bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved sleep MRI at 3 tesla in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Shin Lewis K. , Holbrook Andrew B. , Capasso Robson , Kushida Clete A. , Powell Nelson B. , Fischbein Nancy J. , Pauly Kim Butts
Published: February 2013

Purpose

To describe a real‐time MR imaging platform for synchronous, multi‐planar visualization of upper airway collapse in obstructive sleep apnea at 3 Tesla (T) to promote natural sleep with an emphasis on lateral wall visualization.

Materials and Methods

A real‐time imaging platform was configured for sleep MR imaging which used a cartesian, partialk‐space gradient‐echo sequence with an inherent temporal resolution of 3 independent slices every 2 s. Combinations of axial, mid‐sagittal, and coronal scan planes were acquired. The system was tested in five subjects with polysomnography‐proven obstructive sleep apnea during sleep, with synchronous acquisition of respiratory effort and combined oral‐nasal airflow data.

Results

Sleep was initiated and maintained to allow demonstration of sleep‐induced, upper airway collapse as illustrated in two subjects when using a real‐time, sleep MR imaging platform at 3T. Lateral wall collapse could not be visualized on mid‐sagittal imaging alone and was best characterized on multiplanar coronal and axial imaging planes.

Conclusion

Our dedicated sleep MR imaging platform permitted an acoustic environment of constant “white noise” which was conducive to sleep onset and sleep maintenance in obstructive sleep apnea patients at 3T. Apneic episodes, specifically the lateral walls, were more accurately characterized with synchronous, multiplanar acquisitions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1261–1266. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing radiographer roles in the context of advanced and consultant practice
Authors: Field Lisa J. , Snaith Beverly A.
Published: February 2013

Skill‐mix initiatives have provided opportunities for radiographers to develop roles and achieve their potential, thus contributing to radiographer retention rates and increased job satisfaction. This reflective article explores two radiographic roles within an interprofessional context including the implications for confidence, competence, and future sustainability. These were reporting roles which extended into two modalities, one into bone densitometry and another into ultrasound. This article discusses how successful skill mix can benefit the individual, their department, and NHS organization and that role expansion can develop a more dynamic and resourceful workforce with transferability of skills and attributes.
Study of the antidyskinetic effect of eltoprazine in animal models of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia
Authors: Bezard Erwan , Tronci Elisabetta , Pioli Elsa Y. , Li Qin , Porras Gregory , Björklund Anders , Carta Manolo
Published: February 2013

The serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine [5HT]) system has recently emerged as an important player in the appearance of l‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (levodopa [l‐dopa])–induced dyskinesia in animal models of Parkinson's disease. In fact, dopamine released as a false transmitter from serotonin neurons appears to contribute to the pulsatile stimulation of dopamine receptors, leading to the appearance of the abnormal involuntary movements. Thus, drugs able to dampen the activity of serotonin neurons hold promise for the treatment of dyskinesia. The authors investigated the ability of the mixed 5‐HT 1A/1B receptor agonist eltoprazine to counteract l‐dopa–induced dyskinesia in 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats and in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐treated macaques. The data demonstrated that eltoprazine is extremely effective in suppressing dyskinesia in experimental models, although this effect was accompanied by a partial worsening of the therapeutic effect of l‐dopa. Interestingly, eltoprazine was found to (synergistically) potentiate the antidyskinetic effect of amantadine. The current data indicated that eltoprazine is highly effective in counteracting dyskinesia in preclinical models. However, the partial worsening of the l‐dopa effect observed after eltoprazine administration represents a concern; whether this side effect is due to a limitation of the animal models or to an intrinsic property of eltoprazine needs to be addressed in ongoing clinical trials. The data also suggest that the combination of low doses of eltoprazine with amantadine may represent a valid strategy to increase the antidyskinetic effect and reduce the eltoprazine‐induced worsening of l‐dopa therapeutic effects. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Laser ablation of placental anastomoses in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome: preoperative predictors of death by recursive partitioning
Authors: Skupski Daniel W. , Luks Francois I. , Papanna Ramesha , Walker Martin , Bebbington Michael , Ryan Greg , O'Shaughnessy Richard , Moldenhauer Julie , Bahtiyar Ozan ,   the North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet)
Published: February 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a simple clinical algorithm for prediction of donor and recipient death using ‘yes'or ‘no’ questions through the process of recursive partitioning for patients undergoing laser therapy for twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). The intent was to identify a subset of patients with very high specificity to whom clinical decisions would be simplified.

Method

Secondary analysis of data retrospectively collected from laser procedures was performed for TTTS at NAFTNet centers from 2002 to 2009. Preoperative factors associated with donor and recipient death were identified by recursive partitioning regression analysis. Classification And Regression Trees (CARTs) were developed to refine specificity for prediction of death.

Results

There were 466 TTTS patients from eight centers. CARTs were obtained for prediction of donor death. Improved specificity was achieved through recursive partitioning as demonstrated in receiver operator characteristic curves for prediction of death of the donor. There was less than optimal predictive ability for prediction of death in the recipient, as demonstrated by lack of generation of CARTs.

Conclusion

Recursive partitioning improves the specificity and refines the prediction of donor fetal and neonatal demise in TTTS treated with laser therapy. This has the potential to improve therapeutic choices and refine counseling regarding outcomes. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flame retardancy and thermal degradation behaviors of epoxy resins containing bisphenol a bis (diphenyl phosphate) oligomer
Authors: Gao Ming , Sun Yingjuan
Published: February 2013

Bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) oligomer (BBO) as flame retardant was synthesized, whose structure was characterized by IR and NMR. In all, 20% weight mixture polyphosphoric acid (APP) and BBO was doped into epoxy resins (EPs) to get 26.0% of limiting oxygen index and UL 94 V‐0. The degradation behavior of EP‐containing BBO/APP was studied by thermogravimetry, differential thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and cone calorimeter. The activation energies for the decomposition of EP samples are obtained using the method of Kissinger. The experimental results exhibited that for EP‐containing BBO/APP, compared with EP, initial decomposition temperature, maximum temperature at the peak position (Tm), and the activation energy for the decomposition are decreased, whereas the maximum weight loss rate (Rmax), char yields, and the inherent thermal stability are increased. Meanwhile, heat release, smoke production, and CO yield and CO2 yield of EP‐containing BBO/APP are much decreased compared with those of EP. The thermal degradation mechanism of EP‐containing BBO/APP has been proposed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Oxygen‐enriching properties of a new hybrid membrane cross‐linked from PDMS and fluorine‐containing silicone resin
Authors: Zhang Ziyong , Huang Jianheng , Lin Yi , Rao Huaxin
Published: February 2013

A fluorine‐containing silicone resin substituent group,vinyl group, and inorganic framework (SR‐FVI) was synthesized through hydrolytic condensation by using vinyltriethoxysilane, 13‐fluorooctyltriethoxysilane, tetraethoxysilane, and tetramethyldivinyldisiloxane as monomers. A new cross‐linked hybrid membrane (CHM) was prepared with the hydrogen‐containing silicone oil (HSO) as a cross‐linking agent, polydimethylsiloxane containing vinyl group and the SR‐FVI as matrix materials to enhance its membrane‐forming ability and permselectivity. The membrane‐forming process and the cross‐linking reactions between the silicon–hydrogen bond and the vinyl group were carried out simultaneously at room temperature. The effects of the SR‐FVI content in the CHMs, pressure difference, and temperature on the oxygen‐enriching properties were evaluated and discussed. A good equilibrium between membrane‐forming ability and oxygen‐enriching properties was attained, for example, oxygen permeability coefficient and ideal separation factor of the CHM with the SR‐FVI content of 50 wt% at 20°C and 0.10 MPa were 594 Barrer and 3.50, respectively. Compared to cross‐linked PDMS membranes without the SR‐FVI, the CHMs show better gas selectivity and similar gas permeability. The oxygen‐enriching property is attributed to the fluorine‐containing component in the CHM due to its good oxygen solubility. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 53:2328–2335, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Semi‐interpenetrated network with improved sensitivity based on poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) and poly(aspartic acid)
Authors: Nistor Manuela T. , Chiriac Aurica P. , Nita Loredana E. , Neamtu Iordana , Vasile Cornelia
Published: February 2013

Dual‐sensitive semi‐interpenetrated (sIPN) hydrogel structure was prepared by including poly(aspartic acid) (PAS) chains into the thermosensitive poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (pNIPAM) polymeric network during its preparation. The new hydrogels have been characterized from the viewpoint of swelling behavior in different environment conditions, as well as by FT‐IR analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal analysis. According to the key morphological aspects, the pNIPAM network presents homogenous pore distribution with honeycomb shape and pore dimension between 50 and 150 μm. The PAS chains inclusion leads to a drastic reduction of the pore size and increasing of the polymeric area contact with the environment attesting as well the intimate connection among the polymeric chains with physical links between them. The thermal analysis evidenced a decrease of the maximum temperature decomposition and the increase of residual mass of hydrogels proportional with the increase of the PAS amount. The prepared sIPN polymeric networks exhibit different swelling behavior related to their composition. The pH sensitivity brought by the PAS partner offers the advantage of using the sIPN network for medical applications, where this kind of polymer system can release the drug molecules to a different level of the human body. The performed tests highlighted the sensitivity of the prepared gels by changing their properties under the variation of environmental conditions, with respect to temperature and pH. Thereby, the synthesized gels have tailored properties to be used as sensitive structures. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 53:2345–2352, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermoplastic polyurethane microcellular fibers via supercritical carbon dioxide based extrusion foaming
Authors: Dai Chenglong , Zhang Cailiang , Huang Wenyi , Chang Kung‐Chin , Lee Ly James
Published: February 2013

This study aims to develop, for the first time, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) microcellular composite fibers via an extrusion foaming process using supercritical CO2 as a blowing agent. Results showed that by employing organically modified montmorillonite clay nanoparticles (CloisiteTR 20A) in the matrix at an optimal concentration of about 1.0 wt%, the nucleation rate of foaming was enhanced, thus resulting in the formation of small bubbles in the extruded fibers. Cell sizes as low as several microns or even submicron and fiber diameters less than 30 μm were obtained in the present study. When processed with 0.5 wt% of a slip agent (Oleamide TR121), the extruded TPU fiber foams exhibited fewer cells near the fiber surface. Mechanical studies showed that the tensile modulus per mass based on the initial slope of the stress–strain curve remained almost the same for both unstretched and stretched fibers with or without foaming. However, the yield stress and the maximum tensile load at an equal mass basis were lower for fibers with foaming. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 53:2360–2369, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of microsized and nanosized carbon fillers on the thermal and electrical properties of polyphenylene sulfide based composites
Authors: Khan Muhammad Omer , Leung Siu N. , Chan Ellen , Naguib Hani E. , Dawson Francis , Adinkrah Vincent
Published: February 2013

Multifunctional polymer matrix composites (PMCs) exhibiting increased thermal and electrical conductivity can be achieved by adding conductive carbon‐based fillers in the polymer matrix. Emerging markets for thermally and electrically conductive PMCs include heat management devices in electronics, light emitting diodes, and/or photovoltaics cells as well as bipolar plates in fuel cells. In this study, the effects of microsized and nanosized carbon fillers [e.g., pitch‐based carbon fibers (CF), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)] on the multifunctional properties of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) matrix composites were investigated. Among the three carbon‐based fillers, experimental results revealed that GNPs were the most effective fillers to promote the PMC's effective thermal conductivity (keff). The highest keff of 1.94 W/m K was attained by adding 30.0 wt% (i.e., 22.4 vol%) of GNPs in the PPS matrix. The nano‐sized MWNTs and GNPs had lower percolation threshold than the micron sized CFs to suppress the composite's electrical impedance. However, the coefficient of thermal expansion and the compressive elastic modulus of the composites were only slightly improved with the filler addition. The different levels of improvement in the composite's multifunctional properties can be related to the filler geometry, filler size, and the composite's phase morphology. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 53:2398–2406, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Recent advances in conjugated polymer energy storage
Authors: Mike Jared F. , Lutkenhaus Jodie L.
Published: February 2013

This review covers recent advances in conjugated polymers and their application in energy storage. Conjugated polymers are promising cost‐effective, lightweight, and flexible electrode materials. The operating principles of conjugated polymers are presented within the framework of their potential for energy storage. Special focus is given to polyaniline electrodes. Recent advances are reviewed including new methods of synthesis, nanostructuring, and assembly. Also, covered are applications that take full advantage of the mechanical properties of conjugated polymers and future applications of these novel materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
Malate dehydrogenase 2 confers docetaxel resistance via regulations of JNK signaling and oxidative metabolism
Authors: Liu Qiong , Harvey Chris T. , Geng Hao , Xue Changhui , Chen Vivian , Beer Tomasz M. , Qian David Z.
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND

Resistance to chemotherapy represents a significant obstacle in prostate cancer therapeutics. Novel mechanistic understandings in cancer cell chemotherapeutic sensitivity and resistance can optimize treatment and improve patient outcome. Molecular alterations in the metabolic pathways are associated with cancer development; however, the role of these alterations in chemotherapy efficacy is largely unknown.

METHODS

In a bed‐side to bench‐side reverse translational approach, we used cDNA microarray and qRT‐PCR to identify genes that are associated with biochemical relapse after chemotherapy. Further, we tested the function of these genes in cell proliferation, metabolism, and chemosensitivity in prostate cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

We report that the gene encoding mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase 2 (MDH2) is overexpressed in clinical prostate cancer specimens. Patients with MDH2 overexpression had a significantly shorter period of relapse‐free survival (RFS) after undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. To understand the molecular mechanism underlying this clinical observation, we observed that MDH2 expression was elevated in prostate cancer cell lines compared to benign prostate epithelial cells. Stable knockdown of MDH2 via shRNA in prostate cancer cell lines decreased cell proliferation and increased docetaxel sensitivity. Further, MDH2 shRNA enhanced docetaxel‐induced activations of JNK signaling and induced metabolic inefficiency.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these data suggest a novel function for MDH2 in prostate cancer development and chemotherapy resistance, in which MDH2 regulates chemotherapy‐induced signal transduction and oxidative metabolism. Prostate 73: 1028–1037, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coherent manipulation of three‐spin states in a GaAs/AlGaAs triple dot device
Authors: Studenikin S. , Aers G. , Granger G. , Gaudreau L. , Kam A. , Zawadzki P. , Wasilewski Z. R. , Sachrajda A.
Published: February 2013

In this paper we describe our recent experiments on coherent manipulation of electron spin states formed in a highly tunable GaAs/AlGaAs triple quantum dot device. The coherent evolution of spin states is achieved by using fast pulses from an initialization point in the (201) charge configuration region of the stability diagram. We demonstrate the versatility of the triple dot system capable of tuning to different regimes controlled by the width of the (111) region and pulse parameters. In particular we observe Δ'1/2‐Q3/2 (analogue of S‐T+ in a double dot) and Δ'1/2‐Δ1/2 exchange driven oscillations from both sides of the stability diagram involving all three spins. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Small changes—Huge influences: NMR chemical shifts of Ni(II) complexes with polar substrates
Authors: Frank Andrea , Berkefeld Andreas , Drexler Matthias , Möller Heiko M. , Exner Thomas E.
Published: February 2013

Neutral Ni(II) complexes have been shown to be highly valuable as robust and versatile catalysts in olefin polymerization. But they show reduced reactivity when the polar monomers methyl acrylate and vinyl acetate are incorporated. To get further insight into this behavior, NMR chemical shift calculations were performed on the system [(N,O) Ni (H) (PMe3)] 1 (N,O =
$\kappa ^2$‐N,O‐{2,6‐(3,5‐(F3C)2C6H3)2C6H3)NC(H)‐3,5‐I2‐2‐O‐C6H2}). The chemical shifts show reasonable agreement with experiment but are also extremely influenced by geometrical features of the complex as well as the inserted substrate. The first prominent feature, the low‐field shift of the Ccarbonyl in the incorporated monomer, can only be reproduced when it is in close proximity to the Ni and in this way hinders the attack of a new monomer. Second, the almost 100 ppm difference in the chemical shift of the carbon of the two substrates directly bound to Ni can be reasoned by the different directionality of polarization as disclosed by natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of robotic technology in cam femoroacetabular impingement corrective surgery
Authors: Masjedi Milad , Tan Wei Liang , Jaskaranjit Sunnar , Aqil Adeel , Harris Simon , Cobb Justin
Published: February 2013

Background

Cam type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is an anatomical disorder that can lead to osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip joint. With existing surgical options there is invariably a tendency for under‐resection or over‐resection of the cam lesion, both having dire consequences. This study assessed the application of robotic technology in the surgical management of cam FAI.

Methods

Three different dry‐bone femur models (14 in each) with severe cam deformity underwent corrective surgery using a haptic robot with active constraints. The ‘post surgery’, models were CT scanned and 3‐D alpha angles and head/neck ratios (HNRs) were compared with pre‐operative plans.

Results

In all models, the robotic resection resulted in a measured reduction of the maximum alpha angle to an angle indicative of no clinical impingement (first model 91° vs 49° ± 3°, second 91° vs 55° ± 5°, and third 87° vs 47° ± 2° P < 0.001). Similarly, the HNRs for all models reduced substantially following resection surgery.

Conclusions

This dry bone study validates the use of robotic technology to perform cam FAI corrective surgery. A more accurate bony resection may minimize complications due to over‐ and under‐resection. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface modification of titanium by anodic oxidation in phosphoric acid at low potentials. Part 1. Structure, electronic properties and thickness of the anodic films
Authors: Gomez Sanchez A. , Schreiner W. , Duffó G. , Ceré S.
Published: February 2013

Titanium surface characteristics determine the degree of success of permanent implants. The topography, morphology of the surface in micro and nano scales, the impurities present and other characteristics are a main concern, and therefore a multi‐technique approach is required in order to evaluate modification process effects on the surface. Surface modification of titanium in the nanometrical range was performed by means of anodisation in phosphoric with the aim of improving both the biocompatibility and the corrosion resistance in the biological media. Biocompatible characteristics of the modified titanium surface, as the presence of anatase in the oxide film and the incorporation of phosphate to the surface, were determined. Moreover, the electronic properties of the surface oxide presented a carrier number adequate for biomedical applications. The increase in the film thickness from 3 to 42 nm was estimated from EIS results when anodising potentials from 0 to 30 V were applied, whereas a bi‐layer structure of the protective oxides formed was determined. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guidelines for supporting real‐time multi‐touch applications
Authors: Richardson Thomas , Burd Liz , Smith Shamus
Published: February 2013

Multi‐touch driven user interfaces are becoming increasingly prevalent because of their intuitiveness and because of the reduction in the associated hardware costs. In recognition of this trend, multi‐touch software frameworks (MSFs) have begun to emerge. These frameworks abstract the low level issues of multi‐touch software development and deployment. MSFs therefore enable software developers who are unfamiliar with the complexities of multi‐touch software development to implement and deploy multi‐touch applications more easily. However, some multi‐touch applications have real‐time system requirements, and at present, no MSFs provide support for the development and deployment of such real‐time multi‐touch applications. The implication of this is that software developers are unable to take advantage of MSFs and, therefore, are forced to handle the complexities of multi‐touch and real‐time systems development and deployment for themselves in an ad hoc manner. The primary consequence of this is that the multi‐touch and/or real‐time aspects of the application may not function correctly. In this paper, guidelines are presented for applying real‐time system concepts to support the development and deployment of real‐time multi‐touch applications using MSFs. This serves to increase the probability that the application will meet its timing requirements while also reducing the complexity of the development and deployment process associated with multi‐touch applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Loop scheduling with memory access reduction subject to register constraints for DSP applications
Authors: Wang Yi , Jia Zhiping , Chen Renhai , Wang Meng , Liu Duo , Shao Zili
Published: February 2013

Memory accesses introduce big‐time overhead and power consumption because of the performance gap between processors and main memory. This paper describes and evaluates a technique, loop scheduling with memory access reduction (LSMAR), that replaces hidden redundant load operations with register operations in loop kernels and performs partial scheduling for newly generated register operations subject to register constraints. By exploiting data dependence of memory access operations, the LSMAR technique can effectively reduce the number of memory accesses of loop kernels, thereby improving timing performance. The technique has been implemented into the Trimaran compiler and evaluated using a set of benchmarks from DSPstone and MiBench on the cycle‐accurate simulator of the Trimaran infrastructure. The experimental results show that when the LSMAR technique is applied, the number of memory accesses can be reduced by 18.47% on average over the benchmarks when it is not applied. The measurements also indicate that the optimizations only lead to an average 1.41% increase in code size. With such small code size expansion, the technique is more suitable for embedded systems compared with prior work.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design model for composite beam‐to‐reinforced concrete wall joints
Authors: Henriques José , da Silva Luís Simões , Valente Isabel
Published: February 2013

A design model for composite beam‐to‐reinforced concrete wall joints is presented and discussed in this paper. The model proposed is the component method extended to this type of joint. The characterization of the active components is therefore performed in terms of force‐deformation curves. In this type of joint, special attention is paid to the steel‐concrete connection where “new” components, not covered in EN 1993‐1‐8, are activated. The application of the model allows the designer to obtain the joint properties in terms of the moment‐rotation curve. The accuracy of the proposed model is verified by comparing it with available experimental and numerical results. The latter were developed in the FE program ABAQUS and previously validated by experimental results.
Thin‐walled structural hollow section joints
Authors: Puthli R. , Lipp Andreas , Ummenhofer Thomas , Wardenier J.
Published: February 2013

Several national design standards allow the use of hollow sections with minimum nominal wall thicknesses down to 1.5 mm. However, the international standards that will be used in the future, based on the work of the International Institute of Welding (IIW‐XV‐E), still prescribe a minimum thickness of 2.5 mm. This paper presents the background to the IIW‐XV‐E higher thickness limit and presents strong arguments for extending the scope of these international standards to include structural hollow sections with wall thicknesses down to 1.5 mm.
Non‐B DNA Structures Show Diverse Conformations and Complex Transition Kinetics Comparable to RNA or Proteins—A Perspective from Mechanical Unfolding and Refolding Experiments
Authors: Yu Zhongbo , Mao Hanbin
Published: February 2013

With the firm demonstration of the in vivo presence and biological functions of many non‐B DNA structures, it is of great significance to understand their physiological roles from the perspective of structural conformation, stability, and transition kinetics. Although relatively simple in primary sequences compared to proteins, non‐B DNA species show rather versatile conformations and dynamic transitions. As the most‐studied non‐B DNA species, the G‐quadruplex displays a myriad of conformations that can interconvert between each other in different solutions. These features impose challenges for ensemble‐average techniques, such as X‐ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and circular dichroism (CD), but leave room for single‐molecular approaches to illustrate the structure, stability, and transition kinetics of individual non‐B DNA species in a solution mixture. Deconvolution of the mixture can be further facilitated by statistical data treatment, such as iPoDNano (integrated population deconvolution with nanometer resolution), which resolves populations with subnanometer size differences. This Personal Account summarizes current mechanical unfolding and refolding methods to interrogate single non‐B DNA species, with an emphasis on DNA G‐quadruplexes and i‐motifs. These single‐molecule studies start to demonstrate that structures and transitions in non‐B DNA species can approach the complexity of those in RNA or proteins, which provides solid justification for the biological functions carried out by non‐B DNA species.
Demonstrating that power and instantaneous loads are decoupled in a vertical‐axis wind turbine
Authors: Simão Ferreira Carlos , Scheurich Frank
Published: February 2013

The flow in the meridian plane of a high aspect ratio vertical‐axis wind turbine (VAWT) can be described as two dimensional. The wake that is generated by the VAWT in a two‐dimensional flow consists of shed vorticity and is a result of the temporal variation of bound circulation on the blades, following Kelvin's theorem. The strength and location of the vorticity that is produced by the VAWT in a two‐dimensional flow are thus independent of the average bound circulation on the blade. Two independent computational models—a potential flow panel model and a method that is based on the vorticity–velocity formulation of the Navier–Stokes equations—have been used to show that the VAWT can produce the same power for different azimuthal distributions of the blade aerodynamic loading. It is thus demonstrated that the instantaneous blade aerodynamic loading and the power conversion of a VAWT are decoupled. This observation has, potentially, significant impact on the design of the VAWT and reopens the research on asymmetric blade shapes in order to optimize the performance of this turbine configuration. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Virus and virus‐sized microsphere transport in a dolomite rock fracture
Authors: Mondal Pulin K. , Sleep Brent E.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

Bacteriophage and microsphere transport studied in dolomite fracture

Bacteriophage and microsphere transport are quite different

Two site kinetic model used to model transport
Modeling increases in snowmelt yield and desynchronization resulting from forest gap‐thinning treatments in a northern mountain headwater basin
Authors: Ellis C. R. , Pomeroy J. W. , Link T. E.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

Forest thinning treatments in mountain regions may substantially alter snowmelt

Changes in snowmelt timing from forest thinning depend on slope and aspect.

Changes in snowmelt timing are caused primarily by shifts in radiation to snow.
Pore geometry effects on intrapore viscous to inertial flows and on effective hydraulic parameters
Authors: Chaudhary Kuldeep , Cardenas M. Bayani , Deng Wen , Bennett Philip C.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

Pore geometry factor β can predict hydraulic conductivity K

Hydraulic conductivity is controlled by local friction drag near pore throats

β is indicator of non‐linear characteristics during Forchheimer flows
Characterizing particle‐scale equilibrium adsorption and kinetics of uranium(VI) desorption from U‐contaminated sediments
Authors: Stoliker Deborah L. , Liu Chongxuan , Kent Douglas B. , Zachara John M.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

Means to statistically distinguish between sediment U(VI) adsorption properties

U(VI) desorption well described by reaction rate/SCM models

Reaction rate parameters identical for size fractions due to aggregation
Vegetation control on water and energy balance within the Budyko framework
Authors: Li Dan , Pan Ming , Cong Zhentao , Zhang Lu , Wood Eric
Published: February 2013

Key Points

The role of vegetation within the Budyko framework is examined.

In large‐scale basins, vegetation affects water/energy balances significantly.

In small‐scale catchments, the controlling impact of vegetation is diminished.
High‐resolution 3‐D monitoring of evolving sediment beds
Authors: Bouratsis Polydefkis (Pol) , Diplas Panayiotis , Dancey Clinton L. , Apsilidis Nikolaos
Published: February 2013

Key Points

We describe a new technique for measuring the topography of evolving beds.

The new technique was applied to a bridge scour experiment.

The main advantage is the high spatiotemporal resolution.
Prognostic Value of Serum Neutrophil Gelatinase‐Associated Lipocalin in Metastatic and Nonmetastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Martí Josep , Fuster Josep , Solà Anna M. , Hotter Georgina , Molina Rafael , Pelegrina Amalia , Ferrer Joana , Deulofeu Ramon , Fondevila Constantino , García‐Valdecasas Juan Carlos
Published: February 2013

Background

Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) expression is increased in epithelial cancer patients, but studies showing its relation to prognosis are scarce. We aimed to test the ability of preoperative serum NGAL levels (pNGAL) to predict recurrence in metastatic and nonmetastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

Methods

This retrospective study determined pNGAL levels in 60 healthy individuals, 47 patients with nonmetastatic CRC, and 70 patients with metastatic CRC undergoing curative neoplastic resection. Patients were divided into low‐ and high‐pNGAL groups using a median series‐based cutoff.

Results

The mean ± SD pNGAL in CRC patients (nonmetastatic and metastatic) was 102.3 ± 66.6 (median 91.4). Nonmetastatic CRC and metastatic CRC patients had higher pNGAL than healthy controls (88 ± 64 and 112 ± 67 vs. 0.6 ± 0.3, respectively, both p < 0.0001). Nonmetastatic CRC patients with deeper tumor invasion and metastatic CRC patients with shorter disease‐free interval after CRC resection had higher pNGAL. pNGAL levels correlated with neoplastic tissue volume. CRC patients with recurrence had higher pNGAL than those without recurrence (118 ± 64 vs. 88 ± 66, p = 0.013), and high‐pNGAL patients had a higher recurrence rate (59.3 vs. 36.2 %, p = 0.016). Median pNGAL‐based risk classification had a sensitivity of 62.5 % for predicting neoplastic progression in CRC patients and 74.3 % for predicting neoplastic progression during the first year after metastatic CRC resection.

Conclusions

pNGAL is higher in CRC patients than in the healthy population, which indicates a potential screening role. High‐pNGAL levels are associated with higher neoplastic tissue volume, characteristics of neoplastic invasion, and recurrence, showing a prognostic utility mainly in metastatic CRC patients.
Proposal for a sub‐classification of hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic operations for surgical site infection surveillance following assessment of results of prospective multicenter data
Authors: Nakahira Shin , Shimizu Junzo , Miyamoto Atsushi , Kobayashi Shogo , Umeshita Koji , Ito Toshinori , Monden Morito , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki
Published: February 2013

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance in Japan is based on the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance system, which categorizes all hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic surgeries, except for cholecystectomy, into “BILI.” We evaluated differences among BILI procedures to determine the optimal subdivision for SSI surveillance.

Methods

We conducted multicenter SSI surveillance at 20 hospitals. BILI was subdivided into choledochectomy, pancreatoduodenectomy, hepatectomy, hepatectomy with biliary reconstruction, pancreatoduodenectomy with hepatectomy, distal pancreatectomy and total pancreatectomy to determine the optimal subdivision. The outcome of interest was SSI. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the predictive significance of variables in each type of surgery.

Results

1,926 BILI cases were included in this study. SSI rates were 23.2 % for all BILI; for choledochectomy 23.6 %, pancreatoduodenectomy 39.3 %, hepatectomy 12.8 %, hepatectomy with biliary reconstruction 41.9 %, pancreatoduodenectomy with hepatectomy 27.3 %, distal pancreatectomy 31.8 %, and total pancreatectomy 20.0 %. SSI rates for hepatectomy were significantly lower than those for non‐hepatectomy BILI. Risk factors for developing SSI with hepatectomy were drain placement and long operative duration, while for non‐hepatectomy BILI, risk factors were use of intra‐abdominal silk sutures, SSI risk index and long operative duration.

Conclusions

Hepatectomy and non‐hepatectomy BILI differ with regard to the incidence of and risk factors for developing SSI. These surgeries should be assessed separately when conducting SSI surveillance.
Toward a sex‐specific relationship between muscle strength and appendicular lean body mass index?
Authors: Barbat-Artigas Sébastien , Plouffe Stéphanie , Pion Charlotte H. , Aubertin-Leheudre Mylène
Published: February 2013

Background

In spite of some dissociation between muscle mass and strength, muscle strength is often used as a proxy to identify individuals with low muscle mass (sarcopenia). Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between muscle strength and the appendicular lean body mass index (app LBMI).

Methods

One hundred and five individuals were recruited. Knee extension and handgrip strength were measured. Body composition was assessed by DXA. App LBMI was calculated as appendicular lean body mass divided by height squared.

Results

At le level of the entire cohort, both handgrip (r = 0.73; p < 0.001) and knee extension strength (r = 0.57; p < 0.001) were associated with app LBMI. However, in women, knee extension strength (r = 0.32; p < 0.05) but not handgrip strength (r = 0.14; p = 0.35) was associated with app LBMI; while in men, handgrip strength (r = 0.43; p < 0.01) but not knee extension strength (r = 0.27; p = 0.09) was associated with app LBMI.

Conclusions

Muscle strength appears to be associated with lean body mass; however, handgrip strength may be preferentially used in men and knee extension strength in women to detect sarcopenic individuals. Future larger studies are now needed to confirm our findings and their clinical relevance.
Liver and muscle glycogen repletion using13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy following ingestion of maltodextrin, galactose, protein and amino acids
Authors: Detko Eva , O'Hara John P. , Thelwall Peter E. , Smith Fiona E. , Jakovljevic Djordje G. , King Roderick F. G. J. , Trenell Michael I.
Published: February 2013

The present study evaluated whether the inclusion of protein (PRO) and amino acids (AA) within a maltodextrin (MD) and galactose (GAL) recovery drink enhanced post-exercise liver and muscle glycogen repletion. A total of seven trained male cyclists completed two trials, separated by 7 d. Each trial involved 2 h of standardised intermittent cycling, followed by 4 h recovery. During recovery, one of two isoenergetic formulations, MD–GAL (0·9 g MD/kg body mass (BM) per h and 0·3 g GAL/kg BM per h) or MD–GAL-PRO+AA (0·5 g MD/kg BM per h, 0·3 g GAL/kg BM per h, 0·4 g whey PRO hydrolysate plusl-leucine andl-phenylalanine/kg BM per h) was ingested at every 30 min. Liver and muscle glycogen were measured after depletion exercise and at the end of recovery using1H-13C-magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Despite higher postprandial insulin concentations for MD–GAL-PRO+AA compared with MD–GAL (61·3 (se6·2)v. 29·6 (se3·0) mU/l, (425·8 (se43·1)v.205·6 (se20·8) pmol/l)P= 0·03), there were no significant differences in post-recovery liver (195·3 (se2·6)v. 213·8 (se18·0) mmol/l) or muscle glycogen concentrations (49·7 (se4·0)v. 51·1 (se7·9) mmol/l). The rate of muscle glycogen repletion was significantly higher for MD–GAL compared with MD–GAL-PRO+AA (5·8 (se0·7)v. 3·7 (se0·6) mmol/l per h,P= 0·04), while there were no significant differences in the rate of liver glycogen repletion (15·0 (se2·5)v. 13·0 (se2·7) mmol/l per h). PRO and AA within a MD–GAL recovery drink, compared with an isoenergetic mix of MD–GAL, did not enhance but matched liver and muscle glycogen recovery. This suggests that the increased postprandial insulinaemia only compensated for the lower MD content in the MD–GAL-PRO+AA treatment.
IMPACTS OF CROP IMPROVEMENT RESEARCH ON FARMERS' LIVELIHOODS: THE CASE OF WINTER-SOWN CHICKPEA IN SYRIA
Authors: MAZID AHMED , SHIDEED KAMIL , EL-ABDULLAH MOHAMED , ZYADEH GHASSAN , MOUSTAFA JUMA'A
Published: February 2013

This study presents farmers’ evaluations of the performance of winter-sown chickpea technology developed by ICARDA relative to traditional spring planting, and assesses impacts of this technology on farmers’ livelihoods in Syria. Ascochyta blight, insects and weeds were the most important factors affecting productivity of winter-sown chickpea, according to 480 farmers. Among package components, crop varieties were widely adopted and most farmers adopted other components. The winter-sown chickpea area is expanding, particularly in drier regions that do not traditionally grow chickpea. Adoption was higher for better-off farmers – poorer farmers generally prefer to see positive effects first. Adoption over time is accelerating, with obvious benefits: yields have increased by 18% in drier areas and 32% elsewhere in Syria. Winter-sown chickpea technology increased incomes for all adopting households with greatest impact among poorer farmers. All gains are important because chickpea contributes 22% of total household income and should increase with further increases in package adoption.
Neurocognitive predictors of transition to psychosis: medium- to long-term findings from a sample at ultra-high risk for psychosis
Authors: Lin A. , Yung A. R. , Nelson B. , Brewer W. J. , Riley R. , Simmons M. , Pantelis C. , Wood S. J.
Published: February 2013

Background

Individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis show reduced neurocognitive performance across domains but it is unclear which reductions are associated with transition to frank psychosis. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in baseline neurocognitive performance between UHR participants with (UHR-P) and without transition to psychosis (UHR-NP) and a healthy control (HC) group and examine neurocognitive predictors of transition over the medium to long term.

Method

A sample of 325 UHR participants recruited consecutively from the Personal Assessment and Crisis Evaluation (PACE) Clinic in Melbourne and 66 HCs completed a neurocognitive assessment at baseline. The UHR group was followed up between 2.39 and 14.86 (median = 6.45) years later. Cox regression was used to investigate candidate neurocognitive predictors of psychosis onset.

Results

The UHR group performed more poorly than the HC group across a range of neurocognitive domains but only performance on digit symbol coding and picture completion differed between the groups. The risk of transition was only significantly associated with poorer performance on visual reproduction [hazard ratio (HR) 0.919, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.876–0.965, p = 0.001] and matrix reasoning (HR 0.938, 95% CI 0.883–0.996, p = 0.037). These remained significant even after controlling for psychopathology at baseline.

Conclusions

This study is the longest follow-up of an UHR sample to date. UHR status was associated with poorer neurocognitive performance compared to HCs on some tasks. Cognition at identification as UHR was not a strong predictor of risk for transition to psychosis. The results suggests the need to include more experimental paradigms that isolate discrete cognitive processes to better understand neurocognition at this early stage of illness.
Remapping Hong Kong popular music: covers, localisation and the waning hybridity of Cantopop
Authors: Chu Yiu-Wai , Leung Eve
Published: February 2013

Ever since its sovereignty reverted to China, Hong Kong has been torn between its national (in terms of China and its ‘soft’ power) and global status (as ‘Asia's World City’). In this special context, Hong Kong's singular, ambiguous but prolific existence ceased. This paper endeavours to map ‘Cantopop’ (Chinese popular songs) on the new media landscape and examine its decline in the context of the rise and fall of cover versions. Cantopop was once very popular, not only in Hong Kong but also in its neighbouring regions. Its rise in the 1970s was a result of its typical hybridity, an important aspect of which was influenced by the use of cover versions that changed its soundscape. In the mid-1990s, the Cantopop market started to shrink significantly. A radio campaign for localisation advocated the release of original songs aimed at enhancing the development of Cantopop, but in the end proved to have the opposite effect. In the new millennium, ‘Mandapop’ (Mandarin popular songs) has taken on the role as the trend setter of the Chinese popular music industry. We argue in this paper that Cantopop's decline is the result of Hong Kong's loss of hybridity.
Phonetic variation in consonants in infant-directed and adult-directed speech: the case of regressive place assimilation in word-final alveolar stops
Authors: DILLEY LAURA C. , MILLETT AMANDA L. , MCAULEY J. DEVIN , BERGESON TONYA R.
Published: February 2013

Pronunciation variation is under-studied in infant-directed speech, particularly for consonants. Regressive place assimilation involves a word-final alveolar stop taking the place of articulation of a following word-initial consonant. We investigated pronunciation variation in word-final alveolar stop consonants in storybooks read by forty-eight mothers in adult-directed or infant-directed style to infants aged approximately 0;3, 0;9, 1;1, or 1;8. We focused on phonological environments where regressive place assimilation could occur, i.e., when the stop preceded a word-initial labial or velar consonant. Spectrogram, waveform, and perceptual evidence was used to classify tokens into four pronunciation categories: canonical, assimilated, glottalized, or deleted. Results showed a reliable tendency for canonical variants to occur in infant-directed speech more often than in adult-directed speech. However, the otherwise very similar distributions of variants across addressee and age group suggested that infants largely experience statistical distributions of non-canonical consonantal pronunciation variants that mirror those experienced by adults.
Effect of the oral vasopressin receptor antagonist tolvaptan on congestive cardiac failure in a child with restrictive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Horibata Yoko , Murakami Tomoaki , Niwa Koichiro
Published: February 2013

Tolvaptan, an oral vasopressin receptor antagonist, was administered to a 6-year-old boy with advanced congestive cardiac failure due to restrictive cardiomyopathy. Slow up-titration of the tolvaptan improved the loop diuretic-resistant congestive cardiac failure without hypernatraemia, deterioration of vital signs, and significant complications. Tolvaptan could be useful and safe for children with severe congestive cardiac failure. It is necessary to accumulate clinical data on tolvaptan administration in children in order to determine the optimal method of administration.