bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verification of velocity‐resistivity relationships derived from structural joint inversion with borehole data
Authors: Moorkamp M. , Roberts A. W. , Jegen M. , Heincke B. , Hobbs R. W.
Published: June 2013

We present results of three‐dimensional joint inversion of seismic, magnetotelluric, and gravity data over a marine salt dome. Such structures are difficult to image with a single method, and our results demonstrate how combining different techniques can yield improved results. More importantly, we examine the reliability of velocity‐conductivity relationships derived from structure‐coupled joint inversion approaches. Comparison with a seismic reflection section shows that our models match the upper limit of the salt. Furthermore, velocity and resistivity logs from a borehole drilled into the salt dome's flank match, within error, those recovered by the inversion. The good match suggests that the difference in length scale does not have a significant effect in this case. This provides a strong incentive to incorporate borehole data into the joint inversion in the future and substantiates approaches that use the relationships derived from joint inversion models for lithological classification.
Second peak in the far eastern Pacific sea surface temperature anomaly following strong El Niño events
Authors: Kim WonMoo , Cai Wenju
Published: June 2013

The eastern Pacific sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTa) associated with El Niño usually peaks in December, January, and February, and decays in the ensuing months; sometimes, however, after a strong El Niño, a second peak in SSTa is observed in the far eastern equatorial Pacific. It is found that an enhanced westerly wind stress anomaly over the equatorial Pacific basin, usually associated with a meridional swing of South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ), precedes the occurrence of the second peak. As the equatorial thermocline slope balances with the zonally integrated zonal‐wind stress, the westerly wind stress anomaly induces deepened thermocline and suppresses upwelling in the eastern Pacific for the double‐peak cases. On the other hand, enhanced latent heat release and reduced shortwave radiation cause a pause in warming between the two peaks. As a result, a strong El Niño, usually accompanied by a zonal SPCZ, exhibits distinct double‐peak characteristics.
Response of seismicity to static and dynamic stress changes induced by the 2011 M9.0 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake
Authors: Kato Aitaro , Fukuda Jun'ichi , Obara Kazushige
Published: June 2013

A growing body of evidence indicates that many earthquakes are triggered by static and dynamic stress changes following large earthquakes. However, it has been difficult to differentiate the roles of static and dynamic stress transfer on earthquake triggering. Here we focus on two adjacent seismic clusters aligned E‐W beneath the Hida Mountain Range, central Japan, where spatially uniform static and dynamic stress changes resulted from the Tohoku‐Oki earthquake. The rate of seismicity in the western cluster, detected by the matched filter technique, showed a slight increase after the mainshock, which can be explained by static stress transfer. In contrast, seismicity in the eastern cluster showed a marked increase due to dynamic stress change. The difference in the number of triggered events between these clusters indicates that dynamic stress change is more important than the static one in terms of remote triggering, provided that large‐sized potential earthquake‐nucleation patches are close to failure.
Surgical anatomy of the supraglottic larynx using the da Vinci robot
Authors: Goyal Neerav , Yoo Frederick , Setabutr Dhave , Goldenberg David
Published: June 2013

Background

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has facilitated organ‐preserving surgery of the larynx. It has also presented a change in the surgical perspective. We performed cadaveric dissections using the robot to highlight the vascular and muscular anatomy of the supraglottic larynx.

Methods

Cadaveric specimens underwent injection of their vasculature, and after injection a robotic surgical system was used to perform a transoral dissection of the supraglottic region. Care was taken to preserve anatomic landmarks and microvascular structures.

Results

Five fresh frozen cadaveric human heads were injected with silicone and used for the dissection. The superior laryngeal neurovascular bundle was identified and an absent superior laryngeal vein (SLV) was noted on 1 specimen. Using the robotic endoscope allowed us to visualize and identify the microvasculature of the head and neck.

Conclusion

These dissections revealed anatomic variations in the superior laryngeal neurovascular bundle and also highlighted the differences in view using a surgical robotic system. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Head Neck36: 1126–1131, 2014
Increased local failure risk with prolonged radiation treatment time in head and neck cancer treated with concurrent chemotherapy
Authors: Cannon Donald M. , Geye Heather M. , Hartig Gregory K. , Traynor Anne M. , Hoang Tien , McCulloch Timothy M. , Wiederholt Peggy A. , Chappell Richard J. , Harari Paul M.
Published: June 2013

Background

Prolonged radiation treatment time (RTT) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with inferior tumor control in patients treated with radiation therapy (RT) alone. However, the significance of prolonged RTT with concurrent chemotherapy is less clear.

Methods

We reviewed outcomes for 171 patients with primary HNSCC treated with curative intent RT and concurrent drug therapy from 2001 to 2009. The effects of RTT and other variables on local control and survival were analyzed.

Results

Patients with RTT >7 weeks had a significantly increased risk of local failure (hazard ratio [HR], 2.6; p = .018) and death (HR, 1.9 p = .035). These results retained significance even after adjustment for tumor stage (age was not significant).

Conclusion

For patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (chemoRT), prolonged RTT may compromise tumor control as has been established in the setting of RT alone. Symptoms of patients with HNSCC undergoing definitive chemoRT should be managed aggressively to limit treatment interruptions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1120–1125, 2014
Carbon footprint of breton pâté production: A case study
Authors: Teixeira Ricardo , Himeno Anne , Gustavus Lori
Published: June 2013

This study targeted 9 different pork pâtés, produced with pork from different meat production systems (conventional, organic, and other quality certifications). Besides greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the study also included a detailed analysis of product nutrition. Results show that the GHG emissions range from 200 g CO2e per 100 g of product for conventional pork pâtés and 330 g CO2e per 100 g for organic pork pâtés. Results for organic pâtés are an indirect consequence of the lower productivity of swine feed ingredients. However, if the reference flow unit is nutritional indicator (e.g., calories, protein) instead of 100 g of product, results can be inverted. This fact highlights the difficulty of choosing a functional unit for studies on food products. The function of a food product is to provide quality nutrition, but because there are many different nutritional indicators, life cycle assessment practitioners normally use simple comparisons between amounts. This issue together with the choice of emissions allocation method between pork parts are the main sources of uncertainty. Also, the life cycle of pork production is the main hotspot in the C footprint, accounting for more than 80% of the total emissions. Energy spent for processing and packaging, the only life cycle step that the producer controls directly, accounts for less than 10% of the impact. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013;9:645–651. © 2013 SETAC
Impact of kanamycin on melanogenesis and antioxidant enzymes activity in melanocytes—an in vitro study
Authors: Wrześniok Dorota , Otręba Michał , Beberok Artur , Buszman Ewa
Published: June 2013

Aminoglycosides, broad spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotics, are used in various infections therapy due to their good antimicrobial characteristics. However, their adverse effects such as nephrotoxicity and auditory ototoxicity, as well as some toxic effects directed to pigmented tissues, complicate the use of these agents. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of aminoglycoside antibiotic—kanamycin on viability, melanogenesis and antioxidant enzymes activity in cultured human normal melanocytes (HEMa‐LP). It has been demonstrated that kanamycin induces concentration‐dependent loss in melanocytes viability. The value of EC50 was found to be ∼6.0 mM. Kanamycin suppressed melanin biosynthesis: antibiotic was shown to inhibit cellular tyrosinase activity and to reduce melanin content in normal human melanocytes. Significant changes in the cellular antioxidant enzymes: SOD, CAT and GPx were stated in melanocytes exposed to kanamycin. Moreover, it was observed that kanamycin caused depletion of antioxidant defense sytem. It is concluded that the inhibitory effect of kanamycin on melanogenesis and not sufficient antioxidant defense mechanism in melanocytes in vitro may explain the potential mechanisms of undesirable side effects of this drug directed to pigmented tissues in vivo. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2746–2752, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative cognition: An approach whose time has come
Authors: Zentall Thomas R.
Published: June 2013

The functional approach to comparative cognition research is exemplified by Shettleworth's (2010) book Cognition, Evolution, and Behavior. In this book, Shettleworth brings together the evolutionary perspective of behavioral ecology, the relative simplicity of behavior analysis, and the diverse research programs of cognitive psychology. This approach does not avoid the use of cognitive terminology but uses it to generate testable hypotheses that have the potential to provide evidence for or against the cognitive hypothesis. Unlike behavioral ecology and cognitive psychology, this approach postulates contingency learning as the default account of behavior but tests cognitive hypotheses against the default alternative. In this review, I present the results of three lines of research as examples of the kind of research that has been used to test cognitive hypotheses: functional equivalence, cognitive mapping, and rehearsal processes, all of which are covered by Shettleworth. In each case, I would argue that these experiments would not have been conducted had it not been for the hypothesis that a cognitive process might be involved. Whether or not evidence is found for the existence of a cognitive process, the results of such experiments are of interest for what they tell us about behavior as well as for their heuristic value.
A compact CCD‐monitored atomic force microscope with optical vision and improved performances
Authors: Mingyue Liu , Haijun Zhang , Dongxian Zhang
Published: June 2013

A novel CCD‐monitored atomic force microscope (AFM) with optical vision and improved performances has been developed. Compact optical paths are specifically devised for both tip‐sample microscopic monitoring and cantilever's deflection detecting with minimized volume and optimal light‐amplifying ratio. The ingeniously designed AFM probe with such optical paths enables quick and safe tip‐sample approaching, convenient and effective tip‐sample positioning, and high quality image scanning. An image stitching method is also developed to build a wider‐range AFM image under monitoring. Experiments show that this AFM system can offer real‐time optical vision for tip‐sample monitoring with wide visual field and/or high lateral optical resolution by simply switching the objective; meanwhile, it has the elegant performances of nanometer resolution, high stability, and high scan speed. Furthermore, it is capable of conducting wider‐range image measurement while keeping nanometer resolution. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:931–935, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Frontal circulation and westward transversal current at the Yellow Sea entrance in winter
Authors: Lie Heung‐Jae , Cho Cheol‐Ho , Lee Seok
Published: June 2013

During the wintertime monsoon, a tongue‐shaped thermohaline front is established at the Yellow Sea (YS) entrance where the Cheju Warm Current (CWC) water, originating in the Kuroshio, and the YS cold water meet. The frontal circulation as well as the frontal structure has been investigated by analyzing comprehensive conductivity‐temperature‐density data, float tracks, current data, and wind data. The front develops by the westward advance of the CWC water, but it is bounded by the shallow Changjiang Banks (CB) that acts like a stopper in the deep part of the YS entrance. The northern part of the tongue‐shaped front displays a wave‐like motion of 20 km in amplitude and 80 km in wavelength and isotherms, isohalines, and isopycnals are declined downward toward the north. The geostrophic current field indicates formation of a cyclonic circulation along the front which consists of a westward transversal current (TC) along 34°N and a southeastward outflow along the 50 m isobath of the CB. The westward trajectories of floats along the northern front support existence of the TC and a superposition of float tracks evidences cyclonic frontal circulation. The new observational findings of the TC and the cyclonic circulation do not match the classical paradigm of a northerly wind‐driven circulation which consists of the northward inflow through the central trough and the southward outflow on the coastal sides. The cyclonic turning of the cold water around the warm tongue stands in contrast with the anticyclonic rounding of the warm CWC water around Jeju‐do.
The meteorology of negative cloud‐to‐ground lightning strokes with large charge moment changes: Implications for negative sprites
Authors: Lang Timothy J. , Cummer Steven A. , Rutledge Steven A. , Lyons Walter A.
Published: June 2013

This study examined the meteorological characteristics of precipitation systems that produced 38 “sprite‐class” negative cloud‐to‐ground (CG) strokes (i.e., peak currents in excess of 100 kA and charge moment changes in excess of 800 C km) as well as those that produced three confirmed negative sprites on 23 different days during 2009–2011. Within 15 km of the negative sprite‐parent/class stroke, the median characteristics for these systems were to produce negative CGs as 69.2% of all CGs, and for the 30 dBZ radar reflectivity contour to reach on average 14.2 km above mean sea level (MSL), during a 25 min period encompassing the occurrence of the stroke. The median contiguous area of 30 dBZ composite radar echo (i.e., maximum value in the vertical column) for these systems was 6.73 × 103 km2. All but three of the discharges occurred in intense multicellular convection, with 30 dBZ exceeding 10 km MSL in altitude, while the others occurred in the stratiform regions of mesoscale convective systems. All but six of the systems produced greater than 50% negative CG lightning, though flash rates tended to be low near the stroke (1–2 min−1 on average). The results suggest that negative sprite‐parent/class lightning typically occurs in precipitation systems of similar size and intensity as those that produce positive sprites, but not necessarily the same systems, and the negative lightning normally strikes ground in the convection rather than the stratiform precipitation. However, upper‐level positive charge in the convection may play an important role in sprite‐class/parent lightning of either polarity.
Improved vegetation greenness increases summer atmospheric water vapor over Northern China
Authors: Jiang Bo , Liang Shunlin
Published: June 2013

Northern China is an environmentally vulnerable region with a severe water shortage. Several ecological restoration projects since the 1980s have greatly increased vegetation greenness. This study aims to assess the impacts of the changes in vegetation greenness from 1982 to 2008 on the atmospheric precipitable water (PW) over northern China during the summer seasons (June, July, and August) using reanalysis PW and satellite vegetation index data. Several statistical methods, such as linear regression (piecewise, stepwise), the Empirical Orthogonal Function, Pearson's correlation, have been used to explore the variations in and the coupling between vegetation greenness and PW. The influences of three major atmospheric circulations (the East Asian summer monsoon, the South Asian summer monsoon, and the Westerly circulation) have also been considered and excluded. The results show that summer vegetation greenness within the semi‐arid western part of northern China, including the Tibetan Plateau, is closely linked to summer PW after excluding the influences of atmospheric circulations and that vegetation accounts for as much as 30% of the total PW variance. Vegetation greenness in the central and western water‐limited regions of northern China has significant (>90% confidence level) positive impacts on summer PW. After investigating the relationships among evapotranspiration (ET), PW, and precipitation, it was concluded that strengthened ET driven by increased vegetation greenness makes a major contribution to increased PW. Different from the earlier hypothesis in the literature “only intact contiguous cover of natural forest having extensive borders with larger water bodies is able to keep land moisten up to an optimal for life level everywhere on land,” this study found that interior forest covered regions with adequate water supply can also provide an ET benefit of PW for other regions. This study demonstrates the implications of large‐scale ecological restoration projects on the hydrological cycle in arid/semi‐arid regions.
Cartilage, bone, and intermandibular connective tissue in the australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri (Osteichthyes: Dipnoi)
Authors: Kemp Anne
Published: June 2013

The connective tissue that links the bones of the mandible in the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, has been described as an intermandibular cartilage, and as such has been considered important for phylogenetic analyses among lower vertebrates. However, light and electron microscopy of developing lungfish jaws demonstrates that the intermandibular tissue, like the connective tissue that links the bones of the upper jaw, contains fibroblasts and numerous bundles of collagen fibrils, extending from the trabeculae of the bones supporting the tooth plates. It differs significantly in structure and in staining reactions from the cartilage and the bone found in this species. In common with the cladistian Polypterus and with actinopterygians and some amphibians, lungfish have no intermandibular cartilage. The connective tissue linking the mandibular bones has no phylogenetic significance for systematic grouping of lungfish, as it is present in a range of different groups among lower vertebrates. J. Morphol. 274:1085–1089, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hoarseness evaluation: A transatlantic survey of laryngeal experts
Authors: Sadoughi Babak , Fried Marvin P. , Sulica Lucian , Blitzer Andrew
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Hoarseness is a symptom of laryngeal dysfunction, without an existing consensus regarding its appropriate evaluation. A survey of laryngeal specialists is proposed to establish expert opinion on the methodology for evaluation of hoarseness, and to identify divergence of opinion regarding appropriate management.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

A 13‐item questionnaire was submitted electronically to the membership of the American Laryngological Association, the American Broncho‐Esophagological Association, and the European Laryngological Society. Responses were collated anonymously and subjected to cross‐tabulated data analysis.

Results

A total of 195 responses were included for review. The majority of respondents identified themselves as laryngologists/phoniatricians (54.9%). Two‐thirds (64.1%) of the providers dedicated more than 25% of their practice to voice management, and 48.8% managed more than 10 dysphonic patients weekly. Most respondents defined hoarseness and dysphonia as symptoms and not diseases. The panel recommended a mandated time to laryngoscopy of 1 week to 1 month from the onset of symptoms for most acutely dysphonic patients, regardless of risk factors for malignancy, while it was not advised to defer laryngoscopy beyond 2 months of symptom persistence in any situation. A majority (96.2%) felt that an otolaryngologist ought to perform the initial laryngoscopy of a newly hoarse patient.

Conclusion

This survey demonstrates an agreement to expedite specialized laryngeal visualization for cases of hoarseness not subsiding within 1 month, and exemplifies controversies stemming from a recently published clinical practice guideline. Ongoing research and practice evaluation will contribute to set forth improved standards of care and to appropriately counsel dysphonic patients.

Level of Evidence

5. Laryngoscope, 124:221–226, 2014
Chinese Corporate Social Responsibility by Multiple Objective Portfolio Selection and Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Qi Yue , Wu Fen , Peng Xiaofeng , Steuer Ralph E.
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we study corporate social responsibility (CSR) in China through the prism of investments. We work with large stocks and assess their CSR performance from agency CSR data. We formulate Chinese CSR by a multiple objective extension of a traditional portfolio selection model and analytically solve the extension. We also solve the extension by a genetic algorithm and directly evaluate the algorithm's performance against the analytical solution. The multiple objective formulation is tested by randomly choosing nondominated portfolios with out‐of‐sample data to identify nondominated portfolios that outperform the 1/n portfolio (equally weighted portfolio). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical Efficacy and Cost‐Effectiveness of Bespoke and Prefabricated Foot Orthoses for Plantar Heel Pain: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ring Kate , Otter Simon
Published: June 2013

Background

Plantar heel pain is a common reason for referral to podiatric practice, and one of the key interventions is the use of orthoses. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical efficacy of bespoke, casted foot orthoses and prefabricated foot orthoses for plantar heel pain.

Methods

People with plantar heel pain were included if, following initial assessment, foot orthoses were indicated and participants received either bespoke, casted foot orthoses or prefabricated semi‐rigid orthoses (Powerstep™). Clinical efficacy was assessed at eight weeks using the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Questionnaire (MFPDQ).

Results

A total of 67 patients completed the trial and at baseline there were no appreciable differences in the two groups of patients in terms of the MFPDQ score; however, at eight weeks post‐treatment both had significantly reduced foot pain and disability (both p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in effectiveness between the bespoke or prefabricated orthoses. However, prefabricated devices were 38% cheaper per patient compared with the average costs of casted devices.

Conclusion

For most patients with plantar heel pain, prefabricated semi‐rigid insoles such as the Powerstep™ devices used in the present trial provide short‐term benefit equivalent to that of bespoke, casted foot orthoses, but at considerably reduced costs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A nested dissection approach to modeling transport in nanodevices: Algorithms and applications
Authors: Hetmaniuk U. , Zhao Y. , Anantram M.P.
Published: June 2013

Modeling nanoscale devices quantum mechanically is a computationally challenging problem where new methods to solve the underlying equations are in a dire need. In this paper, we present an approach to calculate the charge density in nanoscale devices, within the context of the nonequilibrium Green's function approach. Our approach exploits recent advances in using an established graph partitioning approach. The developed method has the capability to handle open boundary conditions that are represented by full self‐energy matrices required for realistic modeling of nanoscale devices. Our method to calculate the electron density has a reduced complexity compared with the established recursive Green's function approach. As an example, we apply our algorithm to a quantum well superlattice and a carbon nanotube, which are represented by a continuum and tight binding Hamiltonian, respectively, and demonstrate significant speedup over the recursive method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convergence of adaptive 3D BEM for weakly singular integral equations based on isotropic mesh‐refinement
Authors: Karkulik Michael , Of Günther , Praetorius Dirk
Published: June 2013

We consider the adaptive lowest‐order boundary element method based on isotropic mesh refinement for the weakly‐singular integral equation for the three‐dimensional Laplacian. The proposed scheme resolves both, possible singularities of the solution as well as of the given data. The implementation thus only deals with discrete integral operators, that is, matrices. We prove that the usual adaptive mesh‐refining algorithm drives the corresponding error estimator to zero. Under an appropriate saturation assumption which is observed empirically, the sequence of discrete solutions thus tends to the exact solution within the energy norm. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2013
Superconvergence of the split least‐squares method for second‐order hyperbolic equations
Authors: Guo Hui , Fu Hongfei , Zhang Jiansong
Published: June 2013

This article studies superconvergence phenomena of the split least‐squares mixed finite element method for second‐order hyperbolic equations. By selecting the least‐squares functional properly, the procedure can be split into two independent symmetric positive definite subprocedures, one of which is for the primitive unknown and the other is for the flux. Based on interpolation operators and an auxiliary projection, superconvergent H1 error estimates for the primary variable u and L2 error estimates for the introduced flux variable σ are obtained under the standard quasiuniform assumptions on finite element partition. A numerical example is given to show the performance of the introduced scheme. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 222‐238, 2014
Do weight loss and adherence cluster within behavioral treatment groups?
Authors: Wing Rena R. , Leahey Tricia , Jeffery Robert , Johnson Karen C. , Hill James O. , Coday Mace , Espeland Mark A. ,   The Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: June 2013

Objective

Weight loss programs are often conducted in a group format, but it is unclear whether weight losses or adherence cluster within treatment group and whether characteristics of the group (e.g., size or homogeneity) affect outcomes. We examined these questions within Look AHEAD, a multicenter study of the effects of an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) in overweight/obese individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Weight losses and adherence (attendance, use of meal replacement products, and minutes of activity) were examined over one year of intervention in 2329 ILI participants in 209 treatment groups, which all received the same weight loss program.

Results

Weight losses did not cluster among members of a treatment group (intra‐class correlation [ICC] of 0.007), whereas measures of adherence had small/moderate clustering (ICCs of 0.05‐0.11). The 209 groups varied in weight losses, with a mean of 8.64% (SD = 2.35%, interquartile range = 6.82%, 10.32%), but neither size nor baseline homogeneity of members affected the outcome.

Conclusions

Although these findings suggest that it may not be necessary to control for clustering in behavioral weight loss studies, they also indicate that merely treating individuals in groups is not sufficient to harness social influences on weight loss.
Sex steroid levels and response to weight loss interventions among postmenopausal women in the diabetes prevention program
Authors: Kim Catherine , Barrett‐Connor Elizabeth , Randolph John F. , Kong Shengchun , Nan Bin , Mather Kieren J. , Golden Sherita H. ,   the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To examine whether estrogen use potentiates weight loss interventions via sex steroid levels and whether endogenous sex steroid levels predict response to weight loss interventions among women not using estrogen.

Methods

The Diabetes Prevention Program randomized overweight or obese dysglycemic participants to lifestyle change with the goals of weight reduction of >7% of initial weight and 150 minutes per week of exercise, metformin, or placebo. In this secondary analysis, we examined sex steroid levels and reductions in weight and waist circumference (WC) among postmenopausal women using (n = 324) and not using (n = 382) oral estrogen.

Results

Estrogen users and nonusers randomized to lifestyle change and metformin both lost significant amounts of weight compared to placebo. Reductions in weight and WC over 1 year associated with randomization arm were not associated with baseline sex steroid levels among estrogen users or nonusers.

Conclusions

Among estrogen users, baseline sex steroids were not associated with reductions in weight or WC, suggesting that exogenous estrogen does not potentiate weight loss by altering sex steroids. Among nonestrogen users, baseline sex steroids were not associated with reductions in weight or WC.
Energy balance in adolescent girls: The trial of activity for adolescent girls cohort
Authors: Cohen Deborah A. , Ghosh‐Dastidar Bonnie , Conway Terry L. , Evenson Kelly R. , Rodriguez Daniel A. , Beckman Robin , Elder John P. , Pickrel Julie , Lytle Leslie
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To study correlates of change in BMI percentile and body fat among adolescent girls.

Methods

A longitudinal prospective study following 265 girls from the Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls (TAAG) cohort measured in 8th grade and during 10 and 11th grade or 11th and 12th grade. Twice during 2009‐2011 girls wore an accelerometer and completed a food frequency questionnaire and 7‐day diary documenting trips and food eaten away from home and school. Physical activity, BMI, and percent body fat were objectively measured at each time point.

Results

Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) declined, but the change was not independently associated with changes in BMI percentile. Increased vigorous physical activity was associated with reductions in body fat. Diet was associated with both changes in BMI percentile and body fat. Girls who increased the percentage of caloric intake from snacks and desserts reduced their BMI percentile and body fat.

Conclusions

Some relationships between energy balance behaviors and BMI and body composition were counter‐intuitive. While it is plausible that vigorous physical activity would result in reductions of body fat, until more accurate methods are devised to measure diet, the precise contribution of dietary composition to health will be difficult to assess.
‘They are not my people’: Barack Obama on lobbying and lobbyists
Authors: McGrath Conor
Published: June 2013

This article traces the development of Barack Obama's sometimes ambiguous and sometimes antithetical attitudes and relationship to lobbyists. During his childhood in Indonesia, his stepfther was a lobbyist for a US oil company. Obama engaged himself in what many would consider to be lobbying in his career as a ‘community activist’ in Chicago. As an Illinois state senator, he befriended lobbyists and enjoyed poker and basketball games with them, in addition to raising about two thirds of his campaign finance from big business, unions, and political action committees. In the US Senate, Obama involved in ethics reforms that curbed the influence of lobbyists. His presidential campaign rhetoric was hard‐hitting, often decrying the irresponsibility of lobbyists while he had a number of lobbyists in key positions in his campaign team. On his first full day in office, President Obama signed an executive order restricting lobbyists from working in his administration. He later banned registered lobbyists from having personal meeting with officials about economic stimulus projects. Both these pledges have, however, had unforeseen or unwelcome consequences. More recently, Obama decided to ban lobbyists from membership of federal advisory panels but continues to meet frequently with favored lobbyists and corporate executives behind closed doors. The article questions whether Obama's history in this area adds up to a coherent or principled track record or whether it simply relates a series of inconsistent and political decisions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do we get it right? Radiation oncology outpatients' perceptions of the patient centredness of life expectancy disclosure
Authors: Mackenzie Lisa J. , Carey Mariko L. , Paul Chris L. , Sanson‐Fisher Rob W. , D'Este Catherine A.
Published: June 2013

Objective

A patient‐centred approach to discussing life expectancy with cancer patients is recommended in Western countries. However, this approach to eliciting and meeting patient preferences can be challenging for clinicians. The aims of this study were the following: (i) to examine cancer patients' preferences for life expectancy disclosure; and (ii) to explore agreement between cancer patients’ preferences for, and perceived experiences of, life expectancy disclosure.

Methods

Cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment in metropolitan Australia completed a cross‐sectional touchscreen computer survey including optional questions about their life expectancy disclosure preferences and experiences.

Results

Of the 208 respondents, 178 (86%) indicated that they would prefer their clinician to ask them before discussing life expectancy, and 30 (14%) indicated that they would prefer others (i.e. clinicians, family) to decide whether they were given life expectancy information. Of the 175 respondents who were classified as having a self‐ determined or other‐determined disclosure experience, 105 (60%) reported an experience of life expectancy disclosure that was in accordance with their preferences. Cohen's κ was −0.04 (95% CI, −0.17, 0.08), indicating very poor agreement between patients' preferences for and perceived experiences of life expectancy disclosure (p = 0.74).

Conclusions

In light of patient‐centred prognosis disclosure guidelines, our findings of a majority preference for, and experience of, a self‐determined approach to life expectancy disclosure amongst radiation oncology patients are encouraging. However, poor agreement between preferences and experiences highlights that additional effort from clinicians is required in order to achieve a truly patient‐centred approach to life expectancy disclosure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive model switching approach for phase I dose‐finding trials
Authors: Daimon Takashi , Zohar Sarah
Published: June 2013

Model‐based phase I dose‐finding designs rely on a single model throughout the study for estimating the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Thus, one major concern is about the choice of the most suitable model to be used. This is important because the dose allocation process and the MTD estimation depend on whether or not the model is reliable, or whether or not it gives a better fit to toxicity data. The aim of our work was to propose a method that would remove the need for a model choice prior to the trial onset and then allow it sequentially at each patient's inclusion. In this paper, we described model checking approach based on the posterior predictive check and model comparison approach based on the deviance information criterion, in order to identify a more reliable or better model during the course of a trial and to support clinical decision making. Further, we presented two model switching designs for a phase I cancer trial that were based on the aforementioned approaches, and performed a comparison between designs with or without model switching, through a simulation study. The results showed that the proposed designs had the advantage of decreasing certain risks, such as those of poor dose allocation and failure to find the MTD, which could occur if the model is misspecified. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Battling pirates? Patents may be the best defense
Authors: Sullivan Sharon
Published: June 2013

In the perilous high seas of international trade, girding the corporate ship with patents may be the best defense against piracy of your product or service ideas.
Reconciling probability theory and coherentism
Authors: Duddy Conal
Published: June 2013

Recent results in the literature appear to show that it is impossible for two independent testimonies to jointly raise the probability of a proposition if neither testimony individually has any impact on that probability. I show that these impossibility results do not apply when testimonies agree on incidental details.
Species identification of Asini Corii Collas (donkey glue) by PCR amplification of cytochrome b gene
Authors: Kumeta Yukie , Maruyama Takuro , Asama Hiroshi , Yamamoto Yutaka , Hakamatsuka Takashi , Goda Yukihiro
Published: June 2013

Asini Corii Collas (ACC; donkey glue) is a crude drug used to promote hematopoiesis and arrest bleeding. Because adulteration of the drug with substances from other animals such as horses, cattle, and pigs has been found, we examined PCR methods based on the sequence of the cytochrome b gene for source species identification. Two strategies for extracting DNA from ACC were compared, and the ion-exchange resin procedure was revealed to be more suitable than the silica-based one. Using DNA extracted from ACC by the ion-exchange resin procedure, PCR methods for species-specific detection of donkey, horse, cattle, and pig substances were established. When these species-specific PCR methods were applied to ACC, amplicons were obtained only by the donkey-specific PCR. Cattle-specific PCR detected as little as 0.1 % admixture of cattle glue in the ACC. These results suggest that the species-specific PCR methods established in this study would be useful for simple and easy detection of adulteration of ACC.
Counseling of Female Veterans About Risks of Medication-Induced Birth Defects
Authors: Schwarz Eleanor Bimla , Mattocks Kristin , Brandt Cynthia , Borrero Sonya , Zephyrin Laurie C. , Bathulapalli Harini , Haskell Sally
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Medications that may increase risk of birth defects if used during pregnancy or immediately preconception are dispensed to approximately half of female Veterans who fill prescriptions at a VA pharmacy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess receipt of counseling about risk of medication-induced birth defects among female Veterans of reproductive age and to examine Veterans’ confidence that their healthcare provider would counsel them about teratogenic risks.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

Cross-sectional analysis of data provided by 286 female Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and/or Operation Enduring Freedom who completed a mailed survey between July 2008 and October 2010.

MAIN MEASURES

We examined associations between demographic, reproductive, and health service utilization variables and female Veterans' receipt of counseling and confidence that they would receive such counseling.

KEY RESULTS

The response rate was 11 %; the large majority (89 %) of responding female Veterans reported use of a prescription medication in the last 12 months. Most (90 %) of the 286 female Veterans who reported medication use were confident that they would be told by their healthcare provider if a medication might cause a birth defect. However, only 24 % of women who received prescription medications reported they had been warned of teratogenic risks. Female Veterans who used medications that are known to be teratogenic were not more likely than women using other medications to report having been warned about risks of medication-induced birth defects, and fewer were confident that their health care providers would provide teratogenic risk counseling when needed.

CONCLUSIONS

Female Veterans may not receive appropriate counseling when medications that can cause birth defects are prescribed.
Self-Reported Stressors of National Guard Women Veterans Before and After Deployment: The Relevance of Interpersonal Relationships
Authors: Yan Grace W. , McAndrew Lisa , D’Andrea Elizabeth A. , Lange Gudrun , Santos Susan L. , Engel Charles C. , Quigley Karen S.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

With their rapidly expanding roles in the military, women service members experience significant stressors throughout their deployment experience. However, there are few studies that examine changes in women Veterans’ stressors before and after deployment.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the types of stressors women Veterans report before deployment, immediately after deployment, 3 months after deployment, and 1 year post-deployment.

DESIGN

Descriptive data on reported stressors was collected at four time points of a longitudinal study (HEROES Project). Open-ended responses from the Coping Response Inventory (CRI) were coded into six possible major stressor categories for analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-nine Army National Guard and Reserve female personnel deploying to Operation Enduring Freedom (OFF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) were surveyed prior to deployment. Of these participants, 35 women completed Phase 2, 41 completed Phase 3, and 48 completed Phase 4 of the study.

KEY RESULTS

We identified six major stressor categories: (1) interpersonal (i.e., issues with family and/or friends), (2) deployment-related and military-related, (3) health concerns, (4) death of a loved one, (5) daily needs (i.e., financial/housing/transportation concerns), and (6) employment or school-related concerns. At all time points, interpersonal issues were one of the most common type of stressor for this sample. Daily needs concerns increased from 3 months post-deployment to 1 year post-deployment.

CONCLUSIONS

Interpersonal concerns are commonly reported by women Veterans both before and after their combat experience, suggesting that this is a time during which interpersonal support is especially critical. We discuss implications, which include the need for a more coordinated approach to women Veterans’ health care (e.g., greater community-based outreach), and the need for more and more accessible Veterans Affairs (VA) services to address the needs of female Veterans.
VA Location and Structural Factors Associated with On-Site Availability of Reproductive Health Services
Authors: Katon Jodie , Reiber Gayle , Rose Danielle , Bean-Mayberry Bevanne , Zephyrin Laurie , Washington Donna L. , Yano Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2013

INTRODUCTION

With the increasing number of women Veterans enrolling in the Veterans Health Administration (VA), there is growing demand for reproductive health services. Little is known regarding the on-site availability of reproductive health services at VA and how this varies by site location and type.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the on-site availability of hormonal contraception, intrauterine device (IUD) placement, infertility evaluation or treatment, and prenatal care by site location and type; the characteristics of sites providing these services; and to determine whether, within this context, site location and type is associated with on-site availability of these reproductive health services.

METHODS

We used data from the 2007 Veterans Health Administration Survey of Women Veterans Health Programs and Practices, a national census of VA sites serving 300 or more women Veterans assessing practice structure and provision of care for women. Hierarchical models were used to test whether site location and type (metropolitan hospital-based clinic, non-metropolitan hospital-based clinic, metropolitan community-based outpatient clinic [CBOC]) were associated with availability of IUD placement and infertility evaluation/treatment. Non-metropolitan CBOCs were excluded from this analysis (n = 2).

RESULTS

Of 193 sites, 182 (94 %) offered on-site hormonal contraception, 97 (50 %) offered on-site IUD placement, 57 (30 %) offered on-site infertility evaluation/treatment, and 11 (6 %) offered on-site prenatal care. After adjustment, compared with metropolitan hospital based-clinics, metropolitan CBOCs were less likely to offer on-site IUD placement (OR 0.33; 95 % CI 0.14, 0.74).

CONCLUSION

Compared with metropolitan hospital-based clinics, metropolitan CBOCs offer fewer specialized reproductive health services on-site. Additional research is needed regarding delivery of specialized reproductive health care services for women Veterans in CBOCs and clinics in non-metropolitan areas.
The Relationship between Body Mass Index and Mental Health Among Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans
Authors: Maguen Shira , Madden Erin , Cohen Beth , Bertenthal Daniel , Neylan Thomas , Talbot Lisa , Grunfeld Carl , Seal Karen
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a growing public health concern and is becoming an epidemic among veterans in the post-deployment period.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a large cohort of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and to evaluate trajectories of change in BMI over 3 years.

DESIGN

Retrospective, longitudinal cohort analysis of veterans’ health records

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 496,722 veterans (59,790 female and 436,932 male veterans) whose height and weight were recorded at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system at least once after the end of their last deployment and whose first post-deployment outpatient encounter at the VA was at least 1 year prior to the end of the study period (December 31, 2011).

MAIN MEASURES

BMI, mental health diagnoses.

KEY RESULTS

Seventy-five percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans were either overweight or obese at baseline. Four trajectories were observed: “stable overweight” represented the largest class; followed by “stable obese;” “overweight/obese gaining;” and “obese losing.” During the 3-year ascertainment period, those with PTSD and depression in particular were at the greatest risk of being either obese without weight loss or overweight or obese and continuing to gain weight. Adjustment for demographics and antipsychotic medication attenuated the relationship between BMI and certain mental health diagnoses. Although BMI trajectories were similar in men and women, some gender differences were observed. For example, the risk of being in the persistently obese class in men was highest for those with PTSD, whereas for women, the risk was highest among those with depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The growing number of overweight or obese returning veterans is a concerning problem for clinicians who work with these patients. Successful intervention to reduce the prevalence of obesity will require integrated efforts from primary care and mental health to treat underlying mental health causes and assist with engagement in weight loss programs.