bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O-028 Acute endovascular management of gun shot injuries to arteries supplying the head & neck and the brain in civilian patients
Authors: Benndorf G , Yevich S , Barrow A , Shaltoni H , Mawad M
Published: July 2011

Purpose

To report the use of endovascular techniques for management of gun shot injuries to arteries in the head and neck requiring emergency intervention.

Material and Methods

Between January 2009 and March 2011, 46 patients, admitted to a Level 1 Trauma Center with suspected gun shot injuries of the extracranial or intracranial circulation (Age range: 17–54, gender distribution: 35 males/11 females), were referred for four vessel angiograms. Four vessel angiograms were performed within 24 h after admission to confirm potential injuries to the external carotid, internal carotid and vertebral arteries (ECA, ICA or VA) and if necessary with the intent to treat by endovascular techniques.

Results

In 13/46 patients, major vessel injuries, requiring immediate surgical or endovascular intervention were documented. In one patient, an internal carotid dissection causing thrombembolic stroke was successfully treated by stent placement. Two patients presenting with ruptured cervical VAs without angiographically visible active extravasation were treated by endovascular coil occlusions (1) and a combination of coils and NBCA (1). In six patients with life threatening blood loss, significant active extravasations were documented arising from the internal maxillary (4), occipital (1) or superficial temporal (1) arteries. In all cases, immediate transarterial occlusions were performed using NBCA (5) or Onyx (1). Complete occlusion of the rupture site was achieved in all patients. In two patients, arteriovenous fistulas between the common carotid artery and internal jugular vein, and the subclavian artery and vein respectively, were found. Both lesions were surgically corrected. All but two patients recovered partially or completely from their injuries. In 2 cases, intracranial vessel occlusions and extravasations were documented; no treatment was initiated due to elevated intracranial pressure causing restricted cerebral perfusion.

Conclusions

Minor damages to the vessel wall are often manageable with conservative management and low dose anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy and short-term angiographic follow-up. Major vessel injuries leading to severe extracranial dissection or angiographic occlusion, may require stent placement or complete endovascular vessel blockage. In cases with significant active extravasations and critical blood loss, immediate transarterial embolization becomes life saving measure. The use of adhesive liquids such as acrylic glue appears more efficient compared to coils or Onyx to achieve the most rapid vessel occlusion in these cases.

Abstract O-028 Figure 1
O-030 MRA artifact evaluation of an in vivo canine model: 28 weeks follow-up of aneurysms treated with endovascular coiling
Authors: Spilberg G , Carniato S , King R , Murphy R , Gounis M , Wakhloo A
Published: July 2011

Introduction

Although coil embolization of brain aneurysms is safe and effective, aneurysm recurrence remains a limitation requiring surveillance imaging. Recently, MR angiography (MRA) has become a viable option for non-invasive follow-up. Often, a baseline MRA within one week of coiling is acquired for comparison. The coil mass produces magnetic susceptibility artifact that may obscure the evaluation of the host vasculature and the aneurysm. Although previous research into MR artifact has been done in vitro, the dynamic characteristics of a functional vascular system cannot be simulated. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the MR susceptibility artifact from coil masses over time using different MRA techniques.

Materials and Methods

Four mongrel canines were used: two venous side-wall aneurysms were created on each common carotid artery for a total of four aneurysms in each animal. Aneurysms were embolized receiving only one type of coils, GDC or a new coil prototype. After coiling, the animals were transferred to the 3T MRI. MRI protocol included axial 3D TOF MRA (TE of 3.5, 5 and 6.9), phase contrast MRA, and coronal contrast-enhanced MRA. Serial MRI studies were repeated at 1, 4, 6, 8, 14, and 28 weeks. The volume of the coil mass was measured using 3D radiography. MRA sequences were analyzed using Mimics 13.1 for 3D reconstruction and volume measurements. An overestimation factor (OEF) was calculated: OEF=VSA/VCM; where the numerator represents the volume of the MR susceptibility artifact and the denominator is the true volume of the coil mass measured by 3D radiography.

Results

OEFs are largest immediately after embolization, and show a gradual decay until approximately 4 weeks (Abstract O-030 figure 1), when there is stabilization of the size of the artifact. By 6 weeks we found that there was mild coil compaction (average coil mass volume decrease by 9.4%). However, the susceptibility artifact reduced substantially during the same time period; with the OEFs decreasing by 30% after 6 weeks. The decrease of the artifact is currently under evaluation. Histopathological analysis of explanted aneurysms did not show corrosion of the metal detachment zone. The effect of compaction has also been excluded as a possible hypothesis in phantom experiments.

Abstract O-030 Figure 1

Conclusion

MR susceptibility artifact changes over time, being maximal in the post embolization setting and decaying until 4 weeks. The clinical implications of this study indicate that baseline MRA for comparison with future imaging should be acquired after 4 weeks post procedure.
P-002 Carotid stenting in acute stroke
Authors: Singh P , Dodd R , Do H , Albers G , Lansberg M , Schwartz N , Marks M
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose

Acute ischemic stroke due to extracranial carotid occlusion can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. It is unclear whether acute endovascular stenting of the carotid artery is efficacious and useful in improving overall outcomes. Previous and on-going thrombectomy studies have generally evaluated intracranial occlusions. We undertook this study to determine if acute carotid artery stenting can lead to successful revascularization and good clinical outcomes in this population with acute ischemic strokes at our institution.

Methods

A retrospective review of all acute cervical ICA occlusions treated within 8 h of time last seen normal time was performed. 12 patients were treated between May 2008 and March 2010. Records were reviewed for an NIHSS before stent placement, and clinical outcome was determined via NIHSS and mRS at discharge, and at 60–90 days. All imaging and angiographic data were also reviewed to analyze preprocedural ischemic volumes, tandem occlusions, pre and post procedural TICI reperfusion scores, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (defined by radiographic evidence of hemorrhage and a decline in NIHSS by >4 points).

Results

12 patients with a mean age of 69 (range 55–88) and a median NIHSS of 16 (range 12–23) were identified. Nine patients had tandem lesions with cervical occlusion and intracranial thrombus. The cervical occlusions were due to atherosclerosis (10 patients) or dissection (2 patients). All patients had initial stent placement followed by the use of an approved thrombectomy device to treat intracranial thrombus in the nine patients with intracranial thrombus. 11 of the 12 patients (92%) were successfully revascularized (TICI 2A or better). One patient was lost to follow-up. Following revascularization there were two patients with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Four of the remaining 11 patients (36%) had a mRS of <2 at 60–90 days. Four of the 11 patients died in the hospital from stroke related causes. Mean age of patients with a mRS of <2 was 60 (range 46–63), whereas the mean age of patients with a mRS of >3 was 74 (range 55–88). The median initial NIHSS of patients with a mRS of <2 was 14, whereas the median NIHSS of patients with a mRS of >3 was 17.

Conclusion

Emergent carotid stenting for acute ICA occlusion has a high rate of revascularization in our cohort of patients and may improve outcomes in a select group of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Patients who were younger and had lower initial NIHSS appear to have more favorable outcomes.
P-007 Trends in aneurysm treatment modality at a single, high-volume tertiary care center
Authors: Spiotta A , Wheeler A , Hui F , Rasmussen P , Moskowitz S
Published: July 2011

Introduction

Device developments and evolution in technique over the past decade since the International Study of Aneurysms Trial results were first available make the treatment of aneurysms which were previously considered poor candidates for coiling more feasible. Significant regional practice variations are likely to influence the proportion of techniques employed to treat aneurysms at different institutions. We describe our experience treating aneurysms at a single, high-volume tertiary care center.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken of all the aneurysms treated at a single institution (Cleveland Clinic) between 2003 and 2010.

Results

1455 aneurysms were treated at our institution during the study period (45% SAH). Over this period, there was a near-linear increase in the number of aneurysms being treated. 137 were treated in 2003 and 208 were treated in 2010. In 2003, aneurysms were treated equally with clipping (49.6%) and coiling (50.4%). Over the 8-year period, there was a steady decline in the percentage of aneurysms treated surgically. By 2010, 25.5% of aneurysms were treated surgically and 74.5% by endovascular coiling. Among aneurysms that were coiled there has been an increase in the cases that are treated with adjuncts. Balloon-assisted remodeling is currently employed in 57.6% of all coiled aneurysms. The number of stent-assisted cases increased modestly and then has reached a plateau since 2007. Among stent-assisted cases, the “coil-through” technique was initially the preferred method (84% of all stent-assisted cases in 2003–2004). There has been a dramatic decrease in the proportion of “coil-through” cases and currently only 38% of stent-assisted cases are performed employing this method. The “coil-stent” and “jailing” techniques have remained relatively constant over time and both still represent a relative minority in treatment method, currently constituting 11.4% and 13.9%, respectively. The most dramatic increase in the relative proportion of a single method was the more widespread use of ‘balloon-stent’. Initially employed in 12% of stent-assisted cases, it is currently employed in 35.4% of cases.

Conclusions

Significant changes in practice trends for aneurysm treatment have been observed at a single, high-volume tertiary care center over the past decade. Although these changes are multifactorial, they are explained in party by institutional comfort level with the adoption of adjunctive techniques with a growing number of aneurysms treated with balloon remodeling and the “balloon-stent” technique. A preference of endovascular strategies over microsurgical clipping for treatment of both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms is now evident.

Abstract P-007 Figure 1
E-006 Core infarct predictability based on ct perfusion study: a single center experience
Authors: Masoud H , Sharma J , Blackham K
Published: July 2011

Background

CT perfusion is used routinely in the acute management of stroke. Core infarct size on perfusion studies affects endovascular management decisions. The literature on correlation of core infarct with follow-up imaging is limited.

Objectives

To assess the correlation of core infarct on CT perfusion with follow-up imaging.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed between 2009 and 2010 of 31 patients who had CT perfusion (CTP) studies and follow-up imaging. Persistence of CTP core infarct with follow-up imaging (CT head or MRI brain) was assessed.

Results

71.8% of patients (n=23) had correlating infarcts on initial CTP and follow-up imaging. 18.8% of patients (n=6) had Penumbra on CTP correlating with infarct on follow-up imaging. 6.2% of patients (n=2) had negative CTP but with appearance of infarct on follow-up imaging. One patient (3.1%) had an infarct on CTP with no infarct seen on follow-up imaging. Based on above analysis sensitivity and specificity of CTP based studies predicting core infarct are 92% and 85% respectively.

Conclusions

CTP core infarct size correlates with changes consistent with infarction on follow-up imaging (CT, MRI). Furthermore our study demonstrates that penumbra on CTP correlates well with tissue at risk demonstrated by appearance of infarct on follow-up imaging in the same territory. Further studies with larger sample size are warranted to evaluate the role of CTP in assessing core infarct.
O-008 Initial experience with augmented cerebral perfusion in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Rutledge J , Conrad K , Horowitz B , Camp D
Published: July 2011

Partial aortic occlusion in pre-clinical research has shown a 30% increase in cerebral perfusion with minimal increase in central blood pressure. Treatment involves placement of a catheter (NeuroFloTM, CoAxia) in the descending aorta, sequential inflation of two independently controlled balloons in the infra- and supra-renal positions, each to 70% luminal occlusion, for 45 min. The proposed mechanism of action involves cerebral collateral recruitment and salvage of penumbral tissue. Within the multi-center randomized SENTIS trial, this technique was applied at our institutions to 23 consecutive acute ischemic strokes up to 14 h from onset that were not eligible for IV tPA or intravascular recanalization. Patients underwent baseline and treatment perfusion imaging and were followed for 90 day neurological and functional outcome results. The 23 patients averaged 9.2 h to randomization with an average NIHSS=10.7 of 10 treated patients (70%) achieved a 90 day mRS 0-2 vs 4 of 13 untreated patients (31%). 4 out of 5 treated patients with non-zero mismatch on baseline perfusion scans showed significant reduction in mismatch volume after treatment. Possible differences explaining the significantly greater success in our patients from the general SENTIS trial were our institution's inclusion criteria of the lack of CBV lesions (completed strokes) or first order CTA occlusions. We found augmented cerebral perfusion in acute ischemic stroke with the NeuroFlo catheter to be easy, safe and effective in our subset of patients.
NUMERICAL MODELING OF ELECTROACOUSTIC LOGGING INCLUDING JOULE HEATING
Authors: PLYUSHCHENKOV BORIS D. , NIKITIN ANATOLY A. , TURCHANINOV VICTOR I.
Published: July 2011

It is well known that electromagnetic field excites acoustic wave in a porous elastic medium saturated with fluid electrolyte due to electrokinetic conversion effect. Pride's equations describing this process are written in isothermal approximation. Update of these equations, which allows to take influence of Joule heating on acoustic waves propagation into account, is proposed here. This update includes terms describing the initiation of additional acoustic waves excited by thermoelastic stresses and the heat conduction equation with right side defined by Joule heating. Results of numerical modeling of several problems of propagation of acoustic waves excited by an electric field source with and without consideration of Joule heating effect in their statements are presented. From these results, it follows that influence of Joule heating should be taken into account at the numerical simulation of electroacoustic logging and at the interpretation of its log data.
A new approach to N-phenylquinolino[2,3,4-at]porphyrins: Electrochemical and photochemical studies
Authors: Pereira Ana M.V.M. , Neves Maria G.P.M.S , Cavaleiro José A.S. , Gisselbrecht Jean-Paul , Jeandon Christophe , Ruppert Romain
Published: July 2011

A new route to N-phenylquinolino[2,3,4-at]porphyrins is described and the electrochemical and photochemical properties of the synthesized derivatives were investigated. The electrochemical studies (cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk voltammetry) of the free-base and the corresponding Ni , Cu and Pd complexes have shown that the presence of the phenyl group is responsible for the formation of stable radical cations. The capacity of the N-phenylquinolino[2,3,4-at]porphyrins to generate singlet oxygen was evaluated and some of them have promising features as photosensitizers.
SPECTRAL RADII OF UNICYCLIC GRAPHS WITH FIXED NUMBER OF CUT VERTICES
Authors: FAN YI-ZHENG , ZHANG JING-MEI , WANG YI
Published: July 2011

Let [Formula: see text] be the set of unicyclic graphs with n vertices and k cut vertices. In this paper, we determine the unique graph with the maximal spectral radius among all graphs in [Formula: see text] for 1 ≤ k ≤ n - 3.
Two-dimensional adaptation in the auditory forebrain
Authors: Sharpee Tatyana O. , Nagel Katherine I. , Doupe Allison J.
Published: July 2011

Sensory neurons exhibit two universal properties: sensitivity to multiple stimulus dimensions, and adaptation to stimulus statistics. How adaptation affects encoding along primary dimensions is well characterized for most sensory pathways, but if and how it affects secondary dimensions is less clear. We studied these effects for neurons in the avian equivalent of primary auditory cortex, responding to temporally modulated sounds. We showed that the firing rate of single neurons in field L was affected by at least two components of the time-varying sound log-amplitude. When overall sound amplitude was low, neural responses were based on nonlinear combinations of the mean log-amplitude and its rate of change (first time differential). At high mean sound amplitude, the two relevant stimulus features became the first and second time derivatives of the sound log-amplitude. Thus a strikingly systematic relationship between dimensions was conserved across changes in stimulus intensity, whereby one of the relevant dimensions approximated the time differential of the other dimension. In contrast to stimulus mean, increases in stimulus variance did not change relevant dimensions, but selectively increased the contribution of the second dimension to neural firing, illustrating a new adaptive behavior enabled by multidimensional encoding. Finally, we demonstrated theoretically that inclusion of time differentials as additional stimulus features, as seen so prominently in the single-neuron responses studied here, is a useful strategy for encoding naturalistic stimuli, because it can lower the necessary sampling rate while maintaining the robustness of stimulus reconstruction to correlated noise.
Cognitive and Functional Outcomes of 5-Year Subarachnoid Haemorrhage Survivors: Comparison to Matched Healthy Controls
Authors: Chahal Navjot , Barker-Collo Suzanne , Feigin Valery
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose: While neuropsychological deficits have been the focus of research post-subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), population-based information on long-term neuropsychological impairment post-SAH are lacking. Neither the profile of long-term neuropsychological deficits nor its relationship to long-term functional outcomes has been established. Methods: This was a cross-sectional population-based study of long-term (5 years) neuropsychological and functional outcomes post-SAH. Participants were 27 five-year survivors of SAH previously enrolled in the Auckland Regional Community Stroke study (2002–2003). Twenty-six age-, gender- and ethnicity-matched controls were used to compare mood, functional (i.e. disability; handicap; quality of life, QoL) and neuropsychological outcomes (i.e. verbal memory, visual memory, executive functioning, language, processing speed and visuoperceptual abilities) of SAH survivors. Results: SAH survivors were more depressed and significantly more impaired in the areas of disability, handicap, and QoL than controls. SAH survivors also had significant cognitive deficits across domains when compared to controls. Depressed mood and baseline functioning were related to worse functional outcomes at 5 years post-SAH. Whilst poor cognitive functioning, particularly in the domains of visual memory and language, impacted long-term functional outcomes of SAH survivors. Conclusions: Five-year SAH survivors have many functional and cognitive deficits compared to matched controls. Language and visual memory emerged as independent factors associated with their current functioning.
In-cell selectivity profiling of membrane-anchored and replicase-associated hepatitis C virus NS3-4A protease reveals a common, stringent substrate recognition profile
Authors: Martin Morgan M. , Condotta Stephanie A. , Fenn Jeremy , Olmstead Andrea D. , Jean François
Published: July 2011

The need to identify anti-Flaviviridae agents has resulted in intensive biochemical study of recombinant nonstructural (NS) viral proteases; however, experimentation on viral protease-associated replication complexes in host cells is extremely challenging and therefore limited. It remains to be determined if membrane anchoring and/or association to replicase-membrane complexes of proteases, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-4A, plays a regulatory role in the substrate selectivity of the protease. In this study, we examined trans-endoproteolytic cleavage activities of membrane-anchored and replicase-associated NS3-4A using an internally consistent set of membrane-anchored protein substrates mimicking all known HCV NS3-4A polyprotein cleavage sequences. Interestingly, we detected cleavage of substrates encoding for the NS4B/NS5A and NS5A/NS5B junctions, but not for the NS3/NS4A and NS4A/NS4B substrates. This stringent substrate recognition profile was also observed for the replicase-associated NS3-4A and is not genotype-specific. Our study also reveals that ER-anchoring of the substrate is critical for its cleavage by NS3-4A. Importantly, we demonstrate that in HCV-infected cells, the NS4B/NS5A substrate was cleaved efficiently. The unique ability of our membrane-anchored substrates to detect NS3-4A activity alone, in replication complexes, or within the course of infection, shows them to be powerful tools for drug discovery and for the study of HCV biology.
How much water do we really use? A case study of the city state of Singapore
Authors: Vanham D.
Published: July 2011

The observed and predicted increase in urban population in the world is creating and will further create severe stress on existing water infrastructures and available water resources. Singapore's population has increased from about 1 million people in the 1950s to almost 5 million currently. The city state has invested massively in a sustainable water supply system, and is regarded by many as a role model for future cities with respect to this topic. Solutions like water reuse, desalination and water demand management have already been implemented. However, city dwellers use much more additional water in the form of virtual water. Their actual water footprint is much higher than only domestic water. Water required for the generation of agricultural and industrial products are imported to cities, and can put a heavy burden on water resources in surrounding and even distant (rural) regions. The city state provides a unique opportunity to analyse virtual water consumption for a city, as required statistical data are available through the national Department of Statistics. For other cities such detailed data are rarely available. Mostly these data are only provided on a national level. This analysis provides a quantification of the actual water use of a future city. The paper describes whether the consumption of agricultural products (in the sense of water for food) is also sustainable in Singapore. The agricultural products that contribute largely to the total water footprint of Singapore – wheat, rice, livestock products and cotton–are analysed and discussed in detail. A sustainable city of the future should account for its impacts beyond its borders. Whether the world can provide for the water and food for an increasing population highly depends on consumption patterns within future cities.
Pulsed corona discharge for degradation of aqueous humic substances
Authors: Panorel Iris , Kornev Iakov , Hatakka Henry , Preis Sergei
Published: July 2011

The research into oxidation of aqueous humic substances (HS) with pulsed corona discharge (PCD) was undertaken to estimate the energy efficiency of the treatment. The PCD system consists of a voltage pulse generator and reactor, in which the gas-phase discharge generating OH radicals and ozone treats the water showered between electrodes. The influence of HS initial concentration, pulse repetition frequency, water flow rate, and the atmosphere composition was evaluated by the decrease in total organic carbon (TOC) and color. The PCD treatment reduced TOC by 40 to 50% and the color by up to 97%. The PCD energy efficiency ranged about 20 g kW−1 h−1 in air and 30 g kW−1 h−1 in oxygen for the lowest initial color of about 50 Pt-Co degrees. Ozone contributed about 30% to the color reduction and only 15% to the reduction in TOC, indicating predominant role of OH radicals in mineralization of oxidation by-products.
Teaching Strategies to Incorporate Genomics Education into Academic Nursing Curricula
Authors: Quevedo Garcia Sylvia P. , Greco Karen E. , Loescher Lois J.
Published: July 2011

The translation of genomic science into health care has expanded our ability to understand the effects of genomics on human health and disease. As genomic advances continue, nurses are expected to have the knowledge and skills to translate genomic information into improved patient care. This integrative review describes strategies used to teach genomics in academic nursing programs and their facilitators and barriers to inclusion in nursing curricula. The Learning Engagement Model and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory guided the interpretation of findings. CINAHL, Medline, and Web of Science were resources for articles published during the past decade that included strategies for teaching genomics in academic nursing programs. Of 135 articles, 13 met criteria for review. Examples of effective genomics teaching strategies included clinical application through case studies, storytelling, online genomics resources, student self-assessment, guest lecturers, and a genetics focus group. Most strategies were not evaluated for effectiveness.
Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue of Hand: Simple but Rare Diagnosis, Which Is Often Missed
Authors: Kumar Sarwan , Carter Lynn F.
Published: July 2011

Giant cell tumor of soft tissue originally described in 1972 in two different series by Salm and Sissons is a rare entity, which is clinically and histopathologically indistinguishable from giant cell tumor of bone. Usually involve thigh, trunk, and lower extremities but rarely involve the hands. GCT-ST is a benign tumor, which can transform into malignant form and also has potential for recurrence and metastasis. We present an otherwise healthy, middle age female who originally presented with swellings on her left finger was diagnosed with giant cell tumor of soft tissue hand.
A structured approach to pastoral care and poverty
Authors: Janse van Rensburg Johan , Breed Johann
Published: July 2011

Although the plight of the poor and Christian benevolence is a topic often discussed in scientific and popular literature, the existing research is not nearly enough to address the many complicated issues surrounding the subject. Many reasons for this sad state of affairs may exist, one being the lack of the necessary skills to apply biblical and economic principles in order to make a marked difference. This article presented a biblical perspective on the caring of the poor and suggested a few contextual principles for pastoral counselling. Forces were joined with economic insights and the experience of Local Economic Development to empower the church to make a substantial difference to the plight of the poor. This approach could give structure to efforts that often achieve very little in terms of lasting results.
DIVIDEND VL orchardgrass
Authors: Bowley S. R. , Hancock D.
Published: July 2011

Bowley, S. R. and Hancock, D. 2011. DIVIDEND VL orchardgrass. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 793–795. DIVIDEND VL is a late-maturing orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) cultivar for silage and hay production in mixtures with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in eastern Canada. The population was developed at the University of Guelph, Guelph, ON. DIVIDEND VL matured at a slower rate when grown in pure stand and in binary mixtures with alfalfa compared with the cultivars OKAY and Rapido. When harvested at the same date, DIVIDEND VL averaged 7% lower in biomass yield compared with OKAY, but the herbage was less advanced in its maturity.
Stress Corrosion Cracking Behavior of Alloy 182 Weld in Pressurized Water Reactor Primary Water Environment at 325ºC
Authors: Lima L.I.L. , Schvartzman M.M.A.M. , Figueiredo C.A. , Bracarense A.Q.
Published: July 2011

The weld used to connect two different metals is known as a dissimilar metal weld (DMW). In nuclear power plants, this weld is used to join stainless steel to low-alloy steel components in the nuclear pressurized water reactor (PWR). The most common weld metal is Alloy 182 (UNS W86182). Originally selected for its high corrosion resistance, it exhibited, after a long operation period, susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in PWR. The goal of this work was to study the electrochemical corrosion behavior and SCC susceptibility of Alloy 182 weld in PWR primary water containing 25 cm3 and 50 cm3 H2/kg H2O at standard temperature and pressure (STP). For this purpose, slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) tests and potentiodynamic polarization measurements were carried out. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) was used to evaluate fracture morphology and determine the oxide layer chemical composition and morphology. The results indicated that at 325°C Alloy 182 weld is more susceptible to SCC at 25 cm3 (STP) H2/kg H2O and the increase of dissolved hydrogen decreased the crystal size of the oxide layer.
From High‐Throughput Cell Culture Screening to Mouse Model: Identification of New Inhibitor Classes against Prion Disease
Authors: Geissen Markus , Leidel Fabienne , Eiden Martin , Hirschberger Thomas , Fast Christine , Bertsch Uwe , Tavan Paul , Giese Armin , Kretzschmar Hans , Schatzl Hermann M. , Groschup Martin H.
Published: July 2011

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) or prion diseases belong to a category of fatal and so far untreatable neurodegenerative conditions. All prion diseases are characterized by both degeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) in humans and animals and the deposition and accumulation of Proteinase K‐resistant prion protein (PrPres). Until now, no pharmaceutical product has been available to cure these diseases or to alleviate their associated symptoms. Here, a cell‐culture screening system is described that allows for the large‐scale analysis of the PrPres inhibitory potential of a library of compounds and the identification of structural motifs leading potent compounds able to cause PrPres clearance at the cellular level. Based on different scrapie‐infected cell lines, 10 000 substances were tested, out of which 530 potential inhibitors were identified. After re‐screening and validation using a series of dilutions, 14 compounds were identified as the most effective. These 14 compounds were then used for therapeutic studies in a mouse bioassay to test and verify their in vivo potency. Two compounds exhibited therapeutic potential in the mouse model by significantly extending the survival time of intracerebrally infected mice, when treated 90 days after infection with scrapie.
Color tolerance prediction for recycled paper based on consumers' awareness
Authors: Jung Hyojin , Suk Hyeon‐Jeong , Kitaguchi Saori , Sato Tetsuya , Kajiwara Kanji
Published: July 2011

Consumers' tolerance of the color of recycled paper was evaluated by the visual assessment of such paper by 30 Japanese university students. The assessment was performed to measure color tolerance using 266 color samples in eight conditions specifying the situation of paper as (1) “either paper is recycled or not recycled,” (2) “whether you will buy/use,” and (3) “use for office paper or for workbook paper.” The responses of the subjects were sorted out quantitatively in terms of the colorimetric values of color samples and then correlated with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) brightness and CIE whiteness. Both the ISO brightness and CIE whiteness were found to be dependent on hue factors and also to be restricted for use in direct representation of the consumers' responses to paper quality. Since the consumers' evaluation of paper quality is due to visual whiteness, we propose a new equation to predict the consumers' tolerance of paper color, in which the equation contains two factors concerning the color distance from the white point and the hue impact. The new tolerance equation was confirmed to predict the consumers' tolerance successfully, particularly when the consumers are aware that the paper is recycled. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2011
A Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Glucose Oxidase and MWCNT‐Palladium Nanoparticles for the Determination of Glucose
Authors: You Jung‐Min , Jeon Seungwon
Published: July 2011

A glucose biosensor based on glucose oxidase (GOx) with cross‐linking in a matrix of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and MWCNTs‐palladium nanoparticles was developed and characterized. Nafion/GOx/MWCNTs‐Pd/GCE was simply and quickly prepared; it showed improved sensitivity of glucose determination. Amperometric testing demonstrated the sensor’s fast responses with linear regression observed even at very low concentrations below 1.0 mM. Linear responses to glucose were observed between 1.0 µM and 10 mM at an applied potential of 0.4 V. The sensor demonstrated fast responses and good stability.
Bone geometry profiles in women with and without SLE
Authors: Alele Jimmy D , Kamen Diane L , Hunt Kelly J , Ramsey-Goldman Rosalind
Published: July 2011

Recent studies have reported an increased risk of fracture among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in comparison with the general population. The aim of this study was to examine associations between SLE status and bone geometry in white and African-American women. We compared hip BMD and bone geometry parameters among SLE women and control individuals using hip structure analysis (HSA). One-hundred and fifty-three dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans from the Study of Lupus Vascular and Bone Long Term Endpoints (68.7% white and 31.3% African American) and 4920 scans from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (59.3% white and 40.7% African American) were analyzed. Linear regression was used to examine BMD and bone geometry differences by SLE status and by race/ethnicity after adjusting for age and BMI. Significant differences were detected between SLE and control women. Among white women, age-adjusted BMD (g/cm2), section modulus (cm3), and cross-sectional areas (cm2) were lower among SLE women than among control women at the narrow neck (0.88 versus 0.83 g/cm2, 1.31 versus 1.11 cm2, and 2.56 versus 2.40 cm2, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, and p < 0.0001, respectively), whereas buckling ratio was increased (10.0 versus 10.6, p < 0.01). Likewise, BMD, section modulus, and cross-sectional areas were decreased among African-American SLE women at all subregions, whereas buckling ratios were increased. There were significant bone geometry differences between SLE and control women at all hip subregions. Bone geometry profiles among SLE women were suggestive of increased fragility. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Radical anions of flavonoids
Authors: Vakulskaya Tamara I. , Larina Lyudmila I. , Vashchenko Alexander V.
Published: July 2011

Several representatives of natural flavonoids and their synthetic nitro‐derivatives have been investigated by polarography and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy under electrochemical reduction in acetonitrile, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or 1,2‐dimethoxyethane. All the compounds studied are reduced in the first stage by one‐electron transfer, apart from flavanone, which accepts two electrons simultaneously. However, the primary radical anions were detected by EPR spectroscopy only for 4′‐nitroflavone. It was shown that radical anions of other flavonoids quickly dimerized. The analysis of the temperature dependence of the hyperfine interaction constants and broadening of lines in EPR spectra of 4′‐nitroflavone radical anions has shown that the distribution of spin density is due to both the change of polarity of the medium and rotation of the nitrophenyl moiety. The assignment of hyperfine structure constants for the 4′‐nitroflavone radical anion was confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling mitochondrial dysfunctions in the brain: from mice to men
Authors: Breuer Megan E. , Willems Peter H. G. M. , Russel Frans G. M. , Koopman Werner J. H. , Smeitink Jan A. M.
Published: July 2011

The biologist Lewis Thomas once wrote: “my mitochondria comprise a very large proportion of me. I cannot do the calculation, but I suppose there is almost as much of them in sheer dry bulk as there is the rest of me”. As humans, or indeed as any mammal, bird, or insect, we contain a specific molecular makeup that is driven by vast numbers of these miniscule powerhouses residing in most of our cells (mature red blood cells notwithstanding), quietly replicating, living independent lives and containing their own DNA. Everything we do, from running a marathon to breathing, is driven by these small batteries, and yet there is evidence that these molecular energy sources were originally bacteria, possibly parasitic, incorporated into our cells through symbiosis. Dysfunctions in these organelles can lead to debilitating, and sometimes fatal, diseases of almost all the bodies’ major organs. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in a wide variety of human disorders either as a primary cause or as a secondary consequence. To better understand the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in human disease, a multitude of pharmacologically induced and genetically manipulated animal models have been developed showing to a greater or lesser extent the clinical symptoms observed in patients with known and unknown causes of the disease. This review will focus on diseases of the brain and spinal cord in which mitochondrial dysfunction has been proven or is suspected and on animal models that are currently used to study the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of these diseases.
In vitro Biomechanical Study of Pulvertaft Tendon Weaving Technique
Authors: Chi-Pan Yuen , Chi-Hung Yen , Hon-Bong Leung , Wing-Lim Tse , Pak-Cheong Ho , Leung-Kim Hung
Published: July 2011

Background/Purposes

The outcome of tendon repair depends on the strength, which allows early active mobilization to achieve better function without rupture. The aims of this study are to assess quantitatively the biomechanical properties and relationship between the number of tendon weaving and suture method using Pulvertaft technique.

Results

We found that the load to failure was increased with increasing number of weaves and sutures. From 1-weave to 4-weave single suture samples, the peak load to failure was 9.5 N, 19.7 N, 37.5 N, and 42.6 N, respectively. Based on previous studies, wrist and finger tendons should withstand 1–8N on passive mobilization.

Conclusion

On active mobilization, finger tendon repair need to provide 34 N for immediate mobilization. Therefore, irrespective of number of sutures, both 3- and 4-weave repairs could allow early mobilization biomechanically.
Molecular phylogeny supports the paraphyletic nature of the genus Trogoderma (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) collected in the Australasian ecozone
Authors: Castalanelli M.A. , Baker A.M. , Munyard K.A. , Grimm M. , Groth D.M.
Published: July 2011

To date, a molecular phylogenetic approach has not been used to investigate the evolutionary structure of Trogoderma and closely related genera. Using two mitochondrial genes, Cytochrome Oxidase I and Cytochrome B, and the nuclear gene, 18S, the reported polyphyletic positioning of Trogoderma was examined. Paraphyly in Trogoderma was observed, with one Australian Trogoderma species reconciled as sister to all Dermestidae and the Anthrenocerus genus deeply nested within the Australian Trogoderma clade. In addition, time to most recent common ancestor for a number of Dermestidae was calculated. Based on these estimations, the Dermestidae origin exceeded 175 million years, placing the origins of this family in Pangaea.
Continuous versus accumulated brisk walking in children aged 8–11 years
Authors: Ford Paul , Swaine Ian
Published: July 2011

In the present study, we compared the total energy expenditure of brisk walking 1500 m in one continuous bout versus two accumulated bouts using a portable gas analyser in children aged 8–11 years. There were no significant differences in oxygen uptake, energy expenditure or effort rating between the continuous and accumulated brisk walks (P > 0.05). There was a difference in substrate metabolism between the continuous and accumulated brisk walks. Greater carbohydrate metabolism during the continuous brisk walk and greater fat metabolism during the accumulated brisk walks was observed. These differences in substrate metabolism were only evident in boys. The findings support the use of accumulated brisk walking bouts within the school environment, alongside traditional continuous methods aimed at increasing energy expenditure and fat metabolism, in young children.
Eccentric torque–velocity and power–velocity relationships in men and women
Authors: Carney Keven R. , Brown Lee E. , Coburn Jared W. , Spiering Barry A. , Bottaro Martim
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the eccentric torque–velocity and power–velocity relationships of the elbow flexors. Forty recreationally trained individuals (20 men, 20 women) performed maximal eccentric actions at each of five different velocities (1.04 rad · s−1, 2.09 rad · s−1, 3.14 rad · s−1, 4.18 rad · s−1, and 5.23 rad · s−1, in random order) and maximal isometric actions on a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. A 2×6 (sex×velocity) mixed‐factor repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess peak elbow flexor torque during the eccentric and isometric actions. There was no interaction, but there were significant main effects for sex and velocity. Pairwise comparisons demonstrated that values for men were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those for women at all speeds. Furthermore, torques for both sexes were significantly less at 3.14 rad · s−1 (men: 103.94±28.28 N · m; women: 49.24±11.69 N · m) than at 4.18 rad · s−1 (men: 106.39±30.23 N · m; women: 52.77±11.31 N · m) and 5.23 rad · s−1 (men: 108.75±28.59 N · m; women: 53.3±11.67 N · m), while isometric torque was significantly less than at all other speeds (men: 98.66±28.0 N · m; women: 45.25±11.15 N · m). A 2×5 (sex×velocity) mixed‐factor repeated‐measures ANOVA was used to assess peak eccentric elbow flexor power. There were significant main effects for sex and velocity. Pairwise comparisons demonstrated that values for men were significantly higher than those for women at all speeds. Pairwise comparisons for velocity indicated that peak eccentric power increased across all speeds from 1.04 rad · s−1 (men: 110.44±32.56 W; women 54.36±13.05 W) to 5.23 rad · s−1 (men: 569.46±149.73 W; women: 279.10±61.10 W). These results demonstrate that an increase in velocity had little or no effect on eccentric elbow flexor torque, while eccentric elbow flexor power increased significantly with increases in velocity.
Psychological dysregulation, white matter disorganization and substance use disorders in adolescence
Authors: Clark Duncan B. , Chung Tammy , Thatcher Dawn L. , Pajtek Stefan , Long Elizabeth C.
Published: July 2011

Aims  Adolescents with substance use disorders (SUD) have difficulties with cognitive, behavioral and affective regulation. White matter (WM) disorganization has been observed in adolescents with SUD and may be related to psychological dysregulation. This study compared adolescents with SUD and control adolescents to investigate relationships among psychological dysregulation, WM disorganization and SUD symptoms.

Design  Cross‐sectional observation.

Setting  Adolescents with SUD were recruited from SUD treatment programs. Controls were recruited from the community.

Participants  The 55 participants were aged 14–19; 35 with SUD and 20 controls without SUD.

Measurements  Psychological dysregulation was characterized by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function. WM disorganization was measured by diffusion tensor imaging, and fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity and axial diffusivity were examined within cortical regions of interest.

Findings  Compared to controls, SUD adolescents showed significantly greater psychological dysregulation and prefrontal and parietal WM disorganization. WM disorganization was correlated positively with psychological dysregulation and cannabis‐related symptoms. In multivariate mediation models, the results were consistent with both the neurodevelopmental immaturity model, in which WM disorganization leads to psychological dysregulation and cannabis‐related symptoms, and with the substance effects model, in which cannabis‐related symptoms lead to WM disorganization and psychological dysregulation.

Conclusions  In adolescents, substance use disorder and psychological dysregulation appear to be associated with reduced frontoparietal network white matter maturation.
The complexity of postpartum mental health and illness: a critical realist study
Authors: Sword Wendy , Clark Alexander M. , Hegadoren Kathleen , Brooks Sandra , Kingston Dawn
Published: July 2011

SWORD W, CLARK AM, HEGADOREN K, BROOKS S and KINGSTON D. Nursing Inquiry 2012; 19: 51–62 The complexity of postpartum mental health and illness: a critical realist study

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major public health issue that profoundly impacts the woman, her infant and family. Although it may be linked to hormone changes, no direct hormonal aetiology has been established. A large body of evidence implicates numerous psychosocial predictors of PPD. While a history of depression predicts about 50% of cases of PPD, it remains unclear why some women with a history do not develop depression following childbirth, even taking psychosocial factors into account. The aim of this study was to identify the main mechanisms and factors associated with the presence or absence of PPD in women with a history of depression, and the presence of PPD in women without a history, using a critical realist approach. The findings indicate a number of personal and contextual factors that influence postpartum mental health and illness. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, women who did not develop depression identified goal‐oriented actions that were protective. These factors and processes did not exist in isolation and the interplay among them in influencing health was apparent. More research is needed to explore the effects of these mechanisms in different contexts.