bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship of MR elastography determined liver stiffness with cardiac function after Fontan palliation
Authors: Wallihan Daniel B. , Podberesky Daniel J. , Marino Bradley S. , Sticka Joshua S. , Serai Suraj 
Published: November 2013

PurposeTo use MR elastography to assess liver stiffness in patients with congenital heart disease palliated with the Fontan procedure and correlate findings with cardiac index and other functional parameters obtained during cardiac MRI.Materials and MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of 14 patients (15 examinations) with Fontan circulation who underwent both cardiac MRI and liver MR elastography (MRE) on the same day. Liver stiffness was determined by calculating the mean liver stiffness from four slice locations. The cardiac index and other flow measurements were calculated from phase contrast MR imaging.ResultsThe MRE was abnormal on all examinations with a median liver stiffness of 4.0 kPa (range, 3.4–6.2 kPa; normal adult liver stiffness is < 2.51 kPa). The cardiac index decreased as the duration of Fontan circulation (Fontan duration) increased (P = 0.005). We found a statistically significant inverse correlation between liver stiffness and cardiac index (P = 0.02), as well as the ejection fraction (P = 0.002). Patients with long Fontan durations (≥20 years) had greater liver stiffness compared with those having a shorter duration (P = 0.02).ConclusionMRE shows promise as a monitoring tool in the Fontan population, demonstrating an elevated liver stiffness in all patients, which inversely correlated with the MR determined cardiac index. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1328–1335. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient with simultaneous MR/positron emission tomography in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis: Comparison with 18F‐FDG‐PET
Authors: Schwenzer Nina F. , Schmidt Holger , Gatidis Sergios , Brendle Cornelia , Müller Mark , Königsrainer Ingmar , Claussen Claus D. , Pfannenberg Anna C. , Schraml Christina 
Published: November 2013

PurposeTo characterize peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of different histologically proven primary tumors based on diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography (PET).Materials and MethodsForty‐one patients underwent simultaneous MR/PET after clinically indicated 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT. For all patients, histology of the primary tumor was obtained. MR protocol comprised anatomical imaging and axial DWI. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps and FDG‐PET were co‐registered for evaluation of ADC and standard uptake value (SUV) of peritoneal lesions. Both lesion‐ and patient‐based analysis was performed. Up to four peritoneal lesions were evaluated per patient. Mean and maximum standard uptake value (SUVmean, SUVmax), mean and minimum ADC (ADCmean, ADCmin) of each lesion were assessed. Spearman rank correlation (rs) of ADC and SUV were calculated. SUV and ADC of ovarian and colorectal cancer lesions were compared using Wilcoxon test.ResultsMeasurable lesions (n = 52) were found in 20 of 41 PC patients. Moderate, but significant correlation existed between ADC and SUV in the lesion‐based as well as the patient‐based analysis (lesion‐based: SUVmean versus ADCmean rs = −0.58; SUVmax versus ADCmin rs = −0.56, all P < 0.0001; patient‐based: SUVmean versus ADCmean rs = −0.64, P = 0.002; SUVmax versus ADCmin rs = −0.60, P = 0.005). ADC and SUV differed significantly between ovarian and colorectal cancer lesions (ADCmin: P < 0.0001; ADCmean: P < 0.0001; SUVmax: P = 0.002; SUVmean: P = 0.005). Overall, mucinous tumor entities showed a tendency to higher ADC and lower SUV.ConclusionPC lesions showed significant differences in glucose uptake and diffusion characteristics depending on primary tumor histology. These differences should be considered when interpreting FDG‐PET and DWI in PC patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1054–1055. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcriptome profiling of brain edemas caused by influenza infection and lipopolysaccharide treatment
Authors: Kyan Yukihiro , Ueda Yumi , Yoshida Mitsutaka , Sasahara Kenji , Shinya Kyoko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractInfluenza A virus‐associated encephalopathy triggered by influenza virus infection often occurs in children aged five and younger in Japan. However, the mechanisms behind Influenza A virus‐associated encephalopathy are not yet well understood. This study developed an Influenza A virus‐associated encephalopathy‐like model using mice infected with Influenza A virus and given lipopolysaccharide treatment. The results showed that the mice used in the model suffered from brain edemas nearly three times more severe, as well as having higher cytokine levels in sera compared to those of the control groups. Using gene expression profiling, cytokine‐related genes were found not to be up‐regulated in the brain in situ, while protein coding genes, which are known to be involved in blood–brain barrier disruption, were up‐regulated. Categorizing the functional groups using gene ontology revealed the terms “ion channels,” “calcium oscillation,” and “membrane transporter activities.” The blood–brain barrier disruption found in this Influenza A virus‐associated encephalopathy model can therefore be assumed to be due to a cellular electrolyte imbalance of the neuronal tissue, in addition to a cytokine storm. J. Med. Virol. 86:905–911, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Calcium carbonate precipitation by strain Bacillus licheniformisAK01, newly isolated from loamy soil: a promising alternative for sealing cement‐based materials
Authors: Vahabi Ali , Ramezanianpour Ali Akbar , Sharafi Hakimeh , Zahiri Hossein Shahbani , Vali Hojatollah , Noghabi Kambiz Akbari 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe relevant experiments were designed to determine the ability of indigenous bacterial strains isolated from limestone caves, mineral springs, and loamy soils to induce calcium carbonate precipitation. Among all isolates examined in this study, an efficient carbonate‐precipitating soil bacterium was selected from among the isolates and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequences as Bacillus licheniformis AK01. The ureolytic isolate was able to grow well on alkaline carbonate‐precipitation medium and precipitate calcium carbonate more than 1 g L−1. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) examinations were performed in order to confirm the presence of calcium carbonate in the precipitate and to determine which polymorphs were present. The selected isolate was determined to be an appropriate candidate for application in a surface treatment of cement‐based material to improve the properties of the mortar. Biodeposition of a layer of calcite on the surface of cement specimens resulted in filling in pore spaces. This could be an alternative method to improve the durability of the mortar. The kind of bacterial culture and medium composition had a profound impact on the resultant CaCO3 crystal morphology.
Effect of flavonoids on learning, memory and neurocognitive performance: relevance and potential implications for Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology
Authors: Vauzour David 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRecent evidence has indicated that a group of plant‐derived compounds known as flavonoids may exert particularly powerful actions on mammalian cognition and may reverse age‐related declines in memory and learning. In addition, growing evidence is also suggestive that flavonoids may delay the development of Alzheimer's disease‐like pathology, suggestive of potential dietary strategies in dementia. Although these low‐molecular‐weight phytochemicals are absorbed to only a limited degree, they have been found to counteract age‐related cognitive declines possibly via their ability to interact with the cellular and molecular architecture of the brain responsible for memory. However, the majority of the research has been carried out at rather supraphysiological concentrations and only a few studies have investigated the neuromodulatory effects of physiologically attainable flavonoid concentrations. This review will summarize the evidence for the effects of flavonoids and their metabolites in age‐related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Mechanisms of actions will be discussed and include those activating signalling pathways critical in controlling synaptic plasticity, reducing neuroinflammation and inducing vascular effects potentially capable of causing new nerve cell growth in the hippocampus. Altogether, these processes are known to be important in maintaining optimal neuronal function, to limit neurodegeneration and to prevent or reverse age‐dependent deteriorations in cognitive performance. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Photodynamic diagnosis using 5‐aminolevulinic acid during gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Namikawa Tsutomu , Inoue Keiji , Uemura Sunao , Shiga Mai , Maeda Hiromichi , Kitagawa Hiroyuki , Fukuhara Hideo , Kobayashi Michiya , Shuin Taro , Hanazaki Kazuhiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesFive‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has received much attention recently as a new‐generation photosensitive substance for photodynamic diagnosis (PDD). This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of intraoperative PDD using ALA to identify gastric cancer.MethodsIntraoperative PDD was carried out in 26 lesions of 21 patients with gastric cancer. Before surgery, 1.0 g of ALA solution was given orally through a stomach tube. After tumor resection, resected specimens were investigated by an endoscopic PDD system, and red fluorescence‐positive lesions were compared with the pathological result.ResultsRed fluorescence was detected in 15 lesions of 11 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PDD using ALA in detecting gastric cancer were 57.7, 100, and 66.7%, respectively. The incidence of laparoscopic surgery was significantly lower in the PDD‐positive group than in PDD‐negative cases (18.2% vs. 60.0%; P = 0.049), while that of intestinal type tumor was significantly higher in PDD‐positive compared to PDD‐negative patients (93.3% vs. 27.3%; P < 0.001).ConclusionsFluorescence navigation by PDD provides good visualization and detection of gastric cancer lesions, and might be particularly useful for intestinal type gastric cancer. Thus, PDD using ALA seems to be a promising diagnostic tool for gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:213–217. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Psychological Effects of the Marathon Bombing on Boston‐Area Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Miller Mark W. , Wolf Erika J. , Hein Christina , Prince Lauren , Reardon Annemarie F. 
Published: November 2013

This study examined the psychological impact of the Boston Marathon bombing using data from an ongoing longitudinal study of Boston‐area veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; N = 71). Participants were assessed by telephone within 1 week of the end of the event; 42.3% of participants reported being personally affected by the bombings and/or the manhunt that followed. The majority of them reported that the bombing reminded them of their own traumas and/or caused other emotional distress. Examination of change in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms from a prebombing assessment an average of 2 months earlier to 1 week after the event revealed no significant change in symptoms across the sample as a whole. However, examination of patterns of change at the individual level revealed significant correlations (r = .33; p = .005) between distress at the time of the event and change in total PTSD symptom severity, with this effect accounted for primarily by increases in intrusion and avoidance symptoms (rs = .35 and .31, ps = .002 and .008, respectively). Findings of this study should raise awareness of the potential impact of terror attacks, mass shootings, and other events of this type on the well‐being of individuals with histories of trauma and/or pre‐existing PTSD.
Retinal injury thresholds for 532, 578, and 630 nm lasers in connection to photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Chen Hongxia , Yang Zaifu , Zou Xianbiao , Wang Jiarui , Zhu Jianguo , Gu Ying 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore the retinal injury thresholds in rabbits and evaluate the influence of retinal pigmentation on threshold irradiance at laser wavelengths of 532, 578, and 630 nm which might be involved in hypocrellin B (HB) and hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) photodynamic therapy (PDT) for choroidal neovascularization (CNV).Materials and MethodsThe eyes of pigmented and non‐pigmented rabbits were exposed to 532, 578, and 630 nm lasers coupled to a slit lamp biological microscope. The exposure duration was 100 seconds and the retinal spot size was 2 mm throughout the experiment. The minimum visible lesions were detected by funduscopy at 1 and 24 hours post exposure. Bliss probit analysis was performed to determine the ED50 thresholds, fiducial limits and probit slope.ResultsIn pigmented rabbits, the 24‐hour retinal threshold irradiances at 532, 578, and 630 nm were 1,003, 1,475, and 1,720 mW/cm2, respectively. In non‐pigmented rabbits, the 24‐hour threshold irradiances were 1,657, 1,865, and 15,360 mW/cm2, respectively. The ED50 for 24‐hour observation differed very little from the ED50 for 1‐hour observation. The non‐pigmented rabbits required a ninefold increase in threshold irradiance at 630 nm comparing to the pigmented rabbits.ConclusionThis study will contribute to the knowledge base for the limits of laser irradiance in application of HB or HMME PDT for CNV. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:54–60, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Situ Electroactive and Antioxidant Supramolecular Hydrogel Based on Cyclodextrin/Copolymer Inclusion for Tissue Engineering Repair
Authors: Cui Haitao , Cui Liguo , Zhang Peibiao , Huang Yubin , Wei Yen , Chen Xuesi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe injectable electroactive and antioxidant hydrogels are prepared from mixing the tetraaniline functional copolymers and α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) aqueous solution. UV–vis and CV of the copolymer solution showed good electroactive properties. The antioxidant ability of the copolymer is also proved. The gelation mechanism and properties of the system are studied by WAXD, DSC, and rheometer. The encapsulated cells are highly viable in the hydrogels, suggesting that the hydrogels have excellent cytocompatibility. After subcutaneous injection, H&E staining study suggests acceptable biocompatibility of the materials in vivo. Moreover, data shows the injectable electroactive material can effectively accelerate the proliferation of encapsulated cells with electrical stimuli, and the mechanism is also elaborated. Such an injectable electroactive hydrogel would more closely mimic the native extracellular matrix, thereby combining a biomimetic environment of long‐term cell survival and electrical signal to support the generation of functional tissue.
Dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization studies to evaluate the inhibition effect of benzotriazole on copper‐manganese‐aluminium alloy in artificial seawater
Authors: Gerengi H. , Slepski P. , Bereket G. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe effect of benzotriazole (BTA) on the corrosion of a new type copper‐manganese‐aluminium (CMA) alloy in artificial seawater was investigated using dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (DEIS), linear polarization resistance, and Tafel extrapolation methods. Measurement results obtained from those three methods showed that corrosion rates decreased while BTA concentration increased. This clearly indicates that BTA inhibits the corrosion rate of CMA in artificial seawater. Although there are consistent results obtained from all these three methods, the results of the percent inhibition efficiency, IE (%), values obtained from DEIS method should be calculated from the charge transfer resistance (Rct) values obtained after 5 h.
A Phase I Study in Patients with Solid or Hematologic Malignancies of the Dose Proportionality of Subcutaneous Azacitidine and Its Pharmacokinetics in Patients with Severe Renal Impairment
Authors: Laille Eric , Goel Sanjay , Mita Alain C. , Gabrail Nashat Y. , Kelly Kevin , Liu Liangang , Songer Stephen , Beach Charles L. 
Published: November 2013

Study ObjectiveTo assess the dose proportionality of azacitidine pharmacokinetics (PK) after single subcutaneous (SC) doses of 25–100 mg/m2, and determine the effect of renal impairment on PK after single and multiple 75 mg/m2 SC azacitidine doses.DesignMulticenter, phase I, open‐label, parallel group study.SettingCommunity clinics and major academic centers.PatientsTwenty‐seven patients with solid or hematologic malignancies.InterventionsPart 1 evaluated azacitidine dose proportionality in patients with normal renal function randomized to single 25, 50, 75, or 100 mg/m2 SC doses. The 75 mg/m2 dosing group received 4 additional days of SC azacitidine. In Part 2, patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 Cockcroft‐Gault adjusted) received azacitidine 75 mg/m2 for 5 consecutive days.Measurements and Main ResultsPK parameters were determined using noncompartmental methods. In patients with normal renal function (n=21), azacitidine area under the plasma‐time curve (AUC0–∞) and maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) were dose proportional within the 25–100 mg/m2 range. Concentration versus time profiles after single and multiple azacitidine 75 mg/m2 doses were similar in shape for patients with normal (n=6) or impaired renal function (n=6), with higher mean concentrations in the latter group. Higher mean exposures (AUC0–∞ and Cmax) in renally impaired patients were observed; however, individual exposure values were, with few exceptions, within the same range in both groups. No drug accumulation after multiple doses was observed in either group. Terminal half‐life and time to maximum plasma concentration were comparable between groups. Azacitidine tolerability was similar in patients with normal or impaired renal function.ConclusionAzacitidine is dose proportional over the 25–100 mg/m2 dosing range. Overall, renal impairment had no important effect on azacitidine PK. Therefore, no initial azacitidine dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment is required.
Modeling of time‐varying dispersion for releases including potential rainout
Authors: Witlox Henk W.M. , Harper Mike 
Published: November 2013

Many commonly used atmospheric dispersion models cannot accurately simulate time‐varying releases of hazardous chemicals in the atmosphere. A new version of the Phast Unified Dispersion Model (UDM) has been developed to more accurately simulate time‐varying effects resulting from a decreasing discharge rate in a vessel or pipe and/or resulting from a time‐varying pool (following rainout or from direct spill). The new model includes effects of along‐wind diffusion which reduces concentrations in the far‐field. This is particularly relevant for toxic releases.The new formulation presumes a number of “observers” to be released at successive times from the point of discharge or the upwind edge of the pool. The UDM first carries out pseudo steady‐state calculations for each observer, where the release data correspond to the time at which the observer is released, and where the observer picks up vapor while traveling over the evaporating pool. Subsequently, effects of along‐wind diffusion are included by means of Gaussian integration of observer concentrations over the downwind distance. The above new UDM formulation has been verified against the time‐varying HGSYSTEM model HEGADAS‐T for the specific case of dispersion directly from a pool. Furthermore, it has been tested for more general cases including elevated releases with rainout. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 33: 265–273, 2014
USE OF NATIVE AND NONNATIVE NEST PLANTS BY RIPARIAN‐NESTING BIRDS ALONG TWO STREAMS IN NEW MEXICO
Authors: Smith D. M. , Finch D. M. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTNonnative plant invasions are a management concern, particularly in riparian forests, but little is known about mechanisms through which they influence vertebrate communities. In the American Southwest, native trees such as cottonwood (Populus spp.) are thought to provide better habitat for breeding birds than nonnative plants, which are more tolerant of human‐altered conditions. To evaluate effects of riparian forest composition on riparian‐nesting birds, we examined nest plant use along two rivers in New Mexico that differed in abundance of nonnative vegetation. Of the nests we observed, 49% along the Middle Rio Grande were constructed in nonnative plants, compared with 4% along the Gila River. Birds in the canopy and cavity‐nesting guilds constructed less than 5% of their nests in nonnative plants along either river. At the Middle Rio Grande, birds in the subcanopy/shrub guild constructed 67% of their nests in nonnative plants. Despite the relatively low availability of cottonwoods, they were used by greater numbers of species than any other woody plant at either river. Riparian obligates and species of conservation concern in the canopy and cavity guilds were especially dependent on cottonwood and Arizona sycamore (Platanus wrightii). Our results show that, although nonnative trees and shrubs support large numbers of nests for certain birds, cottonwoods and other large native trees are disproportionately important to riparian bird communities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Relationship between Blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) and some Hydrochemical and Hydrophysical Parameters in Large and Medium‐sized Lithuanian Rivers
Authors: Bernotiene R. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBlackfly larvae are known as indicators of physical and chemical conditions in rivers, and the adults may be harmful for humans and cattle. In order to obtain more insight into the environmental variables governing the distribution of various blackfly species, a survey was conducted in 2000–2004 in the Nemunas River (Lithuania) and in its four major tributaries. The total density of blackfly larvae, the density of each species, hydrochemical parameters (concentrations of dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen and phosphorus, pH, concentration of suspended matter and permanganatic oxidation of organic matter) and hydrophysical parameters (current velocity, discharge and water temperature) were recorded. The total density of blackfly larvae was significantly positively correlated with the concentration of suspended matter at the respective study sites. The concentration of suspended matter and the permanganatic oxidation of organic matter were positively associated with the densities ofSimulium maculatum,Simulium reptansandSimulium erythrocephalumand negatively with the densities ofSimulium equinumand theSimulium ornatumgroup. Water temperature had a positive influence on the density ofS.erythrocephalumand a negative influence on the density ofS.equinumlarvae. The density ofSimulium lineatumwas positively associated with the concentration of total nitrogen, and the density ofSimulium morsitanswas positively associated with the current velocity. Redundancy analysis have proven these associations. The analysis of the relationships between the densities of seven blackfly species and nine environmental variables in large and medium‐sized rivers in Lithuania revealed that parameters related to organic pollution had an influence on the densities of most of investigated species. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrepancy of random graphs and hypergraphs
Authors: Ma Jie , Naves Humberto , Sudakov Benny 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAnswering in a strong form a question posed by Bollobás and Scott, in this paper we determine the discrepancy between two random k‐uniform hypergraphs, up to a constant factor depending solely on k. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 47, 147–162, 2015