 94.8%. The deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap was associated with a seven‐fold increase in failure when compared to the radial forearm free flap (Peto OR 7.40; 95% CI 1.38, 39.75, P = 0.02). There was no difference in survival when comparing other commonly used free flaps.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that free flap reconstruction of the mandible is highly successful. With the exception of the increased survival of the radial forearm when compared to the DCIA, there is no difference in recipient site survival when comparing various free flaps for mandibular reconstruction. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:576–587, 2015.
Use of uroflow parameters in diagnosing an overactive bladder—Back to the drawing board
Authors: Futyma Konrad , Nowakowski Łukasz , Bogusiewicz Michał , Ziętek Alicja , Wieczorek Andrzej P. , Rechberger Tomasz
Published: October 2015

Aims

The aim of our study was to analyze whether uroflowmetry parameters are helpful in diagnosing overactive bladder (OAB). The working hypothesis was that the flow curves of patients with OAB symptoms would appear as a sharp peak flow rate with a short duration and high amplitude, lasting only for a short period during urgency sensation, followed by reduced urine flow. We introduced a new parameter called flow index (FI) defined as an average divided by maximal urine flow rates as a potential marker for diagnosing OAB.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study analyzing 757 urodynamic studies performed in women with lower urinary tract symptoms between 2007–2014. Based on subjective clinical symptoms patients were divided into four groups (pure OAB, mixed urinary incontinence with predominant OAB [MUI‐OAB], mixed urinary incontinence with predominant SUI [MUI‐SUI], and pure SUI patients).

Results

When comparing FI between pure OAB and pure SUI patients, a strong statistically significant difference was found (mean 0.45 ± 0.08 vs. 0.53 ± 0.09, respectively; P < 0.001). Similar results were found when comparing the patients with pure OAB and MUI‐OAB versus patients with pure SUI and MUI‐SUI (mean 0.47 ± 0.11 vs. 0.53 ± 0.09, respectively; P < 0.001). On the other hand, we did not find a statistically significant difference in the FI value between mixed urinary incontinence where SUI is the predominant factor and pure SUI groups (median 0.51 ± 0.09 vs. 0.53 ± 0.09, respectively; P > 0.5).

Conclusions

FI may be used as an additional marker for OAB diagnosis. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:198–202, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of a distraction task on the involuntary reflex contraction of the pelvic floor muscles following cough
Authors: Thubert Thibault , Villot Anne , Billecocq Sylvie , Auclair Laurent , Amarenco Gérard , Deffieux Xavier
Published: October 2015

Aims

To explore the involvement of a distraction task in involuntary reflex pelvic floor muscle contraction following cough.

Methods

Informed consent was obtained from 33 healthy volunteers. Involuntary contraction of the external anal sphincter (EAS) was induced by means of coughing. Cough efforts were elicited by electronic order. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of the EAS was recorded during involuntary contraction elicited by coughing. The trials were carried out twice: combined (or not) with a mental distraction task; the paced auditory serial additional test (PASAT). Reaction time (RT) defined as latency between the stimulus and maximum EAS EMG activity (RT1), latency between the stimulus and external intercostal (EIC) muscle EMG activity (RT2), latency between EIC EMG activity and EAS EMG activity (RT3), duration of the contraction, and the area under the EAS EMG activity curve (perineal contraction) were measured.

Results

The distraction task altered anticipation of the PFM contraction: RT3 was −80.00 ms (IQR −107; −56) without the PASAT versus −56.67 ms (IQR: −94; −2) with the distraction task (ratio 0.71, P = 0.0045, Wilcoxon test). RT2 was altered during the distraction task: 583.33 ms (IQR: 344–775) without PASAT versus 652.71 ms (503–790) during PASAT (ratio 1.12, P = 0.031, Wilcoxon test). Finally, when the two conditions (respectively with and without the mental distraction task) were compared, there was a significant difference between the area under the EAS EMG activity curve (0.0115 mv sec vs. 0.0103 mv sec, ratio 0.90, P = 0.023).

Conclusions

The mental distraction task altered involuntary reflex contraction of the pelvic floor muscles. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:160–165, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Imaging of sodium in the brain: a brief review
Authors: Shah N. Jon , Worthoff Wieland A. , Langen Karl‐Josef
Published: October 2015

Sodium‐based MRI plays a vital role in the study of metabolism and can unveil valuable information about emerging and existing pathology – in particular in the human brain. Sodium is the second most abundant MR active nucleus in living tissue and, due to its quadrupolar nature, has magnetic properties not common to conventional proton MRI, which can reveal further insights, such as information on the compartmental distribution of intra‐ and extracellular sodium. Nevertheless, the use of sodium nuclei for imaging comes at the expense of a lower sensitivity and significantly reduced relaxation times, making in vivo sodium studies feasible only at high magnetic field strength and by the use of dedicated pulse sequences.

Hybrid imaging combining sodium MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) simultaneously is a novel and promising approach to access information on dynamic metabolism with much increased, PET‐derived specificity. Application of this new methodology is demonstrated herein using examples from tumour imaging. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Introduction: Descent from Israel and Jewish Identities in the Pacific, Past and Present
Authors: Newland Lynda , Brown Terry M.
Published: October 2015

This Introduction to this Special Issue of Oceania, ‘Descent from Israel: Jewish Identities in the Pacific, Past and Present’, sets the historical context of European interest in Pacific peoples as descended from the ‘Lost Tribes’ of the biblical Hebrews. After surveying the way in which Pacific Christians in the past and present have adopted a Jewish identity, whether through genealogy, biblical and theological interpretation, and/or deep interest in the State of Israel, we then contextualise and summarise the scholarship that follows: on Jewish identity as adopted by churches and religious movements in Fiji, Solomon Islands and Papua Guinea, as well as a final reflection on their significance for Judaism today.
Representative Bureaucracy, Organizational Integrity, and Citizen Coproduction: Does an Increase in Police Ethnic Representativeness Reduce Crime?
Authors: Hong Sounman
Published: October 2015

In 1999, the U.K. government set force‐specific 10‐year targets for recruiting new police officers from ethnic minorities. Using these targets as instrumental variables, this study finds that this policy mandating an increase in the share of ethnic minority officers in a given force is associated with a decrease in the number of crimes in the area under the force's jurisdiction during the 10‐year period. It is argued that greater representativeness and diversity within a public organization improves organizational integrity, which influences bureaucrats’ attitudes and behaviors toward minority citizens. In the context of policing, diversity can mitigate the institutionalized practice of officers acting on implicit assumptions about minorities being inherently more unlawful than whites: Police representativeness is associated with a decrease in the overrepresentation of black individuals among those subject to “stop and search.” Such a change may make minority citizens more willing to cooperate in the coproduction of public values, facilitating the attainment of organizational goals.
Standard of Care for Neuropsychological Monitoring in Pediatric Neuro‐Oncology: Lessons From the Children's Oncology Group (COG)
Authors: Walsh Karin S. , Noll Robert B. , Annett Robert D. , Patel Sunita K. , Patenaude Andrea F. , Embry Leanne
Published: October 2015

As the mortality of pediatric cancers has decreased, focus on neuropsychological morbidities of treatment sequelae have increased. Neuropsychological evaluations are essential diagnostic tools that assess cognitive functioning and neurobiological integrity. These tests provide vital information to support ongoing medical care, documenting cognitive morbidity and response to interventions. We frame standards for neuropsychological monitoring of pediatric patients with CNS malignancy or who received cancer‐directed therapies involving the CNS and discuss billing for these services in the United States in the context of clinical research. We describe a cost‐effective, efficient model of neuropsychological monitoring that may increases access to neuropsychological care. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High performance PP/SEBS/CNF composites: Evaluation of mechanical, thermal degradation, and crystallization properties
Authors: Parameswaranpillai Jyotishkumar , Joseph George , Shinu K.P. , Salim Nisa V. , Hameed Nishar , Jose Seno
Published: October 2015

Nanocomposites comprising carbon nanofibers (CNF) were prepared and evaluated in terms of morphology, mechanical performance, thermal stability and crystallization properties. It was found that addition of CNF reinforced polypropylene (PP) matrix by marginally increasing the strength and modulus, but at the expense of toughness and ductility. To improve the toughness of the composites, polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐ran‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (SEBS) was used. Presence of SEBS remarkably improved the toughness and ductility of the composites. The optimum level of reinforcement was observed at 0.1 wt% of CNF in the composites. Phase morphology studies revealed that at this concentration, CNF were well dispersed in polymer phases and beyond it, agglomeration occurred. PP/SEBS/CNF (0.1 wt%) nanocomposites exhibited good strength, excellent toughness and decent modulus, which make them suitable for cost effective, light‐weight, tough and stiff material for engineering applications. It was observed that thermal stability of composites is only marginally improved whereas crystallinity of PP drastically reduced by the addition of CNF. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2440–2449, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Subtle tissue and sex‐dependent proteome variation in mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) populations of the Galician coast (NW Spain) raised in a common environment
Authors: Atasaral‐Şahin Şebnem , Romero Mónica R. , Cueto Rosa , González‐Lavín Nerea , Marcos Manuel , Diz Angel P.
Published: October 2015

The mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis is one of the most important marine resources for aquaculture in Europe, and Galicia (NW Spain) is the EU's leading region for production. Variation in environmental and ecological factors exists in Northern and Southern estuaries of this region, and natural selection could have modulated genetic variation among populations with adaptation to local conditions as the driving force. Results from a previous genetic study using neutral markers suggested subtle genetic differentiation between mussel populations from both estuarine areas. In this new study, mussel samples from Northern and Southern estuaries were brought into a common environment to test for proteome differences due to genetic and permanent non‐genetic effects in populations from both estuarine areas, using both foot and mantle border tissues. Because the sex of the mussels was determined through histological tests, sex‐specific effects were also examined. Evidence of subtle differences in the foot proteome, dependent on mussel sex, were detected between populations from both estuaries. These differences were more marked for female samples. No evidence of proteome differences was found for the factors estuaries and sex in mantle border tissue. Candidate proteins with a potential role in local adaptation were identified and point to molecular functions that might be involved in responses to different stressors.
Short‐term and long‐term effects of a psycho‐educational group intervention for family caregivers in palliative home care – results from a randomized control trial
Authors: Holm Maja , Årestedt Kristofer , Carlander Ida , Fürst Carl‐Johan , Wengström Yvonne , Öhlen Joakim , Alvariza Anette
Published: October 2015

Background

Family caregivers in cancer and palliative care often face heavy responsibilities and feel insufficiently prepared for the situation as caregivers. This study evaluates short‐term and long‐term effects of a psycho‐educational group intervention aiming to increase preparedness for family caregiving in specialized palliative home care.

Methods

The study design was a randomized control trial where family caregivers were allocated either to an intervention or control group. The intervention was delivered as a program including three sessions by health professionals (physician, nurse, and social worker/priest). Family caregivers from 10 specialized palliative home care settings were included. Questionnaires with validated instruments at baseline, upon completion, and 2 months following the intervention were used to measure effects of the intervention. The primary outcome was preparedness for caregiving in family caregivers.

Results

In total, 21 intervention programs were delivered, and 119 family caregivers completed all three measurements. The intervention group had significantly increased their preparedness for caregiving in both the short‐term and long‐term follow‐up compared with the control group. The intervention group also reported significantly increased competence for caregiving in short‐term but not long. No effects of the intervention were found on rewards for caregiving, caregiver burden, health, anxiety, or depression.

Conclusions

The psycho‐educational intervention has the potential to be used by health professionals to improve preparedness for caregiving among family caregivers in palliative care both in short and long terms. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of Cold Atmospheric Plasma Jet at the End of Flexible Plastic Tube for Microbial Decontamination
Authors: Kostov Konstantin G. , Nishime Thalita M. C. , Machida Munemasa , Borges Aline C. , Prysiazhnyi Vadym , Koga‐Ito Cristiane Y.
Published: October 2015

Recently, cold atmospheric plasmas have demonstrated very promising antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo including selective destruction of tumor cells. However, the size and the rigidity of most plasma systems limit the clinical application for treatments in internal organs or regions with difficult access (e.g., mouth). Here, we report a device that allows ignition of cold He plasma jet at the tip of 1 m long, 3.5 mm diameter, flexible plastic tube. It is connected to a dielectric enclosure where dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is generated by a low‐frequency AC power supply. A thin wire at floating potential put inside the plastic tube assists the formation of plasma jet at the downstream tube end. The flexible tube can be kept and manipulated by hand without electric shock and thus the plasma jet can be easily directed to a target. Variation of duty cycle of the applied voltage signal allows precise adjustment of the discharge power. The anti‐microbial efficiency of plasma jet system with flexible tube was tested against fungus Candida albicans seeded on agar.
LGM Permafrost Thickness and Extent in the Northern Hemisphere derived from the Earth System Model iLOVECLIM
Authors: Kitover D. C. , van Balen R. T. , Vandenberghe J. , Roche D. M. , Renssen H.
Published: October 2015

An estimate of permafrost extent and thickness in the northern hemisphere during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ~ 21 ka) has been produced using the VU University Amsterdam Permafrost Snow (VAMPERS) model, forced by iLOVECLIM, an Earth System Model of Intermediate Complexity. We present model results that give both permafrost thickness and extent. In the northern hemisphere, permafrost is estimated to have extended southwards to approximately 50°N in Asia and have achieved 1500 m thickness in Russia. The simulated distribution is compared with a reconstruction of northern hemisphere permafrost extent (Vandenberghe et al., ). We contend that the areas which agree with Vandenberghe et al. () are the approximate areas of continuous permafrost during the LGM. In Asia, the model results agree well until approximately 50°N, which is also the approximate 0°C mean annual ground temperature isotherm estimated by iLOVECLIM. South of this limit, therefore, were likely the areas of discontinuous, sporadic and isolated permafrost during the LGM. However, it becomes difficult to model these more sensitive areas of permafrost extent since formation is dependent on local factors that are too fine for our grid's spatial resolution. In Europe, the model results disagree with the reconstruction but this was to be expected since iLOVECLIM is known to carry a warm bias in this region. For permafrost thickness, we compare our estimates with previous research and find that we have reasonably close approximations but there is a wide range of uncertainty since the subsurface parameters of lithology and water content are generalised. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulmonary ventilation and micro‐structural findings in congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Spoel Marjolein , Marshall Helen , IJsselstijn Hanneke , Parra‐Robles Juan , van der Wiel Els , Swift Andrew J. , Rajaram Smitha , Tibboel Dick , Tiddens Harm A.W.M. , Wild Jim M.
Published: October 2015

Background

With increasing survival of patients with more severe forms of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and risk of long‐term respiratory morbidity, studies on lung morphology are needed. We used hyperpolarised 3He MRI and anatomical 1H MRI in a cohort of young adult CDH patients to image regional lung ventilation and microstructure, focusing on morphological and micro‐structural (alveolar) abnormalities.

Methods

Nine patients with left‐sided CDH, born 1975–1993, were studied. Regional ventilation was imaged with hyperpolarised 3He MRI, and the 3He apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was computed separately for the ipsilateral and contralateral lungs. 1H MRI was used to image lung anatomy, total lung volume and motion during free‐breathing.

Results

3He MRI showed ventilation abnormalities in six patients, ranging from a single ipsilateral ventilation defect (3 patients) to multiple ventilation defects in both lungs (one patient treated with extra corporeal membrane oxygenation). In eight patients, 3He ADC values for the ipsilateral lung were significantly higher than those for the contralateral lung.

Conclusions

Functional and micro‐structural changes persist into adulthood in most CDH patients. Ipsilateral elevated 3He ADC values are consistent with enlargement of mean dimensions of the confining lung micro‐structure at the alveolar level. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:517–524. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robotic single‐site versus laparo‐endoscopic single‐site surgery for adnexal tumours: a propensity score‐matching analysis
Authors: Paek Jiheum , Lee Jung‐Dong , Kong Tae Wook , Chang Suk‐Joon , Ryu Hee‐Sug
Published: October 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of robotic single‐site (RSS) and laparo‐endoscopic single‐site (LESS) surgery for adnexal tumours and evaluate the feasibility of RSS surgery.

Methods

RSS surgery was performed using the da Vinci Single‐Site® surgical platform and LESS surgery using a single multi‐channel port system. Surgical outcomes were compared between RSS (n = 20) and LESS (n = 228) after 1:4 propensity score matching.

Results

After the propensity score matching, the RSS group showed longer operating times than the LESS (91.1 vs 66.1 min; p = 0.001). While the LESS showed 1.3% of major complication rates, the RSS group had no perioperative complication. For the LESS, 2.5% of patients needed additional port insertion.

Conclusions

The RSS surgery for adnexal tumours could be performed safely without complications or additional port insertion. Although it showed a longer operating time, further experience and technical refinements will continue to improve operative results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Atomistic Tomographic Study of Oxygen and Hydrogen Atoms and their Molecules in CVD Grown Graphene
Authors: Baik Sung‐Il , Ma Lulu , Kim Yoon‐Jun , Li Bo , Liu Mingjie , Isheim Dieter , Yakobson Boris I. , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Seidman David N.
Published: October 2015

The properties and growth processes of graphene are greatly influenced by the elemental distributions of impurity atoms and their functional groups within or on the hexagonal carbon lattice. Oxygen and hydrogen atoms and their functional molecules (OH, CO, and CO2) positions' and chemical identities are tomographically mapped in three dimensions in a graphene monolayer film grown on a copper substrate, at the atomic part‐per‐million (atomic ppm) detection level, employing laser assisted atom‐probe tomography. The atomistic plan and cross‐sectional views of graphene indicate that oxygen, hydrogen, and their co‐functionalities, OH, CO, and CO2, which are locally clustered under or within the graphene lattice. The experimental 3D atomistic portrait of the chemistry is combined with computational density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations to enhance the understanding of the surface state of graphene, the positions of the chemical functional groups, their interactions with the underlying Cu substrate, and their influences on the growth of graphene.
Piezo‐Phototronic Effect Controlled Dual‐Channel Visible light Communication (PVLC) Using InGaN/GaN Multiquantum Well Nanopillars
Authors: Du Chunhua , Jiang Chunyan , Zuo Peng , Huang Xin , Pu Xiong , Zhao Zhenfu , Zhou Yongli , Li Linxuan , Chen Hong , Hu Weiguo , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: October 2015

Visible light communication (VLC) simultaneously provides illumination and communication via light emitting diodes (LEDs). Keeping a low bit error rate is essential to communication quality, and holding a stable brightness level is pivotal for illumination function. For the first time, a piezo‐phototronic effect controlled visible light communication (PVLC) system based on InGaN/GaN multiquantum wells nanopillars is demonstrated, in which the information is coded by mechanical straining. This approach of force coding is also instrumental to avoid LED blinks, which has less impact on illumination and is much safer to eyes than electrical on/off VLC. The two‐channel transmission mode of the system here shows great superiority in error self‐validation and error self‐elimination in comparison to VLC. This two‐channel PVLC system provides a suitable way to carry out noncontact, reliable communication under complex circumstances.
The anatomy of big data computing
Authors: Kune Raghavendra , Konugurthi Pramod Kumar , Agarwal Arun , Chillarige Raghavendra Rao , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: October 2015

Advances in information technology and its widespread growth in several areas of business, engineering, medical, and scientific studies are resulting in information/data explosion. Knowledge discovery and decision‐making from such rapidly growing voluminous data are a challenging task in terms of data organization and processing, which is an emerging trend known as big data computing, a new paradigm that combines large‐scale compute, new data‐intensive techniques, and mathematical models to build data analytics. Big data computing demands a huge storage and computing for data curation and processing that could be delivered from on‐premise or clouds infrastructures. This paper discusses the evolution of big data computing, differences between traditional data warehousing and big data, taxonomy of big data computing and underpinning technologies, integrated platform of big data and clouds known as big data clouds, layered architecture and components of big data cloud, and finally open‐technical challenges and future directions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental study on a self‐centering coupling beam eliminating the beam elongation effect
Authors: Deng Kailai , Pan Peng , Wu Shoujun
Published: October 2015

Traditional self‐centering coupling beams display a beam elongation effect under large shear deformation. The beam elongation effect conflicts with the rigid slab assumption and may induce harmful compressive stress between the coupling beam and the walls. This paper proposes a novel self‐centering coupling beam, aimed at eliminating the beam elongation effect. The proposed self‐centering coupling beam consists of two connecting parts and one central rocking part. The main feature of the self‐centering coupling beam is the gap between the central rocking part and the one connecting part. This gap provides sufficient space for the beam elongation effect. Friction dampers are installed at the corners of the coupling beam to provide energy dissipation capacity. An experimental study, including three specimens, was carried out. The test results demonstrate the satisfactory self‐centering and energy dissipation capacities of the novel coupling beam. Based on these test results, we quantitatively discuss the pretension force in the pretensioning strands, the friction force of the damper and the gap width in the coupling beam. A finite element analysis is performed, showing that the coupling beam gap protects the coupling beam and adjacent shear wall from damage caused by the beam elongation effect. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Political Leadership in Liberal Democracies
Authors: Elgie Robert
Published: October 2015

[A] compelling case for the institutional analysis of political leadership ... you must buy and read this book.' - R.A.W. Rhodes, Public Administration. '[A] valuable contribution not only to the study of political leadership, but also to the study of comparative politics.' - Valerie Mort, Talking Politics. Concentrating on the period since 1945, Political Leadership in Liberal Democracies examines the resources of and constraints on political leaders in contemporary political systems. The book compares six countries to assess the effectiveness of political leadership and its relationship to the nature of institutional structures and political environments. The author argues that while the leadership environment has become more constraining and difficult in recent years, the potential for effective leadership in liberal democracies has not been extinguished.
Der “vernünftige Grund” zur Tötung von überzähligen Tieren. Eine klassische
Frage des Tierschutzrechts im Kontext der biomedizinischen Forschung
Authors: Chmielewska Justyna , Bert Bettina , Grune Barbara , Hensel Andreas , Schönfelder Gilbert
Published: October 2015

Der Begriff des vernünftigen Grundes gehört zu den schwierigsten und zugleich am meisten
diskutierten Problemen des deutschen Tierschutzrechts. Dennoch ist der Bereich des Tierversuchsrechts von
der Rechtsprechung diesbezüglich noch nicht erschlossen. Der Beitrag soll in diesem Zusammenhang das
Spannungsverhältnis zwischen der modernen biomedizinischen Forschung und den Belangen des Tierschutzes
verdeutlichen und Lösungsansätze entwickeln.
Assessing the Capacity of the US Health Care System to Use Additional Mechanical Ventilators During a Large-Scale Public Health Emergency
Authors: Ajao Adebola , Nystrom Scott V. , Koonin Lisa M. , Patel Anita , Howell David R. , Baccam Prasith , Lant Tim , Malatino Eileen , Chamberlin Margaret , Meltzer Martin I.
Published: October 2015

Objective

A large-scale public health emergency, such as a severe influenza pandemic, can generate large numbers of critically ill patients in a short time. We modeled the number of mechanical ventilators that could be used in addition to the number of hospital-based ventilators currently in use.

Methods

We identified key components of the health care system needed to deliver ventilation therapy, quantified the maximum number of additional ventilators that each key component could support at various capacity levels (ie, conventional, contingency, and crisis), and determined the constraining key component at each capacity level.

Results

Our study results showed that US hospitals could absorb between 26,200 and 56,300 additional ventilators at the peak of a national influenza pandemic outbreak with robust pre-pandemic planning.

Conclusions

The current US health care system may have limited capacity to use additional mechanical ventilators during a large-scale public health emergency. Emergency planners need to understand their health care systems’ capability to absorb additional resources and expand care. This methodology could be adapted by emergency planners to determine stockpiling goals for critical resources or to identify alternatives to manage overwhelming critical care need. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:634–641)
On the role of the history force for inertial particles in turbulence
Authors: Daitche Anton
Published: October 2015

The history force is one of the hydrodynamic forces that act on a particle moving through a fluid. It is an integral over the full time history of the particle’s motion and significantly complicates the equations of motion (accordingly it is often neglected). We present here a study of the influence of this force on particles moving in a turbulent flow, for a wide range of particle parameters. It is shown that the magnitude of the history force can be significant and that it can have a considerable effect on the particles’ slip velocity, acceleration, preferential concentration and collision rate. We also investigate the parameter dependence of the strength of these effects.
Supplementation of sodium butyrate protects mice from the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Authors: Jin Cheng Jun , Sellmann Cathrin , Engstler Anna Janina , Ziegenhardt Doreen , Bergheim Ina
Published: October 2015

Overnutrition, insulin resistance and an impaired intestinal barrier function are discussed as critical factors in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Not only butyrate-producing probiotics as well as supplementation of sodium butyrate (SoB) have been suggested to bear protective effects on liver damage of various aetiologies. However, whether an oral consumption of SoB has a protective effect on Western-style diet (WSD)-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and if so molecular mechanism involved has not yet been determined. Eight-week-old C57BL/6J mice were pair-fed either a liquid control or WSD±0·6 g/kg body weight SoB. After 6 weeks, markers of liver damage, inflammation, toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 signalling, lipid peroxidation and glucose as well as lipid metabolism were determined in the liver tissue. Tight junction protein levels were determined in the duodenal tissue. SoB supplementation had no effects on the body weight gain or liver weight of WSD-fed mice, whereas liver steatosis and hepatic inflammation were significantly decreased (e.g. less inflammatory foci and neutrophils) when compared with mice fed only a WSD. Tight junction protein levels in duodenum, hepatic mRNA expression of TLR-4 and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c were altered similarly in both WSD groups when compared with controls, whereas protein levels of myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88, inducible nitric oxide synthase, 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts and F4/80 macrophages were only significantly induced in livers of mice fed only the WSD. In summary, these data suggest that an oral supplementation of SoB protects mice from inflammation in the liver and thus from the development of WSD-induced NASH.
HEIGHT, PARTNERS AND OFFSPRING: EVIDENCE FROM TAIWAN
Authors: Tao Hung-Lin , Yin Ching-Chen
Published: October 2015

Using Taiwanese data, this study finds that tall males are more successful in mate selection and reproduction, but the results are weakly significant. Height is not helpful for females’ reproductive success. Specifically, tall males are more likely to have a partner at present or in the past, have at least one child, have more children, have a shorter period of celibacy and have a longer time duration of living with a partner in their lifetime. Using mediation analysis, the study shows that tall males’ reproductive success is not due to their achievements in the labour market (earnings), but is simply due to their heightper se. Finally, a college student data set is used to explore the relation between height and dating hours. Tall male students have more dating hours, but no relation is found between females’ height and dating hours.
Using camera trap data to assess the impact of bushmeat hunting on forest mammals in Tanzania
Authors: Hegerl Carla , Burgess Neil D. , Nielsen Martin R. , Martin Emanuel , Ciolli Marco , Rovero Francesco
Published: October 2015

Bushmeat hunting is a pantropical threat to rainforest mammals. Understanding its effects on species richness, community composition and population abundance is of critical conservation relevance. As data on the pre-hunting state of mammal populations in Africa are not generally available, we evaluated the impacts of illegal bushmeat hunting on the mammal community of two ecologically similar forests in the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania. The forests differ only in their protection status: one is a National Park and the other a Forest Reserve. We deployed systematic camera trap surveys in these forests, amounting to 850 and 917 camera days in the Forest Reserve and the National Park, respectively, and investigated differences between the two areas in estimated species-specific occupancies, detectabilities and species richness. We show that the mammal community in the Forest Reserve is degraded in all aspects relative to the National Park. Species richness was almost 40% lower in the Forest Reserve (median 18 vs 29 species, highest posterior density intervals 15–30 and 23–47, respectively). Occupancy of most species was also reduced significantly and the functional community appeared significantly altered, with an increase in rodents, and loss of large carnivores and omnivores. Overall, our results show how ineffective reserve management, with almost absent law enforcement, leads to uncontrolled illegal hunting, which in turn has a significant impact on the mammal fauna of globally important sites for conservation.
OPTIMAL SWITCHING ON AND OFF THE ENTIRE SERVICE CAPACITY OF A PARALLEL QUEUE
Authors: Feinberg Eugene A. , Zhang Xiaoxuan
Published: October 2015

This paper studies optimal switching on and off of the entire service capacity of an M/M/∞ queue with holding, running and switching costs. The running costs depend only on whether the system is on or off, and the holding costs are linear. The goal is to minimize average costs per unit time. The main result is that an average-cost optimal policy either always runs the system or is an (M, N)-policy defined by two thresholds M and N, such that the system is switched on upon an arrival epoch when the system size accumulates to N and is switched off upon a departure epoch when the system size decreases to M. It is shown that this optimization problem can be reduced to a problem with a finite number of states and actions, and an average-cost optimal policy can be computed via linear programming. An example, in which the optimal (M, N)-policy outperforms the best (0, N)-policy, is provided. Thus, unlike the case of single-server queues studied in the literature, (0, N)-policies may not be average-cost optimal.
Resurgence of measles in Serbia 2010–2011 highlights the need for supplementary immunization activities
Authors: NEDELJKOVIĆ J. , RAKIĆ ADROVIĆ S. , TASIĆ G. , KOVAČEVIĆ-JOVANOVIĆ V. , LONČAREVIĆ G. , HÜBSCHEN J. M. , MULLER C. P.
Published: October 2015

Between December 2010 and August 2011 an outbreak of measles occurred in Serbia with 363 reported cases. Sera and/or nose/throat swabs were collected from 193 patients and tested for measles-specific IgM antibodies by ELISA and viral RNA by RT–PCR, respectively. Epidemiological data were obtained from the surveillance database of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia. Of the 363 cases involved in the outbreak, 113 were laboratory confirmed. More than one third of the patients were hospitalized (n= 130, 35·8%) and for 15 (4·1% of the reported outbreak cases) the infection was complicated by pneumonia. Mostly pre-school children aged ⩽4 years (37·8%) and adults aged ⩾30 years (27·3%) were affected. The majority of patients belonged to the Roma population with a preponderance of female cases (57·0%). Nearly 94% of the patients were either unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination status. The main outbreak virus was the D4-Hamburg strain. The outbreak in Serbia occurred after several years of very low measles incidence despite a high routine immunization coverage in the general population, suggesting that special efforts to identify and vaccinate susceptible population groups are required even in countries with apparently good disease control.
Association of meteorological and geographical factors and risk of initialPseudomonas aeruginosaacquisition in young children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: PSOTER K. J. , DE ROOS A. J. , WAKEFIELD J. , MAYER J. D. , BRYAN M. , ROSENFELD M.
Published: October 2015

Initial infection with the sentinel respiratory pathogen in children with cystic fibrosis (CF),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(Pa), is generally with environmental strains of this ubiquitous organism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between meteorological and geographical factors and risk of initialPaacquisition in young children with CF. Using the U.S. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry from 2003 to 2009, 3463 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 48% (n= 1659) acquiredPaduring follow-up. From multivariable Weibull regression, increased risk ofPaacquisition was associated with increasing temperature [hazard ratio (HR) per 1 °C: 1·13; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·08–1·13], dew point (HR per 1 °C: 1·10, 95% CI 1·07–1·13), rainfall (HR per cm: 1·10, 95% CI 1·07–1·12), latitude (HR per 1 °C northing: 1·15, 95% CI 1·11–1·20), longitude (HR per 1 °C easting: 1·01, 95% CI 1·01–1·02) and elevation (HR per 100 m: 1·05, 95% CI 1·03–1·07). These results suggest that environmental factors may play a previously unrecognized role in the aetiology of initialPaacquisition.