bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy efficiency of TCP: An analytical model and its application to reduce energy consumption of the most diffused transport protocol
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Kliazovich Dzmitry , Granelli Fabrizio , Bouvry Pascal , Castoldi Piero
Published: March 2015

Energy efficient communications become a challenge for both industries and researchers. Incorporating energy efficiency into the design of network protocols and architectures represents a relevant issue in networking research. Currently, very few works address energy efficiency as a fundamental feature of network protocols. This paper benchmarks energy efficiency of TCP to understand the parameters and operational mechanics that determine and contribute to energy consumption. We propose an analytical model with energy consumption to protocol operation cycles and novel optimization techniques for reducing energy consumption of TCP. The evaluation results, obtained from NS2 simulations, demonstrate that even minor modifications of the protocol behavior can bring significant savings of energy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancement authentication protocol using zero‐knowledge proofs and chaotic maps
Authors: Chain Kai , Chang Kuei‐Hu , Kuo Wen‐Chung , Yang Jar‐Ferr
Published: March 2015

Application of authentication protocol and key exchange scheme are major research issues in current internet, and entity identification (users or servers) accuracy and security are thereby safeguarded by various types of verification programs. Therefore, in the last 10 years, it was accompanied with productive discussions, but those discussions mainly focus on single issues, and because of the lack of security, there still existed improvements. The concept of zero‐knowledge proofs is well suited for the identification and signing within network system, which has been widely used since proposed in 1985. However, common identification methods are only fit for individual user. In an increasingly complex network environment of today, information is usually conveyed through many unidentified servers, as a result, we have to encrypt messages by adopting different kinds of session keys. As for the chaotic maps technology, it also serves as a new encryption technology, widely adopted in communication protocols and key agreements over the years. As a consequence, in this study, we are going to propose an authentication protocol with key exchange function by taking advantage of characters of zero‐knowledge proofs and chaotic maps, as well as adopt the BAN‐logic to prove the security of this protocol. This study also compares the results of the security analysis of our protocol and related works. As a result, our proposed protocol has more security than others. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of surgical ventricular reconstruction on sphericity index in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy: follow‐up from the STICH trial
Authors: Choi Jin‐Oh , Daly Richard C. , Lin Grace , Lahr Brian D. , Wiste Heather J. , Beaver Thomas M. , Iacovoni Attilio , Malinowski Marcin , Friedrich Ivar , Rouleau Jean L. , Favaloro Roberto R. , Sopko George , Lang Irene M. , White Harvey D. , Milano Carmelo A. , Jones Robert H. , Lee Kerry L. , Velazquez Eric J. , Oh Jae K.
Published: March 2015

Aims

We sought to evaluate associations between baseline sphericity index (SI) and clinical outcome, and changes in SI after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery with or without surgical ventricular reconstruction (SVR) in ischaemic cardiomyopathy patients enrolled in the SVR study (Hypothesis 2) of the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial.

Methods and results

Among 1000 patients in the STICH SVR study, we evaluated 546 patients (255 randomized to CABG alone and 291 to CABG + SVR) whose baseline SI values were available. SI was not significantly different between treatment groups at baseline. After 4 months, SI had increased in the CABG + SVR group, but was unchanged in the CABG alone group (0.69 ± 0.10 to 0.77 ± 0.12 vs. 0.67 ± 0.07 to 0.66 ± 0.09, respectively; P < 0.001). SI did not significantly change from 4 months to 2 years in either group. Although LV end‐systolic volume and EF improved significantly more in the CABG + SVR group compared with CABG alone, the severity of mitral regurgitation significantly improved only in the CABG alone group, and the estimated LV filling pressure (E/A ratio) increased only in the CABG + SVR group. Higher baseline SI was associated with worse survival after surgery (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.02 − 1.43; P = 0.026). Survival was not significantly different by treatment strategy.

Conclusion

Although SVR was designed to improve LV geometry, SI worsened after SVR despite improved LVEF and smaller LV volume. Survival was significantly better in patients with lower SI regardless of treatment strategy.
The incorporation of plant materials in “Serra da Estrela” cheese improves antioxidant activity without changing the fatty acid profile and visual appearance
Authors: Carocho Márcio , Barreira João C. M. , Antonio Amilcar L. , Bento Albino , Morales Patricia , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: March 2015

‘Serra da Estrela’ cheese is a Portuguese delicacy, which has been produced for centuries from the milk of cattle pasturing in the protected Serra da Estrela natural park. Transforming this cheese into a functional food would be a huge benefit for the market and the consumer. Decocted extracts, dried chestnut flowers and lemon balm plants were incorporated into the cheese to functionalise it, granting antioxidant activity to this foodstuff. The functionalised cheeses showed higher antioxidant activity, especially lipid peroxidation inhibition. The incorporation of dried plants appeared to be more effective than using decoctions, but the influence of the plant species was less observable. Furthermore, the fatty acids profile of the cheeses was also determined through gas chromatography. C18:1 and C16:0 were the most abundant fatty acids; saturated fatty acids prevailed over the unsaturated ones. Between the control and the incorporated samples no significant differences were found. In addition, the external colour was measured through a spectrophotometer for lightness, yellowness and redness. There were some differences recorded for each samples’ colour. In general, the results indicated that the functionalisation of this exquisite dairy product with natural plant extracts provided beneficial characteristics, both for consumers (healthier product) and producers (added‐value products).

Practical applications The food industry is always searching for new products which are cheaper to produce and healthier for the consumer, withstanding longer storage periods.

‘Serra da Estrela’ cheese was incorporated with chestnut flowers and lemon balm dried plants and their respective decoctions in order to achieve antioxidant properties.
Development of a photoprotective and antioxidant nanoemulsion containing chitosan as an agent for improving skin retention
Authors: Cerqueira‐Coutinho Cristal , Santos‐Oliveira Ralph , dos Santos Elisabete , Mansur Claudia Regina
Published: March 2015

Sunscreens are destined to topical application and should protect skin against ultraviolet radiation; furthermore, they are toxic substances and should not reach the bloodstream, so they must be retained in the skin. In the present work, an oil‐in‐water photoprotective and antioxidant nanoemulsion (NE) containing chitosan was developed. Preliminary studies were performed aiming to choose the surfactant to be used in this NE; stability of the formulas was determined by dynamic light scattering after their preparation and after 7 days. A blend of surfactants, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, and sorbitan monooleate was selected for the preparation of the NE, as well as the following organic sunscreens: benzophenone‐3, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexylbenzoate, octocrylene and octylmethoxycinnamate, and also pomegranate antioxidant extract and chitosan. The antioxidant extract with the highest antioxidant activity was chosen based on a screening of plant extracts by DPPH• (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) assay. Photostability of the sunscreens and in vitro efficacy and safety of the formulations were also evaluated. Results showed that the developed photoprotective and antioxidant NE containing chitosan was stable for at least 6 months, photostable when irradiated in a solar simulator, and effective. Additionally, chitosan acted by promoting retention of the formulation in epidermis, thus increasing formulation safety.
A genetic transformation protocol for the xylose‐fermenting yeast Spathaspora passalidarum
Authors: Chen Yefu , Huang Wenlian , Fu Gengxin , Guo Jian , Liu Mingming , Guo Xuewu , Xiao Dong‐Guang
Published: March 2015

Spathaspora passalidarum, a recently isolated native xylose‐fermenting yeast, can ferment xylose faster than glucose, and can co‐ferment glucose, xylose, and cellobiose. Studies on S. passalidarum have been reported in terms of fermentation conditions. However, to the best of our knowledge, the molecular modification of S. passalidarum has not been achieved. The lack of successful transformants may be attributed to the absence of an effective transformation method. In the current work, a genetic transformation protocol for S. passalidarum was established. Spathaspora passalidarum was transformed via the lithium acetate method with a plasmid containing the KmR as a selectable marker and the Saccharomyces cerevisiae 2 μ replicon as a replication origin. Several important parameters affecting transformation efficiency were optimized; these parameters included the strain growth period, heat shock time, lithium acetate concentration, and the amount of plasmid DNA. The transformation efficiency reached 170 ± 30 transformants/μg plasmid DNA with the optimized method. This novel transformation system will allow for the genetic analysis and metabolic engineering of S. passalidarum for industrial bioethanol production.
Design‐based strategies for sampling spatial units from regular grids with applications to forest surveys, land use, and land cover estimation
Authors: Fattorini Lorenzo , Corona Piermaria , Chirici Gherardo , Pagliarella Maria Chiara
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this paper is to compare some spatial strategies for sampling polygons onto a grid partitioning a study area. Most of the schemes considered in the paper are aimed at avoiding the selection of neighboring polygons. When one or more auxiliary variables are similar or well correlated with the values of the survey variable, the auxiliary information is adopted at estimation level by means of the difference or the regression estimators, or at design level, using the values of auxiliary variables to determine the inclusion probabilities. Applications to large‐scale forest inventories, land use estimation, and forest cover estimation are discussed. A simulation study is performed to compare the adopted strategies in terms of bias (if present), accuracy, and accuracy estimation. The simulation is designed to mimic forest inventories and forest cover estimation, starting from some real situations. An application to plan future surveys for land use estimation in Italy is reported. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Method of Retail Mortgage Stress Testing: Based on Time‐Frame and Magnitude Analysis
Authors: Liu Chang , Nassar Raja , Guo Min
Published: March 2015

In this study, a non‐stationary Markov chain model and a vector autoregressive moving average with exogenous variables coupled with a logistic function (VARMAX‐L) are used to analyze and predict the stability of a retail mortgage portfolio, based on the stress test framework. The method introduced in this paper can be used to forecast the transition probabilities in a retail mortgage over pre‐specified states, given a shock with a certain magnitude. Hence this method provides a dynamic picture of the portfolio transition process through which one can assess its behavior over time. While the paper concentrates on retail mortgages, the methodology of this study can be adapted also to analyze other credit products in banks. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tungsten Carbide Synthesized by Polystyrene Sphere Template Method Promoting Pd Electrocatalyst for Alcohol Oxidation in Alkaline Media
Authors: Yan Z. , Gu Y. , Wei W. , Jiang Z. , Xie J. , Shen P. K.
Published: March 2015

Tungsten carbide (WC) particles loading on hollow carbon spheres (HCS) have been synthesized by using ammonium metatungstate as W source, glucose as carbon source, P123 as dispersant and polystyrene sphere as template. The typical WC‐HCS composite has the WC particle sizes of 5–20 nm, specific surface area of 445 m2 g−1, pore volume of 0.24 cm3 g−1 and hollow spherical structure. The above structures of WC‐HCS favor dispersion of Pd particles and mass transfer. Therefore, the Pd/WC‐HCS electrocatalyst has 4.6 times higher peak current density and 130 mV more negative onset potential than that of Pd/C for ethanol oxidation in alkaline solution. The mass transfer property of WC‐HCS (due to structure effect) and promotion effect of WC on Pd are believed to be the origins of the excellent performances.
Does Futures Speculation Destabilize Commodity Markets?
Authors: Kim Abby
Published: March 2015

This paper examines how increased speculator participation in the commodity futures market affects market outcomes, including trades' price impacts, price volatility, and market quality. Contrary to the popular belief that speculators are responsible for the recent commodity price fluctuation, my analysis finds no evidence that speculators destabilize the commodity spot market. Instead, speculators contribute to lower price volatility, enhanced price efficiency, and better liquidity in the commodity markets. More importantly, I show that speculators either have no effect or stabilize prices during periods of large price movement. My findings suggest speculators have had a significant and in fact positive influence on the commodity market during the recent “financialization” period, implying that restricting speculative trading in the futures market is not an efficient way to stabilize the commodity market. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 35:696–714, 2015
THE EFFECT OF STATE INSURANCE MANDATES ON INFANT IMMUNIZATION RATES
Authors: Chang Lenisa V.
Published: March 2015

While US infant immunization rates have been increasing in the last 20 years, the cost of fully immunizing a child with all recommended vaccines has almost tripled. This is partly not only due to new additions in the list of recommended vaccines but also due to the use of new, safer, but more expensive technologies in vaccine production and distribution. In recent years, many states have mandated that recommended childhood vaccines be covered by private health insurance companies. Currently, there are 33 states with such a mandate. In this paper, I examine whether the introduction of mandates on private insurers affected immunization rates. Using state and time variation, I find that mandates increased the immunization rate for three vaccines—the diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis, polio, and measles–mumps–rubella vaccines—by about 1.8 percentage points. These results may provide a lower bound for the expected effect of the Affordable Care Act, which mandates coverage of childhood vaccines for all private insurers in the USA. I also find evidence that the mandates shifted a significant portion of vaccinations from publicly funded sources to private ones, with a decline in public health clinic visits and an increase in vaccinations at hospitals and doctor's offices. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased Cortical Porosity in Older Men With Fracture
Authors: Sundh Daniel , Mellström Dan , Nilsson Martin , Karlsson Magnus , Ohlsson Claes , Lorentzon Mattias
Published: March 2015

Cortical porosity increases with age and affects bone strength, but its association with fracture in older men is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cortical porosity is associated with prevalent fractures in older men. A subsample of 456 men aged 80.2 ± 3.5 (mean ± SD) years, with available high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography measurements at the tibia from the 5-year follow-up exam, was drawn from the prospective MrOS Gothenburg study. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure areal bone mineral density (aBMD). Data on physical activity, calcium intake, medications, diseases, and smoking were collected on questionnaires at the follow-up exam. Of 87 men (19.1%) with fracture at or after age 50 years (all fracture group), 52 (11.4%) had had a self-reported fracture before the baseline exam and 35 (7.7%) had had an X-ray–verified fracture between baseline and follow-up. Men in the all-fracture group and in the X-ray–verified group had 15.8% (13.2% ± 4.9% versus 11.4% ± 3.8%; p < 0.001) and 21.6% (14.1% ± 5.2% versus 11.6% ± 3.9%; p < 0.01) higher cortical porosity, respectively, than men in the nonfracture group. The independent associations between bone microstructure parameters and fracture were tested using multivariate logistic regression with age, height, weight, calcium intake, smoking, physical activity, medications, and diseases as covariates. Cortical porosity was independently associated with any fracture (reported or X-ray–verified; OR per SD increase 1.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17 to 1.90) and with any X-ray–verified fracture alone (OR 1.73; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.42). Including aBMD (spine or hip, respectively) in the multivariate logistic regression above revealed that cortical porosity was associated with any fracture (OR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.17 to 2.01) and with X-ray–verified fracture alone (OR 1.49; 95% CI, 1.00 to 2.22). Cortical porosity was associated with prevalence of fracture even after adjustment for aBMD. © © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
National cohort study of opioid analgesic dose and risk of future hospitalization
Authors: Liang Yuanyuan , Turner Barbara J.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

High daily and total doses of opioid analgesics (OAs) increase the risk for drug overdose and may be risks for all‐cause hospitalization.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of OA dose measures with future all‐cause hospitalization.

DESIGN/PATIENTS

Cohort study of 87,688 national health maintenance organization enrollees aged 45 to 64 years with noncancer pain who filled ≥2 OA prescriptions from January 2009 to July 2012.

METHODS

Outcomes were all‐cause hospitalization and hospital days in 6‐month intervals after the first OA was filled. In generalized linear mixed models, we examined interactions of 5 daily OA dose categories and 5 total dose categories in each 6‐month interval adjusted for demographics, clinical conditions, psychotropic drugs, and current hospitalization. For high total OA doses, percentage of days covered by OA prescriptions in 6 months was examined.

RESULTS

Over 3 years, an average of 12% of subjects were hospitalized yearly for a mean 6.5 (standard deviation = 8.5) days. Compared with no OAs, adjusted odds of future hospitalization for high total opioid dose (>1830 mg) were 35% to 44% greater depending on daily dose category (all P < 0.05), but total OA dose ≤1830 mg had weak or no association with future hospitalization regardless of daily OA dose. For high total OA doses, odds of hospitalization were 41% to 51% greater for categories of percentage of time on OAs above >50% (>3 months) versus no OAs (all P < 0.05). Similar effects were observed for hospital days.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher total OA doses for >3 months within a 6‐month period significantly increased the risk for all‐cause hospitalization and longer inpatient stays in the next 6 months. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:425–431. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Healing by Creating: Patient Evaluations of Art‐Making Program
Authors: Heiney Sue P. , Darr‐Hope Heidi , Meriwether Marian P. , Adams Swann Arp
Published: March 2015

The benefits of using art in health care, especially with cancer patients, have been described anecdotally. However, few manuscripts include a conceptual framework to describe the evaluation of patient programs. This paper describes patients' evaluation of a healing arts program developed within a hospital for cancer patients that used art‐making, story, and therapeutic group processes to enhance emotional healing. Patients highly valued art creation, story, and group participation. The themes of the participants' open‐ended evaluations demonstrated the relevance of these three conceptual components and their merit in emotional recovery after cancer. This program evaluation lays the groundwork for future research into the therapeutic value of healing arts programs.
Numerical modeling of water balance for temporary landfill cover in North Germany
Authors: Widomski Marcin K. , Broichsitter Steffen Beck , Zink Alexander , Fleige Heiner , Horn Rainer , Stępniewski Witold
Published: March 2015

At the end of waste disposal in 2005, a temporary mineral system was constructed to cover the waste body of the municipal landfill in Rastorf (N Germany). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this temporary cover system in limiting the infiltration of surface water into the waste body. The numerical modeling for the hydrological year 2012 was performed in FEFLOW 6.0. The required input data for modeling were achieved by laboratory measurements of the saturated hydraulic conductivity and the water retention characteristics of the mineral layers. The assumed initial and boundary conditions were based on in‐situ measurements of matrix potential and volumetric water content at three different measuring points by tensiometers, FDR sensors and observed meteorological conditions. The model was applied according to Darcy's and Richards' equations for variably saturated flow. Our results allowed assessing the components of water balance for a temporary cover system, especially water seepage into the waste body. The correlation between the measured and modeled volumetric soil water content in the layered temporary cover system was observed (R2 = 0.56 to 0.90). Deviations between the measured and modeled values are superficially related to the soil´s heterogeneity. In conclusion, the measured and modeled water balance parameters indicate that the temporary coverage system remains effective in limiting the infiltration rate. However, our studies revealed that the calculated and measured water seepage exceeded the values allowable by the German regulations. Additional studies have to assess variations in the soil water characteristics caused by weather‐related wetting and drying cycles and influence of waste settlement changing the profile of slope.
Benzodithiophene‐Based Broad Absorbing Random Copolymers Incorporating Weak and Strong Electron Accepting Imide and Lactam Functionalized Pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole Derivatives for Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Tamilavan Vellaiappillai , Roh Kyung Hwan , Agneeswari Rajalingam , Lee Dal Yong , Cho Shinuk , Jin Youngeup , Park Sung Heum , Hyun Myung Ho
Published: March 2015

Two benzodithiophene (BDT)‐based broad absorbing low band gap random copolymers, P1 and P2, incorporating electron accepting imide functionalized pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,3‐dione (TDPPDT) and lactam functionalized pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐dione (DKPP) derivatives are prepared. The copolymerization of differently alkylated two TDPPDT derivatives with both of BDT and DKPP offers random copolymers P1 and P2. The absorption bands of polymers P1 and P2 cover the region from 300 to 900 nm and the estimated band gaps of P1 and P2 are 1.43 and 1.39 eV, respectively. The highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels of P1 and P2 are identical, at –5.25 eV. The organic field effect transistors made from P1 and P2 provide a hole mobility μ of 3.0 × 10−4 and 3.6 × 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. Polymer solar cells (PSCs) prepared from P1 and P2 afford a maximum power conversion efficiency of 1.64% and 2.14%, respectively.

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A highly acid‐resistant novel strain of Lactobacillus johnsonii No. 1088 has antibacterial activity, including that against Helicobacter pylori, and inhibits gastrin‐mediated acid production in mice
Authors: Aiba Yuji , Nakano Yasuhiro , Koga Yasuhiro , Takahashi Kenji , Komatsu Yasuhiko
Published: March 2015

A novel strain of Lactobacillus johnsonii No. 1088 was isolated from the gastric juice of a healthy Japanese male volunteer, and characterized for its effectiveness in the stomach environment. Lactobacillus johnsonii No. 1088 was found to have the strongest acid resistance among several lactobacilli examined (>10% of cells survived at pH 1.0 after 2 h), and such a high acid resistance property was a specific characteristic of this strain of L. johnsonii. When cultured with various virulent bacteria, L. johnsonii No. 1088 inhibited the growth of Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli O‐157, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Clostridium difficile, in which case its effectiveness was more potent than that of a type strain of L. johnsonii, JCM2012. In addition to its effect in vitro, L. johnsonii No. 1088 inhibited the growth of H. pylori in human intestinal microbiota‐associated mice in both its live and lyophilized forms. Moreover, L. johnsonii No. 1088 suppressed gastric acid secretion in mice via decreasing the number of gastrin‐positive cells in the stomach. These results taken together suggest that L. johnsonii No. 1088 is a unique lactobacillus having properties beneficial for supporting H. pylori eradication by triple therapy including the use of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and also for prophylaxis of gastroesophageal reflux disease possibly caused after H. pylori eradication as a side effect of PPI.
A Pilot Prospective, Multicenter Observational Study of Dopamine Agonist Withdrawal Syndrome in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Chaudhuri Kallol Ray , Todorova Antoniya , Nirenberg Melissa J. , Parry Miriam , Martin Anne , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Rizos Alexandra , Henriksen Tove , Jost Wolfgang , Storch Alexander , Ebersbach Georg , Reichmann Heinz , Odin Per , Antonini Angelo
Published: March 2015

Dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome (DAWS) has been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who rapidly decrease or stop their dopamine agonist (DA) treatment. Retrospective studies suggest a high prevalence of DAWS (14%–18%) in PD, but there are no prospective studies. We report data from the first pilot European multicenter prospective study addressing the frequency of probable DAWS (Rabinak‐Nirenberg criteria) in PD patients. The self‐completed Nonmotor Symptoms Questionnaire (which addresses the core features of DAWS) was administered at clinical follow‐up at 1 month in 51 patients (33 male; mean age: 73.0 ± 9.9 years; PD duration: 12.2 ± 6.3 years) who had discontinued dopamine agonists. Twelve out of fifty‐one patients (24%) met clinical criteria for DAWS, the most common symptoms of which were anxiety (91.7%), pain (50%), sweating (41.7%), and anhedonia (16.7%), after the withdrawal of a DA (ropinirole, pramipexole, or cabergoline). In this first prospective evaluation of DAWS in the clinic, preliminary data indicate a high rate after discontinuation of a range of DAs, particularly in the context of impulse control disorders. Larger, controlled studies are required to establish a definitive management pathway.
Syntheses of biphenyl‐terminated polyhedral oligomeric octasilicate‐core dendrimers and their single‐component optical transparent free‐standing thermoplastic films
Authors: Irie Yasuyuki , Naka Kensuke
Published: March 2015

2‐Biphenylethyl and 2‐biphenylhexyl‐terminated polyhedral oligomeric octasilicate (OS)‐core polyester‐typed dendrimers, denoted as OS‐C2‐BP and OS‐C6‐BP, respectively, were prepared by ring‐opening reaction and subsequent condensation of octakis(propenyl succinicanhydrido)polyhedral octasilicate (OS‐SA) with 2‐(4‐phenylphenoxy)ethanol (BP‐C2‐OH) and 6‐(4‐phenylphenoxy)hexanol (BP‐C6‐OH), respectively. OS‐C2‐BP formed a transparent film, whereas OS‐C6‐BP formed an opaque whitish waxy film. The coating film of OS‐C2‐BP was easily peeled off from a substrate and formed a free‐standing film. The results of X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimeter suggest that the film of OS‐C2‐BP was amorphous, whereas OS‐C6‐BP contained crystalline domains. Thermogravimetric analysis of OS‐C2‐BP and OS‐C6‐BP showed 5 wt % weight losses at 362 °C and 283 °C, respectively. OS‐C2‐BP offered higher thermal resistance than OS‐C6‐BP. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1437–1443
Breast cancer‐related lymphedema and sexual experiences: a mixed‐method comparison study
Authors: Radina M. Elise , Fu Mei R. , Horstman Lori , Kang Yang
Published: March 2015

Objective

Up to 40% of breast cancer survivors develop lymphedema, a chronic and sometimes disabling condition that manifests as abnormal swelling of the effected arm or hand or upper chest areas. Although the effects of lymphedema on quality of life have been well established, less well documented are the sexual experiences of breast cancer survivors with lymphedema. This study is the first to compare the sexual experiences of women with (n = 243) and without breast cancer‐related lymphedema (n = 109).

Methods

A mixed‐method design was used to explore both quantitatively and qualitatively the impact of lymphedema on participants' sexual experiences.

Results

Participants with breast cancer‐related lymphedema reported struggles with compression garments and sexual intimacy, negative feelings involving the breast and arm, and feelings of decreased sexual desire.

Conclusions

Recommendations for healthcare professionals, social workers, and marriage and family therapists are offered with the aim of assisting women with breast cancer‐related lymphedema and their sexual partners. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aerosol‐Assisted Heteroassembly of Oxide Nanocrystals and Carbon Nanotubes into 3D Mesoporous Composites for High‐Rate Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Jia Xilai , Zhu Xiao , Cheng Yanhua , Chen Zheng , Ning Guoqing , Lu Yunfeng , Wei Fei
Published: March 2015

Nanostructured composites built from ordinary building units have attracted much attention because of their collective properties for critical applications. Herein, we have demonstrated the heteroassembly of carbon nanotubes and oxide nanocrystals using an aerosol spray method to prepare nanostructured mesoporous composites for electrochemical energy storage. The designed composite architectures show high conductivity and hierarchically structured mesopores, which achieve rapid electron and ion transport in electrodes. Therefore, as‐synthesized carbon nanotube/TiO2 electrodes exhibit high rate performance through rapid Li+ intercalation, making them suitable for ultrafast energy storage devices. Moreover, the synthesis process provides a broadly applicable method to achieve the heteroassembly of vast low‐dimensional building blocks for many important applications.
On shear verification according to fib Model Code 2010 in FRC elements without traditional reinforcement
Authors: Coccia Simona , Meda Alberto , Rinaldi Zila
Published: March 2015

Fibre‐reinforced concrete (FRC) without any traditional reinforcement is used particularly extensively in structures such as pavements and tunnels. The fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010 introduced the possibility of using FRC for structural design and it is becoming a reference document for such structures. The application of fib Model Code 2010 suggestions for flexural and axial forces, once the constitutive relationships of the material are defined, allows for safe design. However, shear verification is often a cause of discussion in the design community. The aim of this paper is to clarify this aspect and provide a procedure that can be followed in the design process. A case study is also presented.
Variation in microbial function through soil depth profiles in the Kushiro Wetland, northeastern Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Senga Yukiko , Hiroki Mikiya , Terui Shigeharu , Nohara Seiichi
Published: March 2015

To provide new insights into microbial functions in the Kushiro Wetland, Japan, we measured vertical profiles of fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (total microbial activity), β‐glucosidase and xylosidase (organic matter decomposition), acid phosphatase (phosphate production) and potential denitrifying (denitrification) activities as microbial enzyme activities in soil to depths of approximately 1.5 m from two sites with different vegetation in November 2008 (winter) and August 2009 (summer). Active organic matter decomposition, phosphate production and denitrification were evident in shallow litter and peat layers, and total microbial activity was high. Almost no differences in decomposition and total microbial activity were observed between seasons, whereas phosphate production and denitrification were higher in summer. All activities were low in mid‐depth volcanic‐ash and clay layers because of low carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus levels. Surprisingly, the total microbial activity and decomposition in deep clay & peat and peat layers were the same as or higher than in shallow layers. However, denitrification was limited, probably because dissolved organic matter containing humic‐like substances was unsuitable as a substrate. Moreover, total soil phosphorus levels, acid phosphatase activity and multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the soil in the Kushiro Wetland is likely P limited.
EPAS1 Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated With High Altitude Polycythemia in Tibetans at the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xu Jin , Yang Ying-Zhong , Tang Feng , Ga Qin , Tana Wuren , Ge Ri-Li
Published: March 2015

Objective

To test the hypothesis that the polymorphisms in the EPAS1 gene are associated with the susceptibility to high altitude polycythemia (HAPC) in Tibetans at the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Methods

We enrolled 63 Tibetan HAPC patients and 131 matched healthy Tibetans as a control group, from the Yushu area in Qinghai where the altitude is greater than 3500 m. Eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the EPAS1 gene, including rs12619696, rs13420857, rs2881504, rs4953388, rs13419896, rs4953354, rs10187368, and rs7587138, were genotyped by the Sequenom MassARRAY SNP assay.

Results

The frequencies of the G allele of EPAS1 SNP rs13419896 were significantly higher in the HAPC group than in the control group ( P < .05). Moreover, the A alleles of rs12619696 and rs4953354 were prevalent in the HAPC group, and their counterpart homozygotes were prevalent in the normal Tibetan group ( P < .05).

Conclusions

Compared with normal Tibetans, Tibetans with HAPC are maladapted and have a different haplotype in EPAS1 SNPs rs12619696, rs13419896, and rs4953354.
Management of a Pediatric Snake Envenomation After Presentation With a Tight Tourniquet
Authors: Bush Sean P. , Kinlaw Shannon B.
Published: March 2015

We describe an illustrative case of pediatric snake envenomation presenting with a tightly wound tourniquet. A 10-year-old boy presented after a snake bite to the right calf. A tourniquet was in place just below the right knee. The species of snake was unknown. The patient was hemodynamically stable, but the entirety of the right leg distal to the tourniquet was discolored. Over concern for a potential venom bolus effect upon tourniquet removal, the decision was made to start a crotaline Fab antivenom infusion and gradually loosen the tourniquet. The patient tolerated the infusion and removal of the tourniquet without signs of anaphylaxis or decompensation. Dynamic improvements were observed in the right leg and wound site that appeared to be the result of vascular congestion. Tourniquets are generally not recommended for snakebites; however, if a tourniquet is already placed, we avoid removal until prepared to manage acute toxicity or immediate hypersensitivity.
Games of Seduction and Games of History: Alioum Moussa’sFashion Victimsin Niamey, Niger
Authors: Gilvin Amanda
Published: March 2015

In his November 2011 solo art exhibition,Fashion Victims, held in Niamey, Niger, the Cameroonian artist Alioum Moussa launched a critique of global participation in the industrial fashion system by employing secondhand garments as his primary medium. The show had special resonance in a city attempting to cultivate both industrial and artisanal production of dress and fashion for global markets. Moussa demanded that viewers reckon with their own consumerist dress practices and potential fashion victimization in what he described as “global games of seduction,” and he offered tributes to the different “fashion victims” by inviting others to play in shared games of history.
Cell Phones and Alienation among Bulsa of Ghana’s Upper East Region: “The Call Calls You Away”
Authors: Watson Marcus D. , Atuick Evans A.
Published: March 2015

Many scholars have concluded, perhaps prematurely, that information and communication technologies (ICTs) are inherently empowering for Africans. In order to look more closely at the impact of ICTs on relationships and society, this article focuses on everyday life. Specifically, it uses ethnographic methods and the theory of “affordances” to illuminate the use of cell phones among Bulsa of Ghana’s Upper East Region. While cell phones help users connect with distant loved ones, they also plant seeds of alienation between users and those who remain physically present. These changes are evident in new body habits and in social behaviors that would be culturally unacceptable in face-to-face interactions but are largely excused in the interventions of the virtual world.
Effect of the use of ambulance-based thrombolysis on time to thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke: a randomized clinical trial.
Authors: Fakhraldeen Mohammad , Segal Eli , de Champlain François
Published: March 2015

Article chosen

Ebinger M, Winter B, Wendt M, et al. Effect of the use of ambulance-based thrombolysis on time to thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2014;311(16):1622-31.

Clinical question

Does prehospital thrombolysis in specialized ambulances reduce delay to thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke?

Objective

To determine the effect of prehospital thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke administered in specialized ambulances on delay in thrombolytic administration, thrombolysis rate, post-thrombolysis intracerebral hemorrhage, and 7-day mortality.
Variation in Infection Prevention Practices in Dialysis Facilities: Results From the National Opportunity to Improve Infection Control in ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease) Project
Authors: Chenoweth Carol E. , Hines Stephen C. , Hall Kendall K. , Saran Rajiv , Kalbfleisch John D. , Spencer Teri , Frank Kelly M. , Carlson Diane , Deane Jan , Roys Erik , Scholz Natalie , Parrotte Casey , Messana Joseph M.
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE

To observe patient care across hemodialysis facilities enrolled in the National Opportunity to Improve Infection Control in ESRD (end-stage renal disease) (NOTICE) project in order to evaluate adherence to evidence-based practices aimed at prevention of infection.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-four hemodialysis facilities were randomly selected from among 772 facilities in 4 end-stage renal disease participating networks. Facility selection was stratified on dialysis organization affiliation, size, socioeconomic status, and urban/rural status.

MEASUREMENTS

Trained infection control evaluators used an infection control worksheet to observe 73 distinct infection control practices at the hemodialysis facilities, from October 1, 2011, through January 31, 2012.

RESULTS

There was considerable variation in infection control practices across enrolled facilities. Overall adherence to recommended practices was 68% (range, 45%–92%) across all facilities. Overall adherence to expected hand hygiene practice was 72% (range, 10%–100%). Compliance to hand hygiene before and after procedures was high; however, during procedures hand hygiene compliance averaged 58%. Use of chlorhexidine as the specific agent for exit site care was 19% overall but varied from 0% to 35% by facility type. The 8 checklists varied in the frequency of perfect performance from 0% for meeting every item on the checklist for disinfection practices to 22% on the arteriovenous access practices at initiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that there are many areas for improvement in hand hygiene and other infection prevention practices in end-stage renal disease. These NOTICE project findings will help inform the development of a larger quality improvement initiative at dialysis facilities.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(7):802–806
New patterns in high-speed granular flows
Authors: Brodu Nicolas , Delannay Renaud , Valance Alexandre , Richard Patrick
Published: March 2015

We report on new patterns in high-speed flows of granular materials obtained by means of extensive numerical simulations. These patterns emerge from the destabilization of unidirectional flows upon increase of mass holdup and inclination angle, and are characterized by complex internal structures, including secondary flows, heterogeneous particle volume fraction, symmetry breaking and dynamically maintained order. In particular, we evidenced steady and fully developed ‘supported’ flows, which consist of a dense core surrounded by a highly energetic granular gas. Interestingly, despite their overall diversity, these regimes are shown to obey a scaling law for the mass flow rate as a function of the mass holdup. This unique set of three-dimensional flow regimes raises new challenges for extending the scope of current granular rheological models.
Creating a Safe Space: A Case Study of Complex Trauma and a Call for Proactive Comprehensive Psychoeducational Assessments and Reviews
Authors: Mainwaring Debra J.
Published: March 2015

This article advocates for proactive, dynamic and comprehensive psycho-educational assessments for children and young people who have a history of complex trauma, because of its known effects on development and learning. A case study is shared of a young woman with a history of complex trauma because of exposure to parental neglect, multiple foster care placements, and abuse while in the care system. Background information on the impact of both early developmental trauma and interruptions to attachment with an early caregiver on learning and development is discussed, along with the benefits of using dynamic assessment. In particular, the case will expose how delays in thorough, high quality psycho-educational assessment not only impacts on educational outcomes, but also care outcomes. It also illustrates the importance of including measures of social emotional functioning as part of psycho-educational assessments when, as in this case, a review of developmental and learning needs is required in preparation for transition to high school, to assist funding applications for additional support, and to contribute to case planning towards reunification with siblings. Best practice protocols are shared that promote both multi-professional and multi-dimensional assessment, including working between agencies, systems, group and individual assessment, and, most importantly, tools that facilitate both transformation of teaching practice and the voice of the young person; all serving to promote mental health and wellbeing.
A randomised, double- blind, cross-over study investigating the prebiotic effect of agave fructans in healthy human subjects
Authors: Ramnani P. , Costabile A. , Bustillo A. G. R. , Gibson G. R.
Published: March 2015

This placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, cross-over human feeding study aimed to determine the prebiotic effect of agave fructans. A total of thirty-eight volunteers completed this trial. The treatment consisted of 3 weeks' supplementation with 5 g/d of prebiotic agave fructan (Predilife) or equivalent placebo (maltodextrin), followed by a 2-week washout period following which subjects were crossed over to alternate the treatment arm for 3 weeks followed by a 2-week washout. Faecal samples were collected at baseline, on the last day of treatment (days 22 and 58) and washout (days 36 and 72), respectively. Changes in faecal bacterial populations, SCFA and secretory IgA were assessed using fluorescentin situhybridisation, GC and ELISA, respectively. Bowel movements, stool consistencies, abdominal comfort and mood changes were evaluated by a recorded daily questionnaire. In parallel, the effect of agave fructans on different regions of the colon using a three-stage continuous culture simulator was studied. Predilife significantly increased faecal bifidobacteria (log109·6 (sd0·4)) and lactobacilli (log107·7 (sd0·8)) compared with placebo (log109·2 (sd0·4);P = 0·00) (log107·4 (sd0·7);P= 0·000), respectively. No change was observed for other bacterial groups tested, SCFA, secretory IgA, and PGE2concentrations between the treatment and placebo. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis indicated that bacterial communities were randomly dispersed and no significant differences were observed between Predilife and placebo treatments. Thein vitromodels showed similar increases in bifidobacterial and lactobacilli populations to that observed with thein vivotrial. To conclude, agave fructans are well tolerated in healthy human subjects and increased bifidobacteria and lactobacilli numbersin vitroandin vivobut did not influence other products of fermentation.
Data on face-to-face contacts in an office building suggest a low-cost vaccination strategy based on community linkers
Authors: GÉNOIS MATHIEU , VESTERGAARD CHRISTIAN L. , FOURNET JULIE , PANISSON ANDRÉ , BONMARIN ISABELLE , BARRAT ALAIN
Published: March 2015

Empirical data on contacts between individuals in social contexts play an important role in providing information for models describing human behavior and how epidemics spread in populations. Here, we analyze data on face-to-face contacts collected in an office building. The statistical properties of contacts are similar to other social situations, but important differences are observed in the contact network structure. In particular, the contact network is strongly shaped by the organization of the offices in departments, which has consequences in the design of accurate agent-based models of epidemic spread. We consider the contact network as a potential substrate for infectious disease spread and show that its sparsity tends to prevent outbreaks of rapidly spreading epidemics. Moreover, we define three typical behaviors according to the fractionfof links each individual shares outside its own department: residents, wanderers, and linkers. Linkers (f~ 50%) act as bridges in the network and have large betweenness centralities. Thus, a vaccination strategy targeting linkers efficiently prevents large outbreaks. As such a behavior may be spotteda prioriin the offices' organization or from surveys, without the full knowledge of the time-resolved contact network, this result may help the design of efficient, low-cost vaccination or social-distancing strategies.
Challenges to Inference in the Study of Crisis Bargaining
Authors: Arena Philip , Joyce Kyle A.
Published: March 2015

The possibility that actors strategically condition their behavior on partially unobservable factors poses a grave challenge to causal inference, particularly if only some of the actors whose behavior we analyze are at risk of experiencing the outcome of interest. We present a crisis bargaining model that indicates that targets can generally prevent war by arming. We then create a simulated data set where the model is assumed to perfectly describe interactions for those states engaged in crisis bargaining, which we assume most pairs of states arenot. We further assume researchers cannot observe which states are engaged in crisis bargaining, although observable variables might serve as proxies. We demonstrate that a naïve design would falsely (and unsurprisingly) indicate a positive relationship between arming and war. More importantly, we then evaluate the performance of matching, instrumental variables, and statistical backwards induction. The latter two show some promise, but matching fares poorly.