bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Size‐ and Shape‐Dependent Fluorescence Quenching of Gold Nanoparticles on Perylene Dye
Authors: Xue Chenming , Xue Yuhua , Dai Liming , Urbas Augustine , Li Quan
Published: June 2013

Organo‐soluble decane thiol monolayer‐protected gold nanoparticles of different shapes and sizes are homogenously mixed with strong fluorescent perylene diimide (PDI) dye molecules in both solution and solid states. The effect of the doped gold nanoparticles on PDI is investigated by UV–vis, fluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman experiments. The gold nanoparticles are found to modify the strong fluorescence properties of PDI depending on particle size and shape. The smallest spherical gold nanoparticles (2.6 nm) exhibit the strongest quenching effect. When the smallest spherical gold nanoparticles are cast on the PDI soaked paper followed by drying and/or sealing in a polydimethylsiloxane film, the area with gold nanoparticles shows significant quenching effects under a UV light but appears visually identical to the surrounding area under daylight. This demonstrates the potential to introduce gold nanoparticles into practical applications such as antifraud technologies.
Global optimization of large‐scale mixed‐integer linear fractional programming problems: A reformulation‐linearization method and process scheduling applications
Authors: Yue Dajun , Guillén‐Gosálbez Gonzalo , You Fengqi
Published: June 2013

Mixed‐integer linear fractional program (MILFP) is a class of mixed‐integer nonlinear programs (MINLP) where the objective function is the ratio of two linear functions and all constraints are linear. Global optimization of large‐scale MILFPs can be computationally intractable due to the presence of discrete variables and the pseudoconvex/pseudoconcave objective function. We propose a novel and efficient reformulation–linearization method, which integrates Charnes–Cooper transformation and Glover's linearization scheme, to transform general MILFPs into their equivalent mixed‐integer linear programs (MILP), allowing MILFPs to be globally optimized effectively with MILP methods. Extensive computational studies are performed to demonstrate the efficiency of this method. To illustrate its applications, we consider two batch scheduling problems, which are modeled as MILFPs based on the continuous‐time formulations. Computational results show that the proposed approach requires significantly shorter CPU times than various general‐purpose MINLP methods and shows similar performance than the tailored parametric algorithm for solving large‐scale MILFP problems. Specifically, it performs with respect to the CPU time roughly a half of the parametric algorithm for the scheduling applications. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4255–4272, 2013
Outcome of patients activating an unrelated donor search for severe acquired aplastic anemia
Authors: Maury Sébastien , Balère‐Appert Marie‐Lorraine , Pollichieni Simona , Oneto Rosi , Yakoub‐Agha Ibrahim , Locatelli Franco , Dalle Jean‐Hugues , Lanino Edoardo , Fischer Alain , Pession Andrea , Huynh Anne , Barberi Walter , Mohty Mohamad , Risitano Antonio , Milpied Noel , Socié Gérard , Bacigalupo Andrea , Marsh Judith , Passweg Jakob R. ,   for the Severe Aplastic Anemia Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT)
Published: June 2013

Patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) without a sibling donor receive immunosuppressive treatment (IST) with anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG). In the case of no response to IST, a voluntary unrelated donor (VUD) search is usually started. This study analyzes the outcome of ATG‐refractory SAA patients activating a VUD search. Of 179 patients, 68 had at least one HLA‐A, –B, and –DR matched donor identified and underwent HSCT while 50 also with a donor were not transplanted because of early death (8), late response to IST (34), transplant refusal (1), or other (7). Conversely, 61 had no matched donor, 13 of those ultimately received a mismatched HSCT. All but one received marrow stem cells. Among patients aged <17 years, those with at least one matched donor had a significant higher 4‐year survival as compared to others (79% ± 6% versus 53% ± 10%, P = 0.01). There was also a survival advantage independent of recipient age when the donor search was initiated in the recent 2000–2005 study‐period (74% ± 6% versus 47% ± 10%, P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, the identification of a matched VUD tended to impact favourably on survival in patients with a recent donor search (P = 0.07). This study provides evidence for the use of unrelated donor HSCT in children and adults with IST‐refractory SAA. Am. J. Hematol. 88:868–873, 2013. © 2013 The Authors. American Journal of Hematology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A polymorphism in the TYMP gene is associated with the outcome of HLA‐identical sibling allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Guillem Vicent , Hernández‐Boluda Juan Carlos , Gallardo David , Buño Ismael , Bosch Anna , Martínez‐Laperche Carolina , de la Cámara Rafael , Brunet Salut , Martin Carmen , Nieto José B. , Martínez Carmen , Pérez Ariadna , Montoro Juan , Garcia‐Noblejas Ana , Solano Carlos ,   on behalf of the Spanish Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Cell Therapy Group (GETH)
Published: June 2013

Thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP), an enzyme involved in nucleotide synthesis, has been implicated in critical biological processes such as DNA replication, protection against mutations, and tissue repair. In this work, we retrospectively evaluated the influence of a polymorphism in the TYMP gene (rs112723255; G/A) upon the outcome of 448 patients subjected to allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) from an human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐identical sibling donor. The TYMP genotype of patients correlated with overall survival—carriers of the minor allele (A) being at an increased risk of dying after transplantation (hazard ratio, HR = 1.9; P = 0.004). This effect was mostly due to differences in transplant toxicity‐related mortality (HR = 2.5; P = 0.029). In addition, the TYMP genotype of donors was associated with the risk of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD)—carriers of the minor allele being at an increased risk of developing this complication ([HR] = 1.7; P = 0.039). The impact of such polymorphism on the risk of chronic GVHD is limited to patients transplanted in early stage disease (HR = 2.2; P = 0.019). The combination of a donor harboring the minor allele with a patient homozygous for the major allele was associated with the highest risk of chronic GVHD (HR = 2.8; P = 0.008). These findings provide the first evidence of the significant impact of the TYMP genotype upon the clinical outcome of patients treated with HLA‐identical sibling allo‐SCT. Am. J. Hematol. 88:883–889, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Schistosomiasis Chemotherapy
Authors: Thétiot‐Laurent Sophie A.‐L. , Boissier Jérôme , Robert Anne , Meunier Bernard
Published: June 2013

After malaria, schistosomiasis (or bilharzia) is the second most prevalent disease in Africa, and is occurring in over 70 countries in tropical and subtropical regions. It is estimated that 600 million people are at risk of infection, 200 million people are infected, and at least 200 000 deaths per year are associated with the disease. All schistosome species are transmitted through contact with fresh water that is infested with free‐swimming forms of the parasite, which is known as cercariae and produced by snails. When located in the blood vessels of the host, larval and adult schistosomes digest red cells to acquire amino acids for growth and development. Vaccine candidates have been unsuccessful up to now. Against such devastating parasitic disease, the antischistosomal arsenal is currently limited to a single drug, praziquantel, which has been used for more than 35 years. Because the question of the reduction of the activity of praziquantel was raised recently, it is thus urgent to create new and safe antischistosomal drugs that should be combined with praziquantel to develop efficient bitherapies.
Effectiveness of habitat classes as surrogates for biodiversity in marine reserve planning
Authors: Dixon‐Bridges Kylie , Hutchings Pat , Gladstone William
Published: June 2013

Surrogates are used in marine conservation planning when there is limited information on the distribution of biodiversity, and representation of species and assemblage diversity are conservation goals. With prior confirmation of their relationship to spatial variation in biodiversity, habitat classification schemes are a potentially useful surrogate.

Polychaetes can comprise over one‐third of species of benthic infaunal assemblages, they are the most frequent and abundant marine metazoans in benthic environments, and they are a reliable surrogate for other macrobenthic taxa.

It was tested whether polychaete biodiversity differed among six estuarine habitat classes defined for conservation planning in the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park, New South Wales, Australia: subtidal sand, mud, muddy sand, and seagrass beds comprisingPosidonia australis,Zostera capricorniand mixedPosidonia/Zostera. Polychaetes were sampled from replicate sites in each habitat and differences among habitat classes in species richness, abundance, and assemblage structure were examined. Several environmental variables, known to be important determinants of polychaete distribution, were also quantified at each site.

Ninety‐five species of polychaetes (belonging to 35 families) were identified. Species richness and abundance did not differ among the habitat classes. Polychaete assemblages of subtidal sand differed from assemblages in both mud and muddy sand, however, assemblages in all other habitats were not different. A combination of some of the measured environmental variables (distance to the estuary entrance, depth, sediment grain size) was a more important determinant of assemblage variation than the habitat classes.

Using these predictors, an alternative habitat classification scheme to the scheme currently utilized in marine park planning is proposed.

This study demonstrates the critical importance of testing assumptions about surrogacy and an approach for refining surrogates.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Trajectory Tracking Problem of Quadrotor UAV: Global Stability Analysis and Control Design Based on the Cascade Theory
Authors: Wang Lu , Jia Heming
Published: June 2013

This paper deals with the trajectory tracking problem of a six‐degree of freedom (6‐DOF) quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The problem of simplified kinematics based on Euler angles is analyzed and the modified Rodrigues parameters (MRPs) technique is introduced to model the rotational dynamics of the rigid body. A nonlinear system error model is established based on the trajectory tracking problem, and, due to the coupling property between the translational and rotational dynamics, we divide the complete closed‐loop system into two reduced‐order subsystems and a coupling term. The Rodrigues theorem is applied to analyze the internal connections between the coupling term and MRPs. Therefore, the global stability conclusions, by which the trajectory tracking controller of the quadrotor UAV could be designed based on the subsystem directly in future works, are proved based on several assumptions of the subsystems. Thereafter, the controllers, using the backstepping approach and nonlinear disturbance observer/sliding mode control approach, which stabilize the quadrotor UAV globally ‐exponentially and globally uniformly bounded, are proposed based on the stability theorem proofs mentioned above. Numerical simulations are provided to show that the theoretical conclusions and the controller proposed are effective.
On Fault Predictability in Stochastic Discrete Event Systems
Authors: Chang Ming , Dong Wei , Ji Yindong , Tong Lang
Published: June 2013

Fault predictability in stochastic discrete event systems is considered. The notion of asymptotically almost sure predictability (or AAS‐predictability) is introduced, and a necessary and sufficient condition for AAS‐predictability is obtained.
Positive Realization of Stable Fractional Discrete‐Time Linear Systems
Authors: Sajewski Lukasz
Published: June 2013

The positive stable realization problem of fractional discrete‐time linear systems is formulated and a method for finding a positive stable realization of a given proper transfer matrix is proposed. Sufficient conditions for the existence of a positive stable realization of this class of linear systems are established. A procedure for computation of a positive stable realization is proposed and illustrated by a numerical example.
Performance Recovery of Sampled‐Data Feedback Stabilization for a Class of Passive Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Zhang Jian , Xin Xiaoshuai , Xu Hongbing
Published: June 2013

This paper studies sampled‐data control for a class of passive nonlinear systems. It is shown that the performance of a stabilizing continuous‐time output feedback controller can be recovered by a sampled‐data state feedback controller when the sampling period is sufficiently small, which means that the state of the plant can be regulated within any given neighborhood of the origin by appropriate choice of the sampling period. Finally, an illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented method.
β‐catenin at the centrosome
Authors: Mbom Bertrade C. , Nelson W. James , Barth Angela
Published: June 2013

Beta‐catenin is a multifunctional protein with critical roles in cell‐cell adhesion, Wnt‐signaling and the centrosome cycle. Whereas the roles of β‐catenin in cell‐cell adhesion and Wnt‐signaling have been studied extensively, the mechanism(s) involving β‐catenin in centrosome functions are poorly understood. β‐Catenin localizes to centrosomes and promotes mitotic progression. NIMA‐related protein kinase 2 (Nek2), which stimulates centrosome separation, binds to and phosphorylates β‐catenin. β‐Catenin interacting proteins involved in Wnt signaling such as adenomatous polyposis coli, Axin, and GSK3β, are also localized at centrosomes and play roles in promoting mitotic progression. Additionally, proteins associated with cell‐cell adhesion sites, such as dynein, regulate mitotic spindle positioning. These roles of proteins at the cell cortex and Wnt signaling that involve β‐catenin indicate a cross‐talk between different sub‐cellular sites in the cell at mitosis, and that different pools of β‐catenin may co‐ordinate centrosome functions and cell cycle progression.
Local recurrence after surgery for primary extra-abdominal desmoid-type fibromatosis
Authors: van Broekhoven D L M , Verhoef C , Elias S G , Witkamp A J , van Gorp J M H H , van Geel B A N , Wijrdeman H K , van Dalen T
Published: June 2013

Background

Desmoid-type fibromatosis is a locally aggressive soft tissue tumour with a biological behaviour that varies between relatively indolent and progressive growth. Although there is a trend towards conservative treatment, surgery remains the standard treatment for extra-abdominal desmoid tumours.

Methods

Databases of three hospitals were searched to identify patients who had been treated for desmoid-type fibromatosis between November 1989 and May 2011. The risk of local recurrence was evaluated and predictive factors were assessed in patients who underwent surgical resection as initial treatment for a primary tumour.

Results

A total of 132 patients had surgical treatment for a primary tumour. A complete resection (R0) was achieved in 87 patients (65·9 per cent). In addition to surgery, 54 patients received radiotherapy. During a median follow-up of 38 months, 18 local recurrences were detected. The estimated 5-year cumulative risk of local recurrence was 17·6 per cent. Univariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the risk of local recurrence increased for extremity lesions compared with desmoids on the trunk (odds ratio 6·69, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·42 to 31·54). No significant influence of age, resection margins or adjuvant radiotherapy on the risk for local recurrence was observed.

Conclusion

Following surgical treatment of a primary extra-abdominal desmoid tumour, the 5-year risk of local recurrence is modest and not influenced by microscopically clear resection margins or adjuvant radiotherapy.
How yawning switches the default‐mode network to the attentional network by activating the cerebrospinal fluid flow
Authors: Walusinski Olivier
Published: June 2013

Yawning is a behavior to which little research has been devoted. However, its purpose has not yet been demonstrated and remains controversial. In this article, we propose a new theory involving the brain network that is functional during the resting state, that is, the default mode network. When this network is active, yawning manifests a process of switching to the attentional system through its capacity to increase circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), thereby increasing clearance of somnogenic factors (prostaglandin D(2), adenosine, and others) accumulating in the cerebrospinal fluid. Clin. Anat. 27:201–209, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blood supply to the human spinal cord: Part I. Anatomy and hemodynamics
Authors: Bosmia Anand N. , Hogan Elizabeth , Loukas Marios , Tubbs R. Shane , Cohen‐Gadol Aaron A.
Published: June 2013

The arterial network that supplies the human spinal cord, which was once thought to be similar to that of the brain, is in fact much different and more extensive. In this article, the authors attempt to provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the anatomy and known hemodynamics of the blood supply to the human spinal cord. Additionally, as the medical literature often fails to provide accurate terminology for the arteries that supply the cord, the authors attempt to categorize and clarify this nomenclature. A complete understanding of the morphology of the arterial blood supply to the human spinal cord is important to anatomists and clinicians alike. Clin. Anat. 28:52–64, 2015. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphological study of the inferior transverse scapular ligament
Authors: Won Hyung‐Jin , Won Hyung‐Sun , Oh Chang‐Seok , Han Seung‐Ho , Chung In‐Hyuk , Yoon Young Cheol
Published: June 2013

The suprascapular nerve can be compressed by the inferior transverse scapular ligament (ITSL), also known as the spinoglenoid ligament, and this entrapment results in dysfunction of the external rotation of the upper arm owing to isolated weakness of the infraspinatus muscle. The morphology of the ITSL has not been adequately characterized. The aim of this study was to clarify the morphological characteristics of the ITSL. In total, 110 shoulders from 72 cadavers were dissected in this study. The ITSL was present in 73 (66.4%) of the 110 specimens, and comprised membrane in 40 (36.4%), ligament in 25 (22.7%), and both membrane and ligament in eight (7.3%). This structure could be classified into three types on the basis of its shape: band‐like (33.6%, type I), triangular (15.5%, type II), or irregular (17.3%, type III). In the spinoglenoid notch, the suprascapular nerve was always close to the lateral margin of the scapular spine. The length of the ligament between its origin and insertion sites ranged from 8.7 to 23.4 mm at its superior margin and from 8.9 to 17.5 mm at its inferior margin. The ligament width and thickness at its midportion ranged from 1.6 to 10.0 mm and from 0.1 to 1.2 mm, respectively. The results of this study improve understanding of the ITSL and will be helpful for successful diagnoses and treatments for selective suprascapular nerve entrapment. Clin. Anat. 27:707–711, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contribution of BubR1 to oxidative stress‐induced aneuploidy in p53‐deficient cells
Authors: Ikawa‐Yoshida Ayae , Ando Koji , Oki Eiji , Saeki Hiroshi , Kumashiro Ryuichi , Taketani Kenji , Ida Satoshi , Tokunaga Eriko , Kitao Hiroyuki , Morita Masaru , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: June 2013

DNA aneuploidy is observed in various human tumors and is associated with the abnormal expression of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) proteins. Oxidative stress (OS) causes DNA damage and chromosome instability that may lead to carcinogenesis. OS is also suggested to contribute to an increase in aneuploid cells. However, it is not clear how OS is involved in the regulation of SAC and contributes to carcinogenesis associated with aneuploidy. Here we show that an oxidant (KBrO3) activated the p53 signaling pathway and suppressed the expression of SAC factors, BubR1, and Mad2, in human diploid fibroblast MRC5 cells. This suppression was dependent on functional p53 and reactive oxygen species. In p53 knockdown cells, KBrO3 did not suppress BubR1 and Mad2 expression and increased both binucleated cells and cells with >4N DNA content. BubR1 and not Mad2 downregulation suppressed KBrO3‐induced binucleated cells and cells with >4N DNA content in p53 knockdown cells, suggesting that BubR1 contributes to enhanced polyploidization by a mechanism other than its SAC function. In analysis of 182 gastric cancer specimens, we found that BubR1 expression was significantly high when p53 was positively stained, which indicates loss of p53 function (P = 0.0019). Moreover, positive staining of p53 and high expression of BubR1 in tumors were significantly correlated with DNA aneuploidy (P = 0.0065). These observations suggest that p53 deficiency may lead to the failure of BubR1 downregulation by OS and that p53 deficiency and BubR1 accumulation could contribute to gastric carcinogenesis associated with aneuploidy.
Comparison of abluminal biodegradable polymer biolimus‐eluting stents and durable polymer everolimus‐eluting stents in the treatment of coronary bifurcations
Authors: Costopoulos Charis , Latib Azeem , Naganuma Toru , Sticchi Alessandro , Ferrarello Santo , Regazzoli Damiano , Chieffo Alaide , Figini Filippo , Carlino Mauro , Montorfano Matteo , Naim Charbel , Kawaguchi Masanori , Gerasimou Argyrios , Giannini Francesco , Godino Cosmo , Colombo Antonio
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To compare biodegradable polymer biolimus‐eluting (BES) with abluminal drug elution and durable polymer everolimus‐eluting (EES) stents in the treatment of bifurcation lesions.

Background

The persistence of a polymer in drug‐eluting stents (DES) following drug elution has been viewed as a possible culprit for restenosis. DES with biodegradable polymer may thus be associated with improved clinical outcomes, especially in high‐risk lesions such as those at bifurcation sites.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of consecutive de novo bifurcation lesions treated with EES between October 2006 and October 2011 and BES between February 2008 and March 2012. Study endpoints included major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as all‐cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), including peri‐procedural MI, and target vessel revascularization (TVR) as well as target lesion revascularization (TLR) separately.

Results

We analyzed 236 bifurcation lesions treated with either BES (79 lesions in 69 patients) or EES (157 lesions in 154 patients). Patient and procedural characteristics were broadly similar between the two groups. Estimated MACE and TVR rates at 2‐year follow‐up were similar between the BES and EES groups (MACE = 13.6 ± 4.6% vs. 14.6 ± 3.2% (P = 0.871); TVR = 6.9 ± 3.5% vs. 8.0 ± 2.7% (P = 0.889). No significant differences were noted between the two groups following propensity‐score matched analysis. There was no probable or definite stent thrombosis.

Conclusion

BES use in the treatment of bifurcation lesions appears to be associated with good clinical outcomes, comparable to those seen with EES, at long‐term follow‐up. These results are hypothesis‐generating and need to be validated with larger studies. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship between intravascular ultrasound parameters and fractional flow reserve in intermediate coronary artery stenosis of left anterior descending artery: Intravascular ultrasound volumetric analysis
Authors: Yang Hyoung‐Mo , Tahk Seung‐Jea , Lim Hong‐Seok , Yoon Myeong‐Ho , Choi So‐Yeon , Choi Byoung‐Joo , Jin Xiong Jie , Hwang Gyo‐Seung , Park Jin‐Sun , Shin Joon‐Han
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) parameters, including volumetric analysis, and fractional flow reserve (FFR).

Background

Although it is known that coronary atherosclerosis burden measured by IVUS volumetric analysis is related with clinical outcomes, its relationship with functional significance remains unknown.

Methods

Both IVUS and FFR were performed in 206 cases of intermediate stenosis of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Myocardial ischemia was assessed by FFR and maximal hyperemia was induced by continuous intracoronary adenosine infusion. FFR < 0.80 was considered as significant inducible myocardial ischemia. We performed standard IVUS parameter measurements and volumetric analyses. IVUS parameter comparison was performed in the presence (n = 90) or absence (n =116) of significant myocardial ischemia.

Results

Lesions with minimal lumen area (MLA) ≥ 4.0 mm2 had FFR ≥ 0.80 in 91.4% of cases, while 50.9% of lesions with MLA < 4.0 mm2 had FFR < 0.80. The independent predictors of FFR < 0.80 were IVUS lesion length (odds ratio [OR]: 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06–1.18, P < 0.001) and MLA significance according to the lesion location (OR: 7.01, 95% CI = 3.09–15.92, P = 0.001). FFR correlated with plaque volume (r = −0.345, P < 0.001) and percent atheroma volume (PAV) (r = −0.398, P < 0.001). Lesions with significant ischemia (FFR < 0.80) as compared to those with FFR > 0.80 were associated with larger plaque volume (181.8 ± 82.3 vs. 125.9 ± 77.9 mm3, P < 0.001) and PAV (58.9 ± 5.6 vs. 53.8 ± 7.9%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

IVUS parameters representing severity and extent of atheromatous plaque correlated with functional significance in LAD lesions with intermediate stenosis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low molecular weight dextran provides similar optical coherence tomography coronary imaging compared to radiographic contrast media
Authors: Frick Kyle , Michael Tesfaldet T. , Alomar Mohammed , Mohammed Atif , Rangan Bavana V. , Abdullah Shuaib , Grodin Jerrold , Hastings Jeffrey L. , Banerjee Subhash , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: June 2013

Background

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) coronary imaging requires displacement of red blood cells from the vessel lumen. This is usually accomplished using radiographic contrast. Low molecular weight dextran has low cost and is safe in low volumes. In the present study, we compared dextran with contrast for coronary OCT imaging.

Methods

Fifty‐one vessels in 26 patients were sequentially imaged using manual injection of radiographic contrast (iodixanol) and dextran. OCT images were analyzed at 1 mm intervals to determine the image clarity (defined as a visible lumen border > 270°) and to measure the lumen area and lumen diameter. To correct for the refractive index of dextran, the dextran area measurements were multiplied by 1.117 and the dextran length measurements were multiplied by 1.057.

Results

A total of 3,418 cross‐sections (1,709 with contrast and 1,709 with dextran) were analyzed. There were no complications related to OCT imaging or to contrast or dextran administration. Clear image segments were observed in 97.0% vs. 96.7% of the cross‐sections obtained with contrast and dextran, respectively (P = 0.45). The mean lumen areas were also similar: 6.69 ± 1.95 mm2 with iodixanol vs. 7.06 ± 2.06 mm2 with dextran (correlation coefficient 0.984).

Conclusions

The image quality and measurements during OCT image acquisition are similar for dextran and contrast. Dextran could be used instead of contrast for OCT imaging, especially in patients in whom contrast load minimization is desired. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postconditioning in patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Jingping , Xu Huiyu , Li Bao
Published: June 2013

Objective

The aim of present analysis was to evaluate the effect of postconditioning in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

Background

Although postconditioning in pPCI has shown potential favorable effects on reperfusion injury, recent trials have yielded divergent results.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials were identified using relevant databases published up to August 15, 2012. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were calculated using meta‐analysis through fixed‐ or random‐effects models. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.17 and Stata 12.0.

Results

Thirteen studies providing myocardial biomarkers, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or infarct size evaluated by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in a total of 725 ST‐elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients were identified. Compared with usual care, postconditioning significantly reduced myocardial injury biomarkers (SMD = –0.61; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): [–0.98, −0.23]; P = 0.001; I2 = 78%). Univariate meta‐regression analysis suggested potential source of heterogeneity were the type of biomarkers and the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (I2 reg = 44.84% and 67.24%, respectively; R2 = 91.53% and 49.46%, respectively). Secondary analysis showed statistical significant improvement of LVEF with postconditioning (WMD = 3.22%; 95%CI: [0.88%, 5.57%]; P = 0.007; I2 = 60%) relative to usual care. The effect diminished during medium (<6 months) and long terms (≥6 months) (P = 0.86 and 0.15, respectively). There was no significant decrease in infarct size among patients treated with postconditioning compared to usual care (SMD = 0.20; 95%CI: [–0.03, 0.43]; P = 0.08; I2 = 46%).

Conclusion

In STEMI patients undergoing pPCI, postconditioning is associated with significant lower level of myocardial injury biomarkers and a statistical significant improvement of LVEF relative to usual care. However, this adjunctive therapy may fails to reduce infarct size evaluated by CMR. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Residual shunting after percutaneous PFO closure: How to manage and how to close
Authors: Butera Gianfranco , Sarabia Javier Fernandez , Saracino Antonio , Chessa Massimo , Piazza Luciane , Carminati Mario
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Initial transcatheter Percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure attempt may be incomplete and result in persistent residual shunting. The optimal treatment strategy for these patients remains unknown.

Patients and methods

Twenty‐seven patients were diagnosed to have a moderate‐large residual shunt at least 12 months after initial PFO closure associated or not to a recurrent ischemic event and underwent a second procedure. Residual shunt characteristics were classified in two types: Type I: tunnel‐like or between the disk defect (11 patients); Type II: accessory defect next to a device rim or accessory defect (16 patients).

Results

Fourteen subjects had a recurrent transient ischemic attack/stroke (52%). Median time between the first and the second PFO closure procedure was 17 months (range 12–60 months). Deployment of a second device was successful in 92% (25/27) patients. A Type I defect was closed by using a coil or Amplatzer Vascular Plugs. In two patients a surgical option was chosen as a first option. A Type II defect was closed by using a double disc device. At a median follow‐up of 36 months (range 12–60 months), two subjects showed significant residual shunting between the two disks of the device (Type I) at 12 months follow‐up and were sent to surgery.

Conclusions

Significant residual shunts can be successfully closed by using a second device. Care is required to select an optimal device depending on anatomy and original device. In some subjects, lack of endothelial covering account for the persistence of a significant residual shunting. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Thermoresponsivity of Hybrid Supramolecular Dendrimers Bearing a Polyoxometalate Core
Authors: Chen Hailong , Yang Yang , Wang Yizhan , Wu Lixin
Published: June 2013

A series of cationic dendrons bearing triethylene glycol monomethyl ether terminal groups of different generations have been synthesized and used to encapsulate an inorganic polyanionic cluster [K12.5Na1.5(NaP5W30O110)] through electrostatic interactions. The resulting dendritic cation–encapsulated polyoxometalate (POM) complexes, cluster–dendrimers, are soluble in water and exhibit lower critical solution temperatures (LCST). The thermoresponsivities of these complexes in aqueous solutions were studied by turbidimetry and variable‐temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy. The observed cloud points show a remarkable dependence on the generation of the dendrons. Complexes composed of first‐generation dendrons exhibit no obvious thermoresponsive properties, but for complexes bearing second‐generation dendrons, the LCST decreases as the number of dendritic cations around the POM cluster increases. Complexes composed of third‐generation cations underwent reversible aggregation and disaggregation upon heating and cooling, respectively. This thermally induced self‐aggregation was characterized by DLS and TEM. In addition, the effects of salt and solvent on the LCST were investigated. This research demonstrates a new type of thermoresponsive dendritic organic–inorganic hybrid complex and provides a general route to the endowment of POMs with temperature‐sensitive properties through electrostatic interactions.
Prediction of solubility of CH4, C2H6, CO2, N2 and CO in bitumen
Authors: Zirrahi Mohsen , Hassanzadeh Hassan , Abedi Jalal , Moshfeghian Mahmood
Published: June 2013

An accurate model to calculate the solubility of light hydrocarbons (methane, CH4 and ethane, C2H6) and non‐hydrocarbon gases (carbon dioxide, CO2, nitrogen, N2 and carbon monoxide, CO) in bitumen is required for the optimal design of bitumen and heavy oil recovery processes and transportation. In this work, we used the Krichevsky–Ilinskaya equation to predict the solubility of light solvents (CH4, C2H6, CO2, N2 and CO) in bitumen from five reservoirs in Alberta, Canada. The Peng–Robinson (PR) equation of state (EoS) is used to treat the gas phase. The proposed model is then verified using available experimental solubility data of light solvents in bitumen, and good agreement is observed. The experimental data cover wide ranges of pressures and temperatures. The results show that the proposed model represents the available solubility data of light hydrocarbons (CH4 and C2H6) and non‐hydrocarbon solvents (CO2, N2 and CO) in bitumen with absolute average relative deviations of <4.2% and 5.4%, respectively. These results can be applied to heavy oil and bitumen recovery processes.
Podosomes in adhesion, migration, mechanosensing and matrix remodeling
Authors: Schachtner Hannah , Calaminus Simon D. J. , Thomas Steven G. , Machesky Laura M.
Published: June 2013

Cells use various actin‐based motile structures to allow them to move across and through matrix of varying density and composition. Podosomes are actin cytoskeletal structures that form in motile cells and that mediate adhesion to substrate, migration, and other specialized functions such as transmigration through cell and matrix barriers. The podosome is a unique and interesting entity, which appears in the light microscope as an individual punctum, but is linked to other podosomes like a node on a network of the underlying cytoskeleton. Here, we discuss the signals that control podosome assembly and dynamics in different cell types and the actin organising proteins that regulate both the inner actin core and integrin‐rich surrounding ring structures. We review the structure and composition of podosomes and also their functions in various cell types of both myeloid and endothelial lineage. We also discuss the emerging idea that podosomes can sense matrix stiffness and enable cells to respond to their environment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation of intraflagellar transport trains
Authors: Mencarelli Caterina , Mitchell Aaron , Leoncini Roberto , Rosenbaum Joel , Lupetti Pietro
Published: June 2013

The intraflagellar transport (IFT) system was first identified in situ by electron microscopy in thin sections of plastic‐embedded flagella as linear arrays of electrondense particles, located between the B tubules of the outer doublets and the flagellar membrane. These arrays of particles are referred to as IFT trains. Upon membrane rupture, IFT trains are thought to easily dissociate to yield soluble IFT particles, which are commonly purified through sucrose gradients as ∼16‐17S complexes. The latters easily dissociate into two subcomplexes, named A and B. We report here the isolation, visualization, and identification by immunolabeling of flexible strings of IFT particles, which are structurally similar to in situ IFT trains and appear to be formed by both complex A and complex B polypeptides. Moreover, the particles forming isolated IFT trains are structurally similar to the individual particles found in the ∼17S gradient peak. Our results provide the first direct evidence that ∼17S particles do indeed compose the IFT trains. The paper also represents the first isolation of the IFT trains, and opens new possibilities for higher resolution studies on their structure and how particles are attached to each other to form the particle trains. © 2013 The Authors. Cytoskeleton published byWiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of real colour gamuts using a new reflectance database
Authors: Li Changjun , Luo M. Ronnier , Pointer M. R. , Green Phil
Published: June 2013

A large set of data, comprising the spectral reflectances of real surface colours, has been accumulated. The data comprise 16 groups with different materials and include 85,879 measured spectra. From these data, CIELAB colorimetric coordinates were calculated under CIE illuminant D50 and the CIE 1931 standard colorimetric (2°) observer. Several published colour gamuts including those developed by Pointer and ISO reference colour gamut [ISO Graphic Technology Standard 12640‐3:2007] were compared using the present data set. It was found that the Pointer gamut is smaller than the new real data in most of the colour regions. The results also showed that the ISO reference colour gamut is larger than the new real accumulated data in most regions. The present finding indicates that there is a need to derive a new colour gamut based on the newly accumulated data for common applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 442–451, 2014
Using latency as a QoS indicator for global cloud computing services
Authors: Pedersen Jens Myrup , Tahir Riaz M. , Dubalski Bozydar , Ledzinski Damian , Júnior Joaquim Celestino , Patel Ahmed
Published: June 2013

Many globally distributed cloud computing (CC) applications and services running over the Internet, between globally dispersed clients and servers, will require certain levels of QoS in order to deliver and give a sufficiently smooth user experience. This would be essential for real‐time streaming multimedia applications such as online gaming and watching movies on a pay as you use basis hosted in a CC environment. However, guaranteeing or even predicting QoS in global and diverse networks that are supporting complex hosting of application services is a very challenging issue that needs a stepwise refinement approach to be solved as the technology of CC matures. In this paper, we investigate if latency in terms of simple ping measurements can be used as an indicator for other QoS parameters such as jitter and throughput. The experiments were carried out on a global scale, between servers placed in universities in Denmark, Poland, Brazil, and Malaysia. The results show the correlation between latency and throughput, and between latency and jitter, even though the results are not completely consistent. As a side result, we were able to monitor the changes in QoS parameters during a number of 24‐hour periods. This is also a first step toward defining QoS parameters to be included in service level agreements for CC at the global scale in the foreseeable future. Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience, 2013.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
JPEG forensics scheme for signature embedding and packet‐level detection
Authors: Hsieh Che‐Jen , Weng Chi‐Tien , Li Jung‐Shian
Published: June 2013

As the volume of multimedia digital information transmitted over the Internet continues to rise, the problem of preventing the unauthorized tampering and dissemination of digital content has emerged as a major concern. Thus, the present study proposes a forensic scheme for tracking the dissemination of copyright‐protected JPEG images over the Internet. The proposed scheme incorporates two basic mechanisms, namely signature embedding and signature detecting. To preserve the quality of the protected JPEG images, the signature is embedded at the application layer. By contrast, the signature detection process is performed at the packet level in order to improve the scalability of the proposed mechanism. For any flows regarded as suspicious, the signatures embedded in the JPEG packet trains are compared with the known digital signatures for forensic purposes. The experimental results show that the embedded signature has no effect on the visual quality of the JPEG image. Moreover, it is shown that the computational complexity of the proposed detection scheme is significantly lower than that of existing application‐level schemes. Thus, the scheme provides an ideal solution for the forensic analysis of JPEG streams over large‐scale network environments such as the Internet. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy and offspring eating disorder risk in adolescence
Authors: Allen Karina L. , Byrne Susan M. , Kusel Merci M.H. , Hart Prue H. , Whitehouse Andrew J.O.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To determine if maternal vitamin D concentrations at 18 weeks gestation predict offspring eating disorder risk in adolescence.

Method

Participants were 526 Caucasian mother‐child dyads from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. The Raine Study has followed participants from 18 weeks gestation to 20 years of age. Maternal serum 25(OH)‐vitamin D concentrations were measured at 18 weeks pregnancy and grouped into quartiles. Offspring eating disorder symptoms were assessed at ages 14, 17 and 20 years. Core analyses were limited to female offspring (n = 308).

Results

Maternal 25(OH)‐vitamin D quartiles were a significant predictor of eating disorder risk in female offspring, in multivariate logistic regression models. Vitamin D in the lowest quartile was associated with a 1.8‐fold increase in eating disorder risk relative to concentrations in the highest quartile. This association also accounted for the relationship between offspring season of birth and eating disorder risk. Results were significant after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index and depressive symptoms.

Discussion

This is the first study to link low gestational vitamin D to increased eating disorder risk in female offspring of Caucasian mothers. Research is needed to extend these findings and to consider how gestational vitamin D may relate to the pathogenesis of eating disorders. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013; 46:669–676)
A case of anorexia nervosa with comorbid Crohn's disease: Beneficial effects of anti‐TNF‐α therapy?
Authors: Solmi Marco , Santonastaso Paolo , Caccaro Roberta , Favaro Angela
Published: June 2013

This case report describes a 26‐year‐old woman affected by long‐lasting anorexia nervosa (AN) and Crohn's disease. Worsening of the bowel illness led to the prescription of immunosuppressive therapy (biologic infliximab for 4 months, followed by adalimumab for 6 months) and referral to our Eating Disorders Unit. Although she initially demonstrated denial of her eating disorder, in a few months she gradually improved her weight and psychopathology. Crohn's disease can worsen AN by modifying hunger and energy expenditure through the effects of TNF‐α and IL‐6, pro‐inflammatory cytokines which moderate leptin and melanocortin signaling. Previous studies have observed the antidepressant effects of TNF antagonist in patients with treatment‐resistant depression with high baseline inflammatory biomarkers. Our case report suggests that future studies are needed to clarify the existence, patterns, and extent of increased inflammatory markers in patients with AN, and whether they determine clinical features or identify subgroups of patients. Potential therapeutic significance of above issues remains to be determined. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2013; 46:639–641)
Evolutionary ecology of intraspecific brain size variation: a review
Authors: Gonda Abigél , Herczeg Gábor , Merilä Juha
Published: June 2013

The brain is a trait of central importance for organismal performance and fitness. To date, evolutionary studies of brain size variation have mainly utilized comparative methods applied at the level of species or higher taxa. However, these studies suffer from the difficulty of separating causality from correlation. In the other extreme, studies of brain plasticity have focused mainly on within‐population patterns. Between these extremes lie interpopulational studies, focusing on brain size variation among populations of the same species that occupy different habitats or selective regimes. These studies form a rapidly growing field of investigations which can help us to understand brain evolution by providing a test bed for ideas born out of interspecific studies, as well as aid in uncovering the relative importance of genetic and environmental factors shaping variation in brain size and architecture. Aside from providing the first in depth review of published intraspecific studies of brain size variation, we discuss the prospects embedded with interpopulational studies of brain size variation. In particular, the following topics are identified as deserving further attention: (i) studies focusing on disentangling the contributions of genes, environment, and their interactions on brain variation within and among populations, (ii) studies applying quantitative genetic tools to evaluate the relative importance of genetic and environmental factors on brain features at different ontogenetic stages, (iii) apart from utilizing simple gross estimates of brain size, future studies could benefit from use of neuroanatomical, neurohistological, and/or molecular methods in characterizing variation in brain size and architecture.