bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of CT fluoroscopy-guided transpulmonary radiofrequency ablation of liver tumours on the lung
Authors: Iguchi T , Inoue D , Yabushita K , Sakaguchi K , Tatsukawa M , Sasaki H , Kanazawa S 
Published: February 2012

Objective: We retrospectively evaluated the effect of transpulmonary radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumours on the lung.
Methods: 16 patients (10 males and 6 females; mean age, 65.2 years) with 16 liver tumours (mean diameter 1.5 cm) underwent transpulmonary RFA under CT fluoroscopic guidance. The tumours were either hepatocellular carcinoma (n=14) or liver metastasis (n=12). All 16 liver tumours were undetectable with ultrasonography. The pulmonary function values at 3 months after transpulmonary RFA were compared with baseline (i.e. values before RFA).
Results: In 8 of 16 sessions, minor pulmonary complications occurred, including small pneumothorax (n=8) and small pleural effusion (n=1). In two sessions, major pulmonary complications occurred, including pneumothorax requiring a chest tube (n=2). These chest tubes were removed at 4 and 6 days, and these patients were discharged 7 and 10 days after RFA, respectively, without any sequelae. The pulmonary function values we evaluated were forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1.0) and vital capacity (VC). The mean values of FEV1.0 before and 3 months after RFA were 2.55 l and 2.59 l, respectively; the mean values of VC before and 3 months after RFA were 3.20 l and 3.27 l, respectively. These pulmonary values did not show any significant worsening (p=0.393 and 0.255 for FEV1.0 and VC, respectively).
Conclusion: There was no significant lung injury causing a fatal or intractable complication after transpulmonary RFA of liver tumours.
320-detector row CT coronary angiography: effects of heart rate and heart rate variability on image quality, diagnostic accuracy and radiation exposure
Authors: Sun G , Li M , Jiang X-S , Li L , Peng Z-H , Li G-Y , Xu L 
Published: February 2012

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of heart rate and heart rate variability on image quality, patient dose and diagnostic accuracy of 320-detector row CT.
Methods: 94 patients were prospectively enrolled. Heart rate was defined as the mean value of different intervals elapsing between two consecutive R waves in an electrocardiogram (R–R intervals) and the heart rate variability was calculated as the standard deviation from the average heart rate. The image quality was evaluated by four grades, according to motion artefacts (“step artefacts” and “blurring artefacts”). The diagnostic accuracy was analysed in 43 patients who were scheduled for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). The coeffects of heart rate and heart rate variability on image quality, radiation dose and diagnostic accuracy were evaluated by multivariate regression.
Results: The mean image quality score was 1.2±0.5 and the mean effective dose was 14.8±9.8 mSv. The results showed that heart rate (74.0±11.2 beats per minute) was the single factor influencing image quality (p&lt;0.001) and radiation dose (p&lt;0.001), while heart rate variability (3.7±4.6) had no significant effect on them (p=0.16 and p=0.47, respectively). For 43 patients who underwent ICA, heart rate and heart rate variability showed no influence on the accuracy (p=0.17 and p=0.12, respectively). Overall sensitivity was 97.4% (37/38), specificity was 99.4% (351/353), positive predictive value was 94.9% (37/39) and negative predictive value was 99.7% (351/352).
Conclusion: 320-detector row CT, with improved longitudinal coverage of detector, resolves step artefact and high patient dose caused by irregular heart rate. However, it is still recommended to control heart rate to a lower level to eliminate blurring artefact and radiation dose.
Consumption Externality and Yield Uncertainty in the Influenza Vaccine Supply Chain: Interventions in Demand and Supply Sides
Authors: Arifoğlu Kenan , Deo Sarang , Iravani Seyed M. R. 
Published: February 2012

We study the impact of yield uncertainty (supply side) and self-interested consumers (demand side) on the inefficiency in the influenza vaccine supply chain. Previous economic studies, focusing on demand side, find that the equilibrium demand is always less than the socially optimal demand because self-interested individuals do not internalize the social benefit of protecting others via reduced infectiousness (positive externality). In contrast, we show that the equilibrium demand can be greater than the socially optimal demand after accounting for the limited supply due to yield uncertainty and manufacturer's incentives. The main driver for this result is a second (negative) externality: Self-interested individuals ignore that vaccinating people with high infection costs is more beneficial for the society when supply is limited. We show that the extent of the negative externality can be reduced through more efficient and less uncertain allocation mechanisms. To investigate the relative effectiveness of government interventions on supply and demand sides under various demand and supply characteristics, we construct two partially centralized scenarios where the social planner (i.e., government) intervenes either on the demand side or the supply side, but not both. We conduct an extensive numerical analysis. This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Public Opinion and Executive Compensation
Authors: Kuhnen Camelia M. , Niessen Alexandra 
Published: February 2012

We investigate whether public opinion influences the level and structure of executive compensation. During 1992–2008, the negativity of press coverage of chief executive officer (CEO) pay varied significantly, with stock options being the most criticized pay component. We find that after more negative press coverage of CEO pay, firms reduce option grants and increase less contentious types of pay such as salary, although overall compensation does not change. The reduction in option pay after increased press negativity is more pronounced when firms, CEOs, and boards have stronger reputation concerns. Our within-firm, within-year identification shows the results cannot be explained by annual changes in accounting rules regarding executive compensation, stock market conditions, or pay mean reversion. This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, finance.
Perinatal Outcome of Monochorionic Twins With Selective IUGR Compared With Uncomplicated Monochorionic Twins
Authors: Weisz Boaz , Hogen Liat , Yinon Yoav , Gindes Liat , Shrim Alon , Simchen Michal , Schiff Eyal , Lipitz Shlomo 
Published: February 2012

Objective: To evaluate the perinatal outcome of MC twins with selective IUGR (sIUGR).Study design: A prospective study, which included three groups of MC twins: Group A, uncomplicated MC twin pregnancies (n = 91); group B, sIUGR with normal umbilical artery Doppler (n = 19); and group C, sIUGR with abnormal (absence or reversed EDV) umbilical artery Doppler (n = 18). The latter were routinely hospitalized in the high-risk ward under strict surveillance.Results: Neonatal outcome of fetuses complicated with sIUGR and normal Doppler was similar to controls. Neonates born to pregnancies complicated by sIUGR and abnormal Doppler had significantly increased incidence of CNS findings, RDS, NEC, sepsis, and neonatal death compared to controls. Adverse outcome in this group was independently associated only with gestational age at birth.Conclusion: The perinatal outcomes of MC twins complicated with sIUGR and normal Doppler are similar to uncomplicated MC pregnancies. MC twins with sIUGR and abnormal Doppler have reasonable outcomes, yet significantly more neonatal complications compared to non-complicated MC twins.
Kinetics and Statistics of Vapor-Liquid-Solid Growth of III-V Nanowires
Authors: Harmand Jean-Christophe , Glas Frank , Patriarche Gilles , Jabeen Fauzia , Ramdani Mohamed Réda 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThe use of semiconductor nanowires as new material building blocks for developing original devices is conditioned by the controllability of their growth. An important challenge is to form nanowires which include heterostructures of predictable dimensions. This objective requires a precise knowledge of the growth kinetics which appears much more complex for nanowires than for standard two-dimensional layers. Here, we present a method which provides detailed information on nanowire formation. The method is implemented with InP1-xAsx nanowires grown by Au-catalyzed molecular beam epitaxy. Controlled and periodic modulations of the incident vapor phase are generated. Due to these modulations, the nanowires show small and short oscillations of composition along their growth axis. These oscillations furnish a time scale which is recorded in the nanowire solid phase. The instantaneous growth rate and the total length of individual nanowires at any time of the growth are accessible. Moreover, the distribution of the oscillation lengths contains the nucleation statistics. This statistics is shown to be strongly sub-Poissonian, which indicates that some regulation mechanism operates. The rapid depletion of group V atoms in the catalyst drop which follows the growth of each ML could explain the self-regulation of nucleation events.
Application of the intra-particle diffusion model for activated carbon fibers in an aqueous medium
Authors: Ramírez-Rodríguez Teresa , de Landa Castillo-Alvarado Fray 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThe intra-particle diffusion model (IPD), proposed by Weber and Morris has been applied to the analysis of the kinetics of adsorption on activated carbon fibers with phosphate groups in the removal of cadmium ions in aqueous media. It is evident that the removal of cadmium ion kinetic model of pseudo-second order provides a better fit than the model of pseudo-first order and the intra-particle diffusion model provides the best to the sample compared activating solution: grams fibers of 1:3.
Fabrication of nano-needle arrays on diamond surface by reactive ion etching
Authors: Misu T. , Koh K. , Arai T. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTCVD polycrystalline diamond surfaces were etched using reactive ion etching system with either a conventional stainless steel electrode or MgO sintered ceramic containing electrode. The micro-needle array of high aspect on diamond substrate surfaces obtained with MgO electrode was fabricated by using back-sputtering from MgO electrode. The RMS roughness of diamond substrate surfaces obtained with MgO electrode is higher than those obtained with stainless steel electrode.
Microstructures in Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3 with the Perovskite B-site Randomness
Authors: Mori S. , Kurushima K. , Kobayashi K. , Ohwa H. , Yasuda N. , Ohwada K. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTWe have investigated microstructures in both the antiferroelectric (AFE) and relaxor states of Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3 (PIN) with the perovskite structure by a transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Electron diffraction (ED) experiments revealed that the AFE state is characterized as the modulated structure with the modulation vector of q=1/4 1/4 0. High-resolution TEM images clearly show the coexistence of two types of domains consisting of the modulated and the nonmodulated structures with the 100 ∼ 200 nm size. On the other hand, in the relaxor state there appear two types of diffuse scatterings in the ED patterns. One is diffuse spots at the 1/2 1/2 0-type reciprocal positions and the other is diffuse streaks elongating along the <110> direction around the fundamental spots. The real-space TEM images clearly demonstrate the presence of nanodomains with the average size of ∼ 5 nm. These nanodomains in the relaxor state should be responsible for the characteristic dielectric properties.
Influence of Platinum Bottom Electrodes on the Piezoelectric Performance of PZT Thin Films Hot Sputtered in a High Volume Production Tool
Authors: Kaden Dirk , Quenzer Hans-Joachim , Kratzer Martin , Castaldi Lorenzo , Wagner Bernhard , Heinz Bernd , Mamazza Robert 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTIn this work high quality ferroelectric PZT films have been prepared in-situ by hot RF magnetron sputtering. 200 mm wafer were coated with PZT films of 1 μm and 2 μm thickness at sputter rates of 45 nm/min in a high volume production sputtering tool. The films were grown on oxidized Si substrates prepared either with sputtered Ti/TiO2/Pt, sputtered Ti/TiO2/Pt/TiO2 or evaporated Ti/Pt bottom electrodes at substrate holder temperatures in the range from 550 °C to 700 °C. At these temperatures, the material nucleates in the requisite piezoelectric perovskite phase without need of an additional post annealing treatment.The films were investigated with respect to their chemical composition and their crystallographic, piezoelectric and dielectric properties. At an intermediate chuck temperature of 600 °C the PZT thin films were characterized by a minimum volume fraction of secondary nonpiezoelectric phases. A Zr/(Zr+Ti) ratio of 0.53 has been achieved matching the morphotropic phase boundary. By improving the deposition process and poling procedure, a notable high e31,f coefficient of -17.3 C/m2 has been obtained. The corresponding longitudinal piezoelectric constant was determined to have an effective longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient d33,f of 160 pm/V.
Geometries and Electronic Structure of Graphene and Hexagonal BN Superlattices
Authors: Sakai Yuki , Saito Susumu 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTRelative stabilities and electronic structure of graphene/h-BN superlattices are discussed in the framework of the density functional theory. Most importantly, relative stabilities between commensurate and incommensurate superlattices are studied. Commensurate graphene/h-BN monolayer superlattices are found to be definitely more stable than incommensurate superlattices. In graphene/h-BN bilayer superlattices, commensurate superlattices are found to be slightly more stable than incommensurate superlattices. Results also imply that a finite pressure can induce transition from an incommensurate superlattice to a commensurate superlattice.
Template Assisted Fabrication and Magnetic Properties of Cobalt Ferrite Nanostructures
Authors: Zhang Jian H. , Chen Liyin , Williams Xylona L. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTSpinel cobalt ferrite nanotubes and nanowires of about five micrometers in length were fabricated using anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates of 20 – 200 nm pore diameters and sol-gel processing. A cobalt ferrite sol was prepared by mixing the acetic acid solution of cobalt (II) acetate and ethanol solution of iron (III) acetylacetonate. The templates filled with precursor were obtained after they were dipped into the sol and dried in air. The template/precursor composites were sintered in air at 500 ºC to form cobalt ferrite phase, which was verified by XRD. The morphology of the nanostructures determined by SEM revealed that the cobalt ferrite nanotubes were formed in the channels of 100 nm and 200 nm diameters in the templates, whereas the nanowires were formed in the 20 nm channels of the templates. The magnetic measurement of cobalt ferrite nanowires by a SQUID magnetometer showed that the nanowires are superparamagnetic at room temperature. The room temperature measurement of magnetization versus the applied field on the nanowire arrays in 20 nm channels of templates showed that the coercivity is 1.57 kOe and 1.47 kOe for the nanowire axis parallel and perpendicular to the applied field, respectively, indicating that the nanowire arrays are nearly magnetically isotropic. However, the coercivity of cobalt ferrite nanowires fabricated in this work is much larger than those in the similar systems reported in the literatures.
Moral drought: The ethics of water use
Authors: García Novo Francisco 
Published: February 2012

Water has been called the berth of life as it performs basic ecological functions in every environment. Many relevant water properties are not discernible to the human senses: microbes are invisible; colour and taste often give little indication of water composition or potability. For this reason, technological deficiencies in water management are often responsible for disease, mortality and poverty in low-income societies.
In developed countries, there is mounting evidence of the secondary effects of medicines, household products and chemicals present in sewage. Diffuse contamination caused by agriculture and livestock production can reach rivers and lead to water eutrophication favouring algae and microbe blooms.
Both the nature of the problems and the availability of technology vary regionally but improper water management places important limitations on the wellbeing of local populations, women in particular.
A moral issue stands out: the commitment to the amelioration of the population's water health, safety and resource use, while taking into account the sensibilities of local cultures.
The paper suggests a scarcity of ethics in the approach to water use. To overcome this, we should address the water problems of the whole of humankind, making our knowledge, technology and equipment easily available to others.
Changing behavior as a policy tool for enhancing food security
Authors: Hefny Magdy A. 
Published: February 2012

Recent developments in international markets point to a dramatic food crisis all over the world. The media today is repeatedly dominated by staggering reports on the global food crisis, soaring crop prices and demands for bio-fuels, raising fears of political instability. Since 2002, media reports have mostly highlighted the dramatic situation of food insecurity. The Arab region is most seriously affected by the global food crisis. It is clear that the root causes of ‘the Arab springs’ and revolutions underway in various Arab countries are not only a desire for transformation to a more democratic political system but also desire for the realization of social justice among citizens, the eradication of poverty and hunger, and a narrowing of the gap between rich and poor.
This paper addresses the need for a change in individual and societal behavioral patterns. It addresses the need for communities to assist governments in preventing and managing water-related food crises. It brings together world waters in its complexities, with new dimensions of institutional context and cultural norms. The effectiveness of ongoing traditional approaches may be limited without additional measures and tools to help governments understand how to engage in cooperative behavioral change.
Poor Cognitive Function and Risk of Severe Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Punthakee Zubin , Miller Michael E. , Launer Lenore J. , Williamson Jeff D. , Lazar Ronald M. , Cukierman-Yaffee Tali , Seaquist Elizabeth R. , Ismail-Beigi Faramarz , Sullivan Mark D. , Lovato Laura C. , Bergenstal Richard M. , Gerstein Hertzel C. ,   for the ACCORD Group of Investigators and the ACCORD-MIND Investigators
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE
Self-management of type 2 diabetes including avoidance of hypoglycemia is complex, but the impact of cognition on safe self-management is not well understood. This study aimed to assess the effect of baseline cognitive function and cognitive decline on subsequent risk of severe hypoglycemia and to assess the effect of different glycemic strategies on these relationships.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Prospective cohort analysis of data from the ACCORD trial included 2,956 adults aged ≥55 years with type 2 diabetes and additional cardiovascular risk factors. Cognitive tests (Digit Symbol Substitution Test [DSST], Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Stroop Test, and Mini Mental Status Examination) were conducted at baseline and 20 months. Study outcomes were incident confirmed severe hypoglycemia requiring medical assistance (HMA) and hypoglycemia requiring any assistance (HAA).

RESULTS
After a median 3.25-year follow-up, a 5-point-poorer baseline score on the DSST was predictive of a first episode of HMA (hazard ratio 1.13 [95% CI 1.08–1.18]). Analyses of the other cognitive tests and of HAA were consistent with the DSST results. Cognitive decline over 20 months increased the risk of subsequent hypoglycemia to a greater extent in those with lower baseline cognitive function (Pinteraction = 0.037). Randomization to an intensive versus standard glycemic strategy had no impact on the relationship between cognitive function and the risk of severe hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS
Poor cognitive function increases the risk of severe hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Clinicians should consider cognitive function in assessing and guiding their patients regarding safe diabetes self-management regardless of their glycemic targets.
Breaking Up Prolonged Sitting Reduces Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Responses
Authors: Dunstan David W. , Kingwell Bronwyn A. , Larsen Robyn , Healy Genevieve N. , Cerin Ester , Hamilton Marc T. , Shaw Jonathan E. , Bertovic David A. , Zimmet Paul Z. , Salmon Jo , Owen Neville 
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE
Observational studies show breaking up prolonged sitting has beneficial associations with cardiometabolic risk markers, but intervention studies are required to investigate causality. We examined the acute effects on postprandial glucose and insulin levels of uninterrupted sitting compared with sitting interrupted by brief bouts of light- or moderate-intensity walking.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Overweight/obese adults (n = 19), aged 45–65 years, were recruited for a randomized three-period, three-treatment acute crossover trial: 1) uninterrupted sitting; 2) seated with 2-min bouts of light-intensity walking every 20 min; and 3) seated with 2-min bouts of moderate-intensity walking every 20 min. A standardized test drink was provided after an initial 2-h period of uninterrupted sitting. The positive incremental area under curves (iAUC) for glucose and insulin (mean [95% CI]) for the 5 h after the test drink (75 g glucose, 50 g fat) were calculated for the respective treatments.

RESULTS
The glucose iAUC (mmol/L) ⋅ h after both activity-break conditions was reduced (light: 5.2 [4.1–6.6]; moderate: 4.9 [3.8–6.1]; both P &lt; 0.01) compared with uninterrupted sitting (6.9 [5.5–8.7]). Insulin iAUC (pmol/L) ⋅ h was also reduced with both activity-break conditions (light: 633.6 [552.4–727.1]; moderate: 637.6 [555.5–731.9], P &lt; 0.0001) compared with uninterrupted sitting (828.6 [722.0–950.9]).

CONCLUSIONS
Interrupting sitting time with short bouts of light- or moderate-intensity walking lowers postprandial glucose and insulin levels in overweight/obese adults. This may improve glucose metabolism and potentially be an important public health and clinical intervention strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk.