bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Galactosylated 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylamide‐s‐3‐guanidinopropyl methacrylamide copolymer as a small hairpin RNA carrier for inhibiting human telomerase reverse transcriptase expression
Authors: Wu Yang , Ji Jingkai , Yang Ran , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Li Yuanhui , Pu Yuepu , Li Xinsong
Published: July 2014

Background

In the present study, a well‐defined glucose and guanidine based copolymer, galactosylated 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylamide‐s‐3‐guanidinopropyl methacrylamide (HPMA‐s‐GPMA) abbreviated as GGH was prepared and self‐assembled with small hairpin RNA (shRNA) to inhibit human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene expression in vitro to develop a shRNA carrier.

Methods

First, HPMA‐s‐APMA copolymers were synthesized by aqueous reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, followed by galactosylation and guanidinylation. Then, three target shRNAs containing green fluorescent protein gene as a reporter were combined with GGH to form shRNA/GGH polyplexes.

Results

GGH copolymers could condense shRNA to form shRNA/GGH polyplex particles with a diameter in the range 122.8–331.6 nm in phosphate‐buffered saline, and zeta potential values ranging from +3.7 to +16.5 mV at various charge ratios (N/P). That the cytotoxicity of GGH copolymers was significantly lower than that of PEI in human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cells (HepG2) and human cervix epithelial carcinoma cells. The transfection efficiency of shRNA/GGH polyplexes was higher than that of PEI at a charge ratio of 12 in the HepG2 cell line. Furthermore, shRNA/GGH polyplexes could effectively silence hTERT mRNA expression in serum‐free medium (p < 0.01) and decrease the aggregation of protein in the medium with the presence of 10% serum. In addition, hTERT mRNA expression in HepG2 cells demosntrate a significant difference between siRNA/GGH polyplexes and blank samples (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

GGH copolymers could integrate advantages relating to galactose content for hepatocyte targeting, guanidino groups for cell penetration and HPMA component for shielding, showing great potential for effective hepatocyte targeting gene delivery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a hospital‐based program focused on improving healthcare value
Authors: Moriates Christopher , Mourad Michelle , Novelero Maria , Wachter Robert M.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Frontline physicians face increasing pressure to improve the quality of care they deliver while simultaneously decreasing healthcare costs. Although hospitals and physicians are beginning to implement initiatives targeting this new goal of healthcare value, few of them have a well‐developed infrastructure to support this work.

METHODS

In March 2012, we launched a high‐value care (HVC) program within the Division of Hospital Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. The HVC program is co‐led by a physician and the division's administrator, and includes other hospitalists, resident physicians, pharmacists, and administrators. The program aims to (1) use financial and clinical data to identify areas with clear evidence of waste in the hospital, (2) promote evidence‐based interventions that improve both quality of care and value, and (3) pair interventions with evidence‐based cost awareness education to drive culture change.

RESULTS

We identified 6 ongoing projects during our first year. Preliminary data for our inaugural projects are encouraging. One initiative, which targeted decreasing nebulizer use on a high‐acuity medical floor (often using metered‐dose inhalers instead) led to a decrease in rates of more than 50%.

CONCLUSIONS

The HVC program is proving to be a successful mechanism to promote improved healthcare value and clinician engagement. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:671–677. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Definition and visualisation of regions of interest in post‐prostatectomy image‐guided intensity modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Bell Linda J , Cox Jennifer , Eade Thomas , Rinks Marianne , Kneebone Andrew
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Standard post‐prostatectomy radiotherapy (PPRT) image verification uses bony anatomy alignment. However, the prostate bed (PB) moves independently of bony anatomy. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be used to soft tissue match, so radiation therapists (RTs) must understand pelvic anatomy and PPRT clinical target volumes (CTV). The aims of this study are to define regions of interest (ROI) to be used in soft tissue matching image guidance and determine their visibility on planning CT (PCT) and CBCT.

Methods

Published CTV guidelines were used to select ROIs. The PCT scans (n = 23) and CBCT scans (n = 105) of 23 post‐prostatectomy patients were reviewed. Details on ROI identification were recorded.

Results

Eighteen patients had surgical clips. All ROIs were identified on PCTs at least 90% of the time apart from mesorectal fascia (MF) (87%) due to superior image quality. When surgical clips are present, the seminal vesicle bed (SVB) was only seen in 2.3% of CBCTs and MF was unidentifiable. Most other structures were well identified on CBCT. The anterior rectal wall (ARW) was identified in 81.4% of images and penile bulb (PB) in 68.6%. In the absence of surgical clips, the MF and SVB were always identified; the ARW was identified in 89.5% of CBCTs and PB in 73.7%.

Conclusions

Surgical clips should be used as ROIs when present to define SVB and MF. In the absence of clips, SVB, MF and ARW can be used. RTs must have a strong knowledge of soft tissue anatomy and PPRT CTV to ensure coverage and enable soft tissue matching.
P2X4 receptor in the dorsal horn partially contributes to brain‐derived neurotrophic factor oversecretion and toll‐like receptor‐4 receptor activation associated with bone cancer pain
Authors: Jin Xiao‐hong , Wang Li‐Na , Zuo Jian‐Ling , Yang Jian‐Ping , Liu Si‐lan
Published: July 2014

Previous studies have suggested that the microglial P2X7 purinoceptor is involved in the release of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) following activation of toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4), which is associated with nociceptive behavior. In addition, this progress is evoked by the activation of the P2X4 purinoceptor (P2X4R). Although P2X4R is also localized within spinal microglia in the dorsal horn, little is known about its role in cancer‐induced bone pain (CIBP), which is in some ways unique. With the present rat model of CIBP, we demonstrate a critical role of the microglial P2X4R in the enhanced nociceptive transmission, which is associated with TLR4 activation and secretion of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and TNFα in the dorsal horn. We assessed mechanical threshold and spontaneous pain of CIBP rats. Moreover, P2X4R small interfering RNA (siRNA) was administered intrathecally, and real‐time PCR, Western blots, immunofluorescence histochemistry, and ELISA were used to detect the expression of P2X4R, TLR4, OX‐42, phosphorylated‐p38 MAPK (p‐p38), BDNF, and TNFα. Compared with controls, intrathecal injection of P2X4R siRNA could prevent nociceptive behavior induced by ATP plus lipopolysaccharide and CIBP and reduce the expression of P2X4R, TLR4, p‐p38, BDNF, and TNFα. In addition, the increase of BDNF protein in rat microglial cells depended on P2X4 receptor signaling, which is partially associated with TLR4 activation. The ability of microglial P2X4R to activate TLR4 in spinal cord leading to behavioral hypersensitivity and oversecretion of BDNF could provide an opportunity for the prevention and treatment of CIBP. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multichannel detectors for femtosecond stimulated Raman microscopy – ideal and real ones
Authors: Marx B. , Czerwinski L. , Light R. , Somekh M. , Gilch P.
Published: July 2014

Femtosecond stimulated Raman microscopy (FSRM) aims at the reduction of acquisition times in Raman microscopy while preserving the spectral coverage. An improved light source for FSRM is briefly described. This light source delivers a narrow bandwidth Raman pump pulse and a broad‐band Raman probe. The small spectral changes (relative magnitude 10−6 to 10−3) in the probe light due to the stimulated Raman effect are recorded simultaneously relying on array detectors. Here, estimates for the parameters of an ideal detector are derived and compared with the technical status quo of available detectors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applications for transoral robotic surgery in the pediatric airway
Authors: Ferrell Jay K. , Roy Soham , Karni Ron J. , Yuksel Sancak
Published: July 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To report preliminary experience in the utilization of transoral robotic surgical (TORS) techniques in pediatric airway surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on all pediatric patients undergoing robotic airway surgery at a university‐based children's hospital between August 2010 and December 2012.

Results

Three pediatric patients underwent robotic repair of various airway anomalies between August 2010 and December 2012. Case 1 is a 15‐year‐old boy with posterior glottic stenosis for which a robotic‐assisted posterior cricoid split with cartilage graft placement was attempted but ultimately required conversion to an open technique. Case 2 is a 6‐year‐old male with Trisomy 21 who had robotic‐assisted endoscopic repair of a type II laryngeal cleft, with subsequent resolution of his chronic aspiration and successful initiation of oral feeding. Case 3 is a 3‐year‐old female who underwent robotic‐assisted left posterior cordectomy and subtotal arytenoidectomy for idiopathic bilateral vocal cord paralysis, resulting in improved Passy‐Muir valve tolerance.

Conclusion

TORS is being increasingly utilized in the field of head and neck surgery as it is frequently less invasive and often demonstrates improved outcomes compared with traditional approaches. This study details our experience utilizing TORS in the management of pediatric airway anomalies and represents one of the earliest such series in the literature. Although TORS has the potential to improve the management of pediatric airway disorders, larger, prospective studies are needed to better elucidate its feasibility and efficacy.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:2630–2635, 2014
Is sentinel lymph node biopsy the standard of care for cutaneous head and neck melanoma?
Authors: Schmalbach Cecelia E. , Bradford Carol R.
Published: July 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is considered one of the most important melanoma advancements to date. Since its inception in 1992, a plethora of data and associated controversies has emerged leading to the question: Is SLNB considered the standard of care for head and neck (HN) cutaneous melanoma?

Study Design

English literature (1990–2014) review.

Methods

The PubMed database search was conducted using key terms “melanoma” and “sentinel node.” This review included both dedicated HN SLNB studies and larger prospective SLNB studies, in which HN patients were included among the cohort. Bibliography cross‐referencing was conducted to ensure a comprehensive search.

Results

SLNB is safe and accurate in the HN region. Review of large prospective SLNB trials identified the pathologic status of the SLN as the most important prognostic factor for recurrence and survival. Early lymphadenectomy following a positive SLNB imparts a survival benefit.

Conclusions

Our review of the current literature suggests that SLNB is the standard of care for selected cases of HN cutaneous melanoma. It is now incorporated into the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network practice guidelines, and numerous national and international consensus statements. Laryngoscope, 125:153–160, 2015
Identification and Count of the Active Sites in Olefin Polymerization Catalysis by Oxygen Quench
Authors: Cipullo Roberta , Mellino Simona , Busico Vincenzo
Published: July 2014

A simple method for the counting and structural elucidation of the different active sites in an olefin polymerization catalyst system is introduced, based on a reaction quench by O2 under controlled kinetics, followed by NMR analysis of the OH‐labeled chain end‐groups formed upon acidic work‐up of the polymer. The method is successfully benchmarked using a molecular bis(phenoxyamino)Zr(IV)‐based catalyst characterized by a comparatively long‐lasting controlled kinetic transient at room temperature.

image
Optical properties and Poincaré mapping in spherical multilayered systems: periodic, quasiperiodic, and disordered
Authors: Díaz‐de‐Anda A. , Nájera‐Villeda M. , Burlak Gennadiy , Zamudio‐Lara A.
Published: July 2014

We systematically studied the optical properties (narrows peaks position) of the transmission spectra for microspheres coated by a multilayered stack. Three different sequences of spherical stack—periodic, quasiperiodic, and disordered—are studied by the transfer matrix approach. Dependence of the number of resonances in the transmission spectrum as function of number of layers in the stack is numerically investigated with details. It is shown that characteristic shape of the recursive return map forms well‐defined ordered spectrum in the state space. The shape of such structures is different for different frequency ranges and various spherical quantum numbers. For quasiperiodic case, the latter leads to a specific signature of studied sequences and generates the self‐similarity in the transmittance spectra. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Garcinol suppresses inflammation‐associated colon carcinogenesis in mice
Authors: Tsai Mei‐Ling , Chiou Yi‐Shiou , Chiou Li‐Yu , Ho Chi‐Tang , Pan Min‐Hsiung
Published: July 2014

Scope

Garcinol is a polyisoprenylated benzophenone derivative isolated from the fruit rind of Garcinia indica and has exhibited chemopreventive effects on azoxymethane)‐induced colonic aberrant crypt foci in mice. In this study, we investigated whether garcinol protects against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis/inflammation and azoxymethane/DSS‐induced inflammation‐related colon tumorigenesis in male ICR mice. We also aimed to delineate the possible molecular mechanisms responsible for these effects.

Methods and results

Treatment with garcinol prevented shortening of the colon length and the formation of aberrant crypt foci and improved the inflammation score in the mouse colon stimulated by DSS. Moreover, administration of garcinol markedly decreased DSS‐induced inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase‐2, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein expression. The dietary administration of garcinol effectively reduced the tumor size and incidence in the mouse colon. Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that administration of garcinol significantly downregulated cyclooxygenase‐2, cyclin D1, and vascular endothelial growth factor expression via inhibition of the extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase 1/2, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt/p70 ribosomal S6 kinase, and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathways.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that garcinol may merit further clinical investigation as a chemoprophylactic food that helps prevent colitis‐associated colon cancer.
Automated tuning of an eight‐channel cardiac transceive array at 7 tesla using piezoelectric actuators
Authors: Keith Graeme A. , Rodgers Christopher T. , Hess Aaron T. , Snyder Carl J. , Vaughan J. Thomas , Robson Matthew D.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Ultra‐high field (UHF) MR scanning in the body requires novel coil designs due to B1 field inhomogeneities. In the transverse electromagnetic field (TEM) design, maximum B1 transmit power can only be achieved if each individual transmit element is tuned and matched for different coil loads, which requires a considerable amount of valuable scanner time.

Methods

An integrated system for autotuning a multichannel parallel transmit (pTx) cardiac TEM array was devised, using piezoelectric actuators, power monitoring equipment and control software. The reproducibility and performance of the system were tested and the power responses of the coil elements were profiled. An automated optimization method was devised and evaluated.

Results

The time required to tune an eight‐element pTx cardiac RF array was reduced from a mean of 30 min to less than 10 min with the use of this system.

Conclusion

Piezoelectric actuators are an attractive means of tuning RF coil arrays to yield more efficient B1 transmission into the subject. An automated mechanism for tuning these elements provides a practical solution for cardiac imaging at UHF, bringing this technology closer to clinical use. Magn Reson Med 73:2390–2397, 2015. © 2014 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Normative values for short‐segment nerve conduction studies and ultrasonography of the ulnar nerve at the elbow
Authors: Omejec Gregor , Podnar Simon
Published: July 2014

Introduction: In patients with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE), short‐segment nerve conduction studies (NCS) are rarely performed due to unclear reference values. We excluded controls with subclinical UNE, calculated normative values, and tested them in UNE patients. Methods: Clinical examination, ultrasonography (US), and 2‐cm short‐segment ulnar motor NCS across the elbow were performed in 49 controls and 67 UNE patients. In controls, subclinical UNE was diagnosed if at least 2 studies were outside the reference limits in the same 2‐cm segment. Results: Exclusion of controls with subclinical UNE produced less stringent normative values (2‐cm conduction velocity: 25 to 31 m/s; US cross‐sectional area: 11.6 to 9.6 mm2), which raised diagnostic sensitivity (short‐segment NCS: 76% to 90%; 10‐cm NCS: 72% to 85%, US: 43% to 79%). Conclusions: We propose the use of our normative values in patients with clinically definite and probable UNE after exclusion of alternative diagnoses. Muscle Nerve, 2015 Muscle Nerve 51: 370–377, 2015
Direkt zur Absolutkonfiguration
Authors: Zawatzky Kerstin , Trapp Oliver
Published: July 2014

Mit einer Reihe von Methoden lassen sich Absolutkonfigurationen indirekt erschließen, doch bisher fehlte eine Technik, die stereogene Zentren direkt sichtbar macht. Dies schafft nun Coulomb Explosion Imaging.
Numerical simulation of reaction‐diffusion telegraph systems in unbounded domains
Authors: Campos Rafael G.
Published: July 2014

We present a boundary element method for computing numerical solutions of the reaction‐diffusion telegraph equation in unbounded domains. This technique does not need artificial boundary conditions at the computational domain and uses a new algorithm to compute the Fourier transform, the convolution theorem, and the fact that the exact solution of the telegraph equation can be written as an integral transform in terms of the fundamental solution. We use the logistic growth model to find how the population of an organism evolves according to its growth rate. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 326–335, 2015
Do recent US Supreme Court rulings on patenting of genes and genetic diagnostics affect the practice of genetic screening and diagnosis in prenatal and reproductive care?
Authors: Chandrasekharan Subhashini , McGuire Amy L. , Van den Veyver Ignatia B.
Published: July 2014

Thousands of patents have been awarded that claim human gene sequences and their uses, and some have been challenged in court. In a recent high‐profile case, Association for Molecular Pathology, et al. v. Myriad Genetics, Inc., et al., the US Supreme Court ruled that genes are natural occurring substances and therefore not patentable through ‘composition of matter’ claims. The consequences of this ruling will extend well beyond ending Myriad's monopoly over BRCA testing and may affect similar monopolies of other commercial laboratories for tests involving other genes. It could also simplify intellectual property issues surrounding genome‐wide clinical sequencing, which can generate results for genes covered by intellectual property. Non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for common aneuploidies using cell‐free fetal (cff) DNA in maternal blood is currently offered through commercial laboratories and is also the subject of ongoing patent litigation. The recent Supreme Court decision in the Myriad case has already been invoked by a lower district court in NIPT litigation and resulted in invalidation of primary claims in a patent on currently marketed cffDNA‐based testing for chromosomal aneuploidies. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Employing Si solar cell technology to increase efficiency of ultra‐thin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Vermang Bart , Wätjen Jörn Timo , Fjällström Viktor , Rostvall Fredrik , Edoff Marika , Kotipalli Ratan , Henry Frederic , Flandre Denis
Published: July 2014

Reducing absorber layer thickness below 500 nm in regular Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells decreases cell efficiency considerably, as both short‐circuit current and open‐circuit voltage are reduced because of incomplete absorption and high Mo/CIGS rear interface recombination. In this work, an innovative rear cell design is developed to avoid both effects: a highly reflective rear surface passivation layer with nano‐sized local point contact openings is employed to enhance rear internal reflection and decrease the rear surface recombination velocity significantly, as compared with a standard Mo/CIGS rear interface. The formation of nano‐sphere shaped precipitates in chemical bath deposition of CdS is used to generate nano‐sized point contact openings. Evaporation of MgF2 coated with a thin atomic layer deposited Al2O3 layer, or direct current magnetron sputtering of Al2O3 are used as rear surface passivation layers. Rear internal reflection is enhanced substantially by the increased thickness of the passivation layer, and also the rear surface recombination velocity is reduced at the Al2O3/CIGS rear interface. (MgF2/)Al2O3 rear surface passivated ultra‐thin CIGS solar cells are fabricated, showing an increase in short circuit current and open circuit voltage compared to unpassivated reference cells with equivalent CIGS thickness. Accordingly, average solar cell efficiencies of 13.5% are realized for 385 nm thick CIGS absorber layers, compared with 9.1% efficiency for the corresponding unpassivated reference cells. © 2014 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Globale Temperaturvariabilität der letzten 2000 Jahre
Authors: Wanner Heinz , Grosjean Martin
Published: July 2014

Neue 2000‐jährige Temperaturrekonstruktionen für sieben Landregionen der Erde zeigen einen deutlichen Wechsel zwischen einem wärmeren ersten und einem kühleren zweiten Jahrtausend. Die Abkühlung der Kleinen Eiszeit erfolgte auf den Südkontinenten mit Verzögerung. Sie dürfte maßgeblich durch Serien von großen Vulkaneruptionen und durch fast gleichzeitig aufgetretene Einbrüche bei der solaren Leuchtstärke beeinflusst worden sein. Die hohen Temperaturmittel des 20. und 21. Jahrhunderts sind mit großer Wahrscheinlichkeit während der letzten 1400 Jahre global nicht erreicht worden. Die Erwärmungsphase im 20. und 21. Jahrhundert ist in erster Linie das Resultat des anthropogenen Treibhauseffektes.
100 Millionen Telefongespräche über einen Frequenzkamm
Authors: Koos Christian , Pfeifle Jörg , Kippenberg Tobias
Published: July 2014

Optische Frequenzkämme ermöglichen die Übertragung von Daten mit hoher Geschwindigkeit und gleichzeitig effizienter Nutzung des verfügbaren Spektrums. Für die praktische Anwendung müssen allerdings noch einige technische Hürden überwunden werden. Unserer deutsch‐schweizerischen Forschungsgruppe ist es gelungen, erste kohärente Datenübertragungsexperimente mit sogenannten Kerr‐Frequenzkämmen zu demonstrieren. Die hierbei erzielte Übertragungsgeschwindigkeit von bis zu 1, 44 Tbit/s entspricht – gängige Verfahren zur Sprachkompression vorausgesetzt – dem Datenaufkommen von mehr als 100 Millionen Telefongesprächen.
Tribological Properties and Characterization of Diamond Like Carbon Coatings Deposited by MW/RF and RF Plasma‐Enhanced CVD Method on Poly(ether‐ether‐ketone)
Authors: Kaczorowski Witold , Szymanski Witold , Batory Damian , Niedzielski Piotr
Published: July 2014

Diamond like carbon coatings were manufactured by dual frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition method on a poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) substrates. In the presented work, modified surfaces were characterized in terms of the tribological parameters, surface topography, mechanical properties and the chemical composition. Obtained results of the research indicate that the highest resistance against wear, which means the most probable application abilities, presented the carbon coatings created in RF plasma with the use of nitrogen for the preliminary stage of preparation. Due to that modification, it was possible to limit the coefficient of friction from the value of c.a. 0.4–0.26 and 35 times decrease the specific wear rate. The DLC coatings deposited in RF plasma exhibited hardness of about 2 GPa with a relatively low contribution of sp3 phase and surface roughness.
Three Dimensional Branched Gold Nanostructures on Reduced Graphene Oxide Films Formed at a Liquid/Liquid Interface
Authors: Bramhaiah Kommula , Singh Vidya N. , John Neena S.
Published: July 2014

Interfacing anisotropic gold nanostructures with graphene can open up new avenues for modifying the light–matter interaction of graphene. A chemical route is explored to synthesize branched gold nanostructures on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) layers by in situ reduction, assisted by binary surfactant mixtures containing tetraoctylammonium bromide with cetyltrimethy­lammonium bromide, sodium dodecylsulfate, or sodium citrate. The hybrid material self‐assembles at a liquid/liquid interface forming a free‐standing film. Electron microscopy studies reveal the morphology, microstructure, and crystallinity of the hybrids. The gold nanostructures are branched in three dimensions and possess various shapes, such as irregular stars, multipods, and spiky features, interspersed with rGO layers. The hybrids exhibit plasmon modes in the visible and near‐infrared region due to the shape anisotropy. The enhancement effect of the spiky features is also observed in the Raman spectra. The growth mechanism of the branched nanostructures is followed by kinetic studies and indicates that the formation of multiple twinned crystals is the key factor for branching.
Mutual interaction of N, B, and O during heteroepitaxial diamond growth: Triggering the nitrogen induced growth acceleration
Authors: Sartori André F. , Schreck Matthias
Published: July 2014

The mutual interaction of N, B, and O during heteroepitaxial diamond growth by microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition (MPCVD) is investigated. The study comprises in situ growth rate measurements by laser reflection interferometry (LRI) and the monitoring of impurity containing gas phase species like CN and BH by optical emission spectroscopy (OES). In the gas phase, among the combinations (N, B), (N, O), and (B, O) only the latter pair shows a measurable mutual influence. In contrast, growth rate measurements reveal a strong interaction also for the couple (N, B). It is found that the high growth rate enhancement obtainable by nitrogen addition is completely suppressed by boron contamination at ppm levels. At even lower boron concentrations a step‐like behaviour is observed, i.e., the nitrogen is initially inactive before it develops its effect above a defined threshold concentration. Addition of oxygen to the gas mixture proves to be an effective method to push this threshold to lower nitrogen concentrations and to trigger the action of nitrogen even in highly contaminated reactors. We estimate that the presence of 1 boron atom can cancel the effect of 1000 nitrogen atoms in the gas phase.
Carrier sensing range analysis in a general IEEE 802.11 network with physical‐layer network coding
Authors: Lin Shijun , Shi Jianghong
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we investigate the carrier sensing range (CSR) of a general 802.11 network with physical‐layer network coding (PNC). We aim to derive a sufficient CSR that can prevent the hidden‐node collisions in a general 802.11 PNC network. The analysis includes two steps. First, we analyze the six link‐to‐link interference cases in an 802.11 PNC network to show that the mutual interference will be most severe when each node in the network initiates a two‐hop end node link. Second, we consider the worst interference case that all concurrently transmitting links in the network are two‐hop end node links and placed in the densest manner and develop a closed‐form expression of a sufficient CSR that prevents the hidden‐node collisions in a PNC network. From the analysis results, we find that to prevent the hidden‐node collisions, the CSR in PNC network should be bigger than the one in traditional non‐network‐coding network. Furthermore, we carry out extensive simulations to find out the throughput gain of PNC scheme in a general wireless network when considering the impact of CSR. Simulation results show that compared with the non‐network‐coding scheme, PNC scheme has throughput gain when a large proportion (i.e., 90%) of links in the network are two‐hop links and the link density has little effect on the throughput gain of PNC scheme. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matching and record linkage
Authors: Winkler William E.
Published: July 2014

This overview gives background on a number of statistical methods that have been proven effective for record linkage. To prepare data for the main computational algorithms, we need parsing/standardization that allows us to structure the free‐form names, addresses, and other fields into corresponding components. The main parameter‐estimation methods are unsupervised methods that yield ‘optimal’ record linkage parameters. Extended methods provide estimates of false match rates in both unsupervised and, with greater accuracy, in semi‐supervised situations. Finally, the paper describes ongoing research for adjusting standard statistical analyses for linkage error. WIREs Comput Stat 2014, 6:313–325. doi: 10.1002/wics.1317

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > EM Algorithm

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Seminumerical and Nonnumerical Methods

Data: Types and Structure > Data Preparation and Processing

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)
Traditional versus Robot‐Assisted Full Laparoscopic Liver Resection: A Matched‐Pair Comparative Study
Authors: Tranchart Hadrien , Ceribelli Cecilia , Ferretti Stefano , Dagher Ibrahim , Patriti Alberto
Published: July 2014

Background

Robotic surgery was introduced as a means of overcoming the limitations of traditional laparoscopy. This report describes the results of a matched comparative study between traditional (TLLR) and robot‐assisted laparoscopic liver resection (RLLR) performed in two European centers.

Methods

From January 2008–April 2013, 46 patients underwent RLLR at San Matteo degli Infermi Hospital. Each patient was matched to a patient who had undergone TLLR at Antoine Béclère Hospital. The variables evaluated were operative time, blood loss, conversion rate, morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients were included in each group. Despite matching, more tumors were solitary in the TLLR group (P = 0.02) and more were localized in the superior and posterior segments in the RLLR group (P = 0.003). The median duration of surgery was 210 and 176 min in the RLLR and TLLR groups, respectively (P = 0.12). Conversion rate, blood loss, morbidity, and length of stay were similar in both groups. In multivariate analysis in all cohorts of patients, the sole independent risk factor of postoperative complications was the operative duration [OR = 1.016; P = 0.007].

Conclusions

Robotic LLR is associated with outcomes similar to those obtained with TLLR. However, robotics may facilitate LLR in patients with superior and posterior liver tumors.
Design Modifications May Improve Range of Motion following Posteriorly Stabilized Total Knee Replacement: A Matched Pair Study
Authors: Ruel Allison , Pui Christine , Westrich Geoffrey
Published: July 2014

Background

Our institution's latest knee implant design modifications aimed to decrease anterior knee pain, reduce the amount of bone that is resected in the femoral box, and improve range of motion.

Questions/Purposes

Does this new knee design achieve desired clinical improvement in our patient population? This study was designed to compare our new design to that of its predecessor in a matched pair analysis.

Methods

A consecutive group of 100 knees underwent total knee arthroplasty using the newer box reamer (BR) posterior-stabilized design was matched by age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) to patients with the classic posterior-stabilized (PS) component. Average follow-up was 29.6 months (range 21–47) in the new group. Preoperative range of motion (ROM) and clinical scores, such as Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Society Scores, were obtained and compared to the patients’ most recent follow-up. Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) and revision of the implant for any reason were also analyzed. Ability to attain ROM of >120°, >130°, and >140° was also determined in each cohort.

Results

At 2-year follow-up, 41% of BR knees achieved >130° flexion compared with 19% in the PS design group. WOMAC improved from pre-op 47 to 80 at 1 year in the newer BR design group and 48 to 80 in the classic PS design group. There were 9 MUAs in the newer BR design group compared with 14 in the classic PS design group. There were three revisions in the PS group and none in the BR group.

Conclusions

Design improvements to this newer knee allowed more patients to achieve greater flexion and appear to have achieved clinical and design goals of the engineering modifications.
Fast Transmethylation of Total Lipids in Dried Blood by Microwave Irradiation and its Application to a Population Study
Authors: Lin Yu Hong , Hanson Jennifer A. , Strandjord Sarah E. , Salem Nicholas M. , Dretsch Michael N. , Haub Mark D. , Hibbeln Joseph R.
Published: July 2014

A methodology combining finger‐pricked blood sampling, microwave accelerated fatty acid assay, fast gas chromatography data acquisition, and automated data processing was developed, evaluated and applied to a population study. Finger‐pricked blood was collected on filter paper previously impregnated with 0.05 mg of the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene and air‐dried at room temperature. Transmethylation was accelerated by microwave irradiation in an explosion‐proof multimode microwave reaction system. The chemical procedure was based on a one‐step direct transmethylation procedure catalyzed by acetyl chloride. The short‐term stability of PUFA in blood dried on filter paper and storage at room temperature was examined using venous blood. The recoveries ranged from 97 to 101 % for the categorized fatty acids as well as the ratios of n‐6 to n‐3 PUFA and the n‐3 % highly unsaturated fatty acid. Specifically, recoveries were 99, 98, 97, and 97 % for linoleic acid (18:2n‐6), arachidonic acid (ARA), α‐linolenic acid (ALA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), respectively. The mol% (mean ± SD, 95 % confidence interval) of fatty acid composition in subjects from the population study was determined as 36.2 ± 3.8 (35.8, 36.7), 23.2 ± 3.0 (22.8, 23.5), 36.8 ± 3.5 (36.4, 37.2) and 3.79 ± 1.0 (3.68, 3.91) for the saturated, monounsaturated, n‐6 and n‐3 PUFA, respectively. Individually, the mean mol% (95 % CI) was 22.6 (22.3, 22.9) for 18:2n‐6, 9.5 (9.3, 9.7) for ARA, 0.51 (0.49, 0.53) for ALA, 0.42 (0.38, 0.47) for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and 1.67 (1.61, 1.73) for DHA. This methodology provides an accelerated yet high‐efficiency, chemically safe, and temperature‐controlled transmethylation, with diverse laboratory applications including population studies.
IL‐32θ negatively regulates IL‐1β production through its interaction with PKCδ and the inhibition of PU.1 phosphorylation
Authors: Kim Man Sub , Kang Jeong-Woo , Lee Dong Hun , Bak Yesol , Park Yun Sun , Song Yong-Seok , Ham Sun Young , Oh Deok Kun , Hong Jintae , Yoon Do-Young
Published: July 2014

It has been well known that IL‐32 exerts pro‐inflammatory effects on the various inflammatory diseases in clinical studies. Here, we confirmed that IL‐32θ, a new isoform of IL‐32, decreased the phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA)‐induced IL‐1β expression in THP‐1 human myelomonocyte. We previously reported that the IL‐32 isoforms control expressions of other cytokines via novel PKCs. Likewise, IL‐32θ interacted with PKCδ, and consequently inhibited PKCδ‐mediated phosphorylation of PU.1. Moreover, IL‐32θ attenuated the localization of PU.1 into the IL‐1β promoter region. These findings reveal that IL‐32θ reduces PKCδ‐mediated phosphorylation of PU.1, resulting in attenuation of IL‐1β production.
Structure of the periplasmic adaptor protein from a major facilitator superfamily (MFS) multidrug efflux pump
Authors: Hinchliffe Philip , Greene Nicholas P. , Paterson Neil G. , Crow Allister , Hughes Colin , Koronakis Vassilis
Published: July 2014

Periplasmic adaptor proteins are key components of bacterial tripartite efflux pumps. The 2.85 Å resolution structure of an MFS (major facilitator superfamily) pump adaptor, Aquifex aeolicus EmrA, shows linearly arranged α‐helical coiled‐coil, lipoyl, and β‐barrel domains, but lacks the fourth membrane‐proximal domain shown in other pumps to interact with the inner membrane transporter. The adaptor α‐hairpin, which binds outer membrane TolC, is exceptionally long at 127 Å, and the β‐barrel contains a conserved disordered loop. The structure extends the view of adaptors as flexible, modular components that mediate diverse pump assembly, and suggests that in MFS tripartite pumps a hexamer of adaptors could provide a periplasmic seal.
Comparative study of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and azoxymethane on the induction of colorectal cancer in rats
Authors: Jucá Mario Jorge , Bandeira Bruno Carneiro , Carvalho Davi Silva , Leal Antenor Teixeira
Published: July 2014

The induced colorectal carcinogenesis in rodents has a long history and currently uses the substances 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and azoxymethane.

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the inductive effect of the substances azoxymethane and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in colorectal carcinogenesis.

Method 30 randomly chosen male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. G1 group was treated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and C1 was its control group; G2 group was treated azoxymethane and C2 was its control group. The animals were weekly weighed until euthanasia, when their intestines were removed, processed and analyzed by an experienced pathologist.

Results Among the control groups (C1 and C2) no histologic changes were observed; moderate dysplasia was detected in G2 group; hyperplasia, mild dysplasia, severe dysplasia and carcinoma were observed in G1 group. When this study compared the cost of the substances, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine was more than 50 times less expensive than azoxymethane.

Conclusion Azoxymethane is able to promote histological changes consistent with colorectal carcinogenesis. 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine produced neoplasia and dysplasia, and, compared to the azoxymethane, was more efficient in the induction of colorectal cancer.
Cell therapy in experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Marcelino Mônica Yonashiro , Fuoco Natália Langenfeld , Quaglio Ana Elise Valencise , de Camargo Bittencourt Renata Aparecida , Garms Bruna Cambraia , da Motta Conceição Thaís Helena , Stasi Luiz Claudio Di , Ribeiro-Paes João Tadeu
Published: July 2014

Inflammatory bowel disease, which mainly involves Crohn's disease and ulcerative rectocolitis, is an inflammatory condition of the mucosa that can afflict any segment of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite the fact that the existing therapies result in improvement in patient's symptomatology and quality of life, there is no curative treatment. Surgical treatment involves complex procedures associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. In this context, cell therapy with stem cells has emerged as a treatment with broad potential applicability. In this study, we intended to verify the efficacy of transplantation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells in rats with intestinal inflammation induced by trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. The cell population was isolated from the adipose tissue of inguinal region of rats and processed for culture by mechanical dissociation. The animals were evaluated with respect to clinical and biochemical aspects, as well as by macroscopic, microscopic and histological analyses. In the experimental model of bowel inflammation by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid, the infusion of adipose tissue significantly reduced the presence of adhesions in the colon and adjacent organs and decreased the activity of myeloperoxidase, a marker of neutrophil infiltration in the injured mucosa. The results suggest that cell therapy with adipose tissue can promote and/or accelerate the regeneration of damaged intestinal mucosa. It is concluded that the presence of adhesions and the determination of myeloperoxidase activity provide indications that adipose tissue can promote and/or accelerate the regeneration of inflammatory bowel mucosa.
Dual payoff scenario warnings on credit card statements elicit suboptimal payoff decisions
Authors: Hershfield Hal E. , Roese Neal J.
Published: July 2014

U.S. Federal regulation from 2009 requires credit card companies to convey information regarding payoff scenarios, i.e., details such as total amount paid and time to pay off when only a minimum payment is made (over time). Across seven studies, the present research shows that consumers who were given a dual payoff scenario (i.e., how much is paid in total based on the minimum payment and also based on a 3‐year payoff window) on credit card statements recommended lower payments than those given a single payoff scenario (when the 3‐year payment amount was less than what they would have paid otherwise), and were less likely to pay off the balance in full. The effect is driven by a tendency of consumers to infer that the 3‐year payment amount is the most appropriate. The dual‐scenario effect is minimized by an intervention that draws attention away from the 3‐year payment amount. Theoretical and public policy implications are considered.
Inhibition of PARP1‐dependent end‐joining contributes to Olaparib‐mediated radiosensitization in tumor cells
Authors: Kötter Annika , Cornils Kerstin , Borgmann Kerstin , Dahm-Daphi Jochen , Petersen Cordula , Dikomey Ekkehard , Mansour Wael Y.
Published: July 2014

Poly‐ADP‐ribose‐polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) are considered to be optimal tools for specifically enhancing radiosensitivity. This effect has been shown to be replication‐dependent and more profound in HR‐deficient tumors. Here, we present a new mode of PARPi‐mediated radiosensitization which was observed in four out of six HR‐proficient tumor cell lines (responders) investigated, but not in normal cells. This effect is replication‐independent, as the radiosensitization remained unaffected following the inhibition of replication using aphidicolin. We showed that responders are radiosensitized by Olaparib because their DSB‐repair is switched to PARP1‐dependent end‐joining (PARP1‐EJ), as evident by (i) the significant increase in the number of residual γH2AX foci following irradiation with 3Gy and treatment with Olaparib, (ii) the enhanced enrichment of PARP1 at the chromatin after 3Gy and (iii) the inhibition of end‐joining activity measured by a specific reporter substrate upon Olaparib treatment. This is the first study which directly demonstrates the switch to PARP1‐EJ in tumor cells and its contribution to the response to Olaparib as a radiosensitizer, findings which could widen the scope of application of PARPi in tumor therapy.
A Case of Vernet Syndrome Associated With Internal Jugular Phlebectasia
Authors: Daley Nicholas C. , Colliver Ethan B.
Published: July 2014

A 36‐year‐old woman presented with right shoulder weakness after a left parotid tumor resection. The overall clinical presentation included severe paralysis and atrophy of the right sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius, an absent right gag reflex, and diminished right posterior tongue pinprick sensation. A diagnosis of right‐sided Vernet syndrome (cranial nerve IX, X, XI lesions) was made, presumably from compression of cranial nerves by internal jugular vein phlebectasia. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of spontaneous Vernet syndrome associated with internal jugular vein phlebectasia in the absence of other lesions of the jugular foramen.
Explosions at the water surface
Authors: Benusiglio Adrien , Quéré David , Clanet Christophe
Published: July 2014

We study the shape and dynamics of cavities created by the explosion of firecrackers at the surface of a large pool of water. Without confinement, the explosion generates a hemispherical air cavity which grows, reaches a maximum size and collapses in a generic w-shape to form a final central jet. When a rigid open tube confines the firecracker, the explosion produces a cylindrical cavity that expands without ever escaping the free end of the tube. We discuss a potential flow model, which captures most of these features.
Self-propelled jumping upon drop coalescence on Leidenfrost surfaces
Authors: Liu Fangjie , Ghigliotti Giovanni , Feng James J. , Chen Chuan-Hua
Published: July 2014

Self-propelled jumping upon drop coalescence has been observed on a variety of textured superhydrophobic surfaces, where the jumping motion follows the capillary–inertial velocity scaling as long as the drop radius is above a threshold. In this paper, we report an experimental study of the self-propelled jumping on a Leidenfrost surface, where the heated substrate gives rise to a vapour layer on which liquid drops float. For the coalescence of identical water drops, we have tested initial drop radii ranging from 20 to $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}500\ \mu \mathrm{m}$, where the lower bound is related to the spontaneous takeoff of individual drops and the upper bound to gravitational effects. Regardless of the approaching velocity prior to coalescence, the measured jumping velocity is around 0.2 when scaled by the capillary–inertial velocity. This constant non-dimensional velocity holds for the experimentally accessible range of drop radii, and we have found no cutoff radius for the scaling, in contrast to prior experiments on textured superhydrophobic surfaces. The Leidenfrost experiments quantitatively agree with our numerical simulations of drop coalescence on a flat surface with a contact angle of 180°, suggesting that the cutoff is likely to be due to drop–surface interactions unique to the textured superhydrophobic surfaces.