bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vegetation and wildfire controls on sediment yield in bedrock landscapes
Authors: DiBiase Roman A. , Lamb Michael P.
Published: February 2013

Steep, rocky landscapes commonly exhibit high sediment yields and are especially sensitive to climate, tectonics, and wildfire. Predicting landscape response to these perturbations demands a quantitative understanding of erosion processes. However, existing models for hillslope sediment production and transport do not apply to landscapes with patchy soil and slopes that exceed the angle for sediment stability. Here we present field measurements in southern California, USA, which indicate that sediment storage on steep slopes is enabled by vegetation that traps sediment upslope. We find that the storage capacity of unburned vegetation dams follows a geometric scaling model with a cubic dependence on effective plant width and an inverse dependence on local slope. Measured sediment volumes behind burned vegetation dams indicate a loss of at least 75% relative to unburned dams, and when expanded to the catchment scale, our measurements match records of postfire sediment yield from nearby retention basins. Contrary to existing models, our observations indicate that wildfire‐induced sediment yield is driven by transient storage and release of sediment by vegetation dams, rather than increased bedrock‐to‐soil conversion rates. Without a feedback between soil production and wildfire, fire may play little role in long‐term landscape evolution, and increasing fire frequency in response to climate change may not result in heightened sedimentation hazards due to supply limitations.
How to improve the representation of hydrological processes in SWAT for a lowland catchment – temporal analysis of parameter sensitivity and model performance
Authors: Guse Björn , Reusser Dominik E. , Fohrer Nicola
Published: February 2013

Model diagnostic analyses help to improve the understanding of hydrological processes and their representation in hydrological models. A detailed temporal analysis detects periods of poor model performance and model components with potential for model improvements, which cannot be found by analysing the whole discharge time series.

In this study, we aim to improve the understanding of hydrological processes by investigating the temporal dynamics of parameter sensitivity and of model performance for the Soil and Water Assessment Tool model applied to the Treene lowland catchment in Northern Germany. The temporal analysis shows that the parameter sensitivity varies temporally with high sensitivity for three groundwater parameters (groundwater time delay, baseflow recession constant and aquifer fraction coefficient) and one evaporation parameter (soil evaporation compensation factor). Whereas the soil evaporation compensation factor dominates in baseflow and resaturation periods, groundwater time delay, baseflow recession constant and aquifer fraction coefficient are dominant in the peak and recession phases. The temporal analysis of model performance identifies three clusters with different model performances, which can be related to different phases of the hydrograph. The lowest performance, when comparing six performance measures, is detected for the baseflow cluster. A spatially distributed analysis for six hydrological stations within the Treene catchment shows similar results for all stations.

The linkage of periods with poor model performance to the dominant model components in these phases and with the related hydrological processes shows that the groundwater module has the highest potential for improvement. This temporal diagnostic analysis enhances the understanding of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool model and of the dominant hydrological processes in the lowland catchment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Egg wash wastewater: Estrogenic risk or environmental asset?
Authors: Shappell Nancy W
Published: February 2013

Commercial production of eggs and egg products requires the washing of eggs to remove urinary-fecal material and broken egg residue. In the case of one Ohio farming facility, 1.6 million birds produce 1.4 million eggs per day, using approximately 50 mL of wash water/egg or approximately 70 000 L per day. The aqueous waste stream was evaluated for estrogenicity to determine if potential for endocrine disruption would result from agricultural application of such wastewater. Samples collected the Fall (October) of 2010 included: water from 2 egg washers operating in series, inlet pipe to the treatment lagoon, a lagoon composite, and products used within the facility in the cleaning of equipment and treatment of the waste. In February 2011, the treatment lagoon was fitted with an extensive aeration system and subsequent sample sets were collected on 3 consecutive days in May and November. Samples were extracted by solid phase extraction and assayed for estrogenic activity using the in vitro E-Screen assay. Raw untreated wastewater from the egg washers contained 17β-estradiol equivalents (E2Eqs) ranging from 9 to 18 ng/L, pipe grab samples entering into the treatment lagoon ranged from <0.14 to 4.4 ng/L (variability related to time of emptying of egg wash tanks), whereas treatment lagoon water contained 0.3 to 4.0 ng/L E2Eq. Addition of an aeration system to the treatment lagoon eliminated surface “frothing,” reduced noxious odor emission, and E2Eqs were lower than the pre-aeration concentrations (4 ng/L [n = 1, no statistical comparison possible] vs 0.3 to 1.4 ng/L in 2011). Because of matrix effects, estrogens were not quantifiable by LC-MS2 in even egg washwater extracts, at concentrations in which internal deuterated estrogen standards were quantifiable. Estrone and E2 parent ions were detected in egg washwater samples only, and confirmatory ion fragments were detected in only one of these samples. Estrogenicity of the wastewater from the treatment lagoon was already at the proposed aquatic no effect concentration for 17β-E2 and would be expected to decrease further as wastewater passes through 2 consecutive storage ponds before application on field crops for irrigation. The original project plan was to follow the wastewater as it was applied by aerial irrigation and concomitant surface runoff, but based on the consistent and extremely low concentration of estrogenic activity of the wastewater from the treatment lagoon, it was concluded that activity would be below limits of quantitation by E-Screen in water used for irrigation from the storage ponds. Use of egg wash wastewater—or gray water—to irrigate crops removes the cost and burden of wastewater treatment by the local wastewater plant, poses little to no potential threat of estrogenic endocrine disruption, and supports the conservation of water resources through the use of wastewater irrigation. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013;9:517–523. © 2013 SETAC
Mitochondrial energetic metabolism—some general principles
Authors: Mazat Jean‐Pierre , Ransac Stéphane , Heiske Margit , Devin Anne , Rigoulet Michel
Published: February 2013

Summary

In nonphotosynthetic organisms, mitochondria are the power plant of the cell, emphasizing their great potentiality for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis from the redox span between nutrients and oxygen. Also of great importance is their role in the maintenance of the cell redox balance. Even though crystallographic structures of respiratory complexes, ATP synthase, and ATP/adenosine diphosphate (ADP) carrier are now quite well known, the coupling between ATP synthesis and cell redox state remains a controversial issue. In this review, we will present some of the processes that allow a modular coupling between ATP synthesis and redox state. Furthermore, we will present some theoretical approaches of this highly integrated system. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(3):171–179, 2013
Separation and Determination of Diol Pollutants Come from Demulsifier in the Produced Water of Oil Fields
Authors: Mokhtari Bahram , Dalali Nasser , Pourabdollah Kobra
Published: February 2013

This paper introduced a novel test method for determination of the main demulsifier‐based pollutants in the produced water of oil wells, before draining to seawater. The type, concentration and distribution of diols depend on the demulsifier of interest; however, the main chemical species are the same. The novelty of this work is selective extraction and preconcentration of low chain diols in the produced water of oil fields. In this extraction method, dispersive solvent (1.2 mL, acetonitrile) containing extraction solvent (10.0 μL, carbon tetrachloride) was rapidly injected into the water sample containing analytes, and a cloudy solution was formed. After centrifugation (2 min at 3,000 rpm), these droplets were sedimented in the bottom of the conical test tube. Then 2.0 mL of sedimented phase containing preconcentrated analytes was injected into the gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were evaluated and optimized. Factors such as the kind and volume of both extraction and disperser solvents, extraction and centrifugation times, pH and temperature, and salt effect were studied and optimized. The method exhibited enrichment factors and recoveries ranging from 39.0 to 44.4 and 78.9 to 92.2%, respectively, within very short extraction time. The linearity (and limit of detection) of the method ranged 4.0‐100.0 (2.0) ng/mL for 1,2‐ethandiol, 6.0‐80.0 (4.0) ng/mL for 1,3‐propandiol, 2.0‐90.0 (1.0) ng/mL ng/mL for 1,4‐butanediol, 5.0‐120.0 (2.0) ng/mL for 1,5‐pentandiol. The relative standard deviations (RSD) for the concentration of diols, 5.0 ng/mL in water by using the internal standard were in the range of 1.5–4.5% (n = 5) and without the internal standard was in the range of 2.6–9.0% (n = 5). It is concluded that this method is successful for determination of diols in produced water samples.
Synthesis, Characterization and Properties of a Novel Environmentally Friendly Mono Azo Disperse Dye and Its Application on Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Authors: Dodangeh Mohammad , Mohammadian Mehrdad , Allen Norman. S. , Pajootan Elmira
Published: February 2013

The aim of this research is to achieve the synthesis of a novel mono azo disperse dye containing both a β‐naphthyl acetate group and carboxylic acid ester group and application on PET fabric. In this study the dyeing properties have also been investigated. The synthesized dye was characterized using UV‐Vis, FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques. To investigate alkali‐clearability, both alkali‐hydrolysis behavior and the effect of its fastness properties with regard to PET fabric were examined. This dye showed a reasonable level of hydrolysis under relatively mild alkaline conditions. The application of the dye to PET fabric showed good leveling and building up properties. Estimating fastness properties of the dyed fabric showed excellent wash, rubbing fastness, good light and sublimation fastness. The results furthermore displayed that the synthesized dye offers the option of alkali‐clearing process over that of a conventional reduction‐clearing process. Therefore, the value of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and water pollution as well as the expenditure of production were decreased.
VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT IN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS: WHAT MAKES VOLUNTEERS REMAIN WITHIN ORGANIZATIONS AND FEEL HAPPY?
Authors: Vecina María L. , Chacón Fernando , Marzana Daniela , Marta Elena
Published: February 2013

This study was conducted in order to determine whether commitment to organizations and work engagement are distinguishable constructs among volunteers from 18 nonprofit organizations. The strategy used addresses their distinctiveness, demonstrating that they relate differently to outcomes of interest. It is expected that organizational commitment will predict intention to remain and work engagement will predict psychological well‐being. Results indicate that the pattern of relationships is clearly different: the relationship between engagement and intention to remain is entirely mediated by commitment, and the relationship between commitment and psychological well‐being is fully mediated by engagement. Regression analyses confirm that commitment, and not engagement, predicts intention to remain, and that engagement, and not commitment, predicts psychological well‐being in the sample of 232 active volunteers. These results are useful to differentiate between both concepts, and to develop specific nonprofit organization management strategies.
Associations of Gender and Age with the Reporting of Drug‐Induced Hepatic Failure: Data from the VigiBase™
Authors: Petronijevic Marija , Ilic Katarina
Published: February 2013

Patient gender and age are considered to be the risk factors for developing drug‐induced liver injury (DILI). The aim of this study was to analyze gender and age differences in reporting of drug‐induced hepatic failure (HF) to the VigiBase™. VigiBase™ was screened for the HF reports submitted from 2000 to 2009. The information retrieved referred to the suspected drug, age, gender, and a reporting country. Variables were examined by using descriptive statistics and the binomial test. During the 10‐year period there were in total 6 370 HF reports from 38 countries. After the exclusion of cases with missing gender data (379 cases), females counted for 54.03%. The largest portion of HF cases referred to age <55 (42.57%) with female predominance (56.81%), whereas age ≥55 (32.57%) showed almost even gender distribution. Overall, there were 941 different drugs or their combinations reported. Females significantly predominated in HF cases associated with analgesics, antiepileptics, antiinflamatory and antirheumatic drugs, psychoanaleptics, antibacterials for systemic use, and antidiabetic drugs. Males were significantly overrepresented in HF cases associated with antivirals for systemic use. Differences between genders and/or age groups in the reporting of drug‐induced HF depend on drug and/or drug class but may be influenced by multiple factors.
Apparent diffusion coefficient ratio between axillary lymph node with primary tumor to detect nodal metastasis in breast cancer patients
Authors: Luo Ningbin , Su Danke , Jin Guanqiao , Liu Lidong , Zhu Xuna , Xie Dong , Liu Younan
Published: February 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the ratios of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) calculated from diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) between axillary lymph nodes with primary breast tumor lesions in the detection of axillary lymph nodes metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Materials and Methods

A total of 36 patients with breast tumors and their axillary lymph nodes were included in this study for MR image scan. The ADC values were calculated using DW‐MR imaging software. The ADC values and the ADC ratios of axillary lymph nodes in patients with primary breast lesion were compared among benign and metastatic axillary lymph nodes. All the diagnosis were confirmed by histopathological examination.

Results

The mean ADC value of metastatic lymph nodes was significantly lower than those of benign lymph nodes (0.787 × 10−3 mm2/s ± 0.145 versus 1.043 × 10−3 mm2/s ± 0.257) (P < 0.05). In addition, ADC ratio of metastatic lymph nodes with breast lesion was significantly lower than those of benign lymph nodes with breast tumor lesions (0.986 ± 0.17 versus 1.375 ± 0.417) (P < 0.05). Once the ADC ratio was fixed at 0.889 × 10−3 mm2/s, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 82.22%, 82.35% and 82.28%, respectively. The cutoff of ADC ratio was at 1.097 × 10−3 mm2/s, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy can be up to 84.44%, 88.24%, and 86.08%.

Conclusion

ADC value and ADC ratio could be used as a reliable parameter to detect the axillary lymph nodes metastasis in breast cancer patients, and ADC ratio has a higher accuracy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:824–828. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correlation of muscle BOLD MRI with transcutaneous oxygen pressure for assessing microcirculation in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Partovi Sasan , Aschwanden Markus , Jacobi Bjoern , Schulte Anja‐Carina , Walker Ulrich A. , Staub Daniel , Imfeld Stephan , Broz Pavel , Benz Daniela , Zipp Lisa , Jaeger Kurt A. , Takes Martin , Robbin Mark R. , Huegli Rolf W. , Bilecen Deniz
Published: February 2013

Purpose

To prospectively compare calf muscle BOLD MRI with transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) measurement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and healthy volunteers and thereby get insight into the pathogenesis of vasculopathy in this connective tissue disorder.

Materials and Methods

Twelve patients with SSc (6 women and 6 men, mean age 53.5 ± 10.0 years) and 12 healthy volunteers (4 men and 8 women, mean age 47 ± 12.1 years) were examined using muscle BOLD MRI and TcPO2. A cuff compression at mid‐thigh level was performed to provoke ischemia and reactive hyperemia. BOLD measurements were acquired on a 3 Tesla whole body‐scanner in the upper calf region using a multi‐echo EPI‐sequence with four echo‐times (TE: 9/20/31/42 ms) and a repetition time of 2 s. Empirical cross‐correlation analysis depending on time lags between BOLD‐ and TcPO2‐measurements was performed.

Results

Maximal cross‐correlation of BOLD T2*‐ and TcPO2‐measurements was calculated as 0.93 (healthy volunteers) and 0.90 (SSc patients) for a time lag of approximately 40 s. Both modalities showed substantial differences regarding time course parameters between the SSc patients and healthy volunteers.

Conclusion

Skeletal muscle BOLD MRI correlated very well with TcPO2. T2* changes seem to reflect reoxygenation deficits in deeper muscle tissue of SSc patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:845–851. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐dimensional amide proton transfer MR imaging of gliomas: Initial experience and comparison with gadolinium enhancement
Authors: Zhou Jinyuan , Zhu He , Lim Michael , Blair Lindsay , Quinones‐Hinojosa Alfredo , Messina Steven A. , Eberhart Charles G. , Pomper Martin G. , Laterra John , Barker Peter B. , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Blakeley Jaishri O.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of a three‐dimensional amide‐proton‐transfer (APT) imaging sequence with gradient‐ and spin‐echo readouts at 3 Tesla in patients with high‐ or low‐grade gliomas.

Materials and Methods

Fourteen patients with newly diagnosed gliomas were recruited. After B0 inhomogeneity correction on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis, APT‐weighted images were reconstructed using a magnetization‐transfer‐ratio asymmetry at offsets of ±3.5 ppm with respect to the water resonance. Analysis of variance post hoc tests were used for statistical evaluations, and results were validated with pathology.

Results

In six patients with gadolinium‐enhancing high‐grade gliomas, enhancing tumors on the postcontrast T1‐weighted images were consistently hyperintense on the APT‐weighted images. Increased APT‐weighted signal intensity was also clearly visible in two pathologically proven, high‐grade gliomas without gadolinium enhancement. The average APT‐weighted signal was significantly higher in the lesions than in the contralateral normal‐appearing brain tissue (P < 0.001). In six low‐grade gliomas, including two with gadolinium enhancement, APT‐weighted imaging showed iso‐intensity or mild punctate hyperintensity within all the lesions, which was significantly lower than that seen in the high‐grade gliomas (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The proposed three‐dimensional APT imaging sequence can be incorporated into standard brain MRI protocols for patients with malignant gliomas. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1119–1128. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wear patterns of taper connections in retrieved large diameter metal‐on‐metal bearings
Authors: Bishop Nicholas , Witt Florian , Pourzal Robin , Fischer Alfons , Rütschi Marcel , Michel Markus , Morlock Michael
Published: February 2013

Wear of the modular taper between head and shaft has been related to clinical failure resulting from adverse reactions to metallic debris. The problem has become pronounced in large metal‐on‐metal bearings, but the mechanism has not yet been fully understood. We analyzed retrieved components from five patients revised with various diagnoses. Two distinct wear patterns were observed for the head tapers. Three samples demonstrated “asymmetric” wear towards the inner end of the head taper. The other two showed “axisymmetric” radial wear (up to 65 µm) presenting the largest wear volumes (up to 20 mm3). Stem tapers demonstrated relatively little wear, and the fine thread on the stem taper surface was observed to be imprinted on the taper inside of the head. Our findings demonstrate that the cobalt‐chrome head wears preferentially to the titanium stem taper. “asymmetric” wear suggests toggling due to the offset of the joint force vector from the taper. In contrast, samples with “axisymmetric” radial wear and a threaded imprint suggested that corrosion led to head subsidence onto the stem taper with gradual rotation. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1116–1122, 2013
SERS as a valuable tool for detection and treatment follow‐up of fungal infection in mice lungs: use of Amphotericin B and its nanoencapsulation onto magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Santos C. M. B. , da Silva S. W. , Saldanha C. A. , Santos M. F. M. Almeida , Garcia M. P. , Azevedo R. B. , Morais P. C.
Published: February 2013

This study reports on the use of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection and follow‐up treatment of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) infection in lung's mice. We also reports on the introduction of a new drug carrier system [nanoparticle‐Amphotericin B (NP‐AmB)], comprising magnetic NP surface functionalized with AmB, and its use in the treatment of infected and non‐infected mice. SERS was successfully used to monitor the efficacy of the mice's treatment using the new NP‐AmB, while free AmB (F‐AmB), considering the current drug of choice for treatment of Pb infection, was also used and taken as reference for the treatment. We found SERS provides a robust platform to discriminate infected lung tissues from non‐infected ones based on fingerprints assessed via SERS spectra and focused on the redox state of heme groups present in the collected biological material. Finally, SERS data reported in this study indicated that the new NP‐AmB formulation provides similar clinical response as the F‐AmB, although incorporating 40% lower content of AmB and administered in a time interval schedule (every 72 h) three times longer than F‐AmB (every 24 h). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of silver nanoparticle‐based SERS spectroscopy for DNA analysis in radiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Ou Lin , Chen Yang , Su Ying , Huang Yangwen , Chen Rong , Lei Jinping
Published: February 2013

This work aims to explore the application of silver nanoparticle‐based surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE2's DNA analysis after X‐ray radiation. The cells are separated into control group and radiated groups with different dose of 6, 10, 15 and 20 Gy. The results show that after radiation (6, 10, 15 and 20 Gy), the DNA of radiated CNE2 have changed after 72 h of cell incubation. Principal components analysis is employed for significant differences and the DNA extracted after 72 h of incubation show significant divisions from control group. Moreover, a classifier based on support vector machines shows high classification accuracy between DNA extracted after 72 h of incubation and control group. In conclusion, this study first reveals SERS characteristics of CNE2's DNA under different dose of X‐ray radiation, and the final results may do favor to make known the mechanism of X‐ray radiation interacting with tumor. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flexible hybrid substrates of roll‐to‐roll manufacturing for flexible display application
Authors: Yeh Yung‐Hui , Cheng Chun‐Cheng , Lai Benjamin Chih‐Ming , Leu Chyi‐Ming , Tseng Yung‐Lung
Published: February 2013

A flexible hybrid substrate was developed and demonstrated for roll‐to‐roll (R2R) manufacturing. Layer‐by‐layer misalignment can be well controlled within 5 µm. Top‐gate amorphous InGaZnO thin‐film transistor was fabricated on the flexible hybrid substrate by R2R process for the first time. A 4.3‐in. segment‐type reflective Electro‐Phoretic Display (EPD) display was also demonstrated to show the R2R capability of flexible substrates.
Building tolerance for bears: A communications experiment
Authors: Slagle Kristina , Zajac Ryan , Bruskotter Jeremy , Wilson Robyn , Prange Suzie
Published: February 2013

The present study examined the feasibility of experimentally manipulating perceptions of benefit and control via communications to increase public acceptance of bears. We assigned subjects to either a pseudo‐control (basic bear biology message) or 1 of 3 treatments adding a benefits message, a perceived control message, or combining messages about both benefits and perceived control. Within‐subjects pre–post t‐tests showed a significant increase in acceptance among those in the benefits and combined treatments. A between‐subjects 1‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant difference between the perceived control and combined treatments (where the perceived control message actually decreased acceptance). Our results highlight the importance of including information about benefits stemming from the presence of black bears, as adding this information tended to increase stakeholder acceptance of black bear populations. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Genetic diversity and population structure in urban white‐tailed deer
Authors: Blanchong Julie A. , Sorin Anna Bess , Scribner Kim T.
Published: February 2013

Habitat fragmentation in urban areas has left many species isolated and vulnerable to loss of genetic variation. White‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), however, thrive in urban areas. We compared genetic diversity and structure among deer in 2 urban metroparks with deer in a fenced reserve and with deer from an open, continuously distributed population to inform urban deer management. If urban deer maintain species' typical matrilineal genetic structure, removal of female groups may effectively reduce local abundance. However, if gene flow in urban areas is high, dispersal may impede efforts to reduce abundance. Although genetic diversity was high and mean relatedness was near zero in all locations, distributions of pairwise relatedness in urban metroparks and the fenced reserve contained greater proportions of closely and distantly related deer than the open locations, likely attributable to matrilineal structure. In addition, deer from the metroparks (approx. 65 km apart) were moderately differentiated (Fst = 0.092) indicating gene flow in urban areas may be less than in other landscapes. Our results indicate that removal of matrilineal groups may reduce local urban deer abundance without inducing immigration from surrounding areas. © The Wildlife Society, 2012
Cry, Laugh, or Fight: The Impact of the Advertising Image and Disease Target Match on Consumers’ Evaluations of Cancer Advertising
Authors: Taylor Kimberly A. , Knibb Jana Nekesa
Published: February 2013

Cancer detection and treatment is now a huge part of the health care system, and many cancer charities and organizations advertise heavily in various media. However, from pink ribbons to yellow wristbands, marketing spending and imagery are vastly different between diseases that primarily affect men and those that primarily affect women. Yet, the ways in which consumers react to specific marketing images when used in cancer‐related advertising, and the importance of the congruence between the disease and the ad image have been under‐researched. This paper explores these research questions in two studies and finds significant differences in ad evaluations by image and gender of the disease target.
The Impact of Other Customers on Customer Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Yi Youjae , Gong Taeshik , Lee Hyojin
Published: February 2013

Despite extensive research on the antecedents of customer citizenship behavior, the influence of other customers remains a neglected area in service research. Drawing on social information processing and interpersonal influence theories, this article investigates how citizenship behavior of focal customers is shaped by citizenship behavior of other customers. This study also examines how informational influence in the form of other‐customer credibility and normative influence in the form of customer social identity moderate this relationship. Using qualitative and quantitative data, this study shows that other‐customer citizenship behavior drives focal customer citizenship behavior. This link is also moderated by informational influence (other‐customer credibility) and normative influence (social identity). From a theoretical standpoint, the findings provide preliminary evidence that other‐customer focus is critical to an understanding of customer citizenship behavior. This study also identifies the boundary conditions for these relationships. From a practical standpoint, the findings suggest that managers need to identify and pay attention to customers who exhibit citizenship behavior so that customer citizenship behavior is reciprocated and extended to other customers in the service encounter.
Stages: Sub‐Fourier dynamic shim updating using nonlinear magnetic field phase preparation
Authors: Witschey Walter R. T. , Littin Sebastian , Cocosco Chris A. , Gallichan Daniel , Schultz Gerrit , Weber Hans , Welz Anna , Hennig Jürgen , Zaitsev Maxim
Published: February 2013

Heterogeneity of the static magnetic field in magnetic resonance imaging may cause image artifacts and degradation in image quality. The field heterogeneity can be reduced by dynamically adjusting shim fields or dynamic shim updating, in which magnetic field homogeneity is optimized for each tomographic slice to improve image quality. A limitation of this approach is that a new magnetic field can be applied only once for each slice, otherwise image quality would improve somewhere to its detriment elsewhere in the slice. The motivation of this work is to overcome this limitation and develop a technique using nonlinear magnetic fields to dynamically shim the static magnetic field within a single Fourier‐encoded volume or slice, called sub‐Fourier dynamic shim updating. However, the nonlinear magnetic fields are not used as shim fields; instead, they impart a strong spatial dependence to the acquired MR signal by nonlinear phase preparation, which may be exploited to locally improve magnetic field homogeneity during acquisition. A theoretical description of the method is detailed, simulations and a proof‐of‐principle experiment are performed using a magnet coil with a known field geometry. The method is shown to remove artifacts associated with magnetic field homogeneity in balanced steady‐state free‐precession pulse sequences. We anticipate that this method will be useful to improve the quality of magnetic resonance images by removing deleterious artifacts associated with a heterogeneous static magnetic field. Magn Reson Med 71:57–66, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiband phase‐constrained parallel MRI
Authors: Blaimer Martin , Choli Morwan , Jakob Peter M. , Griswold Mark A. , Breuer Felix A.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Parallel MRI methods are typically associated with a degradation of the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). High scan time reduction factors are therefore restricted to applications with high intrinsic SNR. One possibility to increase the intrinsic SNR is to simultaneously excite several slices by means of multiband radio‐frequency (RF) pulses and subsequently separate the slices by parallel MRI reconstruction algorithms. However, the separation of closely spaced slices may suffer from severe noise amplification when there is insufficient coil sensitivity variation along the slice direction. The purpose of this work is to apply a phase‐constrained reconstruction for multiband experiments to minimize the noise amplification.

Methods

Pre‐defined phase differences between neighboring slices are induced and slice separation is performed by a phase‐constrained parallel MRI reconstruction. Phase differences between neighboring slices are tailored to achieve optimal slice separation with minimized noise amplification. The potential of the method is demonstrated through multiband in‐vivo experiments.

Results

Noise amplification in multiband phase‐constrained reconstructions is significantly reduced in comparison to standard multiband reconstruction when the phase difference between neighboring slices (distance = 12 mm) is 90°.

Conclusions

Multiband phase‐constrained parallel MRI has the potential for accelerated multi‐slice imaging with an improved SNR performance. Magn Reson Med 69:974–980, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of direct virtual coil to dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI and MR angiography with data‐driven parallel imaging
Authors: Wang Kang , Beatty Philip J. , Nagle Scott K. , Reeder Scott B. , Holmes James H. , Rahimi Mahdi S. , Bell Laura C. , Korosec Frank R. , Brittain Jean H.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of direct virtual coil (DVC) in the setting of 4D dynamic imaging used in multiple clinical applications.

Theory and Methods

Three dynamic imaging applications were chosen: pulmonary perfusion, liver perfusion, and peripheral MR angiography (MRA), with 18, 11, and 10 subjects, respectively. After view‐sharing, the k‐space data were reconstructed twice: once with channel‐by‐channel (CBC) followed by sum‐of‐squares coil combination and once with DVC. Images reconstructed using CBC and DVC were compared and scored based on overall image quality by two experienced radiologists using a five‐point scale.

Results

The CBC and DVC showed similar image quality in image domain. Time course measurements also showed good agreement in the temporal domain. CBC and DVC images were scored as equivalent for all pulmonary perfusion cases, all liver perfusion cases, and four of the 10 peripheral MRA cases. For the remaining six peripheral MRA cases, DVC were scored as slightly better (not clinically significant) than the CBC images by Radiologist A and as equivalent by Radiologist B.

Conclusion

For dynamic contrast‐enhanced MR applications, it is clinically feasible to reduce image reconstruction time while maintaining image quality and time course measurement using the DVC technique. Magn Reson Med 71:783–789, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
3D myocardial T1 mapping at 3T using variable flip angle method: Pilot study
Authors: Clique Hélène , Cheng Hai‐Ling Margaret , Marie Pierre‐Yves , Felblinger Jacques , Beaumont Marine
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Myocardial T1 mapping is an emerging technique that could improve cardiovascular magnetic resonance diagnostic accuracy. In this study, a variable flip angle approach with B1 correction is proposed at 3T on the myocardium, employing standard 3D spoiled fast gradient echo and echo planar imaging sequences.

Methods

The method was tested on phantoms to determine the set of standard 3D spoiled fast gradient echo angles adapted to myocardial T1 measurements and was compared to the inversion‐recovery spin‐echo reference T1 method. Seven volunteers underwent magnetic imaging resonance to acquire myocardial T1 maps and T1 values of the human heart.

Results

This original method demonstrated good reproducibility in phantoms and a significant correlation between variable flip angle T1 values and reference inversion‐recovery spin‐echo T1 values. It yielded myocardial T1 values consistent with expected T1 and an increasing homogenization of myocardial segments owing to B1 correction. The mean myocardial T1 value was 1341 ± 42 ms.

Conclusion

Myocardial 3D T1 mapping using the variable flip angle approach can potentially be useful for evaluating fibrosis on the entire myocardium using a standard clinical sequence. Magn Reson Med 71:823–829, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time‐resolved noncontrast enhanced 4‐D dynamic magnetic resonance angiography using multibolus TrueFISP‐based spin tagging with alternating radiofrequency (TrueSTAR)
Authors: Yan Lirong , Salamon Noriko , Wang Danny J. J.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The goal of this study was to introduce a new noncontrast enhanced 4D dynamic MR angiography (dMRA) technique termed multibolus TrueFISP‐based spin tagging with alternating radiofrequency (TrueSTAR).

Methods

Multibolus TrueFISP‐based spin tagging with alternating radiofrequency was developed by taking advantage of the phenomenon that the steady‐state signal of TrueFISP is minimally disturbed by periodically inserted magnetization preparations (e.g., spin tagging) that are sandwiched by two α/2 RF pulses. Both theoretical analysis and experimental studies were carried out to optimize the proposed method which was compared with both pulsed and pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling‐based dMRA in healthy volunteers. Optimized multibolus dMRA was also applied in a patient with arteriovenous malformation to demonstrate its potential clinical utility.

Results

Multibolus dMRA offered a prolonged tagging bolus compared to the standard single‐bolus dMRA, and allowed improved visualization of the draining veins in the arteriovenous malformation patient. Compared to pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling‐based dMRA, multibolus dMRA provided visualization of the full passage of the labeled blood with the flexibility for both static and dynamic magnetic resonance angiography.

Conclusion

By combining the benefits of pulsed and pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling‐based dMRA, multibolus TrueFISP‐based spin tagging with alternating radiofrequency can prolong and enhance the tagging bolus without sacrificing imaging speed or temporal resolution. Magn Reson Med 71:551–560, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCRETION AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN TURKEY
Authors: Yilmaz Serdar , Guner Ayse
Published: February 2013

After ratification of the European Charter of Local Self‐Government in 1993, Turkey has witnessed major local government reform efforts in 2000s. The policy objectives of these reforms were granting more political, administrative and fiscal discretion to local governments along the principles of democratic decentralization and strengthening accountability linkages between citizens and local governments. We employ a diagnostic framework to analyse the impact of these reforms. We argue that reforms have achieved limited success in improving decision‐making autonomy and accountability of local governments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PedsQL™ sickle cell disease module: Feasibility, reliability, and validity
Authors: Panepinto Julie A. , Torres Sylvia , Bendo Cristiane B. , McCavit Timothy L. , Dinu Bogdan , Sherman‐Bien Sandra , Bemrich‐Stolz Christy , Varni James W.
Published: February 2013

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited chronic disease that is characterized by complications such as recurrent painful vaso‐occlusive events that require frequent hospitalizations and contribute to early mortality. The objective of the study was to report on the initial measurement properties of the new PedsQL™ SCD Module for pediatric patient self‐report ages 5–18 years and parent proxy‐report for ages 2–18 years.

Procedure

The 43‐item PedsQL™ SCD Module was completed in a multisite study by 243 pediatric patients with SCD and 313 parents. Participants also completed the PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales and PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale.

Results

The PedsQL™ SCD Module Scales evidenced excellent feasibility, excellent reliability for the Total Scale Scores (patient self‐report α = 0.95; parent proxy‐report α = 0.97), and good reliability for the nine individual scales (patient self‐report α = 0.69–0.90; parent proxy‐report α = 0.83–0.97). Intercorrelations with the PedsQL™ Generic Core Scales and PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scales were medium (0.30) to large (0.50) range, supporting construct validity. PedsQL™ SCD Module Scale Scores were generally worse for patients with severe versus mild disease. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated an acceptable to excellent model fit.

Conclusions

The PedsQL™ SCD Module demonstrated acceptable measurement properties. The PedsQL™ SCD Module may be utilized in the evaluation of SCD‐specific health‐related quality of life in clinical research and practice. In conjunction with the PedsQL™ Generic Core Scales and the PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, the PedsQL™ SCD Module will facilitate the understanding of the health and well‐being of children with SCD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:1338–1344. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of variants in SLC28A3 and UGT1A6 as genetic markers predictive of anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity in children
Authors: Visscher H. , Ross C.J.D. , Rassekh S.R. , Sandor G.S.S. , Caron H.N. , van Dalen E.C. , Kremer L.C. , van der Pal H.J. , Rogers P.C. , Rieder M.J. , Carleton B.C. , Hayden M.R. ,   the CPNDS Consortium
Published: February 2013

Background

. The use of anthracyclines as effective antineoplastic drugs is limited by the occurrence of cardiotoxicity. Multiple genetic variants predictive of anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity (ACT) in children were recently identified. The current study was aimed to assess replication of these findings in an independent cohort of children.

Procedure

. Twenty‐three variants were tested for association with ACT in an independent cohort of 218 patients. Predictive models including genetic and clinical risk factors were constructed in the original cohort and assessed in the current replication cohort.

Results

. We confirmed the association of rs17863783 in UGT1A6 and ACT in the replication cohort (P = 0.0062, odds ratio (OR) 7.98). Additional evidence for association of rs7853758 (P = 0.058, OR 0.46) and rs885004 (P = 0.058, OR 0.42) in SLC28A3 was found (combined P = 1.6 × 10−5 and P = 3.0 × 10−5, respectively). A previously constructed prediction model did not significantly improve risk prediction in the replication cohort over clinical factors alone. However, an improved prediction model constructed using replicated genetic variants as well as clinical factors discriminated significantly better between cases and controls than clinical factors alone in both original (AUC 0.77 vs. 0.68, P = 0.0031) and replication cohort (AUC 0.77 vs. 0.69, P = 0.060).

Conclusions

. We validated genetic variants in two genes predictive of ACT in an independent cohort. A prediction model combining replicated genetic variants as well as clinical risk factors might be able to identify high‐ and low‐risk patients who could benefit from alternative treatment options. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;601375‐1381. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nanoparticle surface polarity influence on the flow behavior of polymer matrix composites
Authors: Hanemann T.
Published: February 2013

The influence of three different nanosized titanias with opposite surface polarity and different particle morphology, dispersed in an unsaturated polyester matrix, on the resulting composite flow behavior was investigated systematically. In addition the maximum filler load was estimated by use of established empirical models. It is known from composites containing microsized particles that a surface polarity conversion from a hydrophilic to a more hydrophobic character allows higher solid loads due to a pronounced viscosity reduction. In this work it was derived from viscosity measurements that a large hydrophobic nanoparticle surface area caused a pronounced attractive interaction between the filler and the polymer matrix reducing the maximum accessible filler load in contrast to a similar hydrophilic nanoparticle. For comparison a highly agglomerated hydrophilic nanosized titanium dioxide with very large specific surface area was investigated also, the large agglomerates with particle sizes in the micrometer range allowed higher solid loads in contrast to the both “real” nanosized titania. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1425–1432, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Development and characterization of size controlled polymeric microcapsules loaded with superparamagnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Xue Li , Wang Jun , Li Zhanshuang , Liu Qi , Zhang Milin , Jing Xiaoyan , Liu Lianhe
Published: February 2013

Biocompatible polymeric microcapsules encapsulated Fe3O4 nanoparticles were fabricated by double emulsion solvent evaporation method. Magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by coprecipitation of iron oxide. scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer were used to determine the morphology, structure, crystallinity, and saturation magnetization of the microcapsules, respectively. The results indicate that the composite microcapsules have nitrogen gas in the core, Fe3O4 in the internal cavity with mean diameter of 3.6 μm. Thus, the alcohol as additive was applied to control the average size and size distribution of the microcapsules. Laser particle analyzer measurements indicate that the average size and size distribution decrease with the increasing of alcohol concentration, additionally the size and size distribution increase at higher alcohol concentration. Moreover, the prepared magnetic microcapsules with the coating of polymer have superparamagnetic behavior. Furthermore, the size controlled polymeric composite microcapsules have potential to act as ultrasound contrast agents and magnetic triggered drug delivery system. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Extrusion with ultrasound applied on intumescent flame‐retardant polypropylene
Authors: Sanchez‐Olivares G. , Sanchez‐Solis A. , Calderas F. , Medina‐Torres L. , Herrera‐Valencia E.E. , Rivera‐Gonzaga A. , Manero O.
Published: February 2013

In this work, the effect of processing conditions on the production of an intumescent flame‐retardant system is studied in polypropylene‐based compounds. Two distinct procedures were used: ultrasonic assisted single screw (with a static mixer die) and twin screw extrusion. The flame‐retardant, thermal, mechanical, morphological, and rheological properties were measured. It was found that the flame‐retardant intumescent content can be diminished from 30 phr (as usually used) to 21 phr using the application of ultrasonic waves during extrusion and with the addition of chemically modified clay to obtain a V0 classification according to UL94‐V standards. In addition, the processed materials presented improvements in the mechanical properties such as impact resistance (Izod Notched), strain at break and tenacity upon ultrasound application. The online application of ultrasound through a die that produces extensional flows improved greatly the dispersion and distribution of the particles of the intumescent system and the chemically modified clay in the polymer matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers