bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late effects of a brief psychological intervention in patients with intermittent claudication in a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Cunningham M A , Swanson V , Holdsworth R J , O'Carroll R E
Published: March 2013

Background

The authors previously reported the early results of a trial of a brief psychological intervention to increase physical activity in patients with intermittent claudication. After 4 months, participants in the intervention group walked a mean of 1576 more steps per day than control group participants. The present study followed the original participants to determine whether this behaviour change was maintained over 2 years.

Methods

This was a randomized single-centre parallel-group trial. Fifty-eight patients newly diagnosed with intermittent claudication were assigned randomly to one of two groups. The control group (30 patients) received usual care: lifestyle advice and consultation with a vascular surgeon to agree a treatment plan. The treatment group (28) received usual care plus a brief psychological intervention designed to modify illness and walking beliefs, and develop a personalized walking action plan. The primary outcome was daily steps measured by pedometer. Secondary outcomes included revascularization rate, quality of life and perceived pain-free walking distance. Follow-up was conducted at 1 and 2 years. Between-group differences were analysed by analysis of co-variance.

Results

Participants in the brief psychological intervention group walked significantly more than those in the control group. The mean difference at 1 year was 1374 (95 per cent confidence interval 528 to 2220) steps per day and the difference at 2 years was 1630 (495 to 2765) steps per day.

Conclusion

Modifying illness and walking beliefs, and assisting patients to develop a personalized walking action plan led to increases in walking behaviour in patients with claudication that were maintained for 2 years. Registration number: ISRCTN28051878 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
Copper‐Catalyzed Synthesis of α‐Aryl Ketones by Metal–Organic Framework MOF‐199 as an Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst
Authors: Phan Nam T. S. , Nguyen Tung T. , Ho Phuong , Nguyen Khoa D.
Published: March 2013

A highly crystalline porous copper‐based metal–organic framework MOF‐199 was synthesized from the reaction of 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid and copper nitrate trihydrate by a solvothermal method. The MOF‐199 was characterized by several techniques, including X‐ray powder Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform‐Infrared (FT‐IR), Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), and nitrogen physisorption measurements. The MOF‐199 proved to be an efficient catalyst for the C‐arylation of aryl iodides with acetylacetone to form α‐aryl ketones as the principal products. The catalyst can be separated from the reaction mixture by simple decantation, and be reused without significant degradation in catalytic activity. No contribution from homogeneous catalysis of active species leaching into the liquid phase was detected, confirming that the MOF‐199 is a truly heterogeneous catalyst.
Planetary Ball Mills as Innovative Reactors in Organic Synthesis Laboratory
Authors: Stolle Achim , Hopfe Wieland , Simon Wolfgang
Published: March 2013

Kugelmühlen gehören zu einer Klasse von Apparaten, die für die Zerkleinerung und Vermischung fester Stoffe in der Verfahrenstechnik angewendet werden. Die Tatsache, dass bei der Bewegung von Kugeln in den Mahlbehältern Energie auf die Reaktionsmischung übertragen wird, lässt sich für die Initiierung chemischer Reaktionen ausnutzen. Zahlreiche Beispiele aus dem Gebiet der organischen Synthesechemie zeigen die allgemeine Anwendbarkeit dieser Technik aber auch die Herausforderungen, die damit einhergehen und Potenzial für zukünftige Entwicklungen bieten.
Lignocellulose Feedstock Biorefinery Based on Alkaline Polyol Pulping
Authors: Hundt Martin , Engel Norman , Schnitzlein Michael G. , Schnitzlein Klaus
Published: March 2013

Um Lignocellulose als nachwachsende Rohstoffquelle für die chemische Industrie zu erschließen, müssen nachhaltige Aufschlussverfahren entwickelt werden. Es wird ein neuartiger Prozess vorgestellt, mit dem nicht nur einjährige Faserpflanzen oder Laubholz, sondern auch widerstandsfähigeres Nadelholz effektiv fraktioniert werden können. Der erhaltene hochreine Zellstoff ist frei von inhibierenden Abbauprodukten und lässt sich nahezu vollständig enzymatisch hydrolysieren.
Chemical Absorption of CO2 in Helically Wound Hollow Fiber Membrane Contactors
Authors: Kaufhold Dennis , Kopf Florian , Wolff Christoph , Beutel Sascha , Hilterhaus Lutz , Hoffmann Marco , Scheper Thomas , Schlüter Michael , Liese Andreas
Published: March 2013

Hohlfasermembrankontaktoren wurden bereits häufig für die physikalische und chemisch beschleunigte Absorption von CO2 getestet. Dabei bieten Kontaktoren aufgrund des hohen Oberfläche/Volumen‐Verhältnisses einige Prozessvorteile. Dennoch ist der Massentransport in kommerziell erhältlichen Hohlfasermodulen limitiert. Durch die geringen Innendurchmesser der Fasern und die niedrigen Durchflussgeschwindigkeiten ergibt sich ein laminares Strömungsprofil. Um insbesondere den grenzschichtnahen Stofftransport zu erhöhen, wurden in dieser Arbeit durch neuartige Hohlfasergeometrien gezielt Sekundärströmungen (Dean‐Wirbel) erzeugt. Zudem wurde der Einfluss des Helixdurchmessers untersucht. Mithilfe der Filmtheorie und der dimensionslosen Dean‐Zahl gelang die Vorhersage der Absorptionsraten sowohl für gerade als auch helikal geformte Hohlfasern.
3‐Hydroxyazetidine Carboxylic Acids: Non‐Proteinogenic Amino Acids for Medicinal Chemists
Authors: Glawar Andreas F. G. , Jenkinson Sarah F. , Thompson Amber L. , Nakagawa Shinpei , Kato Atsushi , Butters Terry D. , Fleet George W. J.
Published: March 2013

The formation from D‐glucose of both enantiomers of 2,4‐dideoxy‐2,4‐iminoribonic acid is the first chemical synthesis of unprotected 3‐hydroxyazetidine carboxylic acids. The long‐term stability of 3‐hydroxyazetidine amides is established at acidic and neutral pH and implies their value as non‐proteinogenic amino acid components of peptides, providing medicinal chemists with a new class of peptide isosteres. The structure of N,3‐O‐dibenzyl‐2,4‐dideoxy‐2,4‐imino‐D‐ribonic acid was established by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. An N‐methylazetidine amide derivative is a specific inhibitor of β‐hexosaminidases at the micromolar level, and is only the second example of potent inhibition of any glycosidase by an amide of a sugar amino acid related to an iminosugar.
Use of basic color terms by red–green dichromats: 1. General description
Authors: Lillo Julio , Moreira Humberto , Álvaro Leticia , Davies Ian
Published: March 2013

Abstract: In this article we present data comparing red–green dichromats' use of “Basic Color Terms” (BCTs) with that of standard trichromats. In a complementary article (Color Res Appl 2013) we use these data to evaluate two models of the mechanisms underlying dichromats' use of BCTs. There were three groups of observers—trichromats, protanopes, and deuteranopes—that each performed two tasks: “mapping” (which of these are exemplars of X?) and “best exemplar” (which is the best instance of X?), where X took the value of each Spanish BCT. The mapping task results were subjected to multidimensional scaling that revealed that dichromats differ from trichromats in the number and nature of the dimensions needed for describing BCTs' use. Trichromats required three dimensions closely related to the opponent color mechanisms (red–green, yellow–blue) and the light‐dark channel. In contrast, tridimensional solution for dichromats was difficult to interpret, whereas the fit for the bidimensional solution was very good and revealed a chromatic dimension, which did not match any of the trichromatic dimensions, and an achromatic one. There were also some error‐asymmetries (sometimes “A” was the predominant error when choosing exemplars of “B”, but not vice versa) and the groups differed in the frequency of use of some BCTs (e.g., protanopes chose more stimuli as orange than trichromats and deuteranopes). As expected, the best exemplar task produced more correct responses than the mapping task, and for both tasks, “primary” BCTs (black, white, red, green, yellow, and blue) produced better results than “derived” ones (brown, purple, orange, pink, and grey). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 360–371, 2014
Multiple Rayleigh fading channels modeling based on sum‐of‐sinusoids model
Authors: Gan Yu , Wu You
Published: March 2013

Assessing the performance of communication system is critical in system design in mobile communication study. Numerous methodologies have been employed to facilitate the assessment, amongst which generation of multiple fading channels is widely used and thus of great interest to us. Specifically, multiple Rayleigh fading channels are extensively utilized in simulation of the following: MIMO channels, amplify‐and‐forward fading channels, frequency‐selective channels, etc. The existing model to generate Rayleigh fading channels is the sum of sinusoids (SOS). However, the SOS model is flawed, as it sometimes generates impure correlated channels. That is, a small fraction of correlated channels are generated when we anticipate uncorrelated or vice versa. In this paper, on the basis of the concept of SOS, we introduce a new computational model to generate Rayleigh channels that completely match our anticipation—fully uncorrelated or fully correlated channels. Additionally, we also propose a design method to reduce the number of sinusoids, thus we achieve reduced computational cost of the system. Simulation results and comparison analysis indicate that, with reduced computational cost, our method is able to produce pure Rayleigh fading channels— 100% uncorrelated or the opposite.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allometric disparity in rodent evolution
Authors: Wilson Laura A. B.
Published: March 2013

In this study, allometric trajectories for 51 rodent species, comprising equal representatives from each of the major clades (Ctenohystrica, Muroidea, Sciuridae), are compared in a multivariate morphospace (=allometric space) to quantify magnitudes of disparity in cranial growth. Variability in allometric trajectory patterns was compared to measures of adult disparity in each clade, and dietary habit among the examined species, which together encapsulated an ecomorphological breadth. Results indicate that the evolution of allometric trajectories in rodents is characterized by different features in sciurids compared with muroids and Ctenohystrica. Sciuridae was found to have a reduced magnitude of inter‐trajectory change and growth patterns with less variation in allometric coefficient values among members. In contrast, a greater magnitude of difference between trajectories and an increased variation in allometric coefficient values was evident for both Ctenohystrica and muroids. Ctenohystrica and muroids achieved considerably higher adult disparities than sciurids, suggesting that conservatism in allometric trajectory modification may constrain morphological diversity in rodents. The results provide support for a role of ecology (dietary habit) in the evolution of allometric trajectories in rodents.
Development of CD27+ marginal zone B cells requires GALT
Authors: Yeramilli Venkata A. , Knight Katherine L.
Published: March 2013

In species other than mouse, little is known about the origin and development of marginal zone (MZ) B cells. Using cross‐reactive antibodies, we identified and characterized splenic MZ B cells in rabbits as CD27+CD23−. In rabbits in which organized gut‐associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) was surgically removed at birth, we found only CD23+ follicular (FO) B cells and almost no CD27+ MZ B cells in the spleen, indicating that GALT is required for the development of splenic MZ B cells. These findings lead us to suggest that commensal microbiota contribute to the development of MZ B cells.
Comparative proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells treated with CB1 or CB2 agonists
Authors: Brandi Jessica , Dando Ilaria , Palmieri Marta , Donadelli Massimo , Cecconi Daniela
Published: March 2013

The pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line Panc1 was treated with cannabinoid receptor ligands (arachidonylcyclopropylamide or GW405833) in order to elucidate the molecular mechanism of their anticancer effect. A proteomic approach was used to analyze the protein and phosphoprotein profiles. Western blot and functional data mining were also employed in order to validate results, classify proteins, and explore their potential relationships. We demonstrated that the two cannabinoids act through a widely common mechanism involving up‐ and down‐regulation of proteins related to energetic metabolism and cell growth regulation. Overall, the results reported might contribute to the development of a therapy based on cannabinoids for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Identification of myosin heavy chain isoforms in porcine longissimus dorsi muscle by electrophoresis and mass spectrometry
Authors: Kim Gap‐Don , Jeong Jin‐Yeon , Yang Han‐Sul , Joo Seon‐Tea
Published: March 2013

Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms have been considered as makers for muscle fiber types in relation to meat quality, whereas MHC isoforms in porcine skeletal muscle have not been fully identified. The improved technique of SDS‐PAGE and 2DE were used to separate porcine MHC isoforms. Western blotting with monoclonal antibodies including BA‐F8 (anti‐MHC slow/I), SC‐71 (anti‐MHC 2a and 2x), 10F5 (anti‐MHC 2b), and BF‐35 (anti‐MHC slow/I and 2a) and MS were used to confirm MHC migration rate and identify MHC isoforms from separated bands and spots. Up to 45% w/v of glycerol, 8% w/v of acrylamide content, and 25 h of electrophoretic time at 70 V allowed a clear separation of MHC isoforms. Major MHC isoforms such as slow, 2a, 2x, and 2b were clearly separated by SDS‐PAGE. A total of 23 MHC spots were separated and identified by 2DE and MS. Therefore, four MHC isoforms such as slow/I, 2a, 2x, and 2b could be identified by the improved SDS‐PAGEtechnique, 2DE and MS. Therefore, these techniques allow more accurate and accessible analysis in muscle fiber typing and in relationship between MHC isoforms, muscle fiber characteristics, and pork quality.
Performance Management and Evaluation: Exploring Complementarities
Authors: Hunter David E. K. , Nielsen Steffen Bohni
Published: March 2013

For some time now, evaluators have been trying to locate their work in relation to the emergence of performance management. Although some have rejected performance management outright as conceptually weak and simplistic, others have looked for complementarities between the two approaches to generating knowledge. The authors address these concerns and identify the emergence of complementarity below the broad constructs of evaluation and performance management writ large, instead seeing it as inhering in the approaches to measurement and monitoring employed by practitioners of these disciplines, respectively. This chapter elucidates performance management and the six key elements it requires: leaders, managers, accountability systems, performance budgeting, measuring and monitoring, and evaluation. It also indicates some of the major concerns evaluators have raised regarding the validity of knowledge produced within performance‐management approaches that do not rely on evaluations. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
The Emergence of Performance Measurement as a Complement to Evaluation Among U.S. Foundations
Authors: Boris Elizabeth T. , Kopczynski Winkler Mary
Published: March 2013

American philanthropic foundations began to foster evaluation as a force for accountability and transparency in the 1980s, followed by a focus on effective grant‐making practices by the end of the 1990s. Yet few foundations implemented internal processes to measure their own performance, or invested in evaluating their grant‐making programs. The turn of this century saw the rise of venture philanthropy, as grants became investments and achieving impact became the stated goal. Associated catchwords include strategic grant making, focused grant making, logic models, theories of change, and metrics. Although there is a sense of momentum and commitment to charting impact among some of the largest foundations, the approaches they use are diverse and the language is idiosyncratic. Few foundations support capacity building at levels that allow nonprofits to monitor performance or evaluate results, and there seems to be little recognition that these are complementary and that both are required in high‐performing foundations and nonprofits. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Beside the Geriatric Depression Scale: the WHO‐Five Well‐being Index as a valid screening tool for depression in nursing homes
Authors: Allgaier Antje‐Kathrin , Kramer Dietmar , Saravo Barbara , Mergl Roland , Fejtkova Sabina , Hegerl Ulrich
Published: March 2013

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare criterion validities of the WHO‐Five Well‐being Index (WHO‐5) and the Geriatric Depression Scale 15‐item version (GDS‐15) and 4‐item version (GDS‐4) as screening instruments for depression in nursing home residents.

Methods

Data from 92 residents aged 65–97 years without severe cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination ≥15) were analysed. Criterion validities of the WHO‐5, the GDS‐15 and the GDS‐4 were assessed against diagnoses of major and minor depression provided by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV. Subanalyses were performed for major and minor depression. Areas under the receiver operating curve (AUCs) as well as sensitivities and specificities at optimal cut‐off points were computed.

Results

Prevalence of depressive disorder was 28.3%. The AUC value of the WHO‐5 (0.90) was similar to that of the GDS‐15 (0.82). Sensitivity of the WHO‐5 (0.92) at its optimal cut‐off of ≤12 was significantly higher than that of the GDS‐15 (0.69) at its optimal cut‐off of ≥7. The WHO‐5 was equally sensitive for the subgroups of major and minor depression (0.92), whereas the GDS‐15 was sensitive only for major depression (0.85), but not for minor depression (0.54). For specificity, there was no significant difference between WHO‐5 (0.79) and GDS‐15 (0.88), but both instruments outperformed the GDS‐4 (0.53).

Conclusions

The WHO‐5 demonstrated high sensitivity for major and minor depression. Being shorter than the GDS‐15 and superior to the GDS‐4, the WHO‐5 is a promising screening tool that could help physicians improve low recognition rates of depression in nursing home residents. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical salvage for recurrent retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chan Jimmy Yu Wai , Chow Velda Ling Yu , Wong Stanley Tien Sze , Wei William Ignace
Published: March 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze the surgical management of recurrent retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

We conducted a prospective analysis of preoperative imaging, surgical approach, and oncological results.

Results

Between 1990 and 2011, 82 patients were included. The mean size of the retropharyngeal lymph node on MRI was 1.6 cm, and the mean standardized uptake value maximum (SUVmax) on positron emission tomography (PET) scan was 6.8. All the retropharyngeal lymph nodes were resected via the maxillary swing approach. Among the resected retropharyngeal lymph nodes, 87.8% contained viable tumor cells. The rate of microscopic extracapsular spread was 30.6%. The mean follow‐up duration was 38 months. The 5‐year actuarial tumor control and the overall disease‐free survival of patients who underwent surgeries for isolated recurrent retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis was 79.6% and 59%, respectively.

Conclusion

A PET scan is potentially useful in diagnosing persistent or recurrent retropharyngeal lymph node after previous radiotherapy for NPC. The maxillary swing approach allows surgical resection with clear margins in order to achieve the best oncological outcome. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1726–1731, 2013
Prognostic factors in limited (T1–2, N0–1) oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with surgery ± adjuvant therapy
Authors: Psychogios Georgios , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Agaimy Abbas , Koch Michael , Zenk Johannes , Waldfahrer Frank , Iro Heinrich
Published: March 2013

Background

Surgical therapy for early oropharyngeal carcinoma leads to excellent oncologic results but often requires adjuvant radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic factors that worsen the outcome of limited oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with surgery ± adjuvant therapy.

Methods

Two hundred sixty‐six patients were retrospectively evaluated between 1980 and 2007.

Results

Overall 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) was 88.7% and local control (LC) was 93.3%. The univariate analysis showed a significant difference in DSS between pT1 and pT2 oropharyngeal carcinoma (DSS, 94.0% vs 81.2%; p = .008) and patients with tumor depth greater than 5 mm (DSS, 94.5% vs 78.9%; p = .031). No difference could be found as to N classification, marginal status, p16 human papillomavirus (HPV) status, type of treatment, and adjuvant radiotherapy.

Conclusion

Primary surgical treatment is an effective therapy of limited oropharyngeal carcinoma. Patients with pT2 status and tumor depth of more than 5 mm show a significantly worse survival rate and should be further investigated in future clinical trials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1752–1758, 2013
Survival impact of pulmonary metastasectomy for patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Miyazaki Takuya , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Hanai Nobuhiro , Ozawa Taijirou , Hirakawa Hitoshi , Suzuki Atsushi , Okamoto Hiroki , Harata Ikuma
Published: March 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival impact and prognostic factors of pulmonary metastasectomy in patients with pulmonary metastasis from head and neck cancer.

Methods

A retrospective study of 69 patients was analyzed. Twenty‐four patients (35%) underwent pulmonary metastasectomy, and the remaining 45 patients (65%) were treated with chemotherapy or best supportive care.

Results

The 1‐year overall survival (OS) of 69 patients was 28%. Pulmonary metastasectomy (p = .01) and histology (p < .001) had a significant impact on the prognosis. One‐year OS of patients who underwent metastasectomy and those who did not was 90% and 35%, respectively. In the metastasectomy group, recurrence of primary ahead of lung metastasis (p = .006) and disease‐free interval (DFI; ≤21.4 months; p = .046) were significant negative prognostic factors.

Conclusion

Pulmonary metastasectomy has an impact on survival in carefully selected patients, especially for those with a long DFI and with no recurrence of primary cancer ahead of lung metastasis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1745–1751, 2012
SALTMED MODEL TO SIMULATE YIELD AND DRY MATTER FOR QUINOA CROP AND SOIL MOISTURE CONTENT UNDER DIFFERENT IRRIGATION STRATEGIES IN SOUTH ITALY
Authors: Pulvento C. , Riccardi M. , Lavini A. , D'andria R. , Ragab R.
Published: March 2013

The aim of this research was to calibrate and validate the SALTMED model with soil moisture, total dry matter and yield data of Chenopodium quinoa Willd var. Titicaca grown in a Mediterranean environment of south Italy under different irrigation strategies. For this purpose the data used were obtained from a biannual field trial (2009–2010) performed at the experimental station of the CNR––Institute for Agricultural and Forest Mediterranean Systems (ISAFoM) on the Volturno river plain, an irrigated area of southern Italy; a control irrigation treatment where water was given to restore the root zone layer (0.0– 0.36 m) to 100% of its field capacity, and two other treatments where water given represented 50 and 25% of the water volume given for the control treatment. Two water qualities were used, saline and well water.

The SALTMED model was calibrated using yield, total dry matter (including roots) and soil moisture data from 100% well water treatment in 2009. After the calibration, the model was validated using the same set of crop and soil parameters. The results indicated the model's ability to simulate with good precision, soil moisture values, total dry matter and grain yield for quinoa under different irrigation strategies with saline and fresh water for a two‐year experiment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human fibroblast‐derived extracellular matrix constructs for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Tour Gregory , Wendel Mikael , Tcacencu Ion
Published: March 2013

We exploited the biomimetic approach to generate constructs composed of synthetic biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic and extracellular matrix (SBC‐ECM) derived from adult human dermal fibroblasts in complete xeno‐free culture conditions. The construct morphology and composition were assessed by scanning electron microscopy, histology, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, glycosaminoglycan, and hydroxyproline assays. Residual DNA quantification, endotoxin testing, and local inflammatory response after implantation in a rat critical‐sized calvarial defect were used to access the construct biocompatibility. Moreover, in vitro interaction of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with the constructs was studied. The bone marrow‐ and adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells were characterized by flow cytometry and tested for osteogenic differentiation capacity prior seeding onto SBC‐ECM, followed by alkaline phosphatase, 3‐(4,5‐dimethythiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to assess the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs after seeding onto the constructs at different time intervals. The SBC‐ECM constructs enhanced osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs in vitro and exhibited excellent handling properties and high biocompatibility in vivo. Our results highlight the ability to generate in vitro fibroblast‐derived ECM constructs in complete xeno‐free conditions as a step toward clinical translation, and the potential use of SBC‐ECM in craniofacial bone tissue engineering applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 2826–2837, 2013.
From Squashed 6‐Cycles to Steiner Triple Systems
Authors: Lindner Charles C. , Meszka Mariusz , Rosa Alexander
Published: March 2013

Squashed 6‐cycle systems are introduced as a natural counterpart to 2‐perfect 6‐cycle systems. The spectrum for the latter has been determined previously in [5]. We determine completely the spectrum for squashed 6‐cycle systems, and also for squashed 6‐cycle packings.
The Inducibility of Graphs on Four Vertices
Authors: Hirst James
Published: March 2013

We consider the problem of determining the maximum induced density of a graph H in any graph on n vertices. The limit of this density as n tends to infinity is called the inducibility of H. The exact value of this quantity is known only for a handful of small graphs and a specific set of complete multipartite graphs. Answering questions of Brown–Sidorenko and Exoo, we determine the inducibility of K1, 1, 2 and the paw graph. The proof is obtained using semidefinite programming techniques based on a modern language of extremal graph theory, which we describe in full detail in an accessible setting.
Myoanatomy of Myzostoma cirriferum (Annelida, Myzostomida): Implications for the evolution of the Myzostomid body plan
Authors: Helm Conrad , Weigert Anne , Mayer Georg , Bleidorn Christoph
Published: March 2013

Cover illustration. Myzostomida are an enigmatic subgroup of Annelida which diverged early during the phylogeny of annelids. Adult myzostomids show a highly specialized body plan, which lacks many of the typical annelid features. In this issue of the Journal of Morphology Helm et al. (pp. 456–466) report about an analysis of the musculature system of Myzostoma cirriferum using confocal laser‐scanning microscopy. They support the annelid affinity of myzostomids and suggest that the apparent partial radial symmetry of M. cirriferum arose secondarily in this species.
Modelling Post‐Tree‐Harvesting Soil Erosion and Sediment Deposition Potential in the Turano River Basin (Italian Central Apennine)
Authors: Borrelli Pasquale , Märker Michael , Schütt Brigitta
Published: March 2013

The overall aim of the paper is the assessment of human‐induced accelerated soil erosion processes due to forest harvesting in the Upper Turano River Basin. The spatio‐temporal pattern of soil erosion processes was investigated by means of a spatially distributed modelling approach. We used the Unit Stream Power Erosion and Deposition model. During the soil erosion‐modelling phase, the forest cover changes were mapped via remote sensing. According to this operation, the forest sectors exploited for timber production amounted to about 2781 ha or 9·9% of the wooded surface from March 2001 to August 2011. In this period, the average annual net soil erosion rate estimated by means of modelling operations totalled 0·83 Mg ha−1 y−1 for all the forest lands. The net soil erosion rate predicted for the disturbed forest lands is significantly higher than the average value for the entire forest (5·34 Mg ha−1 y−1). Estimates indicate a soil loss equal to 8521 Mg y−1 (net soil erosion 0·34 Mg ha−1 y−1) in the undisturbed forest area (254 km2), whereas the 27·8 km2 of disturbed forest area could potentially lose 14 846 Mg y−1. The paper shows that a disturbed forest sector could produce about 74·2% more net erosion than a nine times larger, undisturbed forest sector. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting early allograft failure and mortality after liver transplantation
Authors: Wagener Gebhard , Raffel Brian , Young Andrew T. , Minhaz Moury , Emond Jean
Published: March 2013

Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) is a serious complication after liver transplantation (LT). There is no uniform definition of EAD, and most definitions are based on arbitrary laboratory values. The aim of this study was to devise a definition of EAD that maximizes the predictive power for early death and graft failure. In this single-center, retrospective study, the ability of the international normalized ratio (INR), total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), physiological Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and serum albumin levels within 7 days after LT to predict 90-day mortality or graft loss was compared with 2 previously used definitions of EAD: (1) peak total bilirubin level >10 mg/dL on days 2 to 7 and (2) either a total bilirubin level >10 mg/dL or an INR >1.6 on day 7 or an AST or alanine aminotransferase level >2000 IU/L within the first 7 days. Of 572 enrolled LT patients 38 died or required retransplantation within 90 days. Peak INR, total bilirubin level, AST levels, and MELD scores were predictors of 90-day graft failure. MELD score on postoperative day 5 was the best predictor with an area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.812 (95% CI: 0.739-0.886, P < 0.001). The best cutoff of MELD score on day 5 for predicting 90-day mortality or graft loss was 18.9. A MELD score >18.9 on postoperative day 5 was a better predictor than any other laboratory value or definition of EAD. This study has demonstrated that the MELD score can be a useful tool not only for pretransplant graft allocation but also for postoperative risk stratification. Liver Transpl 19:534–542, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Preparing for the inevitable: The death of a living liver donor
Authors: Miller Charles , Smith Martin L. , Fujiki Masato , Uso Teresa Diago , Quintini Cristiano
Published: March 2013

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is associated with a low but finite and well-documented risk of donor morbidity and mortality, so organizations and individuals involved in this activity must accept the fact that a donor death is a question of when and not if. Studies in the field of crisis management show that preparing for the inevitable not only is critical in preparing institutions to better respond to catastrophic events but more importantly plays a crucial role in preventing them. This article describes the background of crisis management with specific reference to the death of a living liver donor and proposes a general framework that can be adopted by LDLT programs around the world. Liver Transpl 19:656–660, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Cationic Twin Polymerization Versus Simultaneous Polymerization of Titanium Compounds to Fabricate Nanostructured Organic Polymer/TiO2 Hybrid Materials
Authors: Mehner Alexander , Pohlers Andreas , Hoyer Walter , Cox Gerhard , Spange Stefan
Published: March 2013

The formation of related polymer/TiO2 nanocomposites is studied using two alternative synthetic procedures. The triflic acid anhydride‐catalyzed twin‐polymerization (TP) of (μ4‐oxido)‐hexakis(μ‐furan‐2‐methoxo)‐octakis(furan‐2‐methoxo)‐tetratitanium (1) and (μ4‐oxido)‐hexakis(μ‐thiophene‐2‐methoxo)‐octakis(thiophene‐2‐methoxo)‐tetratitanium (2), is studied in comparison to the simultaneous polymerization (SP) of titantetraisopropylate [Ti(OiPr)4] with the corresponding furan‐ or thiophenemethanol, furfuryl alcohol (FA) and thienyl alcohol (TA), respectively. Both the TP of 1 and 2 produces nanostructured polyFA/TiO2 or polyTA/TiO2 hybrid materials.

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Polyurethanes Containing an Imidazolium Diol‐Based Ionic‐Liquid Chain Extender for Incorporation of Ionic‐Liquid Electrolytes
Authors: Gao Renlong , Zhang Mingqiang , Wang Shih‐Wa , Moore Robert B. , Colby Ralph H. , Long Timothy E.
Published: March 2013

Novel polyurethane (PU) cationomers are synthesized using an imidazolium diol‐based ionic liquid (IL) chain extender. A systematic comparison with a non‐ionic PU analogue reveals effect of the imidazolium cation on physical properties, hydrogen bonding, and morphology of segmented PU. Casting resulting PU solutions with various contents of IL generates novel membranes. Thermal study reveals that IL‐containing PU membranes exhibit a constant soft segment Tg at −81 °C; however, the Tg of imidazolium hard segments systematically shifts to lower temperatures with increasing IL content. This suggests that IL preferentially locates into the imidazolium ionic hard domains, which is also evident in small‐angle X‐ray scattering. Moreover, dielectric relaxation spectroscopy demonstrates increased ionic conductivity of PU membranes by 5 orders of magnitude upon incorporation of 30 wt% IL.

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Skin graft coverage of critical marginal wounds in microsurgical cases
Authors: Lineaweaver William C.
Published: March 2013

Skin graft coverage of critical marginal wounds in microsurgical cases is the earliest described method for coverage of exposed vessels, nerves, and other vital structures at the margins of replanted or transplanted tissue. A case of immediate graft coverage of vein and nerve graft repairs in a gunshot wound is presented with a 5‐year follow‐up demonstrating stable coverage, salvage of the microsurgical reconstruction, and no contracture. Compared to recently described strategies of interval biosynthetic dressings and delayed skin grafting, immediate skin grafts application remains the most effective management of these wounds. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.
Secondary splitting of a free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap with pedicled transfer to the contralateral breast for staged reconstruction of two breasts: The split diep flap
Authors: Webster Howard R. , Rozen Warren M.
Published: March 2013

Free tissue transfer has become popularized for post‐mastectomy autologous breast reconstruction, particularly with the abdominal wall donor site. However, in the setting of previous autologous breast reconstruction, options for later contralateral reconstruction are limited. We present a case of breast reconstruction with a free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, which was split from the initially reconstructed breast and shared to reconstruct the opposite breast after the occurrence of a metachronous contralateral second primary breast cancer. There were no operative complications, no flap‐related complications, and at two years follow‐up, the patient subjectively described bilateral soft and supple breasts, which were symmetrical in a bra, and with which she has reported high satisfaction. An account of the “split DIEP flap” is provided, highlighting the planning, technique, and vascular rationale. The technique comprises partition of a previously transferred DIEP flap breast reconstruction into two parts based on preoperative computed tomographic angiography, performed to guide surgical planning in avoiding pedicle damage and identifying the portion of the flap to island. The split DIEP flap for staged bilateral autologous breast reconstruction offers two soft‐tissue flaps for the price of one donor site, offering new possibilities in breast reconstruction and the broader field of tissue transplantation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.
Effect of maternal and postweaning folic acid supplementation on global and gene‐specific DNA methylation in the liver of the rat offspring
Authors: Sie Karen K. Y. , Li Jennifer , Ly Anna , Sohn Kyoung‐Jin , Croxford Ruth , Kim Young‐In
Published: March 2013

Scope

Intrauterine and early‐life exposure to folic acid has significantly increased in North America owing to folic acid fortification, widespread supplemental use, and periconceptional supplementation. We investigated the effect of maternal and postweaning folic acid supplementation on DNA methylation in the rat offspring.

Methods and results

Female rats were placed on a control or folic acid‐supplemented diet during pregnancy and lactation. At weaning, pups from each maternal diet group were randomized to the control or supplemented diet for 11 weeks. At weaning, maternal folic acid supplementation significantly decreased global (p < 0.001) and site‐specific DNA methylation of the Ppar‐γ, ER‐α, p53, and Apc genes (p < 0.05) in the liver. At 14 weeks of age, postweaning, but not maternal, folic acid supplementation significantly decreased global DNA methylation (p < 0.05). At 14 weeks of age, both maternal and postweaning folic acid supplementation significantly increased DNA methylation of the Ppar‐γ, p53, and p16 genes (p < 0.05) whereas only postweaning FA supplementation significantly increased DNA methylation of the ER‐α and Apc genes (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that maternal and postweaning folic acid supplementation can significantly modulate global and gene‐specific DNA methylation in the rat offspring. The functional ramifications of the observed DNA methylation changes need to be determined in future studies.
Sodium quantification in the spinal cord at 3T
Authors: Solanky Bhavana S. , Riemer Frank , Golay Xavier , Wheeler‐Kingshott Claudia A. M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose:

Sodium channels are involved in neuronal function and therefore methods to assess tissue sodium concentration in vivo are exceptionally appealing. Recently there has been a renewed interest for brain sodium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thanks to higher magnetic field strength scanners. However, sodium measures in the spinal cord are lacking due to major technical challenges. Here we propose for the first time a clinically feasible non‐invasive method for quantifying sodium in the spine using magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Methods:

Sodium spectra from the cervical cord were collected using image selected in vivo spectroscopy (∼14 min scan time) and quantified using a reference phantom.

Results:

The sodium magnetic resonance spectroscopy measures provided in vivo concentration estimates of 31.2 ± 2.4 mM. Repeat scans showed good reproducibility with a coefficient of variation of <6%.

Conclusion:

Proposed here for the first time is a fast non‐invasive technique to quantify total sodium in the spinal cord in vivo. This newly proposed technique has a great potential for translation into clinic, thanks to its simplicity. Magn Reson Med 69:1201–1208, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonparametric bayesian lifetime data analysis using dirichlet process lognormal mixture model
Authors: Cheng Nan , Yuan Tao
Published: March 2013

We propose a nonparametric Bayesian lifetime data analysis method using the Dirichlet process mixture model with a lognormal kernel. A simulation‐based algorithm that implements the Gibbs sampling is developed to fit the Dirichlet process lognormal mixture (DPLNM) model using rightly censored failure time data. Five examples are used to illustrate the proposed method, and the DPLNM model is compared to the Dirichlet process Weibull mixture (DPWM) model. Results indicate that the DPLNM model is capable of estimating different lifetime distributions. The DPLNM model outperforms the DPWM model in all the examples, and the DPLNM model shows promising potential to be applied to analyze failure time data when an appropriate parametric model for the data cannot be specified. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2013
Specification vagueness and supply quality risk
Authors: Wang Yimin
Published: March 2013

Specifying quality requirement is integral to any sourcing relationship, but vague and ambiguous specifications can often be observed in practice, especially when a buyer is in the initial stage of sourcing a new product. In this research, we study a supplier's production incentives under vague or exact quality specifications. We prove that a vague specification may in fact motivate the supplier to increase its quantity provision, resulting in a higher delivery quality. Vague quality specification can therefore be advantageous for a buyer to screen potential suppliers with an initial test order, and then rely on the received quality level to set more concrete quality guidelines. There is a degree, though, to which vague quality specification can be effective, as too much vagueness may decrease the supplier's quantity provision and hence the expected delivery quality. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2013
A multiobjective mesh optimization framework for mesh quality improvement and mesh untangling
Authors: Kim Jibum , Panitanarak Thap , Shontz Suzanne M.
Published: March 2013

We propose a multiobjective mesh optimization framework for mesh quality improvement and mesh untangling. Our framework combines two or more competing objective functions into a single objective function to be solved using one of various multiobjective optimization methods. Methods within our framework are able to optimize various aspects of the mesh such as the element shape, element size, associated PDE interpolation error, and number of inverted elements, but the improvement is not limited to these categories. The strength of our multiobjective mesh optimization framework lies in its ability to be extended to simultaneously optimize any aspects of the mesh and to optimize meshes with different element types. We propose the exponential sum, objective product, and equal sum multiobjective mesh optimization methods within our framework; these methods do not require articulation of preferences. However, the solutions obtained satisfy a sufficient condition of weak Pareto optimality. Experimental results show that our multiobjective mesh optimization methods are able to simultaneously optimize two or more aspects of the mesh and also are able to improve mesh qualities while eliminating inverted elements. We successfully apply our methods to real‐world applications such as hydrocephalus treatment and shape optimization. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subspace recycling accelerates the parametric macro‐modeling of MEMS
Authors: Feng Lihong , Benner Peter , Korvink Jan G.
Published: March 2013

A fast computational technique that speeds up the process of parametric macro‐model extraction is proposed. An efficient starting point is the technique of parametric model order reduction (PMOR). The key step in PMOR is the computation of a projection matrix V, which requires the computation of multiple moment matrices of the underlying system. In turn, for each moment matrix, a linear system with multiple right‐hand sides has to be solved. Usually, a considerable number of linear systems must be solved when the system includes more than two free parameters. If the original system is of very large size, the linear solution step is computationally expensive. In this paper, the subspace recycling algorithm outer generalized conjugate residual method combined with generalized minimal residual method with deflated restarting (GCRO‐DR), is considered as a basis to solve the sequence of linear systems. In particular, two more efficient recycling algorithms, G‐DRvar1 and G‐DRvar2, are proposed. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that both the GCRO‐DR method and its variants G‐DRvar1 and G‐DRvar2 are very efficient when compared with the standard solvers. Furthermore, the presented algorithms overcome the bottleneck of a recently proposed subspace recycling method the modified Krylov recycling generalized minimal residual method. From these subspace recycling algorithms, a PMOR process for macro‐model extraction can be significantly accelerated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The acetylproteome of Gram‐positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Kim Dooil , Yu Byung Jo , Kim Jung Ae , Lee Yong‐Jik , Choi Soo‐Geun , Kang Sunghyun , Pan Jae‐Gu
Published: March 2013

Nε‐lysine acetylation, a reversible and highly regulated PTM, has been shown to occur in the model Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica. Here, we extend this acetylproteome analysis to Bacillus subtilis, a model Gram‐positive bacterium. Through anti‐acetyllysine antibody‐based immunoseparation of acetylpeptides followed by nano‐HPLC/MS/MS analysis, we identified 332 unique lysine‐acetylated sites on 185 proteins. These proteins are mainly involved in cellular housekeeping functions such as central metabolism and protein synthesis. Fifity‐nine of the lysine‐acetylated proteins showed homology with lysine‐acetylated proteins previously identified in E. coli, suggesting that acetylated proteins are more conserved. Notably, acetylation was found at or near the active sites predicted by Prosite signature, including SdhA, RocA, Kbl, YwjH, and YfmT, indicating that lysine acetylation may affect their activities. In 2‐amino‐3‐ketobutyrate CoA ligase Kbl, a class II aminotransferase, a lysine residue involved in pyridoxal phosphate attachment was found to be acetylated. This data set provides evidence for the generality of lysine acetylation in eubacteria and opens opportunities to explore the consequences of acetylation modification on the molecular physiology of B. subtilis.