bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polytetrafluoroethylene‐covered nitinol stent graft for treatment of carotid artery blowout syndrome in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Hakime Antoine , Khoury Elias , Hameg Amine , Liberge Renan , Deschamps Frederic , Farouil Geoffroy , Joskin Julien , Tselikas Lambros , Temam Stephane , Janot François , De Baere Thierry
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the efficacy, tolerance, and outcomes of covered stents in the treatment of carotid blowout syndrome (CBS) in head and neck cancer patients.

Study Design

Individual retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical and image files of all 20 consecutive head and neck cancer patients treated with covered stent grafts for CBS. Six acute, 12 impending, and two threatened cases of CBS were treated in patients who all had previously received radiation therapy. We evaluated the feasibility, hemostatic efficacy, survival without bleeding, and complications.

Results

The etiologies of CBS were as follows: group 1, 13 carotid axis (common or internal carotid artery) pseudoaneurysms and one rupture; group 2, six patients with no identifiable source of bleeding on angiography but with a threatened carotid axis on computed tomography (CT). In all patients, a polytetrafluoroethylene‐covered nitinol stent graft (Fluency; Bard/Angiomed GmbH & Co, Karlsruhe, Germany) was successfully placed. All of the stents were patent at the end of the procedure. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in the six hemorrhagic cases. Immediate transient ischemic attacks were observed in two patients, and carotid sinus syndrome was observed in one patient. Post‐treatment bleeding was observed in five patients in group 2 and no patients in group 1. Survival without bleeding was 251 days in group 1 and 35 days in group 2. During follow‐up, three asymptomatic stent thromboses occurred at a mean of 58 days.

Conclusions

Covered stent placement is highly feasible and proved effective without major complications in CBS due to carotid axis bleeding.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 2013
Doxorubicin‐Induced Cardiotoxicity: From Bioenergetic Failure and Cell Death to Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Carvalho Filipa S. , Burgeiro Ana , Garcia Rita , Moreno António J. , Carvalho Rui A. , Oliveira Paulo J.
Published: March 2013

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anticancer anthracycline that presents a dose‐dependent and cumulative cardiotoxicity as one of the most serious side effects. Several hypotheses have been advanced to explain DOX cardiac side effects, which culminate in the development of life‐threatening cardiomyopathy. One of the most studied mechanisms involves the activation of DOX molecule into a more reactive semiquinone by mitochondrial Complex I, resulting in increased oxidative stress. The present review describes and critically discusses what is known about some of the potential mechanisms of DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity including mitochondrial oxidative damage and loss of cardiomyocytes. We also discuss alterations of mitochondrial metabolism and the unique characteristics of DOX delayed toxicity, which can also interfere on how the cardiac muscle handles a “second‐hit stress.” We also present pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical approaches that may decrease DOX cardiac alterations in animal models and humans and discuss the limitations of each strategy.
Synthesis, NMR spectroscopic characterization and structure of a divinyldisilazane‐(triphenylphosphine)platinum(0) complex: observation of isotope‐induced chemical shifts 1Δ12/13C(195Pt)
Authors: Wrackmeyer Bernd , Klimkina Elena V. , Schmalz Thomas , Milius Wolfgang
Published: March 2013

Tetramethyldivinyldisilazane‐(triphenylphosphine)platinum(0) was prepared, characterized in solid state by X‐ray crystallography and in solution by multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 15N, 29Si, 31P and 195Pt NMR). Numerous signs of spin–spin coupling constants were determined by two‐dimensional heteronuclear shift correlations (HETCOR) and two‐dimensional 1H/1H COSY experiments. Isotope‐induced chemical shifts 1Δ12/13C(195Pt) were measured from 195Pt NMR spectra of the title compound as well as of other Pt(0), Pt(II) and Pt(IV) compounds for comparison. In contrast to other heavy nuclei such as 199Hg or 207Pb, the “normal” shifts of the heavy isotopomers to low frequencies are found, covering a range of >500 ppb. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Counterion influence on chemical shifts in strychnine salts
Authors: Metaxas Athena E. , Cort John R.
Published: March 2013

The highly toxic plant alkaloid strychnine is often isolated in the form of the anion salt of its protonated tertiary amine. Here, we characterize the relative influence of different counterions on 1H and 13C chemical shifts in several strychnine salts in D2O, methanol‐d4 (CD3OD), and chloroform‐d (CDCl3) solvents. In organic solvents but not in water, substantial variation in chemical shifts of protons near the tertiary amine was observed among different salts. These secondary shifts reveal differences in the way each anion influences electronic structure within the protonated amine. The distributions of secondary shifts allow salts to be easily distinguished from each other as well as from the free base form. Slight concentration dependence in chemical shifts of some protons near the amine was observed for two salts in CDCl3, but this effect is small compared with the influence of the counterion. Distinct chemical shifts in different salt forms of the same compound may be useful as chemical forensic signatures for source attribution and sample matching of alkaloids such as strychnine and possibly other organic acid and base salts. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HMBC‐1,n‐ADEQUATE spectra calculated from HMBC and 1,n‐ADEQUATE spectra
Authors: Martin Gary E. , Blinov Kirill A. , Williamson R. Thomas
Published: March 2013

Unsymmetrical and generalized indirect covariance processing methods provide a means of mathematically combining pairs of 2D NMR spectra that share a common frequency domain to facilitate the extraction of correlation information. Previous reports have focused on the combination of HSQC spectra with 1,1‐, 1,n‐, and inverted 1JCC 1,n‐ADEQUATE spectra to afford carbon–carbon correlation spectra that allow the extraction of direct (1JCC), long‐range (nJCC, where n ≥ 2), and 1JCC‐edited long‐range correlation data, respectively. Covariance processing of HMBC and 1,1‐ADEQUATE spectra has also recently been reported, allowing convenient, high‐sensitivity access to nJCC correlation data equivalent to the much lower sensitivity n,1‐ADEQUATE experiment. Furthermore, HMBC‐1,1‐ADEQUATE correlations are observed in the F1 frequency domain at the intrinsic chemical shift of the 13C resonance in question rather than at the double‐quantum frequency of the pair of correlated carbons, as visualized by the n,1, and m,n‐ADEQUATE experiments, greatly simplifying data interpretation. In an extension of previous work, the covariance processing of HMBC and 1,n‐ADEQUATE spectra is now reported. The resulting HMBC‐1,n‐ADEQUATE spectrum affords long‐range carbon–carbon correlation data equivalent to the very low sensitivity m,n‐ADEQUATE experiment. In addition to the significantly higher sensitivity of the covariance calculated spectrum, correlations in the HMBC‐1,n‐ADEQUATE spectrum are again detected at the intrinsic 13C chemical shifts of the correlated carbons rather than at the double‐quantum frequency of the pair of correlated carbons. HMBC‐1,n‐ADEQUATE spectra can provide correlations ranging from diagonal (0JCC or diagonal correlations) to 4JCC under normal circumstances to as much as 6JCC in rare instances. The experiment affords the potential means of establishing the structures of severely proton‐deficient molecules. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion kurtosis imaging to detect amyloidosis in an APP/PS1 mouse model for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Vanhoutte Greetje , Pereson Sandra , Delgado y Palacios Rafael , Guns Pieter‐Jan , Asselbergh Bob , Veraart Jelle , Sijbers Jan , Verhoye Marleen , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Van der Linden Annemie
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Amyloid deposition in the brain is considered an initial event in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. We hypothesized that the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain of APP/presenilin 1 mice leads to higher diffusion kurtosis measures due to increased microstructural complexity. As such, our purpose was to provide an in vivo proof of principle for detection of amyloidosis by diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI).

Methods

APPKM670/671NL/presenilin 1 L166P mice (n = 5) and wild‐type littermates (n = 5) underwent DKI at the age of 16 months. Averaged diffusion and diffusion kurtosis parameters were obtained for multiple regions (hippocampus–cortex–thalamus–cerebellum). After DKI, mice were sacrificed for amyloid staining.

Results

Histograms of the frequency distribution of the DKI parameters tended to shift to higher values. After normalization of absolute values to the cerebellum, a nearly plaque‐free region, mean, radial, and axial diffusion kurtosis were significantly higher in APP/presenilin 1 mice as compared to wild‐type in the cortex and thalamus, regions demonstrating substantial amyloid staining.

Conclusion

The current study, although small‐scale, suggests increased DKI metrics, in the absence of alterations in diffusion tensor imaging metrics in the cortex and thalamus of APP/presenilin 1 mice with established amyloidosis. These results warrant further investigations on the potential of DKI as a sensitive marker for Alzheimer's disease. Magn Reson Med 69:1115–1121, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectrally resolved fully phase‐encoded three‐dimensional fast spin‐echo imaging
Authors: Artz Nathan S. , Hernando Diego , Taviani Valentina , Samsonov Alexey , Brittain Jean H. , Reeder Scott B.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

To develop and test the feasibility of a spectrally resolved fully phase‐encoded (SR‐FPE) three‐dimensional fast spin‐echo technique and to demonstrate its application for distortion‐free imaging near metal and chemical species separation.

Methods

In separate scans at 1.5 T, a hip prosthesis phantom and a sphere filled with gadolinium solution were imaged with SR‐FPE and compared to conventional three‐dimensional‐fast spin‐echo. Spectral modeling was performed on the SR‐FPE data to generate the following parametric maps: species‐specific signal (ρspecies), B0 field inhomogeneity, and R*2. The prosthesis phantom was also scanned using a 16‐channel coil at 1.5 T. The fully sampled k‐space data were retrospectively undersampled to demonstrate the feasibility of parallel imaging acceleration in all three phase‐encoding directions, in combination with corner‐cutting and half‐Fourier sampling. Finally, SR‐FPE was performed with an acetone/water/oil phantom to test chemical species separation.

Results

High quality distortion‐free images and parametric maps were generated from SR‐FPE. A 4 h SR‐FPE scan was retrospectively accelerated to 12 min while preserving spectral information and 7.5 min without preserving spectral data. Chemical species separation was demonstrated in the acetone/water/oil phantom.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates the feasibility of SR‐FPE to perform chemical species separation and spectrally resolved imaging near metal without distortion, in scan times appropriate for the clinical setting. Magn Reson Med 71:681–690, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A 16‐channel dual‐row transmit array in combination with a 31‐element receive array for human brain imaging at 9.4 T
Authors: Shajan G. , Kozlov Mikhail , Hoffmann Jens , Turner Robert , Scheffler Klaus , Pohmann Rolf
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Arranging transmit array elements in multiple rows provides an additional degree of freedom to correct B1+ field inhomogeneities and to achieve whole‐brain excitation at ultrahigh field strengths. Receive arrays shaped to the contours of the anatomy increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the image. In this work, the advantages offered by the transmit and receive array techniques are combined for human brain imaging at 9.4 T.

Methods

A 16‐element dual‐row transmit array and a 31‐element receive array were developed. Based on an accurate numerical model of the transmit array, the deposited power was calculated for different head sizes and positions. The influence of the receive array on the transmit field was characterized. Parallel imaging performance and signal‐to‐noise ratio of the receive array were evaluated.

Results

On average, a two fold increase in signal‐to‐noise ratio was observed in the whole‐brain volume when compared with a 16‐channel elliptic microstrip transceiver array. The benefits of combining the two arrays, B1+ shimming in three directions and high receive sensitivity, are demonstrated with high‐resolution in vivo images.

Conclusion

The dual‐row transmit array provides whole‐brain coverage at 9.4 T, which, in combination with the helmet‐shaped receive array, is a valuable radio frequency configuration for ultra‐high field magnetic resonance imaging of the human brain. Magn Reson Med 71:870–879, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anorganische Chemie 2012
Authors: Fischer Roland C. , Weigand Jan J.
Published: March 2013

Hauptgruppenelemente: Neue Synthesestrategien, ungewöhnliche Bindungssituationen und vollständige katalytische Kreisprozesse — Koordinationschemie: Gold als überraschendes Element und metallhaltige, supramolekulare Systeme gewinnen an Komplexität — Bioanorganik: Mechanismen von Metalloenzymen und Aktivierung von Sauerstoff
Makromolekulare Chemie 2012
Authors: Walther Andreas , Schacher Felix H. , Kühne Alexander
Published: March 2013

Polymerisationen lassen sich durch Licht und Elektrochemie steuern, und definierte Monomersequenzen sowie kontrollierte modulare Ligation tragen zur besseren Strukturkontrolle bei. Kolloidale Systeme zeichnen sich durch höhere Komplexität aus, weiche und hochfunktionale Kerne werden ergänzt durch Anisometrie und Kompartimentierung von Wechselwirkungen und Funktionen. Anwendungsgebiete für funktionale Polymere finden sich in der Optoelektronik, den Bio‐ und Lebenswissenschaften sowie in autonom selbstheilenden, schaltbaren und porösen Materialien.
Traditionelle Rollenmuster
Authors: Pascher Ute
Published: March 2013

Wie sehen Chemiestudentinnen ihren Weg in die Wissenschaft? Soziologinnen der Universität Duisburg‐Essen haben bei Studentinnen im zweiten Fachsemester nachgefragt und ihre Antworten mit denen ihrer männlichen Kommilitonen verglichen.
The Therapeutic Effects of Repeated Detrusor Injections Between 200 or 300 Units of OnabotulinumtoxinA in Chronic Spinal Cord Injured Patients
Authors: Chen Yih‐Chou , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To investigate the therapeutic effects of repeated detrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections on treatment outcomes, quality of life (QoL), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in chronic spinal cord injured (SCI) patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

Materials and Methods

Patients with SCI who failed antimuscarinic treatment were enrolled. All patients had urodynamic detrusor overactivity (DO) or increased detrusor tonicity without anatomical bladder outlet obstruction or intrinsic sphincter deficiency. They were randomly assigned to receive 200‐U or 300‐U onabotulinumtoxinA detrusor injections every 6 months. The primary endpoint was 6 months after the second injection. The urodynamic parameters, QoL measures, and 99mTc renal scans were evaluated at baseline and every 3 months and compared between dosages.

Results

A total of 72 patients were enrolled, including 43 men and 29 women and mean injury duration of 8.7 years. Among them, 38 patients received 200‐U and 34 received 300‐U onabotulinumtoxinA injections. At the end‐point, the urodynamic parameters and incontinence severity improved significantly, without a significant difference between the two groups. QoL also improved in both groups, without differences between groups. Uninhibited DO improved more in 300‐U group compared to 200‐U group at end‐point (P = 0.01). The GFR did not change significantly in either group. The most common complication was urinary tract infection, which occurred in one third of patients.

Conclusions

Either 200‐U or 300‐U repeated detrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections improved incontinence, urodynamic parameters, and QoL in SCI patients with neurogenic DO. Renal function was maintained in patients receiving both dosage of repeated injections. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:129–134, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An inverse scattering problem for the time‐dependent Maxwell equations: nonlinear optimization and model‐order reduction
Authors: Mancini R. , Volkwein S.
Published: March 2013

In this paper, an inverse scattering problem for the time‐dependent Maxwell curl equations is considered on an unbounded domain. This problem is formulated as an optimal control problem governed by partial differential equations. Utilizing techniques from infinite‐dimensional optimization first‐order necessary optimality conditions is presented. For the numerical solution, a gradient‐based algorithm is successfully applied. To investigate the applicability of reduced‐order modeling in the context of the underlying inverse scattering problem, the method of proper orthogonal decomposition is studied for the Maxwell equations with respect to changes in the excitation frequencies and change of parameters. Numerical tests illustrate the efficiency for the proper orthogonal decomposition model‐order reduction approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calibration and application of B/Ca, Cd/Ca, and δ11B in Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (sinistral) to constrain CO2 uptake in the subpolar North Atlantic during the last deglaciation
Authors: Yu Jimin , Thornalley David J. R. , Rae James W. B. , McCave Nick I.
Published: March 2013

The North Atlantic and Norwegian Sea are prominent sinks of atmospheric CO2 today, but their roles in the past remain poorly constrained. In this study, we attempt to use B/Ca and δ11B ratios in the planktonic foraminifera Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (sinistral variety) to reconstruct subsurface water pH and pCO2 changes in the polar North Atlantic during the last deglaciation. Comparison of core‐top results with nearby hydrographic data shows that B/Ca in N. pachyderma (s) is mainly controlled by seawater B(OH)4−/HCO3− with a roughly constant partition coefficient of 1.48 ± 0.15 × 10−3 (2σ), and δ11B in this species is offset below δ11B of the borate in seawater by 3.38 ± 0.71‰ (2σ). These values represent our best estimates with the sparse available hydrographic data close to our core‐tops. More culturing and sediment trap work is needed to improve our understanding of boron incorporation into N. pachyderma (s). Application of a constant KD of 1.48 × 10−3 to high resolution N. pachyderma (s) B/Ca records from two adjacent cores off Iceland shows that subsurface pCO2 at the habitat depth of N. pachyderma (s) (~50 m) generally followed the atmospheric CO2 trend but with negative offsets of ~10–50 ppmv during 19–10 ka. These B/Ca‐based reconstructions are supported by independent estimates from low‐resolution δ11B measurements in the same cores. We also calibrate and apply Cd/Ca in N. pachyderma (s) to reconstruct nutrient levels for the same down cores. Like today's North Atlantic, past subsurface pCO2 variability off Iceland was significantly correlated with nutrient changes that might be linked to surface nutrient utilization and mixing within the upper water column. Because surface pCO2 (at 0 m water depth) is always lower than at deeper depths and if the application of a constant KD is valid, our results suggest that the polar North Atlantic has remained a CO2 sink during the calcification seasons of N. pachyderma (s) over the last deglaciation.
Diabetes care: can QOF miss the point? Unexpected improvement in diabetes control should prompt a search for an underlying cause
Authors: Hunter Louise , Pearce Sushmita
Published: March 2013

The Quality and Outcomes Framework for diabetes mellitus has led to an improvement in diabetes management since its introduction in 2004. However, the focus on reduction of HbA1c must not detract from a holistic approach to patient care.

We present the case of a patient whose unexpected decline in HbA1c levels culminated in an emergency presentation to hospital, where Addison's disease was diagnosed. Features of adrenal insufficiency were present prior to acute admission.

We review the presenting features of Addison's disease and discuss the differential diagnosis of reduced HbA1c in diabetic patients. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons.
Safety and efficacy of liraglutide 1.2mg in patients with mild and moderate renal impairment: the ABCD nationwide liraglutide audit
Authors: Thong KY , Walton C , Ryder REJ ,   On behalf of the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) Nationwide Liraglutide Audit contributors
Published: March 2013

Liraglutide is not predominantly eliminated by renal excretion. We assessed its safety and efficacy among patients with mild and moderate renal impairment.

Patients from a nationwide audit of liraglutide (1.2mg) use were divided according to pre‐treatment renal function calculated by the Cockcroft‐Gault formula. Adverse events, liraglutide discontinuation and changes in HbA1c, weight, systolic blood pressure and serum creatinine were compared between groups of different pre‐treatment renal function.

As compared with patients with normal renal function (n=1446), patients with mild renal impairment (n=288) and moderate renal impairment (n=57) were equally likely to report gastrointestinal side effects (adjusted OR 1.11 [95% CI 0.80–1.54] and 0.67 [95% CI 0.31–1.48]), respectively, but more frequently stopped liraglutide due to gastrointestinal side effects (adjusted OR 2.32 [95% CI 1.45–3.74] and 2.37 [95% CI 0.97–5.81]), respectively. Minor hypoglycaemia and acute renal failure were uncommonly reported and were not more frequent among patients with renal impairment. Patients remaining on treatment in all three groups achieved significant HbA1c and weight reduction at six months (between 11 to 12mmol/mol [1.0 to 1.1%] and ‐3.6 to ‐3.8kg). No effect of renal function was seen influencing the degree of HbA1c and weight reduction. Liraglutide treatment was associated with a small reduction in serum creatinine among patients with renal impairment.

We concluded that liraglutide was safe, efficacious but more frequently discontinued among patients with mild renal impairment. More data are needed to establish its safety among patients with moderate or more significant renal impairment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons.
Mechanical properties of perfluoro sulfonated acids: The role of temperature and solute activity
Authors: Zhao Qiao , Benziger Jay
Published: March 2013

Water sorption and mechanical properties of perfluoro sulfonated acids (PFSAs), Aquivion and Nafion, are compared under environmentally controlled conditions from 25 to 120 °C and water activities of 0–0.95. Under dry conditions Nafion and Aquivion have thermal transitions at 60 °C and 95 °C, respectively, where the elastic modulus decreases rapidly with increasing temperature. Below their thermal transition temperatures water sorption plasticizes both PFSAs; the elastic moduli decrease with increasing water activity. Above the thermal transition water sorption stiffens both polymers; increasing the water activity from 0 to 0.01 increases the elastic moduli by a factor >10. Plasticization and stiffening are reversible with changing water activity at constant temperature. The thermal transition in PFSAs is suggested to result from reversible clustering of ionic groups. The higher thermal transition temperature for Aquivion is suggested to reduce the risk of membrane thinning and failure due to creep. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 915–925
Interpretation of experimental dependencies of the switching effect in GeSbTe
Authors: Bogoslovskiy Nikita
Published: March 2013

An electronic–thermal model of the switching effect in chalcogenide glassy semiconductors (CGSs) is investigated. The model fits the experimental current–voltage characteristics (CVC) of GeSbTe films in both the ohmic and exponential regions. Also, the model is in good agreement with the experimental dependences of threshold voltage and threshold current on temperature and thickness. The results indicate that multiphonon tunnel ionization (MTI) of negative‐U centers and heating is a possible mechanism for the CVC nonlinearity and the switching effect in chalcogenides.
Towards the understanding of the intentionally induced yellow luminescence in GaN nanowires
Authors: Rodrigues J. , Miranda S. M. C. , Fernandes A. J. S. , Nogales E. , Alves L. C. , Alves E. , Tourbot G. , Auzelle T. , Daudin B. , Méndez B. , Trindade T. , Lorenz K. , Costa F. M. , Monteiro T.
Published: March 2013

Gallium nitride (GaN) has gained a lot of attention due to its high range of applications as solid state light emitters and detectors. However, the nitride samples often evidence deep level optically active defects affecting their performance on the high energy spectral region. This is the case for the commonly observed yellow luminescence (YL) band detected in bulk samples and thin films. Despite the large amount of literature reports on the processes that rule this emission in GaN films, there is still some controversy regarding the origin of the defects from where the YL originates. Furthermore, decreasing the dimensionality by analysing GaN nanowires provides new information on the luminescence behaviour when compared with epilayers. By using room temperature optical analysis, we aim to contribute to a deeper insight into the understanding of the YL detected in GaN NW, where YL was induced/enhanced by ion implantation and annealing treatments. YL was seen to be strongly dependent on different surface modifications, the analysis environment and illumination/irradiation excitation time. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Surface modification of field emission cathodes made of artificial carbon‐based material
Authors: Chepusov Alexander , Cholakh Seif , Kislov Eugene , Komarsky Alexander , Kuznetsov Vadim , Niculin Sergei , Skomorokhov Denis
Published: March 2013

While the field emission acts at the technical vacuum level conditions (10‐5 Pa) and electrons emitted from cathode, the ion bombardment exists and continuously modifies the cathode surface. Using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) we studied the electronic structure of thin surface layer of artificial carbon‐based materials (ACB) used as field emission cathodes (FEC). The research resulted in the spectra of the samples B‐1300, B‐1500, B‐1900. After spectra processing features analysis shows the change in type of hybridization of the original material. This change is supported by three characteristic spectral features: asymmetry of the core levels spectrum lines change, the satellite structure transformation, Auger‐line and modification. So the initial material had sp2 type of hybridization, the spectra show that in thin surface layer a new phase with sp3‐hybridization exists and we can conclude formation of nanoclusters with diamond‐phase in thin surface layer of cathode. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Irradiation of carbon nanotubes with carbon projectiles: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Denton Cristian D. , Heredia‐Avalos Santiago , Moreno‐Marín Juan Carlos
Published: March 2013

The irradiation of carbon based nanostructures with ions and electrons has been shown to be an appropriate tool to tailor their properties. The defects induced in the nanostructures during irradiation are able to modify their mechanical and electronic properties. Here we simulate the irradiation of carbon nanotubes with carbon ions using a molecular dynamics code. We use the Tersoff potential joined smoothly to the Universal Ziegler‐Biersack‐Littmark potential at short distances. We study the number of defects produced after irradiation with a single carbon ion finding a saturation with its energy at ∼ 3 keV. We observe, after continuum irradiation with low energy ions, the formation of bumps in the irradiated region. For larger energy ions we find that the diameter of the nanotube shrinks as shown in previous works. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and dielectric properties of Pb0.85Ba0.25Zr0.53Ti0.47O3 compounds with nano‐inclusions of Cu and Ni
Authors: Gurskii L. I. , Macutkevic J. , Banys J. , Poddubskaya A. , Saraseko M. N. , Petrov A. V. , Kalanda N. A. , Sobolev N. A.
Published: March 2013

Ceramic piezomaterials based on Pb0.75Ba0.15Zr0.53Ti0.47O3 (PBZT) system are characterized by high values of the ferroelectric Curie temperature and polarization. They have widespread applications in electromechanical and electroacoustic transducers, bandwidth filters, transformers, frequency stabilized resonators, etc. Preparation of PBZT composites with nano‐inclusions of Cu and Ni have been carried out by a complex powder technology including metallization procedures which were performed by the well‐known chemical deposition method from standard solutions of copper and nickel. Studies of hydrostatic density and porosity of obtained samples as well as their microstructural investigations have yielded a larger density of PBZT‐metal composites (5.3 – 7.3 g/cm3) as compared with pure PBZT (4.7 g/cm3). Measurements of dielectric properties of samples in the frequency range from 20 Hz – 1 MHz have shown that the Curie temperature increases in PBZT (Ni) and decreases in PBZT(Cu) in comparison with pure PBZT. The complex dielectric permittivity of all investigated composites at higher temperatures and low frequencies is mainly caused by the high electrical conductivity. Only at the highest frequency used (1 MHz) the real part of the complex permittivity is caused by a resonant soft mode and could be fitted with the Curie‐Weiss law. The activation energy of ferroelectric domain mobility in PBZT (Cu, Ni) composites is lower than in pure PBZT. This can be explained by a decrease of the domain size in composites. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of the Green Tea Leaf Extract on Neurotoxicity of Aluminium Chloride in Rats
Authors: Jelenković Ankica , Jovanović Marina D. , Stevanović Ivana , Petronijević Nataša , Bokonjić Dubravko , Živković Jelena , Igić Rajko
Published: March 2013

Aluminium may have an important role in the aetiology/pathogenesis/precipitation of Alzheimer's disease. Because green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) reportedly has health‐promoting effects in the central nervous system, we evaluated the effects of green tea leaf extract (GTLE) on aluminium chloride (AlCl3) neurotoxicity in rats. All solutions were injected into the cornu ammonis region 1 hippocampal region. We measured the performance of active avoidance (AA) tasks, various enzyme activities and total glutathione content (TGC) in the forebrain cortex (FbC), striatum, basal forebrain (BFb), hippocampus, brain stem and cerebellum. AlCl3 markedly reduced AA performance and activities of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in all regions. It decreased TGC in the FbC, striatum, BFb, hippocampus, brain stem and cerebellum, and increased superoxide dismutase activity in the FbC, cerebellum and BFb. GTLE pretreatment completely reversed the damaging effects of AlCl3 on AA and superoxide dismutase activity, markedly corrected COX and AChE activities, and moderately improved TGC. GTLE alone increased COX and AChE activities in almost all regions. GTLE reduces AlCl3 neurotoxicity probably via antioxidative effects and improves mitochondrial and cholinergic synaptic functions through the actions of (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate and (−)‐epicatechin, compounds most abundantly found in GTLE. Our results suggest that green tea might be beneficial in Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A MODEL INCORPORATING DISTURBANCE AND RECOVERY PROCESSES IN BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE HABITAT—FLOW TIME SERIES
Authors: Olsen D. A. , Hayes J. W. , Booker D. J. , Barter P. J.
Published: March 2013

We describe and demonstrate a model (Benthic Invertebrate Time Series Habitat Simulation) for calculating the effect of changes to flow regimes on benthic invertebrate habitat and population dynamics. The following inputs are required: a hydrograph (discharge time series), habitat–discharge relationship, disturbance–discharge relationship, wetted width–discharge relationship and a recolonization time series. Habitat–discharge, disturbance–discharge and wetted width–discharge relationships are common outputs from instream hydraulic habitat models (e.g. Physical Habitat Simulation, River Hydraulic Habitat Simulation and River2D). Hydraulic habitat models calculate a combined habitat suitability index from physical habitat suitability curves for water depth, velocity and substrate composition and weight this by area to give a weighted usable area (WUA). Because conventional invertebrate habitat suitability curves are based on density estimates, the combined habitat suitability index can be treated as an index of density and WUA treated as an index of potential relative abundance (at the reach scale) in the absence of disturbance due to flow variation (flooding and drying) and biotic processes. Our approach begins with WUA and calculates realizable suitable habitat (i.e. relative abundance) by taking into account the resetting of benthic invertebrate densities by floods and drying and recovery (or accrual) rates and times. The approach is intended mainly to compare the relative amounts of productive invertebrate habitat sustained by natural and modified flow regimes, but it also has the potential for investigating the influence of flow variation on invertebrate population dynamics. We anticipate that the model will be particularly useful for assessing effects of changes in flow regimes caused by diversions, abstractions or water storage on annual benthic invertebrate productivity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
User authentication scheme with anonymity, unlinkability and untrackability for global mobility networks
Authors: Lee Tian‐Fu
Published: March 2013

User authentication procedures are essential for global mobility networks and enable a mobile user to communicate securely with other users. Chang et al. recently presented an efficient authentication scheme with user anonymity in roaming environments. The authentication scheme of Chang et al. used low‐cost functions and was most suitable for battery‐powered mobile environments. However, Youn et al. pointed out that their authentication scheme cannot ensure user anonymity and resist known session key and side channel attacks. This study will demonstrate that the scheme of Chang et al. cannot resist impersonation attacks and violates session key security. In addition, this study present a secure and efficient authentication scheme based on the scheme of Chang et al. The proposed scheme not only avoids the weaknesses of the authentication scheme of Chang et al. but also ensures data unlinkability and users untrackabilty. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of chemical information and morphology for in‐depth oxide layers in decarburized electrical steel with glow discharge sputtering
Authors: Jung Sehoon , Kwon Min Serk , Kim Seung Bin , Shin Kwang Soo
Published: March 2013

A combination of scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy with a sampling method by glow discharge sputtering was successfully employed to characterize the chemical information and microscopic features of oxide layers formed during decarburization annealing of electrical steel in the depth direction at high resolution. The discontinuous surface oxides consisted of SiO2, (Fe,Mn)SiO3/(Fe,Mn)2SiO4, and FeO. SiO2 embedded in the (Fe,Mn)2SiO4 at the surface may be developed by the preferential nucleation and growth kinetics. The discrete or often relatively spherical oxides of internal oxidation by the energetically favorable surface effect were identified as a mixture of SiO2 and (Fe,Mn)2SiO4 at a depth of ~0.5 µm from the surface. The oxides of networks and small particles at a depth greater than ~1 µm were solely silica, of which the morphologies were possibly caused by the enhanced diffusion of oxygen atoms and Si atoms at grain boundaries or sub‐grain boundaries. The equilibrium and kinetic considerations served by theoretical calculations were introduced to understand the formation and behavior of the observed in‐depth oxidation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The issue of pseudoreplication when applying a statistical exploratory approach to extract relevant features from ToF‐SIMS spectra
Authors: Dell'Anna Rossana , Canteri Roberto , Coppedè Nicola , Iannotta Salvatore , Bersani Massimo
Published: March 2013

The issue of automated peak selection in time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) spectra is examined in relation to the hierarchical nature of the experimental design and the related existence of observations which are not statistically independent. To avoid unreliable results, the presence of pseudoreplication should be taken into account correctly. A combination of the recommended univariate peak selection approach with some multivariate techniques, namely principal component analysis and heat map data representation, is proposed to highlight and analyze obtained results for a set of ToF‐SIMS spectra from copper phthalocyanine thin films grown on TiO2 substrates by a supersonic beam deposition apparatus. New insight is obtained on the effectiveness of the deposition for different working parameters of the process. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multifractal analysis for Cu/Ti bilayer thin films
Authors: Lin Qi‐jing , Yang Shu‐ming , Wang Chen‐ying , Ding Jian‐jun , Jiang Zhuang‐de
Published: March 2013

Two bilayer thin films with different stacking sequences, Cu/Ti/Si and Ti/Cu/Si, were deposited by DC magnetron sputtering technique. X‐ray diffraction technique was used to measure the crystallization structures, and scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to measured surface morphology. The multifractal spectra f(α)‐α was used to characterize the surface morphology. The result of |q|max ≤ 53 is obtained by multifractal analysis. The shape of the multifractal spectra f(α) − α is hook‐like for Cu/Ti/Si and bell jar‐like for Ti/Cu/Si. The spectrum width Δα = αmax − αmin and Δf(=f(αmin) − f(αmax)) of the multifractal spectra is able to quantitatively analyze the growth and surface roughness of the Cu/Ti bilayer thin films. The surface of Ti/Cu/Si thin film is more uniform and smoother than the film of Cu/Ti/Si. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Situ Investigation of the Allotropic Transformation in Iron
Authors: Zhang Xin‐Fang , Komizo Yu‐ichi
Published: March 2013

Previous studies on the allotropic transformation in iron suggested a high transformation temperature and a controversial transformation mechanism. At present, however, our understanding of the transformation characteristics in iron seems insufficient, especially as there is a general lack of in situ data on morphological evolution and lattice parameter changes during the transformation. In this study, the characteristics of the morphology, the crystallographic relationships, and short‐range diffusion in the allotropic transformation are investigated systematically on the basis of in situ and ex situ observations using time resolved X‐ray diffraction, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and electron backscattering diffraction. In contrast to the martensitic transformation, the characteristics of the allotropic transformation will be highlighted. Finally, the results are compared with previous reports in order to provide further insight into the nature of the phase transformation based on the in situ observations.
Hardness Variation in P92 Heat‐Resistant Steel based on Microstructural Evolution during Creep
Authors: Jiang Jun , Zhu Lihui , Wang Yanfeng
Published: March 2013

In order to optimize the strength of P92 heat‐resistant steel, the variation in hardness and microstructural evolution during creep were investigated. The results show that before crept for 1429 h at 873 K, the coarsening of M23C6 is the main factor to decrease the hardness. When the creeping time prolongs from 1429 to 6063 h, the increase of hardness is mostly attributed to the precipitation of a large amount of Laves phase. Thereafter, the coarsening of Laves phase leads to the decline in hardness. The precipitation hardening resulting from MX drops distinctly in spite of the slight growth during creep. It is important to control the growth of MX, decrease the coarsening velocity of M23C6 and keep Laves phase to be fine.
Fetal cardiac function in recipient twins undergoing fetoscopic laser ablation of placental anastomoses for Stage IV twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Van Mieghem T. , Martin A. M. , Weber R. , Barrea C. , Windrim R. , Hornberger L. K. , Jaeggi E. , Ryan G.
Published: March 2013

Objective

Cardiac dysfunction is common in the recipient fetus of twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). In this study, we aimed to document the severity of fetal cardiac dysfunction in Stage IV TTTS (fetal hydrops) and assess evolution of cardiac function longitudinally after fetoscopic laser surgery.

Methods

We reviewed obstetric ultrasound examination data, pre‐ and postoperative echocardiograms and neonatal outcomes for 22 cases of Stage IV TTTS undergoing fetoscopic laser ablation of placental anastomoses between 1998 and 2011. Myocardial performance index, atrioventricular valve flow patterns, ventricular shortening fraction, ventricular hypertrophy, outflow tract obstruction and venous Doppler waveforms were assessed.

Results

Nineteen fetuses (86.4%) had ascites, eight (36.4%) had pleural effusions, nine (40.9%) had a pericardial effusion and 12 (54.5%) had subcutaneous edema at presentation. Preoperatively, cardiac function was grossly abnormal in all. Eight fetuses (36.4%) had functional pulmonary atresia and one (4.5%) had functional aortic atresia. Seventy‐seven percent of recipient fetuses survived until birth. Postoperative echocardiographic follow‐up (mean, 26 days) showed that indices of fetal cardiac function improved considerably, but never completely normalized. Six of the eight fetuses with functional pulmonary atresia (75.0%), as well as the fetus with functional aortic atresia, survived to birth. In all cases, the functional atresia resolved within 48 h of laser ablation therapy and none had structural valve anomalies at birth. All fetal effusions resolved after the laser.

Conclusions

Fetoscopic laser ablation of placental anastomoses reverses cardiac dysfunction and valvulopathy, even in the most severe cases of TTTS. However, recovery takes longer than in early stage disease. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Transrectal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of tumor size following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Pinkavova I. , Fischerova D. , Zikan M. , Burgetova A. , Slama J. , Svarovsky J. , Dundr P. , Dusek L. , Cibula D.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To assess the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in the evaluation of tumor size and in the detection of residual tumor following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients with cervical cancer.

Methods

This was a prospective study involving 42 women with locally advanced histologically confirmed cervical cancer referred forNACT. Clinical examination,TRUSandMRIwere performed before and afterNACT. The tumor volume was calculated using three standardized diameters (anteroposterior, laterolateral and craniocaudal) that were measured using bothTRUSandMRI. Thereafter patients underwent surgical treatment and the same tumor measurements were taken by a pathologist using a fixed surgical specimen. Tumor volumes were calculated from tumor dimensions using the ellipsoid formula, and data obtained from both imaging methods were compared with pathological results as the gold standard.

Results

Twelve cases were excluded from the study owing to disease progression (these patients were referred for primary radiotherapy) or inability to performMRI, leaving data from 30 patients for the final analysis. On average, tumor volume decreased afterNACTby 84.6 and 87.1% as measured byMRIandTRUS, respectively. The agreement between measurements obtained byMRIand histology did not reach significance (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.344 (95%CI, –0.013 to 0.610), P = 0.059), while agreement betweenTRUSand histology was statistically significant (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.795 (95%CI, 0.569–0.902), P < 0.001). The accuracy of residual tumor detection (for non‐microscopic tumors > 5 mm3in volume) reached 77% for bothMRIandTRUS. The sensitivity ofTRUSwas, however, lower than that ofMRI(83vs96%). The positive predictive values were similar for the two methods.

Conclusions

TRUSshould be considered as an accurate diagnostic method in the evaluation of tumor volume afterNACTin patients with cervical cancer and may constitute a reliable alternative imaging method toMRI. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Novel insight into Y‐box binding protein 1 in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation through targeting GC box‐dependent genes
Authors: Shi Jian-hong , Zheng Bin , Li Yong-hui , Sun Yan , Han Ai-li , Zhang Xin-hua , Lv Xin-rui , Chen Si , Wen Jin-kun
Published: March 2013

Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a key event in atherosclerosis and restenosis. In this paper, we report that Y‐box binding protein 1 (YB1) functions as a phenotypic regulator in VSMC proliferation‐differentiation switching through targeting GC box‐dependent genes. Oligo pull‐down assays demonstrated that YB1 binds directly to GC boxes via amino acids 125–220. YB1 C‐terminal tail domain (CTD, amino acids 125–324) regulates GC box‐dependent target gene transcription and suppresses VSMC proliferation. These findings provide a novel insight into the regulation of GC box‐related genes by YB1, and provide a new understanding of VSMC proliferation regulation.
The genetic code as expressed through relationships between mRNA structure and protein function
Authors: Mauger David M. , Siegfried Nathan A. , Weeks Kevin M.
Published: March 2013

Structured RNA elements within messenger RNA often direct or modulate the cellular production of active proteins. As reviewed here, RNA structures have been discovered that govern nearly every step in protein production: mRNA production and stability; translation initiation, elongation, and termination; protein folding; and cellular localization. Regulatory RNA elements are common within RNAs from every domain of life. This growing body of RNA‐mediated mechanisms continues to reveal new ways in which mRNA structure regulates translation. We integrate examples from several different classes of RNA structure‐mediated regulation to present a global perspective that suggests that the secondary and tertiary structure of RNA ultimately constitutes an additional level of the genetic code that both guides and regulates protein biosynthesis.