bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Alemtuzumab in Multiple Sclerosis and Impact on Nursing Role
Authors: Caon Christina , Meyer Cathy , Mayer Lori , Smith M. Shelton
Published: January 2014

Alemtuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, has shown efficacy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in phase 2 and phase 3 trials. Compared with subcutaneous interferon beta-1a, alemtuzumab significantly reduced the risk for accumulation of disability and the rate of relapse, and improved mean disability level from baseline. Notable safety and tolerability concerns include infusion-associated reactions, infections of predominantly mild-to-moderate severity, and autoimmune adverse events, principally thyroid disorders and immune thrombocytopenia. As emerging therapies such as alemtuzumab are approved for the treatment of MS, nurses specializing in the care of MS patients will make increasingly significant contributions to the education of patients, caregivers, and other health-care providers about these therapies' efficacy, tolerability, safety, and administration. This article reviews the phase 2 and phase 3 efficacy and safety results for alemtuzumab, with an emphasis on the role of nurses in communication about this treatment option for those with MS.
Ash from Changbaishan Millennium eruption recorded in Greenland ice: Implications for determining the eruption's timing and impact
Authors: Sun Chunqing , Plunkett Gill , Liu Jiaqi , Zhao Hongli , Sigl Michael , McConnell Joseph R. , Pilcher Jonathan R. , Vinther Bo , Steffensen J. P. , Hall Valerie
Published: January 2014

Major volcanic eruptions can impact on global climate by injecting large quantities of aerosols and ash into the atmosphere that alter the radiative balance and chemical equilibrium of the stratosphere. The Millennium eruption of Tianchi (Paektu), China/North Korea, was one of the largest Late Holocene eruptions. Uncertainty about the precise timing of the eruption has hindered the recognition of its climate impact in palaeoclimate and historical records. Here we report the compelling identification of the eruption's volcanic signal in Greenland ice cores through the association of geochemically characterized volcanic glass, represented in by bimodal populations that compare with proximal material from the source eruption. The eruption most probably occurred in the A.D. 940s, 7 years after the Eldgjá eruption on Iceland. We examine the eruption's potential for climate forcing using the sulfate records from the ice cores and conclude that it was unlikely to have had a global or extraregional impact.
Interaction of magnetic reconnection and Kelvin‐Helmholtz modes for large magnetic shear: 2. Reconnection trigger
Authors: Ma Xuanye , Otto Antonius , Delamere Peter A.
Published: January 2014

A typical property of magnetopause reconnection is a significant perpendicular shear flow due to the fast streaming magnetosheath plasma. Therefore, the magnetopause represents a large magnetic and flow shear boundary during periods of southward interplanetary magnetic field, which can be unstable to Kelvin‐Helmholtz (KH) modes and to magnetic reconnection. A series of local three‐dimensional MHD and Hall MHD simulations is carried out to investigate the interaction of reconnection and nonlinear KH waves considering magnetic reconnection as the primary process. It is demonstrated that the onset reconnection causes a thinning of the shear flow layer, thereby generating small wavelength KH modes. In turn, the growing KH modes modify the current layer width, which modulate the diffusion regions, increase the local reconnection rates, and generate field‐aligned currents. The simulation results imply a limitation of total amount of open flux likely caused by nonlinear saturation of KH growth and the associated diffusion. It is also demonstrated that the reconnection rate maximizes for conditions that allow a strong nonlinear evolution of KH waves, i.e., fast shear flow and limited guide magnetic field. The presence of Hall physics increases the reconnection rate in the early stage; however, the maximum reconnection rate and the total amount of open flux at saturation are the same as in the MHD case.
The effect of a guide field on the structures of magnetic islands formed during multiple X line reconnections: Two‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell simulations
Authors: Huang Can , Lu Quanming , Lu San , Wang Peiran , Wang Shui
Published: January 2014

A magnetic island plays an important role in magnetic reconnection. In this paper, using a series of two‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell simulations, we investigate the magnetic structures of a magnetic island formed during multiple X line magnetic reconnections, considering the effects of the guide field in symmetric and asymmetric current sheets. In a symmetric current sheet, the current in the x direction forms a tripolar structure inside a magnetic island during antiparallel reconnection, which results in a quadrupole structure of the out‐of‐plane magnetic field. With the increase of the guide field, the symmetry of both the current system and out‐of‐plane magnetic field inside the magnetic island is distorted. When the guide field is sufficiently strong, the current forms a ring along the magnetic field lines inside a magnetic island. At the same time, the current carried by the energetic electrons accelerated in the vicinity of the X lines forms another ring at the edge of the magnetic island. Such a dual‐ring current system enhances the out‐of‐plane magnetic field inside the magnetic island with a dip in the center of the magnetic island. In an asymmetric current sheet, when there is no guide field, electrons flow toward the X lines along the separatrices from the side with a higher density and are then directed away from the X lines along the separatrices to the side with a lower density. The formed current results in the enhancement of the out‐of‐plane magnetic field at one end of the magnetic island and the attenuation at the other end. With the increase of the guide field, the structures of both the current system and the out‐of‐plane magnetic field are distorted.
Forced reconnection in the near magnetotail: Onset and energy conversion in PIC and MHD simulations
Authors: Birn J. , Hesse M.
Published: January 2014

Using two‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell (PIC) together with magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of magnetotail dynamics, we investigate the evolution toward onset of reconnection and the subsequent energy transfer and conversion. In either case, reconnection onset is preceded by a driven phase, during which magnetic flux is added to the tail at the high‐latitude boundaries, followed by a relaxation phase, during which the configuration continues to respond to the driving. The boundary deformation leads to the formation of thin embedded current sheets, which are bifurcated in the near tail, converging to a single sheet farther out in the MHD simulations. The thin current sheets in the PIC simulation are carried by electrons and are associated with a strong perpendicular electrostatic field, which may provide a connection to parallel potentials and auroral arcs and an ionospheric signal even prior to the onset of reconnection. The PIC simulation very well satisfies integral entropy conservation (intrinsic to ideal MHD) during this phase, supporting ideal ballooning stability. Eventually, the current intensification leads to the onset of reconnection, the formation and ejection of a plasmoid, and a collapse of the inner tail. The earthward flow shows the characteristics of a dipolarization front: enhancement ofBz, associated with a thin vertical electron current sheet in the PIC simulation. Both MHD and PIC simulations show a dominance of energy conversion from incoming Poynting flux to outgoing enthalpy flux, resulting in heating of the inner tail. Localized Joule dissipation plays only a minor role.
Impact of active geomagnetic conditions on stimulated radiation during ionospheric second electron gyroharmonic heating
Authors: Bordikar M. R. , Scales W. A. , Mahmoudian A. , Kim H. , Bernhardt P. A. , Redmon R. , Samimi A. R. , Brizcinski S. , McCarrick M. J.
Published: January 2014

Recently, narrowband emissions ordered near the H+ (proton) gyrofrequency (fcH) were reported in the stimulated electromagnetic emission (SEE) spectrum during active geomagnetic conditions. This work presents new observations and theoretical analysis of these recently discovered emissions. These emission lines are observed in the stimulated electromagnetic emission (SEE) spectrum when the transmitter is tuned near the second electron gyroharmonic frequency (2fce) during recent ionospheric modification experiments at the High Frequency Active Auroral Research (HAARP) facility near Gakona, Alaska. The spectral lines are typically shifted below and above the pump wave frequency by harmonics of a frequency roughly 10% less than fcH (≈ 800 Hz) with a narrow emission bandwidth less than the O+ gyrofrequency (≈ 50 Hz). However, new observations and analysis of emission lines ordered by a frequency approximately 10% greater than fcH are presented here for the first time as well. The interaction altitude for the heating for all the observations is in the range of 160 km up to 200 km. As described previously, proton precipitation due to active geomagnetic conditions is considered as the reason for the presence of H+ ions known to be a minor background constituent in this altitude region. DMSP satellite observations over HAARP during the heating experiments and ground‐based magnetometer and riometer data validate active geomagnetic conditions. The theory of parametric decay instability in multi‐ion component plasma including H+ ions as a minority species described in previous work is expanded in light of simultaneously observed preexisting SEE features to interpret the newly reported observations. Impact of active geomagnetic conditions on the SEE spectrum as a diagnostic tool for proton precipitation event characterization is discussed.
The 17 May 2012 M4.8 earthquake near Timpson, East Texas: An event possibly triggered by fluid injection
Authors: Frohlich Cliff , Ellsworth William , Brown Wesley A. , Brunt Michael , Luetgert Jim , MacDonald Tim , Walter Steve
Published: January 2014

This study summarizes our investigation of the 17 May 2012 MW‐RMT4.8 earthquake near Timpson, Texas, the largest earthquake recorded historically in eastern Texas. To identify preshocks and aftershocks of the 17 May event we examined the arrivals recorded at Nacogdoches (NATX) 30 km from the 17 May epicenter, at nearby USArray Transportable Array stations, and at eight temporary stations deployed between 26 May 2012 and mid‐2013. At NATX we identified seven preshocks, the earliest occurring in April 2008. Reliably located aftershocks recorded by the temporary stations lie along a 6 km long NW‐SE linear trend corresponding to a previously mapped basement fault that extends across the highest‐intensity (MMI VII) region of the 17 May main shock. Earthquakes in this sequence are relatively shallow—with focal depths ranging from 1.6 to 4.6 km. Evidence supporting these depths include: hypocentral locations of exceptionally well‐recorded aftershocks, S‐P intervals at the nearest stations, and comparisons of synthetics and observed seismograms. Within 3 km of the linear trend of aftershock activity there are two Class II injection disposal wells injecting at 1.9 km depth beginning in August 2006 and February 2007, with injection rates averaging 42,750 m3/mo and 15,600 m3/mo, respectively. Several observations support the hypothesis that fluid injection triggered the Timpson sequence: well‐located epicenters are situated near a mapped basement fault and near high‐volume injection wells, focal depths are at or below the depths of injection, and the earliest preshock (April 2008) occurred after the onset of injection in 2006.
Oligocene clockwise rotations along the eastern Pamir: Tectonic and paleogeographic implications
Authors: Bosboom Roderic , Dupont‐Nivet Guillaume , Huang Wentao , Yang Wei , Guo ZhaoJie
Published: January 2014

Despite the importance of the Pamir range in controlling Asian paleoenvironments and land‐sea paleogeography, its tectonic evolution remains poorly constrained in time and space, hindering its potential for understanding deep to surface processes. We provide here new constraints on vertical‐axis tectonic rotations from the southwest Tarim Basin along the eastern flank of the Pamir arcuate range based on paleomagnetic results. Two well‐dated Eocene to Oligocene sections, previously analyzed using biostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy, yield consistently clockwise rotations of 21.6 ± 4.2° in 41 to 36 Ma strata then 17.1 ± 6.5° in 33 to 28 Ma strata at the Aertashi section and 14.2 ± 11.5° in 41 to 40 Ma strata at the Kezi section. Combined with a regional review of existing paleomagnetic studies, these results indicate that most of the clockwise rotations along the eastern Pamir occurred during Oligocene times and did not extend systematically and regionally into the Tarim Basin. In contrast, on the western flank of the Pamir tectonic rotations in Cretaceous to Neogene strata are regionally extensive and systematically counterclockwise throughout the Afghan‐Tajik Basin. This timing and pattern of rotations is consistent with paleogeographic reconstructions of the regional sea retreat out of Central Asia and supports a two‐stage kinematic model: (1) symmetric rotations of either flanks of the Pamir arcuate range until Oligocene times followed by (2) continued rotations on its western flank associated with radial thrusting and, along the eastern flank, no further rotations due to decoupled transfer slip starting in the Early Miocene.
The Relation Between Molecular Packing or Morphology and Chemical Structure or Processing Conditions: the Effect on Electronic Properties
Authors: Kumar Pramod , Shivananda Kammasandra Nanajunda , Zajączkowski Wojciech , Pisula Wojciech , Eichen Yoav , Tessler Nir
Published: January 2014

In the past few decades, mainly two kind of organic semiconductors, namely small molecules and polymers, have been dealt with. It turns out that the difference between these two categories in terms of charge carrier transport arises from the potentially different morphologies and the molecular packing. There are many studies showing the effect of the chemical structure on the electronic properties. However, in this study, the focus is on the role of processing conditions which is found to be of at least equal importance. To study a range of morphologies and packing in as similar molecules, two systems prepared by “Click”‐type chemistry are chosen, with the major difference between them being the replacement of a flat unit with one that introduces a slight twist to the aromatic skeleton. Through AFM and X‐ray studies, it is shown that the molecule with the potentially flat geometry can exhibit a high degree of π–π stacking, leading to morphologies ranging from polycrystalline to single crystals while the other is always in the amorphous film state. The transport properties are compared using organic field effect transistor (OFETs) in both top and bottom contact configurations.
Mesostructured Arrays of Nanometer‐spaced Gold Nanoparticles for Ultrahigh Number Density of SERS Hot Spots
Authors: Lai Ying‐Huang , Chen Shiaw‐Woei , Hayashi Michitoshi , Shiu Ying‐Jen , Huang Chiao‐Cheng , Chuang Wei‐Tsung , Su Chun‐Jen , Jeng Hu‐Cin , Chang Jhe‐Wei , Lee Yao‐Chang , Su An‐Chung , Mou Chung‐Yuan , Jeng U‐Ser
Published: January 2014

A novel one‐trough synthesis via an air‐water interface is demonstrated to provide hexagonally packed arrays of densely spaced metallic nanoparticles (NPs). In the synthesis, a mesostructured polyoxometalate (POM)‐silicatropic template (PSS) is first self‐assembled at the air‐water interface; upon UV irradiation, anion exchange cycles enable the free‐floating PSS film to continuously uptake gold precursors from the solution subphase for diffusion‐controlled and POM‐site‐directed photoreduction inside the silica channels. NPs ≈ 2 nm can hence be homogeneously formed inside the silica‐surfactant channels until saturation. As revealed via X‐ray diffraction, small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), grazing incidence SAXS, and transmission electron microscopy, the Au NPs directed by the PSS template are arrayed into a 2D hexagonal lattice with inter‐channel spacing of 3.2 nm and a mean along‐channel NP spacing of 2.8 nm. This corresponds to an ultra‐high number density (≈1019 NPs cm−3) of narrowly spaced Au NPs in the Au‐NP@PSS composite, leading to 3D densely deployed hot‐spots along and across the mesostructured POM‐silica channels for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Consequently, the Au‐NP@PSS composite exhibits prominent SERS with 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid (4‐MBA) adsorbed onto Au NPs. The best 4‐MBA detection limit is 5 nm, with corresponding SERS enhancement factors above 108.
Control of the permeability of a porous media using a thermally sensitive polymer
Authors: Tran‐Viet Alexis , Routh Alexander F. , Woods Andrew W.
Published: January 2014

Experiments explore the reduction in permeability of a porous bead pack when a suspension of thermally responsive polymer is injected and the temperature then increased above the thermal activation temperature. The change in permeability is greater with higher polymer concentration, provided that the ionic concentration of the solution is sufficient for floc formation. The time for activation of the blocking effect is within tens of seconds to minutes of when the polymer solution is heated. This is consistent with the timescale for diffusion‐limited aggregation, although the detailed value depends on the geometry and polymer concentration. Dynamical experiments demonstrate that once the porous media is blocked, adding additional polymer has no effect. The mechanism for permeability reduction may be modeled in the context of a pore‐network model, and we build a simple model to illustrate the permeability reduction as a function of the fraction of pores links which are blocked. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 1193–1201, 2014
Cucurbit[7]uril⋅Guest Pair with an Attomolar Dissociation Constant
Authors: Cao Liping , Šekutor Marina , Zavalij Peter Y. , Mlinarić‐Majerski Kata , Glaser Robert , Isaacs Lyle
Published: January 2014

Host⋅guest complexes between cucurbit[7] (CB[7]) or CB[8] and diamantane diammonium ion guests 3 or 6 were studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. 1H NMR competition experiments revealed that CB[7]⋅6 is among the tightest monovalent non‐covalent complexes ever reported in water with Ka=7.2×1017 M−1 in pure D2O and 1.9×1015 M−1 in D2O buffered with NaO2CCD3 (50 mM). The crystal structure of CB[7]⋅6 allowed us to identify some of the structural features responsible for the ultratight binding, including the distance between the NMe3+ groups of 6 (7.78 Å), which allows it to establish 14 optimal ion‐dipole interactions with CB[7], the complementarity of the convex van der Waals surface contours of 6 with the corresponding concave surfaces of CB[7], desolvation of the CO portals within the CB[7]⋅6 complex, and the co‐linearity of the C7 axis of CB[7] with the N+⋅⋅⋅N+ line in 6. This work further blurs the lines of distinction between natural and synthetic receptors.
Neural tube defects, folate, and immune modulation
Authors: Denny Kerina J. , Jeanes Angela , Fathe Kristin , Finnell Richard H. , Taylor Stephen M. , Woodruff Trent M.
Published: January 2014

Periconceptional supplementation with folic acid has led to a significant worldwide reduction in the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs). However, despite increasing awareness of the benefits of folic acid supplementation and the implementation of food fortification programs in many countries, NTDs continue to be a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Furthermore, there exists a significant subgroup of women who appear to be resistant to the protective effects of folic acid supplementation. The following review addresses emerging clinical and experimental evidence for a role of the immune system in the etiopathogenesis of NTDs, with the aim of developing novel preventative strategies to further reduce the incidence of NTD‐affected pregnancies. In particular, recent studies demonstrating novel roles and interactions between innate immune factors such as the complement cascade, neurulation, and folate metabolism are explored. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 97:602–609, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using mathcad to simplify uncertainty computations in a laboratory course
Authors: Fumo Nelson
Published: January 2014

Numeric experimental results are completely specified when accompanied by a quantitative magnitude of its uncertainty. Mechanical Engineering (ME) students at The University of Texas at Tyler, and in most of the ME programs, are introduced to experimental uncertainty through laboratory courses. In both laboratory activities and experiments, for variables not measured, results are obtained with the use of a data reduction equation (DRE). The DRE defines the relationship between the result of unmeasured variables and the measured variables, which is also used to estimate the uncertainty of the result (the unmeasured variable). The uncertainty of the result is estimated by applying a propagation of uncertainty approach that requires the implementation of partial derivatives on the DRE. If the DRE is complicated, the partial derivatives are quite difficult to perform. Therefore, Mathcad can be used as a tool to simplify the computations needed to estimate uncertainties. This paper illustrates the use of Mathcad to perform and simplify uncertainty computations for college laboratory activities and experiments. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:250–257, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21593
On‐street smart parking networks at a fraction of their cost: performance analysis of a sampling approach
Authors: Evenepoel S. , Van Ooteghem J. , Verbrugge S. , Colle D. , Pickavet M.
Published: January 2014

Parking spot monitoring can be used for various smart parking applications. One particular use is detecting the city wide occupancy level of the parking spaces and redirecting cars accordingly to reduce congestion. The practice of monitoring parking spots is already widespread in modern off‐street parking lots. However, a large fraction of a city's parking capacity still stems from on‐street parking spots. These aren't yet monitored as commonly. This can be explained by higher deployment costs for on‐street implementations.

In light of improving the adoption of on‐street parking spot monitoring, this paper evaluates a novel approach to reduce these deployment costs. The idea is to provide sensor readings on only a fraction of the parking spots and use extrapolation to calculate city wide saturation levels. This reduces the number of sensors that has to be installed and consequently lowers the network cost.

A probabilistic model and corresponding performance measure were built to quantify the reliability of a sensor network that implements this approach. Dependent on the number of sensors deployed, the estimated saturation levels might be subject to extrapolation errors. An analysis of several deployments scenarios with decreasing numbers of sensors shows that significant cost reductions (up to a factor 30) are obtainable whilst retaining sufficient performance.

These results exceed cost reductions obtained by alternative approaches where a switch is made from roadside to vehicle mounted sensors for monitoring parking spots. An additional comparative advantage of our approach is the reduced dependency on vehicles equipped with vehicle‐to‐vehicle or vehicle‐to‐environment communication units. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An immersed boundary method for simulation of inviscid compressible flows
Authors: Zhang Y. , Zhou C. H.
Published: January 2014

In this paper, an immersed boundary method for simulating inviscid compressible flows governed by Euler equations is presented. All the mesh points are classified as interior computed points, immersed boundary points (interior points closest to the solid boundary), and exterior points that are blanked out of computation. The flow variables at an immersed boundary point are determined via the approximate form of solution in the direction normal to the wall boundary. The normal velocity is evaluated by applying the no‐penetration boundary condition, and therefore, the influence of solid wall in the inviscid flow is taken into account. The pressure is computed with the local simplified momentum equation, and the density and the tangential velocity are evaluated by using the constant‐entropy relation and the constant‐total‐enthalpy relation, respectively. With a local coordinate system, the present method has been extended easily to the three‐dimensional case. The present work is the first endeavor to extend the idea of hybrid Cartesian/immersed boundary approach to compressible inviscid flows. The tedious task of handling multi‐valued points can be eliminated, and the overshoot resulting from the extrapolation for the evaluation of flow variables at exterior points can also be avoided. In order to validate the present method, inviscid compressible flows over fixed and moving bodies have been simulated. All the obtained numerical results show good agreement with available data in the literature. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of a golden angle radial sequence (GOLD) for abdominal T1 mapping during free breathing: Demonstrating clinical feasibility for quantifying gastric secretion and emptying
Authors: Curcic Jelena , Sauter Matthias , Schwizer Werner , Fried Michael , Boesiger Peter , Steingoetter Andreas
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To validate a magnetic resonance imaging sequence suitable for quantitative assessment of acid suppression by a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) on gastric secretion and emptying in clinical practice.

Methods

A golden angle radial sequence (GOLD) was validated in a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments and clinical feasibility was shown in two studies. The impact of free breathing and image plane orientation on T1 values was evaluated in a controlled in vivo experiment. The free‐breathing GOLD sequence was compared against a standard breath‐hold gradient echo sequence for gastric half emptying time in 23 subjects during a gastric emptying study. Pilot data from five subjects assessed the sensitivity of the GOLD sequence to detect changes in acid secretion volume produced by PPI treatment.

Results

The coronal free‐breathing GOLD sequence and the axial breath‐hold standard gradient echo sequence showed good agreement of the gastric half emptying time (6 ± 3 min, P = 0.053). The GOLD sequence demonstrated sensitivity to reduction of gastric secretion volumes induced by PPI treatment (55 ± 5 mL, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The GOLD sequence allowed for free breathing, multislice, combined imaging and T1 mapping of the stomach content. GOLD presents a promising multipurpose, noninvasive imaging tool for monitoring gastric function in clinical studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:157–164. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postharvest physiology and technology of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) fruit
Authors: Pareek Sunil , Benkeblia Noureddine , Janick Jules , Cao Shifeng , Yahia Elhadi M
Published: January 2014

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is a subtropical evergreen tree whose fruit is consumed both fresh and processed. Loquat fruit is a good source of minerals and carotenoids, while the kernel is rich in protein and carbohydrates. It has been considered a non‐climacteric fruit, but there is evidence that some cultivars have a ripening pattern similar to that of climacteric fruits. The fruit has a short postharvest life at ambient temperatures and is susceptible to physical and mechanical damage, loss of moisture and nutrients, and decay. Low‐temperature storage extends the shelf life of loquat fruit, but some cultivars are severely affected by chilling injury and flesh browning during cold storage. Purple spot, browning and leatheriness are major postharvest disorders. The shelf life of loquat can be extended by modified or controlled atmosphere storage as well as by postharvest treatment with 1‐methyl cyclopropene or methyl jasmonate. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Bilateral cochlear implantation in children: A systematic review and best‐evidence synthesis
Authors: Lammers Marc J.W. , van der Heijden Geert J.M.G. , Pourier Vanessa E.C. , Grolman Wilko
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the effectiveness of bilateral cochlear implantation over unilateral implantation in children with sensorineural hearing loss.

Data Sources

Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science.

Review Methods

All studies comparing a bilateral cochlear implant group with a unilateral implant group were included.

Results

Twenty‐one studies compared a bilateral cochlear implant group with a unilateral group. No randomized trials were identified. Due to the clinical heterogeneity, statistical pooling was not feasible and a best‐evidence synthesis was performed. The results of this best‐evidence synthesis indicate the positive effect of the second implant for especially sound localization and possibly for preverbal communication and language development. There was insufficient evidence to make a valid comparison between bilateral implantation and a bimodal fitting.

Conclusion

Although randomized trials are lacking, the results of our best‐evidence synthesis indicate that the second cochlear implant might be especially useful in sound localization and possibly also in language development.

Level of Evidence

Laryngoscope, 124:1694–1699, 2014
Combination ALA‐PDT and ablative fractional Er:YAG laser (2,940 nm) on the treatment of severe acne
Authors: Yin Rui , Lin Lin , Xiao Yan , Hao Fei , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: January 2014

Background

Scarring is a very common complication of severe acne and is difficult to treat by conventional methods. 5‐Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a novel treatment for improving acne lesions. Fractional laser resurfacing is a promising treatment for scar treatment because of its unique ability to stimulate the wound healing response and its depth of penetration.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of combination therapies of ALA‐PDT and ablative fractional Er:YAG laser (2,940 nm) for scarring lesions in severe acne patients.

Methods

A prospective, single‐arm, pilot study. Forty subjects with severe acne were treated with 15% ALA‐PDT for four times at 10‐day intervals. They then received ablative fractional Er:YAG laser treatment five times at 4‐week intervals. Three independent investigators evaluated subject outcomes at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post‐treatment (primary outcome); patients also provided self‐assessments of improvement (secondary outcome).

Results

Significant reductions in acne score (P < 0.01) were obtained at follow‐up visits after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. After 6 month, the lesions showed overall improvement in all of subjects (good to excellent in acne inflammatory lesions), 80% overall improvement in acne scars. After 12 months, most of subjects had improved hypertrophic/atrophic scars (good to excellent in 85%) and no one had recurrent acne inflammatory lesions. Patient self‐evaluation also revealed good to excellent improvements (on average) in acne lesions and scarring, with significant improvements in self‐esteem after 6 months post‐treatment.

Conclusions

PDT can control the inflammation and improve the severity of acne lesions. Fractional resurfacing is a promising new treatment modality for scars by stimulating wound healing and remodeling. The combination therapy is a promising option for severe acne to prevent and improve car formation. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:165–172, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beneficial effects of early treatment of infantile hemangiomas with a long‐pulse Alexandrite laser
Authors: Su Wenting , Ke Youhui , Xue Jixin
Published: January 2014

Background and Objective

There is an increasing interest in treating vascular lesions with a long‐pulse Alexandrite laser. However, it is difficult to search information in the literature about infantile hemangiomas (IH) treated with long‐pulse Alexandrite laser. This article aims to determine whether 755 nm long‐pulse Alexandrite laser is effective and safe for early intervention of IH and provides some new data on this issue.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective study of 48 infants with IH treated with long‐pulse Alexandrite laser during a 1.5‐year period. Patients received a series of 1–7 treatment sessions with long‐pulse Alexandrite laser at settings of 3 milliseconds pulse duration, 6–8 mm spot, 45–70 J/cm2fluences, and with dynamic cooling device (DCD) spray duration of 90 milliseconds and delay of 80 milliseconds, given at 4‐ to 6‐week intervals.

Results

This study demonstrated that IH responded favorably to the treatment of a long‐pulse Alexandrite laser while accompany with relatively few complications. The difference between the original untreated and post‐treatment scores of all IH and two subgroups were statistically significant, respectively (P < 0.01). The difference of the degree of improvement between the two subgroups was not significant (P > 0.05). It was observed that IH on the trunk and extremities improved more effectively and more quickly than those on the face, neck, and perineum. Besides, age at the first treatment, the sex of the patients and the presence of proliferation were not significantly correlated with the degree of improvement. Adverse effects were seen in 11 patients (22.91%): blistering (n = 9), marked edema and erosion without subsequent residual scarring (n = 1), and hypopigmentation (n = 1), which improved gradually with time. Fortunately, there was no incidence of scarring or ulceration in this case series of IH.

Conclusions

It was clinically effective and safe for early treatment of IH, including the thick/deep ones, with a long‐pulse Alexandrite laser, which indicated be able to reduce the possibility that the IH will reach its full size. In this way it can prevent several complications connected to the rapid proliferation of IH. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:173–179, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced sulphidation/oxidation resistance of Ti–45Al–8Nb alloy by nanostructured CrAlYN/CrN coatings at 750 °C
Authors: Dudziak T. , Du H. L. , Datta P. K. , Ehiasarian A. P. , Reinhard C. , Hovsepian P. Eh.
Published: January 2014

This paper discusses the sulphidation/oxidation protection offered by multilayer CrAlYN/CrN coatings etched by Cr, CrAl and Y ions, deposited by a combined high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS)/unbalanced magnetron sputtering (UBM) technique on a Ti–45Al–8Nb alloy (at%). The test was performed at 750 °C in an environment of H2/H2S/H2O yielding low oxygen (10−18 Pa) and high sulphur (10−1 Pa) partial pressures for up to 1000 h. The results show that all the exposed materials underwent uneven degradation; some places developed a thin protective oxide scale (Al,Cr)2O3 with a tiny sulphur content, whilst others developed a porous non‐protective TiO2 + Al2O3 scale as well with a tiny sulphur content.
Corrosion protection of stainless steel plates in fuel cells environment by conducting polymers
Authors: Bazzaoui M. , Martins J. I. , Bazzaoui E. A. , Albourine A. , Martins L.
Published: January 2014

The electrodeposition of polypyrrole and polyaniline has been performed in aqueous solutions of sodium saccharinate and sulphuric acid, respectively. The coatings were obtained by voltamperometric and galvanostatic methods. The corrosion behaviour of polypyrrole and polyaniline coated stainless steel (SS) in sulphuric acid medium was investigated by linear polarisation, open circuit potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The polyaniline coatings doped with sulphate anions (SO42−) showed more resistance to protect SS to corrosion than the polypyrrole coatings doped with saccharinate anions (C7H4NO3S−).
Time‐encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling: Basic properties and timing strategies for human applications
Authors: Teeuwisse Wouter M. , Schmid Sophie , Ghariq Eidrees , Veer Ilya M. , van Osch Matthias J.P.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

In this study, the basic properties and requirements of time‐encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (te‐pCASL) are investigated. Also, the extra degree of freedom delivered by changing block durations is explored.

Methods

First, the minimal duration of encoding blocks, the influence of cardiac triggering, and the effect of dividing the labeling period into blocks are evaluated. Two new strategies for timing the encoding blocks in te‐pCASL are introduced: variable block duration to compensate for T1‐decay and the free lunch approach that uses the postlabeling delay time that is idle in standard pCASL to acquire arterial transit time (ATT) information. Simulations are used to probe possible signal losses.

Results

No signal loss was found when dividing the labeling period into blocks with duration >50 ms. In time‐encoded perfusion imaging, no cardiac triggering is required. Summation of results for individual blocks in te‐pCASL postprocessing causes severe loss of temporal SNR. Quality of cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps was not affected by the encoding line order.

Conclusion

Adjusting the timing of encoding blocks in te‐pCASL allows for tailoring the acquisition to specific applications. With the free lunch setup, te‐pCASL delivers CBF and high resolution ATT maps within a single scan, with a small penalty in tSNR. Magn Reson Med 72:1712–1722, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of the genomic features and expressed fusion genes in micropapillary carcinomas of the breast
Authors: Natrajan Rachael , Wilkerson Paul M , Marchiò Caterina , Piscuoglio Salvatore , Ng Charlotte KY , Wai Patty , Lambros Maryou B , Samartzis Eleftherios P , Dedes Konstantin J , Frankum Jessica , Bajrami Ilirjana , Kopec Alicja , Mackay Alan , A'hern Roger , Fenwick Kerry , Kozarewa Iwanka , Hakas Jarle , Mitsopoulos Costas , Hardisson David , Lord Christopher J , Kumar‐Sinha Chandan , Ashworth Alan , Weigelt Britta , Sapino Anna , Chinnaiyan Arul M , Maher Christopher A , Reis‐Filho Jorge S
Published: January 2014

Micropapillary carcinoma (MPC) is a rare histological special type of breast cancer, characterized by an aggressive clinical behaviour and a pattern of copy number aberrations (CNAs) distinct from that of grade‐ and oestrogen receptor (ER)‐matched invasive carcinomas of no special type (IC‐NSTs). The aims of this study were to determine whether MPCs are underpinned by a recurrent fusion gene(s) or mutations in 273 genes recurrently mutated in breast cancer. Sixteen MPCs were subjected to microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis and Sequenom OncoCarta mutation analysis. Eight and five MPCs were subjected to targeted capture and RNA sequencing, respectively. aCGH analysis confirmed our previous observations about the repertoire of CNAs of MPCs. Sequencing analysis revealed a spectrum of mutations similar to those of luminal B IC‐NSTs, and recurrent mutations affecting mitogen‐activated protein kinase family genes and NBPF10. RNA‐sequencing analysis identified 17 high‐confidence fusion genes, eight of which were validated and two of which were in‐frame. No recurrent fusions were identified in an independent series of MPCs and IC‐NSTs. Forced expression of in‐frame fusion genes (SLC2A1–FAF1 and BCAS4–AURKA) resulted in increased viability of breast cancer cells. In addition, genomic disruption of CDK12 caused by out‐of‐frame rearrangements was found in one MPC and in 13% of HER2‐positive breast cancers, identified through a re‐analysis of publicly available massively parallel sequencing data. In vitro analyses revealed that CDK12 gene disruption results in sensitivity to PARP inhibition, and forced expression of wild‐type CDK12 in a CDK12‐null cell line model resulted in relative resistance to PARP inhibition. Our findings demonstrate that MPCs are neither defined by highly recurrent mutations in the 273 genes tested, nor underpinned by a recurrent fusion gene. Although seemingly private genetic events, some of the fusion transcripts found in MPCs may play a role in maintenance of a malignant phenotype and potentially offer therapeutic opportunities. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Prenatal diagnosis in severe von Willebrand disease families from India using combination of phenotypic and genotypic assays
Authors: Kasatkar Priyanka , Shetty Shrimati , Ghosh Kanjaksha
Published: January 2014

Objective

This study aimed to offer genetic diagnosis to affected type 3 severe von Willebrand disease families.

Method

Thirteen families were referred for prenatal diagnosis during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Prenatal diagnosis was offered by chorionic villus sampling between 11 and 12 weeks and by cordocentesis between 18 and 19.5 weeks of gestation. Phenotypic analysis included FVIII:C and von Willebrand factor antigen assays. A combination of molecular biological techniques which included PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism technique using intron 40 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) markers, conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis, direct DNA sequencing, and multiple ligation probe amplification (MLPA) were used to offer genotyic diagnosis in the remaining families.

Results

Diagnosis was offered by intron 40 VNTR analysis in eight families. In one family, the diagnosis was given by direct mutation detection technique, whereas in another diagnosis was given by MLPA technique as the index case showed the presence of large deletion within von Willebrand factor. In three families, diagnosis was offered by cordocentesis on the basis of phenotypic assays, further confirmed by genotyping.

Conclusion

Both first and second‐trimester prenatal diagnoses could be successfully offered using a combination of phenotypic and genotypic techniques to all severe von Willebrand disease families. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference charts for fetal biometric parameters in twin pregnancies according to chorionicity
Authors: Araujo Júnior Edward , Ruano Rodrigo , Javadian Pouya , Martins Wellington P. , Elito Júnior Julio , Pires Claudio Rodrigues , Zanforlin Filho Sebastião Marques
Published: January 2014

Objective

The objective of this article is to determine reference values for fetal biometric parameters in twin pregnancies and to compare these values between monochorionic and dichorionic pregnancies.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted among 157 monochorionic and 176 dichorionic twin pregnancies between 14 and 38 weeks of gestation. Biometric measurements included the biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC), femurs length (FL) and estimated fetal weight (EFW). To evaluate the correlation between biometric parameters and gestational age, polynomial regression models were created, with adjustments using the coefficient of determination (R2). Comparison between monochorionic and dichorionic pregnancies was performed using analysis of covariance.

Results

The mean BPD, AC, FL and EFW for the dichorionic pregnancies were 56.16 mm, 191.1 mm, 41.08 mm and 816.1 g, respectively. The mean BPD, AC, FL and EFW for the monochorionic pregnancies were 57.14 mm, 184.2 mm, 39.29 mm and 723.4 g, respectively. There was a statistical difference between mono and dichorionic pregnancies for all the biometric parameters (BPD p = 0.012; AC p = 0.047; FL p = 0.007; EFW p = 0.011).

Conclusion

Reference curves of biometric parameters in twin pregnancies were determined. Biometric parameters were statistically different between monochorionic and dichorionic pregnancies. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cadmium‐induced microsatellite instability in the kidneys and leukocytes of C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Du Xiaoyan , Lan Tianfeng , Yuan Bao , Chen Jian , Hu Jinping , Ren Wenzhi , Chen Zhenwen
Published: January 2014

Cadmium is a cytotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic industrial product or byproduct. The correlation between metal exposure and microsatellite instability (MSI) has been reported by several groups. In the present study, 50 C57BL/6J mice at 6 weeks of age were divided into five groups and intraperitoneally injected with 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg cadmium chloride quaque die alterna for 4 weeks. Then, the liver, kidney, testis, leukocytes, bone marrow, and small intestine were collected from the treated mice and weighed. Portions of these tissues were fixed for further histological analysis, and the remaining tissues were subjected to genomic DNA extraction for the analysis of a panel of 42 microsatellite markers. The liver and testis weight coefficients were significantly changed in the 1 and 2 mg/kg cadmium chloride‐treated groups compared with the control group. Simultaneously, severe histopathologic changes in the liver and kidneys, along with a complete disorganization of testicular structure and obvious severe necrosis in the testes were observed in the cadmium‐treated group. The cadmium accumulated in the liver and kidneys of the mice in all cadmium‐treated groups; the tissue cadmium concentrations were significantly higher than those in the control group. After STR scanning, MSI was found at three loci (D15Mit5, D10Mit266, and DxMit172) in the kidneys and leukocytes of mice in the lower dose groups (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg). In summary, we have successfully established a sub‐chronic cadmium exposure model and confirmed that cadmium exposure can induce MSI in mice. We also identified two loci that could be regarded as “hotspots” of microsatellite mutation in mice. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 683–692, 2015.