bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The efficiency of therapeutic erythrocytapheresis compared to phlebotomy: A mathematical tool for predicting response in hereditary hemochromatosis, polycythemia vera, and secondary erythrocytosis
Authors: Evers Dorothea , Kerkhoffs Jean‐Louis , Van Egmond Liane , Schipperus Martin R. , Wijermans Pierre W.
Published: October 2013

Recently, therapeutic erythrocytapheresis (TE) was suggested to be more efficient in depletion of red blood cells (RBC) compared to manual phlebotomy in the treatment of hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), polycythemia vera (PV), and secondary erythrocytosis (SE). The efficiency rate (ER) of TE, that is, the increase in RBC depletion achieved with one TE cycle compared to one phlebotomy procedure, can be calculated based on estimated blood volume (BV), preprocedural hematocrit (HctB), and delta‐hematocrit (ΔHct). In a retrospective evaluation of 843 TE procedures (in 45 HH, 33 PV, and 40 SE patients) the mean ER was 1.86 ± 0.62 with the highest rates achieved in HH patients. An ER of 1.5 was not reached in 37.9% of all procedures mainly concerning patients with a BV below 4,500 ml. In 12 newly diagnosed homozygous HH patients, the induction phase duration was medially 38.4 weeks (medially 10.5 procedures). During the maintenance treatment of HH, PV, and SE, the interval between TE procedures was medially 13.4 weeks. This mathematical model can help select the proper treatment modality for the individual patient. Especially for patients with a large BV and high achievable ΔHct, TE appears to be more efficient than manual phlebotomy in RBC depletion thereby potentially reducing the numbers of procedures and expanding the interprocedural time period for HH, PV, and SE. J. Clin. Apheresis 29:133–138, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Splice, Insertion‐Deletion and Nonsense Mutations that Perturb the Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Transcript Cause Phenylketonuria in India
Authors: Bashyam Murali D. , Chaudhary Ajay K. , Kiran Manjari , Nagarajaram Hampapathalu A. , Devi Radha Rama , Ranganath Prajnya , Dalal Ashwin , Bashyam Leena , Gupta Neerja , Kabra Madhulika , Muranjan Mamta , Puri Ratna D. , Verma Ishwar C. , Nampoothiri Sheela , Kadandale Jayarama S.
Published: October 2013

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by mutational inactivation of the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene. Missense mutations are the most common PAH mutation type detected in PKU patients worldwide. We performed PAH mutation analysis in 27 suspected Indian PKU families (including 7 from our previous study) followed by structure and function analysis of specific missense and splice/insertion–deletion/nonsense mutations, respectively. Of the 27 families, disease‐causing mutations were detected in 25. A total of 20 different mutations were identified of which 7 “unique” mutations accounted for 13 of 25 mutation positive families. The unique mutations detected exclusively in Indian PKU patients included three recurrent mutations detected in three families each. The 20 mutations included only 5 missense mutations in addition to 5 splice, 4 each nonsense and insertion–deletion mutations, a silent variant in coding region and a 3′UTR mutation. One deletion and two nonsense mutations were characterized to confirm significant reduction in mutant transcript levels possibly through activation of nonsense mediated decay. All missense mutations affected conserved amino acid residues and sequence and structure analysis suggested significant perturbations in the enzyme activity of respective mutant proteins. This is probably the first report of identification of a significantly low proportion of missense PAH mutations from PKU families and together with the presence of a high proportion of splice, insertion–deletion, and nonsense mutations, points to a unique PAH mutation profile in Indian PKU patients. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 566–574, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Radiation‐induced microRNA: Discovery, functional analysis, and cancer radiotherapy
Authors: Chaudhry M. Ahmad
Published: October 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐protein coding RNA that play an important role in gene regulation. These RNA molecules function as post‐transcriptional regulators. miRNAs bind to complementary sequences on target messenger RNA transcripts, usually resulting in translational repression or target mRNA degradation and gene silencing. miRNA are abundantly present in all human cells, target approximately 60% of all genes, and are able to repress hundreds of targets each. Since their discovery in 1993 miRNA are emerging as important modulators in cellular pathways such as growth and proliferation, apoptosis, carcinogenesis, timing of cell‐fate decision, and metabolic pathways. A large number of studies have examined the general and specific effects of miRNAs perturbation in radiation‐exposed cells. These studies include expression profiling of miRNA, functional analysis, the role of specific miRNAs in tumor radiosensitivity, and targeting miRNA for improved cancer radiotherapy. Other studies have explored the involvement of miRNA in radiobiological phenomenon like bystander effect. Emerging evidence is establishing that miRNA are involved in regulating radiation‐induced cellular processes, can be exploited to improve cancer radiation therapy, and could serve as biomarkers of human radiation exposure. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 436–449, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vertex‐Transitive Graphs of Prime‐Squared Order Are Hamilton‐Decomposable
Authors: Alspach Brian , Bryant Darryn , Kreher Donald L.
Published: October 2013

We prove that all connected vertex‐transitive graphs of order p2, p a prime, can be decomposed into Hamilton cycles.
MRI of knee ligament injury and reconstruction
Authors: Farshad‐Amacker Nadja A. , Potter Hollis G.
Published: October 2013

Knee ligament instability may lead to meniscal and chondral damage, resulting in early osteoarthritis. Due to its superior soft tissue contrast and avoidance of harmful ionizing radiation, MRI has become the most important imaging modality for early recognition of structural defects of the knee joint. This review aims to the understanding of MRI appearances of knee ligament structures associated with knee instability, and to review the common patterns of altered knee mechanics that lead to ligament failure. Normal anatomy of the knee ligaments, pathologic conditions, and postsurgical appearances of the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, and posterolateral corner are described.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:757–773. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retrospective assessment of the utility of an iron‐based agent for contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance venography in patients with endstage renal diseases
Authors: Bashir Mustafa R. , Mody Rekha , Neville Amy , Javan Ramin , Seaman Danielle , Kim Charles Y. , Gupta Rajan T. , Jaffe Tracy A.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To compare abdominopelvic and lower extremity venous enhancement in contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance venography (ceMRV), using iron‐based ferumoxytol and gadolinium‐based gadofosveset.

Materials and Methods

This was a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)‐compliant retrospective study. Thirty‐four patients were identified who had undergone ceMRV using either ferumoxtyol (Group A, all with chronic renal insufficiency) or gadofosveset (Group B). Two radiologists rated confidence for evaluation of the major abdominopelvic and lower extremity veins from 4 (excellent confidence) to 1 (nondiagnostic). A third radiologist measured signal intensity ratios (SIRs) of venous segments compared with adjacent muscles. Scores were compared using repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The medical record was searched for contemporaneous imaging to confirm the ceMRV findings.

Results

In Group A, 14/225 venous segments were thrombosed, compared with 18/282 in Group B. There was no statistically significant difference between confidence scores (3.79 ± 0.44 vs. 3.85 ± 0.44, P = 0.34) or SIRs (2.40 ± 0.73 vs. 2.38 ± 0.51, P = 0.51) for patent segments in the two groups, nor were confidences scores (3.89 ± 0.29 vs. 3.72 ± 0.46, P = 0.31) or SIRs (0.90 ± 0.12 vs. 0.84 ± 0.19, P = 0.31) significantly different for thrombosed segments. Contemporaneous imaging confirmed ceMRV findings in 227 segments.

Conclusion

ceMRV can be performed with ferumoxytol, yielding similar image quality to a blood pool gadolinium‐based contrast agent. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:113–118. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectrophotometric simultaneous determination of metal ions in cows' milk and vegetables with the aid of artificial neural networks using synthetic 2‐benzylspiro[isoindoline‐1,5′‐oxazolidine]‐2′,3,4′‐trione
Authors: Abbasi‐Tarighat Maryam
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

A simple, selective and sensitive multi‐component method for the simultaneous determination of Zn2+, Mn2+ and Fe3+ based on complex formation with 2‐benzylspiro[isoindoline‐1,5′‐oxazolidine]‐2′,3,4′‐trione using artificial neural networks is proposed.

RESULTS

The analytical data showed that metal‐to‐ligand ratios in Zn2+ and Fe3+ complexes was 1:1 and for Mn2+ complex was 1:2. It was found at pH 6.5 and 5 min after mixing, the complexation reactions were completed. The coloured complexes exhibited absorption bands in the wavelength range 200–400 nm. The results showed that Zn2+, Mn2+ and Fe3+ could be determined in the range 0.1–18.0, 0.3–10.0 and 0.5–20.0 mg L−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The data obtained from synthetic mixtures of metal ions were processed by radial basis function networks (RBFNs) and back‐propagation neural network. The optimal conditions of the neural networks were obtained by adjusting various parameters. Satisfactory precision and accuracy were obtained with all networks, although, because of surprisingly lower root mean square error (%) values, RBFNs were the preferred approach. The proposed approach was tested by analysing the composition of the different mixtures containing Zn2+, Mn2+ and Fe3+. The proposed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of Zn2+, Mn2+ and Fe3+ ions in milk and vegetable samples. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of long‐term storage on Mal d 1 content of four apple cultivars with initial low Mal d 1 content
Authors: Kiewning Daniela , Schmitz‐Eiberger Michaela
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Up to 6.6% of adults and 11.5% of children aged between 0 and 6 years are reporting a perceived fruit allergy. In the last group 8.5% perceived reactions against apple. To keep allergic reactions as low as possible and to make apple consumption more tolerable for patients allergic to apple, the Mal d 1 content of four apple cultivars (‘Boskoop’, ‘Elise’, ‘Pinova’, ‘Santana’ and ‘Topaz’) were analyzed, to identify apple cultivars with only a low Mal d 1 content. Further, the development of Mal d 1 content of low‐allergenic cultivars should be investigated during long‐term storage.

RESULTS

The lowest Mal d 1 content was measured for fruits of the cultivar ‘Santana’ at harvest, followed by ‘Pinova’ and ‘Elise’ after storage without 1‐MCP. Nearly all fruits treated with 1‐MCP had a significantly lower Mal d 1 content than fruits without 1‐MCP, except for ‘Boskoop’ fruits after 44 weeks of storage. Apple cultivars with a low Mal d 1 content are not a cross of ‘Golden Delicious’ with another cultivar, with the exception of ‘Pinova’ which is a cultivar from the so‐called ‘Pi‐series’, which have a moderate resistance to scab and mildew. First experiments on tomatoes and peanuts have shown a reduction of allergic proteins in older and child generations after transfer of RNA. This reduction is probably based on an alteration of gene expression regulating the synthesis of allergic proteins, leading to changes in protein composition in the fruit.

CONCLUSION

Individuals allergic to apple should choose the described cultivars with relative low Mal d 1 content. If breeders want to breed cultivars with low allergy, they should avoid crossings with ‘Golden Delicious’. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Tissue engineering airway mucosa: A systematic review
Authors: Hamilton Nicholas , Bullock Anthony J. , MacNeil Sheila , Janes Sam M. , Birchall Martin
Published: October 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Effective treatments for hollow organ stenosis, scarring, or agenesis are suboptimal or lacking. Tissue‐engineered implants may provide a solution, but those performed to date are limited by poor mucosalization after transplantation. We aimed to perform a systematic review of the literature on tissue‐engineered airway mucosa. Our objectives were to assess the success of this technology and its potential application to airway regenerative medicine and to determine the direction of future research to maximize its therapeutic and commercial potential.

Data Sources and Review Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed searching Medline (January 1996) and Embase (January 1980) using search terms “tissue engineering” or “tissue” and “engineering” or “tissue engineered” and “mucous membrane” or “mucous” and “membrane” or “mucosa.” Original studies utilizing tissue engineering to regenerate airway mucosa within the trachea or the main bronchi in animal models or human studies were included.

Results

A total of 719 papers matched the search criteria, with 17 fulfilling the entry criteria. Of these 17, four investigated mucosal engineering in humans, with the remaining 13 studies investigating mucosal engineering in animal models. The review demonstrated how an intact mucosal layer protects against infection and suggests a role for fibroblasts in facilitating epithelial regeneration in vitro. A range of scaffold materials were used, but no single material was clearly superior to the others.

Conclusion

The review highlights gaps in the literature and recommends key directions for future research such as epithelial tracking and the role of the extracellular environment. Laryngoscope, 124:961–968, 2014
Comparison of treatment modalities for Contact granuloma: A Nationwide Multicenter Study
Authors: Lee Seung Won , Hong Hyung Jun , Choi Seung Ho , Sun Dong IL , Park Young Hak , Lee Byung Joo , Kwon Seong Keun , Park IL Seok , Lee Sang Hyuk , Son Young-Ik
Published: October 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study evaluated the efficacy of commonly used treatment modalities and determined predictors of treatment outcome for contact granuloma.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Twenty otolaryngologists from 18 university hospitals reviewed the medical records of their own contact granuloma patients for the most recent 4 years. To be enrolled as a valid case, each treatment had to continue for at least 3 months. After excluding intubation granuloma, 590 cases of contact granuloma were analyzed. Treatment outcomes were assessed as complete response (CR), marked response (MR), partial response (PR), and no response. The chi‐square test was used to compare the efficacy of each treatment modality and logistic regression to determine the predictors of treatment outcome.

Results

The long‐term outcomes of good response (GR) (sum of CR and MR) rates after each treatment were 20.5% for observation, 31.6% for steroid inhalation, 44.0% for proton pump inhibitor (PPI), 44.3% for voice therapy, 60.0% for surgical removal, and 74.2% for botulinum toxin injection. Voice therapy, PPI, and botulinum toxin had more good responses than simple observation for the long‐term outcome (P < 0.05). Surgical removal had a significantly higher recurrence rate (37.1%) than simple observation (10.3%) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Voice therapy or PPI are recommended as first‐line treatments. Surgical removal should be reserved for selected patients because of the high chance of recurrence. Botulinum toxin injection can be used not only for primary cases but also for refractory cases with an expected high response rate.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:1187–1191, 2014
Preparation and Characterization of Interconnected, Kraft Lignin‐Based Carbon Fibrous Materials by Electrospinning
Authors: Dallmeyer Ian , Lin Li Ting , Li Yingjie , Ko Frank , Kadla John F.
Published: October 2013

Inter‐connected carbon sub‐µm fibrous materials are prepared by electrospinning of Kraft lignin solutions in DMF followed by thermal treatment consisting of oxidative thermostabilization at 250 °C and carbonization in the temperature range 600–1000 °C. Inter‐fiber bonding is achieved by taking advantages of the intrinsic differences in thermal mobility between different Kraft lignin fractions. Inter‐fiber bonding is observed to enhance the mechanical properties of both the thermostabilized and carbonized materials and enhances the electrical conductivity of the carbonized materials. The surface area, morphological, and structural characteristics are also characterized by the BET method, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, respectively.
Tunable and Durable Toughening of Polylactide Materials Via Reactive Extrusion
Authors: Kfoury Georgio , Hassouna Fatima , Raquez Jean‐Marie , Toniazzo Valérie , Ruch David , Dubois Philippe
Published: October 2013

To tune the toughness of PLA, a novel pathway to chemically modify PLA via reactive extrusion in the presence of “reactive” PEG derivatives is proposed. PEG methyl ether methacrylate (MAPEG) and PEG methyl ether acrylate (AcrylPEG) are melt‐mixed and extruded with PLA in the presence of 2,5‐dimethyl‐2,5‐di(tert‐butylperoxy)hexane (L101) as a free‐radical initiator. Molecular characterization reveals that about 20 and 65%, respectively, of the initially introduced MAPEG and AcrylPEG can be grafted onto the PLA backbone. The plasticization effect is demonstrated by a significant decrease of the glass transition temperature and storage modulus together with a significant increase of the elongation at break as compared to neat PLA.
Concurrent Enhancement of Multiple Properties in Reactively Processed Nanocomposites of Polylactide/Poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐adipate] Blend and Organoclay
Authors: Ojijo Vincent , Sinha Ray Suprakas , Sadiku Rotimi
Published: October 2013

Polylactide (PLA) and poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐adipate] (PBSA) were reacted by being blended in a batch mixer in the presence of a chain extender, triphenyl phosphite (TPP), and two different types of organically modified clays—a montmorillonite clay (C20A) and a synthetic mica (MEE)—to enhance the thermal stability, impact toughness, and barrier properties of the PLA. An accelerated increase in the torque during processing indicated catalyzed chain‐extension reactions in the clay‐based compatibilized blends. The rate and extent of the increase in the chain extension/coupling were dependent on the type of organic surfactant used to modify the pristine clays. Enhanced chain extension/coupling and char formation resulted in dramatic thermal‐stability increases of 17 and 26 °C for composites with 2 and 6 wt% C20A loadings, respectively. Similarly, the oxygen and water‐vapor permeabilities were improved with the addition of the clays. At 4 wt% MEE loading, the oxygen and water‐vapor permeabilities were reduced by 60 and 50%, respectively. Unlike the MEE‐based blends, C20A‐based compatibilized blends resulted in higher toughness than the neat PLA due to the lesser crystallinity of the PLA component and enhanced chain extensions/coupling in the C20A‐based samples. Therefore, this work demonstrates the possibility of enhancing the thermal stability, toughness, and barrier properties of PLA in a one‐stage process through reactive blending with PBSA in the presence of clays.
Subtle gait changes in patients with REM sleep behavior disorder
Authors: McDade Eric M. , Boot Brendon P. , Christianson Teresa J. H. , Pankratz V. Shane , Boeve Bradley F. , Ferman Tanis J. , Bieniek Kevin , Hollman John H. , Roberts Rosebud O. , Mielke Michelle M. , Knopman David S. , Petersen Ronald C.
Published: October 2013

Many people with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) have an underlying synucleinopathy, the most common of which is Lewy body disease. Identifying additional abnormal clinical features may help in identifying those at greater risk of evolving to a more severe syndrome. Because gait disorders are common in the synucleinopathies, early abnormalities in gait in those with RBD could help in identifying those at increased risk of developing overt parkinsonism and/or cognitive impairment. We identified 42 probable RBD subjects and 492 controls using the Mayo Sleep Questionnaire and assessed gait velocity, cadence, and stride dynamics with an automated gait analysis system. Cases and controls were similar in age (79.9 ± 4.7 and 80.1 ± 4.7, P = 0.74), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (UPDRS) score (3.3 ± 5.5 and 1.9 ± 4.1, P = 0.21) and Mini–Mental State Examination scores (27.2 ± 1.9 and 27.7 ± 1.6, P = 0.10). A diagnosis of probable RBD was associated with decreased velocity (−7.9 cm/s; 95% confidence interval [CI], −13.8 to −2.0; P < 0.01), cadence (−4.4 steps/min; 95% CI, −7.6 to −1.3; P < 0.01), significantly increased double limb support variability (30%; 95% CI, 6–60; P = 0.01), and greater stride time variability (29%; 95% CI, 2–63; P = 0.03) and swing time variability (46%; 95% CI, 15–84; P < 0.01). Probable RBD is associated with subtle gait changes prior to overt clinical parkinsonism. Diagnosis of probable RBD supplemented by gait analysis may help as a screening tool for disorders of α‐synuclein. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The role of public awareness in health‐protective behaviours to reduce heat wave risk
Authors: Kim Myounghee , Kim Ho , You Myoungsoon
Published: October 2013

Little evidence has been provided on the effects of the programme on public perceptions of heat waves and health behaviours. This study aimed to: (1) evaluate the impact of a heat wave warning system on public awareness of and responses to heat wave risk, (2) identify the factors affecting public awareness of heat wave risk, and (3) investigate whether public awareness of heat wave warnings contributes to increased health‐protective behaviours. Using a stratified random sampling design, the residents of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, were surveyed via telephone. Data were collected in two campaigns. The total sample size was 2400 adults. Statistically significant changes were detected in the awareness of heat wave warnings and in the practice of health‐protective behaviours. Awareness of heat wave warnings was an important factor in health‐protective behaviours to reduce the risk of heat wave (odds ratio (OR), 1.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–1.99). This study encourages future investigations of the role of public awareness of heat wave warnings in reducing risk behaviours using better analytical frameworks.
Application of LIDAR‐derived eddy dissipation rate profiles in low‐level wind shear and turbulence alerts at Hong Kong International Airport
Authors: Hon K. K. , Chan P. W.
Published: October 2013

In aviation meteorology, eddy dissipation rate (EDR) is an internationally‐adopted metric for quantifying intensity of low‐level turbulence (rapid, irregular headwind fluctuations experienced by an aircraft below 1600 feet/500 m). In this paper, calculations of EDR1/3 profiles along arrival corridors (07LA, 25RA) of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) were performed over a 45 month period (January to September, 2008–2012) based on radial velocity from a scanning Doppler LIDAR using the azimuthal velocity structure function approach. The quality of the LIDAR‐estimated EDR was established by comparison with values calculated from in situ measurements over a 24 month period, which showed that median values of EDR profiles from both sources fell within 0.05 m2/3 s−1 of each other in over 90% (80%) of instances for 07LA (25RA). The performance in threshold‐based alerting of low‐level turbulence at HKIA was then validated against pilot reports. At alert duration of 10%, alerts based on the maximum value of an EDR profile could capture over 90% (80%) of reported events over 07LA (25RA), while comparable performance with the wind shear and turbulence warning system (WTWS) at HKIA was attainable using suitable alert thresholds. Positive skill, albeit inferior to WTWS, was also observed in the alerting of low‐level wind shear (sustained headwind change of 15 knots or above below 1600 feet/500 m) with a hit rate of about 70% at alert duration of 10%. This study served to establish the value of EDR derived from ground‐based remote‐sensing instruments e.g. LIDAR in alerting of low‐level turbulence for the aviation community.
Vacuum assisted closure therapy for treatment of complex wounds in replanted extremities
Authors: Zhou Min , Qi Baiwen , Yu Aixi , Pan Zhenyu , Zhu Shaobo , Deng Kai , Tao Shengxiang
Published: October 2013

The object of this study was to compare the outcomes of the vacuum assisted closure (VAC) therapy and conventional wound care with dressing change for treatment of complex wounds in patients with replantation of amputated upper and lower extremities. Data of 43 patients with replantation of amputated extremities from May 2004 to December 2011 were reviewed. There were 18 wounds of 18 patients with replantation, which were treated by dressing change and 26 wounds of 25 patients by VAC therapy. The outcomes were evaluated by the survival rate of replanted extremities, growth of granulation tissue, interval between wound treatment and secondary procedure and eventual secondary wound coverage methods. Vascular thromboses were found in 3 patients with wound treatment by dressing change and 5 by VAC. All replants of two groups of patients survived after salvage procedures. The wound score was 3.6 ± 0.7 in the conventional dressing change group and 5.8 ± 0.7 in the VAC group at the sixth day after treatment, respectively. The intervals between wound treatment and secondary wound coverage procedure were 12.0 ± 1.7 days in the dressing change group and 6.1 ± 0.7 days in the VAC group. Flaps were applied for wound coverage in 9 out of 18 (50.0%) wounds in the dressing change group and 5 out of 26 (19.2%) in the VAC group (P < 0.05), when the wounds of rest of patients were covered by the skin graft. The results showed that VAC could promote the growth of granulation tissue of wound, decrease the need of flap for wound coverage, and did not change the survival of replantation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:620–624, 2013.
Refining perforator selection for deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: The impact of the dominant venous perforator
Authors: Gravvanis Andreas , Tsoutsos Dimosthenis , Papanikolaou George , Diab Ahmed , Lambropoulou Penelope , Karakitsos Dimitrios
Published: October 2013

Introduction

This article aims to investigate the critical role of the venous‐perforator in the decision‐making process of choosing the best suitable perforator‐complex in a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap.

Methods

Forty consecutive DIEP breast reconstructions were pre‐operatively evaluated by CT‐Angiography to identify the dominant and centrally located abdominal wall perforators. The CTA results were used as a guide to conduct a Color‐Duplex‐Ultrasound examination that was mainly focused on investigating the accompanying venous‐perforator. In group‐A (n = 20) perforator‐complex selection was based on the size of the arterial‐perforator, whilst in group‐B (n = 20) it was based on the size of the venous‐perforator.

Results

All single perforator‐complex DIEP flaps survived. No significant differences were recorded concerning the size of arterial‐perforator between the two groups; however the size of venous‐perforator was significantly larger in group‐B (P < 0.05). In group‐A, four flaps showed vascular compromise intraoperative that was salvaged by flap supercharge with the superficial inferior epigastric system. In contrast, in group‐B, all flaps were re‐vascularized uneventfully (P < 0.05). Physical examination revealed a palpable mass in one patient and ultrasound investigation added three cases with a firm area of scar tissue in group‐A, but no fat necrosis was detected in group‐B (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The CTA‐guided duplex ultrasonography could direct the perforator‐complex selection according to the size of the venous‐perforator, and may reduce the intraoperative problems and the incidence of fat necrosis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:169–176, 2014.
Arterial spin labeling with simultaneous multi‐slice echo planar imaging
Authors: Feinberg David A. , Beckett Alexander , Chen Liyong
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Simultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) echo planar imaging (EPI) is incorporated into two‐dimensional (2D) arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging to produce more slices for measuring perfusion in a larger region of the brain than currently possible with multi‐slice EPI.

Methods

Pulsed ASL (PASL) preparations using FAIR and QUIPSS II techniques were combined with SMS‐EPI. Testing was performed in four subjects at 3 Tesla. Multiband slice acceleration factors (MB) from MB‐2 to MB‐5 using 40 averages were evaluated. Comparisons were made quantitatively to PASL 2D EPI and qualitatively to PASL 3D GRASE.

Results

In the 12 slice data set, spatial SNR for the perfusion weighted images averaged across subjects was 3.28 and 3.44 for the two sequential MB‐1 acquisitions as control comparison, 3.25 for MB‐2 and 2.98 for MB‐3. The temporal SNR averaged 1.01 and 0.99 for MB‐1, 0.89 for MB‐2, and 0.78 for MB‐3. For whole‐brain spatial coverage, the 20 slice data sets could be acquired in narrower time windows, from 874 ms using EPI (MB‐1) down to 196 ms using MB‐5. SMS‐EPI ASL differed from 3D GRASE ASL, which can use background suppression and has less susceptibility artifact as a CPMG SE sequence.

Conclusion

SMS‐EPI has a major advantage over EPI‐based ASL imaging by increasing slice coverage without lengthening the acquisition time window. Magn Reson Med 70:1500–1506, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Complexity and approximability of the k‐way vertex cut
Authors: Berger André , Grigoriev Alexander , van der Zwaan Ruben
Published: October 2013

In this article, we consider k‐way vertex cut: the problem of finding a graph separator of a given size that decomposes the graph into the maximum number of components. Our main contribution is the derivation of an efficient polynomial‐time approximation scheme for the problem on planar graphs. Also, we show that k‐way vertex cut is polynomially solvable on graphs of bounded treewidth and fixed–parameter tractable on planar graphs with the size of the separator as the parameter. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 63(2), 170–178 2014
Investigating political marketing using mixed method: the case for campaign spending data
Authors: Marland Alex , Giasson Thierry
Published: October 2013

This article is a response to calls for new research methods in the study of political marketing. We submit that the mixed method approach to studying how political parties use opinion research and political communication is underused. More specifically we believe that campaign spending data, which are commonly analyzed in electoral studies, can become a significant source of information for the study of political marketing. We summarize the availability of electoral expenditure data in 13 established democracies before using a mixed method design to study political marketing management in Canada. We seek to validate quantitative data about marketing spending activity by administering semi‐structured interviews with practitioners who held senior campaign positions in major political parties. Our preliminary look at campaign finance through a political marketing scholarship lens reveals the strengths of drawing insights from such data but also some limitations. We conclude that, as other research has posited, Canadian political parties focus more on advertising in their approach to campaigning. More broadly, we propose that students of political marketing should balance proprietary interviews with transparent, standardized, replicable and objective sources of information such as campaign spending data, and vice‐versa. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of graphene on the behavior of chitosan and starch nanocomposite films
Authors: Ashori Alireza
Published: October 2013

The objective of this study was to prepare chitosan and starch composite films by the addition of 0–3 wt% graphene nanosheets. The film's tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus (TM), elongation at break (E), moisture uptake (Mu), and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) were investigated. The surface morphology of the composite films was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Regardless of biopolymer type, both the TS and TM of the composite films first increased and then decreased with graphene loading. Composite film made with native (unmodified) starch showed lower TS and TM than those with chitosan. Composite films exhibit lower E values than pure chitosan and starch; this is attributed to the increase in the hardness of the films. SEM micrographs indicated that, the surface roughness and phase separation increased with increasing graphene content. This is due to the aggregation of graphene nanosheets, leading to the reduced compatibility of biopolymers. The addition of graphene considerably decreased WVTR and Mu of the composite films. These results indicated that graphene is a promising reinforcing agent for biopolymer composite films. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2258–2263, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Plasma enhanced modification of xanthan and its use in chitosan/xanthan hydrogels
Authors: Martínez‐Gómez A.J. , Cruz‐Barba L.E. , Sánchez‐Díaz J.C. , Becerra‐Bracamontes F. , Martínez‐Ruvalcaba A.
Published: October 2013

This study reports the design and construction of a fluidized bed/non‐equilibrium atmospheric‐pressure‐plasma reactor. The mechanical design of the reactor was devised to modify chemically and physically the surface of different powders. The basis for developing the design and construction of the reaction system were the non‐equilibrium atmospheric‐pressure‐plasma phenomenon known as dielectric barrier discharge and the gas‐solid bubbling fluidization. The reactor was tested modifying xanthan powder that was used in the synthesis of chitosan/xanthan hydrogels, for which the swelling capacity was measured at different pH levels. The chemical modification of xanthan was carried out in a sequential process of plasma treatment with different exposure times and gas flow (from 0.5 to 5 min), followed by chemical vapor deposition of epichlorohydrin. The swelling experiments reveal that the hydrogels increase its swelling capacity in acidic mediums and when the hydrogel was formed with xanthan with 2 or 3 min of plasma treatment. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2264–2271,
2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
The mediating roles of cancer‐related rumination in the relationship between dispositional hope and psychological outcomes among childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Yuen Ada N. Y. , Ho Samuel M. Y. , Chan Calais K. Y.
Published: October 2013

Objective

This study aimed to examine the effects of dispositional hope on psychopathology as well as self‐perceived positive change in childhood cancer survivors through the potential mediation of cancer‐related ruminations.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design was used, and a group of childhood cancer survivors (N = 89; mean age = 23.2 years; age range = 17.2–31.3 years) were studied. Dispositional hope level was measured by the Hope Scale; positive and negative cancer‐related ruminations were assessed by the Chinese Cancer‐related Rumination Scale; depression symptoms were measured by Beck Depression Inventory; and anxiety symptoms were measured by Beck Anxiety Inventory. Positive adjustment outcome of posttraumatic growth (PTG) was assessed by the Chinese Post‐traumatic Growth Inventory. Multiple regressions were used to analyze the relationship between dispositional hope and the outcome variables of PTG, anxiety and depression and the potential mediators of positive and negative cancer‐related rumination.

Results

Dispositional hope was positively related to PTG, and the correlation was specifically mediated by positive cancer‐related rumination. Dispositional hope also correlated with lower levels of depression and anxiety, specifically mediated by negative cancer‐related rumination.

Conclusion

The present finding supported hope as a significant positive factor for childhood cancer survivors, which was associated with PTG and better psychological adjustment. The findings may inform development of therapeutic intervention programs aimed at increasing childhood cancer patients' hope levels, which may be correlated with more positive cancer‐related thoughts and better adjustment. The present study, which examined survivors diagnosed at young age, may enrich existing studies on the effect of onset age and adjustment outcomes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a steady‐state FRET‐based assay to identify inhibitors of the Keap1‐Nrf2 protein–protein interaction
Authors: Schaap Marjolein , Hancock Rowena , Wilderspin Andrew , Wells Geoff
Published: October 2013

One of the strategies proposed for the chemoprevention of degenerative diseases and cancer involves upregulation of antioxidant and free radical detoxification gene products by increasing the intracellular concentration of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2). This can be achieved by disrupting the interaction between Nrf2 and Kelch‐like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1), a substrate adaptor protein for a Cul3‐dependent E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Here, we describe the development of a high‐throughput fluorescence (or Förster) resonance energy transfer assay for the identification of inhibitors of the Keap1‐Nrf2 protein–protein interaction (PPI). The basis of this assay is the binding of a YFP‐conjugated Keap1 Kelch binding domain to a CFP‐conjugated Nrf2‐derived 16‐mer peptide containing a highly conserved “ETGE” motif. The competition aspect of the assay was validated using unlabeled Nrf2‐derived 7‐mer and 16‐mer peptides and has potential as a screening tool for small molecule inhibitors of the PPI. We discuss the development of this assay in the context of other methods used to evaluate this PPI.
Hazard effects of high‐speed flow from methane‐hydrogen premixed explosions
Authors: Ma Qiuju , Zhang Qi , Pang Lei
Published: October 2013

Explosions are the main types of accidents causing casualties in underground mines. The high‐speed flow caused by gas expansion and inertia is a main damage factor in gas explosion accidents, but the issue has not yet received considerable attentions. In this study, the propagation of pressure wave and combustion wave from methane‐hydrogen premixed explosions were studied in a pipe with a close end and an open end. Analysis and comparison between pressure speeds and flame speeds were performed. On this basic, the hazard effects of dynamic pressure caused by high‐speed flow were investigated. The results show that the addition of hydrogen can speed up propagation of pressure waves and combustion waves and that detonation is achieved at high hydrogen contents but not for low hydrogen contents. Additionally, the high‐speed flow is a kind of high temperature airflow with a very high speed of dozens of meters even up to hundreds of meters per second. High‐speed airflows can bring about high dynamic pressures, which are on the same order of magnitude as statistic pressures, even higher than statistics pressure at the pipe opening end. Compared with impacts of blast pressure, the damages of high‐speed flow can last for a longer time. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 33: 85–93, 2014
Spot drip application of dimethyl disulfide as a post‐plant treatment for the control of plant parasitic nematodes and soilborne pathogens in grape production
Authors: Cabrera J Alfonso , Wang Dong , Gerik James S , Gan Jay
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Plant parasitic nematodes and soilborne pathogens can reduce the overall productivity in grape production. Not all grape growers apply soil fumigants before planting, and there is no single rootstock resistant to all nematode species. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) applied at 112, 224, 448 and 897 kg ha−1as a post‐plant treatment against soilborne plant parasitic nematodes and pathogens on the grape yield in established grapevines.

RESULTS

In microplot and field trials, post‐plant fumigation withDMDScontrolled citrus (Tylenchulus semipenetrans), root‐knot (Meloidogynespp.), pin (Paratylenchusspp.) and ring (Mesocriconema xenoplax) nematodes in established Thomson Seedless grapevines. However,DMDSdid not control the soilborne pathogensPythium ultimumandFusarium oxysporum. No indications of phytotoxicity were detected after post‐plant fumigation withDMDS. In the field trial, grape yield was significantly higher with the lowestDMDSrate, but no difference among other rates was observed in comparison with the untreated control.

CONCLUSION

Post‐plant fumigation withDMDScontrolled plant parasitic nematodes in established grapevines but was less efficacious against soilborne pathogens. Low rates ofDMDSwere sufficient for nematode control and increased the grape yield, probably without affecting beneficial soil organisms. Further research on evaluating the potential effect ofDMDSagainst beneficial soil organisms is needed. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
External bonded shear reinforcement for T‐section beams
Authors: Etman Emad
Published: October 2013

Strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) beams in shear using carbon fibre‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) has been found to enhance, significantly, the shear capacity of existing RC beams. In previous studies the use of steel plates bonded externally to the RC beams was found to improve the shear performance of these beams. Most of the previous work was conducted on RC beams having rectangular sections. The main objective of this paper is to gain a better understanding and enhance the experimental database of shear behaviour of RC T‐beams strengthened with externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) systems. The present study encompasses some of the important parameters such as direction of EBR fibre alignment and the strengthening materials made of carbon‐fibre sheets, steel plates or steel bars for shear strengthening. The contribution of EBR to the shear capacity of the T‐beams was computed using three design codes and compared with the experimental output. A series of RC T‐beams was tested experimentally with the CFRP and steel strips carefully aligned and spaced. A reference T‐beam and a rectangular beam were tested as well to explore the effect of the internal shear reinforcement and the existence of the flange on the shear capacity of the beam.
Rotating compression field model for reinforced concrete beams under prevalent shear actions
Authors: Bertagnoli Gabriele , Mancini Giuseppe , Recupero Antonino , Spinella Nino
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this paper is to improve the performance of a twodimensional finite element approach, called the Rotating Compression Field Model (RCFM). The RCFM capability for reproducing the non‐linear behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) beams, tested in shear with monotonic load increase, has been tested and amended. Concrete is treated as a quasi‐orthotropic material with smeared cracks and smeared reinforcement. A modified version of the Sargin relationship for concrete in compression is adopted, introducing a new model for the softening branch of the stress‐strain compression curve in the RCFM to take into account compression softening and the effect of confinement due to inplane reinforcement. In addition, this paper considers out‐ofplane confinement effects using the model suggested by Eurocode 2.

A key issue in the RCFM approach consists of relating the decay of effective concrete strength to the deviation angle between the inclination of the compression stress field at first cracking and its inclination at the load level considered. The validity of this relation has been extended from the original 15° up to more than 30°.

A new stress‐strain curve is implemented in the code to model the tensile behaviour of concrete without reinforcement (tension softening) in addition to the tension stiffening effect already present for concrete with reinforcement. This model leads to a successful comparison with experimental results on RC beams for a significant range of design parameters and mechanical material properties.
International code harmonization: the role of the Asian Concrete Model Code
Authors: Ueda Tamon
Published: October 2013

Many national codes in Asia are heavily influenced by those from either Europe or the USA. The climatic, technological and economic conditions together with the material properties in Asia are, however, quite different from those in Europe and the USA, and even different among Asian countries. Thus, many Asian countries need their own national codes with suitable concepts and technologies. At the same time, many construction projects in Asia are carried out in multi‐national environments in which various national codes are applied, meaning that international code harmonization is necessary. In order to work for the global issue, such as the construction of a sustainable world, Asia, as the largest economic zone in the 21st century, should take on a leading role. For this purpose, international code harmonization with the new direction of life cycle management (LCM) would provide an efficient way.

The International Committee on Concrete Model Code for Asia (ICCMC) was established in 1994 as the first international body in Asia. The ICCMC issued the Asian Concrete Model Code (ACMC) in 2001, the first international structural code in Asia. The ACMC is an umbrella code with a performance‐based concept and a multi‐level document structure, which makes it suitable for the considerable diversity in Asia. It is also the first international code covering maintenance and repair, which makes the ACMC ready to adopt the LCM concept. The ACMC has been a model for various national codes. The main features of the ACMC, i.e. the performance‐based concept, durability design concept, seismic design concept and the inclusion of maintenance/repair, are shared with JSCE Standard Specifications in Japan. The ICCMC has been working together with ISO/TC71 towards international code harmonization.
Influence of coiling on the stress relaxation of prestressing steel wires
Authors: Elices Manuel , Suarez Fernando , Gálvez Jaime C. , Cendón David A. , Atienza Jose Miguel
Published: October 2013

The possible deleterious effects of coiling and long‐term storage of coiled wires on the stress relaxation behaviour of prestressing steel wires has been checked by means of experimental work and a simple analytical model. The results show that if the requirements of standards are fulfilled (minimum coiling diameters), these effects can be neglected. However, some other factors, such as previous residual stresses, long‐term storage or storage at high temperatures, can trigger or emphasize this damage to the material. In the authors' opinion, checking the final curvature of the wires after uncoiling prior to prestressing, as required in some standards, is to be recommended.