bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct simultaneous measurement of intraglottal geometry and velocity fields in excised larynges
Authors: Khosla Sid , Oren Liran , Ying Jun , Gutmark Ephraim
Published: November 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Current theories regarding the mechanisms of phonation are based on assumptions about the aerodynamics between the vocal folds during the closing phase of vocal fold vibration. However, many of these fundamental assumptions have never been validated in a tissue model. In this study, the main objective was to determine the aerodynamics (velocity fields) and the geometry of the medial surface of the vocal folds during the closing phase of vibration. The main hypothesis is that intraglottal vortices are produced during vocal fold closing when the glottal duct has a divergent shape and that these vortices are associated with negative pressures.

Study Design

Experiments using seven excised canine larynges.

Methods

The particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) method was used to determine the velocity fields at low, mid‐, and high subglottal pressures for each larynx. Modifications were made to previously described PIV methodology to allow the measurement of both the intraglottal velocity fields and the position of the medial aspects of the vocal fold.

Results

At relatively low subglottal pressures, little to no intraglottal vortices were seen. At mid‐ and high subglottal pressures, the flow separation vortices occurred and produced maximum negative pressures, relative to atmospheric, of −2.6 to −14.6 cm H2O. Possible physiological and surgical implications are discussed.

Conclusions

Intraglottal vortices produce significant negative pressures at mid‐ and high subglottal pressures. These vortices may be important in increasing maximum flow declination rate and acoustic intensity.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 124:S1–S13, 2014
Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Associated with Soil Aggregates and Particle Sizes Under Different Land Uses in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gelaw Aweke M. , Singh B. R. , Lal R.
Published: November 2013

Soil aggregation serves as storage and cycling of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN), which are essential for the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Thus, aggregate and particle associated SOC and TN in 0‐ to 10‐cm and 10‐ to 20‐cm layers were estimated for five land uses: rainfed cultivation (RF), agroforestry (AF), open pasture (OP), silvopasture (SP), and irrigation (IR) each with five replications within a watershed in Ethiopia. OP had the highest WSA > 2 mm (88·7%) and SOC associated with macroaggregates (20·0 g kg−1), which were significantly higher (P < 0·0001; P = 0·0017 for WSA and SOC, respectively) than that in other land uses in 0‐ to 10‐cm depth. SOC associated with both macroaggregates and microaggregates decreased with depth. Macroaggregates contained higher SOC than microaggregates in both layers under all land uses. AF had the highest SOC associated with microaggregates (2·6 g kg−1) followed by that in SP (2·3 g kg−1), indicating its potential to stabilize SOC more than other land uses. TN associated with macroaggregates followed a trend similar to that of SOC. OP had also significantly higher SOC (P = 0·0001) and TN (P = 0·0004) associated with sand particles than RF, AF, and IR. Sand‐associated SOC and TN were the highest in uncultivated systems. Moreover, the higher SOC concentrations associated with clay particles in soils under OP, SP, and AF showed that grass‐based and tree‐based systems are rich in stable SOC as clay‐associated SOC has higher residence time than that associated with sand or silt fractions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Sterilization on the Enzymatic Degradation and Mechanical Properties of Silk Biomaterials
Authors: Gil Eun Seok , Park Sang‐Hyug , Hu Xiao , Cebe Peggy , Kaplan David L.
Published: November 2013

The effect of some sterilization methods (autoclaving and ethanol treatments) on the degradation rate and mechanical properties of two types of porous silk scaffolds (aqueous‐ and hexafluoroisopropanol‐derived) is evaluated. Changes in secondary structure, crystal size, and supramolecular features of silk fibroin, resulting from sterilization, are tracked to elucidate molecular level effects on protease XIV enzymatic degradation and compressive mechanical properties. The structural features and pore sizes of the silk scaffolds remain intact after both sterilization processes. Autoclave sterilization dramatically reduce the degradation rate of the silk scaffolds in response to protease XIV and significantly increase mechanical properties, in contrast to scaffolds sterilized with 70% ethanol. Higher β‐sheet content and larger crystal size are observed after autoclaving, unlike in response to 70% ethanol sterilization, based on examination of Fourier transform (FT) IR spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS). In addition, thermal analysis finds supramolecular features within silk fibroin amorphous regions, including the glass transition temperature (Tg), heat capacity of glass transition (ΔCp‐Tg), and thermal gravimetric degradability. Such supramolecular level changes are related to the shift in enzymatic degradation and mechanical properties due to autoclaving versus treatment with 70% EtOH. The changes in supramolecular organization in amorphous regions can retard enzyme diffusion through the glassy regions of the silk matrix or/and hinder binding of enzymes, while also stiffening these matrices.
Shape‐Tailored Polymer Colloids on the Road to Become Structural Motifs for Hierarchically Organized Materials
Authors: Plüisch Claudia Simone , Wittemann Alexander
Published: November 2013

Anisometric polymer colloids are likely to behave differently when compared with centrosymmetric particles. Their study may not only shine new light on the organization of matter; they may also serve as building units with specific symmetries and complexity to build new materials from them. Polymer colloids of well‐defined complex geometries can be obtained by packing a limited number of spherical polymer particles into clusters with defined configurations. Such supracolloidal architectures can be fabricated at larger scales using narrowly dispersed emulsion droplets as templates. Assemblies built from at least two different types of particles as elementary building units open perspectives in selective targeting of colloids with specific properties, aiming for mesoscale building blocks with tailor‐made morphologies and multifunctionality. Polymer colloids with defined geometries are also ideal to study shape‐dependent properties such as the diffusion of complex particles.

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Effect of kenaf fiber age on PLLA composite properties
Authors: Ogbomo Sunny M. , Ayre Brian , Webber Charles L. , D'Souza Nandika A.
Published: November 2013

A challenge facing engineering with natural fibers is the high standard deviation of mechanical properties of natural fiber compared with synthetic fiber. Plants have a chemical and physical architecture reflective of their age. The region near the apex is more flexible than that near the base. In this paper we investigate the impact of increasing age of plant fiber on the corresponding composite. Bast fibers stems of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus, L.), a warm season tropical herbaceous annual plant extracted corresponding to different age, were dispersed into Poly‐l‐lactide (PLLA) matrix by melt blending followed by compression molding. The resulting bio‐based hybrid composites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were conducted. DSC and XRD indicated that the kenaf was effective in promoting crystallization. TGA indicated that the thermal stability of composites is reduced compared with PLLA, but the older fiber sample based on 120–150 cm from the plant apex improved thermal stability compared with the rest. SEM and OM inferred good fiber dispersion while dynamic mechanical tests revealed increased modulus. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:915–924, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polycyclic arene‐based D–A polyimide electrets for high‐performance n‐type organic field effect transistor memory devices
Authors: Yu An‐Dih , Kurosawa Tadanori , Ueda Mitsuru , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: November 2013

We report the memory characteristics of n‐type N,N′‐bis(2‐phenylethyl)‐perylene‐3,4:9,10‐tetracarboxylic diimide‐based organic field‐effect transistors (OFET) using a series of donor–acceptor (D–A) polyimide electrets of poly[4,4′‐diamino‐4″‐methyltriphenylamine‐hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthal imide] (PI(AMTPA‐6FDA)), poly[N,N‐bis‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐aminonaphthalene‐hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalimide] (PI(APAN‐6FDA)), and poly[N,N‐bis‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐aminopyrene‐hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalimide] (PI(APAP‐6FDA)). Among the polymer electrets, the OFET memory device based on PI(APAP‐6FDA) exhibits the largest memory window of 40.63 V and the best charge retention ability (maintained for over 104 s with the ON/OFF current ratio about 103) due to introducing polycyclic arene functionality of pyrene into the electron donating moiety. With the excellent carrier delocalization, pyrene successfully enhanced the charge storage ability and sustained the CT complex. Besides, PI(APAP‐6FDA)‐based OFET memory also performed well in the write‐read‐erase‐read tests for over 100 cycles. Our finding may provide a new approach for the preparation of high performance nonvolatile OFET memories with electrets of D–A polyimide systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 139–147
Facile design of degradable poly(β‐thioester)s with tunable structure and functionality
Authors: Zaquen Neomy , Wenn Benjamin , Ranieri Kayte , Vandenbergh Joke , Junkers Tanja
Published: November 2013

The synthesis of a range of linear biodegradable poly(β‐thioester)s, PBTs, via hexylamine‐catalyzed thiol‐ene Micheal additions between a variety of diacrylate and dithiol monomers is described. Molecular weights up to 12,000 g mol−1 are obtained for this new class of polymer materials. PBTs featuring very different chemical and mechanical behavior are obtained on the basis of seven diacrylate and three dithiol monomers. Polar PBTs are synthesized based on ethylene glycol‐containing monomers in an environmentally friendly solvent. Furthermore, PBTs containing urethane units in the main chain are obtained, providing access to an isocyanate‐free polyurethane polymerization method. The thiol‐ene addition approach can also be used to couple polystyrene oligomers synthesized from a bifunctional trithiocarbonate reversible addition fragmentation transfer agent. In this way, PBTs featuring polystyrene segments as well as diacrylate segments are produced. In general for these step‐growth polymerizations, by tuning the stoichiometric monomer ratio, a desired end group functionality can be quantitatively introduced into the PBT, which is demonstrated via soft ionization mass spectrometry analysis. As an example, alkyne end groups have been built in, giving access to use these materials in modular polymer design strategies. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 178–187
Seeing through the trick of cancer cells via 2D gels
Authors: Mao Lei
Published: November 2013

The advancement of modern therapy concepts has dramatically extended the postsurvival rates of patients with malignant gastric cancer. However, a remaining setback is the drug resistance of recurrent cancer, which casts a dark shadow over disease prognosis. The original work of Klein et al. [Proteomics Clin. Appl. 2013, 7, 813–824] has outlined a rational experimental approach to decipher the mechanistic pathway of cancer drug resistance by proteomic approach. They used gel‐based comparative proteomics to analyze the nuclear proteome of a human gastric cancer cell line (AGS) with and without inactivation of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1), a transcription factor and master regulator of hypoxia adaptation. Using the classical 2DE‐MS approach, these researchers observed 163 HIF‐1 responsive proteins, among which over half of them could be confidently identified by MS. From this large dataset, the authors proposed an enhanced nuclear translocation of some proteasomal proteins upon inactivation of HIF‐1. Overall, this work appropriately used proteomics as a hypothesis‐free, top‐down approach to dissect imperative clinical problems.
A Decade of Porous Silicon as Nano‐Explosive Material
Authors: Plessis Monuko du
Published: November 2013

It is a decade since the accidental discovery of the room temperature explosive properties of porous silicon, impregnated with a solid state oxidizer, was communicated in 2002 [1]. A significant amount of research and development have followed this announcement, leading to an innovative explosive technology that may be on the verge of being applied in a number of applications. It is thus now an opportune time to reflect on the progress of this new technology over the last decade. Just in the last two years, there has been a significant increase in the number of research papers reporting on new developments and exciting new applications. In this paper the technological development of porous silicon explosive devices is reviewed, a decade of technological research and development documented, and the current state of the technology evaluated. The most important aspects of the technology are presented, device performance characteristics are investigated and different applications are considered. Typical device design and manufacturing techniques are highlighted that actually resulted in reliable explosive behavior. The information in this paper should serve as a source of reference not only for researchers already active in this field, but also to new researchers starting or contemplating to exploit this technology.
Pressure Desensitization Influential Factors and Mechanism of Magnesium Hydride Sensitized Emulsion Explosives
Authors: Cheng Yang Fan , Ma Hong Hao , Liu Rong , Shen Zhao Wu
Published: November 2013

Magnesium hydride sensitized emulsion explosives can effectively reduce “pressure desensitization” problems that traditional emulsion explosives encounter in utilization. Shockwave desensitization experiments and underwater explosion experiments show that, compared with traditional glass microspheres (GM) sensitized emulsion explosives, magnesium hydride sensitized emulsion explosives are better at resisting pressure desensitization. The microstructures of GM and magnesium hydride sensitized emulsion explosives before and after compression are studied with scanning electron microscopy, and the pressure desensitization resisting mechanism of magnesium hydride sensitized emulsion explosives is discussed. This work shows that reduction of “hotspots” is the key factor of pressure desensitization of emulsion explosives through comparative research.
Detection and dynamics of different carbendazim‐resistance conferring β‐tubulin variants of Gibberella zeae collected from infected wheat heads and rice stubble in China
Authors: Liu Ye , Chen Xiang , Jiang Jinhua , Hamada Mohamed Sobhy , Yin Yanni , Ma Zhonghua
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

Carbendazim has been used in the control of Fusarium head blight (FHB) for more than 30 years in China. Thus, carbendazim‐resistant (CarR) populations of Gibberella zeae have developed in some areas. In this study, 9341 G. zeae isolates were collected from the ten main wheat‐producing regions of China in the period from 2008 to 2012, and sensitivity to carbendazim was detected.

RESULTS

A high frequency of CarR isolates was observed in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces. CarR isolates were recovered from Anhui and Henan provinces in 2009 and 2012, respectively, but were not detected in the other six regions. Available (F167Y, E198Q and F200Y) and newly developed (E198L and E198K) allele‐specific PCR assays were used to genotype field CarR isolates. The β‐tubulin variants harbouring point mutation F167Y or E198Q accounted for >95% in CarR populations. Quantitative allele‐specific real‐time PCR assays were developed to determine the frequencies of five different β‐tubulin variants present in populations of perithecia sampled from rice stubble.

CONCLUSION

CarR populations of G. zeae develop rapidly under the selection pressure of carbendazim. Real‐time PCR assays detecting the resistance frequencies in populations of perithecia would provide useful information for FHB control and management of resistance. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
An Improved Maximum Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Control Chart for Monitoring Process Mean and Variability
Authors: Haq Abdul , Brown Jennifer , Moltchanova Elena
Published: November 2013

Maximum exponentially weighted moving average (MaxEWMA) control charts have gained considerable attention for detecting changes in both process mean and process variability. In this paper, we propose an improved MaxEWMA control charts based on ordered ranked set sampling (ORSS) and ordered imperfect ranked set sampling (OIRSS) schemes for simultaneous detection of both increases and decreases in the process mean and/or variability, named MaxEWMA‐ORSS and MaxEWMA‐OIRSS control charts. These MaxEWMA control charts are based on the best linear unbiased estimators of location and scale parameters obtained under ORSS and OIRSS methods. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations have been used to estimate the average run length and standard deviation of run length of the proposed MaxEWMA control charts. These control charts are compared with their counterparts based on simple random sampling (SRS), that is, MaxEWMA‐SRS and MaxGWMA‐SRS control charts. The proposed MaxEWMA‐ORSS and MaxEWMA‐OIRSS control charts are able to perform better than the MaxEWMA‐SRS and MaxGWMA‐SRS control charts for detecting shifts in the process mean and dispersion. An application to real data is provided to illustrate the implementation of the proposed MaxEWMA control charts. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Design of the Variable Sampling Interval Generalized Likelihood Ratio Chart for Monitoring the Process Mean
Authors: Peng Yiming , Xu Liaosa , Reynolds Marion R.
Published: November 2013

This paper considers the problem of monitoring a normally distributed process variable in which some sustained shift in the mean may occur. A generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) control chart with a variable sampling interval (VSI) scheme is proposed to quickly detect a wide range of such shifts. The performance of the VSI GLR chart is evaluated, and the results show that using the VSI feature can greatly reduce the expected detection time. Design methodology for the VSI GLR chart is provided so that practitioners can easily use this chart in applications. An illustrative example is given to explain how to apply the VSI GLR chart. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Secure anonymous authentication scheme without verification table for mobile satellite communication systems
Authors: Tsai Jia‐Lun , Lo Nai‐Wei , Wu Tzong‐Chen
Published: November 2013

An authentication scheme is one of the most basic and important security mechanisms for satellite communication systems because it prevents illegal access by an adversary. Lee et al. recently proposed an efficient authentication scheme for mobile satellite communication systems. However, we observed that this authentication scheme is vulnerable to a denial of service (DoS) attack and does not offer perfect forward secrecy. Therefore, we propose a novel secure authentication scheme without verification table for mobile satellite communication systems. The proposed scheme can simultaneously withstand DoS attacks and support user anonymity and user unlinkability. In addition, the proposed scheme is based on the elliptic curve cryptosystem, has low client‐side and server‐side computation costs, and achieves perfect forward secrecy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paper No P3: Floating Display With Interactive Virtual Touch Module
Authors: Liou Jian‐Chiun , Hsu Chieh‐Chung
Published: November 2013

Principles of object to real image by the optical lens design, so that the floating image outside the system at 5 cm. The viewer in front of the optical system 50 cm can see the floating image in the air. The viewing angle at least 15°. With infrared virtual panel detection technology, viewers can use your finger to a noncontact touch, to control the floating image menu. Virtual touch module will become the new generation man–machine interface or interaction device. This virtual touch keypad is idea for public health such devices as ATM, hospital kios, etc.
Paper No P26: Optically and Thermally Controllable Light Scattering Based on Double‐Side Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) Films‐Coated Dye‐Doped Liquid Crystal Cell
Authors: Cheng Ko‐Ting , Chen Yuan‐Di , Fuh Andy Ying‐Guey
Published: November 2013

The mechanism of optically controllable scattering is the light‐induced dissolution of poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) into dye‐doped liquid crystals, which reforms the disordered liquid crystal (LC) distribution into multiple and micron‐sized LC domains. The generated scattering can be switched back to the original one by particular thermally induced phase separation.
A response selection model for intrusion response systems: Response Strategy Model (RSM)
Authors: Anuar Nor Badrul , Papadaki Maria , Furnell Steven , Clarke Nathan
Published: November 2013

Intrusion response systems aim to provide a systematic procedure to respond to incidents. However, with different type of response options, an automatic response system is designed to select appropriate response options automatically in order to act fast to respond to only true and critical incidents as well as minimise their impact. In addition, incidents also can be prioritised into different level of priority where some incidents may cause a serious impact (i.e. high priority) and other may not (i.e. low priority). The existing strategies inherit some limitation such as using complex approaches and less efficient in mapping appropriate response based upon incidents' priority. Therefore, this study introduces a model called response strategy model to address the aforementioned limitation. In order to validate, it was evaluated using two datasets: DARPA 2000 and private dataset. The case study results have shown a significant relationship between the incident classification and incident priorities where false incidents are likely to be categorised as low priority and true incidents are likely to be categorised as the high priority. In particular, with response strategy model, an average of 92.68% of the false incidents was prioritised as the lowest priority is better compared with only 67.07% with Snort priority. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long-Term Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment on Sexuality in Female Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Petersen Marian , Kristensen Ellids , Berg Søren , Midgren Bengt
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Results from a previous study showed that sexuality was negatively affected in females with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Data are sparse on the long-term effects of nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on sexual difficulties and sexual distress in female patients with OSA.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects after 1 year of CPAP treatment on sexual difficulties, sexual distress, and manifest sexual dysfunction in female patients with OSA. The effect of CPAP on life satisfaction was also investigated.

Methods

Fifty-four therapy-compliant, female patients (age 22–71) received a survey before and after 1 year of nocturnal CPAP treatment. The questions on this survey were drawn from three self-administered questionnaires: two on sexuality and one on life satisfaction. The results were compared with a population sample. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was used for assessment of daytime sleepiness.

Main Outcome Measures

The Female Sexual Function Index, Female Sexual Distress Scale, Manifest Female Sexual Dysfunction, four questions from Life Satisfaction 11, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were all used to measure outcome.

Results

In total, 44 patients responded to the survey (81% response rate). The results were a significant, positive change in manifest female sexual dysfunction, but no significant changes in isolated sexual difficulties or sexual distress. Daytime sleepiness significantly decreased after 1 year. The results from the Life Satisfaction 11 questionnaire remained unchanged after 1 year.

Conclusions

After 1 year of CPAP treatment, female patients with OSA reported reduced manifest sexual dysfunction. However, it cannot be concluded if this result is due to CPAP treatment alone. Furthermore, reduced daytime tiredness was found in the surveyed population. CPAP treatment, per se, does not seem to affect partner relationships.
Exonuclease 1 is a Critical Mediator of Survival During DNA Double Strand Break Repair in Nonquiescent Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells
Authors: Desai Amar , Qing Yulan , Gerson Stanton L.
Published: November 2013

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) populations require DNA repair pathways to maintain their long-term survival and reconstitution capabilities, but mediators of these processes are still being elucidated. Exonuclease 1 (Exo1) participates in homologous recombination (HR) and Exo1 loss results in impaired 5′ HR end resection. We use cultured Exo1mut fibroblasts and bone marrow to demonstrate that loss of Exo1 function results in defective HR in cycling cells. Conversely, in Exo1mut mice HR is not required for maintenance of quiescent HSCs at steady state, confirming the steady state HSC reliance on nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). Exo1mut mice sustained serial repopulation, displayed no defect in competitive repopulation or niche occupancy, and exhibited no increased sensitivity to whole body ionizing radiation. However, when Exo1mut HSCs were pushed into cell cycle in vivo with 5-fluorouracil or poly IC, the hematopoietic population became hypersensitive to IR, resulting in HSC defects and animal death. We propose Exo1-mediated HR is dispensable for stem cell function in quiescent HSC, whereas it is essential to HSC response to DNA damage processing after cell cycle entry, and its loss is not compensated by intact NHEJ. In HSCs, the maintenance of stem cell function after DNA damage is dependent on the DNA repair capacity, segregated by active versus quiescent points in cell cycle. Stem Cells  2014;32:582–593
Angiogenic factors vs Doppler surveillance in the prediction of adverse outcome among late‐pregnancy small‐for‐ gestational‐age fetuses
Authors: Lobmaier S. M. , Figueras F. , Mercade I. , Perello M. , Peguero A. , Crovetto F. , Ortiz J. U. , Crispi F. , Gratacós E.
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To compare the value of Doppler surveillance with maternal blood angiogenic factors at diagnosis for the prediction of adverse outcome in late‐pregnancy small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) fetuses.

Methods

In a cohort of 198 SGA fetuses we evaluated the association of Doppler indices (mean uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR)) and angiogenic factors (maternal serum levels of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) and placental growth factor (PlGF)) with the development of pre‐eclampsia and adverse perinatal outcome (operative delivery for non‐reassuring fetal status or neonatal metabolic acidosis).

Results

In SGA fetuses subsequently developing pre‐eclampsia, mean UtA‐PI (P < 0.001), sFlt‐1 MoM (P < 0.001) and sFlt‐1/PlGF MoM ratio (P < 0.001) were higher, while PlGF MoM was lower (P = 0.004). In SGA fetuses with adverse perinatal outcome, CPR (P < 0.002) and PlGF MoM (P < 0.001) were lower, and sFlt‐1/PlGF MoM ratio was higher (P = 0.001). For predicting pre‐eclampsia, the areas under the receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves for mean UtA‐PI, sFlt‐1 MoM and the combination of both were 0.852, 0.839 and 0.860, respectively. For adverse perinatal outcome, the areas under the ROC curves for CPR, PlGF MoM and the combination of both were 0.652, 0.656 and 0.684, respectively. The combination of Doppler indices and angiogenic factors did not significantly improve prediction of either pre‐eclampsia (P = 0.851) or adverse outcome (P = 0.579).

Conclusions

In SGA fetuses, angiogenic factors at diagnosis and follow‐up with Doppler ultrasound both predict adverse outcome with a similar performance. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Using systems biology approaches to understand cardiac inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling in the setting of myocardial infarction
Authors: Ghasemi Omid , Ma Yonggang , Lindsey Merry L. , Jin Yu‐Fang
Published: November 2013

Inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling are important components regulating the response of the left ventricle to myocardial infarction (MI). Significant cellular‐ and molecular‐level contributors can be identified by analyzing data acquired through high‐throughput genomic and proteomic technologies that provide expression levels for thousands of genes and proteins. Large‐scale data provide both temporal and spatial information that need to be analyzed and interpreted using systems biology approaches in order to integrate this information into dynamic models that predict and explain mechanisms of cardiac healing post‐MI. In this review, we summarize the systems biology approaches needed to computationally simulate post‐MI remodeling, including data acquisition, data analysis for biomarker classification and identification, data integration to build dynamic models, and data interpretation for biological functions. An example for applying a systems biology approach to ECM remodeling is presented as a reference illustration. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2014, 6:77–91. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1248

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Proteomics Methods

Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
The structure of dynamic GPCR signaling networks
Authors: O'Neill Patrick R. , Giri Lopamudra , Karunarathne W. K. Ajith , Patel Anilkumar K. , Venkatesh K. V. , Gautam N.
Published: November 2013

G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) stimulate signaling networks that control a variety of critical physiological processes. Static information on the map of interacting signaling molecules at the basis of many cellular processes exists, but little is known about the dynamic operation of these networks. Here we focus on two questions. First, Is the network architecture underlying GPCR‐activated cellular processes unique in comparison with others such as transcriptional networks? We discuss how spatially localized GPCR signaling requires uniquely organized networks to execute polarized cell responses. Second, What approaches overcome challenges in deciphering spatiotemporally dynamic networks that govern cell behavior? We focus on recently developed microfluidic and optical approaches that allow GPCR signaling pathways to be triggered and perturbed with spatially and temporally variant input while simultaneously visualizing molecular and cellular responses. When integrated with mathematical modeling, these approaches can help identify design principles that govern cell responses to extracellular signals. We outline why optical approaches that allow the behavior of a selected cell to be orchestrated continually are particularly well suited for probing network organization in single cells. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2014, 6:115–123. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1249

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models
Axes of differentiation in breast cancer: untangling stemness, lineage identity, and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Authors: Granit Roy Z. , Slyper Michal , Ben‐Porath Ittai
Published: November 2013

Differentiation‐associated regulatory programs are central in determining tumor phenotype, and contribute to heterogeneity between tumors and between individual cells within them. The transcriptional programs that control luminal and basal lineage identity in the normal mammary epithelium, as well as progenitor and stem cell function, are active in breast cancers, and show distinct associations with different disease subtypes. Also active in some tumors is the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) program, which endows carcinoma cells with mesenchymal as well as stem cell traits. The differentiation state of breast cancer cells is thus dictated by the complex combination of regulatory programs, and these can dramatically affect tumor growth and metastatic capacity. Breast cancer differentiation is often viewed along an axis between a basal–mesenchymal–stem cell state and a luminal–epithelial–differentiated state. Here we consider the links, as well as the distinctions, between the three components of this axis: basal versus luminal, mesenchymal versus epithelial, and stem cell versus differentiated identity. Analysis on a multidimensional scale, in which each of these axes is assessed separately, may offer increased resolution of tumor differentiation state. Cancer cells possessing a high degree of stemness would display increased capacity to shift between positions on such a multidimensional scale, and to acquire intermediate phenotypes on its different axes. Further molecular analysis of breast cancer cells with a focus on single‐cell profiling, and the development of improved tools for dissection of the circuits controlling gene activity, are essential for the elucidation of the programs dictating breast cancer differentiation state. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2014, 6:93–106. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1252

This article is categorized under:

Developmental Biology > Developmental Processes in Health and Disease

Developmental Biology > Lineages

Physiology > Mammalian Physiology in Health and Disease

Developmental Biology > Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration
Computed Tomography for Suspected Scaphoid Fractures: Comparison of Reformations in the Plane of the Wrist Versus the Long Axis of the Scaphoid
Authors: Mallee Wouter H. , Doornberg Job N. , Ring David , Maas Mario , Muhl Maaike , Dijk C. Niek van , Goslings J. Carel
Published: November 2013

Background

Definitive diagnosis of occult scaphoid fractures remains difficult. We tested the null hypothesis that, for diagnosis of true fractures among suspected scaphoid fractures, computed tomography (CT) reformations along the long axis of the scaphoid have the same accuracy as reformations made relative to the anatomical planes of the wrist.

Methods

In a prospective trial, 34 patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture underwent CT scanning within 10 days after trauma. CT reformations along the long axis of the scaphoid (CT-scaphoid) and along planes relative to the wrist (CT-wrist) were made. We used radiographs obtained 6 weeks after injury as the reference standard for a true fracture. A blinded panel including two surgeons and one radiologist came to a consensus diagnosis for each reformation plane.

Results

The reference standard showed six fractures of the scaphoid (prevalence, 18 %). Using CT-wrist, a scaphoid fracture was diagnosed in five patients (15 %), with three false positive, four false negative and two true positive diagnoses. Using CT-scaphoid, a scaphoid fracture was diagnosed in five patients (15 %), with one false positive, two false negative and four true positive results. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 33, 89 and 79 % for CT-wrist and 67, 96 and 91 % for CT-scaphoid, respectively. This resulted in positive predictive values of 36 % for CT-wrist and 76 % for CT-scaphoid. Negative predictive values were 87 % for CT-wrist and 94 % for CT-scaphoid. No significant differences were found with the number of patients available.

Conclusions

For diagnosis of true fractures among suspected scaphoid fractures, the diagnostic performance characteristics of CT scans reformatted along the long axis of the scaphoid were better than CT scans in the planes of the wrist, but the differences were not significant.
Orthopaedic manifestations of chondroectodermal dysplasia: The Ellis–van Creveld syndrome
Authors: Weiner Dennis S. , Jonah David , Leighley Bonnie , Dicintio Martin S. , Holmes Morton D. , Kopits Steven
Published: November 2013

Background

Ellis–van Creveld is a dwarfing syndrome transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. The constant features of the condition include acromelic–micromelic dwarfism, ectodermal dysplasia involving the nails, teeth and gums, postaxial polydactyly of the hands and congenital heart disease. Congenital heart disease affects 50–60 % of all patients and nearly 50 % of patients die by 18 months of age from cardiopulmonary complications. This study is intended to characterise the orthopaedic manifestations of Ellis–van Creveld based on the authors’ unique opportunity to interview and examine the largest group of patients to date in the literature.

Methods

Detailed interviews, physical examinations and/or radiographs were available on 71 cases of Ellis–van Creveld syndrome. Data were collected from physical examinations, radiographs, computed tomography (CT) reconstruction and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee. Pathoanatomy of the knee was reinforced by the direct surgical observation of 25 limbs surgically managed during adolescence and puberty.

Results

A number of interesting clinical and radiographic abnormalities were noted in the upper extremities and lower extremities, but by far the most significant orthopaedic finding was a severe and relentlessly progressive valgus deformity of the knee. Although many patients had difficulties making a “fist” with the hand, no patient reported any functional disability. The severe valgus deformity of the knee is the result of a combination of profound contractures of the iliotibial band, lateral quadriceps, lateral hamstrings and lateral collateral ligament, leading to lateral patellar subluxation and dislocation. The lateral portion of the upper tibial plateau presents with cupping and progressive depression of the lateral plateau, along with severe valgus angulation of the proximal tibia and fibula. A proximal medial tibial exostosis is seen in nearly all cases.

Conclusion

This is the largest group of Ellis–van Creveld syndrome patients identified in the literature. An understanding of the orthopaedic pathoanatomy of the knee deformity is critical to determining the appropriate surgical management. This paper characterises the orthopaedic manifestations of Ellis–van Creveld syndrome and especially identifies the pathoanatomy of the severe and progressive valgus knee deformity.

Level of evidence

Level II.
Tablets, touchscreens, and touchpads: How varying touch interfaces trigger psychological ownership and endowment
Authors: Brasel S. Adam , Gips James
Published: November 2013

As mouse‐driven desktop computers give way to touchpad laptops and touchscreen tablets, the role of touch in online consumer behavior has become increasingly important. This work presents initial explorations into the effects of varying touch‐based interfaces on consumers, and argues that research into the interfaces used to access content can be as important as research into the content itself. Two laboratory studies using a variety of touch technologies explore how touchscreen interfaces can increase perceived psychological ownership, and this in turn magnifies the endowment effect. Touch interfaces also interact with importance of product haptics and actual interface ownership in their effects on perceived product ownership, with stronger effects for products high in haptic importance and interfaces that are owned. Results highlight that perceptions of online products and marketing activities are filtered through the lens of the interfaces used to explore them, and touch‐based devices like tablets can lead to higher product valuations when compared to traditional computers.
The Effect of Neural Lesion Type on Botulinum Toxin Dosage: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Phadke Chetan P. , Davidson Caitlin , Ismail Farooq , Boulias Chris
Published: November 2013

Background

It is difficult to compare the dosage of botulinum toxin between different neurologic conditions because of the different methods of reported dosages. Botulinum toxin is used to manage spasticity in variety of neurologic conditions, and it is important for clinicians to know whether there are differences in the dosage injected on the basis of the etiology of spasticity.

Objective

To determine whether the type of neural lesion influences the dosage of botulinum toxin required to manage spasticity.

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Review of patients who visited an outpatient spasticity clinic.

Participants

We assessed medical charts from 99 patients with stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), and cerebral palsy (CP) (n = 33 for each etiology). We collected information such as age, gender, weight, time of lesion, total dosage (per person, per limb, per muscle), injection location, and injections cycles.

Interventions

None.

Main Outcome Measurements

OnabotulinumtoxinA dose – total dose in one leg was calculated as a sum of the units of the toxin injected in all the leg muscles.

Results

Total dose of toxin injected was 161 ± 19 (mean ± standard error of mean) in patients with stroke, 175 ± 13 in patients with CP, and 225 ± 18 in patients with MS. The total dose in the legs (normalized to body weight; units/kg) was significantly different between the 3 groups (stroke, CP, MS; P = .001). Subsequent post‐hoc tests revealed that total dose in the legs of patients with MS was significantly greater (88%) than patients with stroke (P = .001). Hip adductors and hamstrings were injected most commonly in MS and CP, but toe muscles were commonly injected in patients with stroke, whereas plantar flexors were evenly injected all 3 patient groups.

Conclusion

In our practice, we found that treating spasticity in people with MS required the greatest dose of botulinum toxin, followed by CP and then stroke.
Introduction and Overview
Authors: Degeneffe Charles Edmund
Published: November 2013

Often referred to as the ‘silent epidemic’, traumatic and other forms of acquired brain injury are now considered to represent a significant and growing public health problem worldwide. Beyond the direct impacts of acquired brain injury on injured persons, this disability likewise impacts families. While medical personnel and acute rehabilitation services deliver an incredible array of high quality and sophisticated techniques to treat acute injuries, a concomitant service delivery system to support the needs of families is lacking. This is especially unfortunate given the extensive array of instrumental and affective forms of care families provide to their injured family members, often resulting in high levels of caregiver burden, depression and anxiety.
Parenting Challenges and Needs for Fathers Following Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) in Queensland, Australia: A Preliminary Model
Authors: Morriss Elissa , Wright Suzanne , Smith Sharon , Roser Judy , Kendall Melissa
Published: November 2013

Parenting following acquired brain injury (ABI) has received little empirical or clinical investigation. The current study aimed to explore the challenges facing fathers following ABI and identify their needs for support. Interviews were conducted with three men with ABI, two partners and three rehabilitation coordinators. Five themes emerged from the data and a preliminary model of parenting for fathers following injury was developed. The interactive effects of the ABI and associated impairment on family relationships/functioning, perceptions/identity of parenting role, parenting knowledge/skills and confidence/self efficacy are described. Interventions should be flexible, individualised and tailored to address the unique parenting needs of the father within each family.
Community-based Rehabilitation Needs: Perceptions of Individuals with Brain Injury and Their Families in the Midwestern United States
Authors: Umeasiegbu Veronica I. , Waletich Brittany , Whitten Laura A. , Bishop Malachy
Published: November 2013

This study investigated the rehabilitation and services needs, rehabilitation goals and barriers of individuals with brain injury (n = 81, males = 59%, females = 41%, age range 18 to 87), and their family members (n = 19; females = 75%, age range 18 to 65), (ethnicity = white = 89%). Data were collected using a survey instrument and focus group interviews. A descriptive analysis of the quantitative data was conducted, while content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Results suggest that individuals with brain injury and their families experience many unmet needs across the domains of employment, independent living, financial resources and housing. Family involvement was found to be important to community participation after brain injury.
Growth Paradigms and Congruent Institutions: Estimating Context-Varying Effects of Political Institutions on Economic Performance
Authors: Hanson Jonathan K.
Published: November 2013

Traditional economic growth regressions are not adequate to identify the role of political institutions because they assume a universal growth paradigm exists. Instead, there are distinct paradigms of investment- and innovation-based growth, and the effects of political institutions vary across them. Using a dataset covering 83 countries from 1965–2008, this study employs a mixture models estimation to identify these paradigms. It finds that state authority is critical for countries engaged in investment-based growth, and competitive political participation tempers the pace of capital accumulation but increases productivity growth. Conversely, where innovation-based growth predominates, state authority has little effect and competitive political participation slows the pace of growth. Constraints on rulers do not support investment in either paradigm.
Elite science and the BBC: a 1950s contest of ownership
Authors: JONES ALLAN
Published: November 2013

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the elite world of institutional British science attempted to take control of the BBC's management of science broadcasting. Delegations of scientists met BBC managers to propose an increased role for scientists in planning science broadcasts to a degree that threatened to compromise the BBC's authority and autonomy. The culmination was a set of proposals to the Pilkington Committee in 1960, principally from the Royal Society and the British Association for the Advancement of Science, under which a scientist-manager was to be appointed head of a unified science division in the BBC. BBC managers resisted these proposals. The outcome, in 1964, was a compromise giving the scientists little of what they wanted, and proving practically and strategically useful for the BBC. The article frames the story as a contest of jurisdiction between elite science and the BBC, and draws on scholarship relating to the social nature of authority and professions, and to the popularization of science. It shows the fundamentally different beliefs held by the scientists and the BBC about the purpose of science broadcasts and about the nature of the audience. The historical narrative is based on unpublished archive documents, and it contributes to the small but growing body of work on the historical background to the presentation of science in the broadcast media.