bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eustachian tube function as a predictor of the recurrence of middle ear effusion in children
Authors: Mandel Ellen M. , Swarts J. Douglas , Casselbrant Margaretha L. , Tekely Kathleen K. , Richert Beverly C. , Seroky James T. , Doyle William J. 
Published: April 2013

Objectives/HypothesisIn children with ventilation tubes (VTs) inserted for chronic otitis media with effusion (COME), the authors sought to determine whether any parameter of Eustachian tube (ET) function measured by the forced response test (FRT) predicts disease recurrence after the VT becomes nonfunctional.Study DesignProspective study of those factors that predict disease recurrence in children with VTs inserted for COME.MethodsForty‐nine subjects (73 ears; 28 male, 34 white, aged 5.3 ± 1.2 years) with COME had VTs inserted and were evaluable for disease status after the VT(s) became nonfunctional. The FRT was done when the VTs were patent, and results for the last test before the VT became nonfunctional were used in the analysis. After each VT became nonfunctional, the children were followed for disease recurrence over a 12‐month period. Logistic regression was used to determine whether the ET opening pressure, closing pressure, and/or dilatory efficiency predicted disease recurrence. That model was expanded to include age, sex, race, history of adenoidectomy, previous VTs, and duration of VT patency as potential predictive factors.ResultsTwenty‐nine (40%) ears had recurrence of significant disease within 12 months after the VT became nonfunctional. For the complete logistic regression model, male gender (P = .03), nonwhite race (P = .02), shorter period of VT patency (P = .01), and low dilatory efficiency (P = .01) were significant predictors of disease recurrence.ConclusionsA measure of active ET function, dilatory efficiency, but not measures of passive function predicted disease recurrence within the 12 months after the VT became nonfunctional in children with COME.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 123:2285–2290, 2013
Obstructive sleep apnea after radial forearm free flap reconstruction of the oral tongue
Authors: Gilat Hanna , Shpitzer Thomas , Guttman Dan , Soudry Ethan , Feinmesser Raphael , Bachar Gideon 
Published: April 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine whether radial forearm free flap reconstruction of the tongue after partial glossectomy is associated with obstructive sleep apnea.Study DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsFifteen patients (5 men, 10 women) treated for tongue cancer in 2006–2010 by partial glossectomy and immediate radial forearm free flap reconstruction completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and underwent polysomnographic studies. Background, clinical, and pathologic data were collected from the medical files.ResultsMean ± SD age of the study group was 57 ± 19 years; body mass index, 24 ± 4; follow‐up, 5.6 ± 2.8 years. Mean ± SD Epworth scale score was 8.18 ± 6.18 (normal, <8). Disordered sleep was documented in 11 patients, of whom 8 (53.3% of the cohort) had OSA (5 mild, 2 moderate, 1 severe). The OSA rate was significantly higher than reported in the general population (P = 0.001).ConclusionPatients after partial glossectomy and radial forearm free flap reconstruction appear to be at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Testing for OSA should be considered in these patients.Level of EvidenceLevel IV. Laryngoscope, 123:3223–3226, 2013
Tradeoffs in the Rehabilitation of a Succulent Karoo Rangeland
Authors: Hanke Wiebke , Wesuls Dirk , Münchberger Wiebke , Schmiedel Ute 
Published: April 2013

AbstractRangeland rehabilitation has multiple, sometimes conflicting goals, such as the reestablishment of the predisturbance vegetation, soil protection, and forage production. The rehabilitation techniques should be also cost‐effective and practicable. Given the difficulties and high costs of restoring Succulent Karoo rangelands and the continuously high grazing pressure in the communal lands, tradeoffs should be accepted in the achievement of these goals. We tested the capability of paddock manure redistribution to reverse degradation trends in a heavily grazed Succulent Karoo rangeland in South Africa. Over 3 years, the effects of the manure application were compared with areas planted with mature shrubs as a benchmark for a predisturbance vegetation structure and with four popular rehabilitation techniques: (1) livestock exclusion; (2) brushpacking (coverage of dead shrubs); (3) mineral fertilizing; and (4) microcatchment construction. Manure was, besides planting, the only treatment that resulted in a significant increase in drought‐resistant vegetation cover, but it compromised the dominance of native vegetation. In the manure plots, a pasture‐like vegetation of non‐native forage plants (which germinated mainly from seeds in the dung), developed (foremost Atriplex semibaccata). Manure application counteracted erosion as effectively as the planted shrubs and brushpacks. Expected negative side effects such as a decrease in plant species richness or salinization of topsoil were not detected. We also checked the potential of topsoil salinization by the halophytic A. semibaccata and found it to be low. For sites where a decrease in grazing pressure is unrealistic under current land tenure, redistribution of manure should be further explored to mitigate acute symptoms of degradation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulling Polymers on Energetically Disordered Surfaces: Molecular Dynamics Tests of Linear and Non‐linear Response
Authors: Raos Guido , Sluckin Timothy J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractEquilibrium and non‐equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of flexible polymer chains absorbed on heterogeneous surfaces are presented. The surfaces are flat but energetically disordered, consisting of a random mixture of weakly and more strongly absorbing sites (94 and 6%, respectively). For comparison, the two corresponding homogeneous surfaces are also simulated. This apparently weak energetic disorder can produce significant changes of the chain statistics, equilibrium dynamics, and non‐equilibrium response to a horizontal pulling force. On the disordered surfaces, the polymer–surface effective friction coefficient becomes strongly force‐dependent, as the dominant mode of motion changes from localized stick–slip events to smooth and continuous sliding. This is strongly reminiscent of the Schallamach model of rubber friction and the Maier–Göritz picture of the Payne effect in filled elastomers.magnified image
Percolation in Two‐Dimensional Copolymer Systems
Authors: Polanowski Piotr , Wawrzyńska Edyta , Sikorski Andrzej 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe aim of the study is the investigation of the percolation phenomena in some model copolymer systems. Diblock, triblock, random copolymers, and a blend of homopolymers are studied. For this purpose, we developed an idealized model of polymeric systems. The positions of polymer segments are restricted to vertices of a simple cubic lattice. The chains are at good solvent conditions – the excluded volume is the only interaction between the segments of the chain. The properties of the model chains are determined by means of Monte Carlo simulations with a sampling algorithm based on chain's local changes of conformation. The differences and similarities in the percolation behavior are shown and discussed. The percolation threshold is found to be very weakly dependent on the chain length, however, it appears that the main factor that influenced the percolation threshold is the screening effect of other parts of chains. magnified image
Cost‐effectiveness of deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Dams Judith , Siebert Uwe , Bornschein Bernhard , Volkmann Jens , Deuschl Günther , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Dodel Richard , Reese Jens‐Peter 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTIn addition to medical treatment, deep brain stimulation has become an alternative therapeutic option in advanced Parkinson's disease. High initial costs of surgery have to be weighted against long‐term gains in health‐related quality of life. The objective of this study was to assess the cost‐effectiveness of deep brain stimulation compared with long‐term medical treatment. We performed a cost‐utility analysis using a lifetime Markov model for Parkinson's disease. Health utilities were evaluated using the EQ‐5D generic health status measure. Data on effectiveness and adverse events were obtained from clinical studies, published reports, or meta‐analyses. Costs were assessed from the German health care provider perspective. Both were discounted at 3% per year. Key assumptions affecting costs and health status were investigated using one‐way and two‐way sensitivity analyses. The lifetime incremental cost‐utility ratio for deep brain stimulation was €6700 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) and €9800 and €2500 per United Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part II (motor experiences of daily living) and part III (motor examination) score point gained, respectively. Deep brain stimulation costs were mainly driven by the cost of surgery and of battery exchange. Health status was improved and motor complications were reduced by DBS. Sensitivity analysis revealed that battery life time was the most influential parameter, with the incremental cost‐utility ratio ranging from €20,000 per QALY to deep brain stimulation dominating medical treatment. Deep brain stimulation can be considered cost‐effective, offering a value‐for‐money profile comparable to other well accepted health care technologies. Our data support adopting and reimbursing deep brain stimulation within the German health care system. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Planar reference electrodes on multielectrode arrays for electrochemical measurements of ionic currents
Authors: Schnitker Jan , Afanasenkau Dzmitry , Wolfrum Bernhard , Offenhäusser Andreas 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe describe the fabrication process and characterization of polymer coated multielectrode array chips featuring 64 planar Ag/AgCl electrodes for electrophysiological and electrochemical measurements of ionic currents. The multielectrode chip consists of platinum feedlines and microelectrodes fabricated on an oxidized silicon substrate. The feed lines are passivated with a polyimide layer. Silver is deposited electrochemically on the platinum electrodes and chlorinated afterwards resulting in stable micro Ag/AgCl reference electrodes that are recessed within picoliter cavities. We envisage the chip as a platform for high‐throughput investigation of lipid bilayers. Schematics of a planar reference electrode. The chips are processed on oxidized silicon (blue) and consist of Pt feedlines (yellow), the Ag/AgCl electrode (black) passivated with polyimide (light blue).
USING AN INTEGRATED MODELLING APPROACH FOR RISK ASSESSMENT OF THE ‘KILLER SHRIMP’ Dikerogammarus villosus
Authors: Boets P. , Pauwels I. S. , Lock K. , Goethals P. L. M. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to predict the future distribution of an invasive macroinvertebrate species, Dikerogammarus villosus, under changing environmental conditions. For this, we used an integrated modelling approach. First, a habitat suitability model (HSM) was constructed on the basis of a regression tree model, to determine the preferred chemical water quality conditions. Subsequently, this HSM was combined with a chemical water quality model that makes predictions on future water quality scenarios for the year 2015 and 2027. It was expected that the area of suitable habitat of D. villosus would increase with improving water quality conditions in the future. Finally, migration speed was incorporated to model the spatial–temporal spread of D. villosus based on a network analysis. On the basis of monitoring data of Flanders (Belgium), it was calculated that D. villosus is able to spread with an average speed of 5 km year−1.The model simulations indicate that the species is primarily present in large rivers and canals with a good chemical water quality. With improving water quality, the species will be able to colonize additional watercourses, mainly because of a decrease in chemical oxygen demand and orthophosphate concentration. A validation based on the observed occurrence shows that the model accurately predicts areas with a high suitability that are most likely to be invaded by D. villosus. Our integrated modelling approach is useful as a practical method to perform risk assessment for watercourses that are vulnerable to invasions not only in Flanders but also in the whole world. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The problem of hot spots in microwave equipment used for preparatory techniques—Theory and practice
Authors: Kok L. P. , Boon Mathilde E. , Smid H. M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractElectron microscopists who wants to use a microwave (MW) oven to stimulate preparatory processes are sooner or later confronted with the problem of hot spots. It soon becomes clear to the user of any MW oven that the energy distribution—thus the speed of absorbing energy, and hence warming up—varies topographically. The unaware can observe variations in results when the principles of topographic order are not followed meticulously. To understand the hot‐spot phenomenon a certain theoretical knowledge is needed, as presented in this paper. In the 10 years that we have used MW ovens for our preparatory techniques we have learned how to solve the problem of hot spots. Thermographic paint can be applied to record energy distribution. In our studies, we have used a fiberoptic thermometer to follow precisely in time the temperature in the MW‐exposed media, and these observations have provided us with the needed insight to obtain reproducible results. We argue that only when temperature curves are given by the authors can their recipes be used successfully in other laboratories.
A model to determine microwave‐stimulated cross‐linking of collagen using diluted glutaraldehyde solutions
Authors: Ruijgrok J.M. , De Wijn J.R. , Boon M.E. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe model presented shows the effect of various fixation conditions on glutaraldehyde (GA) cross‐linking of collagen. The model consists of 10 very thin (10μm) synthetic collagen sheets, and by determining the degree of cross‐linking from the outer two sheets to the core region one can study the quality of fixation. The extent of cross‐linking is assessed by measuring the shrinkage temperature (Ts) of each separate sheet. The degree of cross‐linking and the distribution of cross‐links is visualized by plotting the Ts against the position of the sheet within the model, thus forming Ts profiles. Experiments were carried out to study the effect on the degree of cross‐linking of short‐term microwave‐stimulated fixation (5 min, 45°C) using low GA concentration (0.1%) and of a combination of GA presoaking at low or room temperature, (0°C) followed by short‐term (<3 min) heating to 45°C Short‐term fixation at 45°C caused an increase in Ts of more than 10°C in the central sheets and more than 20°C in the outer sheets. Presoaking the samples at room temperature for 1 h or at 0°C for 3 h, with subsequent short‐term heating to 45°C, caused an almost equal rise in Ts throughout the collagen sheets. We conclude that a homogeneous fixation is obtained by the combination of presoaking at low temperature, followed by short‐term microwave irradiation to 45°C.
Use of microwaves for rapid fixation of tissues in vivo
Authors: Stavinoha William B. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAccurate knowledge of the concentration in the central nervous system of neurochemicals undergoing rapid enzymatic destruction or synthesis is sparse because of the difficulty in stopping the rapid reactions while causing only minimal adverse changes in the neurochemistry and structure. Microwave heating can be effectively used to rapidly stop enzyme activity in the central nervous system with minimal adverse changes. This rapid inactivation of the enzymes increases the validity of the sample that is taken for analysis of the concentration of the enzyme's substrate.
Fast SVM training using edge detection on very large datasets
Authors: Li Boyang , Wang Qiangwei , Hu Jinglu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn a standard support vector machine (SVM), the training process has O(n3) time and O(n2) space complexities, where n is the size of the training dataset. For very large datasets, it is thus computationally infeasible. Reducing the size of training dataset is naturally considered as a method to solve this problem. SVM classifiers are constructed by using the training samples called support vectors (SVs) that lie close to the separation boundary. Thus, removing the other samples that are not relevant to SVs might have no effect on building the separation boundary. In other words, we need to reserve the samples that are likely to be SVs. Therefore, a method based on edge detection techniques is proposed to extract such samples near the separation boundary. In order to avoid overfitting, we also use a clustering algorithm to keep the distribution properties of the training dataset. The samples selected by the edge detector and the centroids of clusters are used to reconstruct the training dataset. In the proposed approach, the edge detection technique helps us to extract the local properties around the separation boundary and the clustering algorithm preserves the properties of the entire data. The reconstructed training dataset with a smaller number of samples can make the training process very fast without degrading the classification accuracy. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Sputtering condition optimization of sputtered IrOx and TiN stimulus electrodes for retinal prosthesis
Authors: Pan Yi‐Li , Noda Toshihiko , Sasagawa Kiyotaka , Tokuda Takashi , Ohta Jun 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe have optimized the sputtering conditions for sputtered IrOx and TiN electrodes for retinal prosthesis. The basic electrochemical characteristics were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, and the surface morphology was inspected by atomic force microscopy. To measure the charge delivery capacity (CDC), a 300‐µm diameter electrode was formed, a balanced biphasic current pulse was applied, and the voltage response was measured. From the experimental results, the CDCs of IrOx and TiN in the best sputtering conditions were improved by more than 8 and 4 times compared to that of Pt, respectively. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Repeat measurements of nuchal translucency at 11–14 weeks of gestation: when do we need them?
Authors: Salomon L. J. , Porcher R. , Socolov D. , Lamrani H. , Ville Y. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTObjectivePrevious studies have recommended that several repeat measurements of nuchal translucency (NT) be obtained to optimize sensitivity of the screening process. However, truncation is applied within the risk calculation for small NT measurements; therefore, repeating NT measurements in the lower range may be unnecessary. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal number of NT measurements and whether this is dependent on the initial value obtained.MethodsWe simulated the expected distribution of sets of five repeat NT measurements and their corresponding likelihood ratios (LR) for a variety of crown–rump length (CRL) values at 11–14 weeks' gestation, based on the published mixture model for first‐trimester NT measurements and on published data regarding NT measurement variability. The ratio between LR obtained from the highest and the initial measurement in each set were computed, with a ratio of 1 indicating that repeat measurements would have no effect on risk estimation. We calculated NT cut‐offs below which a change in estimated LR would occur in fewer than 10% of cases if repeat measurements were obtained, and we tested this approach on a real first‐trimester screening dataset.ResultsThe simulations performed indicated that repeating NT measurements when the first NT obtained ranged between ≤ 0.9 and ≤ 1.6 mm at CRLs of 45 and 84 mm, respectively, is not useful. When applied to a real dataset, our approach allowed avoiding repetition of measurements in 47/165 cases (28%).ConclusionsAlthough there is some variability in NT measurements, repeat assessment is not useful to optimize screening performance for the smallest NT measurements due to lower truncation limits that are applied in risk calculation. Our study provides NT cut‐off values, in relation to CRL, below which it appears that there is no need to repeat measurements once a good quality image has been obtained. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Intermediate temperature proton‐conducting membrane electrolytes for fuel cells
Authors: Scott Keith , Xu Chenxi , Wu Xu 
Published: April 2013

This review provides an overview of intermediate temperature proton‐conducting membrane electrolyte materials for fuel cells. Such fuel cells operate in the approximate temperature range of 150–300°C and can capitalize on a number of technological reasons for operating H2/air. These reasons include enhancement of electrochemical kinetics, simplified water management, efficient cooling, and useful waste heat recovery. Importantly lower quality, for example, reformed hydrogen, containing relatively large amounts of carbon dioxide, may be used as the fuel. The materials, which have been the focus of intermediate temperature proton‐conducting fuel cells, include heteropolyacids, metal pyrophosphates, solid acids, and acid‐imbibed high‐temperature polymers such as polybenzimidazole. WIREs Energy Environ 2014, 3:24–41. doi: 10.1002/wene.64This article is categorized under:

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Science and Materials
Overexpression of ctr1Δ300, a high‐affinity copper transporter with deletion of the cytosolic C‐terminus in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under excess copper, leads to disruption of transition metal homeostasis and transcriptional remodelling of cellular processes
Authors: Schuller Astrid , Auffermann Gudrun , Zoschke Katja , Schmidt Ulrike , Ostermann Kai , Rödel Gerhard 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn an approach to generating Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with increased intracellular copper amounts for technical applications, we overexpressed the copper transporter CTR1 and a variant of CTR1 with a truncation in the C‐terminus after the 300th amino acid (ctr1Δ300). We determined the copper sensitivity of the generated strains and used inductively coupled plasma spectrometry analysis (ICP–OES and ICP–MS) to investigate the effects of overexpression of both constructs under excess copper on the cellular content of different elements in S. cerevisiae. In addition, we performed DNA microarray analysis to obtain the gene expression profile under the changed element contents. Overexpression of CTR1 increased the copper content in the cells to 160% and 78 genes were differentially regulated. Overexpression of the truncated ctr1Δ300 resulted in an increased copper, iron and zinc content of > 200% and 980 genes showed differential expression. We found that transition metal ion homeostasis was disrupted in ctr1Δ300‐overexpressing strains under excess copper and that this was combined with a transcriptional remodelling of cellular processes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.