bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Photocurrent Response of Titania‐Nanotube Heterojunction Devices Capped with Titanium Disilicide
Authors: Ishihara Hidetaka , Kannarpady Ganesh K. , Woo Justin , Biris Alexandru S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe coating of titania nanotubes to enhance their photocurrent response is presented. Electrochemically anodized titania nanotubes were capped by coating a 25 nm layer of titanium disilicide using the radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique. The optical properties of titania nanotubes were unchanged as a result of coating, but the titanium disilicide acted as an enhanced charge‐transfer barrier, which reduced the electron–hole recombination on the surface of the titania nanotubes. A considerable increase in the photocurrent density was observed for the coated titania nanotubes resulting from the enhanced charge‐transfer process. As both the electrochemical anodization and RF magnetron sputtering technique are highly scalable, the composite device could be useful in designing cheaper photoanodes for energy applications, as well as environmental applications such as water purification.
Envelope‐based pushover analysis procedure for the approximate seismic response analysis of buildings
Authors: Brozovič Marko , Dolšek Matjaž 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYAn envelope‐based pushover analysis procedure is presented that assumes that the seismic demand for each response parameter is controlled by a predominant system failure mode that may vary according to the ground motion. To be able to simulate the most important system failure modes, several pushover analyses need to be performed, as in a modal pushover analysis procedure, whereas the total seismic demand is determined by enveloping the results associated with each pushover analysis. The demand for the most common system failure mode resulting from the ‘first‐mode’ pushover analysis is obtained by response history analysis for the equivalent ‘modal‐based’ SDOF model, whereas demand for other failure modes is based on the ‘failure‐based’ SDOF models. This makes the envelope‐based pushover analysis procedure equivalent to the N2 method provided that it involves only ‘first‐mode’ pushover analysis and response history analysis of the corresponding ‘modal‐based’ SDOF model. It is shown that the accuracy of the approximate 16th, 50th and 84th percentile response expressed in terms of IDA curves does not decrease with the height of the building or with the intensity of ground motion. This is because the estimates of the roof displacement and the maximum storey drift due to individual ground motions were predicted with a sufficient degree of accuracy for almost all the ground motions from the analysed sets. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
COPING WITH THE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF ILL HEALTH IN INDONESIA
Authors: Sparrow Robert , de Poel Ellen Van , Hadiwidjaja Gracia , Yumna Athia , Warda Nila , Suryahadi Asep 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTWe assess the economic risk of ill health for households in Indonesia and the role of informal coping strategies. Using household panel data from the Indonesian socio‐economic household survey (Susenas) for 2003 and 2004, and applying fixed effects Poisson models, we find evidence of economic risk from illness through medical expenses. For the poor and the informal sector, ill health events impact negatively on income from wage labour, whereas for the non‐poor and formal sector, it is income from self‐employed business activities which is negatively affected. However, only for the rural population and the poor does this lead to a decrease in consumption, whereas the non‐poor seem to be able to protect current household spending.Borrowing and drawing on family network and buffers, such as savings and assets, seem to be key informal coping strategies for the poor, which may have negative long‐term effects.While these results suggest scope for public intervention, the economic risk from income loss for the rural poor is beyond public health care financing reforms. Rather, formal sector employment seems to be a key instrument for financial protection from illness, by also reducing income risk. © 2015 The Authors. Health Economics Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE CYCLICAL BEHAVIOUR OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTH EXPENDITURE IN CHINA
Authors: Chen Gang , Inder Brett , Lorgelly Paula , Hollingsworth Bruce 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYThis paper studies short‐run cyclical behaviour of public (government and social) and private health expenditure and GDP using both time series and panel data techniques. First, national time series data have been used within a multivariate Beveridge–Nelson decomposition framework to construct the permanent and cyclical components. The correlation analysis results for the cyclical components suggest that current public health expenditure is pro‐cyclical while there is no clear evidence of a correlation between cycles in private health expenditure and in GDP growth. Next, using an instrumental variable method and the generalised method of moments estimator, provincial‐level panel data analyses confirm pro‐cyclical impacts of government spending on health. The provincial analysis also suggests that private health expenditure in urban China has a pro‐cyclical association with GDP growth, but a lack of good instruments makes it difficult to identify a clear causal link between cycles in income growth and private health expenditure. The results suggest two policy recommendations relevant to public health expenditure, in line with China's current health reforms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robot‐assisted Sistrunk operation via a retroauricular approach for thyroglossal duct cyst
Authors: Kim Chul‐Ho , Byeon Hyung Kwon , Shin Yoo Seob , Koh Yoon Woo , Choi Eun Chang 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundTraditionally, simple excisions of midline neck masses were typically performed through an incision on the overlying skin causing displeasing cosmetic outcomes. From the recent demonstrations to overcome these disappointing aesthetic results from overt scars, we propose a novel approach to successfully remove lesions with satisfactory cosmetic outcomes from well‐hidden scars. A detailed surgical technique is provided.MethodsA 20‐year‐old female patient with thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) was successfully treated via a retroauricular approach utilizing the robotic surgical system.ResultsThe operative procedure was successfully completed with no conversion to open surgery. The operative time was reasonable and there were no intraoperative complications. Videographic demonstration of the robotic‐assisted surgery is included in this study online.ConclusionSurgical removal of midline neck mass (TGDC) via a retroauricular approach utilizing the robotic surgical system can be a technically feasible and safe treatment option with excellent cosmetic outcomes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 456–458, 2014
Effect of xanthohumol and 8‐prenylnaringenin on MCF‐7 breast cancer cells oxidative stress and mitochondrial complexes expression
Authors: Blanquer‐Rosselló M. Mar , Oliver Jordi , Valle Adamo , Roca Pilar 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTXanthohumol (XN) and 8‐prenylnaringenin (8PN) are hop (Humulus lupulus L.) polyphenols studied for their chemopreventive effects on certain cancer types. The breast cancer line MCF‐7 was treated with doses ranging from 0.001 to 20 µM of XN or 8PN in order to assess the effects on cell viability and oxidative stress. Hoechst 33342 was used to measure cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was determined by 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase enzymatic activities were determined and protein expression of sirtuin1, sirtuin3, and oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) were done by Western blot. Treatments XN 0.01, 8PN 0.01, and 8PN 1 µM led to a decrease in ROS production along with an increase of OXPHOS and sirtuin expression; in contrast, XN 5 µM gave rise to an increase of ROS production accompanied by a decrease in OXPHOS and sirtuin expression. These results suggest that XN in low dose (0.01 µM) and 8PN at all assayed doses (0.001–20 µM) presumably improve mitochondrial function, whereas a high dose of XN (5 µM) worsens the functionality of this organelle. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2785–2794, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Colonization of frog Rana temporaria L. urinary bladder by Gram‐negative bacteria leads to decreased effect of arginine‐vasotocin on water reabsorption from the urinary bladder
Authors: Fock Ekaterina , Lavrova Elena , Parnova Rimma 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTIn frogs and toads the urinary bladder is very important for the maintenance of water balance due to its ability to store water which can be reabsorbed under the action of arginine‐vasotocin (AVT). The usage of isolated bladders as a model for studying the osmotic water permeability (OWP) regulation has a disadvantage which relates to high variability of AVT effect among individuals, some showing insensitivity to the hormone. We hypothesized that the response of the bladder to AVT could depend on the colonization of the mucosal epithelium by Gram‐negative bacteria. To test this, paired hemibladders of the frog Rana temporaria were used for measurement of OWP and for analysis of Gram‐negative bacteria in the bladder tissue or isolated epithelial cells. Among the 206 frogs studied, 41% were infected by different Enterobacteriaceae, with prevalence of Hafnia alvei and Escherichia coli. In infected bladders the basal level of OWP was unchanged, whereas OWP stimulated by AVT was reduced (non‐infected: 2.53 ± 0.13, n = 59, infected: 1.21 ± 0.17 µL min−1 cm−2, n = 38, for the 15 min of AVT action, P < 0.001). In the sample, 100% of hemibladders that responded to AVT very weakly (OWP <0.5 µL min−1 cm−2) had a bacterial infection. Overnight treatment of hemibladders with mucosal lipopolysaccharide E. coli decreased OWP induced by AVT, forskolin, or IBMX lowering basal and stimulated level of cAMP. The data obtained indicate that the frog bladder epithelium could be colonized by Gram‐negative bacteria, probably of cloacal origin, leading to reduction of sensitivity to AVT and to impairment of the urinary bladder to provide osmoregulation. J. Exp. Zool. 319A: 487–494, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tectonic and sedimentary structures in the northern Chukchi region, Arctic Ocean
Authors: Hegewald Anne , Jokat Wilfried 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe interpretation of tectonic and sedimentary structures in the northern Chukchi region, Arctic Ocean, is important to enhance our understanding of the tectonic evolution of this region. Therefore, multichannel seismic lines as well as seismic wide‐angle reflection and refraction data were acquired in the northern Chukchi region during the RV Polarstern ARK‐XXIII/3 summer expedition in 2008. These data have been processed and interpreted for the three main geological provinces (Chukchi Plateau, Chukchi Abyssal Plain, and Mendeleev Ridge) to describe the sedimentary and basement structures of the northern Chukchi region. Furthermore, using the age control of five exploration wells drilled near the coast of Alaska in combination with additional seismic reflection lines located on the Chukchi Shelf, we were able to date sediment horizons within the research area. In total, six sediment horizons with ages between Barremian/Hauterivian and the Top Miocene were identified. Especially, the Top Oligocene horizon forms a pronounce unconformity on the Chukchi Plateau and on the Mendeleev Ridge flanks. The origin of this unconformity can be associated with the opening of the Fram Strait indicating a significant change in the Arctic Ocean current system.
Thermodynamics and kinetic properties of halostable endoglucanase from Aspergillus fumigatus ABK9
Authors: Das Arpan , Jana Arijit , Paul Tanmay , Halder Suman Kumar , Ghosh Kuntal , Maity Chiranjit , Mohapatra Pradeep Kumar Das , Pati Bikas Ranjan , Mondal Keshab Chandra 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAn endoglucanase from Aspergillus fumigatus ABK9 was purified from the culture extract of solid‐state fermentation and its some characteristics were evaluated. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme (56.3 kDa) was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, zymogram analysis and confirmed by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. The enzyme was active optimally at 50 °C, pH 5.0 and stable over a broad range of pH (4.0–7.0) and NaCl concentration of 0–3.0 M. The pKa1 and pKa2 of the ionizable groups of the active sites were 2.94 and 6.53, respectively. The apparent Km, Vmax, and Kcat values for carboxymethyl cellulose were 6.7 mg ml−1, 775.4 µmol min−1, and 42.84 × 104 s−1, respectively. Thermostability of the enzyme was evidenced by the high activation energy (91.45 kJ mol−1), large enthalpy for activation of denaturation (88.77 kJ mol−1), longer half‐life (T1/2) (433 min at 50 °C), higher melting temperature (Tm) (73.5 °C), and Q10 (1.3) values. All the characteristics favors its suitability as halotolerant and thermostable enzyme during bioprocessing of lignocellulosic materials.
Comparison of endoscopic versus 3D CT derived airway measurements
Authors: Calloway Hollin E. , Kimbell Julia S. , Davis Stephanie D. , Retsch‐Bogart George Z. , Pitkin Elizabeth A. , Abode Kathleen , Superfine Richard , Zdanski Carlton J. 
Published: July 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo understand: 1) how endoscopic airway measurements compare to three‐dimensional (3D) CT derived measurements; 2) where each technique is potentially useful; and 3) where each has limitations.Study DesignCompare airway diameters and cross‐sectional areas from endoscopic images and CT derived 3D reconstructions.MethodsVideobronchoscopy was performed and recorded on an adult‐sized commercially available airway mannequin. At various levels, cross‐sectional areas were measured from still video frames using a referent placed via the biopsy port. A 3D reconstruction was generated from a high resolution CT of the mannequin; planar sections were cut at similar cross‐sectional levels; and cross‐sectional areas were obtained.ResultsAt three levels of mechanically generated tracheal stricture, the differences between the endoscopic measurement and CT‐derived cross‐sectional area were 1%, 0%, and 7% (1.8, 0.8, and 14 mm2). At the vocal folds, the difference was 9% (7.8 mm2). The tip of the epiglottis and width of the epiglottis differed by 27% and 10% (18.73 mm2, 0.40mm). The airway measurements at the base of tongue, minimal cross‐sectional area of the pharynx, and choana differed by 26%, 36%, and 30% (101.40 mm2, 36.67 mm2, 122.71 mm2).ConclusionsEndoscopy is an effective tool for obtaining airway measurements compared with 3D reconstructions derived from CT. Concordance is best in geometrically simple areas where the entire cross‐section measured is visible within one field of view (trachea, round; vocal folds, triangular) versus geometrically complex areas that encompass more than one field of view (i.e. pharynx, choana).Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 123:2136–2141, 2013
Awake versus drug‐induced sleep endoscopy: Evaluation of airway obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnoea syndrome
Authors: Cavaliere Matteo , Russo Federico , Iemma Maurizio 
Published: July 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo compare the degree and patterns of upper airway obstruction, as detected by endoscopy with Müller's maneuver versus drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).MethodsSixty‐six patients (60 males and 6 females), with a mean age of 49.59 ± 13.04 years, underwent videonasal‐pharyngo‐laryngoscopy to asses anatomy and dynamic behavior of upper airways during the Müller's maneuver awake, and during DISE by Propofol with boluses refracted technique.ResultsIn the majority of our patients, we detected an obstruction due to nasal septal deviation (91%) and turbinate hypertrophy (100%). The pattern of the obstruction caused by the soft palate and the tongue base was similar in DISE and Müller's maneuver, whereas the registered degree was significantly higher in DISE. Concerning the larynx, 22.7% of patients showed an involvement of the epiglottis during sedation that was not assessable during wakefulness.ConclusionsDISE is a simple additional tool to plan surgical treatment in patients with OSAHS, and in our hands has proven to be more accurate and precise than endoscopy with Müller's maneuver. Laryngoscope, 123:2315–2318, 2013
A novel technique for clinical assessment of laryngeal nerve conduction: Normal and abnormal results
Authors: Sulica Lucian , Carey Bridget , Branski Ryan C. 
Published: July 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo describe a novel conduction study of the laryngeal nerves, including normal values and abnormal findings.Study DesignProspective nonrandomized.MethodsSeventeen healthy adult volunteers, as well as three patients with clinically identified laryngeal neuropathy, underwent low‐level brief electrical stimulation of the laryngeal mucosa by means of a wire inserted via a transnasal flexible laryngoscope. Bilateral hookwire electrodes recorded the result in the laryngeal adductor muscles.ResultsThis study yields an early response ipsilateral to the side of stimulation (LR1), which is uniform and consistent (right = 13.2 ± 0.80 msec; left = 15.2 ± 1.20 msec), and late bilateral responses (ipsilateral LR2 [LR2i] and contralateral LR2 [LR2c]), which exhibit greater variation in latency and morphology (right LR2i = 50.5 ± 3.38 msec; left LR2i = 52.2 msec; right LR2c = 50.7 ± 4.26; left LR2c = 50.6 ± 4.07). Findings in abnormal patients differ significantly from normal, consistent with the distribution of neuropathy.ConclusionsWe describe a novel, clinically applicable conduction study of laryngeal nerves. Normative electrodiagnostic values and variations of the reflex responses of the laryngeal adductor muscles in response to irritative stimulation of the laryngeal mucosa (Laryngeal Closure Reflex) are proposed. By enabling the determination of electrophysiological parameters of the superior laryngeal and recurrent laryngeal branches of cranial nerve X (CN X), this procedure, which is used as an adjunct to laryngeal electromyography, may provide earlier and more accurate information regarding the extent and grade of nerve injury. Because injury grade relates directly to prognosis, the information derived from this test may have clinical relevance in determining optimal treatment.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 123:2202–2208, 2013
Biomimetic Materials and Scaffolds for Myocardial Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Silvestri Antonella , Boffito Monica , Sartori Susanna , Ciardelli Gianluca 
Published: July 2013

AbstractOne of the main challenges in tissue engineering/regenerative medicine (TERM) is the repair of damaged heart tissue, avoiding or minimizing ventricular remodeling which leads to ventricular dilatation and hypertrophy, sphericity increase, and functionality loss. Several approaches have been described to restore or enhance the contractility of the failing heart. One of them is based on the fabrication of 3D substrates that can be implanted in the infarcted area to provide an efficient support to the regenerative process. This review focuses on the strategies adopted to design and realize polymeric scaffolds for heart TERM. The implementation of different polymers and the design of scaffold architecture are described.
Synthesis of MDMO‐PPV Nanoparticles Via In Situ Sulfinyl Precursor Route Polymerization in Miniemulsion
Authors: Ethirajan Anitha , D'Olieslaeger Lien , Vandenbergh Joke , Lutsen Laurence , D'Olieslaeger Marc , Vanderzande Dirk , Junkers Tanja 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA facile route to synthesize poly[(2‐methoxy‐5‐(3′,7′,‐dimethyloctyloxy))‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene] polymer nanoparticles (NPs) using the miniemulsion technique in combination with the sulfinyl precursor route polymerization is presented. The reaction conditions involving high temperature are overcome by using ethylene glycol as a polar continuous phase. Particles can be easily transferred into the water phase without the need for additional surfactant. The characteristic UV–vis absorption and the strong fluorescence exhibited by the polymer along with the molecular weight obtained prove the success of the synthetic strategy. Such in situ synthesis of PPV in the form of NPs can be extended to other conjugated polymers, opening new doors for synthesizing luminescent NPs that have tremendous potential in biomedicine and printable electronics.magnified image
Pilot study of breast sensation after breast reconstruction: Evaluating the effects of radiation therapy and perforator flap neurotization on sensory recovery
Authors: Magarakis Michael , Venkat Raghunandan , Dellon A. Lee , Shridharani Sachin M. , Bellamy Justin , Vaca Elbert E. , Jeter Stacie C. , Zoras Odysseas , Manahan Michele A. , Rosson Gedge D. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundSome sensation to the breast returns after breast reconstruction, but recovery is variable and unpredictable. We primarily sought to assess the impact of different types of breast reconstruction [deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps versus implants] and radiation therapy on the return of sensation.MethodsThirty‐seven patients who had unilateral or bilateral breast reconstruction via a DIEP flap or implant‐based reconstruction, with or without radiation therapy (minimum follow‐up, 18 months; range, 18–61 months) were studied. Of the 74 breasts, 27 had DIEP flaps, 29 had implants, and 18 were nonreconstructed. Eleven breasts with implants and 10 with DIEP flaps had had prereconstruction radiation therapy. The primary outcome was mean patient‐perceived static and moving cutaneous pressure threshold in nine areas. We used univariate and multivariate analyses to assess what independent factors affected the return of sensation (significance, P < 0.05).ResultsImplants provided better static (P = 0.071) and moving sensation (P = 0.041) than did DIEP flaps. However, among irradiated breasts, skin over DIEP flaps had significantly better sensation than did that over implants (static, P = 0.019; moving, P = 0.028). Implant reconstructions with irradiated skin had significantly worse static (P = 0.002) and moving sensation (P = 0.014) than did nonirradiated implant reconstructions.ConclusionsWithout irradiation, skin overlying implants is associated with better sensation recovery than DIEP flap skin. However, with irradiation, DIEP flap skin had better sensation recovery than did skin over implants. Neurotization trended toward improvement in sensation in DIEP flaps. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:421–431, 2013.