bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methods for the joint meta‐analysis of multiple tests
Authors: Trikalinos Thomas A. , Hoaglin David C. , Small Kevin M. , Terrin Norma , Schmid Christopher H.
Published: May 2014

Existing methods for meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy focus primarily on a single index test. We propose models for the joint meta‐analysis of studies comparing multiple index tests on the same participants in paired designs. These models respect the grouping of data by studies, account for the within‐study correlation between the tests' true‐positive rates (TPRs) and between their false‐positive rates (FPRs) (induced because tests are applied to the same participants), and allow for between‐study correlations between TPRs and FPRs (such as those induced by threshold effects). We estimate models in the Bayesian setting. We demonstrate using a meta‐analysis of screening for Down syndrome with two tests: shortened humerus (arm bone), and shortened femur (thigh bone). Separate and joint meta‐analyses yielded similar TPR and FPR estimates. For example, the summary TPR for a shortened humerus was 35.3% (95% credible interval (CrI): 26.9, 41.8%) versus 37.9% (27.7, 50.3%) with joint versus separate meta‐analysis. Joint meta‐analysis is more efficient when calculating comparative accuracy: the difference in the summary TPRs was 0.0% (−8.9, 9.5%; TPR higher for shortened humerus) with joint versus 2.6% (−14.7, 19.8%) with separate meta‐analyses. Simulation and empirical analyses are needed to refine the role of the proposed methodology. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elevated sensitivity of macrosteatotic hepatocytes to hypoxia/reoxygenation stress is reversed by a novel defatting protocol
Authors: Nativ Nir I. , Yarmush Gabriel , So Ashley , Barminko Jeffery , Maguire Timothy J. , Schloss Rene , Berthiaume Francois , Yarmush Martin L.
Published: May 2014

Macrosteatotic livers exhibit elevated intrahepatic triglyceride (TG) levels in the form of large lipid droplets (LDs), reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and this contributes to their elevated sensitivity to ischemia/reperfusion injury during transplantation. Reducing macrosteatosis in living donors through dieting has been shown to improve transplant outcomes. Accomplishing the same feat for deceased donor grafts would require ex vivo exposure to potent defatting agents. Here we used a rat hepatocyte culture system exhibiting a macrosteatotic LD morphology, elevated TG levels, and an elevated sensitivity to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) to test for such agents and ameliorate H/R sensitivity. Macrosteatotic hepatocyte preconditioning for 48 hours with a defatting cocktail that was previously developed to promote TG catabolism reduced the number of macrosteatotic LDs and intracellular TG levels by 82% and 27%, respectively, but it did not ameliorate sensitivity to H/R. Supplementation of this cocktail with l-carnitine, together with hyperoxic exposure, yielded a similar reduction in the number of macrosteatotic LDs and a 57% reduction in intrahepatic TG storage, likely by increasing the supply of acetyl coenzyme A to mitochondria, as indicated by a 70% increase in ketone body secretion. Furthermore, this treatment reduced ROS levels by 32%, increased ATP levels by 27% (to levels near those of lean controls), and completely abolished H/R sensitivity as indicated by approximately 85% viability after H/R and the reduction of cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase release to levels seen in lean controls. Cultures maintained for 48 hours after H/R were approximately 83% viable and exhibited superior urea secretion and bile canalicular transport in comparison with untreated macrosteatotic cultures. In conclusion, these findings show that the elevated sensitivity of macrosteatotic hepatocytes to H/R can be overcome by defatting agents, and they suggest a possible route for the recovery of discarded macrosteatotic grafts. Liver Transpl 20:1000–1011, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Changes in soleus H‐reflex during walking in middle‐aged, healthy subjects
Authors: Raffalt Peter C. , Alkjær Tine , Simonsen Erik B.
Published: May 2014

Introduction: To assess the effect of aging on stretch reflex modulation during walking, soleus H‐reflexes obtained in 15 middle‐aged (mean age 56.4 ± 6.9 years) and 15 young (mean age 23.7 ± 3.9 years) subjects were compared. Methods: The H‐reflex amplitude, muscle activity (EMG) of the soleus and tibialis anterior muscles, and EMG/H‐reflex gain were measured during 4‐km/h treadmill walking. Results: The normalized H‐reflex amplitude was lower in the swing phase for the middle‐aged group, and there was no difference in muscle activity. EMG/H‐reflex gain did not differ between groups. Conclusions: H‐reflex amplitude during walking was affected by aging, and changes during the swing phase could be seen in the middle‐aged subjects. Subdividing the 2 age groups into groups of facilitated or suppressed swing‐phase H‐reflex revealed that the H‐reflex amplitude modulation pattern in the group with facilitated swing‐phase H‐reflex may be influenced by aging. Muscle Nerve 51: 419–425, 2015
Food Availability as a Determinant of Weight Gain Among Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Bloodworth Robin F. , Ward Kenneth D. , Relyea George E. , Cashion Ann K.
Published: May 2014

Excessive weight gain is common after renal transplantation, but it is unknown whether environmental factors, such as food availability, contribute to this important clinical problem. We evaluated the effects of food availability (fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and grocery stores within 1, 2, and 3 mile buffers of transplant recipients' residences) on body mass index (BMI) change during the first year post‐transplant. Participants (n = 299) resided in Memphis, Tennessee. BMI increased by 1.42 units (p < .001) corresponding to an average weight gain of 9.25 lbs (5.43%) during the first year post‐transplant. The number of grocery stores within 1 mile of recipient's residence was associated with an increase in BMI (p < .05), but fast food restaurants and convenience stores were not significantly associated with BMI change. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical characterization of phenolic foams modified by short glass fibers and polyurethane prepolymer
Authors: Yang Yanfeng , He Jimin
Published: May 2014

Short glass fibers and polyurethane prepolymer were used to modify phenolic foams. The mechanical properties of the composites were characterized and compared with those of foams unmodified and modified with only polyurethane prepolymer or short glass fibers in terms of friability, compression, and bending properties. It shows that polyurethane prepolymer significantly improved the toughness and reduced the friability of phenolic foams, while short glass fibers markedly increased the compression and bending properties. The compound modified foams exhibited significantly lower friability and higher resistance to cracking behavior than conventional phenolic foams and the foams modified with only short glass fibers, and were much stiffer and stronger than conventional phenolic foams and the foams modified with only polyurethane prepolymer. The compound modified phenolic foams with the 1:3 ratio of short glass fibers to polyurethane prepolymer exhibited excellent integrated mechanical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1584–1589, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preadmission Statin Use Does Not Improve Functional Outcomes or Prevent Delayed Ischemic Events in Patients with Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Lizza Bryan D. , Kosteva Adam , Maas Matthew B. , Rosenberg Neil F. , Liotta Eric , Guth James , Levasseur‐Franklin Kimberly E. , Naidech Andrew M.
Published: May 2014

Study Objective

To determine whether preadmission statin use in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with improved functional outcomes and a lower incidence of delayed cerebral ischemic events compared with statin‐naive patients with SAH.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Neurosciences intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital.

Patients

A total of 295 consecutive patients with SAH admitted between March 2006 and May 2013 who had complete medication histories; of these patients, 41 reported taking a statin prior to admission, and 254 were statin naive.

Intervention

All patients received clinical management for SAH according to hospital protocol for standard care that included acute statin therapy with enteral pravastatin 40 mg/day on hospital day 1 for up to 21 days.

Measurements and Main Results

Functional outcomes were assessed by using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 14 days, 28 days, and 3 months. Delayed cerebral ischemia was assessed by using clinical evaluation and computed tomography. Patients taking statins prior to admission were more likely to have a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke. No significant difference in favorable neurologic outcome (mRS score 0–3) at 3 months was observed between the preadmission statin group compared with the statin‐naive group (56.3% vs 72.4%, p=0.095). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only age, severity of rupture, and coronary artery disease were less likely to predict a favorable neurologic outcome. No significant difference in the development of delayed cerebral ischemic events was observed between groups (p=0.48).

Conclusion

Statin use prior to admission did not improve functional outcomes or prevent delayed cerebral ischemic events in patients with SAH. Age, severity of rupture, and coronary artery disease were less likely to predict a favorable neurologic outcome at 3 months after discharge.
A systematic review of men's experiences of their partner's mastectomy: coping with altered bodies
Authors: Rowland Emma , Metcalfe Alison
Published: May 2014

Objective

To explore men's experiences of their partner's altered physique and body image as a result of mastectomy and subsequent reconstructive surgeries.

Design

A systematic review of qualitative and mixed‐methods studies.

Data sources

Ovid, EBSCOhost, Web of science, SCOPUS and ASSIA ProQuest databases were searched using 1) truncations of breast cancer, hereditary breast cancer and BRCA 2) words relating to partner relationships; spouse, husband, partner, men and couple 3) breast cancer surgeries; mastectomy, prophylactic mastectomy and breast reconstruction and 4) body image.

Review method

Methodological rigour was quality assessed.

Results

A total of 756 citations were retrieved. Seventeen articles remained following the removal of duplicates, papers unrelated to breast cancer, male breast cancer, papers that excluded men's experiences of their partner's breast cancer and altered body image. Thematic analysis was applied and produced five themes: experiences of the altered body, communication, impact on relationship, information giving and recommendations.

Conclusion

Men indicated that perceptions of their partner's altered physique and body image, following mastectomy, was secondary to their health. Some men were distressed by their partner's bodily alterations leading to highly complex and emotive coping mechanisms. Men found talking to their partner about physique and body image challenging. Closed communication, however, often led to conflict and poor psychological well‐being in both partners. To help prepare for the changes to their partner's body, men desired tailored information. Effective information giving contributes to effective coping strategies helping men to better support their partner affected or at risk from breast cancer, leading to enhanced psychological and emotional well‐being in couples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of doping precursor on band gap and morphologies of sol‐gel deposited ZnMgO thin films
Authors: Singh Amanpal , Saini Sonia , Kumar Dinesh , Khanna P. K. , Kumar Mukesh , Prasad B.
Published: May 2014

Zn1–xMgxO thin films were deposited by sol–gel route on p–type Si (100) and quartz substrates. It is ob‐served that the incorporation of Mg and morphological features of the sol–gel derived Zn1–xMgxO thin films extremely depend upon the selection of doping (Mg) precursor salts. Investigation of different doping precursors such as magnesium acetate, magne‐sium chloride and magnesium nitrate have been carried out. Zn1–xMgxO (x = 0.15) thin films deposited us‐ing each doping source were annealed at 300, 500, 700 and 900 °C in the presence of oxygen for one hour. The results showed that the magnesium nitrate required lower annealing temperature and provided good quality of films, However traces of N were observed in the films. The surface morphology and microstructure of the depos‐ited thin films were analyzed by atomic force microscopy. The crystallite dimension, shape and the growth rate were found to be significantly affected by dopant precursors. The chemical compositions were determined by elemen‐tal dispersive spectra. The band gap modulation is stud‐ied by varying the magnesium content from x = 0.00 to 0.40 for each type of salt for Mg doping. The Zn1–xMgxO films deposited using magnesium chloride exhib‐ited poor band gap modulation and lower quality of mi‐crostructure. The films deposited using magnesium ace‐tate exhibited minimum defects, good crystallinity and higher band gap modulation. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical and structural properties of Al2O3/ZnO nanolaminates deposited by ALD method
Authors: Chaaya Adib Abou , Viter Roman , Baleviciute Ieva , Bechelany Mikhael , Ramanavicius Arunas , Erts Donats , Smyntyna Valentyn , Miele Philipe
Published: May 2014

We report on the investigation of optical and structural properties of Al2O3/ZnO nanolaminates. The nanolaminates were deposited on Si and glass substrates by Atomic layer deposition method. Structural properties of nanolaminates were studied by SEM, GIXRD, and AFM. Optical characterization was performed by transmittance and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Complex analysis of monolayer properties was done by ellipsometry. Optical constants for Al2O3 and ZnO monolayer were calculated.
Local structure and dynamics of wurtzite‐type ZnO from simulation‐based EXAFS analysis
Authors: Timoshenko Janis , Anspoks Andris , Kalinko Aleksandr , Kuzmin Alexei
Published: May 2014

Conventional methods of EXAFS data analysis are often limited to the nearest coordination shells of the absorbing atom due to the difficulties in accurate accounting for the so‐called multiple‐scattering effects. Besides, it is often difficult to resolve the non‐equivalent groups of atoms in a single coordination shell due to strong correlation between structural parameters. In this study we overcome these problems by applying two different simulation‐based methods, i.e., classical molecular dynamics (MD) and reverse Monte with evolutionary algorithm (EA), to the analysis of the Zn K‐edge EXAFS data for wurtzite‐type bulk ZnO. The RMC/EA‐EXAFS method allowed us to separate the contributions of thermal disorder and the effect of noncentrosymmetric zinc oxide structure, being responsible for its piezoelectrical and pyroelectrical properties. The MD‐EXAFS method allowed us to test the accuracy of several available force‐field models, which are commonly used in the MD simulations of ZnO nanostructures.
Optical and electrical studies of transparent conductive AZO and ITO sputtered thin films for CIGS photovoltaics
Authors: Mereu R. A. , Marchionna S. , Donne A. Le , Ciontea L. , Binetti S. , Acciarri M.
Published: May 2014

Due to the many advantages of aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) as an alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO), the optical and electrical properties of AZO thin films deposited on large substrates by D.C. pulsed magnetron sputtering have been investigated in view of future industrial applications. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of AZO thin films as transparent conductive oxide (TCO), their properties have been compared with those of standard ITO grown with the same technique. The effect of the thickness on the optical properties revealed higher transmittance values for AZO (T>86%) than for ITO (T>83%) films. The best resistivity values obtained for AZO were about 9.7×10–4 Ωcm versus 5.09×10–4 Ωcm measured for ITO films. Moreover, it was observed that the film resistivity is significantly influenced by the working pressure in the case of AZO films while the ITO resistivity appears almost unaffected. Finally, since both the optical and electrical properties are influenced by the film thickness, it was crucial to determine the proper AZO thickness in order to obtain the optimum of electrical and optical properties for the photovoltaic applications. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Concentration determination and activation of rare earth dopants in zinc oxide thin films
Authors: Ziani A. , Tempez A. , Frilay C. , Davesnne C. , Labbé C. , Marie Ph. , Legendre S. , Portier X.
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we will present the development of rare‐earth (RE) doped zinc oxide (ZnO) films for white light emitting diodes (LED). We will present the structural changes of these films as well as their optical properties and associated photoluminescence before and after rapid thermal treatments. We will report depth profile results from plasma profiling time of flight mass spectrometry (PP‐TOFMS) giving the distributions and concentrations of the different elements in the films. We will correlate depth profile and luminescence data to understand the RE emission mechanisms in ZnO matrix. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of annealing in Zn vapor on the luminescence of MgZnO ceramics
Authors: Markevich I. , Stara T. , Kolomys O. , Romanyuk A. S. , Strelchuk V.
Published: May 2014

ZnO‐based compounds that exhibit a number of strongly overlapping emission bands in visible spectral region are promising materials for white‐light emitters with continuous emission spectrum. Defect‐related emission in doped with different impurities ZnO, however, spreads from green to red spectral region, so its shift toward shorter wavelengths is required. We supposed that this problem can be solved due to broadening of ZnO band gap by alloying ZnO with MgO. The enhancement of visible emission brightness is also an important problem. In this work, MgxZn1‐xO ceramics with x =0 and x=0.2 were sintered both in air and Zn vapor at 950 oC. Emission and Raman scattering spectra were measured at 300 K using 325 nm line of He‐Cd laser as excitation source. In samples sintered in air, bright UV emission and weak visible one took place, adding MgO to ZnO resulting in blue‐shift of the latter. Sintering in Zn vapor was found to weaken UV emission and to increase drastically the brightness of visible one especially in blue‐green spectral region. As a result, bright blue radiation was observed from MgZnO ceramics under excitation by considerably week UV light. Obtained effects were accounted for by the shift of “green” centers energetic level with respect to involved band edge as a result of band‐gap broadening and by the increase of this center density due to annealing in Zn vapor. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural, electrical and optical properties of zinc‐iridium oxide thin films deposited by DC reactive magnetron sputtering
Authors: Zubkins Martins , Kalendarev Roberts , Gabrusenoks Jevgenijs , Vilnis Kaspars , Azens Andris , Purans Juris
Published: May 2014

ZnO‐IrO2 thin films were deposited on glass by DC reactive magnetron sputtering at room tem‐perature. Structural, electrical and optical properties were investigated as a function of iridium atomic concentra‐tion in the films. XRD data shows that ZnO‐IrO2 thin films are X‐ray amorphous and Raman spectrum resembles the spectrum of IrO2, without any distinct features of wurtzite ZnO structure. The lowest film resistivity and the highest transmittance achieved in the present study were 1.4 × 10‐3 Ωcm and 33% at 550 nm, respectively. However, resistivity and transmittance are inversely related to the iridium concentration in the films.
LEDs based on p‐type ZnO nanowires synthesized by electrochemical deposition method
Authors: Kapustianyk V. , Turko B. , Luzinov I. , Rudyk V. , Tsybulskyi V. , Malynych S. , Rudyk Yu. , Savchak M.
Published: May 2014

The data concerning the light‐emitting diodes based on ZnO homojunction with ITO/n ‐ZnO/p ‐ZnO+photoresist/Au/Ti and ITO/n ‐ZnO/p ‐ZnO+pho‐toresist+PEDOT:PSS/Au/Ti structures are reported. The p ‐ZnO nanowires were grown by electrochemical deposition method. It is suggested that the p ‐type conductivity first of all is connected with the zinc vacancies VZn. The clear rectifying behavior was observed on the current‐voltage curve of the ZnO p ‐n homojunction. The broad electroluminescence (EL) emission bands in the blue, green and red regions lead to observation of the white light by a naked eye under forward bias. The intrinsic defects such as Zni, VZn, Vo and Oi would be responsible for occurrence of these bands. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Dragonfly Association Index (Insecta: Odonata)—a Tool for the Type‐Specific Assessment of Lowland Rivers
Authors: Chovanec A. , Schindler M. , Waringer J. , Wimmer R.
Published: May 2014

Species traits of 57 Odonata species occurring in the Austrian bioregion Eastern Ridges and Lowlands (ecoregion Hungarian Lowlands; Illies, ) were defined by factor loadings of 12 habitat parameters: stream sections crenon, rhithron and potamon; flow velocity; standing water; temporary water; size of water body; open water; open banks; submerged macrophytes; reed; and riparian trees. On the basis of the species‐specific configurations of these habitat parameters, cluster analysis revealed seven dragonfly associations with different habitat needs: association of open waters, association of sparsely vegetated banks, association of reed and riparian trees, association of reed and submerged macrophytes, association of temporary waters, rhithron association and potamon association. Correlations between the associations' habitat requirements and the habitat parameters of the seven (near‐)natural river types, which are present in this bioregion were performed to define river type‐specific association compositions. From these results, a dragonfly association index was created to assess the ecological status of these rivers within the five‐tiered system of the European Union Water Framework Directive, emphasizing hydro‐morphological aspects by comparing the type‐specific reference situation with the actual status quo of dragonfly colonization. The method was applied at different rivers, particularly for the purpose of evaluating restoration measures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Making air traffic surveillance more reliable: a new authentication framework for automatic dependent surveillance‐broadcast (ADS‐B) based on online/offline identity‐based signature
Authors: Baek Joonsang , Byon Young‐ji , Hableel Eman , Al‐Qutayri Mahmoud
Published: May 2014

Automatic dependent surveillance‐broadcast is an emerging surveillance technology for the future “e‐enabled” aircrafts, which will make it possible for aircrafts to share their location data with neighboring aircrafts, ground controllers, and other interested parties. In order to provide the automatic dependent surveillance‐broadcast communications with a high level of accuracy and integrity, a reliable authentication mechanism is required. So far, however, very few cryptographic solutions have been offered to achieve this in the literature. Even existing solutions have faced the following challenges: (i) the authentication solutions based on regular digital signature require complex management of public‐key infrastructureell; and (ii) signing messages exchanged or broadcast frequently in aircraft‐to‐aircraft and aircraft‐to‐ground communication modes can cause a computational bottleneck easily. In order to address these challenges, we take a fresh approach to building up an authentication framework by introducing a new online/offline identity‐based signature scheme. Our scheme will resolve the public‐key infrastructure management issue by using the identities of aircrafts as public keys and will achieve a high efficiency through online/offline signature generation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new efficient signcryption scheme in the standard model
Authors: Yang Zheng
Published: May 2014

We introduce an efficient signcryption scheme for hybrid authenticated encryption that is provably secure in the standard model under a strong multiuser insider setting. Our new signcryption scheme is built on the basis of a variant of Boneh–Boyen short signature, which works under bilinear groups. The new construction idea is to reuse the signature value to derive the encryption key. This could dramatically save not only the computational cost but also the communication bandwidth. The session key security of the proposed scheme is reduced to a hard problem that is a variant of bilinear decisional Diffie–Hellman problem. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging of dopant distribution in optical fibers with an orthogonal TOF SIMS
Authors: Lorinčík J. , Kašík I. , Vaniš J. , Sedláček L. , Dluhoš J.
Published: May 2014

The analysis of doping element distribution in optical fiber cross sections requires a sensitive high spatial resolution technique. We demonstrate that a compact orthogonal Time‐of‐Flight (TOF) mass spectrometer attached to a multitechnique FIB‐SEM‐EDX system can be used to analyze cross sections of as manufactured optical fibers. By performing quantitative Energy Dispersive X‐Ray (EDX) analysis of the optical preform, from which the fibers were drawn, we obtained conversion factors, which enabled the quantification of the Focused Ion Beam (FIB) SIMS profiles of the fiber cross sections. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
VAMAS round‐robin study to evaluate a correction method for saturation effects in D‐SIMS
Authors: Takano Akio , Nonaka Hidehiko , Homma Yoshikazu , Tomita Mitsuhiro , Murase Atsushi , Hayashi Syunichi , Barozzi Mario , Kim Kyung Joon , Sykes David , Simons David , Bennett Joe , Magee Charles W.
Published: May 2014

Recently, dynamic SIMS (D‐SIMS) is being used to analyze ions simultaneously over a wide range of concentrations, from matrix level to extremely low (ng g−1). However, D‐SIMS detectors, which are mostly used in pulse counting systems, have problems with detector saturation. Thus, the ion intensities of SIMS must be corrected in their high‐intensity region. It has been reported that the approximation intermediate extended dead‐time model (a‐IED model) can be used to correct saturated intensity in the higher region better than can the conventional model. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of the a‐IED model to correct partially saturated and saturated intensities for magnetic‐sector‐type D‐SIMS and quadrupole‐type D‐SIMS for the effects of dead time. Nine organizations from five countries participated in this project. Analyzed specimens were an arsenic‐implanted silicon wafer and a diffused BN onto Si wafer. The instruments used to analyze arsenic‐implanted samples were five quadrupole‐type SIMS and four magnetic‐sector‐type SIMS. The instruments used to analyze the BN‐diffused samples were three quadrupole‐type SIMS, four magnetic‐sector‐type SIMS, and one time‐of‐flight‐type SIMS. We validated the usefulness of the a‐IED model to correct saturated intensities for all SIMS in this round‐robin test. The optimum extension parameter ρ tends to be affected by the ratio of the maximum reliable intensity to the maximum intensity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aerodynamic response of an airfoil section undergoing pitch motion and trailing edge flap deflection: a comparison of simulation methods
Authors: Bergami Leonardo , Riziotis Vasilis A. , Gaunaa Mac
Published: May 2014

The study presents and compares aerodynamic simulations for an airfoil section with an adaptive trailing edge flap, which deflects following a smooth deformation shape. The simulations are carried out with three substantially different methods: a Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes solver, a viscous–inviscid interaction method and an engineering dynamic stall model suitable for implementation in aeroelastic codes based on blade element momentum theory. The aerodynamic integral forces and pitching moment coefficients are first determined in steady conditions, at angles of attack spanning from attached flow to separated conditions and accounting for the effects of flap deflection; the steady results from the Navier–Stokes solver and the viscous–inviscid interaction method are used as input data for the simpler dynamic stall model. The paper characterizes then the dynamics of the unsteady forces and moments generated by the airfoil undergoing harmonic pitching motions and harmonic flap deflections. The unsteady aerodynamic coefficients exhibit significant variations over the corresponding steady‐state values. The dynamic characteristics of the unsteady response are predicted with an excellent agreement among the investigated methods at attached flow conditions, both for airfoil pitching and flap deflection. At high angles of attack, where flow separation is encountered, the methods still depict similar overall dynamics, but larger discrepancies are reported, especially for the simpler engineering method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized Clinical Trial: Nasoenteric Tube or Jejunostomy as a Route for Nutrition After Major Upper Gastrointestinal Operations
Authors: Torres Júnior Luiz Gonzaga , de Vasconcellos Santos Fernando Augusto , Correia Maria Isabel Toulson Davisson
Published: May 2014

Background

Curative treatment of upper gastrointestinal tract neoplasms is complex and associated with high morbidity and mortality. In general, the patients are already malnourished, and early postoperative enteral nutrition is recommended. However, there is no consensus concerning the best enteral access route in these cases.

Methods

A prospective randomized trial was performed from 2008 to 2012 with 59 patients who underwent esophagectomy, total gastrectomy, or pancreaticoduodenectomy. In all, 4 patients declined to participate, and 13 did not meet the inclusion criteria and were excluded. Of the 42 included patients, 21 had nasoenteric tubes, and 21 had a jejunostomy.

Results

The two groups were similar in demographic and clinical aspects. The nasoenteric (NE) and jejunostomy groups underwent early enteral therapy in 71 and 62 % of cases (p > 0.05), respectively. The median length of enteral therapy use was less in the NE group (5.0 vs. 8.5 days), but the difference was not statistically significant. The NE group required introduction of parenteral therapy more frequently than the jejunostomy group (p < 0.05). Complications related to the enteral route occurred in 38.0 and 28.5 % of patients (p > 0.05) in the NE and jejunostomy groups, respectively. In the NE group, there were four losses and four tube obstructions. In the jejunostomy group, there were two losses, four obstructions, and two cases of leakage around the tube. In the latter group, patients who underwent therapy for a longer time had tubal complications (p < 0.05) and longer intensive care unit and hospital stays (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The two enteral routes were associated with the same number of complications. However, the presence of a jejunostomy allowed enteral therapy for longer periods, especially in patients with complications, thus avoiding the need for parenteral nutrition.
Antireflux Surgery for Dysplastic Barrett
Authors: Allaix Marco E. , Patti Marco G.
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is the result of continuous injury of the esophageal mucosa by gastric refluxate. This condition can progress to low‐grade (LGD) and high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) and eventually to adenocarcinoma. While excellent results are reported in terms of reflux and symptom control in patients with BE undergoing antireflux surgery (ARS), the impact of a fundoplication on progression and regression of dysplasia is debated. The aim of this article is to review the effects of ARS on regression and progression of LGD to HGD or cancer in patients with dysplastic BE.

Materials and Methods

A review of the literature in PubMed/Medline electronic databases has been performed.

Results

ARS might decrease but not eliminate the risk of progression to dysplasia or cancer in BE patients. ARS may promote regression of dysplastic BE only in short‐segment BE, but not in long‐segment BE. Modulation of gene expression is involved in the genesis and reversion of short‐segment intestinal metaplasia after ARS.

Conclusions

Close and long‐term surveillance by 24‐hour pH monitoring and upper endoscopy is recommended in BE patients who undergo ARS to identify postoperative pathological reflux, and to early detect dysplasia or even adenocarcinoma. Further studies are requested to assess the molecular effects of ARS in dysplastic BE.
Risk Communication and Crisis Communication in Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Germany: What Is Being Done, and What Needs to be Done
Authors: Dickmann Petra , Biedenkopf Nadine , Keeping Sam , Eickmann Markus , Becker Stephan
Published: May 2014

Objective

Risk communication plays a central role in the management of infectious disease. The World Health Organization's 2005 International Health Regulations have highlighted the need for countries to strengthen their capacities in this area to ensure effective responses to public health emergencies. We surveyed laboratories, hospitals, and public health institutions in Germany to detail the current situation regarding risk communication and crisis management and to identify which areas require further development.

Methods

A mixed methods approach was adopted. An initial questionnaire was distributed to relevant persons in laboratories and hospitals, and semistructured interviews were conducted with selected participants. Representatives from state public health authorities, federal agencies, and media also were interviewed to add additional contextual information to the questionnaire responses.

Results

Based on the responses received, the universal sense among key stakeholders was that risk communication and crisis communication measures must be improved. Collaborative working was a consistent theme, with participants suggesting that a partnering strategy could help to improve performance. This approach could be achieved through better coordination between groups, for example, through a knowledge-sharing policy.

Conclusions

More research is needed on how such collaboration might be implemented, along with a general conceptual framework for risk communication to underpin the overall strategy. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-6)
A force acting on an oblate spheroid with discontinuous surface temperature in a slightly rarefied gas
Authors: Aoki Kazuo , Takata Shigeru , Tomota Tatsunori
Published: May 2014

An oblate spheroid, the respective hemispheroids of which are kept at different uniform temperatures, placed in a rarefied gas at rest is considered. The explicit formula for the force acting on the spheroid (radiometric force) is obtained for small Knudsen numbers. This is a model of a vane of the Crookes radiometer. The analysis is performed for a general axisymmetric distribution of the surface temperature of the spheroid, allowing abrupt changes. Although the generalized slip flow theory, established by Sone (Rarefied Gas Dynamics, vol. 1, 1969, pp. 243–253), is available for general rarefied gas flows at small Knudsen numbers, it cannot be applied to the present problem because of the abrupt temperature changes. However, if it is combined with the symmetry relations for the linearized Boltzmann equation developed recently by Takata (J. Stat. Phys., vol. 136, 2009, pp. 751–784), one can bypass the difficulty. To be more specific, the force acting on the spheroid in the present problem can be generated from the solution of the adjoint problem to which the generalized slip flow theory can be applied, i.e. the problem in which the same spheroid with a uniform surface temperature is placed in a uniform flow of a rarefied gas. The analysis of the present paper follows this strategy.
Veterinary vaccines against toxoplasmosis
Authors: HISZCZYŃSKA-SAWICKA ELŻBIETA , GATKOWSKA JUSTYNA M. , GRZYBOWSKI MARCIN M. , DŁUGOŃSKA HENRYKA
Published: May 2014

Toxoplasma gondiiis a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite that infects a wide range of mammal and bird species. Common infection leads to high economic (e.g. abortions in sheep) and human (e.g. congenital toxoplasmosis or neurotoxoplasmosis in humans) losses. With one exception (Toxovax™ for sheep), there are no vaccines to prevent human or animal toxoplasmosis. The paper presents the current state and challenges in the development of a vaccine against toxoplasmosis, designed for farm animals either bred for consumption or commonly kept on farms and involved in parasite transmission. So far, the trials have mostly revolved around conventional vaccines and, compared with the research using laboratory animals (mainly mice), they have not been very numerous. However, the results obtained are promising and could be a good starting point for developing an effective vaccine to prevent toxoplasmosis.
PATIENT'S PERSPECTIVE ON HYPERBARIC OXYGEN TREATMENT OF OSTEORADIONECROSIS
Authors: Lee Anne , Forner Lone , Jansen Erik C.
Published: May 2014

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a known complication to radiation therapy for head and neck cancer with a prevalence of 5–7% among radiated patients. Treatment might include dental surgery and reconstruction of the jawbone as well as hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT). HBOT takes place in a closed compartment where patients are breathing 100% oxygen under pressure for 90 minutes once a day every weekday for 6 weeks. In Denmark, HBOT is available at two facilities with very different organizational set-ups.
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND PERSONALIZED MEDICINE: ARE ECONOMIC EVALUATION GUIDELINES SUFFICIENT TO SUPPORT DECISION MAKING?
Authors: Husereau Don , Marshall Deborah A. , Levy Adrian R. , Peacock Stuart , Hoch Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2014

Background:Many jurisdictions delivering health care, including Canada, have developed guidance for conducting economic evaluation, often in the service of larger health technology assessment (HTA) and reimbursement processes. Like any health intervention, personalized medical (PM) interventions have costs and consequences that must be considered by reimbursement authorities with limited resources. However, current approaches to economic evaluation to support decision making have been largely developed from population-based approaches to therapy—that is, evaluating the costs and consequences of single interventions across single populations. This raises the issue as to whether these methods, as they are or more refined, are adequate to address more targeted approaches to therapy, or whether a new paradigm for assessing value in PM is required.

Objectives:We describe specific issues relevant to the economic evaluation of diagnostics-based PM and assess whether current guidance for economic evaluation is sufficient to support decision making for PM interventions.

Methods:Issues were identified through literature review and informal interviews with national and international experts (n= 10) in these analyses. This article elaborates on findings and discussion at a workshop held in Ottawa, Canada, in January 2012.

Results: Specific issues related to better guiding economic evaluation of personalized medicine interventions include: how study questions are developed, populations are characterized, comparators are defined, effectiveness is evaluated, outcomes are valued and how resources are measured. Diagnostics-based PM also highlights the need for analyses outside of economic evaluation to support decision making.

Conclusions: The consensus of this group of experts is that the economic evaluation of diagnostics-based PM may not require a new paradigm. However, greater complexity means that existing approaches and tools may require improvement to undertake these more analyses.
Authenticity and Representation: Council Estate Plays at the Royal Court
Authors: Bell Charlotte , Beswick Katie
Published: May 2014

Council estates, otherwise known as British social housing estates, have been subject to media scrutiny since their inception, and widespread criticism of social housing remains a prominent feature of British Welfare State discourse. In recent media coverage, for example of the 2011 riots, these spaces remain central to discussions of class, economics, and crime in the UK. This article draws on postcolonial theory to explore contemporary representations of the council estate on the Royal Court stage – with a focus on narratives of ‘authenticity’. Here, two plays, Off the Endz (Agbaje, 2010) and The Westbridge (De-lahay, 2011), are studied to assess how narratives of authenticity work in theatrical representations both to reinforce and to resist popular impressions of council estate spaces. Charlotte Bell is a PhD candidate in the Drama Department at Queen Mary University, where she is currently writing her PhD thesis on the urban social housing estate and the contemporary cultural economy. Katie Beswick is a Research Associate in Applied Theatre at the University of Leeds, where she has recently completed her PhD on the representation of the council estate in theatrical performance practices.
Gay Sweatshop, Alternative Theatre, and Strategies for New Writing
Authors: Freeman Sara
Published: May 2014

Gay Sweatshop spent twenty-two years producing plays as Britain's first openly gay professional theatre company. Their alternative and political work primarily took the form of author-driven new writing, though experiments with performer-driven work intrigued the company from its earliest cabarets to its late phase of queer solo work under Lois Weaver. In this article, Sara Freeman pinpoints Sweatshop's tenth anniversary new play festival in 1985 as the moment when the company committed to new writing as a strategy for gaining greater legitimacy as a theatre group and as a central mode to encourage gay and lesbian voices and representation. She argues that while this had been the default mode of much 1970s political theatre including Sweatshop's, as it played out in the 1980s, a new writing strategy represented a move toward institutional stability as the locus of theatrical radicalism shifted aesthetics. In this analysis, the celebration of company anniversaries and the creation of festival events provided occasions for the company to experience the success or failure of its policies. Freeman is Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Puget Sound. She is the co-editor of Public Theatres and Theatre Publics (2012) and International Dramaturgy: Translation and Transformations in the Theatre of Timberlake Wertenbaker (2008). Her recent publications appear in Modern British Playwriting: the 1980s. Readings in Performance and Ecology, and the forthcoming volume The British Theatre Company from Fringe to Mainstream: Volume II 1980–1994.
Lessing's Nathan the Wise: from the Enlightenment to the Berliner Ensemble
Authors: Urban Eva
Published: May 2014

Lessing's Nathan the Wise (1779), exemplary for its enlightenment and humanist ideals, assembles Jews, Christians, and Muslims in dialogue during the medieval crusades in Jerusalem. Their encounters allow them to transcend conflict, to recognize their common humanity, and to resolve their differences through dialectical discourse and group arguments. In this article Eva Urban looks closely at the representation of enlightenment in this play and examines the potential role of plays and theatre practice in developing autonomous citizenship and intercultural understanding. Particular reference is made to the 2013 Berliner Ensemble production of Nathan the Wise in relation to aesthetic debates about modern political drama. Eva Urban is a British Academy Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Faculty of English, University of Cambridge, and an Associate of Clare Hall, Cambridge. She is the author of Community Politics and the Peace Process in Contemporary Northern Irish Drama (Peter Lang, 2010) and has published a number of articles on political drama and Irish studies.
Foraging ecology and time budgets of non-breeding shorebirds in coastal Cuba
Authors: Nol Erica , MacCulloch Kate , Pollock Lisa , McKinnon Laura
Published: May 2014

During the non-breeding season, shorebirds, a large and important group of wetland vertebrates, divide their time between foraging, resting and maintenance activities. We examined factors affecting time budgets, foraging techniques and rates, and spacing patterns of 14 to 92 individuals each of 10 shorebird species spending the non-breeding season in Cayo Guillermo, Cuba. We hypothesized that all species would spend the majority of their time foraging. Time spent foraging ranged from 20–85% of total time and was significantly negatively related to average body size. Apparent aggression (e.g. chasing or being chased) occurred in < 10% of individuals in all species and was not related to maximum counts of conspecifics. Aggression was most common in the black-necked stilt but did not vary in frequency as a function of activity. Vigilance varied in occurrence from 0–53% of individuals, but the frequency was not related to maximum counts. Intraspecific distances were generally greater between foraging than non-foraging birds. For most species interspecific distances were similar to intraspecific distances during foraging but greater than intraspecific differences during non-foraging, suggesting some overlap in foraging habitat and niche partitioning during non-foraging. Shorebirds that used primarily tactile techniques foraged closer together than primarily visual foragers. Low rates of aggression, as an index of potential competition, suggest that species-specific energy requirements rather than competitive interactions are the main determinants of foraging behaviour on these tropical non-breeding grounds.
Continuous forest has greater taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic plant diversity than an adjacent naturally fragmented forest
Authors: Munguía-Rosas Miguel A. , Jurado-Dzib Selmy G. , Mezeta-Cob Candy R. , Montiel Salvador , Rojas Armando , Pech-Canché Juan M.
Published: May 2014

Several studies have evaluated the short-term effects of tropical forest fragmentation on plant taxonomic diversity, while only a few have evaluated its effects on functional or phylogenetic diversity. To our knowledge no study has looked at the long-term consequences of tropical forest fragmentation on the three main components of plant diversity simultaneously: taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity. We sampled the vascular flora using belt transects (50 × 4 m) in a continuous tropical semi-evergreen forest (16 transects) and in an adjacent naturally fragmented forest (fragments of 1.7-My-old semi-evergreen forest immersed in a mangrove/sedge matrix) (18 transects), and compared their taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic plant diversity. There were 36 species in the continuous forest and 28 in the fragmented forest. Continuous forest was taxonomically more diverse (25%) than the fragmented forest. All functional diversity metrics were greater (6–33%) in the continuous than in the fragmented forest. Phylogenetic diversity was 19% greater and phylogenetically more overdispersed in the continuous forest than in the fragmented forest. The results suggest that in the fragmented forest not only is taxonomic plant diversity lower, but functional and phylogenetic diversity are as well. The negative effects of forest fragmentation on plant diversity seem to be chronic.