bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum albumin–protamine conjugate for biocompatible platform for targeted delivery of therapeutic macromolecules
Authors: Absar Shahriar , Nahar Kamrun , Choi Suna , Ahsan Fakhrul , Yang Victor C. , Kwon Young M.
Published: August 2013

A well‐defined, one‐to‐one conjugate between human serum albumin (HSA) and protamine was synthesized and characterized as a biocompatible carrier for macromolecules. In circulation, the conjugate will camouflage drug molecules upon complex formation, while liberating free drug at the desired location using a triggering mechanism. The N‐terminus of protamine was thiolated and conjugated with the unpaired Cysteine‐34 of HSA, and was purified by ion‐exchange chromatography. The molecular weight of the conjugate was 70.8 kDa, confirming one‐to‐one conjugation between HSA (66.6 KDa) and protamine (4200 Da). Superimposed fluorescence spectra of native HSA and HSA–protamine conjugate indicated no conformational change around the Trp‐214. The conjugate had marked reduction in hemolytic and cytotoxic properties compared to protamine. When therapeutic potential was tested using tissue plasminogen activator as a model drug, HSA–protamine conjugate suppressed the enzymatic activity by 65%, which was fully recovered by a triggering agent, heparin. The construct showed binding characteristics with activated platelets upon conjugation with a targeting peptide, demonstrating flexibility to introduce suitable homing moiety on the surface. The camouflaged construct retained triggered release property in human plasma condition. Overall, the conjugate has a good potential to serve as a biocompatible platform for macromolecular drugs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2481–2490, 2014.
Development of an elastic cell culture substrate for a novel uniaxial tensile strain bioreactor
Authors: Moles Matthew D. , Scotchford Colin A. , Ritchie Alastair Campbell
Published: August 2013

Bioreactors can be used for mechanical conditioning and to investigate the mechanobiology of cells in vitro. In this study a polyurethane (PU), Chronoflex AL, was evaluated for use as a flexible cell culture substrate in a novel bioreactor capable of imparting cyclic uniaxial tensile strain to cells. PU membranes were plasma etched, across a range of operating parameters, in oxygen. Contact angle analysis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed increases in wettability and surface oxygen were related to both etching power and duration. Atomic force microscopy demonstrated that surface roughness decreased after etching at 20 W but was increased at higher powers. The etching parameters, 20 W 40 s, produced membranes with high surface oxygen content (21%), a contact angle of 66° ± 7° and reduced topographical features. Etching and protein conditioning membranes facilitated attachment, and growth to confluence within 3 days, of MG‐63 osteoblasts. After 2 days with uniaxial strain (1%, 30 cycles/min, 1500 cycles/day), cellular alignment was observed perpendicular to the principal strain axis, and found to increase after 24 h. The results indicate that the membrane supports culture and strain transmission to adhered cells. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2356–2364, 2014.
Replacement, refinement, and reduction: Necessity of standardization and computational models for long bone fracture repair in animals
Authors: Reifenrath Janin , Angrisani Nina , Lalk Mareike , Besdo Silke
Published: August 2013

In the field of fracture healing it is essential to know the impacts of new materials. Fracture healing of long bones is studied in various animal models and extrapolated for use in humans, although there are differences between the micro‐ and macrostructure of human versus animal bone. Unfortunately, recommended standardized models for fracture repair studies do not exist. Many different study designs with various animal models are used. Concerning the general principles of replacement, refinement and reduction in animal experiments (three “Rs”), a standardization would be desirable to facilitate better comparisons between different studies. In addition, standardized methods allow better prediction of bone healing properties and implant requirements with computational models. In this review, the principles of bone fracture healing and differences between osteotomy and artificial fracture models as well as influences of fixation devices are summarized. Fundamental considerations regarding animal model choice are discussed, as it is very important to know the limitations of the chosen model. In addition, a compendium of common animal models is assembled with special focus on rats, rabbits, and sheep as most common fracture models. Fracture healing simulation is a basic tool in reducing the number of experimental animals, so its progress is also presented here. In particular, simulation of different animal models is presented. In conclusion, a standardized fracture model is of utmost importance for the best adaption of simulation to experimental setups and comparison between different studies. One of the basic goals should be to reach a consensus for standardized fracture models. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2884–2900, 2014.
Similarities and differences in low‐ to middle‐latitude geomagnetic indices
Authors: Katus R. M. , Liemohn M. W.
Published: August 2013

Several versions of low‐ to middle‐latitude geomagnetic indices are examined throughout a 24 year interval and during storm time with respect to a normalized epoch timeline based on several key storm features. In particular, we conduct a quantitative comparison of the storm time superpositioning of the Dst, SYM‐H, and 1 min U.S. Geological Survey Dst indices using error analysis and employing descriptive statistics to assess the similarities and differences between them. The events are then categorized by storm intensity and examined as a function of the storm phase. While the indices are highly correlated with each other, dramatic deviation between the indices exists at certain storm epoch times. In particular, the error increases at storm peak and especially for more intense storms. The differences at storm peak are, on average, 20% of the peak value of the indices. These differences arise from the choice of magnetometer stations to include in each index and the various methodologies used to compile the individual perturbation measurements into a global value. The conclusions are that multiple indices should be considered when determining low‐ to middle‐latitude magnetic perturbations and that the difference between the indices should be considered as an error estimate on these values.
Statistical occurrence and dynamics of the Harang discontinuity during steady magnetospheric convection
Authors: Kissinger J. , Wilder F. D. , McPherron R. L. , Hsu T.‐S. , Baker J. B. H. , Kepko L.
Published: August 2013

The Harang discontinuity is a longitudinally extended ionospheric signature near midnight of flow reversal from westward to eastward with decreasing latitude. Its occurrence indicates enhanced convection in the magnetotail that requires an upward field‐aligned current from the ionosphere due to diamagnetic ion drift. Previous reports using event studies have been conflicting as to the occurrence of the Harang discontinuity during a mode of enhanced magnetotail response called steady magnetospheric convection (SMC). With a comprehensive list of SMC events from 1997 through 2007, we utilize data from the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network and a novel spatial superposition technique to statistically examine the occurrence of the Harang discontinuity during SMC events. We find that the statistical signature of the Harang discontinuity begins before SMC starts and strengthens as the SMC events progress. We also detail the typical size and strength of the Harang discontinuity and find that it is more pronounced during interplanetary magnetic field +By conditions.
Revision septoplasty: A prospective disease‐specific outcome study
Authors: Gillman Grant S. , Egloff Ann M. , Rivera‐Serrano Carlos M.
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

1) Study outcomes of revision septoplasty using a validated disease‐specific questionnaire and a patient satisfaction survey; 2) assess the effect of surgery on the use of medication to treat nasal congestion; and 3) report on sites of persistent septal deviation identified at revision septoplasty.

Study Design

Prospective, single‐center outcome study of patients with symptomatic nasal obstruction and persisting septal deviation despite prior septal surgery.

Methods

The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale was administered preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months following revision surgery. Patients were also questioned regarding ease of breathing and medication use preoperatively and postoperatively, as well as satisfaction with the surgical outcome. Anatomic site(s) of residual septal deviation were recorded intraoperatively.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients completed the study. Mean NOSE scores decreased significantly from 75.9 preoperatively to 14.9 3 months after revision surgery. Mean Ease‐of‐Breathing scores over this interval improved from 3/10 preoperatively to 8.5/10. Both results were sustained at 6 months (P <0.0001). Patient satisfaction was very high, and many patients required less medication to treat symptoms of nasal congestion postoperatively. Deviations persisting from prior surgery most commonly involved the dorsal or caudal septum.

Conclusion

In patients who experience ongoing nasal obstruction with a persistent septal deviation despite prior septoplasty, revision surgery significantly improves disease‐specific quality of life, results in high patient satisfaction, and may diminish the need for nasal medications postoperatively. Caudal or dorsal deflections may be more difficult to correct, leading to the need for revision surgery.

Level of Evidence

2C Laryngoscope, 124:1290–1295, 2014
A homozygous SLITRK6 nonsense mutation is associated with progressive auditory neuropathy in humans
Authors: Morlet Thierry , Rabinowitz Mindy R. , Looney Liesl R. , Riegner Tammy , Greenwood L. Ashleigh , Sherman Eric A. , Achilly Nathan , Zhu Anni , Yoo Estelle , O'Reilly Robert C. , Jinks Robert N. , Puffenberger Erik G. , Heaps Adam , Morton Holmes , Strauss Kevin A.
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

SLITRK family proteins control neurite outgrowth and regulate synaptic development. In mice, Slitrk6 plays a role in the survival and innervation of sensory neurons in the inner ear, vestibular apparatus, and retina, and also influences axial eye length. We provide the first detailed description of the auditory phenotype in humans with recessive SLITRK6 deficiency.

Study Design

Prospective observational case study.

Methods

Nine closely related Amish subjects from an endogamous Amish community of Pennsylvania underwent audiologic and vestibular testing. Single nucleotide polymorphism microarrays were used to map the chromosome locus, and Sanger sequencing or high‐resolution melt analysis were used to confirm the allelic variant.

Results

All nine subjects were homozygous for a novel nonsense variant of SLITRK6 (c.1240C>T, p.Gln414Ter). Adult patients had high myopia. The 4 oldest SLITRK6 c.1240C>T homozygotes had absent ipsilateral middle ear muscle reflexes (MEMRs). Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were absent in all ears tested and the cochlear microphonic (CM) was increased in amplitude and duration in young patients and absent in the two oldest subjects. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were dys‐synchronised bilaterally with no reproducible waves I, III, or V at high intensities. Hearing loss and speech reception thresholds deteriorated symmetrically with age, which resulted in severe‐to‐profound hearing impairment by early adulthood. Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials were normal in three ears and absent in one.

Conclusion

Homozygous SLITRK6 c.1240C>T (p.Gln414Ter) nonsense mutations are associated with high myopia, cochlear dysfunction attributed to outer hair cell disease, and progressive auditory neuropathy.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 124:E95–E103, 2014
Automated acoustic analysis of task dependency in adductor spasmodic dysphonia versus muscle tension dysphonia
Authors: Roy Nelson , Mazin Alqhazo , Awan Shaheen N.
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Distinguishing muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) from adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) can be difficult. Unlike MTD, ADSD is described as “task‐dependent,” implying that dysphonia severity varies depending upon the demands of the vocal task, with connected speech thought to be more symptomatic than sustained vowels. This study used an acoustic index of dysphonia severity (i.e., the Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia [CSID]) to: 1) assess the value of “task dependency” to distinguish ADSD from MTD, and to 2) examine associations between the CSID and listener ratings.

Study Design

Case‐Control Study.

Methods

CSID estimates of dysphonia severity for connected speech and sustained vowels of patients with ADSD (n = 36) and MTD (n = 45) were compared. The diagnostic precision of task dependency (as evidenced by differences in CSID‐estimated dysphonia severity between connected speech and sustained vowels) was examined.

Results

In ADSD, CSID‐estimated severity for connected speech (M = 39. 2, SD = 22.0) was significantly worse than for sustained vowels (M = 29.3, SD = 21.9), [P = .020]. Whereas in MTD, no significant difference in CSID‐estimated severity was observed between connected speech (M = 55.1, SD = 23.8) and sustained vowels (M = 50.0, SD = 27.4), [P = .177]. CSID evidence of task dependency correctly identified 66.7% of ADSD cases (sensitivity) and 64.4% of MTD cases (specificity). CSID and listener ratings were significantly correlated.

Conclusion

Task dependency in ADSD, as revealed by differences in acoustically‐derived estimates of dysphonia severity between connected speech and sustained vowel production, is a potentially valuable diagnostic marker.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 124:718–724, 2014
Translational genomics of acquired laryngotracheal stenosis
Authors: Anis Mursalin M. , Zhao Zhigen , Khurana Jasvir , Krynetskiy Evgeny , Soliman Ahmed M. S.
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Acquired laryngotracheal stenosis (ALTS) results from abnormal mucosal wound healing after laryngeal and/or tracheal injury. Patients with ALTS often present late after significant reduction of the airway lumen and onset of symptoms. Motivated by the need for earlier detection of affected patients, we sought to investigate genetic markers for ALTS that would identify susceptible patients.

Study Design

Pilot Case‐Control Study.

Methods

Seventy‐six patients were recruited, 40 patients with ALTS and 36 control patients with airway injury but without ALTS. DNA was isolated from whole blood and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded specimens from patients. Custom primers were designed and the TaqMan assay employing allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction was used to interrogate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs2569190, rs1799750, and rs1800469 located in candidate genes CD14, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), respectively. A logistic regression model was used to examine the association of candidate gene polymorphisms with the presence or absence of ALTS.

Results

All 76 patients were successfully genotyped at the three loci of interest by optimizing the genotyping protocol. MMP‐1 SNP rs1799750 was most significantly associated with development of ALTS (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Identification of SNPs associated with development of ALTS will provide new experimental targets to study wound healing in human subjects. The association found in the current study between ALTS and SNP rs1799750 is being validated in a larger population examining an expanded set of relevant SNPs. Identifying patients with genetic susceptibility to ALTS and poor wound healing in the upper airway will be useful for management of patients after upper‐airway injury.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 124:E175–E179, 2014
An Ehrenfeucht‐Fraïssé game for
Authors: Väänänen Jouko , Wang Tong
Published: August 2013

In this paper we develop an Ehrenfeucht‐Fraïssé game for . Unlike the standard Ehrenfeucht‐Fraïssé games which are modeled solely after the behavior of quantifiers, this new game also takes into account the behavior of connectives in logic. We prove the adequacy theorem for this game. We also apply the new game to prove complexity results about infinite binary strings.
Microstructural Evolution in Linear Low Density Polyethylene During Peroxide Modification: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study
Authors: Golriz Mahdi , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Morshedian Jalil , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Mohammadi Yousef , Wagenknecht Udo
Published: August 2013

A Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is performed on peroxide induced branching reactions in a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) melt processed with different dicumyl peroxide (DCP) concentrations at various processing times and temperatures. The MC simulation can successfully monitor the microstructural changes due to the induced long chain branching (LCB), decreased terminal double bonds, and increased trans vinyl bonds in LLDPE during peroxide modification. The induced structural changes are in good agreement with the experimental results obtained by rheometery and SEC analysis. The changes in the gel content, , and MWD as a result of the peroxide modification are also determined. The simulation results also reveal that the chemical mechanism by which the modification proceeded is closely related to the changes in concentrations of reactive vinyl species of the PE molecules. Moreover, the results indicate that the degree of induced LCB increases almost linearly with the DCP concentrations. The findings of this paper indicate that the MC simulation method is able to predict the suitable processing conditions needed for inducing desirable structural changes in a LLDPE.
Secondary head and neck reconstruction using free flap to improve the postoperative function or appearance of cancer survivors
Authors: Onoda Satoshi , Kimata Yoshihiro , Sugiyama Narushi , Onoda Tomoo , Mizukawa Nobuyoshi
Published: August 2013

Background

Secondary reconstructive operations are needed when patients with head and neck cancers have complications such as tumor recurrence after initial treatment. These reconstructive procedures are also performed to improve the function and appearance of the head and neck region for many cancer survivors. We reviewed the patients who underwent secondary head and neck reconstruction to improve function and appearance and considered the significance of this procedure for cancer survivors, as well as its associated problems.

Methods

Among the secondary reconstruction patients, 20 patients underwent reconstruction to improve their function and/or appearance. The goal of reconstruction for the patients was functional improvement in eight cases, appearance improvement in ten cases, and both function and appearance in two cases. Chi‐square analyses were performed between the secondary and primary reconstructive groups with regard to the incidence of postoperative complications.

Results

All transferred flaps survived completely. We performed a small postoperative modification procedure in four cases. Minor complications not requiring surgical correction occurred in 2 of 20 patients. Additional operations were required owing to major postoperative complications in 2 of 20 patients. No significant associations were identified between the secondary and primary reconstructive groups with regard to postoperative complications.

Conclusion

The outcomes of the present report suggest that secondary reconstructive surgery is a relatively safe procedure. The decision to perform adaptation operations depends on various factors after sufficient discussion with patients. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:122–128, 2014.
Free fibular flap with periosteal excess for mandibular reconstruction
Authors: Trignano Emilio , Fallico Nefer , Faenza Mario , Rubino Corrado , Chen Hung‐Chi
Published: August 2013

Background

In microvascular transfer of fibular osteocutaneous flap for mandible reconstruction after cancer ablation, good bone union is necessary to allow timely radiation therapy after surgery. As the area of bone contact between fibula and the original mandible at the edge of the mandibular defect is small, a periosteal excess at both ends of the fibula covering the bone junction can be used to increase the chance of bone union. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a periosteal excess surrounding both ends of the fibula flap can provide better blood supply and, therefore, ensure bone union and wound healing at 6 weeks after surgery and before radiation therapy initiation.

Patients and methods

The transfer of fibular osteocutaneous flap with periosteal excess was only applied to reconstruct segmental mandibular defects. As a consequence, only cases in which osteotomy of fibula was not performed were included in this study. A total of 34 fibular flaps without osteotomies were performed between 2000 and 2008; 17 with and 17 without the periosteal excess.

The bone union was evaluated in terms of osseous callus formation using X‐rays and CT three‐dimensional images at 6 weeks after surgery, and results were assessed by three independent radiologists.

Results

There was a significant difference between reconstructions with and without the periosteal excess in terms of bone union (P = 0.022). With reference to postoperative complications, the group reconstructed without periosteal excess presented a higher number of complications, mainly consisting of partial and total flap necrosis, respectively six (35.29%) and two (11.76%) cases. In the group reconstructed with periosteal excess, no loss of the skin island has occurred. A significant difference was observed in terms of partial flap necrosis (P = 0.024), while the other complications did not reveal a statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The use of a periosteal excess at both ends of the fibula flap provides better blood supply and is, therefore, able to ensure good bone healing and skin paddle survival regardless of the radiotherapy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:527–533, 2013.
Overview of food products and dietary constituents with antidiabetic properties and their putative mechanisms of action: A natural approach to complement pharmacotherapy in the management of diabetes
Authors: Lacroix Isabelle M. E. , Li‐Chan Eunice C. Y.
Published: August 2013

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing chronic, noncommunicable diseases worldwide. Currently, 11 major classes of pharmacotherapy are available for the management of this metabolic disorder. However, the usage of these drugs is often associated with undesirable side effects, including weight gain and hypoglycemia. There is thus a need for new, safe and effective treatment strategies. Diet is known to play a major role in the prevention and management of diabetes. Numerous studies have reported the putative association of the consumption of specific food products, or their constituents, with the incidence of diabetes, and mounting evidence now suggests that some dietary factors can improve glycemic regulation. Foods and dietary constituents, similar to synthetic drugs, have been shown to modulate hormones, enzymes, and organ systems involved in carbohydrate metabolism. The present article reviews the major classes and modes of action of antidiabetic drugs, and examines the evidence on food products and dietary factors with antidiabetic properties as well as their plausible mechanisms of action. The findings suggest potential use of dietary constituents as a complementary approach to pharmacotherapy in the prevention and/or management of diabetes, but further research is necessary to identify the active components and evaluate their efficacy and safety.
Nitroxide‐Mediated Controlled Radical Styrene Polymerization Via a Mass‐Suspension Process
Authors: García‐Leal Enrique , Ordaz‐Quintero María Almendra , Saldívar‐Guerra Enrique , Albores‐Velasco Martha Eugenia , Vivaldo‐Lima Eduardo
Published: August 2013

Well controlled nitroxide‐mediated polymerizations of styrene using TEMPO as controller for the production of high molecular weight (MW) polystyrene have been run in a mass‐suspension process at the bench scale using molar ratios of nitroxide (N) to initiator (I) as low as N/I = 0.9. Previously, a kinetic study has been run in bulk polymerization in vials. The two processes show very similar results which demonstrates that the kinetic data collected in bulk can be used to scale‐up the mass‐suspension process. A mathematical model which can emulate the kinetic behavior of both processes has been built. Its kinetic parameters have been mostly taken from the literature and subjected to minimal data fitting using bulk reaction data. Some differences in the outputs of the two processes, especially at low conversions, are explained by the model and ascribed to temperature differences in the two processes.
Enhanced Shear Adhesion by Mechanical Interlocking of Dual‐Scaled Elastomeric Micropillars With Embedded Silica Particles
Authors: Rahmawan Yudi , Kang Seong Min , Lee Su Yeon , Suh Kahp‐Yang , Yang Shu
Published: August 2013

Enhanced shear adhesion of mechanically interlocked dual‐scaled micropillars embedded with silica particles is demonstrated. Arrays of elastomeric polyurethane acrylate micropillars with variable pillar diameter, height, aspect ratio (AR = diameter/height), and spacing ratio (SR = pillar‐to‐pillar distance/diameter) are decorated with silica particles of 100 nm to 1 μm on the pillar heads. The high‐density protrusions provided by a silica particle assembly (1 μm diameter) on the micropillar heads (5 μm diameter, AR = 8, SR = 2) increase the shear adhesion strength by an order of magnitude from 4.1 (between pristine micropillars) to 48.5 N cm−2. The adhesion strength is proportional to the particle size and the AR of micropillars, and inversely proportional to the SR. A simple mathematical model is derived by incorporating the interdigitation state of interlocking adhesion forces generated by the contacts between pillars and particle protrusions. Our model and SEM images also suggest that only ≈20% of micropillars participate in the actual contact.
Anisotropic porothermoelastic solution and hydro‐thermal effects on fracture width in hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Abousleiman Younane N. , Hoang Son K. , Liu Chao
Published: August 2013

In this study, the effects of the temperature difference between hydraulic fracturing fluid and rock formation on the time‐dependent evolution of fracture width were investigated using a newly derived one‐dimensional anisotropic porothermoelastic analytical solution. The solution is shown to correctly reproduce existing solutions for special cases and corrections for an earlier publication are provided. An analysis of time‐dependent fracture width evolution using Woodford Shale data was also presented. It was found that when the fracturing fluid has the same temperature as the shale formation, the fracture gradually closes back after the initial opening due to the invasion of the fracturing fluid. Practically, in this scenario, proppants should be pumped into the fracture as soon as possible to obtain maximum fracture conductivity. On the other hand, with a fracturing fluid 60 °C colder than the formation, the thermal contraction of the rock dominates the fracture aperture evolution, resulting in a fracture aperture approximately 70% larger than that produced by the hotter fracturing fluid. Consequently, in this case, it is beneficial to delay proppant placement to take advantage of the widening fractures. Finally, it was found that the fracture aperture is directly controlled by the spacing of natural fractures. Therefore, the presence of natural fractures in the shale formation and their spacing influence not only the type of hydraulic fractures created but also what kind and size of proppants should be used to keep them open. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for long‐term failure of the retropubic tension‐free vaginal tape procedure
Authors: Svenningsen Rune , Staff Anne C. , Schiøtz Hjalmar A. , Western Kari , Sandvik Leiv , Kulseng‐Hanssen Sigurd
Published: August 2013

Aims

To investigate potential risk factors for long‐term (10‐year) subjective and objective failure of the retropubic tension‐free vaginal tape procedure (TVT).

Methods

Secondary risk analysis was performed using data from a recently published multi‐center study that were merged with additional preoperative and operative data individually stored in the Norwegian Female Incontinence Registry (NFIR). Subjective data from 483 women and objective data from 327 women were obtained 10 years after retropubic TVT surgery. A validated questionnaire was used for subjective outcome data and a stress test for objective outcome data. Uni‐ and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using preoperative and operative variables extracted from the NFIR. The outcomes were 10‐year subjective failure defined as women stating not cured, and objective failure was defined as ≥1 g urinary leakage during stress testing.

Results

Age ≥56 years at the time of TVT surgery was associated with both long‐term subjective failure (adjusted OR: 2.15, CI: 1.40–3.30) and long‐term objective failure (adjusted OR: 2.81, CI: 1.30–6.09). Mixed incontinence was associated with subjective, but not objective failure if the urgency incontinence component was severe (adjusted OR: 2.33, CI: 1.27–4.28). Surgical complications occurring at or immediately following surgery were associated with both outcomes in the univariate analyses, but were only an independent risk factor for subjective failure in the multivariate analysis (adjusted OR: 3.02, CI: 1.53–5.95).

Conclusions

Age ≥56 years, a severe preoperative urgency incontinence component and surgical complications seem to represent independent risk factors for long‐term (10‐year) failure. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:1140–1146, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of protein disorder region predictions in CASP10
Authors: Monastyrskyy Bohdan , Kryshtafovych Andriy , Moult John , Tramontano Anna , Fidelis Krzysztof
Published: August 2013

The article presents the assessment of disorder region predictions submitted to CASP10. The evaluation is based on the three measures tested in previous CASPs: (i) balanced accuracy, (ii) the Matthews correlation coefficient for the binary predictions, and (iii) the area under the curve in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of predictions using probability annotation. We also performed new analyses such as comparison of the submitted predictions with those obtained with a Naïve disorder prediction method and with predictions from the disorder prediction databases D2P2 and MobiDB. On average, the methods participating in CASP10 demonstrated slightly better performance than those in CASP9. Proteins 2014; 82(Suppl 2):127–137. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electronic structure of defects and doping in ZnO: Oxygen vacancy and nitrogen doping
Authors: Boonchun Adisak , Lambrecht Walter R. L.
Published: August 2013

Our recent calculations of the oxygen vacancy in ZnO based on the local density approximation with Hubbard U corrections (LDA U) are compared with experimental deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) results and found to give excellent agreement for the and transition levels. While N O gives a deep acceptor level in ZnO, we show that N2 on the Zn‐site can give a shallow acceptor. Results of hybrid functional and generalized gradient approximation are compared. Calculations for the g‐factor and analysis of the wave function character also show that an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) center for N2 in ZnO also corresponds to the Zn‐site rather than O‐site.The observation of a donor–acceptor pair recombination photoluminescence center at 3.235 eV along with the EPR center suggests that the latter and its associated shallow acceptor level at 165 meV correspond both to the N2 on Zn. Finally, we discuss how N2 may be preferentially incorporated on the Zn site on Zn‐polar surfaces and under Zn‐poor, O‐rich conditions.
Structural phase transition and mechanical properties of TiO2 under high pressure
Authors: Fu Zhao , Liang Yongcheng , Wang Shiming , Zhong Zheng
Published: August 2013

A systematic examination of structural phase transitions and mechanical properties for TiO2 under high pressure has been performed by using first‐principles calculations. First, we show that the orthorhombic Pca21 structure becomes stabilize at certain pressure and temperature, whereas the cubic fluorite and pyrite structures are not energetically viable in the whole pressure range of 0–200 GPa. These findings support that the experimentally assumed cubic TiO2 should be the Pca21‐type TiO2. Secondly, our calculated equations of state for various TiO2 polymorphs are consistent with previous experimental and theoretical results. The only exception is the baddeleyite phase for which we find a significantly lower bulk modulus of 149 GPa than the measured value 290–304 GPa. Finally, our calculations reveal that the recently synthesized Fe2P‐type TiO2 exhibits semiconducting features and has the potential to be a superhard material under ultrahigh pressure. It is shown that the high pressure could open a valid avenue for new hard or superhard materials.
SOX: Short distance neutrino Oscillations with BoreXino
Authors: Bellini G. , Bick D. , Bonfini G. , Bravo D. , Caccianiga B. , Calaprice F. , Caminata A. , Cavalcante P. , Chavarria A. , Chepurnov A. , D’Angelo D. , Davini S. , Derbin A. , Etenko A. , Fernandes G. , Fomenko K. , Franco D. , Galbiati C. , Ghiano C. , Göger-Neff M. , Goretti A. , Hagner C. , Hungerford E. , Ianni Aldo , Ianni Andrea , Kobychev V. , Korablev D. , Korga G. , Krasnicky D. , Kryn D. , Laubenstein M. , Link J. M. , Litvinovich E. , Lombardi F. , Lombardi P. , Ludhova L. , Lukyanchenko G. , Machulin I. , Manecki S. , Maneschg W. , Meroni E. , Meyer M. , Miramonti L. , Misiaszek M. , Mosteiro P. , Muratova V. , Oberauer L. , Obolensky M. , Ortica F. , Otis K. , Pallavicini M. , Pantic E. , Papp L. , Perasso S. , Pocar A. , Ranucci G. , Razeto A. , Re A. , Romani A. , Rossi N. , Saldanha R. , Salvo C. , Schönert S. , Semenov D. , Simgen H. , Skorokhvatov M. , Smirnov O. , Sotnikov A. , Sukhotin S. , Suvorov Y. , Tartaglia R. , Testera G. , Unzhakov E. , Vogelaar R. B. , Wang H. , Wojcik M. , Wurm M. , Zaimidoroga O. , Zavatarelli S. , Zuzel G.
Published: August 2013

Abstract

The very low radioactive background of the Borexino detector, its large size, and the well proved capability to detect both low energy electron neutrinos and antineutrinos make an ideal case for the study of short distance neutrino oscillations with artificial sources at Gran Sasso.

This paper describes the possible layouts of 51Cr (ν

e
) and 144Ce-144Pr
$$ \left( {{{\overline{\nu}}_e}} \right) $$
source experiments in Borexino and shows the expected sensitivity to eV mass sterile neutrinos for three possible different phases of the experiment. Expected results on neutrino magnetic moment, electroweak mixing angle, and couplings to axial and vector currents are shown too.
EPA and DHA Levels in Whole Blood Decrease More Rapidly when Stored at −20 °C as Compared with Room Temperature, 4 and −75 °C
Authors: Metherel A. H. , Aristizabal Henao J. J. , Stark K. D.
Published: August 2013

High‐throughput n‐3 fatty acid profiling is enabled by collection techniques such as venous whole blood and fingertip prick (FTP) sampling, but the resulting increased sample numbers increases storage demand. Highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) in erythrocytes are susceptible to oxidation, but this tendency is poorly characterized in venous and FTP whole blood. Presently, whole blood samples with low and high n‐3 content collected with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid were stored on chromatography paper with and without BHT pre‐treatment for up to 180 days at different temperatures (room, 4, −20, −75 °C). Whole blood prepared with heparin and BHT and stored in cryovials was also examined. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n‐3) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) is relatively stable when stored at −75 °C under various conditions but rapidly decreases in whole blood when stored at −20 °C. At −20 °C, BHT + heparin prepared whole blood can prevent decreases in cryovials up to 180 days but BHT only slows the decreases on chromatography paper. Surprisingly, whole blood stored at 4 °C and room temperature was less susceptible to decreases in EPA + DHA as compared with −20 °C storage. Assessments of n‐3 blood biomarkers indicate the % n‐3 HUFA in total HUFA was more stable as compared with the sum of the relative % of EPA + DHA. In conclusion, FTP and venous whole blood for fatty acid analysis should be stored at −75 °C whenever possible. In the absence of −75 °C storage conditions, BHT should be added and 4 °C or room temperature appear to be better alternatives to −20 °C.
Sal‐like 4 (SALL4) suppresses CDH1 expression and maintains cell dispersion in basal‐like breast cancer
Authors: Itou Junji , Matsumoto Yoshiaki , Yoshikawa Kiyotsugu , Toi Masakazu
Published: August 2013

In cell cultures, the dispersed phenotype is indicative of the migratory ability. Here we characterized Sal‐like 4 (SALL4) as a dispersion factor in basal‐like breast cancer. Our shRNA‐mediated SALL4 knockdown system and SALL4 overexpression system revealed that SALL4 suppresses the expression of adhesion gene CDH1, and positively regulates the CDH1 suppressor ZEB1. Cell behavior analyses showed that SALL4 suppresses intercellular adhesion and maintains cell motility after cell–cell interaction and cell division, which results in the dispersed phenotype. Our findings indicate that SALL4 functions to suppress CDH1 expression and to maintain cell dispersion in basal‐like breast cancer.
Nicotinamide is a specific inhibitor of dark‐operative protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase, a nitrogenase‐like enzyme, from Rhodobacter capsulatus
Authors: Nomata Jiro , Kondo Toru , Itoh Shigeru , Fujita Yuichi
Published: August 2013

Dark‐operative protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (DPOR) is a nitrogenase‐like enzyme consisting of two components, L‐protein as a reductase component and NB‐protein as a catalytic component. Elucidation of the crystal structures of NB‐protein (Muraki et al., Nature 2010, 465: 110–114) has enabled us to study its reaction mechanism in combination with biochemical analysis. Here we demonstrate that nicotinamide (NA) inhibits DPOR activity by blocking the electron transfer from L‐protein to NB‐protein. A reaction scheme of DPOR, in which the binding of protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) to the NB‐protein precedes the electron transfer from the L‐protein, is proposed based on the NA effects.
Hospizarbeit und Ehrenamt
Authors: Weihrauch Birgit
Published: August 2013

Einleitung

Es waren Bürgerinnen und Bürger, die sich vor über 30 Jahren aufmachten, um etwas zu verändern im Umgang mit schwerstkranken und sterbenden Menschen, die das Sterben wieder in das Leben zurückholten und ein Sterben in Würde ermöglichen wollten. Seither hat es einen dynamischen Ausbau der hospizlichen und palliativen Versorgungsstrukturen und der dazu notwendigen Rahmenbedingungen gegeben. Das bürgerschaftliche und ehrenamtliche Engagement hat hierzu entscheidend beigetragen und ist auch weiterhin wesentliches Element der Hospiz- und Palliativarbeit.
The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain in Adolescents
Authors: Zagustin Tamara K.
Published: August 2013

Chronic pain is frequently experienced in adolescents; it affects functionality and requires interventions to decrease the impairments caused by pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been analyzed in numerous studies that evaluated its effects on reducing the different types of chronic pain in children and adolescents. Interestingly, the outcome of CBT was initially focused on pain intensity, but, because there is no correspondence between children's pain intensity and level of disability, the ability to participate in school and social and recreational activities have been the primary focus of recent studies. There are innovative methods of CBT (such as the third generation of CBT) with and without the use of technology that facilitates the availability of this psychological treatment to adolescents with chronic pain, optimizing its accessibility and comprehensiveness, and maintaining its effectiveness. In the future, specific types of CBT could be specific to the diagnosis of chronic pain in the adolescent, sociodemographics, and other unique features. Parents of children with chronic pain are usually included in these programs, either as coaches in the intervention or as recipients of psychological therapies (including CBT) to optimize benefits. CBT has no adverse effect on chronic pain in adolescents, and there is no literature that makes reference to the effectiveness of CBT in preventing chronic pain in adolescents. A review of the role of CBT in chronic pain in adolescents via a PubMed database search was performed to identify the role of CBT in the management of chronic pain in adolescents.
A Systematic Review to Assess Comparative Effectiveness Studies in Epidural Steroid Injections for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and to Estimate Reimbursement Amounts
Authors: Bresnahan Brian W. , Rundell Sean D. , Dagadakis Marissa C. , Sullivan Sean D. , Jarvik Jeffrey G. , Nguyen Hiep , Friedly Janna L.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To systematically appraise published comparative effectiveness evidence (clinical and economic) of epidural steroid injections (ESI) for lumbar spinal stenosis and to estimate Medicare reimbursement amounts for ESI procedures.

Type

Systematic review.

Literature Survey

PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL were searched through August 2012 for key words that pertain to low back pain, spinal stenosis or sciatica, and epidural steroid injection. We used institutional and Medicare reimbursement amounts for our cost estimation. Articles published in English that assessed ESIs for adults with lumbar spinal stenosis versus a comparison intervention were included. Our search identified 146 unique articles, and 138 were excluded due to noncomparative study design, not having a study population with lumbar spinal stenosis, not having an appropriate outcome, or not being in English. We fully summarized 6 randomized controlled trials and 2 large observational studies.

Methodology

Randomized controlled trial articles were reviewed, and the study population, sample size, treatment groups, ESI dosage, ESI approaches, concomitant interventions, outcomes, and follow‐up time were reported. Descriptive resource use estimates for ESIs were calculated with use of data from our institution during 2010 and Medicare‐based reimbursement amounts.

Synthesis

ESIs or anesthetic injections alone resulted in better short‐term improvement in walking distance compared with control injections. However, there were no longer‐term differences. No differences between ESIs versus anesthetic in self‐reported improvement in pain were reported. Transforaminal approaches had better improvement in pain scores (≤4 months) compared with interlaminar injections. Two observational studies indicated increased rates of lumbar ESI in Medicare beneficiaries. Our sample included 279 patients who received at least 1 ESI during 2010, with an estimated mean total outpatient reimbursement for one ESI procedure “event” to be $637, based on 2010 Medicare reimbursement amounts ($505 technical and $132 professional payments).

Conclusion

This systematic review of ESI for treating lumbar spinal stenosis found a limited amount of data that suggest that ESI is effective in some patients for improving select short‐term outcomes, but results differed depending on study design, outcome measures used, and comparison groups evaluated. Overall, there are relatively few comparative clinical or economic studies for ESI procedures for lumbar spinal stenosis in adults, which indicated a need for additional evidence.
Effects of mean shear on the local turbulent entrainment process
Authors: Wolf Marc , Holzner M. , Lüthi B. , Krug D. , Kinzelbach W. , Tsinober A.
Published: August 2013

We report on effects of mean shear on the turbulent entrainment process, focusing in particular on their relation to small-scale processes in the proximity of the turbulent/non-turbulent interface (TNTI). Three-dimensional particle tracking velocimetry (3D-PTV) measurements of an axisymmetric jet are compared to data from a direct numerical simulation (DNS) of a zero-mean-shear (ZMS) flow. First, conditional statistics relative to the interface position are investigated in a pseudo-Eulerian view (i.e. in a fixed frame relative to the interface position) and in a Lagrangian view. We find that in a pseudo-Eulerian frame of reference, both vorticity fluctuations and mean shear contribute to the vorticity jump at the boundary between irrotational and turbulent regions. In contrast, the Lagrangian evolution of enstrophy along trajectories crossing the entrainment interface is almost exclusively dominated by vorticity fluctuations, at least during the first Kolmogorov time scales after passing the interface. A mapping between distance to the instantaneous interface versus conditional time along the trajectory shows that entraining particles remain initially close to the TNTI and therefore attain lower average enstrophy values. The ratio between the rate of change of enstrophy in the two frames of references defines the local entrainment velocity ${v}_{n} = - (\mathrm{D} {\omega }^{2} / \mathrm{D} t)/ (\partial {\omega }^{2} / \partial {\hat {x} }_{n} )$, where ${\omega }^{2} $ is enstrophy and ${\hat {x} }_{n} $ is the coordinate normal to the TNTI. The quantity ${v}_{n} $ is decomposed into mean and fluctuating components and it is found that mean shear enhances the local entrainment velocity via inviscid and viscous effects. Further, the analysis substantiates that for all investigated flow configurations the local entrainment velocity depends considerably on the geometrical shape of the interface. Depending on the surface shape, different small-scale mechanisms are dominant for the local entrainment process, i.e. viscous effects for convex shapes and vortex stretching for concave shapes, looking from the turbulent region towards the convoluted boundary. Moreover, turbulent fluctuations display a stronger dependence on the shape of the interface than mean shear effects.
Modelling the suppression of viscous fingering in elastic-walled Hele-Shaw cells
Authors: Pihler-Puzović Draga , Périllat Raphaël , Russell Matthew , Juel Anne , Heil Matthias
Published: August 2013

Recent experiments by Pihler-Puzovic et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 108, 2012, article 074502) have shown that the onset of viscous fingering in circular Hele-Shaw cells in which an air bubble displaces a viscous fluid is delayed considerably when the top boundary of the cell is replaced by an elastic membrane. Non-axisymmetric instabilities are only observed at much larger flow rates, and the large-amplitude fingers that develop are fundamentally different from the highly branched fingers in rigid-walled cells. We explain the mechanism for the suppression of the instability using a combination of linear stability analysis and direct numerical simulations, based on a theoretical model that couples a depth-averaged lubrication equation for the fluid flow to the Föppl–von Kármán equations, which describe the deformation of the elastic membrane. We show that fluid–structure interaction affects the instability primarily via two changes to the axisymmetric base flow: the axisymmetric inflation of the membrane prior to the onset of any instabilities slows down the expansion of the air bubble and forces the air–liquid interface to propagate into a converging fluid-filled gap. Both of these changes reduce the destabilizing viscous effects that drive the fingering instability in a rigid-walled cell. In contrast, capillary effects only play a very minor role in the suppression of the instability.