bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invasive fungal sinusitis in a healthy athlete due to long‐term anabolic steroid use
Authors: Kim Irene A. , Thompson Christopher F. , Kedeshian Paul A. , Palma‐Diaz Fernando , Suh Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2014

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is a potentially fatal infection that affects immunocompromised patients. Prognosis is generally poor despite aggressive medical and surgical treatments. We present the first reported case of invasive fungal sinusitis in a healthy 18‐year‐old male athlete who was taking anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). The effects of excessive AAS use on the immune system are not fully understood, but there may be consequences at supraphysiological concentrations. This case demonstrates potential immunomodulatory effects of anabolic steroids and highlights a previously unknown cause of invasive fungal sinusitis. Laryngoscope, 124:1756–1759, 2014
Scala tympani cochleostomy survey: A follow‐up study
Authors: Iseli Claire , Adunka Oliver F. , Buchman Craig A.
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To reassess cochleostomy techniques among North American cochlear implant surgeons after a 6‐year period of widespread education and research on the topic.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

A multiple‐choice survey of cochlear implant techniques was distributed to surgeons attending the William House Cochlear Implant Study Group in 2006 and 2012. This survey contained questions regarding routine surgical access and cochleostomy techniques. Responses were anonymous, and >50% were repeat respondents. Statistical analysis sought changes in technique in the past 6 years.

Results

Comparisons between 2006 and 2012 responses revealed no significant changes in the proportion of surgeons identifying the facial nerve or chorda tympani. By contrast, respondents in 2012 were more likely to drill off the round window niche overhang (P < .001), use a round window insertion (P < .001), or make a smaller cochleostomy (P = .003). In two images of a transfacial recess approach, there was a significant increase in the proportion choosing an inferior or anterior cochleostomy site over a superior location (image 1, 76% in 2006 to 92% in 2012, P = .003; image 3, 78% to 90%, respectively, P = .044).

Conclusions

This repeat survey documents a change in practice among cochlear implant surgeons. Specifically, scala tympani access techniques now appear to be more consistent with known anatomical relationships in the round window region. These findings may have resulted from the concerted education and research efforts over the past 6 years.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:1928–1931, 2014
Analytical solutions of a finite two‐dimensional fluid‐saturated poroelastic medium with compressible constituents
Authors: Li Peichao , Wang Keyong , Li Xiangui , Lu Detang
Published: January 2014

An analytical solution is proposed for transient flow and deformation coupling of a fluid‐saturated poroelastic medium within a finite two‐dimensional (2‐D) rectangular domain. In this study, the porous medium is assumed to be isotropic, homogeneous, and compressible. In addition, the point sink can be located at an arbitrary position in the porous medium. The fluid–solid interaction in porous media is governed by the general Biot's consolidation theory. The method of integral transforms is applied in the analytical formulation of closed‐form solutions. The proposed analytical solution is then verified against both exact and numerical results. The analytical solution is first simplified and validated by comparison with an existing exact solution for the uncoupled problem. Then, a case study for pumping from a confined aquifer is performed. The consistency between the numerical solution and the analytical solution confirms the accuracy and reliability of the analytical solution presented in this paper. The proposed analytical solution can help us to obtain in‐depth insights into time‐dependent mechanical behavior due to fluid withdrawal within finite 2‐D porous media. Moreover, it can also be of great significance to calibrate numerical solutions in plane strain poroelasticity and to formulate relevant industry norms and standards. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of marginal structural models in pharmacoepidemiologic studies: a systematic review
Authors: Yang Shibing , Eaton Charles B. , Lu Juan , Lapane Kate L.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

We systematically reviewed pharmacoepidemiologic studies published in 2012 that used inverse probability weighted (IPW) estimation of marginal structural models (MSM) to estimate the effect from a time‐varying treatment.

Methods

Potential studies were retrieved through a citation search within Web of Science and a keyword search within PubMed. Eligibility of retrieved studies was independently assessed by at least two reviewers. One reviewer performed data extraction, and a senior epidemiologist confirmed the extracted information for all eligible studies.

Results

Twenty pharmacoepidemiologic studies were eligible for data extraction. The majority of reviewed studies did not report whether the positivity assumption was checked. Six studies performed intention‐to‐treat analyses, but none of them reported adherence levels after treatment initiation. Eight studies chose an as‐treated analytic strategy, but only one of them reported modeling the multiphase of treatment use. Almost all studies performing as‐treated analyses chose the most recent treatment status as the functional form of exposure in the outcome model. Nearly half of the studies reported that the IPW estimate was substantially different from the estimate derived from a standard regression model.

Conclusions

The use of IPW method to control for time‐varying confounding is increasing in medical literature. However, reporting of the application of the technique is variable and suboptimal. It may be prudent to develop best practices in reporting complex methods in epidemiologic research. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of patient‐reported warfarin dose in a prospective incident cohort study
Authors: Dumas Stephanie , Rouleau‐Mailloux Etienne , Barhdadi Amina , Talajic Mario , Tardif Jean‐Claude , Dubé Marie‐Pierre , Perreault Sylvie
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Inconsistencies in the definition and the collection of warfarin dosing data could lead to bias in observational, clinical, and pharmacogenetic studies. The present study aims to assess the concordance between patient‐reported and prescribed warfarin doses among new warfarin users in the Quebec Warfarin Cohort (QWC) study.

Methods

Demographic, clinical, and lifestyle data were collected at cohort entry and each three months during a 1‐year follow‐up period among a subgroup of 219 patients from the prospective QWC study. We evaluated the differences between reported and prescribed warfarin doses overall and at each follow‐up period. Concordance was tested in a multivariate generalized linear mixed model and allowed to vary from 95% to 105% of the prescribed dose.

Results

Overall, there was no significant difference between reported and prescribed warfarin doses (p > 0.05, Pearson coefficient = 0.969, power = 100%). There was also no significant difference across each of four timepoints tested (p > 0.05). We found that 84.0% of the reported warfarin doses were concordant with the prescribed doses. Having a history of myocardial infarction was significantly associated with a low concordance (OR = 0.494; CI 95%: 0.286–0.852).

Conclusion

In our population, we found that patient‐reported warfarin dose and prescribed warfarin dose were comparable for the conduct of observational and clinical studies as well as for the validation and implementation of warfarin dosing algorithms. Moreover, the effect was similar whether measured in new‐onset users of warfarin and after up to 12 months of use. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel thermoplastic polyurethane scaffold fabrication method based on injection foaming with water and supercritical carbon dioxide as coblowing agents
Authors: Mi Hao‐Yang , Jing Xin , Salick Max R. , Peng Xiang‐Fang , Turng Lih‐Sheng
Published: January 2014

Injection foaming is an method for mass producing lightweight, foamed plastic components with excellent dimensional stability while using less material and energy. In this study, a novel injection foaming method employing supercritical CO2 (scCO2) and water as coblowing agents was developed to produce thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) components with a uniform porous structure and no solid skin. Various characterization techniques were employed to investigate the cell morphology, crystallization behavior, and static and dynamic mechanical properties of solid injection molded samples, foamed samples using CO2 or water as a single blowing agent, and foamed samples using both CO2 and water as coblowing agents. When compared with CO2 foamed samples, samples produced by the coblowing method exhibited much more uniform cell morphologies without a noticeable reduction in mechanical properties. Moreover, these TPU samples had almost no skin layer, which permitted the free transport of nutrients and waste throughout the samples. Such a mass‐produced, skin‐free structure is desirable in tissue engineering. In this study, the biocompatibility of the scaffolds was confirmed and the effect of these blowing agents on the TPU foaming behavior was studied. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2947–2957, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Recent advances in polybenzimidazole/phosphoric acid membranes for high‐temperature fuel cells
Authors: Subianto Surya
Published: January 2014

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are one of the most promising technologies for sustainable power generation in the future. In particular, high‐temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT‐PEMFCs) offer several advantages such as increased kinetics, reduced catalyst poisoning and better heat management. One of the essential components of a HT‐PEMFC is the proton exchange membrane, which has to possess good proton conductivity as well as stability and durability at the required operating temperatures. Amongst the various membrane candidates, phosphoric acid‐impregnated polybenzimidazole‐type polymer membranes (PBI/PA) are considered the most mature and some of the most promising, providing the necessary characteristics for good performance in HT‐PEMFCs. This review aims to examine the recent advances made in the understanding and fabrication of PBI/PA membranes, and offers a perspective on the future and prospects of deployment of this technology in the fuel cell market. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Starve fed emulsion copolymerization of vinyl acetate and 1‐hexene at ambient pressure
Authors: Amanizadeh Farhad , Akhlaghi Shahin , Salehi Mobarakeh Hamid , Gedde Ulf W , Hedenqvist Mikael S
Published: January 2014

A novel emulsion copolymer of vinyl acetate (VAc) and 1‐hexene was synthesized at ambient pressure. The feeding technique, initiation system and reaction time of the copolymerization were optimized based on molecular characteristics such as the weight contribution of 1‐hexene in the copolymer chains and glass transition temperature (Tg) as well as on bulk properties like minimum film‐formation temperature (MFFT) and solid content. According to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry results, the combination of starve feeding and redox initiation, within a reaction time of 4 h, effectively led to the copolymerization at ambient pressure between highly reactive polar VAc monomers and non‐polar 1‐hexene monomers of low reactivity. The copolymer showed a lower Tg and MFFT, and a reasonable solid content compared to the poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) homopolymer. The consumption rate, hydrolysis of acetate groups and chain transfer reactions during the polymerization were followed using infrared spectroscopy. Based on the results, the undesirable reactions between the VAc blocks were hindered by the neighbouring 1‐hexene molecules. Tensile testing revealed an improvement in the toughness and elongation at break of VAc–1‐hexene films compared to PVAc films. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Atom transfer radical polymerization of an epoxide‐containing monomer, 4‐vinylphenyloxirane, employing low concentration of catalyst: synthesis of linear and star‐shaped macromolecules
Authors: McLeod David C , Tsarevsky Nicolay V
Published: January 2014

4‐Vinylphenyloxirane (4VPO) was homopolymerized under initiators for continuous activator regeneration atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) conditions using diethyl 2‐bromo‐2‐methylmalonate, ethyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate, as well as tri‐, tetra‐ and hexafunctional 2‐bromisobutyrates as the initiators to yield well‐defined linear and star‐shaped epoxide‐containing homopolymers. In addition, the chain extension of Br‐capped polystyrene with 4VPO afforded well‐defined block copolymers. All polymerizations employed 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as the reducing agent and the CuI and CuII bromide complexes of tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine as mediators at total concentration of Cu not exceeding ca. 46 ppm (by weight) or ca. 198 ppm (molar). Excellent polymerization control was observed even when the Cu concentration was decreased to ca. 12 ppm (by weight) or ca. 48 ppm (molar). The successful, well‐controlled, low‐catalyst‐concentration ATRP of 4VPO in the absence of any external reducing agent is also demonstrated. In such systems, the epoxide groups present in the monomer and the polymer derived from it serve as internal reducing agents. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐resolution metabolite imaging of light and dark treated retina using MALDI‐FTICR mass spectrometry
Authors: Sun Na , Ly Alice , Meding Stephan , Witting Michael , Hauck Stefanie M. , Ueffing Marius , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Aichler Michaela , Walch Axel
Published: January 2014

MS imaging (MSI) is a valuable tool for diagnostics and systems biology studies, being a highly sensitive, label‐free technique capable of providing comprehensive spatial distribution of different classes of biomolecules. The application of MSI to the study of endogenous compounds has received considerable attention because metabolites are the result of the interactions of a biosystem with its environment. MSI can therefore enhance understanding of disease mechanisms and elucidate mechanisms for biological variation. We present the in situ comparative metabolomics imaging data for analyses of light‐ and dark‐treated retina using MALDI‐FTICR. A wide variety of tissue metabolites were imaged at a high spatial resolution. These include nucleotides, central carbon metabolism pathway intermediates, 2‐oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolites. The high lateral resolution enabled the differentiation of retinal layers, allowing determination of the spatial distributions of different endogenous compounds. A number of metabolites demonstrated differences between light and dark conditions. These findings add to the understanding of metabolic activity in the retina.
Aberrant glycosylation in the human trabecular meshwork
Authors: Sienkiewicz Adam E. , Rosenberg Brandon N. , Edwards Genea , Carreon Teresia A. , Bhattacharya Sanjoy K.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To determine the difference in protein glycosylation and glycosylation enzyme levels between glaucomatous and control trabecular meshwork (TM).

Experimental design

Glaucomatous and normal donor (n = 12 each) TM tissues, lectin fluorescence, fluorophore‐assisted carbohydrate analyses, and quantitative MS were used to determine the glycosylation levels. Primary TM cells and glycosylation inhibitors were used to determine their effect on cell shape and motility.

Results

In contrast to elevated levels of glycoproteins determined by lectin fluorescence, simultaneous hyper‐ and hypo‐glycosylation in glaucomatous TM was revealed by fluorophore‐assisted carbohydrate analyses. Analyses of enzymes showed elevation of beta‐glycosidase 1 and decrease in galactosyltransferase family 6 domain containing protein 1 in the glaucomatous TM. Quantitative MS identified select protein level changes between glaucomatous and normal TM. Primary TM cells were treated with inhibitors to elicit hypo‐glycosylation, which affected cell shape, motility, and fluorescent tracer transport across a layer of TM cells.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Global protein glycosylation is aberrant in glaucomatous TM compared to controls. The results presented here suggest that the alteration in global TM protein glycosylation encompassing cellular and extracellular matrix proteins contributes to glaucoma pathology likely mediated through changes in properties of TM cells.
Mispairs with Watson‐Crick base‐pair geometry observed in ternary complexes of an RB69 DNA polymerase variant
Authors: Xia Shuangluo , Konigsberg William H.
Published: January 2014

Recent structures of DNA polymerase complexes with dGMPCPP/dT and dCTP/dA mispairs at the insertion site have shown that they adopt Watson‐Crick geometry in the presence of Mn2+ indicating that the tautomeric or ionization state of the base has changed. To see whether the tautomeric or ionization state of base‐pair could be affected by its microenvironment, we determined 10 structures of an RB69 DNA polymerase quadruple mutant with dG/dT or dT/dG mispairs at position n‐1 to n‐5 of the Primer/Template duplex. Different shapes of the mispairs, including Watson‐Crick geometry, have been observed, strongly suggesting that the local environment of base‐pairs plays an important role in their tautomeric or ionization states.
Whispering gallery modes in GaN microdisks, microrods and nanorods grown by MOVPE
Authors: Tessarek Christian , Heilmann Martin , Christiansen Silke
Published: January 2014

Self‐assembled GaN microdisks, micro‐ and nanorods were grown by a mask‐free and self‐catalyzed metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy method. The morphology of the structures is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. All rods have a hexagonal shape with smooth sidewall facets and sharp edges. Depending on the deposition of a GaN nucleation layer prior to growth of GaN rod structures the diameter of the rods can be adjusted. Nanorods with diameters down to 400 nm as well as microrods and disks with diameters up to 5 µm can be achieved. The optical properties of the rods are investigated utilizing a combined scanning electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence system. Electron beam excitiation of GaN rods leads to a typical GaN spectrum showing GaN near band edge emission at 369 nm and broad yellow defect luminescence at 560 nm. Enhanced emission is located at the top of the rod. By fixing the focussed electron beam at a sidewall position of a single GaN rod, whispering gallery modes are observed in the cathodoluminescence spectrum. Depending on the diameter of the micro‐/nanorods the spectral position of the modes as well as the spectral distance between the modes can be adjusted. Quality factors up to 475 are measured. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Appropriate fabrication procedure for InAlN metal‐oxide‐semiconductor structures with atomic‐layer‐deposited Al2O3
Authors: Chiba Masahito , Nakano Takuma , Akazawa Masamichi
Published: January 2014

The fabrication‐procedure dependence of the electrical properties of the InAlN metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (MOS) structure with Al2O3 formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) was investigated. When the ALD Al2O3/InAlN interface was formed after ohmic‐contact annealing in nitrogen without the use of a cap layer, the electrical characteristics were poor with a small capacitance change in the capacitance‐voltage (C‐V) curve. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study indicated that the bare InAlN surface was oxidized during capless annealing presumably owing to the trace contamination in the furnace. High‐temperature ohmic‐contact annealing after Al2O3/InAlN interface formation, using the Al2O3 layer as a cap layer for surface protection, did not improve the interface properties, resulting in the interface state density Dit in the range of 1013 cm–2eV–1; this was highly likely related to the crystallization of Al2O3. When a SiNx layer was used as the cap layer during ohmic‐contact annealing prior to ALD, greatly improved characteristics of the MOS diode were achieved, indicating that Dit was suppressed to be in the range of 1012 cm–2eV‐1 near the conduction band. The obtained results indicate that an appropriate fabrication procedure leads to an improvement of the Al2O3/InAlN interface properties. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of biofunctionalization process on properties of silicon oxynitride substrate layer
Authors: Kalisz M. , Szymańska M. , Dębowska A. K. , Michalak B. , Brzozowska E. , Górska S. , Śmietana M.
Published: January 2014

The paper presents investigations of the influence of chemically aggressive biofunctionalization process for histidine‐tagged proteins on thickness, optical and mechanical properties of silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy) film, which is often used as substrate material for a number of biosensors. We discuss the biofunctionalization effect for a set of SiOxNy films deposited by the radio frequency plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition method with various N2O/(SiH4 + NH3) gas flow rate. It has been found that as an effect of biofunctionalization procedure, the SiOxNy films increase both their refractive index and hardness. Moreover, films deposited with higher N2O flow, which are softer and show lower refractive index, may slightly reduce their thickness as a result of the biofunctionalization process, but their surface favours more formation of on them protein biofilm than on films obtained with lower concentration of N2O. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Instability of a hybrid module of antagonistic and mutualistic interactions
Authors: Mougi Akihiko , Kondoh Michio
Published: January 2014

Mutualistic and antagonistic interactions coexist in nature. However, little is understood about their relative roles and interactive effects on multispecies coexistence. Here, using a three‐species population dynamics model of a resource species, its exploiter, and a mutualist species, we show that a mixture of different interaction types may lead to dynamics that differ completely from those of the isolated interacting pairs. More specifically, a combination of globally stable antagonistic and mutualistic subsystems can lead to unstable population oscillations, suggesting the potential difficulty in the coexistence of antagonism and mutualism. Mutualism‐induced instability arises from the indirect positive effect of mutualism on the exploiter. Furthermore, for a three‐species system with a stronger mutualistic interaction to persist stably, a weaker antagonistic interaction is required. Network studies of communities composed of one type of interaction may not capture the dynamics of natural communities.
Estimating the abundance of rare and elusive carnivores from photographic‐sampling data when the population size is very small
Authors: Gerber Brian D. , Ivan Jacob S. , Burnham Kenneth P.
Published: January 2014

Conservation and management agencies require accurate and precise estimates of abundance when considering the status of a species and the need for directed actions. Due to the proliferation of remote sampling cameras, there has been an increase in capture–recapture studies that estimate the abundance of rare and/or elusive species using closed capture–recapture estimators (C–R). However, data from these studies often do not meet necessary statistical assumptions. Common attributes of these data are (1) infrequent detections, (2) a small number of individuals detected, (3) long survey durations, and (4) variability in detection among individuals. We believe there is a need for guidance when analyzing this type of sparse data. We highlight statistical limitations of closed C–R estimators when data are sparse and suggest an alternative approach over the conventional use of the Jackknife estimator. Our approach aims to maximize the probability individuals are detected at least once over the entire sampling period, thus making the modeling of variability in the detection process irrelevant, estimating abundance accurately and precisely. We use simulations to demonstrate when using the unconditional‐likelihoodM0(constant detection probability) closed C–R estimator with profile‐likelihood confidence intervals provides reliable results even when detection varies by individual. If each individual in the population is detected on average of at least 2.5 times, abundance estimates are accurate and precise. When studies sample the same species at multiple areas or at the same area over time, we suggest sharing detection information across datasets to increase precision when estimating abundance. The approach suggested here should be useful for monitoring small populations of species that are difficult to detect.
Racial/Ethnic Identity and Subjective Physical and Mental Health of Latino Americans: An Asset Within?
Authors: Ai Amy L. , Aisenberg Eugene , Weiss Saskia I. , Salazar Dulny
Published: January 2014

Social Identity Theory indicates that ethnic identity could benefit minority members in a society because of its promotion of a sense of belonging, or of its buffering of the damage of discrimination. Despite growing investigation about Latinos’ overall health, few studies have simultaneously examined the influence of multiple cultural strength factors, especially racial/ethnic identity, social support, and religious attendance, on these outcomes. Using the National Latino and Asian American Study, we examine the potential predictive value of these cultural strength factors on Latinos’ Self‐Rated Mental and Physical Health (SRMH and SRPH). Two separate two‐step regression models revealed significant positive effects of racial/ethnic identity on both mental and physical health of Latinos, above and beyond the effect of known demographic and acculturation factors, such as discrimination. Religious attendance had a positive effect on SRMH but not on SRPH. The deteriorating roles of discrimination, in mental health only, and that of Length in the US in both outcomes, however, was primarily not altered by entry of these cultural strength factors. The independent direct effect of racial/ethnic identity among Latinos nationwide may suggest that this cultural strength is an internalized protective asset. Longitudinal data is needed to explore its underlying mechanism and long‐term impact.
US democracy assistance programs in Ukraine after the Orange Revolution
Authors: Žielys Povilas , Rudinskaitė Rūta
Published: January 2014

The 2004 Orange Revolution failed to skyrocket Ukraine into the ranks of consolidated democracies. Some previous research claimed that, in the similar case of post-Rose Revolution Georgia, its vague democratic perspectives can be explained by, among others, a negative impact of politically biased US democracy assistance programs. This article examines five groups of US programs (electoral aid, political party development, legislative strengthening, NGO development and media strengthening) implemented in Ukraine in 2005–2010, and concludes that US diplomatic support for the pro-Western “Orange” leadership did not translate into political bias of US-funded democracy assistance programs.
Assemblages and structure of ore minerals in intrusive traps of the western part of the Siberian Platform
Authors: Mazurov M.P. , Vasil’ev Yu.R. , Shikhova A.V. , Titov A.T.
Published: January 2014

Phase compositions and microtextures of ore minerals in intrusive traps of the western part of the Siberian Platform have been studied using scanning electron microscopy. Oxide and sulfide solid solutions crystallize at the magmatic stage; their grain and aggregate shapes are determined by the cooling rate of magmatic bodies. We have revealed a gradual transition of oxides from fine-grained texture in the quenching zone, through skeleton, case, and frame forms, to isometric aggregates of mixed crystals in the holocrystalline silicate matrix. Sulfide spheroids (either associated with oxides or separated from them) are changed by dissemination and nests. The chemical compositions of both oxides and sulfides are correlated with the petrochemical types of rocks. Chrome-spinels or chrome-enriched ulvospinels crystallize first in the most magnesian dolerites. Iron and titanium oxides with Mn, V, Mg, and Al impurities prevail in the rest rock varieties. As temperature decreases, ilmenite, ulvospinel, and titanomagnetite crystallize after chrome-spinels. Exsolution structures are very intricate for titanium and iron oxides and depend on the oxidation conditions and on the assemblage of impurities and their quantities. The first exsolution particles of ilmenite are more magnesian, while the following ones are more manganese. Subsolvus exsolution is accompanied by the release of impurities, grain stripping, and rearrangement and natural enrichment of ore material. Conjugate transformation of silicates and ore minerals results in aggregate pseudomorphs and minerals, such as titanite, zircon, and baddeleyite. Nickel-containing sulfides formed at the magmatic stage prevail in more magnesian rocks. Copper minerals are more diverse. These are polymorphic modifications of chalcopyrite and cubanite in ore solid solutions formed at the magmatic stage, chalcopyrite in paragenesis with monoclinic pyrrhotite in zones of hydrothermal metasomatites, and chalcopyrite in solid solutions with bornite and chalcosine and in assemblage with low-temperature sulfides. The obtained data on mineral structures and assemblages can be used as indicators to classify the genesis and formation types of ores.
Approximation of a near-vertical boundary in the problems of pulsed electromagnetic soundings
Authors: Shtabel’ N.V. , Epov M.I. , Antonov E.Yu. , Korsakov M.A.
Published: January 2014

We analyze the results of a mathematical simulation of pulsed electromagnetic fields in geologic media with dipping near-vertical boundaries as well as interpretations within approximating block models and a layered homogeneous conducting model. We consider the possibilities and limitations of these approaches to the inversion of data from pulsed soundings of actual geologic media.
Late Paleozoic geomagnetic-field estimates from studies of Permian lavas in northeastern Kazakhstan
Authors: Bazhenov M.L. , Van der Voo R. , Meert J.G. , Levashova N.M. , Ipat’eva I.S.
Published: January 2014

Paleomagnetic studies of thick lava series are one of the most reliable sources of data on the ancient geomagnetic field. However, most of such data are younger than 5 Ma, with much fewer results on the rest of the Cenozoic and the Mesozoic. Two wholesome results are available for the Precambrian but none for the Paleozoic. Late Permian basalts and rhyolites from northeastern Kazakhstan were studied to obtain first estimates of the geomagnetic-field characteristics during that period. We present preliminary results on part of the collection (66 flows (sites)) from a section ~1600 m thick. The characteristic component of reversed polarity was isolated by stepwise demagnetization at all the sites with a slight error. This component is of prefolding age and, most likely, primary. No abnormal magnetization direction is observed in the data, and the average directions of the characteristic component at the sites are tightly clustered (D = 243.3°; I = − 57.0°; k = 79.1; α95 = 2.0°; 65 sites). As compared with the published data on Cenozoic and Mesozoic thick lava series, secular variation was much weaker in the Late Permian than in the Mesozoic or Cenozoic, and the geomagnetic field was less disturbed. Secular-variation models based on the Late Cenozoic data show even more dramatic differences.
Crystallization history of Paleozoic granitoids in the Ol’khon region, Lake Baikal (SHRIMP-II zircon dating)
Authors: Makrygina V.A. , Tolmacheva E.V. , Lepekhina E.N.
Published: January 2014

At the Center of Isotope Studies of the A.P. Karpinsky Russian Geological Research Institute, the structure and isotope composition of zircons from two granitoid complexes, the age of their sequential growth zones, and the hosted inclusions have been studied using a SHRIMP-II ion mass spectrometer. The zircons consist of deformed cores with crystalline melt inclusions and of shells: inner, with glassy, partly devitrified inclusions, and outer metamorphogene, with fluid inclusions. Judging from the zircon zoning, crystallization of melts of both complexes proceeded in several stages: (1) The generation of melts and the beginning of zircon core growth (505 and 493 Ma) were synchronous with the overthrusting in the Ol’khon region; (2) The rapid ascent of melts (the inner shell, 479 and 475 Ma) together with the host rocks was caused by upthrust faulting and shear dislocations; (3) The metamorphogene shell (456 Ma) reflects the second stage of metamorphism. At the same time, the Shara-Nur migmatite–granite complex corresponds in composition, structures, and textures to syncollisional K-granites, whereas the differentiated Khaidai gabbro-diorite–diorite–granodiorite–granite complex is close in geochemical features (similar to those of the Anga sequence metavolcanics) and the mantle (juvenile) source of substance to the recent island-arc magmatism. It is suggested that the Caledonian island-arc magmatism was close in time to the accretion of the sediments of back-arc basin (Ol’khon Group) to the continental margin, on the one hand, and to the island-arc block, on the other.
A Retrospective Review of Pilot Outcomes from an Out-patient Tobacco Treatment Programme Within Cardiology Services
Authors: Khara Milan , Okoli Chizimuzo T.C.
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Due to the challenging nature of tobacco addiction, individuals with cardiac conditions often continue to smoke at high rates (up to 62%), even after experiencing life-threatening events.

Aims: This study examines pilot outcomes of a longitudinal Smoking Cessation Clinic (SCC) within cardiology services.

Methods: This study is based on a retrospective review of the charts of 117 participants of the SCC (between September 2010 and May 2012). The main outcome of interest is self-reported 7-day point-prevalence of smoking abstinence verified by expired CO level. A secondary outcome was smoking reduction, defined as consuming 50% (or lower) than the baseline number cigarettes in the past week.

Results: Thirty-five per cent of participants achieved smoking cessation, whereas 42.1% reduced their cigarette consumption. In multivariate regression analyses, salient predictors of smoking cessation included being male and a greater length of visiting the smoking cessation clinic.

Conclusions: Providing evidence-based approaches to tobacco treatment within cardiology services is feasible and well received by patients with cardiac and other co-morbidity. The modest outcomes from this pilot study support the need for tobacco treatment in hospital cardiology settings. Such interventions may aid in reducing the disproportionate burden of tobacco-related disease among smokers with medical co-morbidity.
Provenance of Paleocene–Eocene red beds from NE Iraq: constraints from framework petrography
Authors: HASSAN MUATASAM MAHMOOD , JONES BRIAN G. , BUCKMAN SOLOMON , AL-JUBORY ALI ISMAEL , AL GAHTANI FAHAD MUBARAK
Published: January 2014

The red-bed deposits in northern Iraq are situated in an active foreland basin adjacent to the Zagros Orogenic Belt, bound to the north by the Iranian plate thrust over the edge of the Arabian plate. The red-bed successions are composed of alternating red and brown silty mudstones, purplish red calcareous siltstone, fine- to coarse-grained pebbly sandstone and conglomerate. The red beds in the current study can be divided into four parts showing a trend of upward coarsening with fine-grained deposits at the top. A detailed petrographic study was carried out on the sandstone units. The clastic rocks consist mainly of calcite cemented litharenite with rock fragments (volcanic, metamorphic and sedimentary), quartz and minor feldspar. The petrographic components reflect the tectonic system in the source area, laterally ranging from a mixed orogenic and magmatic arc in Mawat–Chwarta area to recycled orogenic material rich in sedimentary rock fragments in the Qandel area. The Cretaceous–Palaeogene foreland basin of northern Iraq formed to the southwest of the Zagros Suture Zone and the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone of western Iran. During Palaeogene time deposition of the red beds was caused by renewed shortening in the thrust sheets overlying the Arabian margin with uplift of radiolarites (Qulqula Formation), resulting in an influx of radiolarian debris in addition to continuing ophiolitic detritus. Mixed sources, including metamorphic, volcanic and sedimentary terranes, were present during deposition of the upper part of the red beds.
The “Peer-Effect” in Counterterrorist Policies
Authors: Neumayer Eric , Plümper Thomas , Epifanio Mariaelisa
Published: January 2014

Existing accounts posit that defensively oriented counterterrorist policies create negative externalities and result in regulatory competition that induces governments to increasingly tighten their policies. We argue that rather than causing an unconditional global “race to the top,” spatial dependence in counterterrorist policies is limited to within groups of countries exposed to a similar level of threat from international terrorism. Countries strongly differ in their propensity to become the target of an international terror attack. Governments can safely ignore counterterrorist policies enacted by countries outside their “peer group,” but they must pay attention to measures undertaken by their peers. We test several predictions derived from our theory in an empirical analysis of counterterrorist regulations in twenty Western developed-country democracies over the period 2001 to 2008.
Promises or Policies? An Experimental Analysis of International Agreements and Audience Reactions
Authors: Chaudoin Stephen
Published: January 2014

A key assumption of audience costs theories of crisis bargaining and international cooperation is that audience members have strong preferences for consistency between their leader's commitments and actual policy choices. However, audiences also have strong preferences over the policy choices themselves, regardless of their consistency with past commitments. I conducted a randomized survey experiment to evaluate the magnitude of consistency and policy effects in the context of international agreements over trade policy. Respondents with expressed policy preferences, whether supporting or opposing free trade, have muted reactions to learning that their leader has broken an agreement. Only respondents with no opinion on trade policy are affected by learning that their leader's policy is inconsistent with prior commitments. This suggests that constituents' underlying preferences limit the degree to which audience costs influence policymakers' calculations.
Management of cochlear implant device extrusion: case series and literature review
Authors: Geraghty M , Fagan P , Moisidis E
Published: January 2014

Introduction and aims:

Cochlear implants have enabled an improved quality of life for many patients with deafness. Implant extrusion and skin flap necrosis are the most common complications associated with implant use. We report our management of patients presenting with complications as a result of cochlear implant insertion. The goal of surgery was to achieve a stable, healed wound for use as a cochlear device implantation site.

Methods and results:

We describe a series of patients presenting with skin flap necrosis and/or extrusion of their cochlear implant. The reconstructive options employed are discussed.

Conclusion:

Surgeons should be aware of the reconstructive options available in such circumstances, and should choose appropriate management depending on the clinical situation, in order to optimise the functional result for the patient.
Contact endoscopy as a novel technique in the detection and diagnosis of oral cavity and oropharyngeal mucosal lesions in the head and neck
Authors: Dowthwaite S , Szeto C , Wehrli B , Daley T , Whelan F , Franklin J , Nichols A , Yoo J , Fung K
Published: January 2014

Objective:

We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of contact endoscopy in evaluating oral and oropharyngeal mucosal lesions.

Methods:

Between January 2010 and December 2011, 34 patients with lesions of the oral and oropharyngeal mucosa were enrolled in the study. Comparison between initial contact endoscopy results and ‘gold standard’ tissue biopsy was undertaken.

Results:

Nine patients had histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma, 2 had carcinoma in situ, 3 had dysplastic lesions and 20 patients had various benign lesions. Contact endoscopy demonstrated sensitivity and specificity of 89 and 100 per cent respectively in the evaluation of malignant lesions. Benign lesions were correctly categorised in 50 per cent of cases (10/20). The video images from contact endoscopy could not be interpreted in six cases.

Conclusions:

Contact endoscopy demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in the imaging of malignant lesions with reduced reliability in the evaluation of benign lesions. Significant shortcomings also exist in the design of current technology that we believe represent a significant barrier to the reliable collection of useful video data.
Clinical features of drug abuse that reflect genetic risk
Authors: Kendler K. S. , Ohlsson H. , Sundquist K. , Sundquist J.
Published: January 2014

Background

Drug abuse (DA) is a clinically heterogeneous syndrome. Can we, in a large epidemiological sample, identify clinical features of DA cases that index genetic risk?

Method

Using registration in medical, legal or pharmacy records, we identified four kinds of relative pairs (n = 935 854) starting with a proband with DA: monozygotic co-twins; full siblings; half-siblings; and cousins. Using linear hazard regression, we examined the interaction between three clinical features of DA in the proband and risk for DA in these four relative pairs, ordered by degree of genetic relationship.

Results

Increased risk for DA in relatives was robustly predicted by early age at first registration, total number of registrations, and ascertainment in the criminal versus the medical or pharmacy registry. In multivariate models, all three of these variables remained significant and in aggregate strongly predicted DA risk in relatives. The risk for DA in siblings of DA probands in the highest decile of genetic risk predicted by our three indices was more than twice as great as that predicted in siblings of probands in the lowest decile of risk.

Conclusions

In an epidemiological sample, genetic risk for DA can be substantially indexed by simple clinical and historical variables.
Tracing the emergence of a community of practice: Beyond presupposition in sociolinguistic research
Authors: King Brian W.
Published: January 2014

This study examines the language-driven aspects of the formation of a classroom-based community of practice (CoP), placing emphasis on ways in which researchers can verify the status of observed practices. Discourse analysis is reinforced by such an evidence-based understanding of the social milieu of a research site. When determining whether an aggregate of people is functioning as a CoP, however, the nature of the measuring stick is a vital question. When institutional forces have brought a group of participants together, how can an observer verify empirically the dynamic development of mutual engagement, joint enterprise, and shared repertoire? In a sample case study, representative features outlined by Wenger (1998:130–31) are identified, and their emergence traced, via analysis of ethnographic fieldnotes and audio recordings. These features provide evidence of the development of localised practices (i.e. ways of doing grounded in this community) as distinct from more widely recognisable practices. Identifying the difference increases the likelihood that results of discourse analysis can be useful to educators. (Community of practice, discourse analysis, nexus of practices, warranting)*
Degraded conditions: Confounds in the study of decision making
Authors: Antony Louise
Published: January 2014

I raise a consideration complementary to those raised in the target article. Many of the most widely cited studies on decision making involve introspection in degraded conditions, namely, conditions in which agents have no reason for the decisions they reach. But the fact that confabulation occurs in degraded conditions does not impugn the reliability of introspection in non-degraded conditions, that is, in cases in which a subject actually does make a choice for a reason.
Unconscious influences on decision making in blindsight
Authors: Brogaard Berit , Marlow Kristian , Rice Kevin
Published: January 2014

Newell & Shanks (N&S) argue that an explanation for blindsight need not appeal to unconscious brain processes, citing research indicating that the condition merely reflects degraded visual experience. We reply that other evidence suggests blindsighters' predictive behavior under forced choice reflects cognitive access to low-level visual information that does not correlate with visual consciousness. Therefore, while we grant that visual consciousness may be required for full visual experience, we argue that it may not be needed for decision making and judgment.
Unconscious influences on decision making: Neuroimaging and neuroevolutionary perspectives
Authors: Brooks Samantha J. , Stein Dan J.
Published: January 2014

Newell and Shanks provide a useful critique on unconscious decision making. However, they do not consider an important set of functional brain imaging studies of unconscious processes. Here we review briefly the relevant brain imaging and psychobiological literature and its implications for understanding unconscious decision making.
Unconscious influencesof, not juston, decision making
Authors: Coppin Géraldine
Published: January 2014

This commentary focuses on the bidirectional links between unconscious influences and decision making. In particular, it examines the extent to which awareness is (not) necessary to the impact of decisions on psychological processes such as preferences. This analysis might help researchers to gain an extended perspective of Newell & Shanks' (N&S's) concerns regarding the role of unconscious influences in theories of decision making.
Do implicit evaluations reflect unconscious attitudes?
Authors: Hahn Adam , Gawronski Bertram
Published: January 2014

We extend Newell & Shanks' (N&S's) arguments to the question of whether implicit evaluations reflect unconscious attitudes. We argue that correspondence to explicit evaluations fails to meet the criteria of relevance and sensitivity. When awareness is measured adequately and in line with N&S's criteria, there is compelling evidence that people are consciously aware of their implicit evaluations.
But what if the default is defaulting?
Authors: Hassin Ran R. , Milyavsky Maxim
Published: January 2014

We critically consider the default view of consciousness and decision making, and we explore the implications of this view to the authors' argument. We therefore call for rigorous collection of data regarding the role of consciousness in decisions. We also propose that the section on subliminal effects significantly underestimates existing data and succinctly review relevant findings.
Is the unconscious, if it exists, a superior decision maker?
Authors: Huizenga Hilde M. , van Duijvenvoorde Anna C. K. , van Ravenzwaaij Don , Wetzels Ruud , Jansen Brenda R. J.
Published: January 2014

Newell & Shanks (N&S) show that there is no convincing evidence that processes assumed to be unconscious and superior are indeed unconscious. We take their argument one step further by showing that there is also no convincing evidence that these processes are superior. We review alternative paradigms that may provide more convincing tests of the superiority of (presumed) unconscious processes.