bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Evolutionary Neural Networks on Optimization Design of Mobile Phone Based on User's Emotional Needs
Authors: Guo Fu , Qu Qing‐Xing , Chen Peng , Ding Yi , Liu Wei Lin
Published: October 2015

Taking users’ emotional needs into consideration, this research aims to propose a new method to present product design features exactly and completely. On the basis of genetic algorithm integrated with back‐propagation (BP) neural networks, taking the mobile phone as research object, an optimization design algorithm was finally designed. First, the continuous and discrete design variables that describe mobile phones were screened with methods of dimensions, coordinate label, and morphological analysis. Forty three‐dimensional (3D) mobile phone models were designed by using 3D design software PROE. Accordingly, 12 representative mobile phones were selected through multidimensional scaling analysis and cluster analysis. Fourteen pairwise Kansei image words were obtained by collecting, screening, surveys, and statistical analysis method. Second, a BP neural networks model between design variables and user preference along with Kansei image words was established and verified with questionnaire survey data. Finally, the optimization design model for mobile phones was established considering design requirements and users’ emotional needs. A genetic algorithm integrated with BP neural networks was used to optimize mobile phone design. The results show that the optimization scheme is superior to others, and this paper will provide design suggestion for mobile phone designers.
Chromothripsis in cancer cells: An update
Authors: Rode Agata , Maass Kendra Korinna , Willmund Karolin Viktoria , Lichter Peter , Ernst Aurélie
Published: October 2015

In 2011, a novel form of genome instability was reported by Stephens et al., characterized by tens to hundreds of locally clustered rearrangements affecting one or a few chromosome(s) in cancer cells. This phenomenon, termed chromothripsis, is likely due to a single catastrophic event leading to the simultaneous formation of multiple double‐strand breaks, which are repaired by error‐prone mechanisms. Since then, the occurrence of chromothripsis was detected in a wide range of tumor entities. In this review, we will discuss potential mechanisms of chromothripsis initiation in cancer and outline the prevalence of chromothripsis across entities. Furthermore, we will examine how chromothriptic events may promote cancer development and how they may affect cancer therapy.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors as a first‐line treatment in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase: A mixed‐treatment comparison
Authors: Firwana Belal , Sonbol Mohamad Bassam , Diab Maria , Raza Shahzad , Hasan Rim , Yousef Ibrahim , Zarzour Ahmad , Garipalli Archana , Doll Donald , Murad M. Hassan , Al‐Kali Aref
Published: October 2015

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are the initial treatment for majority of newly diagnosed patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP) and are associated with marked improvement in hematological, cytogenetic, molecular response and survival rates compared with other therapies. In this review, we summarize the evidence of TKI efficacy for patients with newly diagnosed CP‐CML. Six trials at low risk of bias evaluating TKIs as an initial treatment in adults with newly diagnosed CP‐CML and enrolling 2,456 patients were included. Follow‐up times ranged from a median of 3 months to 5 years. Direct comparison showed statistically higher rates of major molecular response (MMR ≤ 0.1%IS) achievement with second‐generation TKIs at 12 months which was sustained throughout treatment period. Bayesian mixed‐treatment comparison (MTC) analysis demonstrated superiority of both nilotinib and dasatinib over imatinib in terms of efficacy. Nilotinib was associated with higher deeper molecular responses (MR4.5 ≤ 0.0032%IS) at 60 months than dasatinib but no difference in MMR. The differences between nilotinib and dasatinib are likely clinically trivial. Among TKIs, nilotinib was found to have the best survival profile. Both nilotinib and dasatinib are associated with significantly better MMR compared to imatinib that is sustained over 60 months. This analysis shows that new‐generation TKIs are not only showing faster response but also maintaining a more potent one through longer follow‐up period. It is important to note out that MTC is not a substitute for well‐conducted RCTs investigating direct comparisons.
Laparoscopy‐assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy as minimally invasive surgery for periampullary tumors: a comparison of short‐term clinical outcomes of laparoscopy‐assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy and open pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Mendoza Arturo S. , Han Ho‐Seong , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Cho Jai Young , Choi YoungRok
Published: October 2015

Background

Few reports have described laparoscopy‐assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy (LAPD) as an alternative to the conventional open approach for periampullary tumors. The safety and feasibility of this procedure remain to be determined. In this study, we compared the short‐term clinical outcomes of LAPD with those of open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD).

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary tumors between June and December 2014 was conducted. Patient demographic data and their pathological and short‐term clinical parameters were compared between the LAPD and OPD groups.

Results

Fifty‐two patients were included in the study: 18 had undergone LAPD and 34 had undergone OPD. The mean operation time was longer for LAPD than for OPD (531.1 vs. 383.2 min, P < 0.001). The estimated blood loss, rate of blood transfusion, surgical resection margin status, and number of lymph nodes retrieved were similar in both groups. Overall morbidity and the incidence of pancreatic fistula did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, the mean length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LAPD group (12.6 vs. 18.6 days, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

LAPD is a technically safe and feasible alternative treatment for periampullary tumors, with short‐term clinical outcomes equivalent to those of OPD, with a shorter hospital stay.
Guanidine Hydrochloride: A Highly Efficient Organocatalyst for the Synthesis of 12‐Aryl‐8,9,10,12‐tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthene‐11‐ones Under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Sadeghpour Mahdieh , Olyaei Abolfazl , Rezaei Mortaza
Published: October 2015

A new green protocol has been developed for the synthesis of 12‐aryl‐8,9,10,12‐tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthen‐11‐ones using guanidine hydrochloride as an organocatalyst under solvent‐free conditions. Operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, enhanced rates, high isolated yields of the pure products, and purification of products by nonchromatographic methods are significant advantages of the protocol presented here.
Encasing of Na+ ion in dimer‐formed acetic acid clusters
Authors: Di Palma Tonia M. , Bende Attila
Published: October 2015

Peaks with anomalous abundance found in the mass spectra are associated with ions with enhanced stability. Among the scientific community focused on mass spectrometry, these peaks are called ‘magic peaks’ and their stability is often because of suggestive symmetric structures. Here, we report findings on ionised Na‐acetic acid clusters [Na+‐(AcA)n] produced by Na‐doping of (AcA)n and UV laser ionisation. Peaks labelled n = 2, 4, 8 are clearly distinguishable in the mass spectra from their anomalous intensity. Ab initio calculations helped elucidate cluster structures and energetic. A plausible interpretation of the magic peaks is given in terms of (AcA)n formed by dimer aggregation. The encasing of Na+ by twisted dimers is proposed to be the origin of the enhanced cluster stability. A conceivable dimer‐formed tube‐like closed structure is found for the Na+‐(AcA)8. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Snapshots of lignin oxidation and depolymerization in archaeological wood: an EGA‐MS study
Authors: Tamburini Diego , Łucejko Jeannette Jacqueline , Ribechini Erika , Colombini Maria Perla
Published: October 2015

Evolved gas analysis‐mass spectrometry (EGA‐MS) was used for the first time to study archaeological wood, in order to investigate its chemical degradation. The archaeological wood was from an oak pile from a stilt house found in the Neolithic ‘La Marmotta’ village (Lake Bracciano, Rome, Italy). The sampling was performed from the external to the internal part of the pile, following the annual growth rings in groups of five. In addition, sound oak wood and isolated wood components (holocellulose and cellulose) were also analyzed, and the results were used to highlight differences because of degradation.

Our study demonstrated that EGA‐MS provides information on the thermo‐chemistry of archaeological wood along with in‐depth compositional data thanks to the use of MS. Our investigations not only highlighted wood degradation in terms of differences between carbohydrates and lignin content, but also showed that lignin oxidation and depolymerization took place in the archaeological wood. Mass spectral data revealed differences among the archaeological samples from the internal to the external part of the pile. An increase in the formation of wood pyrolysis products bearing a carbonyl group at the benzylic position and a decrease in the amount of lignin dimers were observed. These were related to oxidation and depolymerization reactions, respectively. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancement of mass spectrometry performance for proteomic analyses using high‐field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS)
Authors: Bonneil Eric , Pfammatter Sibylle , Thibault Pierre
Published: October 2015

Remarkable advances in mass spectrometry sensitivity and resolution have been accomplished over the past two decades to enhance the depth and coverage of proteome analyses. As these technological developments expanded the detection capability of mass spectrometers, they also revealed an increasing complexity of low abundance peptides, solvent clusters and sample contaminants that can confound protein identification. Separation techniques that are complementary and can be used in combination with liquid chromatography are often sought to improve mass spectrometry sensitivity for proteomics applications. In this context, high‐field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS), a form of ion mobility that exploits ion separation at low and high electric fields, has shown significant advantages by focusing and separating multiply charged peptide ions from singly charged interferences. This paper examines the analytical benefits of FAIMS in proteomics to separate co‐eluting peptide isomers and to enhance peptide detection and quantitative measurements of protein digests via native peptides (label‐free) or isotopically labeled peptides from metabolic labeling or chemical tagging experiments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent trend in temperature evolution in Spanish mainland (1951–2010): from warming to hiatus
Authors: Gonzalez‐Hidalgo José Carlos , Peña‐Angulo Dhais , Brunetti Michele , Cortesi Nicola
Published: October 2015

The most recent debate on global warming focuses on the hiatus in global temperature, for which several explanations have been proposed. On the other hand, spatial variability and nonlinearity in temperature evolution has been recognized as a key point in global change analyses.

In this study, we analyse the evolution of the warming rate in the Spanish mainland using the MOTEDAS data set for the last 60 years (1951–2010). Our special emphasis is on the last decades to detect and identify a possible hiatus, and to determine the effects of daytime (Tmax) and night‐time (Tmin) records at annual and seasonal scale on the hiatus. Moving windows running trend analyses were applied to calculate temperature trend and significance for any temporal window from the beginning to the end of the series, ranging from 20 years to the whole series length (60 years)

The results suggest that the warming rate in the Spanish mainland reached a maximum between 1970 and 1990, followed by a decrease in intensity in both Tmax and Tmin until the present. Furthermore, the decrease in the warming rate in Tmax has been higher than in Tmin for the last three decades; therefore, recent annual warming rates appears to depend more on Tmin than on Tmax. Significant trends disappear from the middle of the 1980s at any temporal window length in both Tmax and Tmin at annual and seasonal scales except in spring Tmin.

Some differences among seasons are evident and, during the last few decades, the highest rates of warming are found in spring and summer, with Tmax and Tmin behaving in different ways. This study highlights how the warming rate is highly dependent on the length of the period analysed.
NMR relaxometry study of development of freeze damage in mandarin orange
Authors: Zhang Lu , McCarthy Michael J
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Freeze damage to citrus fruit is one of the major causes of the loss of marketable fruit for the citrus industry. Because freeze damage occurs inside citrus fruit, detecting freeze damage is very challenging. This study addresses this problem by using NMR relaxometry to monitor changes at the sub‐cellular level in mandarin flesh at two freezing temperatures, −4 °C and −20 °C.

RESULTS

The T2 relaxation spectra of mandarin flesh segments displayed three relaxation components, each representing a sub‐cellular water compartment. Freezing treatment at −4 °C for 240 min significantly decreased the relative magnitude of the slow relaxation component and increased that of the intermediate relaxation components. These changes are signs of water redistribution between sub‐cellular compartments and an increase in membrane permeability. Freezing treatment at −20 °C caused more evident changes in the T2 relaxation spectra. Noticeable changes occurred as early as 120 min of freezing. In addition, NMR relaxometry was performed on cold‐stored mandarins. Smaller changes were observed in samples stored at 4 °C than frozen samples.

CONCLUSION

The relative magnitudes of relaxation components are sensitive to sub‐cellular changes in mandarin flesh due to freeze damage. Thus, freeze damage in mandarin flesh can be tracked by NMR relaxometry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Őmie Art and Őmie Artists©
Authors: Rohatynskyj Marta
Published: October 2015

The bark cloth paintings produced by the women of Őmie Artists© have in recent years drawn acclaim in the art world for their originality and vibrancy. The artists’ cooperative follows the organisational structures of some Australian Aboriginal art movements, as well as the channels of distribution and valuation of this indigenous art. In spite of what appears to be a major adjustment of traditional cultural forms, Őmie bark cloth paintings are highly valued for their authenticity and the people themselves have been presented in art‐writing as remote and relatively untouched by outside influences. Aside from providing some historical and ethnographic background for this small group of people living in Oro Province in Papua New Guinea, the article argues that this particular portrayal of the community and their culture is a product of the meeting of long‐term Őmie aspirations to money and development in interaction with a particular Australian vision of what constitutes authenticity in the context of its former colony, Papua New Guinea.
Incretin actions and consequences of incretin‐based therapies: lessons from complementary animal models
Authors: Renner Simone , Blutke Andreas , Streckel Elisabeth , Wanke Rüdiger , Wolf Eckhard
Published: October 2015

The two incretin hormones, glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP1), were discovered 45 and 30 years ago. Initially, only their insulinotropic effect on pancreatic β cells was known. Over the years, physiological and pharmacological effects of GIP and GLP1 in numerous extrapancreatic tissues were discovered which partially overlap, but may also be specific for GIP or GLP1 in certain target tissues. While the insulinotropic effect of GIP was found to be blunted in patients with type 2 diabetes, the function of GLP1 is preserved and GLP1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl‐peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors, which prolong the half‐life of incretins, are widely used in diabetes therapy. Wild‐type and genetically modified rodent models have provided important mechanistic insights into the incretin system, but may have limitations in predicting the clinical efficacy and safety of incretin‐based therapies. This review summarizes insights from rodent and non‐rodent models (pig, non‐human primate) into physiological and pharmacological incretin effects, with a focus on the pancreas. Similarities and differences between species are discussed and the increasing potential of genetically engineered pig models for translational incretin research is highlighted. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Melt extrudate swell behavior of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes filled‐polypropylene composites
Authors: Liang J.Z. , Chen C.Y. , Zhou T.Y. , Zou S.Y. , Huang W.F. , Tsui C.P. , Tang C.Y. , Mišković‐Stanković Vesna
Published: October 2015

The extrudate swell behavior of polypropylene (PP) composite melts filled with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was studied using a capillary rheometer in a temperature range from 190 to 230°C and at various apparent shear rates varying from 50 to 800 s−1. It was found that the values of the extrudate swell ratio of the composites increased nonlinearly with increasing apparent shear rates, while the values of the extrudate swell ratio decreased almost linearly with increasing temperature. The values of the melt extrudate swell ratio increased approximately linearly with increasing shear stress, while decreased approximately nonlinearly with an increase of the MWCNT weight fraction. In addition, the extrudate swell mechanisms were discussed with observation of the fracture surface of the extrudate using a scanning electronic microscopy. This study provides a basis for further development of MWCNTs reinforced polymer composites with desirable mechanical and thermal properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2433–2439, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of plasticizer on the electrical, thermal, and morphological properties of carbon black filled poly(propylene)
Authors: Manjaly Poulose Anesh , Anis Arfat , Shaikh Hamid , George Justin , Al‐Zahrani Saeed M.
Published: October 2015

Poly(propylene) (PP)/carbon black (CB) composites are melt‐blended in a Brabender mixer with varying CB content. With the special‐grade conductive CB, the surface resistivity of PP/CB composite was reduced by 13 orders of magnitudes by increasing the CB content from 0 to 15 wt%. The plasticizer poly(ethylene glycol) di‐methyl ether (PEGDME) is used (0–5 wt%) to improve the dispersion of the CB in the polymer matrix and to reduce the surface resistivity of the composites. But the PEGDME plasticizer used here has no positive effect on the surface resistivity of the composites; in fact, it enhances the surface resistivity value by one order of magnitude at higher concentration (5 wt%). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures indicate that the presence of foreign material (plasticizer) especially at higher concentration disrupts the continuous carbon network inversely affecting the conductivity values. Finally, the optimization of the input variables (CB and PEGDME loading) is done using the design of experiment approach. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2472–2479, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Analysis of oxygen shell splitting in hydrothermally grown single crystal ThO2(200)
Authors: Kelly T. D. , Petrosky J. C. , McClory J. W. , Mann J. M. , Kolis J. W.
Published: October 2015

Single crystals of ThO2 have been synthesized using hydrothermal growth and studied using the X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) technique. The extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) has been extracted from the XAFS and analyzed using a novel, computational Latin hypercube sampling method. The methodology not only confirms the expected space group and crystal structure, it also identifies the origin of a previously reported split O shell. Since EXAFS is a local order analysis technique, the O shell splitting is identified as an O atom occupying an interstitial site. This result is significant for examining O2– transport in a ThO2 matrix and corroborating research indicating partial Th 5f occupancy that is similar to hyper‐stoichiometric UO2+x compounds. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fault‐tolerant formation control of multiple UAVs in the presence of actuator faults
Authors: Yu Xiang , Liu Zhixiang , Zhang Youmin
Published: October 2015

In order to counteract actuator faults in formation flight of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), this paper presents a fault‐tolerant formation control (FTFC) design methodology, in which the reference generator and the finite‐time convergence of FTFC gains are explicitly considered. Feasible references in response to actuator faults can be generated by considering the health and mission conditions of an overall team of UAVs. Moreover, by applying an auxiliary integrated regressor matrix and vector method, FTFC gains can converge within a finite amount of time to facilitate the fault accommodation process. Thus, the negative effects resulting from failed actuators can be compensated by the healthy/redundant actuators in UAVs. Simulation studies of UAV formation flight are carried out to exemplify the effectiveness of this design approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical insight into three disease‐related benefits of migration
Authors: Johns Sophie , Shaw Allison K.
Published: October 2015

Migration (seasonal round‐trip movement across relatively large distances) is common within the animal kingdom. This behaviour often incurs extreme costs in terms of time, energy, and/or survival. Climate, food, predation, and breeding are typically suggested as factors favouring the evolution of migration. Although disease regulation has also been considered, few studies consider it as the primary selective pressure for migration. Our aim was to determine, theoretically, under what conditions migration could reduce the long‐term disease prevalence within a population, assuming the only benefits of migration are infection‐related. We created two mathematical models, one where the population migrates annually and one where the entire population remains on the breeding ground year‐round. In each we simulated disease transmission (frequency‐dependent and density‐dependent) and quantified eventual disease prevalence. In the migration model we varied the time spent migrating, disease‐related migration mortality, and the overall migration mortality. When we compared results from the two models, we found that migration generally lowered disease prevalence. We found a population was healthier if it: (1) spent more time migrating (assuming no disease transmission during migration), (2) had higher disease‐induced migration mortality, and (3) had an overall higher mortality when migrating (compared to not migrating). These results provide support for two previously proposed mechanisms by which migration can reduce disease prevalence (migratory escape and migratory cull), and also demonstrate that non‐selective mortality during migration is a third mechanism. Our findings indicate that migration may be evolutionarily advantageous even if the only migratory benefit is disease control.
Patient Perceptions of Telephone vs. In‐Person BRCA1/BRCA2 Genetic Counseling
Authors: Peshkin Beth N. , Kelly Scott , Nusbaum Rachel H. , Similuk Morgan , DeMarco Tiffani A. , Hooker Gillian W. , Valdimarsdottir Heiddis B. , Forman Andrea D. , Joines Jessica Rispoli , Davis Claire , McCormick Shelley R. , McKinnon Wendy , Graves Kristi D. , Isaacs Claudine , Garber Judy , Wood Marie , Jandorf Lina , Schwartz Marc D.
Published: October 2015

Telephone genetic counseling (TC) for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer risk has been associated with positive outcomes in high risk women. However, little is known about how patients perceive TC. As part of a randomized trial of TC versus usual care (UC; in‐person genetic counseling), we compared high risk women's perceptions of: (1) overall satisfaction with genetic counseling; (2) convenience; (3) attentiveness during the session; (4) counselor effectiveness in providing support; and (5) counselor ability to recognize emotional responses during the session. Among the 554 participants (TC, N = 272; UC, N = 282), delivery mode was not associated with self‐reported satisfaction. However, TC participants found counseling significantly more convenient than UC participants (OR = 4.78, 95 % CI = 3.32, 6.89) while also perceiving lower levels of support (OR = 0.56, 95 % CI = 0.40–0.80) and emotional recognition (OR = 0.53, 95 % CI = 0.37–0.76). In exploratory analyses, we found that non‐Hispanic white participants reported higher counselor support in UC than in TC (69.4 % vs. 52.8 %; OR = 3.06, 95 % CI = 1.39–6.74), while minority women perceived less support in UC vs. TC (58.3 % vs. 38.7 %; OR = 0.80, 95 % CI = 0.39–1.65). We discuss potential research and practice implications of these findings which may further improve the effectiveness and utilization of TC.
Reconstruction of a semi-arid late Pleistocene paleocatena from the Lake Victoria region, Kenya
Authors: Beverly Emily J. , Driese Steven G. , Peppe Daniel J. , Arellano L. Nicole , Blegen Nick , Faith J. Tyler , Tryon Christian A.
Published: October 2015

The effect of changing environment on the evolution of Homo sapiens is heavily debated, but few data are available from equatorial Africa prior to the last glacial maximum. The Karungu deposits on the northeast coast of Lake Victoria are ideal for paleoenvironmental reconstructions and are best studied at the Kisaaka site near Karunga in Kenya (94 to > 33 ka) where paleosols, fluvial deposits, tufa, and volcaniclastic deposits (tuffs) are exposed over a ~ 2 km transect. Three well-exposed and laterally continuous paleosols with intercalated tuffs allow for reconstruction of a succession of paleocatenas. The oldest paleosol is a smectitic paleo-Vertisol with saline and sodic properties. Higher in the section, the paleosols are tuffaceous paleo-Inceptisols with Alfisol-like soil characteristics (illuviated clay). Mean annual precipitation (MAP) proxies indicate little change through time, with an average of 764 ± 108 mm yr− 1 for Vertisols (CALMAG) and 813 ± 182 to 963 ± 182 mm yr− 1 for all paleosols (CIA-K). Field observations and MAP proxies suggest that Karungu was significantly drier than today, consistent with the associated faunal assemblage, and likely resulted in a significantly smaller Lake Victoria during the late Pleistocene. Rainfall reduction and associated grassland expansion may have facilitated human and faunal dispersals across equatorial East Africa.
Notes from Nepal: Is There a Better Way to Provide Search and Rescue?
Authors: Peleg Kobi
Published: October 2015

This article discusses a possibility for overcoming the limited efficiency of international search and rescue teams in saving lives after earthquakes, which was emphasized by the recent disaster in Nepal and in other earthquakes all over the world. Because most lives are actually saved by the locals themselves long before the international teams arrive on scene, many more lives could be saved by teaching the basics of light rescue to local students and citizens in threatened countries. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:650–652)
Short Text Messages (SMS) as an Additional Tool for Notifying Medical Staff in Case of a Hospital Mass Casualty Incident
Authors: Timler Dariusz , Bogusiak Katarzyna , Kasielska-Trojan Anna , Neskoromna-Jędrzejczak Aneta , Gałązkowski Robert , Szarpak Łukasz
Published: October 2015

Objective

The aim of the study was to verify the effectiveness of short text messages (short message service, or SMS) as an additional notification tool in case of fire or a mass casualty incident in a hospital.

Methods

A total of 2242 SMS text messages were sent to 59 hospital workers divided into 3 groups (n=21, n=19, n=19). Messages were sent from a Samsung GT-S8500 Wave cell phone and Orange Poland was chosen as the telecommunication provider. During a 3-month trial period, messages were sent between 3:35 PM and midnight with no regular pattern. Employees were asked to respond by telling how much time it would take them to reach the hospital in case of a mass casualty incident.

Results

The mean reaction time (SMS reply) was 36.41 minutes. The mean declared time of arrival to the hospital was 100.5 minutes. After excluding 10% of extreme values for declared arrival time, the mean arrival time was estimated as 38.35 minutes.

Conclusions

Short text messages (SMS) can be considered an additional tool for notifying medical staff in case of a mass casualty incident. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:38–41)
Antisocial Personality Disorder and Pathological Narcissism in Prolonged Conflicts and Wars of the 21st Century
Authors: Burkle Frederick M.
Published: October 2015

The end of the Cold War brought with it many protracted internal conflicts and wars that have lasted for decades and whose persistent instability lies at the heart of both chronic nation-state and regional instability. Responsibility for these chronically failed states has been attributed to multiple unresolved root causes. With previous governance and parties to power no longer trusted or acceptable, the vacuum of leadership in many cases has been filled with “bad leadership.” This Concept piece argues that in a number of cases opportunistic leaders, suffering from severe antisocial character disorders, have emerged first as saviors and then as despots, or as common criminals claiming to be patriots, sharing a psychological framework that differs little from those responsible for World War II and the Cold War that followed. I describe the identifying characteristics of this unique and poorly understood subset of the population who are driven to seek the ultimate opportunity to control, dictate, and live out their fantasies of power on the world scene and discuss why their destructive actions remain unabated in the 21st century. Their continued antisocial presence, influence, and levels of violence must be seen as a global security and strategic issue that is not amenable to conventional diplomatic interventions, negotiations, mediations, or international sanctions. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:118–128)
Could Mycobacterium leprae Infection Be an Occupational Disease? A Survey in Healthcare Workers From an Endemic Area in the Amazonian Region
Authors: Pacheco Sara Eleny , Bührer-Sékula Samira , de Moura Rodrigo Scaliante , Stefani Mariane Martins , Oliveira Maria Leide W. , Saraceni Valeria , Cordeiro-Santos Marcelo
Published: October 2015

A serologic survey was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of Mycobacterium leprae infection among healthcare workers and associated factors. Of 280 workers, 26 (9.3%) were positive using immunoglobulin M serology for PGL-I M. leprae antigen. Exposure to leprosy patients in the workplace was significantly associated with seropositivity (P=.044).

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(12):1464–1466
Mucosal Barrier Injury Laboratory-Confirmed Bloodstream Infections (MBI-LCBI): Descriptive Analysis of Data Reported to National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), 2013
Authors: Epstein Lauren , See Isaac , Edwards Jonathan R. , Magill Shelley S. , Thompson Nicola D.
Published: October 2015

OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections (MBI-LCBIs) on central-line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates during the first year of MBI-LCBI reporting to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)

DESIGN

Descriptive analysis of 2013 NHSN data

SETTING

Selected inpatient locations in acute care hospitals

METHODS

A descriptive analysis of MBI-LCBI cases was performed. CLABSI rates per 1,000 central-line days were calculated with and without the inclusion of MBI-LCBIs in the subset of locations reporting ≥1 MBI-LCBI, and in all locations (regardless of MBI-LCBI reporting) to determine rate differences overall and by location type.

RESULTS

From 418 locations in 252 acute care hospitals reporting ≥1 MBI-LCBIs, 3,162 CLABSIs were reported; 1,415 (44.7%) met the MBI-LCBI definition. Among these locations, removing MBI-LCBI from the CLABSI rate determination produced the greatest CLABSI rate decreases in oncology (49%) and ward locations (45%). Among all locations reporting CLABSI data, including those reporting no MBI-LCBIs, removing MBI-LCBI reduced rates by 8%. Here, the greatest decrease was in oncology locations (38% decrease); decreases in other locations ranged from 1.2% to 4.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

An understanding of the potential impact of removing MBI-LCBIs from CLABSI data is needed to accurately interpret CLABSI trends over time and to inform changes to state and federal reporting programs. Whereas the MBI-LCBI definition may have a large impact on CLABSI rates in locations where patients with certain clinical conditions are cared for, the impact of MBI-LCBIs on overall CLABSI rates across inpatient locations appears to be more modest.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;37(1):2–7
New AMS Dating of Bone and Antler Weapons from the Shigir Collections Housed in the Sverdlovsk Regional Museum, Urals, Russia
Authors: Savchenko Svetlana , Lillie Malcolm C. , Zhilin Mikhail G. , Budd Chelsea E.
Published: October 2015

This paper presents new AMS dating of organic finds from the Shigir (Shigirsky) peat bog, located in the Sverdlovsk Province, Kirovgrad District of the Urals. The bog is located immediately south of the river Severnaya Shuraly, with the Urals to the west. Intermittent survey and excavation has been undertaken at this location since 1879, resulting in the recovery of in excess of 3000 cultural artefacts, including oars, sculptures of birds, snake figurines, wooden skis, arrowheads, and fish hooks. The dates presented here indicate that not only is there a long duration of human use of the wetlands at Shigir, but that the artefact forms also appear to have a significant duration of use throughout the earlier prehistoric periods considered here.
Elective dental extractions and osseointegrated implant replacement to facilitate transoral endoscopic ENT surgical procedures
Authors: Butterworth C J , Lancaster J , Shah H S
Published: October 2015

Background:

Transoral endoscopic ENT surgical procedures are a mainstay of treatment for a variety of conditions and are often preferable to open surgery where possible. Cases of micrognathia, prominent incisor teeth or trismus may create difficulties in gaining sufficient access to undertake such procedures. Extraction of the anterior maxillary teeth can help overcome these problems in appropriate cases, with subsequent prosthetic tooth replacement supported by dental implants. To date, this approach has not been reported in the literature.

Case reports:

This paper reports on two cases which illustrate this approach; the first case involved pharyngeal pouch management where previous open surgery had failed, and the second case involved glottic carcinoma management where oral access was compromising resection.

Conclusion:

This technique is recommended to facilitate effective transoral surgical procedures as a low-morbidity alternative to either open surgery or non-surgical therapies.
Optimal ileocolic flap length for a reconstructed voice tube after laryngopharyngectomy
Authors: Tsou Y-A , Li T-S , Tsai M-H , Chen H-C , Belafsky P
Published: October 2015

Background:

Voice restoration after laryngopharyngectomy can be achieved with an autologous ileocolic flap. We have observed that the length of the flap influences vocal outcome. This investigation aimed to evaluate the association between ileocolic flap length and vocal quality after laryngopharyngectomy.

Methods:

The charts of patients who underwent voice rehabilitation with an ileocolic flap after laryngopharyngectomy between 1 January 2011 and 30 December 2012 were abstracted. The length of ileum segment in the ileocolic flap was stratified, and voice outcome was evaluated three months post-operatively, while adjusting for confounding variables.

Results:

There was a significant association between flap length and loudness, maximum phonation time and sound pressure level (p < 0.05). All three parameters were best in the 10 cm length group.

Conclusion:

Voice rehabilitation after laryngopharyngectomy is possible with an ileocolic flap. The optimal ileocolic flap contains a 10 cm ileum segment. Complications are frequent but amenable to revision surgery.
‘The Brazilian Rhône’: Economic Development of the Doce River Basin in Nineteenth-Century Brazil, 1819–49’
Authors: BIEBER JUDY
Published: October 2015

This article examines attempts to modernise navigation of the Doce River in Brazil during the early nineteenth century. It focuses primarily on the development of a joint Anglo-Brazilian business venture, The Rio Doce Company (1832–49). The failure of the Rio Doce Company cannot be attributed to a single overarching cause, but reflects numerous barriers to economic development including a cumbersome regulatory bureaucracy, capital scarcity, poor technological integration, challenging topography, and Brazilian political resistance to British investment and corporate oversight. This article contributes to the field of business history in the immediate post-independence era, a topic that has received relatively little scholarly attention.
Integrodifferential models of electron transport for negative ion sources
Authors: Cavenago Marco
Published: October 2015

Thanks to the presence of a transverse magnetic flux density ($B_{x}$ and $B_{y}$ where $z$ is the extraction axis), the undesired extraction of electrons from a negative ion source is reduced and it is due to collisions. The electron transport is studied with a kinetic model, including Vlasov–Poisson effects and atomic collisions. The integrodifferential equations (IDE) resulting from a reduction to a one-dimensional problem (1-D) by integration on characteristic orbits are strongly affected by the trapped orbits, as here evaluated; a kernel calculation with a partial wave approximation is introduced. Dependencies from the local drift velocity $v_{d}$ and effective Larmor radius $L_{e}$ are found. Solutions are investigated in simple cases with a constant electron current (no additional electron production). Equilibrium solution and electron conductivity are analytically obtained. Presheath solutions are discussed; the approximated conversion to differential equations that are adequate for presheath only (with moderated electric field gradient $E_{z,z}>-eB_{x}^{2}/m$) and their numeric solutions coupled to Poisson equation are reported, and compared to iterative IDE solutions. Examples with different values of $L_{e}$ and mean free path (mfp) ratio are described.
Demography and foraging ecology of Chelonia mydas on tropical shallow reefs in Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Jardim Adriana , López-Mendilaharsu Milagros , Barros Francisco
Published: October 2015

Long-term tagging studies, particularly those that target life stages away from nesting beaches can provide important insights in key life history traits, which are essential for the effective management of endangered species. The coast of Bahia hosts important green turtle foraging areas, but information on demography, spatial use and foraging ecology in this region is lacking. Here, we (1) examined the size-class structure of green turtles in Bahia, (2) compared the size distribution from Bahia to other foraging aggregations in Brazil, and (3) studied the somatic growth dynamics. Additionally, we investigated the (4) diet, (5) habitat use and (6) activity patterns of green turtles along shallow reefs in Bahia. From 2009 to 2013, 322 green turtles were captured and 44 were recaptured between 7 and 1218 days after initial tagging. Curved carapace length varied from 32.9 to 122.5 cm. Mean annual growth rate was 3.03 ± 1.18 cm year−1. The diet of the turtles was mainly composed of red algae of the family Gelidiaceae, Gelidiellaceae and Cystocloniaceae. There was a positive relationship between the abundance of red algae and the number of turtle sightings, with a significant increase in foraging activity during late afternoon. This study highlights the importance of this area as a mixed foraging aggregation of juvenile and adult green turtles, and reveals that foraging grounds for this species in Brazil exhibit southern immature-dominated assemblages and northern mixed aggregations. Areas with high aggregation of green turtles comprising individuals from different life stages must be targeted for conservation management.
Morphological and molecular systematics of the ‘Cliona viridiscomplex’ from south-eastern Brazil
Authors: Leal Camille V. , De Paula Thiago S. , Lôbo-Hajdu Gisele , Schönberg Christine H. L. , Esteves Eduardo L.
Published: October 2015

Bioeroding sponges of theCliona viridisspecies complex play a large role in carbonate cycling and reef health. In the present study we provide the first record and a description of a Mediterranean lineage ofC. viridis(Schmidt, 1862) in the south-western Atlantic. Specimens were collected in Maricás Archipelago, Rio de Janeiro State in September 2010 by scuba diving at 10–12 m depth and deposited in the Porifera collection of Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Morphologically, the specimens presently examined are very similar to those described in the beta and gamma growth form from the Mediterranean. The Brazilian and Mediterranean specimens share large and irregular papillae over 2 cm in diameter, megasclere tylostyles up to 500 µm long and microsclere spirasters with up to five twists and 34 µm long. A Maximum Likelihood analysis of 28S rDNA ofC. viridis, C. aprica, C. jullieni, C. schmidtiandC. varianswas performed for a genetic identification of the Brazilian specimens. The Brazilian material is phylogenetically closer to the MediterraneanC. viridisthan to the Caribbean and Indian Ocean members of this species complex included in the present analysis. Our results suggest thatC. viridisis a cryptogenic species with a distribution extending from the Mediterranean to the eastern Atlantic and in the SE Brazilian coast or further.
‘Terra firma’: a myth in secondary accounts of the meeting between theFramandTerra Novaexpeditions, 4 February 1911
Authors: May Karen
Published: October 2015

In this article the author isolates an anecdote from Roland Huntford's account of the Scott and Amundsen expeditions’ meeting on 4 February 1911 at Framheim, the Norwegian base in the Bay of Whales. In this anecdote, Lieutenant Victor Campbell allegedly told Roald Amundsen that a British motor sledge was ‘already onterra firma’, which consequently led Amundsen to worry that a British motor-sledge had already travelled across the Great Ice Barrier to reach the Beardmore Glacier. The author demonstrates the primary evidence that indicates that this anecdote is unrealistic: Amundsen's journal further indicates that he did not consider Scott's vehicles a threat. This ‘terra firma’ myth has skewed our modern understanding of events, ascribing to Amundsen an erroneous motivation (a supposed fear of the British motor sledges) to explain and excuse his too-early start for the south pole in September 1911, which was an error that nearly led to a Norwegian death (that of Lieutenant Kristian Prestrud). In reality, fear of Scott's motor sledges was not the reason for Amundsen's ‘false start’. This article concludes with a discussion on the hazards of attributing ‘hidden motivations’ to historical figures without citation of primary evidence, and recommends that Huntford include clearly-cited references and endnotes for the next edition of his joint biography of Scott and Amundsen, in keeping with modern standards of scholarship.
Meta-analysis of Theory of Mind (ToM) impairment in bipolar disorder
Authors: Bora E. , Bartholomeusz C. , Pantelis C.
Published: October 2015

Background

Theory of mind (ToM) dysfunction is prominent in a number of psychiatric disorders, in particular, autism and schizophrenia, and can play a significant role in poor functioning. There is now emerging evidence suggesting that ToM abilities are also impaired in bipolar disorder (BP); however, the relationship between ToM deficits and mood state is not clear.

Method

We conducted a meta-analysis of ToM studies in BP. Thirty-four studies comparing 1214 patients with BP and 1097 healthy controls were included. BP groups included remitted (18 samples, 545 BP patients), subsyndromal (12 samples, 510 BP patients), and acute (manic and/or depressed) (10 samples, 159 BP patients) patients.

Results

ToM performance was significantly impaired in BP compared to controls. This impairment was evident across different types of ToM tasks (including affective/cognitive and verbal/visual) and was also evident in strictly euthymic patients with BP (d= 0.50). There were no significant differences between remitted and subsyndromal samples. However, ToM deficit was significantly more severe during acute episodes (d= 1.23). ToM impairment was significantly associated with neurocognitive and particularly with manic symptoms.

Conclusion

Significant but modest sized ToM dysfunction is evident in remitted and subsyndromal BP. Acute episodes are associated with more robust ToM deficits. Exacerbation of ToM deficits may contribute to the more significant interpersonal problems observed in patients with acute or subsyndromal manic symptoms. There is a need for longitudinal studies comparing the developmental trajectory of ToM deficits across the course of the illness.
SYNCHRONOUS COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION AND INTERACTION
Authors: Ziegler Nicole
Published: October 2015

The current study reports on a meta-analysis of the relative effectiveness of interaction in synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC) and face-to-face (FTF) contexts. The primary studies included in the analysis were journal articles and dissertations completed between 1990 and 2012 (k= 14). Results demonstrate that interaction in SCMC and FTF had a significant impact on second language (L2) development, providing further support for previous research demonstrating the efficacy of interaction in both communication modes (e.g., Mackey & Goo, 2007; Pellettieri, 2000; Smith, 2004, 2005). There was also a small advantage for interaction in SCMC on measures of overall L2 learning outcomes, with additional analyses indicating a small advantage for SCMC interaction on productive and written measures and a small advantage for FTF interaction on receptive and oral learning outcomes. Interestingly, there were no significant differences between SCMC and FTF, suggesting the mode of communication has no statistically significant impact on the positive developmental benefits associated with interaction.
Augmented base loci and restricted volumes on normal varieties, II: The case of real divisors
Authors: LOPEZ ANGELO FELICE
Published: October 2015

Let X be a normal projective variety defined over an algebraically closed field and let Z be a subvariety. Let D be an ${\mathbb R}$-Cartier ${\mathbb R}$-divisor on X. Given an expression (*) D$\sim_{\mathbb R}$t1H1 +. . .+ tsHs with ti ∈ ${\mathbb R}$ and Hi very ample, we define the (*)-restricted volume of D to Z and we show that it coincides with the usual restricted volume when Z$\not\subseteq$B+(D). Then, using some recent results of Birkar [Bir], we generalise to ${\mathbb R}$-divisors the two main results of [BCL]: The first, proved for smooth complex projective varieties by Ein, Lazarsfeld, Mustaţă, Nakamaye and Popa, is the characterisation of B+(D) as the union of subvarieties on which the (*)-restricted volume vanishes; the second is that X − B+(D) is the largest open subset on which the Kodaira map defined by large and divisible (*)-multiples of D is an isomorphism.