bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time‐resolved noncontrast enhanced 4‐D dynamic magnetic resonance angiography using multibolus TrueFISP‐based spin tagging with alternating radiofrequency (TrueSTAR)
Authors: Yan Lirong , Salamon Noriko , Wang Danny J. J. 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe goal of this study was to introduce a new noncontrast enhanced 4D dynamic MR angiography (dMRA) technique termed multibolus TrueFISP‐based spin tagging with alternating radiofrequency (TrueSTAR).MethodsMultibolus TrueFISP‐based spin tagging with alternating radiofrequency was developed by taking advantage of the phenomenon that the steady‐state signal of TrueFISP is minimally disturbed by periodically inserted magnetization preparations (e.g., spin tagging) that are sandwiched by two α/2 RF pulses. Both theoretical analysis and experimental studies were carried out to optimize the proposed method which was compared with both pulsed and pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling‐based dMRA in healthy volunteers. Optimized multibolus dMRA was also applied in a patient with arteriovenous malformation to demonstrate its potential clinical utility.ResultsMultibolus dMRA offered a prolonged tagging bolus compared to the standard single‐bolus dMRA, and allowed improved visualization of the draining veins in the arteriovenous malformation patient. Compared to pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling‐based dMRA, multibolus dMRA provided visualization of the full passage of the labeled blood with the flexibility for both static and dynamic magnetic resonance angiography.ConclusionBy combining the benefits of pulsed and pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling‐based dMRA, multibolus TrueFISP‐based spin tagging with alternating radiofrequency can prolong and enhance the tagging bolus without sacrificing imaging speed or temporal resolution. Magn Reson Med 71:551–560, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISCRETION AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN TURKEY
Authors: Yilmaz Serdar , Guner Ayse 
Published: February 2013

SUMMARYAfter ratification of the European Charter of Local Self‐Government in 1993, Turkey has witnessed major local government reform efforts in 2000s. The policy objectives of these reforms were granting more political, administrative and fiscal discretion to local governments along the principles of democratic decentralization and strengthening accountability linkages between citizens and local governments. We employ a diagnostic framework to analyse the impact of these reforms. We argue that reforms have achieved limited success in improving decision‐making autonomy and accountability of local governments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PedsQL™ sickle cell disease module: Feasibility, reliability, and validity
Authors: Panepinto Julie A. , Torres Sylvia , Bendo Cristiane B. , McCavit Timothy L. , Dinu Bogdan , Sherman‐Bien Sandra , Bemrich‐Stolz Christy , Varni James W. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited chronic disease that is characterized by complications such as recurrent painful vaso‐occlusive events that require frequent hospitalizations and contribute to early mortality. The objective of the study was to report on the initial measurement properties of the new PedsQL™ SCD Module for pediatric patient self‐report ages 5–18 years and parent proxy‐report for ages 2–18 years.ProcedureThe 43‐item PedsQL™ SCD Module was completed in a multisite study by 243 pediatric patients with SCD and 313 parents. Participants also completed the PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales and PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale.ResultsThe PedsQL™ SCD Module Scales evidenced excellent feasibility, excellent reliability for the Total Scale Scores (patient self‐report α = 0.95; parent proxy‐report α = 0.97), and good reliability for the nine individual scales (patient self‐report α = 0.69–0.90; parent proxy‐report α = 0.83–0.97). Intercorrelations with the PedsQL™ Generic Core Scales and PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scales were medium (0.30) to large (0.50) range, supporting construct validity. PedsQL™ SCD Module Scale Scores were generally worse for patients with severe versus mild disease. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated an acceptable to excellent model fit.ConclusionsThe PedsQL™ SCD Module demonstrated acceptable measurement properties. The PedsQL™ SCD Module may be utilized in the evaluation of SCD‐specific health‐related quality of life in clinical research and practice. In conjunction with the PedsQL™ Generic Core Scales and the PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, the PedsQL™ SCD Module will facilitate the understanding of the health and well‐being of children with SCD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:1338–1344. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of variants in SLC28A3 and UGT1A6 as genetic markers predictive of anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity in children
Authors: Visscher H. , Ross C.J.D. , Rassekh S.R. , Sandor G.S.S. , Caron H.N. , van Dalen E.C. , Kremer L.C. , van der Pal H.J. , Rogers P.C. , Rieder M.J. , Carleton B.C. , Hayden M.R. ,   the CPNDS Consortium
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground. The use of anthracyclines as effective antineoplastic drugs is limited by the occurrence of cardiotoxicity. Multiple genetic variants predictive of anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity (ACT) in children were recently identified. The current study was aimed to assess replication of these findings in an independent cohort of children.Procedure. Twenty‐three variants were tested for association with ACT in an independent cohort of 218 patients. Predictive models including genetic and clinical risk factors were constructed in the original cohort and assessed in the current replication cohort.Results. We confirmed the association of rs17863783 in UGT1A6 and ACT in the replication cohort (P = 0.0062, odds ratio (OR) 7.98). Additional evidence for association of rs7853758 (P = 0.058, OR 0.46) and rs885004 (P = 0.058, OR 0.42) in SLC28A3 was found (combined P = 1.6 × 10−5 and P = 3.0 × 10−5, respectively). A previously constructed prediction model did not significantly improve risk prediction in the replication cohort over clinical factors alone. However, an improved prediction model constructed using replicated genetic variants as well as clinical factors discriminated significantly better between cases and controls than clinical factors alone in both original (AUC 0.77 vs. 0.68, P = 0.0031) and replication cohort (AUC 0.77 vs. 0.69, P = 0.060).Conclusions. We validated genetic variants in two genes predictive of ACT in an independent cohort. A prediction model combining replicated genetic variants as well as clinical risk factors might be able to identify high‐ and low‐risk patients who could benefit from alternative treatment options. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;601375‐1381. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and characterization of size controlled polymeric microcapsules loaded with superparamagnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Xue Li , Wang Jun , Li Zhanshuang , Liu Qi , Zhang Milin , Jing Xiaoyan , Liu Lianhe 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBiocompatible polymeric microcapsules encapsulated Fe3O4 nanoparticles were fabricated by double emulsion solvent evaporation method. Magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by coprecipitation of iron oxide. scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer were used to determine the morphology, structure, crystallinity, and saturation magnetization of the microcapsules, respectively. The results indicate that the composite microcapsules have nitrogen gas in the core, Fe3O4 in the internal cavity with mean diameter of 3.6 μm. Thus, the alcohol as additive was applied to control the average size and size distribution of the microcapsules. Laser particle analyzer measurements indicate that the average size and size distribution decrease with the increasing of alcohol concentration, additionally the size and size distribution increase at higher alcohol concentration. Moreover, the prepared magnetic microcapsules with the coating of polymer have superparamagnetic behavior. Furthermore, the size controlled polymeric composite microcapsules have potential to act as ultrasound contrast agents and magnetic triggered drug delivery system. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Extrusion with ultrasound applied on intumescent flame‐retardant polypropylene
Authors: Sanchez‐Olivares G. , Sanchez‐Solis A. , Calderas F. , Medina‐Torres L. , Herrera‐Valencia E.E. , Rivera‐Gonzaga A. , Manero O. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn this work, the effect of processing conditions on the production of an intumescent flame‐retardant system is studied in polypropylene‐based compounds. Two distinct procedures were used: ultrasonic assisted single screw (with a static mixer die) and twin screw extrusion. The flame‐retardant, thermal, mechanical, morphological, and rheological properties were measured. It was found that the flame‐retardant intumescent content can be diminished from 30 phr (as usually used) to 21 phr using the application of ultrasonic waves during extrusion and with the addition of chemically modified clay to obtain a V0 classification according to UL94‐V standards. In addition, the processed materials presented improvements in the mechanical properties such as impact resistance (Izod Notched), strain at break and tenacity upon ultrasound application. The online application of ultrasound through a die that produces extensional flows improved greatly the dispersion and distribution of the particles of the intumescent system and the chemically modified clay in the polymer matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Deterioration of metal–organic framework crystal structure during fabrication of poly(l‐lactic acid) mixed‐matrix membranes
Authors: Kathuria Ajay , Abiad Mohamad G , Auras Rafael 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPoly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and metal–organic framework (MOF) mixed‐matrix membranes were prepared by melt extrusion of PLLA with 5% (w/w) of either activated or water‐saturated Cu3(BTC)2 (Cu3(C9H3O6)2(H2O)3·xH2O, HKUST‐1). The morphology and the stability of injection‐molded samples were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, gel permeation chromatography, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The presence of activated and saturated MOF crystals increased the cold crystallization onset temperature as compared to neat PLLA. This can be attributed to the MOF crystals incorporated in the PLLA matrix, which decreased the mobility of PLLA and thus impeded the crystallization process. According to the XRD results, the activated MOF crystals were successfully incorporated into the PLLA matrix without altering the crystal structure of the MOF. Moreover, the findings from permeability and tensile tests as well as SEM imaging indicated good interfacial interactions between PLLA and activated MOF. However, during melt extrusion of PLLA with saturated MOF, water molecules from the saturated MOF altered the MOF crystal structure and contributed to the degradation of the PLLA polymer by reducing its molecular weight by around 21%. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
ESPRESSO: A system for estimating protein expression and solubility in protein expression systems
Authors: Hirose Shuichi , Noguchi Tamotsu 
Published: February 2013

Recombinant protein technology is essential for conducting protein science and using proteins as materials in pharmaceutical or industrial applications. Although obtaining soluble proteins is still a major experimental obstacle, knowledge about protein expression/solubility under standard conditions may increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of proteomics studies.In this study, we present a computational approach to estimate the probability of protein expression and solubility for two different protein expression systems: in vivo Escherichia coli and wheat germ cell‐free, from only the sequence information. It implements two kinds of methods: a sequence/predicted structural property‐based method that uses both the sequence and predicted structural features, and a sequence pattern‐based method that utilizes the occurrence frequencies of sequence patterns. In the benchmark test, the proposed methods obtained F‐scores of around 70%, and outperformed publicly available servers. Applying the proposed methods to genomic data revealed that proteins associated with translation or transcription have a strong tendency to be expressed as soluble proteins by the in vivo E. coli expression system. The sequence pattern‐based method also has the potential to indicate a candidate region for modification, to increase protein solubility. All methods are available for free at the ESPRESSO server (http://mbs.cbrc.jp/ESPRESSO).
Quantitative assessment of appearance changes and related distress in cancer patients
Authors: Nozawa Keiko , Shimizu Chikako , Kakimoto Minako , Mizota Yuri , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Takahashi Yumiko , Ito Atsuko , Izumi Hideko , Fujiwara Yasuhiro 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectivesThis study examined both the frequency of appearance‐related symptoms and distress resulting from these symptoms in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.MethodsSelf‐report questionnaires were distributed to 753 outpatients receiving ≧4 weeks of treatment at an outpatient chemotherapy center. Valid responses were returned by 638 patients (response rate, 84.7%). Participants were questioned about 57 appearance‐related symptoms (AS) and 23 non‐appearance‐related physical symptoms (non‐AS); psychological well‐being was assessed using a shortened version of the Derriford Appearance Scale 59.ResultsQuestionnaire responses were obtained from 264 male and 374 female patients (mean age, 59.5 years; range, 18–85 years). Most respondents (80.3%) were concerned with changes in appearance resulting from treatment. By sex and disease type, women suffered more than men, and treatment for breast cancer created the greatest distress for women.ConclusionCancer patients are concerned about a variety of AS, and these may result in greater distress than non‐AS. AS‐related information and care are increasingly being sought in advance of treatment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How calcium inhibits the magnesium‐dependent kinase gsk3β: A molecular simulation study
Authors: Lu Shao‐Yong , Huang Zhi‐Min , Huang Wen‐Kang , Liu Xin‐Yi , Chen Ying‐Yi , Shi Ting , Zhang Jian 
Published: February 2013

AbstractGlycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is a ubiquitous serine/threonine kinase that plays a pivotal role in many biological processes. GSK3β catalyzes the transfer of γ‐phosphate of ATP to the unique substrate Ser/Thr residues with the assistance of two natural activating cofactors Mg2+. Interestingly, the biological observation reveals that a non‐native Ca2+ ion can inhibit the GSK3β catalytic activity. Here, the inhibitory mechanism of GSK3β by the displacement of native Mg2+ at site 1 by Ca2+ was investigated by means of 80 ns comparative molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the GSK3β···Mg2+‐2/ATP/ Mg2+‐1 and GSK3β···Mg2+‐2/ATP/Ca2+‐1 systems. MD simulation results revealed that using the AMBER point charge model force field for Mg2+ was more appropriate in the reproduction of the active site architectural characteristics of GSK3β than using the magnesium‐cationic dummy atom model force field. Compared with the native Mg2+ bound system, the misalignment of the critical triphosphate moiety of ATP, the erroneous coordination environments around the Mg2+ ion at site 2, and the rupture of the key hydrogen bond between the invariant Lys85 and the ATP Oβ2 atom in the Ca2+ substituted system were observed in the MD simulation due to the Ca2+ ion in active site in order to achieve its preferred sevenfold coordination geometry, which adequately abolish the enzymatic activity. The obtained results are valuable in understanding the possible mechanism by why Ca2+ inhibits the GSK3β activity and also provide insights into the mechanism of Ca2+ inhibition in other structurally related protein kinases. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pressure and field tuning in the Kondo lattice ferromagnet CeAgSb2
Authors: Logg Peter , Feng Zhuo , Ebihara Takao , Zou Yang , Friedemann Sven , Alireza Patricia , Goh Swee , Grosche F. Malte 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe intermetallic compound CeAgSb2 is an unusual example of a ferromagnetically ordered Kondo lattice system. Ferromagnetism sets in below the Curie temperature TC = 9.6 K at ambient pressure and zero fields. We have investigated the sensitivity of the ferromagnetic phase to hydrostatic pressure and a transverse magnetic tuning field using a series of resistivity and magnetization measurements. With pressure, TC is suppressed rapidly, and extrapolates to zero at 35 kbar. The ferromagnetism arising in CeAgSb2 is uniaxial, with the ordered moment aligning along the tetragonal c‐axis. The application of an in‐plane tuning field similarly suppresses TC, and drives the transition to zero temperature by 2.8 T. The character of the phase transition remains continuous on the approach to T = 0 K, and it is found that the quadratic A coefficient from the resistivity is strongly enhanced near the critical field.
Influence of microstructural defects on the thermal conductivity of GaN: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Spiteri David , Pomeroy James W. , Kuball Martin 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe lattice thermal conductivity is known to depend on crystal quality, but the reduction in thermal conductivity due to specific defects is presently unclear. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the impact of microstructural defects on the thermal conductivity of gallium nitride. The conductivity of a finite crystal was reduced to (39 ± 4)% by a screw dislocation density of 2.0 × 1013 cm−2 and to (51 ± 4)% by an edge dislocation of similar density, illustrating that the type of dislocation is important for thermal conductivity. The effect of stacking faults on thermal conductivity was also investigated.
Au–Ge bonding on a uniformly Au‐covered Ge(001) surface
Authors: Popescu Dana G. , Husanu Marius A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe structure and electronic properties of the system resulted by epitaxial growth of a single atomic Au layer on a heated Ge(001) surface featured by (2 × 1) reconstruction are studied. The deposition at ∼750 K results in a well‐ordered Au surface featured by ripples separated by four times the theoretical distance between two neighboring Au atoms. As revealed by valence‐band photoemission studies, the Au/Ge(001) system has metallic character. Correlating X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results with first‐principles calculations we derive the implications on the covalent bonding of Au on the Ge dimer surface.magnified image(© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
To know is not enough: research knowledge and its use
Authors: Levin Ben 
Published: February 2013

This paper is about the relationship between research, policy and practice in education. It outlines reasons for the increased interest in research and its impact and describe some of the difficulties in studying this relationship. A conceptualization of the knowledge mobilization process is presented that identifies three overlapping and interacting domains – the production of research, the end use of research, and the intermediary processes that link these two. The paper reviews current research and develops ideas about all three of these aspects, identifying areas of understanding and gaps in current knowledge.A video abstract of this article can be viewed athttps://vimeo.com/56377921
Dynamic evolution of interface roughness during friction and wear processes
Authors: Kubiak K.J. , Bigerelle M. , Mathia T.G. , Dubois A. , Dubar L. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryDynamic evolution of surface roughness and influence of initial roughness (Sa = 0.282–6.73 µm) during friction and wear processes has been analyzed experimentally. The mirror polished and rough surfaces (28 samples in total) have been prepared by surface polishing on Ti–6Al–4V and AISI 1045 samples. Friction and wear have been tested in classical sphere/plane configuration using linear reciprocating tribometer with very small displacement from 130 to 200 µm. After an initial period of rapid degradation, dynamic evolution of surface roughness converges to certain level specific to a given tribosystem. However, roughness at such dynamic interface is still increasing and analysis of initial roughness influence revealed that to certain extent, a rheology effect of interface can be observed and dynamic evolution of roughness will depend on initial condition and history of interface roughness evolution. Multiscale analysis shows that morphology created in wear process is composed from nano, micro, and macro scale roughness. Therefore, mechanical parts working under very severe contact conditions, like rotor/blade contact, screws, clutch, etc. with poor initial surface finishing are susceptible to have much shorter lifetime than a quality finished parts. SCANNING 36:30–38, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incongruent dissolution of copper in an Al–Cu assembling. Influence of local pH changes
Authors: Joma S. , Sancy M. , Sutter E. M. M. , Tran T. T. M. , Tribollet B. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe aim of this work is to show that the presence of a crevice between copper and aluminium and the differential pH values inside and outside the crevice can induce copper dissolution and replating. This was first observed on an assembly between an AA2024 aluminium sheet and a rivet of same composition. The conditions encountered in a crevice were then obtained using a thin‐layer electrochemical cell, in which a thin electrolyte layer of 150 µm was trapped between a pure copper and a pure aluminium electrode. A mechanism is suggested involving local acidification in the crevice, due to Al dissolution, pH increase towards the crevice opening and selective dissolution of cuprous oxide at the mouth. Cuprous oxide formation is replenished outside the crevice where oxygen reduction maintains an alkaline interface. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.