bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mean platelets volume and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as predictors of stroke
Authors: Farah Raymond , Samra Nava
Published: March 2017

Background

Mean platelets volume (MPV) is a marker, which indicates platelet function, and is a potential link between inflammation and thrombosis. Previous studies have found a relation between high MPV levels and high risk of stroke. Another factor that has been associated with the risk of stroke is neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Several studies have reported an association between increased NLR and increased risk of cerebrovascular disease. It was found that NLR levels have a relation to the prognosis as well. Since both NLR and MPV have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, together they may predict the risk of stroke and the prognosis with higher sensitivity and specificity.

Methods

This is a descriptive retrospective study. Data were gathered from medical records of patients who applied the Ziv medical center and were diagnosed with stroke. Stroke severity was evaluated using the NIHSS (national institutes of health stroke scale). MPV and NLR levels of patients with stroke were compared to those of 30 healthy individuals.

Results

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio levels were found significantly higher in patients with stroke compared with healthy individuals. NLR was also found higher in patients with moderate/severe stroke compared with those with minor stroke. No association was found between MPV level, the risk of stroke, and stroke prognosis. Moreover, an interaction effect between MPV and NLR level was not found.

Conclusion

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is a good predictive factor of stroke and stroke prognosis. Further prospective studies are needed to establish the relationship between the MPV level and the risk of stroke. NLR and MPV interaction effect can be tested again in the future after establishing the association between MPV, the risk of stroke, and stroke prognosis.
The study of biochemical profile of cyst fluid and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating hepatic hydatid cysts from liver simple cysts
Authors: Shanshan Wang , Hui Li , Yan Liu , Li Wang , Yongfang Ren , Yan Wang , Kader Muhetarjiang , Wenxiao Jia
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of biochemical profile of cyst fluid and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in differentiating hepatic hydatid cysts (HCs) from liver simple cysts.

Materials and methods

Forty‐six patients underwent MR imaging. Twenty‐nine patients had 29 hydatid cysts and 17 patients had liver simple cysts. Thirteen patients with hydatid cysts and seven patients with liver simple cysts were evaluated with cyst fluid biochemical analysis. The concentration of glucose, protein, calcium ion (Ca2+) electrolyte, macroscopic appearance, and parasitological sediment were evaluated in this study.

Results

In the respect of biochemical analysis cyst fluid, the concentration of glucose and calcium ion of HCs was significantly higher than that of the liver simple cysts. In the respect of DWI, in the b 1000 s/mm2 value in respect of mean application data center (ADC) values, there was a statistically significant difference between HCs group (the mean value was (2.50±0.79)×10−3 mm/s2) and liver simple cysts group (the mean value was (2.92±0.66)×10−3 mm/s2). However, no statistically significant results were obtained in the ADC measurements of b 500 s/mm2 between two groups.

Conclusion

The analysis of cyst fluid combined with the measurement of ADC values in the b 1000 s/mm2 value could be considered a promising parameter as an alternative to the differential diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cysts from liver simple cysts.
Agreement between an in‐house replication competent and a reference replication defective recombinant virus assay for measuring phenotypic resistance to HIV‐1 protease, reverse transcriptase, and integrase inhibitors
Authors: Saladini Francesco , Giannini Alessia , Boccuto Adele , Vicenti Ilaria , Zazzi Maurizio
Published: March 2017

Background

Although clinical management of drug resistance is routinely based on genotypic methods, phenotypic assays remain necessary for the characterization of novel HIV‐1 inhibitors, particularly against common drug‐resistant variants. We describe the development and assessment of the performance of a recombinant virus assay for measuring HIV‐1 susceptibility to protease (PR), reverse transcriptase (RT), and integrase (IN) inhibitors.

Methods

The system is based on the creation of replication‐competent chimeric viruses through homologous recombination between patient or laboratory virus‐derived PCR fragments and the corresponding NL4‐3 vector where the whole Gag‐PR, RT‐RNaseH or IN coding regions has been deleted through inverse PCR. The susceptibility to nucleoside (NRTIs) and non‐nucleoside (NNRTIs) RT inhibitors and to IN inhibitors (INIs) is calculated through a single‐round infection assay in TZM‐bl cells, while protease inhibitor (PI) activity is determined through a first round of infection in MT‐2 cells followed by infection of TZM‐bl cells with MT‐2 supernatants.

Results

The assay showed excellent reproducibility and accuracy when testing PI, NRTI, NNRTI, and INI susceptibility of drug‐resistant clones previously characterized through the reference pseudoparticle‐based Phenosense assay. The coefficient of interassay variation in fold change (FC) resistance was 12.0%‐24.3% when assaying seven drug/clones pairs in three runs. FC values calculated by the Phenosense and in‐house for 20 drug/clones pairs were in good agreement, with mean±SD ratio of 1.14±0.33 and no cases differing by more than twofold.

Conclusions

The described phenotypic assay can be adopted to evaluate the antiviral activity of licensed and investigational HIV‐1 drugs targeting any of the three HIV‐1 enzymes.
Benchmarking transverse spin relaxation based oxygenation measurements in the brain during hypercapnia and hypoxia
Authors: Ni Wendy W. , Christen Thomas , Zaharchuk Greg
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To simultaneously assess reproducibility of three MRI transverse relaxation parameters (
,
, and R2) for brain tissue oxygenation mapping and to assess changes in these parameters with inhalation of gases that increase and decrease oxygenation, to identify the most sensitive parameter for imaging brain oxygenation.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐eight healthy subjects (25 male, ages 35 ± 8 years) were scanned at 3.0 Tesla, each with one of four gases (mildly and strongly hypercapnic and hypoxic) administered in a challenge paradigm, using a gas delivery setup designed for patient use. Cerebral blood flow mapping with arterial spin labeling, and simultaneous
,
, and R2 mapping with gradient‐echo sampling of free induction decay and echo (GESFIDE) were performed. Reproducibility in air and gas‐induced changes were evaluated using nonparametric analysis with correction for multiple comparisons.

Results

Our gas delivery setup achieved stable gas challenges as shown by physiological monitoring. Test–retest variability of
,
, and R2 were found to be 0.24 s−1 (8.6% of mean), 0.24 s−1 (1.3% of mean), and 0.15 s−1 (1.0% of mean), respectively. Strong hypoxia produced the most conclusive oxygenation‐driven relaxation change, inducing increases in
(25 ± 13%, P = 0.03),
(5 ± 2%, P = 0.02), and R2 (2 ± 2%, NS).

Conclusion

We benchmarked the intra‐scan test–retest variability in GESFIDE‐based transverse relaxation rate mapping. Using a reliable framework for gas challenge paradigms, we recommend strong hypoxia for validating oxygenation mapping methods, and the use of tissue
change, instead of
or R2, as a metric for studying brain tissue oxygenation using transverse relaxation methods.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:704–714
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and gulf war illness patients exhibit increased humoral responses to the herpesviruses‐encoded dUTPase: Implications in disease pathophysiology
Authors: Halpin Peter , Williams Marshall Vance , Klimas Nancy G. , Fletcher Mary Ann , Barnes Zachary , Ariza Maria Eugenia
Published: March 2017

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Gulf War Illness (GWI) are debilitating diseases with overlapping symptomology and there are currently no validated tests for definitive diagnosis of either syndrome. While there is evidence supporting the premise that some herpesviruses may act as possible triggers of ME/CFS, the involvement of herpesviruses in the pathophysiology of GWI has not been studied in spite of a higher prevalence of ME/CFS in these patients. We have previously demonstrated that the deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolases (dUTPase) encoded by Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6), and varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) possess novel functions in innate and adaptive immunity. The results of this study demonstrate that a significant percentage of patients with ME/CFS (30.91‐52.7%) and GWI (29.34%) are simultaneously producing antibodies against multiple human herpesviruses‐encoded dUTPases and/or the human dUTPase when compared to controls (17.21%). GWI patients exhibited significantly higher levels of antibodies to the HHV‐6 and human dUTPases than controls (P = 0.0053 and P = 0.0036, respectively), while the ME/CFS cohort had higher anti‐EBV‐dUTPase antibodies than in both GWI patients (P = 0.0008) and controls (P < 0.0001) as well as significantly higher anti‐human dUTPase antibodies than in controls (P = 0.0241). These results suggest that screening of patients’ sera for the presence of various combinations of anti‐dUTPase antibodies could be used as potential biomarkers to help identify/distinguish patients with these syndromes and better direct treatment.
Variability in the Botswana High and its relationships with rainfall and temperature characteristics over southern Africa
Authors: Driver P. , Reason C. J. C.
Published: March 2017

The seasonal and interannual variability of the mid‐tropospheric Botswana High and its relationships with various characteristics of rainfall and temperature over southern Africa are examined. This High typically forms in August and then strengthens and moves southward over southern Africa during the spring and summer. It also expands in zonal extent so that by March it is part of an anticyclonic ridge extending from the South Atlantic Convergence Zone eastwards over this ocean, across southern Africa and to the western Indian Ocean, with its greatest intensity in February. Its position is always to the south and southeast of the region of heavy precipitation across tropical southern Africa associated with the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and its meridional arm that passes through the eastern Congo Basin. Substantial interannual variability exists in the strength of the Botswana High. While the High is typically stronger (weaker) during El Niño (La Niña) events, there are also a number of neutral El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) summers with large anomalies in the Botswana High. Neutral summers with an anomalously weak Botswana High are also characterized by a cyclonic anomaly extending from Angola south to the Antarctic and an anticyclonic anomaly over the South West Indian Ocean. These circulation patterns favour the development of tropical extratropical cloud bands, the main synoptic summer rainfall producing system, and the inflow of more moisture from the Indian Ocean towards the source of the cloud bands and hence increased rainfall. Roughly, the reverse circulation anomalies occur during neutral summers with anomalously large values of the Botswana High. Relationships are also found between the Botswana High and dry spell frequency, maximum temperature, diurnal temperature range and the number of days with extreme temperatures during the summer.
Single intra‐articular injection of fluvastatin‐PLGA microspheres reduces cartilage degradation in rabbits with experimental osteoarthritis
Authors: Goto Norio , Okazaki Ken , Akasaki Yukio , Ishihara Kohei , Murakami Koji , Koyano Kiyoshi , Ayukawa Yasunori , Yasunami Noriyuki , Masuzaki Tomohiro , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: March 2017

Statins are cholesterol‐lowering drugs that inhibit 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase, a rate‐limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway. The anti‐inflammatory effect of statins has been reported in recent years. The present study investigated therapeutic effects of the local administration of statin in osteoarthritis (OA). We assessed clinically used statins and selected fluvastatin for further experimentation, as it showed potent anabolic and anti‐catabolic effects on human OA chondrocytes. To achieve controlled intra‐articular administration of statin, we developed an intra‐articular injectable statin using poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) as a drug delivery system (DDS). The release profile of the statin was evaluated in vitro. Finally, therapeutic effects of fluvastatin‐loaded PLGA microspheres (FLU‐PLGA) were tested in a rabbit OA model. Rabbit knees were divided into four subgroups: group 1‐A, PLGA‐treated group; group 1‐B, PLGA contralateral saline control group; group 2‐A, FLU‐PLGA‐treated group; and group 2‐B, FLU‐PLGA contralateral saline control group. Histological analysis 5 weeks after intra‐articular injection revealed that OARSI scores were lower in group 2‐A. No significant differences in OARSI scores were observed between groups 1‐A, 1‐B, and 2‐B. This study indicates that a single intra‐articular injection of fluvastatin‐loaded PLGA microspheres could be a novel therapeutic approach for treating patients with OA. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2465–2475, 2017.
Inclusive Finance’s Internal Need: Serving Vulnerable People
Authors: Du Xiao Shan
Published: March 2017

Developing inclusive finance plays an important role in achieving one objective of the 13th five‐year plan for advancing financial reform in China.
Influence of modified atmosphere packaging on protein oxidation, calpain activation and desmin degradation of beef muscles
Authors: Fu Qing‐quan , Ge Qing‐feng , Liu Rui , Wang Hai‐ou , Zhou Guang‐hong , Zhang Wan‐gang
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Protein oxidation is widespread in biochemical systems. The objective of the study was to investigate the differences in protein oxidation, μ‐calpain activity, desmin proteolysis and protein solubility of beef psoas major (PM) and semi‐membranosus (SM) muscles under three packaging systems during postmortem ageing. At 24 h postmortem, beef muscles were packaged respectively in air‐permeable film overwrap (AP), vacuum pack (VP) or modified atmosphere (MAP, 80% O2 + 20% CO2), and then displayed for 10 days at 4 °C.

RESULTS

Carbonyl group values and thiol group content were significantly influenced by packaging type and storage time. The SM muscles from AP and MAP showed greater μ‐calpain activity compared to VP. Desmin of PM and SM from AP and MAP samples showed decreased proteolysis compared with VP.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that the inhibition of μ‐calpain activity of beef samples from AP and MAP could be closely associated with protein oxidation which further lowered the level of desmin degradation compared to VP. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultra‐performance convergence chromatography for the quantitative determination of bioactive compounds in Aralia continentalis Kitagawa as quality control markers
Authors: Kim Hyo Seon , Moon Byeong Cheol , Choi Goya , Kim Wook Jin , Lee A Yeong
Published: March 2017

A rapid ultra‐performance convergence chromatography method was developed for the quantitative determination of bioactive compounds in Aralia continentalis as quality control markers. Quantitative analysis indicated the presence of two major bioactive compounds: diterpenoid acids continentalic acid and kaurenoic acid. Using a Torus 1‐aminoanthracene column, continentalic acid and kaurenoic acid were separated in less than 8 min. The method was validated with respect to precision, accuracy, and linearity according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The optimized method exhibited a good linear correlation (r2 > 0.996), excellent precision (RSD < 1.0%), and acceptable recoveries (99.97–100.26%). Limits of detection for continentalic acid and kaurenoic acid were 0.068 and 0.097 μg/mL, respectively, while their corresponding limits of quantitation were 0.207 and 0.295 μg/mL. The system performance of ultra‐performance convergence chromatography was compared with that of conventional high‐performance liquid chromatography with respect to analysis time and efficiency. The proposed method was found to be reliable and convenient for the quantitative analysis of continentalic acid and kaurenoic acid in A. continentalis from South Korea and A. pubescens from China. This study is expected to serve as a guideline for the quality control of Aralia continentalis.
Knowledge Convergence through “MaThinking”
Authors: Kodama Mitsuru
Published: March 2017

This paper suggests that Ma enable the coexistence of dissimilars and that the formation of Ma is an important factor in bringing about the knowledge convergence process to integrate dissimilar knowledge in organizations and companies. The paper presents four concepts of Ma: the first is the temporal Ma of experience (Ma of time); the second is spatial Ma, which raises the quality of dialogue (Ma of space); the third is the psychological Ma that ties together knowledge from different areas of specialization (mental Ma); and the fourth is situational Ma that ties together different contexts (Ma of context).

The commonality in these four concepts of Ma is the existence of relationships that ties together different contexts and knowledge (in other words boundaries) in dynamically changing space‐time. However, rather than referring to relationships that have specific meaning, Ma describe holistic relationships that allow a diversity of meanings in dynamically changing flows. The paper argues that Ma, as dynamically changing holistic relationships, have their roots in the Eastern philosophies of Japanese Shintoism and Buddhism and discusses relationship among Ma, Ba, and strategic communities. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Smoking: An independent risk factor for lost productivity in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Campbell Adam P. , Hoehle Lloyd P. , Phillips Katie M. , Caradonna David S. , Gray Stacey T. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: March 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is associated with a significant loss of patient productivity that costs billions of dollars every year. Smoking is associated with worsening sinonasal symptoms, but its effect on lost productivity in CRS patients has yet to be described. Therefore, we sought to determine the association between smoking and productivity in patients with CRS.

Study Design

Prospective cross‐sectional cohort study of 140 patients with CRS.

Methods

Sinonasal symptom severity was measured using the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcomes Test. Lost productivity was assessed by asking participants how many days of work and/or school they missed in the last 3 months due to CRS. Associations were sought between lost productivity and smoking.

Results

Participants missed a mean of 3.0 days (standard deviation = 12.8 days) of work or school due to CRS. Having any history of smoking was associated with 6 days of lost productivity due to CRS (adjusted β = 6.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64 to 11.77, P = .031). Although the number of active smokers in our study cohort was very small (N = 6), we performed a univariate association between smoking status, considering former smokers and active smokers separately, and found that active smoking (β = 11.75, 95% CI: 2.11 to 21.40, P = .018) had a much larger impact on CRS‐related productivity loss than that experienced by former smokers (β = 4.45, 95% CI: −0.32 to 9.23, P = .070).

Conclusions

Smoking (likely driven by active smoking) is independently associated with missed days of work or school in patients with CRS. Further study is needed to determine whether interventions directed at smoking may impact CRS‐related productivity loss.

Level of Evidence

2c Laryngoscope, 127:1742–1745, 2017
Steroid intracochlear distribution differs by administration method: Systemic versus intratympanic injection
Authors: Lee Jong Joo , Jang Jeong Hun , Choo Oak‐Sung , Lim Hye Jin , Choung Yun‐Hoon
Published: March 2017

Objective

Steroids have been widely used to treat inner‐ear diseases such as sudden sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and Meniere's disease. They can be given via either systemic or intratympanic (IT) injection. The purpose of the present study was to explore differences in intracochlear steroid distribution by the administration method employed (systemic vs. IT injection).

Study Design

Animal study.

Methods

Twenty‐three Sprague‐Dawley rats were given fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labeled dexamethasone (FITC‐DEX) three times (on successive days) via intraperitoneal (IP) or IT injection. Cochlear uptake of FITC‐DEX was evaluated via immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry at 6 hours, and 3 and 7 days after the final injection.

Results

FITC‐DEX uptake was evident in spiral ganglion cells (SGs), the organ of Corti (OC), and the lateral walls (LWs), the basal turns of which were stained relatively prominently in both groups. Animals receiving IP injections exhibited higher FITC‐DEX uptakes by the SGs and OC, whereas IT injection triggered higher‐level FITC‐DEX accumulation by the OC and LWs. Flow cytometry revealed that intracochlear FITC‐DEX uptake by IT‐injected animals was higher and more prolonged than in animals subjected to IP injections.

Conclusion

We thus describe differences in cochlear steroid distributions after systemic and IT injections. This finding could help our understanding of the pharmacokinetics of steroids in the cochlea.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:189–194, 2018
Liver transplantation versus liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in intention to treat: An attempt to perform an ideal meta‐analysis
Authors: Menahem Benjamin , Lubrano Jean , Duvoux Christophe , Mulliri Andrea , Alves Arnaud , Costentin Charlotte , Mallat Ariane , Launoy Guy , Laurent Alexis
Published: March 2017

This meta‐analysis compared the effects of liver transplantation (LT) and liver resection (LR) on overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) small transplantable HCC or within Milan criteria. Articles comparing LR with LT for HCC, based on Milan criteria or small size, published up to June 2015 were selected, and a meta‐analysis was performed. No randomized controlled trial has been published to date comparing survival outcomes in patients with HCC who underwent LR and LT. Nine studies were identified, including 570 patients who underwent LR and 861 who underwent LT. For HCC within the Milan criteria, the 1‐year OS rates following LR and LT were 84.5% (473/560) and 84.4% (710/841), respectively (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71‐1.33; P = 0.8), and the 5‐year OS rates were 47.9% (273/570) and 59.3% (509/858), respectively (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.35‐1.02; P = 0.06). One‐year DFS rates were similar (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.39‐2.61; P = 1.00), whereas the 3‐year DFS rate was significantly lower in the LR group (54.4%, 210/386) than in the LT group (74.2%, 317/427; OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07‐0.80; P = 0.02), and the 5‐year DFS rate was significantly lower for LR than LT (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.06‐0.53; P < 0.01). For small HCCs, the 5‐year OS rate was significantly lower for patients who underwent LR than LT (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.19‐0.48; P < 0.001). In conclusion, relative to LR, LT in patients with HCC meeting the Milan criteria had no benefits before 10 years for OS. For DFS, the benefit is obtained after 3 years. Liver Transplantation 23 836–844 2017 AASLD.
Non‐destructive indication of delaminations under thick organic coatings using active IR‐thermography
Authors: Schmitt G. , Lenzmann C. , Schneider N. , Lobnig R.
Published: March 2017

The integrity of organic coatings can be impaired by disbondment due to permeation of water vapor in temperature and osmotic gradients between the outer environment and the base metal surface, due to cathodic protection at locally destructed coatings or simply by poor adhesion. For thin coatings the degree of delamination is easily determined by the intensity of blisters which generally arise already after short exposure periods. However, thick coatings with thicknesses above 2 mm take much longer for blistering and larger delaminations, and develop visible blisters only in an advanced state. The degree of delamination is generally detected by mechanical destruction of the coating. The present paper presents a new non‐destructive test (NDT) method for detecting delaminations and blisters in or under organic coatings with thicknesses up to 6 mm already at stages when the defects are not yet visible. This is accomplished by active IR thermographic methods with induction and/or optically excited lock‐in thermography. The potential of the method is exemplified in this paper for blister determination formed under ΔT‐test conditions and for non‐destructive quantification of the length of delamination after standardized cathodic disbondment laboratory tests.
Increasing corrosion resistance of a ZrTi alloy with a bioinspired coating with low porosity
Authors: Vardaki M. , Ionita D. , Stoian A. B. , Demetrescu I.
Published: March 2017

The paper is focused on elaboration and characterization of bioinspired coatings on ZrTi with different porosities as a result of various components ratio of hydroxyapatite (Hap) and chitosan (CS). Three different ratios of HAp:CS were used for coating the specimens. The coatings surface was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by measuring the contact angles. All samples have a hydrophilic character, which is more significant for lowest chitosan content. The corrosion resistance was investigated in Afnor artificial saliva using Tafel procedure and EIS technique. Corrosion current variations can be attributed to defects present in the coating. Pores present in the coating connected the electrolyte to the substrate surface and the results an acceleration of corrosion. A stability scale was established according to corrosion rate of samples and their porosity, indicating as most resistant to corrosion the sample with lowest porosity. The impedance data and the equivalent circuits presented were obtained for both the uncoated and coated samples immersed at initial time and at time higher than 24 h. EIS data permitted a discussion of diffusion process as well.
Comparison of propeller perforator flap and venous supercharged propeller perforator flap in reconstruction of lower limb soft tissue defect: A prospective study
Authors: Chaput Benoit , Bertheuil Nicolas , Grolleau Jean‐Louis , Bekara Farid , Carloni Raphael , Laloze Jerome , Herlin Christian
Published: March 2017

Introduction

In lower limbs, reliability of propeller perforator flaps (PPF) remains uncertain. The main complication is venous congestion, which can lead to distal necrosis. We aim to highlight if venous supercharging of PPF could substantially limit complications in lower limb coverage.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2016, we developed a standardized procedure of venous supercharging in the lower limb reconstruction with PPF using saphenous veins anastomosis. Then, we prospectively compared a consecutive series of 30 PPF to cover lower limbs defect, with a consecutive series of 30 venous‐supercharged PPF (vsPPF). Etiologies of trauma, flap harvesting, complications, and outcomes were compared.

Results

The etiologies of the defect were acute trauma in 67.6% of reconstruction with PPFs and 60% of reconstruction with vsPPFs (P = 0.826). The average size of the skin paddle was 48.1 ±18.2 cm2 for PPF and 58.9 ±19.5 cm2 for vsPPF, and the average arc of rotation was 126.7° ±33.1 for PPF and 121.3° ±31.9 for vsPPF. The average sizes and rotation arcs between the two flaps were not significantly different (P = 0.031, P = 0.527). The operative time was significantly increased for vsPPF when compared to PPF procedure (128.8 ±8.5 minutes vs. 81.3 ±10.1 minutes, P < 0.001). Venous congestion was significantly higher in PPF with 11 cases than in vsPPF with two cases (36.7% versus 6.7%, P = 0.010). Distal necrosis were significantly higher in PPF with nine cases than in vsPPF with 1 cases (30% versus 3.3%, P = 0.012). Following poor flap evolution, stitches removal was significantly more frequent in PPF with 11 cases than in vsPPF with one case (36.7% vs 3.3%, P = 0.002). Leeches application was significantly more frequent for PPF procedures with nine cases, than for vsPPF with one case (30% vs 3.3%, P = 0.012). The average length of hospital stay for PPF was significantly longer than for vsPPF (8.78 versus 7.11 days, P = 0.026).

Conclusion

The vsPPF is a reliable alternative to PPF to cover small‐ and medium‐size defect in lower limbs, reducing venous congestion and overall complications.
Time‐weighted blow‐up rates and pointwise profile for single‐point blow‐up solutions in reaction–diffusion equations
Authors: Liu Bingchen , Li Fengjie
Published: March 2017

This paper deals with asymptotic behavior for blow‐up solutions to time‐weighted reaction–diffusion equations ut=Δu+eαtvp and vt=Δv+eβtuq, subject to homogeneous Dirichlet boundary. The time‐weighted blow‐up rates are defined and obtained by ways of the scaling or auxiliary‐function methods for all α,
. Aiding by key inequalities between components of solutions, we give lower pointwise blow‐up profiles for single‐point blow‐up solutions. We also study the solutions of the system with variable exponents instead of constant ones, where blow‐up rates and new blow‐up versus global existence criteria are obtained. Time‐weighted functions influence critical Fujita exponent, critical Fujita coefficient and formulae of blow‐up rates, but they do not limit the order of time‐weighted blow‐up rates and pointwise profile near blow‐up time. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint system relaxometry (JSR) and Crámer‐Rao lower bound optimization of sequence parameters: A framework for enhanced precision of DESPOT T1 and T2 estimation
Authors: Teixeira Rui Pedro A.G. , Malik Shaihan J. , Hajnal Joseph V.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This study aims to increase the precision of single‐compartment DESPOT relaxometry by two means: (i) a joint system relaxometry (JSR) approach that estimates parameters in a single step using all available data; and (ii) optimizing acquisition parameters by deploying a robust design tool based on the Crámer‐Rao lower bound (CRLB).

Methods

Following the development of the analysis and design capabilities, phantom and four in vivo subject experiments were performed to compare directly the precision achieved with DESPOT and JSR estimation using published protocols and protocols designed using a proposed CRLB framework.

Results

Experimental data demonstrate JSR's ability to decrease relaxometry estimation variance. Phantom results show 72 to 77% improvement using the same data as conventional DESPOT. This is further improved to 81 to 87% using optimal parameters. Both experiments show systematic bias depending on the acquisition parameters used, which are shown to be highly reproducible and to vary with different magnetization transfer conditions.

Conclusions

Compared with DESPOT, JSR produces reproducible relaxation maps with improved precision. Further improvement was achieved using CRLB as a protocol design tool. With this combined approach, it is possible to achieve submillimeter maps of
in an 11‐min examination, making the approach appealing for potential clinical use. Magn Reson Med 79:234–245, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
On an effective approach for the coach trip with shuttle service problem of the VeRoLog solver challenge 2015
Authors: Geiger Martin Josef
Published: March 2017

The article describes our solution approach for the coach trip with shuttle service problem, a passenger transportation problem introduced in the context of the VeRoLog Solver Challenge 2015, an implementation competition of the EURO Working Group on Vehicle Routing and Logistics Optimization. Our algorithm applies concepts known from Variable Neighborhood Search and Iterated Local Search. On a lower level, we consider the fast construction and modification of tree data structures, as those structures may serve as appropriate representations of (feasible) alternatives. Experiments are carried out, and a comparison to other approaches is given. We also make the source code of our approach (i.e., its computer implementation) available with this article: https://doi.org/10.17632/662mtv6sd8.1. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 69(3), 329–345 2017
Iterated local search for the capacitated vehicle routing problem with sequence‐based pallet loading and axle weight constraints
Authors: Pollaris Hanne , Braekers Kris , Caris An , Janssens Gerrit K. , Limbourg Sabine
Published: March 2017

In this article an Iterated Local Search algorithm for the capacitated vehicle routing problem with sequence‐based pallet loading and axle weight constraints is presented. Axle weight limits impose a great challenge for transportation companies. Yet, the literature on the incorporation of axle weight constraints in vehicle routing models is very scarce. The effect of introducing axle weight constraints in a CVRP on total routing cost is analyzed. Results show that integrating axle weight constraints does not lead to a large cost increase. However, not including axle weight constraints in the planning process may induce major axle weight violations. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 69(3), 304–316 2017
Branch‐cut‐price algorithms for solving a class of search problems on general graphs
Authors: Taşkin Z. Caner , Smith J. Cole
Published: March 2017

We consider graph search problems involving an intruder and mobile searchers. The graph consists of nodes on which the intruder and searchers may be located, and edges on which these entities travel. Associated with each node is a set of nodes that are visible from that node. The goal is to find the minimum number of searchers needed to detect the intruder within a given time limit. We investigate three variants of the graph search problem: (i) a hide‐and‐seek problem, in which a stationary intruder “hides” at an unknown node, (ii) a pursuit‐evasion problem, in which the intruder moves among the nodes to avoid being detected, and (iii) a patrol problem, which is similar to the pursuit‐evasion problem except that searchers patrol the graph in repeated circuits to seek intruders. Our contribution provides exponential‐size set‐covering formulations for these problems, along with a class of branch‐cut‐price algorithms tailored for solving them. These algorithms leverage results from the orienteering literature to solve pricing problems related to searcher routes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 70(1), 4–18 2017
A constructive arbitrary‐degree Kronecker product decomposition of tensors
Authors: Batselier Kim , Wong Ngai
Published: March 2017

We generalize the matrix Kronecker product to tensors and propose the tensor Kronecker product singular value decomposition that decomposes a real k‐way tensor
into a linear combination of tensor Kronecker products with an arbitrary number of d factors. We show how to construct
, where each factor
is also a k‐way tensor, thus including matrices (k=2) as a special case. This problem is readily solved by reshaping and permuting
into a d‐way tensor, followed by a orthogonal polyadic decomposition. Moreover, we introduce the new notion of general symmetric tensors (encompassing symmetric, persymmetric, centrosymmetric, Toeplitz and Hankel tensors, etc.) and prove that when
is structured then its factors
will also inherit this structure.
A numerical convergence study regarding homogenization assumptions in phase field modeling
Authors: Kiefer B. , Furlan T. , Mosler J.
Published: March 2017

From a mathematical point of view, phase field theory can be understood as a smooth approximation of an underlying sharp interface problem. However, the smooth phase field approximation is not uniquely defined. Different phase field approximations are known to converge to the same sharp interface problem in the limiting case—if the thickness of the diffuse interface converges to zero. In this respect and focusing on numerics, a question that naturally arises is as follows: What are the convergence rates of the different phase field models? The paper deals precisely with this question for a certain family of phase field models. The focus is on an Allen–Cahn‐type phase field model coupled to continuum mechanics. This model is rewritten into a unified variational phase field framework that covers different homogenization assumptions in the diffuse interfaces: Voigt/Taylor, Reuss/Sachs and more sound homogenization approaches falling into the range of rank‐one convexification. It is shown by means of numerical experiments that the underlying phase field model—that is, the homogenization assumption in the diffuse interface—indeed influences the convergence rate. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpolation schemes for geometrically exact beams: A motion approach
Authors: Sonneville Valentin , Brüls Olivier , Bauchau Olivier A.
Published: March 2017

This paper focuses on the interpolation of the kinematic fields describing the configuration of geometrically exact beams, namely, the position and rotation fields. Two kinematic representations are investigated: the classical approach that treats the displacement and rotation fields separately and the motion approach that treats those two fields as a unit. The latter approach is found to be more consistent with the kinematic description of beams. Then, two finite element interpolation strategies are presented and contrasted. The first interpolates the displacement and rotation fields separately, whereas the second interpolates both fields as a unit, in a manner consistent with the motion approach. The performance of both strategies is evaluated in light of the fundamental requirements for the convergence of the finite element method: the ability to represent rigid‐body motions and constant strain states. It is shown that the traditional uncoupled interpolation scheme for the position field approximates that based on the motion approach and that the coupling induced by the interpolation of motion yields superior convergence rates for the representation of constant strain states. This property is known to lead to finite elements that are less prone to the locking phenomenon. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accurate and efficient a posteriori account of geometrical imperfections in Koiter finite element analysis
Authors: Garcea G. , Liguori F. S. , Leonetti L. , Magisano D. , Madeo A.
Published: March 2017

The Koiter method recovers the equilibrium path of an elastic structure using a reduced model, obtained by means of a quadratic asymptotic expansion of the finite element model. Its main feature is the possibility of efficiently performing sensitivity analysis by including a posteriori the effects of the imperfections in the reduced nonlinear equations. The state‐of‐art treatment of geometrical imperfections is accurate only for small imperfection amplitudes and linear pre‐critical behaviour. This work enlarges the validity of the method to a wider range of practical problems through a new approach, which accurately takes into account the imperfection without losing the benefits of the a posteriori treatment. A mixed solid‐shell finite element is used to build the discrete model. A large number of numerical tests, regarding nonlinear buckling problems, modal interaction, unstable post‐critical and imperfection sensitive structures, validates the proposal. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topology optimization of microwave waveguide filters
Authors: Aage N. , Egede Johansen V.
Published: March 2017

We present a density‐based topology optimization approach for the design of metallic microwave insert filters. A two‐phase optimization procedure is proposed in which we, starting from a uniform design, first optimize to obtain a set of spectral varying resonators followed by a band gap optimization for the desired filter characteristics. This is illustrated through numerical experiments and comparison to a standard band pass filter design. It is seen that the carefully optimized topologies can sharpen the filter characteristics and improve performance. Furthermore, the obtained designs share little resemblance to standard filter layouts, and hence, the proposed design method offers a new design tool in microwave engineering. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A priori and a posteriori error estimates of H1‐Galerkin mixed finite element method for parabolic optimal control problems
Authors: Shakya Pratibha , Sinha Rajen Kumar
Published: March 2017

In this exposition, we study both a priori and a posteriori error analysis for the H1‐Galerkin mixed finite element method for optimal control problems governed by linear parabolic equations. The state and costate variables are approximated by the lowest order Raviart‐Thomas finite element spaces, whereas the control variable is approximated by piecewise constant functions. Compared to the standard mixed finite element procedure, the present method is not subject to the Ladyzhenskaya‐Babuska‐Brezzi condition and the approximating finite element spaces are allowed to be of different degree polynomials. A priori error analysis for both the semidiscrete and the backward Euler fully discrete schemes are analyzed, and
convergence properties for the state variables and the control variable are obtained. In addition, L2(L2)‐norm a posteriori error estimates for the state and control variables and
‐norm for the flux variable are also derived.
Improving the mechanical properties of p‐aramid fabrics and composites by developing ZnO nanostructures
Authors: Majumdar Abhijit , Singh Butola Bhupendra , Awasthi Nikita , Chauhan Indu , Hatua Piyali
Published: March 2017

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures have been grown on p‐aramid (Kevlar) fabric to improve interfacial properties of reinforced composites. Whiskerization technique was adopted to develop ZnO nanostructures, like an array of whiskers, on the surface of Kevlar fabric. Hydrothermal process was used which involves three steps i.e. functionalization, seed layer formation and growth of nanorods. Hexamethylenetetramine and zinc nitrate were used to grow ZnO nanostructures. It was found that pressure controlled autoclave was the best method for generation of nanostructures. It was also observed that the material (fabric) to solution ratio (M:S) significantly affected the morphology and density of developed nanostructures. Incorporation of ZnO nanostructures on Kevlar fabric improved the tensile and impact properties of Kevlar fabric and its composites. The deposition of nanostructures improved the interfacial properties by causing fibers to interlock with matrix thus allowing the formation of a graded interface between the two phases. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3300–3306, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fabrication of poly(o‐Anisidine)/Ag particles coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) nonwoven composite and investigation of antibacterial activity
Authors: Kalkan Erdoğan Meryem , Karakışla Meral , Saçak Mehmet
Published: March 2017

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nonwoven was coated with a conductive polyaniline derivative of poly(o‐anisidine) (POA) and metallic Ag particles by in situ polymerization of o‐anisidine with AgNO3 in an aqueous acidic medium accelerated with a secondary oxidant such as ammonium peroxydisulphate or iron nitrate. The effects of secondary oxidant type, secondary oxidant/AgNO3 mol ratio, type of acid used as polymerization medium, and concentration of acid were studied on POA/Ag content and volume resistivity of the composite. The presence and contribution to the weight fraction of Ag particles to POA/Ag contents were evaluated by X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. It was observed that the morphology of the conductive coat changed with increasing POA/Ag content. The POA/Ag/PET composite was tested for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with agar diffusion test, and a significantly high activity was obtained in contrast to a POA/PET composite. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E358–E365, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rheological and physical characterization of PEDOT: PSS/graphene oxide nanocomposites for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Giuri Antonella , Masi Sofia , Colella Silvia , Listorti Andrea , Rizzo Aurora , Kovtun Alessandro , Dell'Elce Simone , Liscio Andrea , Esposito Corcione Carola
Published: March 2017

In this work, the influence of graphene oxide (GO) doped poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin nanocomposite on an indium–tin‐oxide (ITO) anode, as hole transport layer (HTL) in perovskite solar cells, was investigated. Different concentrations of GO were added into the PEDOT:PSS in order to enhance its conductivity. In particular, the influence of GO content on the rheological and thermal properties of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/GO nanocomposites was initially examined. The GO filler was prepared by using modified Hummers method and dispersed into PEDOT:PSS in different quantity (ranging from 0.05 to 0.25%wt/wt). The obtained nanocomposite solutions were analyzed by rheological characterizations in order to evaluate the influence of the GO filler on the viscosity of the PEDOT:PSS matrix. The wettability of solutions was evaluated by Contact Angle (CA) measurements. The quality of GO dispersion into the polymer matrix was studied using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Thermal characterizations (DSC and TGA) were, finally, applied on nanocomposite films in order to evaluate thermal stability of the films as well as to indirectly comprehend the GO influence on PEDOT:PSS‐water links. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:546–552, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Two negative minima of the first normal stress difference in a cellulose‐based cholesteric liquid crystal: Helix uncoiling
Authors: Echeverria Coro , Almeida Pedro L. , Aguilar Gutierrez Oscar F. , Rey Alejandro D. , Godinho Maria Helena
Published: March 2017

The shear rate dependence of material functions such as shear viscosity (η) and the first normal stress difference (N1) were given and interpreted earlier by Kiss and Porter. Their widely accepted work revealed the possibility of having a negative minimum of N1 for polymeric liquid crystals. In this work, we disclose for the first time the evidence of two negative N1 minima on a sheared cellulosic lyotropic system. The lower shear rate minimum is ascribed to the uncoiling of the cholesteric helix, as theoretically predicted earlier. Our findings contribute also to the understanding of the other minimum already reported in the literature and attributed to the nematic director tumbling mode. Moreover, the elastic change that the LC‐HPC sample undergoes during the helix unwinding of the cholesteric structure is also by means of oscillatory measurements. This study is a contribution for the understanding of the structure‐properties relationship linked with the complex rheological behavior of chiral nematic cellulose‐based systems and may help to improve their further processing. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 821–830