bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intermittent intraoperative nerve monitoring in thyroid reoperations: Preliminary results of a randomized, single‐surgeon study
Authors: Hei Hu , Zhou Bin , Qin Jianwu , Song Yongping
Published: February 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether intermittent intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) could reduce the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis in thyroid reoperations.

Methods

Enrolled patients were randomly assigned into the nerve integrity monitor (NIM) group and the control group.

Results

The incidence of temporary RLN paralysis and permanent RLN paralysis was 12.2% and 4.9% in the NIM group compared with 7.0% and 2.3% in the control group (p = .658 and p = .966, respectively). The incidence of surgeon‐related paralysis, tumor‐related paralysis, and scar‐related paralysis was 4.9%, 7.3%, and 4.9% in the NIM group compared with 4.7%, 2.3%, and 2.3% in the control group, respectively (p = 1, p = .575, and p = .966, respectively).

Conclusion

Intermittent IONM could not provide additional benefits to reduce the incidence of temporary RLN paralysis and permanent RLN paralysis in thyroid reoperations. It could not reduce the incidence of paralysis caused by unintentional injuries. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1993–E1997, 2016
Clinical outcomes in patients with T4 laryngeal cancer treated with primary radiotherapy versus primary laryngectomy
Authors: Vengalil Salil , Giuliani Meredith E. , Huang Shao Hui , McNiven Andrea , Song Yuyao , Xu Wei , Chan Biu , Hope Andrew , Cho John , Bayley Andrew , Ringash Jolie , Goldstein David , Razak Albiruni , Irish Jonathan , Gilbert Ralph , Gullane Patrick , Waldron John , Kim John , O'Sullivan Brian
Published: February 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical outcomes of T4 laryngeal cancers.

Methods

T4 laryngeal cancers treated with curative intent from January 2003 to December 2010 were analyzed. Outcomes were evaluated in both primary radiotherapy (+/− chemotherapy) (RT/CRT) and primary surgery cohorts.

Results

Among the 65 primary RT/CRT and 42 primary surgery patients included, median follow‐up was 4.4 years. There was a trend for improved locoregional control with surgery (74% vs 88%; p = .08). In the RT/CRT group the 3‐year laryngectomy‐free survival was 67%. The 2‐year gastrostomy dependency rate was 23% with RT/CRT versus 6% with primary surgery (p = .07). Overall survival (OS) at 3 years was significantly lower in the RT/CRT versus primary surgery group (41% vs 70%; p < .01).

Conclusion

Laryngeal preservation is achieved in over two thirds of patients with primary RT/CRT. Patients with low volume minimal cartilage involvement T4 disease may be best suited to RT/CRT. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2035–E2040, 2016
Extreme precipitation drives groundwater recharge: the Northern High Plains Aquifer, central United States, 1950–2010
Authors: Zhang Jien , Felzer Benjamin S. , Troy Tara J.
Published: February 2016

Future extreme precipitation (EP, daily rainfall amount over certain thresholds) is projected to increase with global climate change; however, its effect on groundwater recharge has not been fully explored. This study specifically investigates the spatiotemporal dynamics of groundwater recharge and the effects of extreme precipitation (daily rainfall amount over the 95th percentile, which is tagged by ranking the percentiles in each season for a base period) on groundwater recharge from 1950 to 2010 over the Northern High Plains (NHP) Aquifer using the Soil Water Balance Model. The results show that groundwater recharge significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the eastern NHP from 1950 to 2010, where the highest annual average groundwater recharge occurs compared to the central and the western NHP. In the eastern NHP, 45.1% of the annual precipitation fell as EP, which contributed 56.8% of the annual total groundwater recharge. In the western NHP, 30.9% of the annual precipitation fell as extreme precipitation, which contributed 62.5% of the annual total groundwater recharge. In addition, recharge by extreme precipitation mainly occurred in late spring and early summer, before the maximum evapotranspiration rate, which usually occurs in mid‐summer until late fall. A dry site in the western NHP and a wet site in the eastern NHP were analysed to indicate how recharge responds to EP with different precipitation regimes. The maximum daily recharge at the dry site exceeded the wet site when there was EP. When precipitation fell as non‐extreme rainfall, most recharge was less than 5 mm at both the dry and wet sites, and the maximum recharge at the dry site became lower than the wet site. This study shows that extreme precipitation plays a significant role in determining groundwater recharge. © 2016 The Authors Hydrological Processes Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Effectiveness of rapid response teams on rates of in‐hospital cardiopulmonary arrest and mortality: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Solomon Rose S. , Corwin Gregory S. , Barclay Dawn C. , Quddusi Sarah F. , Dannenberg Michelle D.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

In 2004, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's 100,000 Lives Campaign recommended that hospitals implement rapid response teams (RRTs) charged with identifying non–intensive care unit (ICU) patients at risk for rapid deterioration. Although RRTs are now in widespread use, there have been conflicting results regarding the impact of RRTs on hospital mortality and cardiopulmonary arrest.

PURPOSE

To assess the effectiveness of RRTs on reducing hospital mortality and non‐ICU cardiopulmonary arrest rates.

DATA SOURCES

We conducted a systematic review using MEDLINE (1966–2014), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1898–2014), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (1994–2014), and ClinicalTrials.gov (1997–2014) during October 2014. There were no constraints on language or publication status.

DATA EXTRACTION

We included before‐after studies, cohort studies, and cluster randomized trials that reported hospital mortality and/or non‐ICU cardiopulmonary arrest for adults hospitalized in a non‐ICU setting after the implementation of RRTs and/or medical emergency teams (METs). Data were extracted by 2 sets of 2 independent reviewers using a standardized data‐collection form. Disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Authors were contacted to obtain any missing data.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Our search identified 691 studies, of which 30 met criteria for inclusion in the analysis. Implementation of an RRT/MET was associated with a significant decrease in hospital mortality (relative risk [RR] = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83‐0.93, I2 = 86%, 3,478,952 admissions) and a significant decrease in the number of non‐ICU cardiac arrests (RR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.55‐0.69, I2 = 71%, 3,045,273 admissions).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of an RRT/MET is associated with a reduction in both hospital mortality and non‐ICU cardiopulmonary arrests. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:438–445. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
A multi‐objective optimization algorithm based on self‐organizing maps applied to wireless power transfer systems
Authors: Barmada Sami , Raugi Marco , Tucci Mauro
Published: February 2016

In this work, a new multi‐objective population‐based optimization algorithm is presented and tested. In this contribution, the concepts of fast non‐dominating sorting and density estimation using the crowding distance are used to create a multi‐objective optimization algorithm based on previous work, which is a single objective evolutionary optimization algorithm based on self‐organizing maps (SOMs). The SOMs paradigm introduces a strong collaboration between neighbors solutions that improves exploitation. Furthermore, the representative power of the SOMs enhances the exploration and diversification. A state of the art benchmark approach is used to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, obtaining positive results. The test problem uses an analytical model of an inductively coupled wireless power transfer system (WPT). The objective is to optimize the WPT model characteristics in order to allow simultaneous data and power transfer between the coils. The WPT design approach uses more degrees of freedom than existing techniques leading to a number of solutions where both the power signals and the data signal can coexist on the same physical channel achieving good figures of merit. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deterministic separation of arbitrary photon pair states in integrated quantum circuits
Authors: Marchildon Ryan P. , Helmy Amr S.
Published: January 2016

Entangled photon pairs must often be spatially separated for their subsequent manipulation in integrated quantum circuits. Separation that is both deterministic and universal can in principle be achieved through anti‐coalescent two‐photon quantum interference. However, such interference‐facilitated pair separation (IFPS) has not been extensively studied in the integrated setting, which has important implications on performance. This work provides a detailed review of IFPS and examines how integrated device dependencies such as dispersion impact separation fidelity and interference visibility. The analysis applies equally to both on‐chip and in‐fiber implementations. When coupler dispersion is present, the separation performance can depend on photon bandwidth, spectral entanglement and the dispersion. By design, reduction in the separation fidelity due to loss of non‐classical interference can be perfectly compensated for by classical wavelength demultiplexing effects. This work informs the design of devices for universal photon pair separation of states with tunable arbitrary properties.

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A double‐lined metasurface for plasmonic complex‐field generation
Authors: Song Eui‐Young , Lee Seung‐Yeol , Hong Jongwoo , Lee Kyookeun , Lee Yohan , Lee Gun‐Yeal , Kim Hwi , Lee Byoungho
Published: January 2016

Since the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) has received a great deal of attention because of its capability of guiding light within the subwavelength scale, finding methods for arbitrary SPP field generation has been a significant issue in the area of integrated optics. To achieve such a goal, it will be necessary to generate a plasmonic complex field. In this paper, we propose a novel method for generating a plasmonic complex field propagating with arbitrary curvatures by using double‐lined distributed nanoslits. As a unit cell, two facing nanoslits are used for tuning both the amplitude and the phase of excited SPPs as a function of their tilted angles. For verification of the proposed design rule, the authors experimentally demonstrate some plasmonic caustic curves and Airy plasmons.

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Thickness and scratch resistance of adsorbed film formed by triblock symmetrical copolymer solutions
Authors: Kosasih B. , Novareza O. , Zhu H. , Taheri R. , Lin B. , Tieu A. K.
Published: February 2016

The thickness and scratch resistance of adsorbed films formed on mild steel samples (MS1020), which have been immersed in water copolymer solutions, are reported. The effects of bulk temperature and the copolymer structures, normal, poly(ethylene oxide)m‐poly(propylene oxide)n‐poly(ethylene oxide)m, and reverse, poly(propylene oxide)n‐poly(ethylene oxide)m‐poly(propylene oxide)n, are elucidated. The films' thicknesses are independent of structure but not of temperature. The adsorbed films of above cloud point solutions are thicker than below cloud point. However, nanoscratch experiments carried out to measure the scratch resistance of the films reveal that despite of thicker film formed by above cloud point solutions, it is relatively more prone to being detached than the thinner films of below cloud point solutions. The effect of extreme pressure additive, alkyl phosphate ester (APE), is also investigated suggesting the normal copolymer has comparable scratch resistance with APE when used at below the cloud point. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decentralization Policies for Supply Chain Investments Under Asymmetric Information
Authors: Agrell Per Joakim , Bogetoft Peter
Published: February 2016

Supply chains need specific investments for improved performance in terms of lead‐time, cost, and quality. We study the contractual choice of a coordinator to either centralize or delegate the investment decision in a three‐stage chain. The analysis derives closed‐form results for the economic performance of three decentralized contracting schemes under asymmetric information on investment cost, as well as the optimal full revelation results. The results show that the observed practice of tier‐1 delegated investments leads to relatively poor performance because of underinvestment. We illustrate the findings with the Boeing 787 debacle. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dual reciprocity boundary elements method for the linear and nonlinear two‐dimensional time‐fractional partial differential equations
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Safarpoor Mansour
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we apply the dual reciprocity boundary elements method for the numerical solution of two‐dimensional linear and nonlinear time‐fractional modified anomalous subdiffusion equations and time‐fractional convection–diffusion equation. The fractional derivative of problems is described in the Riemann–Liouville and Caputo senses. We employ the linear radial basis function for interpolation of the nonlinear, inhomogeneous and time derivative terms. This method is improved by using a predictor–corrector scheme to overcome the nonlinearity which appears in the nonlinear problems under consideration. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed schemes are checked by five test problems. The proposed method is employed for solving some examples in two dimensions on unit square and also in complex regions to demonstrate the efficiency of the new technique. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Existence of a classical solution to complex material flow problems
Authors: Che Jiahang , Chen Li , Göttlich Simone , Wang Jing
Published: February 2016

An existence result of smooth solutions for a complex material flow problem is provided. The considered equations are of hyperbolic type including a nonlocal interaction term. The existence proof is based on a problem‐adapted linear iteration scheme exploiting the structure conditions of the nonlocal term. 35Q70, 35L65 Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring biomechanical methods to study the human vaginal wall
Authors: Eberhart Robert , Chuong Cheng‐Jen , Zimmern Philippe
Published: February 2016

Aims

To critically review studies of the biomechanical properties of connective tissue in the normal and prolapsed human vaginal wall and to identify criteria that are suitable for in vivo measurements which could improve patient management.

Methods

This review covers past and current ex vivo and in vivo instrumentation and analytical methods related to the elastic and viscoelastic properties of vaginal wall connective tissues.

Results

Classical methods, including digital evaluation of the vagina, histological and biomechanical studies of fresh and frozen‐thawed extracts, and biomechanical cadaveric tissue studies have important limitations and have yielded inconsistent results. Newer biomechanical methods may resolve these inconsistencies. One of the more promising is transient, vacuum‐induced tissue expansion and relaxation, via cutometer‐like devices. The technique permits noninvasive observation, applicable to longitudinal studies of patients. In vivo and ex vivo biomechanical methods may better match vaginal wall tissue properties to help with the design of surgical mesh materials, thus improving surgical support and healing.

Conclusion

Methods have been identified to characterize the in vivo biomechanical behavior of the prolapsing vagina which may serve to advance the care of affected women. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:499–506, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Forming of composite spars including interlayers of aligned, multiwall, carbon nanotubes: An experimental study
Authors: Hallander P. , Sjölander J. , Åkermo M.
Published: February 2016

Carbon nanotubes offer the potential for improved or changed matrix properties, thereby enabling the creation of novel, multifunctional composite materials. By using highly aligned, multiwall, carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with thermoset resins, good dispersion and distribution of nanotubes is obtained. To date, research has mainly focused on improving the growth process of the aligned MWCNTs, however little has been done on the processing of composites that include MWCNTs as interlayers in the stack. The aim of this work is to study how the aligned MWCNTs are affected within composite part forming. The study shows that MWCNTs are influenced by the shearing that occurs during forming, but still maintain their integrity. To some extent, the shear pattern observed in the MWCNTs after deformation provides an indication of deformation modes. However, the presence of MWCNTs also significantly influences the forming characteristics of the prepreg stack. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:181–191, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical reinforcement of thermoplastic vulcanizates using ground tyre rubber modified with sulfuric acid
Authors: Hernández Gámez José F. , Hernández Ernesto Hernández , Narro Céspedes Rosa I. , Neira Velázquez María G. , Solís Rosales Silvia G. , Soriano Corral Florentino , González Morones Pablo , Fernández Tavizón Salvador , Díaz de Leon Ramón , Farías Cepeda Lorena
Published: January 2016

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on high density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) were reinforced with ground tyre rubber (GTR) modified with sulfuric acid and dynamically vulcanized with dicumyl peroxide (DCP). TPVs were composed by 40% of HDPE, 30% of EPDM and 30% of GTR at 50 and 100 mesh and the concentration of DCP was varied from 0.3 to 3.6 parts per hundred rubber (phr). The properties of the TPVs containing GTR were determined by infrared spectroscopy, gel content and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. The mechanical properties of the composites were also obtained. An increase of about 207% in the Young's modulus was obtained in blends containing GTR modified with sulfuric acid (GTR‐SA) in relation with blends containing pristine GRT. Good compatibility of compounds containing GTR‐SA was observed, GTR‐SA presented high specific area as a consequence of the modification with sulfuric acid. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:229–237, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nanostructure, dynamics, and mechanical properties of nanocomposites based on polyurethane‐poly (2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) semi‐interpenetrating polymer network with ultra‐low MWCNT contents
Authors: Karabanova Lyudmyla , Bershtein Vladimir , Gomza Yuriy , Kirilenko Demid , Nesin Stanislav , Yakushev Pavel
Published: January 2016

Nanocomposites based on polyurethane‐poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (PU‐PHEMA semi‐IPN) doped with 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, or 0.25 wt% of non‐functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized. Their nanostructure was studied by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, and their dynamics and properties were characterized over the temperature range from −100°C to 180°C using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and laser‐interferometric creep rate spectroscopy (CRS). It was shown that ultra‐low MWCNT contents (0.01%–0.1%) substantially modified matrix nanostructure due to the influence of nanofiller on the processes of micro‐phase separation and mixing of matrix components, the changes in the molecular packing density, and good dispersion of MWCNTs. The structural changes were somewhat smaller at 0.25% nanotubes where tendency to formation of their aggregates was observed. Accordingly, the strong changes in dynamic behavior, elastic properties and creep resistance in the studied materials were caused by ultra‐low MWCNT additives. The strong effect of extraordinary broadening of the PHEMA relaxation peak in the nanocomposites and, simultaneously, the strongly improved creep resistance over the 80°C–160°C temperature range (at 0.1% MWCNTs) were shown that is of importance for the application of these nanocomposites as perspective damping materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:263–273, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Stimulant use for ADHD and relative age in class among children in Israel
Authors: Hoshen Moshe B. , Benis Arriel , Keyes Katherine M. , Zoëga Helga
Published: January 2016

Background

Diagnosis of children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing. The present study sought to identify characteristics and medication treatment patterns of children with ADHD and compare them by relative age in class, sex, ethnicity, family size, sibling order, and other socioeconomic status, as well as find trends in disparity of pharmacotherapy.

Methods

This study was based on data from 1 013 149 Clalit Health Services members aged 6–17 years during 2006–2011. Centrally acting sympathomimetic drug purchases were compared according to children's estimated relative age in class; youngest third (born August to November), middle third (born April to July), and oldest third (born December to March). Treatment trends were determined and compared according to sociodemographic and family‐related factors.

Results

The overall prevalence of stimulant use in the population was 2.6% in 2006 and 4.9% in 2011. The annual incidence of stimulant use increased from 0.75% to 1.36%, rising more sharply among children in the older age groups (≥12) than among younger ones. Moreover, the youngest third of children in class was more likely to use medication than the oldest third (risk ratio (RR) 1.17, confidence interval (CI) 1.12–1.23) or the middle third (RR 1.06, CI 1.01–1.11). Of the different ethnic sectors, incidence of stimulant use was highest among general Jewish (1.8% in 2011) and lowest among Arabs (0.37% in 2011).

Conclusions

The use of stimulant medication is growing among children in Israel. Although the overall use does not exceed the estimated prevalence of ADHD among children, the appropriateness of prescribing to the Israeli pediatric population, especially to the youngest children in class, may be questionable. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short‐ and long‐term loss of carvacrol from polymer/clay nanocomposite film – a chemometric approach
Authors: Campos‐Requena Víctor H , Rivas Bernabé L , Pérez Mónica A , Pereira Eduardo D
Published: February 2016

A combination of partial least squares (PLS) regression and design of experiments was used to analyse and define the short‐ and long‐term loss mechanisms of carvacrol from polymer/clay nanocomposite films used as an antimicrobial food packaging material. Three formulation x variables were evaluated: type of nanoclay, concentration of nanoclay and concentration of compatibilizer agent. Five experimental y responses were measured: loss of carvacrol from the films stored at room conditions on the third and fifth days (short‐term loss); on the forty‐fifth and sixtieth days (long‐term loss); and the polymer/clay level of intercalation. All variables and responses were simultaneously calibrated by an ANOVA‐validated (P < 0.05) comprehensive PLS interaction model with a satisfactory R2 = 0.956 and Q2 = 0.505. A differentiation and discrimination of the mechanisms that control the loss of carvacrol over different periods of time was observed. Short‐term loss seems to be controlled mainly by direct molecular interactions in the interlayer space between carvacrol and the nanoclay organomodifier. Long‐term loss seems to be mainly controlled by diffusion within the nanocomposite matrix once carvacrol has left the nanoclay interlayer space, and it is closely related to the levels of intercalation reached in the nanocomposite. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Coccidioidomycosis in infants: A retrospective case series
Authors: Lee Jessica M. , Graciano Ana Lia , Dabrowski Lukasz , Kuzmic Brenik , Tablizo Mary Anne
Published: February 2016

Introduction

In contrast to adults, coccidioidomycosis is a rare disease in infants and the mechanisms of disease acquisition are not well described in infants. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in infants in an endemic area.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational study of all patients less than 12 months of age admitted to a tertiary free standing children's hospital from 2003–2012 diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis.

Results

Thirteen infants were hospitalized during the study period. The majority of the patients presented with upper and/or lower respiratory tract infection. The most common presenting symptoms included fever (77%), cough (61%), and respiratory distress (38%). Disseminated disease, included pericardial effusion, neck abscess, and lesions in the cerebellum, basal ganglia and left temporoparietal skull. Fluconazole was the initial, antifungal agent used. Amphotericin B was reserved for significant lung disease and disseminated cases. Failed response to fluconazole and amphotericin B were treated with a combination of voriconazole and caspofungin. Average length of treatment was 4 years. All patients survived to hospital discharge. The majority of the patients had resolution of chest radiograph and coccidiodal complement fixing antibody titers.

Discussion

Infant coccidioidomycosis has a non‐specific presentation and can mimic common infant respiratory illnesses. In endemic areas, coccidioidomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infants with pulmonary symptoms unresponsive to conventional treatment. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:858–862. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of air on oxygen p‐doped graphene on SiO2
Authors: Piazza Aurora , Giannazzo Filippo , Buscarino Gianpiero , Fisichella Gabriele , La Magna Antonino , Roccaforte Fabrizio , Cannas Marco , Gelardi Franco Mario , Agnello Simonpietro
Published: February 2016

Stability in ambient air or in vacuum‐controlled atmosphere of molecular oxygen‐induced p‐type doping of graphene monolayer on SiO2 substrate on Si is investigated by micro‐Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The Raman 2D and G bands spectral positions and amplitude ratio are affected by the permanence in air atmosphere in a time scale of months whereas the vacuum safely maintains the doping effects determined through Raman bands. No morphological effects are induced by the doping and post‐doping treatments. A reactivity of ambient molecular gas with stably trapped oxygen is suggested to induce the doping modification.
Investigation of breakdown properties in the carbon doped GaN by photoluminescence analysis
Authors: Zhou Deqiu , Ni Yiqiang , He Zhiyuan , Yang Fan , Yao Yao , Shen Zhen , Zhong Jian , Zhou Guilin , Zheng Yue , He Liang , Wu Zhisheng , Zhang Baijun , Liu Yang
Published: January 2016

The electrical and optical properties of the carbon doped GaN grown on Si substrate by metal‐organic chemical‐vapor deposition are investigated. Carbon impurity doping can improve the breakdown voltage effectively. However excess carbon in contrast depresses the breakdown voltage. This result is correlated with the carbon dopant behaviour in GaN which can be observed by analyzing the photoluminescence (PL) spectra. It is explained that the carbon impurity favours the formation of CN (carbon substitution of nitrogen) which acts as a deep level acceptor. The acceptor compensates the n‐type background impurities, which may resulting in suppressing the leakage current at high electric field, and leads to the improvement of the breakdown voltage. However, with excess carbon doping level, a significant amount of CGa (carbon substitution of gallium) form in GaN. The CGa, acting as the donor, compensates the CN and hence impairs the concentration of the deep level acceptor. In a result, the compensation of the n‐type background impurities by the deep level acceptor is curbed by the CGa‐CN self‐compensation effect, which leads to the decrease of the breakdown voltage. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Psychometric Evaluation of the Chinese Version of the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Heart Failure in Chinese Cancer Patients With Concurrent Heart Failure
Authors: Chair Sek Ying , Wang Qun , Yu Mingming , Kwok Wei So Winnie , Tian Chang , Wing Hung Sit Janet , Mi Ling Wong Eliza , Wing Han Chan Carmen , Fadol Anecita
Published: February 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to translate the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Heart Failure (MDASI-HF), a specific instrument to assess symptoms in cancer patients with concurrent heart failure (HF), into Mandarin Chinese and to examine its psychometric properties in Chinese cancer patients.

Design:

A translation and psychometric evaluation design was used.

Methods:

The translation of the MDASI-HF into Mandarin Chinese followed Brislin’s model with the four steps: translation, monolingual assessment, backward translation, and comparison. The Chinese version MDASI-HF was tested among 135 cancer patients with concurrent HF from a cancer hospital in Tianjin, China. Psychometric properties of content validity, internal consistency, test– retest reliability, concurrent validity, and sensitivity of the instrument were evaluated.

Findings:

The Cronbach’s α was .913 for the core items, .835 for the HF items, and .897 for the interference items. The test–retest reliability was satisfactory with intraclass coefficients > .9 and content validity index was .94. The Chinese version MDASI-HF was significantly correlated with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance grade (correlation coefficients .456–.600) and the New York Heart Association classification (correlation coefficients .477–.631), indicating the established concurrent validity of the translated instrument.

Conclusions:

The Chinese version MDASI-HF is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the symptoms of Chinese cancer patients with concurrent HF.

Clinical Relevance:

Symptom assessment and management play important roles in cancer rehabilitation. The Chinese version MDASI-HF can assist appropriate and timely symptom assessment in cancer patients with concurrent HF and can promote communication between healthcare professionals and patients. On the basis of the assessment, the rehabilitation team could provide effective symptom management, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and improve patients’ quality of life.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Indoles from Alkynes and Anilines through Palladium‐Catalyzed Double C‐H Activation using O2 as the oxidant
Authors: Shi Dunfa , Guan Zhipeng , Yao Xiuwen , Shi Wei , Chen Hao
Published: February 2016

A simple and efficient Pd‐catalyzed tandem procedure for the synthesis of β‐cyanoindoles was achieved. Unactivated anilines and cyanoalkynes were employed as the starting materials to go through nucleophilic additions to form the N‐aryl enamine intermediate, and then followed by Pd‐catalyzed double C−H activation to yield the product in one pot. Moderate to good yields were achieved for 19 examples. LiBr was used as the additive to promote the process. Oxygen was used as the sole oxidant, thus high atom efficiency could be achieved.
Self‐Restoration of Superhydrophobicity on Shape Memory Polymer Arrays with Both Crushed Microstructure and Damaged Surface Chemistry
Authors: Lv Tong , Cheng Zhongjun , Zhang Enshuang , Kang Hongjun , Liu Yuyan , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2016

Recently, self‐healing superhydrophobic surfaces have become a new research focus due to their recoverable wetting performances and wide applications. However, until now, on almost all reported surfaces, only one factor (surface chemistry or microstructure) can be restored. In this paper, a new superhydrophobic surface with self‐healing ability in both crushed microstructure and damaged surface chemistry is prepared by creating lotus‐leaves‐like microstructure on the epoxy shape memory polymer (SMP). Through a simple heating process, the crushed surface microstructure, the damaged surface chemistry, and the surface superhydrophobicity that are destroyed under the external pressure and/or O2 plasma action can be recovered, demonstrating that the obtained superhydrophobic surface has a good self‐healing ability in both of the two factors that govern the surface wettability. The special self‐healing ability is ascribed to the good shape memory effect of the polymer and the reorganization effect of surface molecules. This paper reports the first use of SMP material to demonstrate the self‐healing ability of surface superhydrophobicity, which opens up some new perspectives in designing self‐healing superhydrophobic surfaces. Given the properties of this surface, it could be used in many applications, such as self‐cleaning coatings, microfluidic devices, and biodetection.
New Unionida (Bivalvia) from the Kimmeridgian (Late Jurassic) of Asturias, Spain, and their palaeobiogeographical implications
Authors: Delvene Graciela , Munt Martin C. , Piñuela Laura , García‐Ramos José C.
Published: January 2016

This study focuses on new records of freshwater bivalves from the Late Jurassic Vega, Tereñes and Lastres formations of Asturias, northern Spain. Five new taxa Mujanaia abeuensis gen. et sp. nov., ‘Unio’ asturianus sp. nov., Margaritifera? lagriega sp. nov., Asturianaia colunghensis gen. et sp. nov. and Asturianaia lastrensis gen. et sp. nov. are described and included in the families Unionidae and Margaritiferidae (Unionida); they are compared and contrasted with other European, Asiatic and North American species. Their discovery constitutes the oldest records of Unionida in Spain, and they provide new palaeogeographical data on the distribution and origin of this group in Europe. These taxa are also an effective tool for the environmental reconstruction of the Jurassic ecosystems of Spain's Dinosaur Coast.
Structural performance of continuous RC slabs strengthened in negative moment regions with a mineral‐based composite
Authors: Atta Ahmad , Zaher Fahmy , Etman Emad
Published: February 2016

An experimental programme was proposed and carried out to assess the effectiveness of the mineral‐based composite (MBC) technique for the flexural strengthening of negative moment regions in continuous reinforced concrete slabs. In addition to the testing of the two reference specimens, the experimental programme included the testing of nine continuous RC slab specimens with different strengthening techniques, namely, using ordinary steel bars and MBC material. This experimental programme was conducted to study the failure modes, the load‐deflection behaviour and the failure loads.

Furthermore, we present and describe a comparative study between the two strengthening techniques, namely, steel reinforcing bars with MBC or steel bars with epoxy mortar. Based on the experimental results presented, both strengthening techniques for continuous slabs are evidently efficient. In this study the measured results for the average crack spacing were compared with the limits stipulated in CEB‐FIP code 1990 and the failure load calculations were extended with an analytical approach based on the ultimate theory for the failure load calculation. In conclusion, the results obtained from the analytical model are in agreement with the experimental results.
Mechanics‐based closed‐form solutions for moment redistribution in RC beams
Authors: Visintin Phillip , Oehlers Deric J.
Published: February 2016

When it comes to the efficient design of reinforced concrete beams and frames, moment redistribution is used to: reduce the absolute maximum magnitude of the moment in the critical region, equalize the critical moments on either side of interior columns and fully utilize the capacity of the non‐critical regions of a member. Although important, historically, moment redistribution has proved to be difficult to quantify due to the complexity of quantifying hinge rotations. Although numerous empirical expressions exist for plastic hinge lengths, i.e. the length over which the ultimate curvature can be integrated in order to give hinge rotations, a comparison with a global dataset yields poor results. Using a recently developed mechanics‐based moment‐rotation approach, it is possible to quantify the moment‐rotation characteristics of reinforced concrete hinges. In the tension region, the approach applies partial interaction theory directly to simulate the mechanisms associated with slip of the reinforcement relative to the surrounding concrete as cracks widen, whereas in the compression region, partial interaction shear‐friction theory is used to describe the formation and failure of concrete softening wedges. It is shown how the moment‐rotation approach explicitly allows for the size dependency. Furthermore, mechanics‐based solutions for moment redistribution are then derived and it is shown how these can be simplified at the ultimate limit state for use in the design office.
The nature of psychiatric disorders
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S.
Published: February 2016

A foundational question for the discipline of psychiatry is the nature of psychiatric disorders. What kinds of things are they? In this paper, I review and critique three major relevant theories: realism, pragmatism and constructivism. Realism assumes that the content of science is real and independent of human activities. I distinguish two “flavors” of realism: chemistry‐based, for which the paradigmatic example is elements of the periodic table, and biology‐based, for which the paradigm is species. The latter is a much better fit for psychiatry. Pragmatism articulates a sensible approach to psychiatric disorders just seeking categories that perform well in the world. But it makes no claim about the reality of those disorders. This is problematic, because we have a duty to advocate for our profession and our patients against other physicians who never doubt the reality of the disorders they treat. Constructivism has been associated with anti‐psychiatry activists, but we should admit that social forces play a role in the creation of our diagnoses, as they do in many sciences. However, truly socially constructed psychiatric disorders are rare. I then describe powerful arguments against a realist theory of psychiatric disorders. Because so many prior psychiatric diagnoses have been proposed and then abandoned, can we really claim that our current nosologies have it right? Much of our current nosology arose from a series of historical figures and events which could have gone differently. If we re‐run the tape of history over and over again, the DSM and ICD would not likely have the same categories on every iteration. Therefore, we should argue more confidently for the reality of broader constructs of psychiatric illness rather than our current diagnostic categories, which remain tentative. Finally, instead of thinking that our disorders are true because they correspond to clear entities in the world, we should consider a coherence theory of truth by which disorders become more true when they fit better into what else we know about the world. In our ongoing project to study and justify the nature of psychiatric disorders, we ought to be broadly pragmatic but not lose sight of an underlying commitment, despite the associated difficulties, to the reality of psychiatric illness.
Bereavement after sibling death: a population‐based longitudinal case‐control study
Authors: Bolton James M. , Au Wendy , Chateau Dan , Walld Randy , Leslie William D. , Enns Jessica , Martens Patricia J. , Katz Laurence Y. , Logsetty Sarvesh , Sareen Jitender
Published: February 2016

The objective of this study was to examine mental disorders and treatment use among bereaved siblings in the general population. Siblings (N=7243) of all deceased children in the population of Manitoba, Canada who died between 1984 and 2009 were matched 1:3 to control siblings (N=21,729) who did not have a sibling die in the study period. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare the two sibling groups in the two years before and after the index child's death on physician‐diagnosed mental disorders and treatment utilization, with adjustment for confounding factors including pre‐existing mental illness. Analyses were stratified by age of the bereaved (<13 vs. 13+). Results revealed that, in the two years after the death of the child, bereaved siblings had significantly higher rates of mental disorders than control siblings, even after adjusting for pre‐existing mental illness. When comparing the effect of a child's death on younger versus older siblings, the rise in depression rates from pre‐death to post‐death was significantly higher for siblings aged under 13 (p<0.0001), increasing more than 7‐fold (adjusted relative rate, ARR=7.25, 95% CI: 3.65‐14.43). Bereaved siblings aged 13+ had substantial morbidity in the two years after the death: 25% were diagnosed with a mental disorder (vs. 17% of controls), and they had higher rates of almost all mental disorder outcomes compared to controls, including twice the rate of suicide attempts (ARR=2.01, 95% CI: 1.29‐3.12). Siblings in the bereaved cohort had higher rates of alcohol and drug use disorders already before the death of their sibling. In conclusion, the death of a child is associated with considerable mental disorder burden among surviving siblings. Pre‐existing health problems and social disadvantage do not fully account for the increase in mental disorder rates.
Lithium vs. valproate vs. olanzapine vs. quetiapine as maintenance monotherapy for bipolar disorder: a population‐based UK cohort study using electronic health records
Authors: Hayes Joseph F. , Marston Louise , Walters Kate , Geddes John R. , King Michael , Osborn David P.J.
Published: February 2016

It is unclear which maintenance treatment for bipolar disorder is superior in clinical practice. Randomized controlled head‐to‐head trials of available drugs either do not exist or are inconclusive. We aimed to compare rates of monotherapy treatment failure in individuals prescribed lithium, valproate, olanzapine or quetiapine by a population‐based cohort study using electronic health records. 5,089 patients with bipolar disorder were prescribed lithium (N=1,505), valproate (N=1,173) olanzapine (N=1,366) or quetiapine (N=1,075) as monotherapy. Treatment failure was defined as time to stopping medication or add‐on of another mood stabilizer, antipsychotic, antidepressant or benzodiazepine. In unadjusted analyses, the duration of successful monotherapy was longest in individuals treated with lithium. Treatment failure had occurred in 75% of those prescribed lithium by 2.05 years (95% CI: 1.63‐2.51), compared to 0.76 years (95% CI: 0.64‐0.84) for those prescribed quetiapine, 0.98 years (95% CI: 0.84‐1.18) for those prescribed valproate, and 1.13 years for those prescribed olanzapine (95% CI: 1.00‐1.31). Lithium's superiority remained in a propensity score matched analysis; when treatment failure was defined as stopping medication or add‐on of a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic; and when treatment failure was restricted to more than three months after commencing the study drug. Lithium appears to be more successful as monotherapy maintenance treatment than valproate, olanzapine or quetiapine. Lithium is often avoided because of its side effect profile, but alternative treatments may reduce the time to being prescribed more than one drug, with potential additive side effects of these treatments.
Video‐Assisted Thoracoscopic Pulmonary Metastasectomy in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Recent 10‐Year Single‐Institution Experience
Authors: Maeda Ryo , Suda Takashi , Hachimaru Ayumi , Tochii Daisuke , Tochii Sachiko , Takagi Yasushi
Published: February 2016

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to identify independent unfavorable prognostic factors for patients who underwent video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery for resection of pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Between January 2004 and December 2013, 131 patients with pulmonary metastases from CRC underwent the aforementioned procedure for the first time at our institution. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log‐rank tests were used to analyze the survival rates. Multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

The 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) rate of these 131 patients was 34 %. Multivariate analyses showed two variables to be independent significant unfavorable prognostic factors for DFS: preoperative high serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level and a greater number of pulmonary metastases. According to subgroup analyses that combined these two risk factors, the 5‐year DFS rates were 58, 25, and 12 % for patients with 0, 1, or 2 risk factors, respectively.

Conclusion

In patients who underwent video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery for pulmonary metastases from CRC, we identified two independent unfavorable prognostic factors for DFS: a high CEA level before metastasectomy and a greater number of pulmonary metastases. These factors can be used to identify higher‐ and lower‐risk subgroups, which may help with selecting patients who would benefit the most from video‐assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary metastasectomy.
Evolution or Revolution in EE/SE Research? A Collaborative Dialogue From First-Year PhD Students
Authors: Beasy Kim , Page Leah , Emery Sherridan , Ayre Ian
Published: January 2016

The AAEE 2014 research symposium in Hobart provided a privileged space for researchers and practitioners within environmental education and sustainability education (EE/SE) to come together and create dialogues about education for sustainability research. This essay is a critical reflection from postgraduate researchers about the symposium and the EE/SE research landscape more broadly. The authors interrogate contemporary research frameworks and practices, and deliberate on how current perceptions enable and inhibit performance within EE/SE research. The authors ask provocative questions and encourage readers to imagine for themselves what a new research landscape, freed of calcified frameworks and entrenched systems, might look like. The essay then draws on an ecological systems perspective as a means of reimagining EE/SE research within a more emergent landscape that values inclusivity, democracy, collaborative inquiry and curiosity.
Effects of the air layer of an idealized superhydrophobic surface on the slip length and skin-friction drag
Authors: Jung Taeyong , Choi Haecheon , Kim John
Published: February 2016

The anisotropy of the slip length and its effect on the skin-friction drag are numerically investigated for a turbulent channel flow with an idealized superhydrophobic surface having an air layer, where the idealized air–water interface is flat and does not contain the surface-tension effect. Inside the air layer, both the shear-driven flow and recirculating flow with zero net mass flow rate are considered. With increasing air-layer thickness, the slip length, slip velocity and percentage of drag reduction increase. It is shown that the slip length is independent of the water flow and depends only on the air-layer geometry. The amount of drag reduction obtained is in between those by the empirical formulae from the streamwise slip only and isotropic slip, indicating that the present air–water interface generates an anisotropic slip, and the streamwise slip length ($b_{x}$) is larger than the spanwise one ($b_{z}$). From the joint probability density function of the slip velocities and velocity gradients at the interface, we confirm the anisotropy of the slip lengths and obtain their relative magnitude ($b_{x}/b_{z}=4$) for the present idealized superhydrophobic surface. It is also shown that the Navier slip model is valid only in the mean sense, and it is generally not applicable to fluctuating quantities.