bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term outcomes after hand‐sewn versus circular‐stapled (25 and 29 mm) anastomotic technique after esophagogastrectomy for esophageal cancer
Authors: Rostas Jack W. , Graffree Beunca D. , Scoggins Charles R. , McMasters Kelly M. , Martin Robert C. G.
Published: October 2017

Background

Anastomotic stricture following esophagogastrectomy (EG) can lead to significant dysphagia, necessitating interventions such as endoscopic dilatation. These post‐operative complications gain importance with the increased survival rate of patients after EG. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of both circular‐stapled (CS: 25 and 29 mm) and hand‐sewn (HS) anastomoses after EG.

Methods

We reviewed prospectively accrued data from December 2004 to December 2014 identifying all patients undergoing EG for esophageal cancer. Immediate post‐operative and long‐term complications were noted. Primary outcome measures included anastomotic leak and stricture, dysphagia, and subsequent.

Results

A total of 142 patients were identified for analysis. The method used for reconstruction was noted: CS‐EEA‐25 mm (n = 30), CS‐EEA‐29 mm (n = 30), and HS (n = 82). Demographics, tumor pathology, and tumor locations were similar in each group. All groups experienced similar rates of anastomotic leak, stricture, and dysphagia. Furthermore, post‐operative dilations for symptomatic dysphagia were required in 3 (10%), 4 (13%), and 9 (11%) patients, P = 0.91.

Conclusion

In this cohort, the method of anastomotic construction had no bearing on the rate of complications after EG for the treatment of esophageal cancer. Furthermore, long‐term need for dilations for symptomatic dysphagia was equal among all groups.
Comparison of common risk stratification indices to predict outcomes among stage IV cancer patients with bowel obstruction undergoing surgery
Authors: Bateni Sarah B. , Bold Richard J. , Meyers Frederick J. , Canter Daniel J. , Canter Robert J.
Published: October 2017

Background and Objectives

Among patients with disseminated malignancy (DMa), bowel obstruction is common with high operative morbidity. Since preoperative risk stratification is critical, we sought to compare three standard risk indices, the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and modified frailty index (mFI).

Methods

We identified 1928 DMa patients with bowel obstruction who underwent an abdominal operation from 2007 to 2012 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Multivariate analyses assessed predictors of prolonged length of stay (LOS), 30‐day serious morbidity and mortality. Receiver operating characteristics’ areas under the curves (AUCs) for risk indices scores and 30‐day mortality were assessed.

Results

Serious morbidity and mortality rates were 20.4% and 14.8%. ASA and CCI did not predict serious morbidity or prolonged LOS, but were predictors of mortality. The mFI did not predict prolonged LOS, but did predict serious morbidity and mortality. Subgroup analyses showed similar results. There were no significant differences between ASA, CCI, and mFI AUCs for mortality.

Conclusions

ASA, CCI, and mFI are limited in their ability to predict postoperative adverse events among DMa patients undergoing surgery for bowel obstruction. These data suggest that a more tailored preoperative risk stratification tool would improve treatment planning.
Pancreaticojejunostomy: Does the technique matter? A randomized trial
Authors: Singh Anand N. , Pal Sujoy , Mangla Vivek , Kilambi Ragini , George Joseph , Dash Nihar R. , Chattopadhyay Tushar K. , Sahni Peush
Published: October 2017

Background

Despite a large number of studies, the ideal technique of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains debatable. We compared the two most common techniques of PJ (duct‐to‐mucosa and dunking) in a randomized trial.

Methods

This open‐label randomized trial was done at a tertiary care center from January 2009 to October 2015. Patients with resectable periampullary tumours with a pancreatic duct diameter ≥2 mm, requiring PD were randomly assigned to one of the two techniques using computer generated random numbers. The primary outcome was postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) rate and secondary outcomes were frequency of other postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 193 patients were randomized and analyzed (intention‐to‐treat analysis), 97 in duct‐to‐mucosa and 96 in dunking group. Both groups were comparable for baseline demographic and clinical profiles. The incidence of POPF in the entire study group was 23.8%. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (24.7% vs 22.9%,P = 0.71). Similarly, the incidence of grades B and C (clinically significant) POPF was comparable (16.5% vs 13.5%,P = 0.57). Both groups were comparable with respect to the secondary outcomes.

Discussion

The duct‐to‐mucosa technique of PJ after PD is not superior to the dunking technique with respect to POPF rate. (CTRI/2010/091/000531)
Effect of nephrectomy for retroperitoneal sarcoma on post‐operative renal function
Authors: Kim Daniel B. , Gray Richard , Li Zhuo , Wasif Nabil , Bagaria Sanjay P.
Published: October 2017

Background and Objectives

Surgical resection of retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) often involves removal of the ipsilateral kidney. We evaluated the long‐term post‐operative renal function in patients who underwent a nephrectomy as part of their en‐bloc resection of RPS.

Methods

Retrospective review of an institutional database identified RPS patients who underwent nephrectomy for curative intent from 1990 to 2014. The primary outcome measured was chronic kidney disease (CKD) calculated by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Results

Of the 47 patients in our study, 19 (40%), 18 (38%), and 10 (21%) patients had a preoperative CKD stage 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The GFR decreased by an average of 33.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 with 66% of patients demonstrating mild progression of their renal impairment. Only three (6%) patients progressed to CKD stage 4 or 5, one of which required life‐long dialysis.

Conclusion

Nephrectomy as part of an en‐bloc resection is associated with a decrease in GFR that is not clinically significant. Fear of kidney failure should not prevent a surgeon from performing a nephrectomy in the treatment of RPS.
Factors affecting hospital length of stay following pelvic exenteration surgery
Authors: Guo Ying , Chang Eugene , Bozkurt Mehtap , Park Minjeong , Liu Diane , Fu Jack B.
Published: October 2017

Background and Objectives

Total pelvic exenteration are performed in patients with locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignances. Many patients have prolong hospital length of stay (LOS), but risk factors are not clearly identified.

Methods

From 2002 through 2012, 100 consecutive patients undergoing pelvic exenteration were retrospectively reviewed. A general linear model was used to examine risk factors for prolonged hospital LOS.

Results

Among the 100 patients, 51 had gastrointestinal cancer, 14 had genitourinary cancer, 31 had gynecologic cancer, and 4 had sarcoma. Perioperative complications included infection (n = 44), anastomotic leak/fistula (n = 6), wound or flap dehiscence (n = 11), and ileus or bowel obstruction (n = 30). The median (Interquartile range (IQR)) hospital LOS was 15 days (10‐21.5 days). On multivariate regression analysis, hospital LOS was significantly prolonged by underweight status, genitourinary cancer or sarcoma diagnosis, ≥2 infections, anastomotic leak/fistula, requiring rehabilitation consult and admission, and ≥2 consultations (P = 0.05).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing pelvic exenteration, prolonged hospital LOS is associated with underweight status, genitourinary cancer or sarcoma diagnosis, more than one infection, anastomotic leak/fistula, requiring rehabilitation consult and admission, and more than one consultation. Further study is needed to assess whether minimizing these risk factors can improve hospital LOS in these patients.
Incidence and histologic features of mixed renal tumors
Authors: Kocher Neil J. , Rjepaj Chris , Lehman Erik , Raman Jay D.
Published: October 2017

Background and Objectives

Guidelines for management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) incompletely address the implications of mixed renal tumor histology. We investigate the incidence of mixed renal tumors identified at renal surgery and determine the association with pathologic features.

Methods

Institutional kidney tumor database was reviewed to identify 536 patients who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy. Clinical, demographic, and pathologic data were collected. A linear fixed effects model and logistic regression determined the association of mixed tumor histology with tumor size, stage, grade, and nephrometry score.

Results

Three hundred and eighteen men and 218 women with a median BMI of 31 and median tumor size of 3.5 cm were included. 469 (87.5%) patients had pathologic kidney cancer with the most common histologies being clear cell carcinoma in 343 (73.1%) patients, papillary in 81 (17.3%) patients, and chromophobe in 25 (5.3%) patients. Twenty (4.3%) patients had mixed tumors on final pathology. Clear cell RCC was the most common primary pathology in patients with mixed tumor histology (n = 14, 75%) with additional primary tumor histologies included papillary and chromophobe. When considering secondary histologies, 85% were coexistent primary renal cancers while 15% (n = 3) were benign renal tumors. No association of mixed tumor histology and adverse pathologic features was noted.

Conclusions

Mixed tumor histology is an uncommon entity that is not associated with adverse features in a solitary renal mass. These results are especially relevant in discussing the role of renal mass biopsy, and provide further evidence that renal sampling is a valuable tool in the appropriate clinical context.
Specimen mapping in head and neck cancer using fluorescence imaging
Authors: Teraphongphom Nutte , Kong Christina S. , Warram Jason M. , Rosenthal Eben L.
Published: October 2017

Overview

Although the agreed‐upon standard is circumferential pathology analysis of the interface between the resected specimen and the patient, there is currently no consensus on the optimal methodology to achieve this in head and neck cancer specimens. This is most commonly conducted by either sampling the wound bed after resection or obtaining samples from the specimen. Regardless of the technique, only a fraction of the area of interest can be sampled due to the labor‐intensive nature of frozen sections.

Objective

This review will cover and define the possible role for optical mapping of the surgical specimen using fluorescence imaging in head and neck cancer.

Level of Evidence

NA
You do not have to succeed, just do not fail: When do soccer coaches get fired?
Authors: Elaad Guy , Jelnov Artyom , Kantor Jeffrey
Published: October 2017

This article deals with circumstances leading to the dismissal of a soccer coach. The article is based on results from the Premier League in England over 12 consecutive years. In this paper, we converted the scores of matches (win, draw, and loss) into an index based upon how results were perceived by club owners—those empowered with the decision as to whether or not to fire the coach. The index is based on the difference between the actual and expected results reflected by betting odds. We conclude that to ensure job preservation, the manager does not have to succeed—he just must not fail.
Superficial temporal artery perforator flap: Anatomic study of number and reliability of distal branches of the superficial temporal artery and clinical applications in three cases
Authors: Aveta Achille , Brunetti Beniamino , Tenna Stefania , Segreto Francesco , Persichetti Paolo
Published: October 2017

Background

Limited information is available about the anatomical feasibility and clinical applications of flaps based on distal divisions of the superficial temporal artery (STA). The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomy of the STA, focusing on the number and reliability of distal branches and to show representative cases for the use of such flaps for zygomatic, parieto‐frontal and occipital reconstructions.

Methods

Fifty volunteers were examined bilaterally by Doppler to investigate the presence and variability of the distal divisions of STA branches. Dissection was performed on 14 temporal regions of 7 fresh cadavers. Three cases of reconstruction following skin cancer in the zygomatic (7 × 5 cm defect), parieto‐frontal (4 × 4 cm defect) and occipital areas (4 × 2 cm defect) are presented. All the flaps were pedicled and based on a single vessel.

Results

In all the 50 volunteers, the parietal branch split into 2 ± 0 branches (anterior and posterior), bilaterally, while an average of 2.84 ± 0.46 and 2.82 ± 0.48 branches originated from the frontal vessel on the right and left side, respectively. 2 ± 0 parietal and 3 ± 0 frontal (superior, central, and inferior) cutaneous perforator branches were identified in all cadaveric specimens. Flaps (4 × 10 cm, 5 × 7 cm, and 2 × 5 cm, respectively, width × length) healed uneventfully providing stable coverage.

Conclusions

STA distal perforator branches proved to be anatomically constant in both the cadaveric and clinical settings. Although a larger series of cases is needed, island flaps based on such vessels may represent a versatile surgical option, allowing a wide range of reconstructions in the different facial subunits.
Inversion of the attenuated conical Radon transform with a fixed opening angle
Authors: Gouia‐Zarrad Rim , Moon Sunghwan
Published: October 2017

Since Compton cameras were introduced in the use of single photon emission computed tomography, various types of conical Radon transforms, which integrate the emission distribution over circular cones, have been studied. Most of previous works did not address the attenuation factor, which may lead to significant degradation of image quality. In this paper, we consider the problem of recovering an unknown function from conical projections affected by a known constant attenuation coefficient called an attenuated conical Radon transform. In the case of a fixed opening angle and vertical central axis, new explicit inversion formula is derived. Two‐dimensional numerical simulations were performed to demonstrate the efficiency of the suggested algorithm.
Age of onset or age at assessment—that is the question: Estimating newly incident alcohol drinking and rapid transition to heavy drinking in the United States, 2002–2014
Authors: Cheng Hui G. , Lopez‐Quintero Catalina , Anthony James C.
Published: October 2017

Age‐specific incidence estimates are important and useful facts in psychiatric epidemiology, but incidence estimation can be challenging. Methods artifacts are possible. In the United States, where the minimum legal drinking age is 21 years, recent cross‐sectional field research on 12‐ to 25‐year‐olds applied conventional “age‐at‐assessment” approaches (AAA) for incidence estimation based on 12‐month recall. Estimates disclosed unexpected nonlinear patterns in age‐specific incidence estimates for both drinking onset and for transitioning from first drink to heavy drinking. Here, our aim is to draw attention to an “age of onset” (AOO) alternative to AAA approaches and to verify whether the AOO approach also discloses nonlinearity. Yearly data are from U.S. nationally representative samples drawn and assessed for National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, 2002–2014, with standardized audio computer‐assisted self‐interview assessments for drinking outcomes. Both AAA and AOO approaches show nonlinearities, with an unexpected dip in drinking incidence rates after age 18 and before the age 21 minimum legal drinking age. The AOO and the AAA approaches disclosed similar age‐specific patterns. We discuss advantages of the AOO approach when nonlinear incidence patterns can be anticipated, but we conclude that the AAA approach has not created an artifactual nonlinear pattern.
It pays to … pay: Facebook ads can work
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: October 2017

Facebook has become a standard place to engage students and to keep alumni active: a community. Reaching prospective students via Facebook takes a little more effort: Research shows most people aren't going to enter a “relationship” like this with a school at the “just looking” phase. Facebook ads, then, present an opportunity for prospects to be exposed to your brand without yet “liking” your page.
Boost student success overall by promoting collaboration instead of competition
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: October 2017

Most higher education professionals would like to see more collaboration happening within the higher ed world.
Synthesis of lactide/ɛ‐caprolactone quasi‐random copolymer by using rationally designed mononuclear aluminum complexes with modified β‐ketiminato ligand
Authors: Huang Hai‐Chao , Li Zong‐Jun , Wang Bin , Chen Xiaolu , Li Yue‐Sheng
Published: October 2017

A series of novel aluminum complexes containing bulky aryl‐β‐ketiminato ligands [ArNCHC10H7C6H5O]Al(CH3)2 (3a, Ar = C6F5; 3b, Ar = C6H5; 3c, Ar = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3) have been synthesized in high yields. These complexes were identified by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X‐ray structural analysis. All the aluminum complexes could efficiently catalyze the ROP of ɛ‐caprolactone (ɛ‐CL) and Lactide (LA) in a controlled manner. It was found that the steric effect of the ligand has less effect on the ROP of CL, while the polymerization rate of L‐LA was suppressed significantly. More interestingly, this kind of catalysts can promote the random copolymerization of ɛ‐CL and L‐LA. The transesterification side reaction and the polymer composition could be adjusted by modulating the electronic and steric effects of the ligand. In paticular, compound 3c could produce quasi‐random copolymers without transesterification side reactions, as indicated by both the values of the reactivity ratios of the two monomers (rLA = 1.31; rCL = 0.99) and the similar average lengths of the caproyl and lactidyl sequences (LCL = 2.34; LLA = 2.44). Finally, a drug‐random copolymer conjugates could be easily prepared by using 3c, indicating a potential application of 3c in pharmacutical and biomedical field. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 203–212
Charge transport and structure in semimetallic polymers
Authors: Rudd Sam , Franco‐Gonzalez Juan F. , Kumar Singh Sandeep , Ullah Khan Zia , Crispin Xavier , Andreasen Jens W. , Zozoulenko Igor , Evans Drew
Published: October 2017

Owing to changes in their chemistry and structure, polymers can be fabricated to demonstrate vastly different electrical conductivities over many orders of magnitude. At the high end of conductivity is the class of conducting polymers, which are ideal candidates for many applications in low‐cost electronics. Here, we report the influence of the nature of the doping anion at high doping levels within the semi‐metallic conducting polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) on its electronic transport properties. Hall effect measurements on a variety of PEDOT samples show that the choice of doping anion can lead to an order of magnitude enhancement in the charge carrier mobility > 3 cm2/Vs at conductivities approaching 3000 S/cm under ambient conditions. Grazing Incidence Wide Angle X‐ray Scattering, Density Functional Theory calculations, and Molecular Dynamics simulations indicate that the chosen doping anion modifies the way PEDOT chains stack together. This link between structure and specific anion doping at high doping levels has ramifications for the fabrication of conducting polymer‐based devices. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 97–104
Home supply of emergency oral steroids and reduction in asthma healthcare utilization
Authors: Sarzynski Lisa M. , Turner Tiffany , Stukus David R. , Allen Elizabeth
Published: October 2017

Objective

To determine if children with moderate‐to‐severe persistent asthma have decreased healthcare utilization after receiving a prescription and instructions to use an at home emergency supply of oral steroids during asthma exacerbations.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental design study with a historical control from retrospective chart review was performed for patients aged 2‐18 years seen in a tertiary care pediatric pulmonary clinic for moderate to severe persistent asthma. Baseline utilization of the emergency department, inpatient hospital, and pediatric intensive care unit for asthma exacerbations was collected from 24 months prior to initial prescription for at home steroids and compared with 12 months post‐intervention using Poisson Regression. A subgroup analysis was performed for ages 6‐18 evaluating school age children alone.

Results

Patients (N = 132) were averaged 10 years ± 3.9 years of age and 57% of patients were male. Emergency Department visit rates significantly declined in the 12 months after receiving a prescription and instructions for home emergency steroid supply compared with the 12 months prior to this intervention (0.39 visits/patient/year vs 0.67, P < 0.01). There was a trend for a decline in inpatient (0.27 visits/patient/year vs 0.11, P = 0.09) and pediatric intensive care unit stay rates (0.11 visits/patient/year vs 0.05, P = 0.06). A subgroup analysis of ages 6‐18 found similar results.

Conclusions

Incorporation of home emergency oral steroids into the home management plan of children with moderate‐to‐severe asthma can reduce asthma related Emergency Department visits.
Interleukin 1β polymorphism and serum level are associated with pediatric asthma
Authors: Sobkowiak Paulina , Wojsyk‐Banaszak Irena , Kowalewska Maja , Wasilewska Eliza , Langwiński Wojciech , Kycler Zdzisława , Skibińska Maria , Bręborowicz Anna , Jassem Ewa , Szczepankiewicz Aleksandra
Published: October 2017

Background and Aim

Interleukin‐1 is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine found in two forms (α and β). The α form is mainly cell‐bound, whereas IL‐1β is primarily secreted by macrophages in response to immune system stimulation. We hypothesized that polymorphic variants of interleukin 1 genes may play a role in childhood asthma risk. The aim of this study was to investigate if IL‐1α and β polymorphism is associated with asthma in a pediatric population and if the genotype affects its serum level.

Methods

The studied population included 310 children aged 6‐18 years old (152 with asthma and 158 healthy children). Genotypes were determined with real‐time PCR method using TaqMan Genotyping Assays. Serum level was measured with ELISA Set. Statistical analysis was done in Statistica v.12.0. Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analysis was done in Haploview v. 4.2.

Results

We found that three IL‐1β polymorphisms rs1143634, rs1143633, and rs1143643 were associated with allergic asthma risk (P = 0.034; OR = 1.523; P = 0.024, OR = 1.477; 0.044, OR = 1.420, respectively). We also found a strong linkage disequilibrium between these polymorphisms and CAC haplotype was associated significantly with asthma risk (P = 0.023). For IL1α, we did not observe association with asthma. We then analyzed if IL‐1β expression was altered in serum and we found that asthmatic children showed significantly higher IL‐1β levels than healthy controls (P = 0.047). No association with asthma was observed for IL‐1 α variants.

Conclusions

This study indicates that IL‐1β gene polymorphism may affect allergic asthma risk in children.
Ultra‐Low Power Multilevel Switching with Enhanced Uniformity in Forming Free TiO2−x‐Based RRAM with Embedded Pt Nanocrystals
Authors: Tsigkourakos Menelaos , Bousoulas Panagiotis , Aslanidis Vaggelis , Skotadis Evangelos , Tsoukalas Dimitris
Published: October 2017

Accurate control over the various resistance states is highly desired in order to attain reliable multilevel memory performance. However, due to the inherent random nature of oxygen vacancy creation, serious variability issues may arise. In this work, we demonstrate promising multilevel capability with ultra‐low power consumption in the range of nW, using sub‐200 nA operating current in a 45 nm TiO2−x‐based resistive random access memory (RRAM) with embedded small (≈5 nm in diameter) Pt nanocrystals (NCs). As the resistance values present a strong dependence on both the oxygen vacancy density and the diameter of the conducting filament (CF), hence the degree of the variability (or uniformity) can be improved by controlling one of these two parameters. It is shown here that the presence of NCs allows for the generation of multiple and dense CFs due to the concentrated electric field around the NCs which, in turn, enhance the consecutive cycling (temporal) uniformity, even at very low operating power conditions.
Nanowire Stretching by Non‐Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Heyes D. M. , Dini D. , Smith E. R. , Brańka A. C.
Published: October 2017

Non‐equilibrium Molecular Dynamics (NEMD) simulations of a stretched Lennard‐Jones (LJ) model single crystal nanowire with square cross‐section are carried out. The microstructural and mechanical properties are examined as a function of strain and strain rate. The instantaneous Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus are shown to be strongly time (strain) dependent from the start of the pulling process. The structural transformation as a result of straining initially involves the (100) layers moving further apart and then slipping at ca. when the shear slip stress along that direction is about 1% of the shear modulus, which is typical of plastic deformation of noble gas solid crystals, and in accordance with Schmid's law.
Finite‐time stability of switched nonlinear time‐varying systems via indefinite Lyapunov functions
Authors: Chen Guopei , Yang Ying
Published: October 2017

This note considers the problem of finite‐time stability (FTS) for switched nonlinear time‐varying systems. First, a relaxed condition is proposed to verify the FTS of nonlinear time‐varying systems by using an indefinite Lyapunov function. Then, the result obtained is extended to study the FTS of switched nonlinear time‐varying systems. Several relaxed conditions are given by using a common indefinite Lyapunov function and multiple indefinite Lyapunov functions. Moreover, the corresponding estimates on convergence regions and times of systems are also given. Comparing with the existing results, the conditions obtained allow the time derivative of Lyapunov functions of subsystems (or systems) to be indefinite and all subsystems to be not finite‐time stable or even unstable. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the theoretical results.
A General Strategy Assisted with Dual Reductants and Dual Protecting Agents for Preparing Pt‐Based Alloys with High‐Index Facets and Excellent Electrocatalytic Performance
Authors: Luan Chenglong , Zhou Qing‐Xiang , Wang Yao , Xiao Yun , Dai Xiaoping , Huang Xing‐Liang , Zhang Xin
Published: October 2017

Synthesizing noble metallic nanoparticles (NPs) enclosed by high‐index facets (HIFs) is challenged as it involves the tuning of growth kinetics, the selective adsorption of certain chemical species, and the epitaxial growth from HIF enclosed seeds. Herein, a simple and general strategy is reported by using dual reduction agents and dual capping agents to prepare Pt‐based alloy NPs with HIFs, in which both glycine and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) serve as the reductants and capping agents. Due to the facilely tunable growth/nucleation rates and protecting abilities of the reductants and capping agents, Pt concave nanocube (CNC), binary Pt–Ni CNC, ternary Pt–Mn–Cu CNC, and Pt–Mn–Cu ramiform polyhedron alloy NPs terminated by HIFs as well as other NPs with well‐defined morphologies such as Pt–Mn–Cu nanocube and Pt–Mn–Cu nanoflower are obtained with this approach. Owing to the high density of low‐coordinated Pt sites (HIF structure) and the unique electronic effect of Pt–Mn–Cu ternary alloys, the as‐prepared Pt–Mn–Cu NPs show enhanced catalytic activity toward methanol and formic acid electro‐oxidation reactions with excellent stability. This work provides a promising methodology for designing and fabricating Pt‐based alloy NPs as efficient fuel cell catalyst.
Fast and accurate Bayesian model criticism and conflict diagnostics using R‐INLA
Authors: Ferkingstad Egil , Held Leonhard , Rue Håvard
Published: October 2017

Bayesian hierarchical models are increasingly popular for realistic modelling and analysis of complex data. This trend is accompanied by the need for flexible, general and computationally efficient methods for model criticism and conflict detection. Usually, a Bayesian hierarchical model incorporates a grouping of the individual data points, as, for example, with individuals in repeated measurement data. In such cases, the following question arises: Are any of the groups “outliers,” or in conflict with the remaining groups? Existing general approaches aiming to answer such questions tend to be extremely computationally demanding when model fitting is based on Markov chain Monte Carlo. We show how group‐level model criticism and conflict detection can be carried out quickly and accurately through integrated nested Laplace approximations (INLA). The new method is implemented as a part of the open‐source R‐INLA package for Bayesian computing (http://r-inla.org). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bulky Phenyl Modifications of the Silanide Ligand Si(SiMe3)3 – Synthesis and Reactivity
Authors: Schmidt Patrick , Fietze Sascha , Schrenk Claudio , Schnepf Andreas
Published: October 2017

The synthesis and structural characterization of bulkier variations of the very common organometallic compound MSi(SiMe3)3, namely MSi(SiMe3)(SiPh3)2 3 and MSi(SiPh3)3 [M = Li (1), K (5)] are presented, which can be synthesized via a step by step exchange of SiMe3 groups by bulkier SiPh3 groups. This synthetic route is high selective and is performed in good yields via the silanes Si(SiMe3)2(SiPh3)2 (2) and Si(SiMe3)(SiPh3)3 (4). Additionally, the corresponding silanes HSi(SiMe3)(SiPh3)2 (6H) and HSi(SiPh3)3 (7H) are obtained via the reaction of 3 and 5 with aqueous HCl, respectively. Oxidation of 6H with CCl4 gives the chlorsilane Cl‐Si(SiMe3)(SiPh3)2 (6Cl). The bulkiest chlorsilane Cl–Si(SiPh3)3 (7) is obtained by the reaction of 5 with ECl2 (E = Sn, Pb).
The Brain Drain Myth: Retention of Specialist Surgical Graduates in East, Central and Southern Africa, 1974–2013
Authors: Hutch Avril , Bekele Abebe , O’Flynn Eric , Ndonga Andrew , Tierney Sean , Fualal Jane , Samkange Christopher , Erzingatsian Krikor
Published: October 2017

Background

This study assesses the retention of specialist surgical graduates from training programmes across eight countries in East, Central and Southern Africa from 1974 to 2013. It addresses the gap in existing data by analysing retention rates of surgical graduates by comparing graduating institution to current location. Data were assessed by country, region, specialty and gender with a view to informing national and regional healthcare and education strategies.

Methods

Twenty‐five institutions train surgeons in the ten countries covered by the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA)—24 Universities and the College itself. These institutions were requested in November 2014 to supply details of graduates from their postgraduate surgical training programmes. Complete graduate lists were returned by the College and 14 universities by March 2016. These surgical graduates were compared against the database of current practising surgeons in the region held by COSECSA. Data were cross‐checked against medical council registers, surgical society records, and with members and fellows of COSECSA.

Results

Data were incomplete for 126 surgical graduates. Of the remaining 1038 surgical graduates, 85.1% were retained in the country they trained in, while 88.3% were retained within the COSECSA region. Ninety‐three per cent (93.4%) were retained within Africa. Of the eight countries, Malawi had the highest retention rate with 100% of surgical graduates remaining in country, while Zimbabwe had the lowest rate with 65.5% remaining.

Conclusion

High surgical graduate retention rates across the region indicate that the expansion of national surgical training initiatives is an effective solution to addressing the surgical workforce shortage in East, Central and Southern Africa and counters long‐held arguments regarding brain drain in this region.
Noncommunicable Diseases After the Great East Japan Earthquake: Systematic Review, 2011–2016
Authors: Murakami Aya , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Pascapurnama Dyshelly Nurkartika , Egawa Shinichi
Published: October 2017

Objective

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including mental disorders, have become major threats to human health worldwide. People with NCDs are particularly vulnerable to disasters. We systematically reviewed reports describing studies of NCDs at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) to clarify the circumstances of people with NCDs and to build strong measures to support them.

Methods

Relevant articles published from March 2011 through December 2016 were collected by searching the PubMed database (National Library of Medicine). We specifically examined reports describing NCDs and including the key words “East Japan Earthquake.” NCDs included every disease type aside from injury and infectious disease.

Results

We collected 160 relevant articles, 41 of which described NCDs that existed in residents before the GEJE. Articles describing respiratory diseases and mental illnesses were found most frequently. Interruption of regular treatment was the most frequent problem, followed by lack of surveillance capacity. We found 101 reports describing NCDs that had developed after the GEJE, of which 60% were related to mental health issues.

Conclusions

NCDs pose major health issues after large-scale disasters. Establishment of strong countermeasures against interruption of treatment and surveillance systems to ascertain medical needs for NCDs are necessary to prepare for future disasters. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018; 12: 396–407)
Non-Desarguesian planes and weak associativity
Authors: Burn R. P.
Published: October 2017

During the 19th century various criticisms of Euclid's geometry emerged and alternative axiom systems were constructed. That of David Hilbert ([1], 1899) paid particular attention to the independence of the axioms, and it is his insights which have shaped many of the further developments during the 20th century.

We can, from his insights, define an affine plane as a set of points, with distinguished subsets called lines such that

Axiom 1: Given two distinct points, there is a unique line containing them both.

Axiom 2: Given a line L and a point, p, not contained in L, there is a unique line containing p which does not intersect L.

Axiom 3: There exist at least three points, not belonging to the same line.
MIDDLE EAST ENCOUNTERS 69 DEGREES NORTH LATITUDE: SYRIAN REFUGEES AND EVERYDAY HUMANITARIANISM IN THE ARCTIC
Authors: Naguib Nefissa
Published: October 2017

In late 2015, approximately 2,000 Syrian asylum seekers made their way into Norway via the Arctic passage from Russia. What ensued are “global moments,” breakthrough events that have reshaped lives and futures for both the refugees and those who aided them, and it is the latter group on which this article focuses. As refugees began arriving in Arctic Norway, Refugees Welcome to the Arctic, an ad hoc grassroots organization, was formed to assist them. This group of ordinary people, most of them with no previous humanitarian experience, took action in defiance of Norwegian government policies, and providing food became the focus of their efforts. Refugees Welcome to the Arctic members often described being motived to act by their own traumatic memories of the region's experience of World War II, a time of deprivation and brutality suffered at the hands of the retreating German army. Food, as an enactment of compassion, is shown to be a powerful means through which people connect in very personal, concrete ways to the humanitarian enterprise.
WHOSEMISAFIRS?NEGOTIATING DIFFERENCE ALONG THE TURKISH–SYRIAN BORDER
Authors: Dağtaş Seçil
Published: October 2017

This article examines the figure of themisafir(guest) as it personifies the combined domains of everyday and institutional hospitality in Hatay, a contested border province annexed to Turkey from French Mandate Syria in 1939, and home today to over 400,000 displaced Syrians. Based on fieldwork conducted between 2010 and 2012 in Hatay's administrative capital, Antakya, I focus on the perspectives of the region's bilingual (Turkish-Arabic) Jewish and Christian populations about the officialmisafirstatus of the first Syrian arrivals. I argue that the sudden transformation of Syrians from familialmisafirs to governmentalmisafirs in the early days of the Syrian conflict ruptured the hierarchical domains of reciprocity that have historically shaped the cross-border relations between these communities. In this process, Antakya's religious minorities recognized and negotiated the limits of their own residence, difference, and citizenship in Turkey, and invoked the lived practices of hospitality that exist beside but also transcend ethnoreligious and national identities. By examining how historical articulations of religious and national difference along the Turkish–Syrian border are entwined with the figure of themisafirat the interpersonal level, this article contributes to debates on hospitality in scholarship on the Middle East and in migration literature.
GOVERNANCE STRATEGIES AND REFUGEE RESPONSE: LEBANON IN THE FACE OF SYRIAN DISPLACEMENT
Authors: Fakhoury Tamirace
Published: October 2017

This article discusses how the Lebanese state has responded to displacement from Syria (2011–17), and how the resulting policy formulation processes and discourses have constructed the relationship between the hosting state and the refugee. It focuses especially on how this small state has negotiated its politics of reception and choice of policy tools amid dysfunctional institutions and political disputes. To this end, it uses the lens of Lebanon's model of sectarian power sharing to understand the polity's response to mass displacement. This process has been structured by the defining dynamics of the country's politics of sectarianism: slack governance, an elite fractured model, and a politics of dependence on external and domestic nonstate actors. The Lebanese model offers broader insights into types of coping mechanisms that emerge in the context of forced migration, notably when a formal refugee regime is absent. The article contends that states lacking a legal asylum framework and grappling with various governance hurdles are likely to draw on the repertoire of their political regime to deal with displacement.
Expertise and Heritage Ethics in the Middle East
Authors: Rico Trinidad
Published: October 2017

By the time I completed fieldwork in Qatar in 2016, the Msheireb project that aimed to redevelop the heart of Doha was nearing completion of its first phase. The way this development project unfolded during this time was indicative of broader negotiations of Qatari cultural brokers with ideas of indigeneity and expertise: the project was rebranded from Dohaland, “The Heart of Doha,” to Msheireb (after the local wadi) in the first half of 2011, while the iconic Al Kahraba Street—the “spine” of the old city and the first street to be electrified in Qatar—was referred to in architectural notations as the “Champs-Élysées” of Doha. The politics of indigeneity of place-making in these negotiations reflected an unresolved unease with the cosmopolitan nature of expertise. This tension was related not necessarily to the ingenious remixing of traditional and modern concepts of cultural and environmental sustainability, but rather to the active erasure of foreign expertise. We see this, for example, in the active rebranding of the I. M. Pei's Museum (in reference to the Chinese American “starchitect” who designed it) in order to take its rightful “local” name, the Museum of Islamic Art. While these efforts would suggest an intention to localize expertise and build local capacity as part of national objectives, I argue in this essay that this mastering in fact obscures local expertise by dissociating it from the cosmopolitan context in which knowledge production is negotiated in Qatar.
An Article that Changed the Course of History?
Authors: Benvenisti Eyal
Published: October 2017

Yehuda Blum's article, ostensibly devoted to an examination of the lawfulness of a military order under the law of occupation, actually explored a preliminary question – whether Jordan had valid title to the West Bank (referred to as ‘Judea and Samaria’). Concluding that Jordan had no title, Blum concluded that the law of occupation did not apply. This reflection revisits Blum's thesis. It suggests that Blum's argument failed to elucidate the relevant legal questions and therefore his conclusion was hasty. It would be distressing to think that it was Blum's article that convinced Israeli decision-makers to deny the formal applicability of the law of occupation to the West Bank and Gaza.
Divided citizenship: how retirement in the host country affects the financial status of intra-European Union migrants
Authors: BRIDGEN PAUL , MEYER TRAUTE
Published: October 2017

Since European Union (EU) enlargement in 2003, labour migration from East to West and South to North has increased. It is to be expected that a share of these workers will want to retire in their host countries. According to the academic literature, EU legislation protects such mobility well by allowing the transfer of rights accrued in any EU country to another. However, such research has focused on legislation, not outcomes. We know little about how migration will affect the financial status of retired migrants in their host country and their ability to sustain a life there, should they stay after retirement. Using migration, wage and pension policy data (Eurostat, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), this paper projects the post-retirement incomes of a range of hypothetical EU migrants, selected in relation to the most common migratory flows since 2003. After having worked in their home countries (Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Italy) for at least ten years, these people move to richer countries (Italy, Spain, Germany, United Kingdom) and work there for at least 30 years. To determine whether they can remain settled after decades of labour force participation in the host country, the paper adds their pension entitlements from home and host countries and compares this income with the relative poverty line of the host countries. This shows that good portability of entitlements matters little when these are very low because of a large wage gap between home and host country. Thus, after at least 30 years of enjoying all citizenship rights as workers, most of these individuals are projected to receive incomes below the relative poverty line of their host countries and thus experience a sharp drop in this status. Their citizenship is diminished. The paper concludes by considering policies that could avoid such an outcome.
Using underwater video to assess megabenthic community vulnerability to trawling in the Grande Vasière (Bay of Biscay)
Authors: MÉRILLET LAURÈNE , MOUCHET MAUD , ROBERT MARIANNE , SALAÜN MICHÈLE , SCHUCK LUCIE , VAZ SANDRINE , KOPP DOROTHÉE
Published: October 2017

Trawling activities are considered to be one of the main sources of disturbance to the seabed worldwide. We aimed to disentangle the dominance of environmental variations and trawling intensity in order to explain the distribution of diversity patterns over 152 sampling sites in the French trawl fishing-ground, the Grande Vasière. Using a towed underwater video device, we identified 39 taxa to the finest taxonomic level possible, which were clustered according to their vulnerability to trawling disturbance based on functional traits. Using generalized linear models, we investigated whether the density distribution of each vulnerability group was sensitive to trawling intensity and habitat characteristics. Our analyses revealed a structuring effect of depth and substratum on community structure. The distribution of the more vulnerable group was a negative function of trawling intensity, while the distributions of the less vulnerable groups were independent of trawling intensity. Video monitoring coupled with trait-based vulnerability assessment of macro-epibenthic communities might be more relevant than the traditional taxonomic approach to identifying the areas that are most vulnerable to fishing activities in conservation planning.
Bioefficacy of enhanced diatomaceous earth and botanical powders on the mortality and progeny production of Acanthoscelides obtectus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Sitophilus granarius (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) and Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in stored grain cereals
Authors: Adarkwah Charles , Obeng-Ofori Daniel , Hörmann Vanessa , Ulrichs Christian , Schöller Matthias
Published: October 2017

Food losses caused by insects during postharvest storage are of paramount economic importance worldwide, especially in Africa. Laboratory bioassays were conducted in stored grains to determine the toxicity of powders of Eugenia aromatica and Moringa oleifera alone or combined with enhanced diatomaceous earth (Probe-A® DE, 89.0% SiO2 and 5% silica aerogel) to adult Sitophilus granarius, Tribolium castaneum and Acanthoscelides obtectus. Adult mortality was observed up to 7 days, while progeny production was recorded at 6–10 weeks. LD50 and LT50 values for adult test insects exposed to plant powders and DE, showed that A. obtectus was the most susceptible towards the botanicals (LD50 0.179% and 0.088% wt/wt for E. aromatica and M. oleifera, respectively), followed by S. granarius. Tribolium castaneum was most tolerant (LD50 1.42% wt/wt and 1.40% wt/wt for E. aromatica and M. oleifera, respectively). The combined mixture of plant powders and DE controlled the beetles faster compared to the plant powders alone. LT50 ranged from 55.7 h to 62.5 h for T. castaneum exposed to 1.0% M. oleifera and 1.0% DE, and 0.5% E. aromatica and 1.0% DE, respectively. Botanicals caused significant reduction of F1 adults compared to the control. Combined action of botanical insecticides with DE as a grain protectant in an integrated pest management approach is discussed.