bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi‐layer transmission and hybrid relaying for relay channels with multiple out‐of‐band relays
Authors: Park Seok‐Hwan , Simeone Osvaldo , Sahin Onur , Shamai (Shitz) Shlomo 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTIn this work, a relay channel is studied in which a source encoder communicates with a destination decoder through a number of out‐of‐band relays that are connected to the decoder through capacity‐constrained digital backhaul links. This model is motivated by the uplink of cloud radio access networks. In this scenario, a novel transmission and relaying strategies are proposed in which multi‐layer transmission is used, on the one hand, to adaptively leverage the different decoding capabilities of the relays and, on the other hand, to enable hybrid decode‐and‐forward and compress‐and‐forward relaying. The hybrid relaying strategy allows each relay to forward part of the decoded messages and a compressed version of the received signal to the decoder. The problem of optimising the power allocation across the layers and the compression test channels is formulated. Albeit non‐convex, the derived problem is found to belong to the class of so‐called complementary geometric programs. Using this observation, an iterative algorithm based on the homotopy method is proposed that achieves a stationary point of the original problem by solving a sequence of geometric programming, and thus convex, problems. Numerical results are provided that show the effectiveness of the proposed multi‐layer hybrid scheme in achieving performance close to a theoretical (cutset) upper bound. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A first look at traffic patterns of Siri
Authors: Caviglione L. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe evolution of handheld devices and wireless communication ignited a new wave of speech‐driven services using an “intelligent” back‐end to perform complex tasks, for example, real‐time dictation and data retrieval. Hence, the network is of crucial importance, and its usage must be properly analysed. This paper discusses some basic behaviours of Siri in terms of traffic patterns, possible models and a short privacy/security assessment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Admission control for wireless LANs with multipacket reception capability
Authors: Choi Wooyeol , Lim Hyuk 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn a multipacket reception (MPR) system, a wireless node can successfully receive multiple packets from simultaneous transmitters. The increase in the number of simultaneous transmissions leads to higher throughput as long as the transmissions can be successfully decoded by the receiver. The maximum number of simultaneous transmissions that the receiver can successfully decode should be determined and used as the criterion of admission control in order to maximise the multipacket reception system performance. In this paper, we propose an admission control scheme that derives the maximum number of simultaneous transmissions and regulates the number of simultaneous transmissions based on the derived number. To evaluate the performance of our proposed scheme, we carry out extensive simulations and show that our proposed scheme significantly improves the network throughput. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strain rate viscoelastic analysis of soft and highly hydrated biomaterials
Authors: Tirella A. , Mattei G. , Ahluwalia A. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractMeasuring the viscoelastic behavior of highly hydrated biological materials is challenging because of their intrinsic softness and labile nature. In these materials, it is difficult to avoid prestress and therefore to establish precise initial stress and strain conditions for lumped parameter estimation using creep or stress‐relaxation (SR) tests. We describe a method (
or epsilon dot method) for deriving the viscoelastic parameters of soft hydrated biomaterials which avoids prestress and can be used to rapidly test degradable samples. Standard mechanical tests are first performed compressing samples using different strain rates. The dataset obtained is then analyzed to mathematically derive the material's viscoelastic parameters. In this work a stable elastomer, polydimethylsiloxane, and a labile hydrogel, gelatin, were first tested using the
, in parallel SR was used to compare lumped parameter estimation. After demonstrating that the elastic parameters are equivalent and that the estimation of short‐time constants is more precise using the proposed method, the viscoelastic behavior of porcine liver was investigated using this approach. The results show that the constitutive parameters of hepatic tissue can be quickly quantified without the application of any prestress and before the onset of time‐dependent degradation phenomena. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3352–3360, 2014
Serum albumin–protamine conjugate for biocompatible platform for targeted delivery of therapeutic macromolecules
Authors: Absar Shahriar , Nahar Kamrun , Choi Suna , Ahsan Fakhrul , Yang Victor C. , Kwon Young M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA well‐defined, one‐to‐one conjugate between human serum albumin (HSA) and protamine was synthesized and characterized as a biocompatible carrier for macromolecules. In circulation, the conjugate will camouflage drug molecules upon complex formation, while liberating free drug at the desired location using a triggering mechanism. The N‐terminus of protamine was thiolated and conjugated with the unpaired Cysteine‐34 of HSA, and was purified by ion‐exchange chromatography. The molecular weight of the conjugate was 70.8 kDa, confirming one‐to‐one conjugation between HSA (66.6 KDa) and protamine (4200 Da). Superimposed fluorescence spectra of native HSA and HSA–protamine conjugate indicated no conformational change around the Trp‐214. The conjugate had marked reduction in hemolytic and cytotoxic properties compared to protamine. When therapeutic potential was tested using tissue plasminogen activator as a model drug, HSA–protamine conjugate suppressed the enzymatic activity by 65%, which was fully recovered by a triggering agent, heparin. The construct showed binding characteristics with activated platelets upon conjugation with a targeting peptide, demonstrating flexibility to introduce suitable homing moiety on the surface. The camouflaged construct retained triggered release property in human plasma condition. Overall, the conjugate has a good potential to serve as a biocompatible platform for macromolecular drugs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2481–2490, 2014.
Development of an elastic cell culture substrate for a novel uniaxial tensile strain bioreactor
Authors: Moles Matthew D. , Scotchford Colin A. , Ritchie Alastair Campbell 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBioreactors can be used for mechanical conditioning and to investigate the mechanobiology of cells in vitro. In this study a polyurethane (PU), Chronoflex AL, was evaluated for use as a flexible cell culture substrate in a novel bioreactor capable of imparting cyclic uniaxial tensile strain to cells. PU membranes were plasma etched, across a range of operating parameters, in oxygen. Contact angle analysis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed increases in wettability and surface oxygen were related to both etching power and duration. Atomic force microscopy demonstrated that surface roughness decreased after etching at 20 W but was increased at higher powers. The etching parameters, 20 W 40 s, produced membranes with high surface oxygen content (21%), a contact angle of 66° ± 7° and reduced topographical features. Etching and protein conditioning membranes facilitated attachment, and growth to confluence within 3 days, of MG‐63 osteoblasts. After 2 days with uniaxial strain (1%, 30 cycles/min, 1500 cycles/day), cellular alignment was observed perpendicular to the principal strain axis, and found to increase after 24 h. The results indicate that the membrane supports culture and strain transmission to adhered cells. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2356–2364, 2014.
Replacement, refinement, and reduction: Necessity of standardization and computational models for long bone fracture repair in animals
Authors: Reifenrath Janin , Angrisani Nina , Lalk Mareike , Besdo Silke 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn the field of fracture healing it is essential to know the impacts of new materials. Fracture healing of long bones is studied in various animal models and extrapolated for use in humans, although there are differences between the micro‐ and macrostructure of human versus animal bone. Unfortunately, recommended standardized models for fracture repair studies do not exist. Many different study designs with various animal models are used. Concerning the general principles of replacement, refinement and reduction in animal experiments (three “Rs”), a standardization would be desirable to facilitate better comparisons between different studies. In addition, standardized methods allow better prediction of bone healing properties and implant requirements with computational models. In this review, the principles of bone fracture healing and differences between osteotomy and artificial fracture models as well as influences of fixation devices are summarized. Fundamental considerations regarding animal model choice are discussed, as it is very important to know the limitations of the chosen model. In addition, a compendium of common animal models is assembled with special focus on rats, rabbits, and sheep as most common fracture models. Fracture healing simulation is a basic tool in reducing the number of experimental animals, so its progress is also presented here. In particular, simulation of different animal models is presented. In conclusion, a standardized fracture model is of utmost importance for the best adaption of simulation to experimental setups and comparison between different studies. One of the basic goals should be to reach a consensus for standardized fracture models. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2884–2900, 2014.
Statistical occurrence and dynamics of the Harang discontinuity during steady magnetospheric convection
Authors: Kissinger J. , Wilder F. D. , McPherron R. L. , Hsu T.‐S. , Baker J. B. H. , Kepko L. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe Harang discontinuity is a longitudinally extended ionospheric signature near midnight of flow reversal from westward to eastward with decreasing latitude. Its occurrence indicates enhanced convection in the magnetotail that requires an upward field‐aligned current from the ionosphere due to diamagnetic ion drift. Previous reports using event studies have been conflicting as to the occurrence of the Harang discontinuity during a mode of enhanced magnetotail response called steady magnetospheric convection (SMC). With a comprehensive list of SMC events from 1997 through 2007, we utilize data from the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network and a novel spatial superposition technique to statistically examine the occurrence of the Harang discontinuity during SMC events. We find that the statistical signature of the Harang discontinuity begins before SMC starts and strengthens as the SMC events progress. We also detail the typical size and strength of the Harang discontinuity and find that it is more pronounced during interplanetary magnetic field +By conditions.
Revision septoplasty: A prospective disease‐specific outcome study
Authors: Gillman Grant S. , Egloff Ann M. , Rivera‐Serrano Carlos M. 
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis1) Study outcomes of revision septoplasty using a validated disease‐specific questionnaire and a patient satisfaction survey; 2) assess the effect of surgery on the use of medication to treat nasal congestion; and 3) report on sites of persistent septal deviation identified at revision septoplasty.Study DesignProspective, single‐center outcome study of patients with symptomatic nasal obstruction and persisting septal deviation despite prior septal surgery.MethodsThe Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale was administered preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months following revision surgery. Patients were also questioned regarding ease of breathing and medication use preoperatively and postoperatively, as well as satisfaction with the surgical outcome. Anatomic site(s) of residual septal deviation were recorded intraoperatively.ResultsThirty‐nine patients completed the study. Mean NOSE scores decreased significantly from 75.9 preoperatively to 14.9 3 months after revision surgery. Mean Ease‐of‐Breathing scores over this interval improved from 3/10 preoperatively to 8.5/10. Both results were sustained at 6 months (P <0.0001). Patient satisfaction was very high, and many patients required less medication to treat symptoms of nasal congestion postoperatively. Deviations persisting from prior surgery most commonly involved the dorsal or caudal septum.ConclusionIn patients who experience ongoing nasal obstruction with a persistent septal deviation despite prior septoplasty, revision surgery significantly improves disease‐specific quality of life, results in high patient satisfaction, and may diminish the need for nasal medications postoperatively. Caudal or dorsal deflections may be more difficult to correct, leading to the need for revision surgery.Level of Evidence2C Laryngoscope, 124:1290–1295, 2014
A homozygous SLITRK6 nonsense mutation is associated with progressive auditory neuropathy in humans
Authors: Morlet Thierry , Rabinowitz Mindy R. , Looney Liesl R. , Riegner Tammy , Greenwood L. Ashleigh , Sherman Eric A. , Achilly Nathan , Zhu Anni , Yoo Estelle , O'Reilly Robert C. , Jinks Robert N. , Puffenberger Erik G. , Heaps Adam , Morton Holmes , Strauss Kevin A. 
Published: August 2013

Objectives/HypothesisSLITRK family proteins control neurite outgrowth and regulate synaptic development. In mice, Slitrk6 plays a role in the survival and innervation of sensory neurons in the inner ear, vestibular apparatus, and retina, and also influences axial eye length. We provide the first detailed description of the auditory phenotype in humans with recessive SLITRK6 deficiency.Study DesignProspective observational case study.MethodsNine closely related Amish subjects from an endogamous Amish community of Pennsylvania underwent audiologic and vestibular testing. Single nucleotide polymorphism microarrays were used to map the chromosome locus, and Sanger sequencing or high‐resolution melt analysis were used to confirm the allelic variant.ResultsAll nine subjects were homozygous for a novel nonsense variant of SLITRK6 (c.1240C>T, p.Gln414Ter). Adult patients had high myopia. The 4 oldest SLITRK6 c.1240C>T homozygotes had absent ipsilateral middle ear muscle reflexes (MEMRs). Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were absent in all ears tested and the cochlear microphonic (CM) was increased in amplitude and duration in young patients and absent in the two oldest subjects. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were dys‐synchronised bilaterally with no reproducible waves I, III, or V at high intensities. Hearing loss and speech reception thresholds deteriorated symmetrically with age, which resulted in severe‐to‐profound hearing impairment by early adulthood. Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials were normal in three ears and absent in one.ConclusionHomozygous SLITRK6 c.1240C>T (p.Gln414Ter) nonsense mutations are associated with high myopia, cochlear dysfunction attributed to outer hair cell disease, and progressive auditory neuropathy.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 124:E95–E103, 2014
Automated acoustic analysis of task dependency in adductor spasmodic dysphonia versus muscle tension dysphonia
Authors: Roy Nelson , Mazin Alqhazo , Awan Shaheen N. 
Published: August 2013

Objectives/HypothesisDistinguishing muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) from adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) can be difficult. Unlike MTD, ADSD is described as “task‐dependent,” implying that dysphonia severity varies depending upon the demands of the vocal task, with connected speech thought to be more symptomatic than sustained vowels. This study used an acoustic index of dysphonia severity (i.e., the Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia [CSID]) to: 1) assess the value of “task dependency” to distinguish ADSD from MTD, and to 2) examine associations between the CSID and listener ratings.Study DesignCase‐Control Study.MethodsCSID estimates of dysphonia severity for connected speech and sustained vowels of patients with ADSD (n = 36) and MTD (n = 45) were compared. The diagnostic precision of task dependency (as evidenced by differences in CSID‐estimated dysphonia severity between connected speech and sustained vowels) was examined.ResultsIn ADSD, CSID‐estimated severity for connected speech (M = 39. 2, SD = 22.0) was significantly worse than for sustained vowels (M = 29.3, SD = 21.9), [P = .020]. Whereas in MTD, no significant difference in CSID‐estimated severity was observed between connected speech (M = 55.1, SD = 23.8) and sustained vowels (M = 50.0, SD = 27.4), [P = .177]. CSID evidence of task dependency correctly identified 66.7% of ADSD cases (sensitivity) and 64.4% of MTD cases (specificity). CSID and listener ratings were significantly correlated.ConclusionTask dependency in ADSD, as revealed by differences in acoustically‐derived estimates of dysphonia severity between connected speech and sustained vowel production, is a potentially valuable diagnostic marker.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 124:718–724, 2014
Translational genomics of acquired laryngotracheal stenosis
Authors: Anis Mursalin M. , Zhao Zhigen , Khurana Jasvir , Krynetskiy Evgeny , Soliman Ahmed M. S. 
Published: August 2013

Objectives/HypothesisAcquired laryngotracheal stenosis (ALTS) results from abnormal mucosal wound healing after laryngeal and/or tracheal injury. Patients with ALTS often present late after significant reduction of the airway lumen and onset of symptoms. Motivated by the need for earlier detection of affected patients, we sought to investigate genetic markers for ALTS that would identify susceptible patients.Study DesignPilot Case‐Control Study.MethodsSeventy‐six patients were recruited, 40 patients with ALTS and 36 control patients with airway injury but without ALTS. DNA was isolated from whole blood and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded specimens from patients. Custom primers were designed and the TaqMan assay employing allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction was used to interrogate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs2569190, rs1799750, and rs1800469 located in candidate genes CD14, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), respectively. A logistic regression model was used to examine the association of candidate gene polymorphisms with the presence or absence of ALTS.ResultsAll 76 patients were successfully genotyped at the three loci of interest by optimizing the genotyping protocol. MMP‐1 SNP rs1799750 was most significantly associated with development of ALTS (P = 0.005).ConclusionIdentification of SNPs associated with development of ALTS will provide new experimental targets to study wound healing in human subjects. The association found in the current study between ALTS and SNP rs1799750 is being validated in a larger population examining an expanded set of relevant SNPs. Identifying patients with genetic susceptibility to ALTS and poor wound healing in the upper airway will be useful for management of patients after upper‐airway injury.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 124:E175–E179, 2014
Secondary head and neck reconstruction using free flap to improve the postoperative function or appearance of cancer survivors
Authors: Onoda Satoshi , Kimata Yoshihiro , Sugiyama Narushi , Onoda Tomoo , Mizukawa Nobuyoshi 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundSecondary reconstructive operations are needed when patients with head and neck cancers have complications such as tumor recurrence after initial treatment. These reconstructive procedures are also performed to improve the function and appearance of the head and neck region for many cancer survivors. We reviewed the patients who underwent secondary head and neck reconstruction to improve function and appearance and considered the significance of this procedure for cancer survivors, as well as its associated problems.MethodsAmong the secondary reconstruction patients, 20 patients underwent reconstruction to improve their function and/or appearance. The goal of reconstruction for the patients was functional improvement in eight cases, appearance improvement in ten cases, and both function and appearance in two cases. Chi‐square analyses were performed between the secondary and primary reconstructive groups with regard to the incidence of postoperative complications.ResultsAll transferred flaps survived completely. We performed a small postoperative modification procedure in four cases. Minor complications not requiring surgical correction occurred in 2 of 20 patients. Additional operations were required owing to major postoperative complications in 2 of 20 patients. No significant associations were identified between the secondary and primary reconstructive groups with regard to postoperative complications.ConclusionThe outcomes of the present report suggest that secondary reconstructive surgery is a relatively safe procedure. The decision to perform adaptation operations depends on various factors after sufficient discussion with patients. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:122–128, 2014.
Free fibular flap with periosteal excess for mandibular reconstruction
Authors: Trignano Emilio , Fallico Nefer , Faenza Mario , Rubino Corrado , Chen Hung‐Chi 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundIn microvascular transfer of fibular osteocutaneous flap for mandible reconstruction after cancer ablation, good bone union is necessary to allow timely radiation therapy after surgery. As the area of bone contact between fibula and the original mandible at the edge of the mandibular defect is small, a periosteal excess at both ends of the fibula covering the bone junction can be used to increase the chance of bone union. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a periosteal excess surrounding both ends of the fibula flap can provide better blood supply and, therefore, ensure bone union and wound healing at 6 weeks after surgery and before radiation therapy initiation.Patients and methodsThe transfer of fibular osteocutaneous flap with periosteal excess was only applied to reconstruct segmental mandibular defects. As a consequence, only cases in which osteotomy of fibula was not performed were included in this study. A total of 34 fibular flaps without osteotomies were performed between 2000 and 2008; 17 with and 17 without the periosteal excess.The bone union was evaluated in terms of osseous callus formation using X‐rays and CT three‐dimensional images at 6 weeks after surgery, and results were assessed by three independent radiologists.ResultsThere was a significant difference between reconstructions with and without the periosteal excess in terms of bone union (P = 0.022). With reference to postoperative complications, the group reconstructed without periosteal excess presented a higher number of complications, mainly consisting of partial and total flap necrosis, respectively six (35.29%) and two (11.76%) cases. In the group reconstructed with periosteal excess, no loss of the skin island has occurred. A significant difference was observed in terms of partial flap necrosis (P = 0.024), while the other complications did not reveal a statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe use of a periosteal excess at both ends of the fibula flap provides better blood supply and is, therefore, able to ensure good bone healing and skin paddle survival regardless of the radiotherapy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:527–533, 2013.