bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An alternative short‐form Mini‐Nutritional Assessment for rating the risk of malnutrition in persons on haemodialysis
Authors: Tsai Alan C , Chang Tsui‐Lan , Chang Mei‐Zu
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To improve the short‐form Mini‐Nutritional Assessment (MNA) to ameliorate under‐rating the risk of malnutrition in patients on haemodialysis.

Background

The full MNA was found to be appropriate for rating the risk of malnutrition in persons undergoing haemodialysis but the short‐form under‐rated the risk.

Design

A cross‐sectional study with purposive sampling.

Methods

The study recruited 152 adult ambulatory patients on maintenance haemodialysis from one dialysis centre in Taiwan. Each subject was rated with the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), the original and selected alternative short‐forms (by replacing better performing nonshort‐form items for lesser performing short‐form items) of a Taiwanese‐specific MNA (T1). Serum albumin and creatinine concentrations and the SGA were also used as referents. Results were evaluated with Pearson's correlation analysis, binary classification test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

The full MNA showed good consistency with the SGA, but the original short‐form rated fewer patients at risk of malnutrition compared with the full MNA. Exchanging item O (self‐rated nutritional status) with item E (neuropsychological problems) produced the best results and restored the predictive ability of the short‐form. Replacing item P for E produced the next best results.

Conclusion

Results suggest that the predictive ability of the short‐form can be greatly restored by rearranging the component items of the short‐form without affecting the performance of the full MNA. The study is probably the first example of a disease‐specific version of the MNA.

Relevance to clinical practice

The revision makes short‐form MNA suitable for rating the risk of malnutrition in patients on haemodialysis in clinical practice.
Expression of PROX‐1 in oral Kaposi's sarcoma spindle cells
Authors: Benevenuto de Andrade Bruno Augusto , Ramírez‐Amador Velia , Anaya‐Saavedra Gabriela , Martínez‐Mata Guillermo , Fonseca Felipe P. , Graner Edgard , Paes de Almeida Oslei
Published: June 2013

Background

The histogenesis of neoplastic spindle cells of Kaposi's sarcoma is still uncertain, but some studies consider it a lymphatic vessel differentiation. Prox‐1 is a nuclear transcription factor that plays a major role during embryonic lymphangiogenesis, and it has been considered a specific and sensitive lymphatic endothelial cell marker. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of Prox‐1 in oral Kaposi's sarcoma comparing the results with oral benign vascular tumors including capillary hemangiomas and pyogenic granulomas.

Methods

Expression of Prox‐1 and HHV‐8 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 30 oral Kaposi's sarcoma, 5 oral capillary hemangiomas, and 10 oral pyogenic granulomas. The labeling index was expressed as the percentage of positive cells for each case studied. Statistical comparison was performed using the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney rank sum test.

Results

Twenty‐eight (93.3%) and 30 oral Kaposi's sarcoma cases were positive for Prox‐1 and HHV‐8, respectively, while all oral benign vascular tumors were negative for these markers. The number of Prox‐1 and HHV‐8 oral Kaposi's sarcoma‐positive cells increased significantly from patch/plaque to nodular histological stages.

Conclusion

The expression of Prox‐1 in the neoplastic spindle cells supports the view of a lymphatic differentiation in oral Kaposi's sarcoma. Prox‐1 may also be involved in the pathogenesis of oral Kaposi's sarcoma as the number of positive spindle cells increased progressively from patch to nodular stages and could be eventually useful as an additional diagnostic tool for differential diagnosis between oral Kaposi's sarcoma and benign oral vascular lesions.
β‐Aminobutyric Acid Primed Expression of WRKY and Defence Genes in Brassica carinata Against Alternaria Blight
Authors: Chavan Vinodkumar , Kamble Avinash
Published: June 2013

Foliar spray with BABA led to a significant reduction of lesion development in Brassica carinata caused by Alternaria brassicae. To get better insight into molecular mechanisms underlying priming of defence responses by BABA, expression pattern of BcWRKY genes and marker genes for the SA and JA pathway namely PR‐1 and PDF 1.2 was examined. Q‐RT‐PCR analysis revealed priming of BcWRKY70, BcWRKY11 and BcWRKY53 gene expression in BABA‐pretreated Brassica plants challenged with pathogen. However, the expression of BcWRKY72 and BcWRKY18 remained unchanged. Furthermore, BcWRKY7 gene was found to be upregulated in water‐treated plants in response to pathogen indicating its role in susceptibility. In addition, BABA application potentiated expression of defence genes PR‐1, PDF1.2 and PAL in response to the pathogen. In conclusion, BABA‐primed expression of BcWRKY70, BcWRKY11 and BcWRKY53 genes is strongly correlated with enhanced expression of PR‐1, PDF1.2 and PAL hence suggesting their role in BABA‐induced resistance.
Contribution of temporal floral closure to reproductive success of the spring‐flowering Tulipa iliensis
Authors: ABDUSALAM Aysajan , TAN Dun‐Yan
Published: June 2013

Temporal flower closure is a non‐morphological floral character of adaptive significance for growth of some species in extreme environments, and it has important implications for plant reproductive success. Flowers of Tulipa species responded to changes in temperature and closed temporarily at low temperatures, but they reopened when temperatures increased. In this study, we determined the effects of temporal flower closure of Tulipa iliensis Regel. on mating pattern, flower microenvironmental temperature, and sexual organ functions during exposure to low temperatures, rainfall, and wind. First, flowers of T. iliensis were incompletely herkogamous with stamens longer than the pistil. Floral closure resulted in the contact of dehisced anthers with the stigma and auto‐pollen deposition on the stigma, thus facilitating automatic self‐pollination. Second, floral closure maintained the temperature inside the flower, providing a stable microenvironment that promoted pollen germination and avoided a decline in stigma receptivity. Third, flower closure of T. iliensis before rainstorms avoided flushing of pollen from anthers and helped maintain both pollen viability and stigma receptivity during exposure to rain. Finally, flower closure maintained pollen clumping in the anthers during exposure to wind, thereby enhancing pollination efficiency by pollinators and/or automatic selfing. Therefore, temporal flower closure of T. iliensis is an important floral strategy in facilitating automatic selfing, extending the functional period of male and female organs, and it thus ensures reproductive success in the unpredictable early spring environment.
Transfusion of 28‐day‐old leucoreduced or non‐leucoreduced stored red blood cells induces an inflammatory response in healthy dogs
Authors: Callan M. B. , Patel R. T. , Rux A. H. , Bandyopadhyay S. , Sireci A. N. , O'Donnell P. A. , Ruane T. , Sikora T. , Marryott K. , Sachais B. S. , Hod E. A.
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

Studies in mice suggest that rapid transfusions of red blood cells (RBCs), refrigerator stored for longer durations, induce a pro‐inflammatory cytokine response. Studies in human neonates confirm these findings; however, to date, adult human studies have failed to replicate these findings. We used healthy research dogs to begin to examine the factors affecting the cytokine response to transfusion.

Materials and Methods

In a prospective study, healthy dogs were randomized for two autologous packedRBCtransfusions after 7 (i.e. ‘fresh’) and 28 (i.e. ‘old’) days of storage, or after 28 and 7 days of storage, with or without prestorage leucoreduction (LR).

Results

No significant differences were observed betweenLRand non‐LRtransfusions for all circulating analytes measured following transfusion. A pro‐inflammatory cytokine response, exemplified by monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, was observed 6 h after only oldRBCtransfusions, irrespective of infusion rate (P < 0·001). This response was accompanied by increased neutrophil counts (P < 0·001) and decreased platelet counts (P < 0·001).

Conclusion

In healthy dogs, oldRBCtransfusions induce inflammation, which is unaffected by infusion rate.
FUNCTIONALITY OF VETERINARY IDENTIFICATION MICROCHIPS FOLLOWING LOW‐ (0.5 TESLA) AND HIGH‐FIELD (3 TESLA) MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Authors: Piesnack Susann , Frame Mairi E , Oechtering Gerhard , Ludewig Eberhard
Published: June 2013

The ability to read patient identification microchips relies on the use of radiofrequency pulses. Since radiofrequency pulses also form an integral part of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) process, the possibility of loss of microchip function during MRI scanning is of concern. Previous clinical trials have shown microchip function to be unaffected by MR imaging using a field strength of 1 Tesla and 1.5. As veterinary MRI scanners range widely in field strength, this study was devised to determine whether exposure to lower or higher field strengths than 1 Tesla would affect the function of different types of microchip. In a phantom study, a total of 300 International Standards Organisation (ISO)‐approved microchips (100 each of three different types: ISO FDX‐B 1.4 × 9 mm, ISO FDX‐B 2.12 × 12 mm, ISO HDX 3.8 × 23 mm) were tested in a low field (0.5) and a high field scanner (3.0 Tesla). A total of 50 microchips of each type were tested in each scanner. The phantom was composed of a fluid‐filled freezer pack onto which a plastic pillow and a cardboard strip with affixed microchips were positioned. Following an MRI scan protocol simulating a head study, all of the microchips were accurately readable. Neither 0.5 nor 3 Tesla imaging affected microchip function in this study.
COMPARISON OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY AND ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR THE DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNTS IN DOGS
Authors: Kim Stanley E. , Giglio Robson F. , Reese David J. , Reese Shona L. , Bacon Nicholas J. , Ellison Gary W.
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the accuracy of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and abdominal ultrasonography in detecting and characterizing portosystemic shunts (PSS) in dogs. Medical records of 76 dogs that underwent CTA and/or abdominal ultrasonography suspected to have PSS were reviewed. Presence or absence, and characterization of PSS (when present) on CTA were reviewed by a board‐certified veterinary radiologist that was blinded to the clinical findings. The abdominal ultrasonography findings were reviewed from the medical records. Visualization and description of the origin and insertion of PSS on CTA and abdominal ultrasonography were related with laboratory, surgical, or mesenteric portographic confirmation of the presence or absence of PSS. The sensitivity for detection of PSS with CTA (96%) was significantly higher than abdominal ultrasonography (68%; P < 0.001). The specificities for CTA and abdominal ultrasonography were 89% and 84%, respectively (P = 0.727). Computed tomographic angiography detected the correct origin in 15 of 16 dogs and correct insertion in 15 of 16 dogs with congenital PSS. Abdominal ultrasonography detected the correct origin in 24 of 30 dogs and correct insertion in 20 of 33 dogs with congenital PSS. Multiple acquired PSS were seen in four of five dogs and in one of six dogs on CTA and abdominal ultrasonography, respectively. Computed tomographic angiography was 5.5 times more likely to correctly ascertain the presence or absence of PSS when compared to abdominal ultrasonography (P = 0.02). Findings indicated that CTA is a noninvasive diagnostic modality that is superior to abdominal ultrasonography for the detection and characterization of PSS in dogs.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Rabies Virus Isolate from a Ferret Badger (
Melogale moschata
) in Jiangxi, China
Authors: Zhao Jinghui , Zhang Shoufeng , Liu Ye , Zhang Fei , Hu Rongliang
Published: June 2013

The genome of ferret badger rabies virus JX09-17(fb), isolated in Jiangxi Province, China, in 2009 has been completely sequenced. The genomic length is 11, 923 nucleotides (nt) with an overall organization similar to that of other rabies virus isolates. JX09-17(fb) is closely related to Chinese epidemic canine isolates in clade I.
Mycobacterium bovistenosynovitis
Authors: Unsworth Jeffrey David , Bonington Alec
Published: June 2013

Infectious tenosynovitis is a rare condition usually presenting with symptoms of joint pain, swelling and deformity. A large number of infectious organisms are known to cause tenosynovitis and prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure appropriate treatment is delivered before serious complications and functional impairment occurs. We report a case ofMycobacterium bovistenosynovitis, a rare cause of infectious tenosynovitis; we discuss the clinical features and management of this condition and highlight the difficulties encountered in reaching the correct diagnosis and the importance of the appropriate use of biopsy to aid diagnosis.
Individual performance review in hospital practice: the development of a framework and evaluation of doctors’ attitudes to its value and implementation
Authors: Trebble T M , Cruickshank L , Hockey P M , Heyworth N , Powell T , Clarke N
Published: June 2013

Background

Appraisal, or independent performance review (IPR) is used in human resources management in the commercial and public sectors to evaluate the performance of an employee against agreed local organisational expectations and objectives, and to identify their requirements for development and effective management. IPR for NHS consultants may provide essential information for job planning, contribute towards medical appraisal for revalidation, and facilitate productivity and quality improvement.

Aims

To develop a framework for IPR for consultants, and to determine attitudes on its value, process and content.

Method

Information from commercial, public and voluntary sector models and published and other literature sources were used to develop an IPR framework. This was assessed through a three-cycle action research methodology involving qualitative interviews with 22 consultants (predominantly with medical management roles).

Results

The domains of the IPR framework included: (1) performance against objectives; (2) behaviour and leadership; (3) talent management; (4) agreed future objectives. A number of themes were identified from the consultant interviews including: ineffective current appraisal systems reflecting a lack of valid performance data and allotted time; a lack of empowerment of medical managers to address performance issues; IPR as a more explicit system, offering value in evaluating doctors performance; and the dependence of successful implementation on the engagement of the Trust executive.

Conclusions

IPR may have value for performance evaluation of consultants, contributing toward job planning and complementing medical appraisal. Support by their employing organisation and engagement with medical managers in design and implementation is likely to be essential.
Discontinuity of care at end of life: a qualitative exploration of OOH end of life care
Authors: Leydon Geraldine M , Shergill Narinder K , Campion-Smith Charles , Austin Helen , Eyles Caroline , Baverstock Jenny , Addington-Hall Julia , Sloan Richard , Davis Carol , Moore Michael V
Published: June 2013

Objective

This study aimed to understand the experiences of palliative care patients when accessing or making decisions about out of hours (OOH) services. It also aimed to illuminate barriers and enablers to accessing appropriate and timely care following the introduction of the 2004 New General Medical Services Contract.

Method

Longitudinal prospective qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and telephone interviews over 6 months and analysed for thematic content. 32 patients defined as receiving palliative care in six General Practices and three hospices selected on the basis of size and rural/urban location in Southern England were recruited.

Results

Continuity of care was highly valued. Participants described the importance of being known by the healthcare team, and the perceived positive implications continuity could have for the quality of care they received and the trust they had in their care. Various factors prevented participants from seeking help or advice from OOH services, despite having health concerns that may have benefitted from medical assistance. Prior poor experience, limited knowledge of services and knowing who to call and, indeed, when to call were all factors that reportedly shaped participants’ use of OOH services.

Conclusions

Interpersonal or relationship continuity and management continuity are vital to the process of optimising the patient experience of OOH palliative care. While recent service innovations are tackling some of the issues highlighted, this research reinforces the value patients with palliative care needs places on continuity and the need to improve this aspect of care management.
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of methoxyflurane for procedural pain of a bone marrow biopsy
Authors: Spruyt Odette , Westerman David , Milner Alvin , Bressel Mathias , Wein Simon
Published: June 2013

Context

Pain during bone marrow biopsy (BMB) under local anaesthesia (LA) is reported in 70% of patients, of whom 35% rate the pain as severe. Pain is experienced during both the biopsy and the marrow aspiration. Many medical centres use conscious sedation involving benzodiazepines and/or opioids administered orally or intravenously for BMB analgesia. Methoxyflurane (MEOF) is self-administered by a handheld device (the Penthrox inhaler), which is licensed in Australia for the relief of pain associated with short surgical procedures.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MEOF analgesia in patients with cancer undergoing BMB.

Methods

Patients received LA plus either MEOF or placebo. The primary endpoint was worst pain intensity measured with the Numerical Rating Scale. Anxiety was assessed with the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y-1). Patients, operators and the research nurse rated global medication performance using a 5-point Likert scale.

Results

Forty-nine of the 50 patients randomised to MEOF and 48 of the 50 patients randomised to placebo effectively received the allocated intervention. Mean±SD worst pain overall was 4.90±2.07 in MEOF group and 6.0±2.24 in placebo group (p=0.011). Worst pain during the aspiration was 3.3±2.0 in MEOF group and 5.0±2.4 in placebo group (p<0.001). 49% of patients treated with MEOF rated the medication as very good or excellent compared with 16.5% of the patients treated with placebo (p=0.005). 20.4% of patients treated with MEOF had an adverse event (AE) compared with 4.2% in the placebo arm (p=0.028). All AEs were grade 1.

Conclusions

MEOF was safe and performed better than placebo for analgesia in BMB procedures.
Multi-analyte profiling and pathway analysis of plasma for proteins associated with cancer-related fatigue syndrome in disease-free breast cancer patients after primary treatment
Authors: Minton O , Coulton G R , Stone P
Published: June 2013

Context

A significant number of women treated for breast cancer develop long-term fatigue afterwards. Previous research has suggested that fatigue may be due to a prolonged inflammatory response. However, there are conflicting results and the exact nature of the disturbance remains unclear.

Objectives

To identify inflammatory markers associated with fatigue.

Methods

We recruited women from a breast cancer follow-up clinic and categorised them on the basis of a diagnostic interview as to whether they met the criteria for cancer-related fatigue syndrome (cases) or not (controls). We took plasma samples from each participant to analyse subsequently using a panel of 88 biological markers.

Results

90 samples were analysed in total (45 cases and 45 controls). A factorial analysis of variance (using age as a fixed factor) demonstrated a number of differences in inflammatory cytokines. There were 28 significantly different analytes in total. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor was the most significantly different analyte (p<0.001). Many of the significant analytes were chemokine ligands found to be linked through an inflammatory pathway promoting T-cell and granulocyte production and activation.

Conclusions

Our results add further weight to the hypothesis that cancer-related fatigue syndrome is associated with an increased pro-inflammatory immune response. Our findings indicate that these cytokine changes could underpin the subjective symptoms, such as perceived muscle weakness and concentration difficulties, experienced by women who feel fatigued after treatment.
Preservation of nucleic acids and tissue morphology in paraffin-embedded clinical samples: comparison of five molecular fixatives
Authors: Staff Synnöve , Kujala Paula , Karhu Ritva , Rökman Annika , Ilvesaro Joanna , Kares Saara , Isola Jorma
Published: June 2013

Formalin fixation preserves tissue morphology at the expense of macromolecule integrity. Freshly frozen samples are the golden standard for DNA and RNA analyses but require laborious deep-freezing and frozen sectioning for morphological studies. Alternative tissue stabilisation methods are therefore needed. We analysed the preservation of nucleic acids, immunohistochemical staining properties and tissue morphology in paraffin-embedded clinical tissue samples fixed with Z7, RCL2, PAXgene, Allprotect and RNAlater. Formalin-fixed and deep-frozen samples were used as controls. Immunohistochemical analyses showed good preservation of antigenicity in all except Allprotect and RNAlater-fixed samples. RNA quality, based on RNA integrity number value by Bioanalyzer, was comparable with freshly frozen samples only in PAXgene-fixed samples. According to quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses, RNA from PAXgene samples yielded results similar to freshly frozen samples. No difference between fixatives was seen in DNA analyses (PCR and real-time PCR). In conclusion, PAXgene seems to be superior to other molecular fixatives and formaldehyde.
Clinico-pathological characteristics and clinical outcome of different histological types of pancreatic cancer in a large Middle European series
Authors: Stotz Michael , Eisner Florian , Szkandera Joanna , Absenger Gudrun , Kornprat Peter , Lackner Carolin , Samonigg Hellmut , Gerger Armin , Pichler Martin
Published: June 2013

Aims

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a heterogeneous disease in terms of histological and molecular subtypes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of different histological subtypes on cancer-specific survival (CSS) in a large single-centre Middle European cohort.

Methods

We retrospectively studied the records of 400 consecutive PC patients who were treated from 2004 to 2010 at a single tertiary academic centre. The association of histological subtypes and parameters such as tumour stage, tumour grade, levels of tumour markers carcinoembryonic antigen and CA19-9 at diagnosis, was studied. CSS was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the influence of each parameter on CSS was assessed with univariate and multivariable Cox proportional models.

Results

The survival time was significantly shorter in the ductal adenocarcinoma and acinar histological subtypes compared to neuroendocrine differentiation (p<0.001). No survival difference was observed between ductal adenocarcinomas and patients with a histological variant of ductal adenocarcinoma, namely, mucinous non-cystic adenocarcinoma (p=0.7). In multivariable analysis, ductal adenocarcinoma (HR=3.1, CI 1.6 to 6.1, p=0.001) and acinar carcinoma (HR=3.2, CI 1.3 to 8.5, p=0.016) were identified as independent predictors for CSS.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the main histological subtype is an independent predictor of CSS in patients with PC. Thus, our data underline the importance of routine assessment of histological type in PC for individual risk assessment. However, no clinical rationale for the subdivision of ductal adenocarcinoma and mucinous non-cystic adenocarcinoma can be supported by our study.
The role of NDRG1 in the pathology and potential treatment of human cancers
Authors: Bae Dong-Hun , Jansson Patric J , Huang Michael L , Kovacevic Zaklina , Kalinowski Danuta , Lee C Soon , Sahni Sumit , Richardson Des R
Published: June 2013

N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) has been well characterised to act as a metastatic suppressor in a number of human cancers. It has also been implicated to have a significant function in a number of physiological processes such as cellular differentiation and cell cycle. In this review, we discuss the role of NDRG1 in cancer pathology. NDRG1 was observed to be downregulated in the majority of cancers. Moreover, the expression of NDRG1 was found to be significantly lower in neoplastic tissues as compared with normal tissues. The most important function of NDRG1 in inhibiting tumour progression is associated with its ability to suppress metastasis. However, it has also been shown to have important effects on other stages of cancer progression (primary tumour growth and angiogenesis). Recently, novel iron chelators with selective antitumour activity (ie, Dp44mT, DpC) were shown to upregulate NDRG1 in cancer cells. Moreover, Dp44mT showed its antimetastatic potential only in cells expressing NDRG1, making this protein an important therapeutic target for cancer chemotherapy. This observation has led to increased interest in the examination of these novel anticancer agents.
Health impacts of free bus travel for young people: evaluation of a natural experiment in London
Authors: Edwards Phil , Steinbach Rebecca , Green Judith , Petticrew Mark , Goodman Anna , Jones Alasdair , Roberts Helen , Kelly Charlotte , Nellthorp John , Wilkinson Paul
Published: June 2013

Background

We used the introduction of free bus travel for young people in London in 2005 as a natural experiment with which to assess its effects on active travel, car use, road traffic injuries, assaults, and on one measure of social inclusion, total number of trips made.

Methods

A controlled before–after analysis was conducted. We estimated trips by mode and distances travelled in the preintroduction and postintroduction periods using data from London Travel Demand Surveys. We estimated rates of road traffic injury and assault in each period using STATS19 data and Hospital Episode Statistics, respectively. We estimated the ratio of change in the target age group (12–17 years) to the change in adults (ages 25–59 years), with 95% CIs.

Results

The proportion of short trips travelled by bus by young people increased postintroduction. There was no evidence for an increase in the total number of bus trips or distance travelled by bus by young people attributable to the intervention. The proportion of short trips by walking decreased, but there was no evidence for any change to total distance walked. Car trips declined in both age groups, although distance travelled by car decreased more in young people. Road casualty rates declined, but the pre–post ratio of change was greater in young people than adults (ratio of ratios 0.84; 95% CI 0.82 to 0.87). Assaults increased and the ratio of change was greater in young people (1.20; 1.13 to 1.27). The frequency of all trips by young people was unchanged, both in absolute terms and relative to adults.

Conclusions

The introduction of free bus travel for young people had little impact on active travel overall and shifted some travel from car to buses that could help broader environmental objectives.
Double-lumen arterial balloon catheter technique for Onyx embolization of dural arteriovenous fistulas: initial experience
Authors: Chiu Albert Ho Yuen , Aw Grace , Wenderoth Jason David
Published: June 2013

Background

Dural arteriovenous fistulas are vascular malformations with variable clinical symptoms that range in severity from completely asymptomatic to seizures, dementia, loss of vision and intracranial hemorrhage. Historically, surgical obliteration was the treatment of choice but, more recently, endovascular embolization has become the first-line treatment. The liquid embolic agent Onyx (ethyl vinyl copolymer) has become the agent of choice, but problems with reflux around the delivery microcatheter and inadvertent venous penetration have arisen.

Methods and results

We present six cases in which the double-lumen balloon microcatheter was used to transarterially embolize dural arteriovenous fistulas via injection of Onyx through the wire lumen. Depending on the individual pathology a venous balloon was also used in some cases. The advantages and disadvantages of the use of these devices are discussed.

Conclusions

We consider that the use of the double-lumen balloon technique for fistula embolization has the potential for reducing overall procedural times, procedural failures and catheter retention in certain situations. In such cases we would advocate this as a first-line technique. When lower profile, more navigable balloon catheters become available, this may become the standard of care.
Vaccination of dogs with Duramune DAPPi+LC protects against pathogenic canine parvovirus type 2c challenge
Authors: Wilson S. , Stirling C. , Borowski S. , Thomas A. , King V. , Salt J.
Published: June 2013

In this study, we determined whether vaccination with Duramune DAPPi+LC containing canine parvovirus (CPV) type 2b protects against challenge with virulent CPV antigenic type 2c. Seven healthy dogs, seronegative for CPV2, were enrolled into two treatment groups; five were vaccinated twice, 21 days apart, with minimum titre vaccine, and two were given saline. Dogs were challenged with CPV 2c three weeks later. Clinical observations, body weight and rectal temperature measurements, blood samples for serology and white blood cell counts and faecal samples for virus excretion were collected. Control dogs remained seronegative until challenge; vaccinated dogs seroconverted and were positive for antibodies to CPV2 from day 21. Four days after challenge, clinical signs associated with parvovirus infection (vomiting, paroxysmal shivering, depression, loose stools) were observed in the control dogs. Both animals were withdrawn from the study for welfare reasons one day later. On day 47, leucopenia was observed in controls, with white blood cell counts less than 50 per cent prechallenge values. No specific clinical sign of parvovirus infection were observed in the vaccinated dogs, nor was (detectable) challenge virus shed in faeces suggesting that antibodies generated contributed sterilising immunity. We conclude that vaccination of dogs with Duramune DAPPi+LC protects against challenge with a virulent field strain of CPV 2c.
GLOBAL ASYMPTOTICS OF STIELTJES–WIGERT POLYNOMIALS
Authors: LI Y. T. , WONG R.
Published: June 2013

Asymptotic formulas are derived for the Stieltjes–Wigert polynomials Sn(z; q) in the complex plane as the degree n grows to infinity. One formula holds in any disc centered at the origin, and the other holds outside any smaller disc centered at the origin; the two regions together cover the whole plane. In each region, the q-Airy function Aq(z) is used as the approximant. For real x > 1/4, a limiting relation is also established between the q-Airy function Aq(x) and the ordinary Airy function Ai (x) as q → 1.
A NOTE ON THE ASYMPTOTIC EXPANSION OF GENERALIZED HYPERGEOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
Authors: VOLKMER HANS , WOOD JOHN J.
Published: June 2013

We use arguments from probability theory to derive an explicit expression for the asymptotic expansion of the generalized hypergeometric function for p = q and show that the coefficients in the expansion are polynomials in the parameters of the hypergeometric function. The idea behind this paper originates from the second author's Ph.D. thesis, where the case p = 2 is treated.
DETERMINATION OF COPPER, ZINC, CADMIUM AND LEAD IN WATER USING CO-PRECIPITATION METHOD AND RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: LIU YANDE , SHI YU , CAI LIJUN , HAO YONG , ZHAO CHUNJIANG
Published: June 2013

Mn co-precipitation method combined with Raman spectroscopy were used to determine trace heavy metals (copper, zinc, cadmium and lead) in water sample. Different concentrations of heavy metals including copper, zinc, cadmium and lead in water samples were separated and enriched by Mn 2+-phen-SCN- ternary complex co-precipitation procedure. The Raman spectra of co-precipitation sediments were collected using confocal micro-Raman spectrometry. Different preprocessing treatments and regression calibration methods were compared. The best models using partial least squares regression (PLS) of copper, zinc, cadmium and lead were built with a correlation coefficient of prediction (Rp) of 0.979, 0.964, 0.956 and 0.972, respectively, and the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 6.587, 9.046, 9.998 and 7.751 μg/kg, respectively. The co-precipitation procedure combined with Raman spectroscopy method are feasible to detect the amount of heavy metals in water.
The Dawn of Chemistry
Authors: Galli Daniele , Palla Francesco
Published: June 2013

Within the precise cosmological framework provided by the Λ-cold dark matter model and standard Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the chemical evolution of the pregalactic gas can now be followed with accuracy limited only by the uncertainties on the reaction rates. Starting during the recombination era, the formation of the first molecules and molecular ions containing hydrogen, deuterium, helium, and lithium was severely hindered by the low density of the expanding Universe, the intensity of the cosmic radiation field, and the absence of solid catalyzers. Molecular hydrogen and deuterated hydrogen, the most abundant species formed in the gas phase prior to structure formation, played a fundamental role in the cooling of the gas clouds that gave birth to the first stellar generation, contributing to determine the scale of fragmentation. Primordial molecules also interacted with the photons of the cosmic background via resonant scattering, absorption, and emission. In this review, we examine the current status of the chemistry of the early Universe and discuss the most relevant reactions for which uncertainties still exist from theory or laboratory experiments. The prospects for detecting spectral distortions or spatial anisotropies due to the first atoms and molecules are also addressed.
Bacterial Responses to Reactive Chlorine Species
Authors: Gray Michael J. , Wholey Wei-Yun , Jakob Ursula
Published: June 2013

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the active ingredient of household bleach, is the most common disinfectant in medical, industrial, and domestic use and plays an important role in microbial killing in the innate immune system. Given the critical importance of the antimicrobial properties of chlorine to public health, it is surprising how little is known about the ways in which bacteria sense and respond to reactive chlorine species (RCS). Although the literature on bacterial responses to reactive oxygen species (ROS) is enormous, work addressing bacterial responses to RCS has begun only recently. Transcriptomic and proteomic studies now provide new insights into how bacteria mount defenses against this important class of antimicrobial compounds. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge, emphasizing the overlaps between RCS stress responses and other more well-characterized bacterial defense systems, and identify outstanding questions that represent productive avenues for future research.
What Can We Learn from the End of the Grand Policy Experiment? The Collapse of the National SO2Trading Program and Implications for Tradable Permits as a Policy Instrument
Authors: Evans David A. , Woodward Richard T.
Published: June 2013

The 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act created a trading program in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions that has served as the seminal example of how an emissions trading program could be designed. Yet despite its success, the trading program was essentially brought to an end by a series of regulatory and judicial actions. We begin with a brief discussion of the theoretical and historical antecedents to the SO2trading program. We then describe the events that led to the program’s effective end in 2011. We argue that the SO2trading program had two key vulnerabilities: SO2emissions cause multiple environmental impacts, some with local consequences, and internal conflicts within the Clean Air Act. Because of these vulnerabilities, in the end, the program was unsustainable. We close with a discussion of the lessons that can be drawn from this history for future emissions trading programs.
The Economics of Solar Electricity
Authors: Baker Erin , Fowlie Meredith , Lemoine Derek , Reynolds Stanley S.
Published: June 2013

The benefits and costs of increasing solar electricity generation depend on the scale of the increase and on the time frame over which it occurs. Short-run analyses focus on the cost-effectiveness of incremental increases in solar capacity, holding the rest of the power system fixed. Solar’s variability adds value if its power occurs at high-demand times and displaces relatively carbon-intensive generation. Medium-run analyses consider the implications of nonincremental changes in solar capacity. The cost of each installation may fall through experience effects, but the cost of grid integration increases when solar requires ancillary services and fails to displace investment in other types of generation. Long-run analyses consider the role of solar in reaching twenty-first-century carbon targets. Solar’s contribution depends on the representation of grid integration costs, on the availability of other low-carbon technologies, and on the potential for technological advances. By surveying analyses for different time horizons, this article begins to connect and integrate a fairly disjointed literature on the economics of solar energy.
(Invited) Critical Copper Line Scaling Challenges
Authors: Lu Jin , Hofmann Jim , Tran Thy , Herdt Greg , Petrov Nicolai , Hu Yushi , Antonov Vasil , Collins Dale W. , Lindgren Joseph , Klein Rita , Shrotri Kunal , Kondoju Siddartha , Murali Pratap , Titus Kevin , Trapp Shane , Sun Hongqian , Owens Tim J. , Guerrieri Stefano , McTeer Allen , Ireland Phillip J.
Published: June 2013

The demand for low resistance metallization solutions has become an increasingly important issue as interconnect line sizes have approached and in some cases become smaller than the electron mean free path in Cu. Formation of reliable small damascene Cu features with high aspect ratio pose major challenges to void free Cu fill process development. Surfaces and interfaces now begin to play a more dominant role in scaled interconnects, with critical defect sizes becoming much smaller than before. Interfacial engineering between copper and liner/seed, liner/seed to barrier, as well as critical defect control from galvanic corrosion and CuOx nodule formation are also key components of successful metallization development. In this paper, we discuss some critical copper process challenges, focusing on copper barrier/liner, seed, fill, heat treatment, CMP and clean processes development to attain low resistance and reliable metallization.
A Modeling Study on the Layout Impact of With-In-Die Thickness Range for STI CMP
Authors: Kincal Serkan , Basim G. Bahar
Published: June 2013

Chemical Mechanical Planarization process has a proven track record as an effective method for planarizing the wafer surface at multiple points of the semiconductor manufacturing flow. One of the most challenging aspects of the CMP process, particularly in applications like Shallow Trench Isolation (STI), is the difference in relative removal rates of the different materials that are being polished. A certain amount of over-polish is required to clear oxide on top of the nitride, however, this over-polish may also lead to significant problems like dishing and erosion (introducing additional topography after the film has been planarized). This work formulates a methodology to predict how this additional topography is modulated by incoming layout properties introducing a parameter to accurately characterize line and space width on a layout with random geometric shapes.
Systematic Approach to Time Division Multiplexed Si Etch Process Development
Authors: Johnson Chris W , Johnson Dave , Martinez Linnell , Plumhoff Jason
Published: June 2013

In silicon-substrate processing, it is frequently a requirement to create high-aspect-ratio anisotropic profiles. To do this Time Division Multiplexed processes are almost exclusively used. By alternating between a passivation step and an etching step, high-rate anisotropic profiles can be created. Each step is independent from one another, and to create the desired profiles, proper balancing of the individual steps is critical. Therefore characterization of each of these process steps is necessary. This study will characterize the steps used in a TDM process. Metrics for both deposition and etching are presented. Typical thin film measurement equipment is used; however in-situ optical emission interferometry (OEI) is also utilized to give real time measurements. We will show how process parameters can affect not only the rate, but also the uniformity of each step. By characterizing these steps individually we will show how it is possible to determine a balanced starting process for different applications.
High Resolution Patterning for Sub 30 nm Technology Nodes Using a Ceramic Based Dual Hard Mask
Authors: Paul Jan , Rudolph Matthias , Riedel Stefan , Thrun Xaver , Beyer Volkhard , Wege Stephan , Hohle Christoph
Published: June 2013

A dual hard mask concept for high resolution patterning has been evaluated with focus on highly selective etching processes for semiconductor manufacturing. The integration of thin SiO2 and ZrO2 hard mask materials enables highly selective patterning via plasma etch processes for future technology nodes. The patterning sequence is demonstrated for hole arrays with sizes down to 25 nm using a 50 nm thin resist which leads to the fabrication of trenches in silicon with aspect ratios up to 20:1. Alternative ZrO2 based materials were investigated with focus on surface roughness reduction since it influences the final line edge roughness (LER). Here Si-doped ZrO2 (ALD) was compared to the undoped and crystalline ZrO2 as main selective material.
Low Temperature TiC Coating Process by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Masaoka Hiroyuki , Saito Takeyasu , Kondo K. , Okamoto Naoki , Kan Tomoatsu
Published: June 2013

Titanium carbide (TiC) films were deposited by a radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD) using a gas mixtures of TiCl4, H2, CH4, and C2H2. Substrate temperature and C/Ti ratio dependencies were investigated. TiC thin film with CH4 exhibited higher hardness (1150 Hv) than the one with C2H2 under the experimental conditions studied in this study. The compositional controllability to adjust C/Ti = 1 was easier in the case of CH4 than the case with C2H2.
Charge-based Delivery of Molecules to Skin Using Atmospheric Plasmas
Authors: Hoff Andrew M. , Connolly Richard , Chapman Taryn , Llewellyn J. , Gilbert Richard , Ugen Kenneth , Jaroszeski Mark
Published: June 2013

We report the design, development and characterization of new atmospheric plasma-based protocols currently being examined in vivo using small animal models. Previously developed electric field mediated drug and gene delivery protocols use a pulsed DC voltage applied between electrodes on or in tissue to generate the required electric field to induce delivery of molecules. Plasma sources deliver roughly a million times less charge to skin compared with direct electrode-driven delivery methods, yet the efficiency of the process is dramatically similar with respect to the introduction of molecules to skin cells.
Evaluation of Micro Plasma Formed in the Narrow Gap in Electrolyte Solution
Authors: Tamai Hirokazu , Hafner Martina , Hassel Achim , Tachikawa Hiroto , Azumi Kazuhisa
Published: June 2013

Microplasma was formed in a gap hole made in a quartz plate immersed in various kinds of electrolyte solutions at different concentrations. High-voltage AC was applied to the solution by using a pair of contact- or non-contact electrodes at both sides of the gap hole to ignite microplasma generation. Spectra of the light emitted from the microplasma showed elemental emission lines of the species contained in the solution, and their intensities depended on not only their concentration but also plasma conditions such as plasma temperature. A non-equilibrium plasma state was confirmed from estimated temperature of electrons and OH• radicals in the order of thousand and 10 thousand Kelvins. Deformation of the gap hole was observed depending on the polarization condition and species, probably due to high-temperature plasma and also dielectric loss in the gap hole.
Corrosion Inhibition by Zinc Corrosion Products on Zinc-Coated Steel
Authors: Sato Yusuke , Azumi Kazuhisa
Published: June 2013

The corrosion-inhibition of the iron covered with the corrosion products formed by dissolved zinc in the atmospheric corrosion was investigated by using a multichannel coupling current measurement technique. Coupling current map and coupling charge map of the partially covered iron electrode array in a arrangement of 10 x 10 was traced during the corrosion test. At the initial stage of corrosion test, iron was mainly protected by the sacrificial dissolution of metal zinc and partially by the corrosion products of zinc precipitated on the iron surface. After completely depletion of metal zinc, the iron surface covered with hydrozincite acted as cathode, while that covered with zincite layer acted as anode. The discrepancy between these two electrodes can be explained by the higher solubility of hydrozincite than that of zincite.
High Resolution Characterization of Pitting Corrosion Using a Novel Environmental SVET and White Light Interferometry
Authors: Geary Steven , McMurray Hamilton Neil , de Vooys Arnoud C. A.
Published: June 2013

E-SVET describes a novel, Environmentally controlled, Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique which allows the measurement of localised corrosion current flux under conditions of low oxygen partial pressure. E-SVET replicates the low oxygen partial pressure conditions which occur inside a food can. SVET was utilized to investigate rapid detinning processes initiated in the presence of aerated fruit acid. In this investigation, two corrosion mechanisms were detected; de-tinning on the outer surface of the coating, followed by localised pitting on the iron-tin alloy layer. Corrosion pits were subsequently characterized using White Light Interferometry, a practical method for obtaining detailed information on the geometry of the corrosion pits.
Evaluation of Corrosion Resistance of Co-Cr Alloy in NaCl Solution
Authors: Suzuki Ryouji , Noda Kazuhiko , Tsutsumi Yusuke , Hanawa Takao
Published: June 2013

The Co-Cr alloys which have an excellent strength and wear resistance are used as biomaterials such as artificial joints. In this study, corrosion resistance of Co-Cr alloy was investigated by using electrochemical measurements. Stainless steel type 316, Ti, Co and Cr were used as a comparing material. According to polarization curves, the Co-Cr alloy was maintained passive state in widely potential region as same as Cr. However, stainless steel type 316 occurred to localized corrosion in the passive region of Co-Cr alloy. The passive current density of Co-Cr alloy was constant without relation to NaCl concentration. The passive film on the Co-Cr alloy which had high localized corrosion resistance was stable against high chloride ion concentration. Open circuit potential evolution with immersion time of the Co-Cr alloy appeared to be similar to Cr behavior. As a result, reactivity of Co-Cr alloy was considered to dominate by Cr behavior. Therefore, the Co-Cr alloy is expected to use as the biomaterials with a sense of security.