bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring zinc on the Roche cobas c502 analyzer—Validation, comparison, and pre‐analytic aspects
Authors: Kraus Frank Bernhard , Ludwig‐Kraus Beatrice 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesCharacterization of an in vitro diagnostic zinc assay (LT‐SYS) on a Roche cobas c502 analyzer and evaluation of the influence of pre‐analytic factors on zinc concentration measurements.Design and methodsImprecision, bias, linearity, limit of blank (LoB), and limit of detection (LoD) were established and method comparisons were performed based on the respective CLSI guidelines. The influence of time elapsed until analysis, the usage of a pneumatic tube delivery system (PTDS) and of special trace element sample tubes was evaluated as well.ResultsEstimates of imprecision ranged from 0.9% to 5.0% and bias was low with 1.3% and 1.5% deviation from target value. Linearity was met for the measuring range of 1.15‐34.7 μmol/L (7.51‐226.9 μg/dL), LoB and LoD were 0.17 μmol/L (1.11 μg/dL) and 0.73 μmol/L (4.77 μg/dL) respectively. The method comparison revealed an average deviation of 8.44% (y=0.542+1.036x). Plasma samples had 7.3% higher zinc values than serum samples on the average. Zinc values of uncentrifuged serum and plasma samples increased 20% in 8 hours, while after centrifugation no significant increase could be detected. Usage of PTDS increased zinc values by 17% and usage of trace element sample tubes showed no advantage over normal ones.ConclusionsThe LT‐SYS zinc assay showed a fully acceptable performance with good degrees of imprecision and bias, no deviation from linearity and both a very low LoB and LoD. Samples for zinc analysis should be centrifuged timely and transport over PTDS should be avoided.
Enhancing the removal of hazardous pollutants from coke‐making wastewater by dosing activated carbon to a pilot‐scale activated sludge process
Authors: Raper Eleanor , Soares Ana , Chen Jane , Sutcliffe Adam , Aries Eric , Anderson David , Stephenson Tom 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDPowdered activated carbon (PAC) was investigated for its ability to remove six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Σ6PAHs) (fluoranthene, benzo[b + J]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3‐cd]pyrene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene), trace metals and colour from coke‐making wastewater when dosed to a pilot‐plant activated sludge process (ASP). The ASP had a volume of 0.68 m3 and was operated to simulate the full‐scale ASP treating coke wastewater from a steel works. Operational conditions included a flow rate of 0.78 m3 day−1, a hydraulic retention time of 21 h, a sludge retention time of 38 days and a temperature of 27 °C. The ASP was operated for a control period before PAC was dosed directly into the aeration cell at a dose of 400 mg L−1.RESULTSPowdered activated carbon addition resulted in a 20% increase in removal efficiency of the Σ6PAHs. Removal efficiency of trace metals was variable, but increased for nickel, chromium and cadmium by 22.6%, 20.5% and 12.4%, respectively. Improvement in colour removal efficiency was marginal at 5%.CONCLUSIONPAC addition allowed the improvement of treatment efficiencies in the ASP process at relatively low capital and operational costs, which may assist in reaching tighter effluent emission limits set for the industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Disinfection of secondary treated sewage using chitosan beads coated with ZnO‐Ag nanoparticles to facilitate reuse of treated water
Authors: Chatterjee Pritha , Ghangrekar Makarand Madhao , Rao Surampalli 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDReuse of treated wastewater is necessary to augment supply of fresh water. Secondary effluent from a sewage treatment plant was disinfected using novel synthesized ZnO–Ag–chitosan beads under visible light.RESULTSFinal most probable number (MPN)/100 mL after 1 h contact time under direct sunlight was 920 with a loading of chitosan, Zn and Ag of 0.4 mg L−1 each. Disinfection resulted from the generation of reactive oxygen species. Disinfection efficiency reduced by 10% and 20%, when the total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations in the sewage were 50 mg L−1 and 100 mg L−1, respectively, compared with that with 30 mg L−1. A 5% and 10% reduction in disinfection efficiency was observed when sulphide concentration in sewage was increased from 10 mg L−1 to 20 mg L−1 and 50 mg L−1, respectively. Disinfection efficiency of the beads decreased by 10% when nitrate concentration in the sewage increased to 30 mg L−1 from zero. These novel beads had residual disinfection ability even after removal of beads from wastewater and these beads were successfully used for disinfection in four consecutive cycles.CONCLUSIONSuccessful disinfection of secondary sewage using chitosan beads coated with ZnO–Ag nanoparticles was established for the first time in this study to facilitate reuse of treated water. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes in echogenicity of hepatic hemangiomas during the valsalva maneuver
Authors: Won Hyung Jin , Kim Pyo Nyun , Lee Jong Seok 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundWe aimed to evaluate changes in echogenicity of hepatic hemangiomas during the Valsalva maneuver.MethodsWe examined 16 liver hemangiomas in 12 patients with a mean diameter of 1.5 cm (range, 0.7–2.2 cm), which showed variations in echogenicity during the Valsalva maneuver. Two radiologists reviewed the sonographic (US) images of the hemangiomas at three different times: prior to the Valsalva maneuver, during the Valsalva maneuver, and on follow‐up US examinations.ResultsPrior to Valsalva maneuver, the 16 hemangiomas appeared as hypoechoic nodules with an echogenic rim (n = 7), homogeneously echogenic nodules (n = 5), one hypoechoic nodule with sound‐through enhancement, one heterogeneous nodule with a hyperechoic rim, one heterogeneous nodule, and one echogenic nodule with a hyperechoic rim. During the Valsalva maneuver, increased echogenicity was observed in 11 cases, as a diffuse increase in 5 cases, and as a partial increase in 6. Prior to the Valsalva maneuver, 9 of 16 hemangiomas exhibited an echogenic rim. During the maneuver, all the rims were accentuated, and an additional five hemangiomas exhibited an echogenic rim. Throughout follow‐up, 12 of 15 hemangiomas underwent some echogenicity change.ConclusionsUse of the Valsalva maneuver during US examination of the liver can increase the echogenicity of hepatic hemangiomas and accentuate the echogenic rim, which could enhance the operator's confidence in the diagnosis of hemangioma. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:328–331, 2017;
Bounding the Clique‐Width of H‐Free Chordal Graphs
Authors: Brandstädt Andreas , Dabrowski Konrad K. , Huang Shenwei , Paulusma Daniël 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA graph is H‐free if it has no induced subgraph isomorphic to H. Brandstädt, Engelfriet, Le, and Lozin proved that the class of chordal graphs with independence number at most 3 has unbounded clique‐width. Brandstädt, Le, and Mosca erroneously claimed that the gem and co‐gem are the only two 1‐vertex P4‐extensions H for which the class of H‐free chordal graphs has bounded clique‐width. In fact we prove that bull‐free chordal and co‐chair‐free chordal graphs have clique‐width at most 3 and 4, respectively. In particular, we find four new classes of H‐free chordal graphs of bounded clique‐width. Our main result, obtained by combining new and known results, provides a classification of all but two stubborn cases, that is, with two potential exceptions we determine all graphs H for which the class of H‐free chordal graphs has bounded clique‐width. We illustrate the usefulness of this classification for classifying other types of graph classes by proving that the class of ‐free graphs has bounded clique‐width via a reduction to K4‐free chordal graphs. Finally, we give a complete classification of the (un)boundedness of clique‐width of H‐free weakly chordal graphs.
Tips for pure laparoscopic right hepatectomy in the live donor
Authors: Soubrane Olivier , Kwon Choon Hyuck David 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDonor right hepatectomy is a technically complex and challenging procedure. It is one of the most debated applications of laparoscopy and donor safety is the main concern. The technique described herein uses pure laparoscopic approach with five trocars. After mobilization of the right liver, the right hepatic artery and portal vein are dissected. The liver parenchyma is then divided using an ultrasonic aspirator and an energy device. The middle hepatic vein is kept intact with the left remaining liver. Intra‐operative cholangiography allows to determine a safe site for right bile duct division. When parenchymal section is completed, the right liver graft is taken out in a bag through a Pfannenstiel incision.
Explicit time integration of transient eddy current problems
Authors: Dutiné J. , Clemens M. , Schöps S. , Wimmer G. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryFor time integration of transient eddy current problems, commonly implicit time integration methods are used, where in every time, step 1 or several nonlinear systems of equations have to be linearized with the Newton‐Raphson method because of ferromagnetic materials involved. In this paper, a generalized Schur complement is applied to the magnetic vector potential formulation, which converts a differential‐algebraic equation system of index 1 into a system of ordinary differential equations with reduced stiffness. For the time integration of this ordinary differential equations system of equations, the explicit Euler method is applied. The Courant‐Friedrich‐Levy stability criterion of explicit time integration methods may result in small time steps. Applying a pseudoinverse of the discrete curl‐curl operator in nonconducting regions of the problem is required in every time step. For the computation of the pseudoinverse, the preconditioned conjugate gradient method is used. The cascaded subspace extrapolation method is presented to produce suitable start vectors for these preconditioned conjugate gradient iterations. The resulting scheme is validated using the nonlinear TEAM 10 benchmark problem.
Improved stopped‐flow time‐resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy device for studying enzymatic reactions
Authors: Yanagisawa Sachiko , Deshpande Megha Subhash , Hirota Shun , Nakagawa Tatsuo , Ogura Takashi 
Published: February 2017

An improved stopped‐flow resonance Raman spectroscopy device was constructed using a stopped‐flow mixer with a dead time of 3 ms and a mixing volume of 0.1 mL. The device was tested using myoglobin, where the formation reaction of a high‐valent heme species, ferryl‐oxo heme, was monitored by time‐resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy after mixing a ferric myoglobin solution with a hydrogen peroxide solution. The ferryl‐oxo heme formation rate constant obtained by Raman spectroscopy is in good agreement with the rate constant obtained by conventional stopped‐flow absorption spectroscopy for the same reaction under the same conditions. It is proved by these results that the present device is generally applicable to enzyme–substrate reactions with a significantly higher time resolution than previously reported. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of phosphorus compounds in soils by deep ultraviolet (DUV) Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Vogel Christian , Ramsteiner Manfred , Sekine Ryo , Doolette Ashlea , Adam Christian 
Published: February 2017

Deep ultraviolet Raman microspectroscopy was successfully investigated as a new approach to analyze the chemical state of phosphorus compounds directly in soil. We demonstrate that ultraviolet excitation has the advantage to avoid the interference with the strong fluorescence, which occurs in the visible spectral range caused by organic matter in soils. Furthermore, the spatial resolution of <1 μm2 enables the detection of very small phosphorus particles. For some organic phosphorus compounds (β‐glycerophosphate, aminomethylphosphonic acid), sample cooling to −100 °C is found to strongly reduce the rate of degradation induced by the illumination with the ultraviolet excitation light. However, phytic acid and adenosine monophosphate degraded even with cooling. Our results reveal the capability of deep ultraviolet Raman microspectroscopy as a high‐resolution benchtop imaging technique for the analysis of local interactions between soil compounds with the potential to become an analytical key to improve the understanding of transformation mechanisms of phosphates as well as other mineral phases in soils. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor size and invasiveness matters for partial nephrectomy: External validation and modification of the arterial based complexity score
Authors: Kriegmair Maximilian C. , Hetjens Svetlana , Mandel Philipp , Wadle Jula , Budjan Johannes , Michel Maurice S. , Pfalzgraf Daniel , Wagener Nina 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundOutcome of partial nephrectomy (PN) depends on anatomic features of the renal tumor, which can be assessed by nephrometry scores. The aim was to externally validate and refine the Arterial Based Complexity (ABC) score and to compare it to established systems.MethodsTumors of 300 patients undergoing PN were categorized according to the ABC, RENAL, and PADUA score. Size and tumor invasiveness were combined to form the ABCD score. Correlation analysis and multivariate logistic regression was performed to validate and compare the respective scores as predictors of surgical outcome.ResultsThe ABC score shows significant correlation with ischemia time (IT) (P < 0.01), opening of the collecting system (CS) (P < 0.01), and conversion to nephrectomy (P = 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, the ABC score was predictive for on‐clamp excision (P < 0.01) and opening of the CS (P < 0.01) only. The RENAL and ABCD scores were independent predictors for complications (P = 0.02, P = 0.05), IT (P < 0.01, P = 0.03), on clamp excision (P < 0.01, P < 0.01), and opening of the CS (P < 0.01, P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe ABC score correlates well with surgical parameters. Expanding the score by tumor diameter gives the ABCD system. It has similar predictive effectiveness to the well‐established RENAL score, but features simplicity by only assessing invasiveness and tumor size.
VFR Travel: A Viable Market for Tourism Crisis and Disaster Recovery?
Authors: Backer Elisa , Ritchie Brent W. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRebuilding tourist arrivals after crises/disasters is important. However, tourism may have negative impacts in terms of interfering with the destination recovery efforts, and adding distress to local residents. Therefore, consideration should be placed on timing tourism marketing as well as the market segments most suitable to target. This paper integrates both medical literature and tourism literature to consider whether Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travel may be viable for destinations to consider after crises/disasters. The authors conclude that VFR travel offers both benefits and risks and recommends that only domestic VFR travellers are targeted to aid destination recovery. Future research avenues are also outlined. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Port hierarchy and concentration: Insights from the Mediterranean cruise market
Authors: Cusano Maria Ines , Ferrari Claudio , Tei Alessio 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe cruise industry provides a tourism service that is performed entirely by means of transportation: the vessel. Although different characteristics of the cruise industry are well documented in the related academic literature, the role and influence of ports (and port cities) in defining cruise organisation is relatively understudied. Using public official data collected from all the major cruise groups operating in the Mediterranean Sea, we investigate the role of the different ports (and cities) within different itineraries. The analysis highlights that although there is some sort of hierarchical structure among some main ports included in the Mediterranean cruise routes, the majority of the ports of call are in a somewhat vulnerable position within the cruise transport network. Moreover, the study discusses how ports' characterising elements, such as excursion packages, have a strategic role in ensuring the inclusion of peripheral ports within the cruise network. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface markers for guiding cylindrical diffuser fiber insertion in interstitial photodynamic therapy of head and neck cancer
Authors: Oakley Emily , Bellnier David A. , Hutson Alan , Wrazen Brian , Arshad Hassan , Quon Harry , Shafirstein Gal 
Published: February 2017

Background and ObjectivesImage‐based treatment planning can be used to compute the delivered light dose during interstitial photodynamic therapy (I‐PDT) of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA‐HNSCC). The objectives of this work were to evaluate the use of surface fiducial markers and flexible adhesive grids in guiding interstitial placement of laser fibers, and to quantify the impact of discrepancies in fiber location on the expected light dose volume histograms (DVHs).MethodsSeven gel‐based phantoms were made to mimic geometries of LA‐HNSCC. Clinical flexible grids and fiducial markers were used to guide the insertion of optically transparent catheters, which are used to place cylindrical diffuser fibers within the phantoms. A computed tomography (CT) was used to image the markers and phantoms before and after catheter insertion and to determine the difference between the planned and actual location of the catheters. A finite element method was utilized to compute the light DVHs. Statistical analysis was employed to evaluate the accuracy of fiber placement and to investigate the correlation between the location of the fibers and the calculated DVHs.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.018) between all seven phantoms in terms of the mean displacement. There was also statistically significant correlation between DVHs and depth of insertion (P = 0.0027), but not with the lateral displacement (P = 0.3043). The maximum difference between actual and planned DVH was related to the number of fibers (P = 0.0025) and the treatment time.ConclusionsSurface markers and a flexible grid can be used to assist in the administration of a prescribed DVH within 15% of the target dose provided that the treatment fibers are placed within 1.3 cm of the planned depth of insertion in anatomies mimicking LA‐HNSCC. The results suggest that the number of cylindrical diffuser fibers and treatment time can impact the delivered DVHs. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:599–608, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thalamocortical dysconnectivity in paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia: Combining functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Long Zhiliang , Xu Qiang , Miao Huan‐Huan , Yu Yang , Ding Mei‐Ping , Chen Huafu , Liu Zhi‐Rong , Liao Wei 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundParoxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia is associated with macrostructural and microstructural abnormalities in the thalamus.ObjectivesTo examine functional and structural connectivity of thalamocortical networks in paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia and to further investigate the effect of mutation of the proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 on thalamocortical networks.MethodsPatients with paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (n = 20), subdivided into proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2‐mutated (n = 8) and nonmutated patients (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 20) underwent resting‐state functional MRI and diffusion imaging scan. The functional properties of correlations in neural activity (functional connectivity) and the structural properties of white matter probabilistic tractography (structural connectivity) were analyzed to characterize thalamocortical networks. Furthermore, the effect of proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 mutation on functional and structural connectivity of thalamocortical networks were examined using one‐way analysis of variance among three groups.ResultsPatients had increased functional and structural connectivity between ventral lateral/anterior thalamic nuclei and a lateral motor area, as compared to controls. This functional connectivity positively correlated with disease duration. Interestingly, proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2‐mutated patients showed decreased functional connectivity and preserved structural connectivity, between mediodorsal nucleus and prefrontal cortex, compared to nonmutated patients and controls.ConclusionsThalamomotor/premotor hyperconnectivity suggests abnormal communication between thalamus and motor cortex in patients. Furthermore, thalamoprefrontal hypoconnectivity in proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2‐mutated patients might indicate that proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 mutations result in inefficient thalamoprefrontal integration. Our findings facilitate a deeper understanding of the crucial role of thalamocortical dysconnectivity in the pathophysiological mechanisms of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A post hoc study on gene panel analysis for the diagnosis of dystonia
Authors: van Egmond Martje E. , Lugtenberg Coen H.A. , Brouwer Oebele F. , Contarino Maria Fiorella , Fung Victor S.C. , Heiner‐Fokkema M. Rebecca , van Hilten Jacobus J. , van der Hout Annemarie H. , Peall Kathryn J. , Sinke Richard J. , Roze Emmanuel , Verschuuren‐Bemelmans Corien C. , Willemsen Michel A. , Wolf Nicole I. , Tijssen Marina A. , de Koning Tom J. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTBackground: Genetic disorders causing dystonia show great heterogeneity. Recent studies have suggested that next‐generation sequencing techniques such as gene panel analysis can be effective in diagnosing heterogeneous conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate whether dystonia patients with a suspected genetic cause could benefit from the use of gene panel analysis.Methods: In this post hoc study, we describe gene panel analysis results of 61 dystonia patients (mean age, 31 years; 72% young onset) in our tertiary referral center. The panel covered 94 dystonia‐associated genes. As comparison with a historic cohort was not possible because of the rapidly growing list of dystonia genes, we compared the diagnostic workup with and without gene panel analysis in the same patients. The workup without gene panel analysis (control group) included theoretical diagnostic strategies formulated by independent experts in the field, based on detailed case descriptions. The primary outcome measure was diagnostic yield; secondary measures were cost and duration of diagnostic workup.Results: Workup with gene panel analysis led to a confirmed molecular diagnosis in 14.8%, versus 7.4% in the control group (P = 0.096). In the control group, on average 3 genes/case were requested. The mean costs were lower in the gene panel analysis group (€1822/case) than in the controls (€2660/case). The duration of the workup was considerably shorter with gene panel analysis (28 vs 102 days).Conclusions: Gene panel analysis facilitates molecular diagnosis in complex cases of dystonia, with a good diagnostic yield (14.8%), a quicker diagnostic workup, and lower costs, representing a major improvement for patients and their families. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society