bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homogeneous dispersion of high-conductive reduced graphene oxide sheets for polymethylmethacrylate nanocomposites
Authors: Zeng Xiaopeng , Yang Jingjing , Zhang Lizhen , Chen Lijuan , Yuan Wenxia 
Published: March 2014

The high cohesive interaction between reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets usually makes them difficult to disperse, which limits their utilization in achieving effective hybridization with polymers. We report here a new two-step route for preparing non-aggregated and high-conductive RGO powders. Graphene oxide precursor was first reduced by hydrazine hydrate in presence of a thermal unstable surfactant of cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC). Then a thermal annealing process under H2/Ar atmosphere was further used to remove the non-conductive CTAC molecules. The prepared RGO powder exhibited an electrical conductivity of 2.23 × 104 S m−1 – about ten times higher than the one (N-RGO) simply reduced by hydrazine hydrate. After incorporating into polymethylmethacrylate with a 5 wt% loading, the composite showed a conductivity of 4.11 S m−1, which was 60 times as high as that of the same composite based on N-RGO powder. The addition and subsequent removal of CTAC molecules is an effective method for preparing non-aggregated and highly conductive graphene powder and obtaining good incorporation into polymer matrices.
Vitamin D in older people
Authors: Witham Miles D , Francis Gavin 
Published: March 2014

SummaryVitamin D has a wide range of biological effects beyond calcium and bone metabolism, and low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels have been associated with many disease states in recent years, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infections and cancer. Association studies of vitamin D are notoriously prone to confounding and to reverse causality, however, and current intervention trial data for non-skeletal indications have been disappointing. Vitamin D is indicated for treatment of osteomalacia in older people, falls prevention in institutionalized older people, and as adjunctive therapy for osteoporosis. Large trials currently underway will ascertain whether potentially beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation on all-cause mortality in older people are borne out.
Novel visualised three-dimensional images are useful for treating coronary artery fistulas in infants
Authors: Nakanishi Keisuke , Morita Terumasa , Amano Atsushi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractHere we report an infant with coronary artery fistulas. To clearly visualise the fistulas and surrounding materials, we utilised three-dimensional computed tomography, and the images were transferred as novel visualised three-dimensional images using a reconstruction technique. With the images, we could repair the fistulas accurately. We believe that these images are useful for repairing coronary artery fistulas in infants.
A Paramedic Field Supervisor's Situational Awareness in Prehospital Emergency Care
Authors: Norri-Sederholm Teija , Kuusisto Rauno , Kurola Jouni , Saranto Kaija , Paakkonen Heikki 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIntroductionSituational awareness (SA), or being aware of what is going on and what might happen next, is essential for the successful management of prehospital emergency care. However, far too little attention has been paid to the flow of information. Having the right information is important when formulating plans and actions.ProblemThe aim of this study was to analyze and describe the type of information that is meaningful for SA in the work of paramedic field supervisors, and to create an information profile for them in the context of prehospital emergency care.MethodsData were collected from January through March 2012 from semi-structured interviews with ten paramedic field supervisors representing four rescue departments in Finland. The interviews were based on three different types of real-life scenarios in the context of prehospital emergency care, and deductive content analysis was employed according to the information exchange meta-model. Data management and analysis were performed using Atlas.ti 7.ResultsA paramedic field supervisor information interest profile was formulated. The most important information categories were Events, Means, Action Patterns, and Decisions. The profile showed that paramedic field supervisors had four roles – situation follower, analyzer, planner and decision maker – and they acted in all four roles at the same time in the planning and execution phases.ConclusionParamedic field supervisors are multitasking persons, building SA by using the available data, combining it with extensive know-how from their working methods and competencies, and their tacit knowledge. The results can be used in developing work processes, training programs, and information systems.Norri-SederholmT,KuusistoR,KurolaJ,SarantoK,PaakkonenH.A paramedic field supervisor's situational awareness in prehospital emergency care.Prehosp Disaster Med.2014;29(2):1-9.
Inhibition of post-translational N-glycosylation by HRD1 that controls the fate of ABCG5/8 transporter
Authors: Suzuki Shingo , Shuto Tsuyoshi , Sato Takashi , Kaneko Masayuki , Takada Tappei , Suico Mary Ann , Cyr Douglas M. , Suzuki Hiroshi , Kai Hirofumi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractN-glycosylation of proteins in endoplasmic reticulum is critical for protein quality control. We showed here a post-translational N-glycosylation affected by the HRD1 E3 ubiquitin ligase. Both WT- and E3-defective C329S-HRD1 decreased the level of high mannose form of ABCG8, a protein that heterodimerizes with ABCG5 to control sterol balance. Meanwhile, HRD1 increased the non-glycosylated ABCG8 regardless of its E3 activity, thereby suppressing full maturation of ABCG5/8 transporter. Pulse chase and mutational analysis indicated that HRD1 inhibits STT3B-dependent post-translational N-glycosylation of ABCG8. Whereas, HRD1 had only slight effect on the N-glycosylation status of ABCG5; rather it accelerated ABCG5 degradation in an E3 activity-dependent manner. Finally, RMA1, another E3 ubiquitin ligase, accelerated the degradation of both ABCG5 and ABCG8 via E3 activity-dependent manner. HRD1 and RMA1 may therefore be negative regulators of disease-associated transporter ABCG5/ABCG8. The findings also highlight the unexpected E3 activity-independent role of HRD1 in the regulation of N-glycosylation.
Management of Duodenal–Jejunal Polyps in Children With Peutz‐Jeghers Syndrome With Single‐Balloon Enteroscopy
Authors: Bizzarri Barbara , Borrelli Osvaldo , de'Angelis Nicola , Ghiselli Alessia , Nervi Giorgio , Manfredi Marco , de'Angelis Gian Luigi 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTObjectives:Children with Peutz‐Jeghers syndrome (PJS) have increased risk of polyp‐related complications and emergency laparotomies. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and the safety of endoscopic therapy of small bowel polyps using single‐balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in children affected by PJS.Methods:Between January 2010 and December 2011, prospectively consecutive PJS children with polyps >15 mm or polyps actively bleeding previously identified using video capsule endoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging underwent therapeutic SBE. The main outcome measurements were the feasibility, the technical performance, and the safety.Results:A total of 10 children (6 boys; median age 13.7 years, range 5.6–15.6) underwent 23 SBE procedures. Four patients had a history of abdominal surgery. A total of 53 polyps were removed, and 23 of them were >15 mm. The majority of polyps were found in jejunum (85%). The mean insertion depths for antegrade and retrograde approach were 200 ± 80 and 100 ± 50 cm beyond the ileal valve, respectively. The mean procedure time was 75 ± 25 minutes. Mild abdominal pain was reported after 3 procedures. In 1 patient a postpolypectomy perforation occurred.Conclusions:In conclusion, SBE is an effective endoscopic tool for treating small bowel polyps in children with PJS, and well‐timed polypectomy may optimize patients' care, preventing polyp‐related complications and emergency laparotomy. Further larger multicenter studies are warranted to accurately determine the safety of therapeutic SBE in children.
Topical Mitomycin‐C Application in Recurrent Esophageal Strictures After Surgical Repair of Esophageal Atresia
Authors: Chapuy Laurence , Pomerleau Martine , Faure Christophe 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and short‐term safety of topical mitomycin‐C, an antifibrotic agent, in preventing the recurrence of anastomotic strictures after surgical repair of esophageal atresia (EA).Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with recurrent anastomotic strictures after EA surgery who underwent at least 3 esophageal dilations. We compared the outcome (ie, resolution of the stricture) of the group that received topical mitomycin‐C treatment with endoscopic esophageal dilation with a historical cohort treated by dilations alone.Results:A total of 11 children received mitomycin‐C concurrently with endoscopic dilations. After a median follow‐up of 33 months (range 18–72), and a mean number of 5.4 dilations per patient (range 3–11), 8 of 11 patients achieved a resolution of their strictures, 2 patients remained with stenosis, and 1 patient needed a surgical correction. In the control group, 10 patients required an average of 3.7 (range 3–7) total dilations. After a follow‐up of 125 months (range 35–266) after the last dilation, strictures in 9 of 10 children disappeared and the remaining patient was symptom free. No dysplasia related to mitomycin‐C was demonstrated.Conclusions:There is no benefit in the resolution of the stricture when adding mitomycin‐C treatment compared with repeated esophageal dilations alone in historical controls. Further randomized controlled studies and a short‐ and long‐term evaluation of safety are needed.
The marine diversity spectrum
Authors: Reuman Daniel C. , Gislason Henrik , Barnes Carolyn , Mélin Frédéric , Jennings Simon 
Published: March 2014

SummaryDistributions of species body sizes within a taxonomic group, for example, mammals, are widely studied and important because they help illuminate the evolutionary processes that produced these distributions. Distributions of the sizes of species within an assemblage delineated by geography instead of taxonomy (all the species in a region regardless of clade) are much less studied but are equally important and will illuminate a different set of ecological and evolutionary processes.We develop and test a mechanistic model of how diversity varies with body mass in marine ecosystems. The model predicts the form of the ‘diversity spectrum’, which quantifies the distribution of species' asymptotic body masses, is a species analogue of the classic size spectrum of individuals, and which we have found to be a new and widely applicable description of diversity patterns.The marine diversity spectrum is predicted to be approximately linear across an asymptotic mass range spanning seven orders of magnitude. Slope −0·5 is predicted for the global marine diversity spectrum for all combined pelagic zones of continental shelf seas, and slopes for large regions are predicted to lie between −0·5 and −0·1. Slopes of −0·5 and −0·1 represent markedly different communities: a slope of −0·5 depicts a 10‐fold reduction in diversity for every 100‐fold increase in asymptotic mass; a slope of −0·1 depicts a 1·6‐fold reduction. Steeper slopes are predicted for larger or colder regions, meaning fewer large species per small species for such regions.Predictions were largely validated by a global empirical analysis.Results explain for the first time a new and widespread phenomenon of biodiversity. Results have implications for estimating numbers of species of small asymptotic mass, where taxonomic inventories are far from complete. Results show that the relationship between diversity and body mass can be explained from the dependence of predation behaviour, dispersal, and life history on body mass, and a neutral assumption about speciation and extinction.
The differential response of the Pben promoter of Pseudomonas putida mt‐2 to BenR and XylS prevents metabolic conflicts in m‐xylene biodegradation
Authors: Pérez‐Pantoja Danilo , Kim Juhyun , Silva‐Rocha Rafael , de Lorenzo Víctor 
Published: March 2014

SummaryPseudomonas putida mt‐2 encompasses two alternative and potentially conflicting routes for benzoate metabolism, one meta pathway encoded by xyl genes of the pWW0 plasmid and mastered by the Pm promoter and XylS, and one chromosomally encoded ortho pathway initiated by Pben and the BenR protein. Any cross‐activation of Pben promoter by XylS ought to cause a metabolic conflict during the degradation of m‐xylene because 3‐methylbenzoate (3MBz) generated as an intermediate can be channelled through the ortho pathway and produce toxic dead‐end metabolites. The activation of Pben by XylS was revisited using both reporter technology and tiling arrays targeted to the sequences of interest around messenger RNA initiation of both Pben and Pm promoters. Analysis of supersensitive luxCDABE fusions, inspection of xylX versus benA transcripts and growth tests of benR mutants indicated that the natural expression ranges of XylS under various conditions are insufficient to cause a significant cross‐regulation of Pben whether cells face endogenous or exogenous 3MBz. This seems to stem from the nature of the operators for binding either transcriptional factor, which in the case of the Pben promoter of P. putida mt‐2 appear to have evolved for avoiding a strong interaction with XylS.
Marine bacterioplankton community turnover within seasonally hypoxic waters of a subtropical sound: Devil's Hole, Bermuda
Authors: Parsons Rachel J. , Nelson Craig E. , Carlson Craig A. , Denman Carmen C. , Andersson Andreas J. , Kledzik Andrew L. , Vergin Kevin L. , McNally Sean P. , Treusch Alexander H. , Giovannoni Stephen J. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryUnderstanding bacterioplankton community dynamics in coastal hypoxic environments is relevant to global biogeochemistry because coastal hypoxia is increasing worldwide. The temporal dynamics of bacterioplankton communities were analysed throughout the illuminated water column of Devil's Hole, Bermuda during the 6‐week annual transition from a strongly stratified water column with suboxic and high‐pCO2 bottom waters to a fully mixed and ventilated state during 2008. A suite of culture‐independent methods provided a quantitative spatiotemporal characterization of bacterioplankton community changes, including both direct counts and rRNA gene sequencing. During stratification, the surface waters were dominated by the SAR11 clade of Alphaproteobacteria and the cyanobacterium Synechococcus. In the suboxic bottom waters, cells from the order Chlorobiales prevailed, with gene sequences indicating members of the genera Chlorobium and Prosthecochloris – anoxygenic photoautotrophs that utilize sulfide as a source of electrons for photosynthesis. Transitional zones of hypoxia also exhibited elevated levels of methane‐ and sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria relative to the overlying waters. The abundance of both Thaumarcheota and Euryarcheota were elevated in the suboxic bottom waters (> 109 cells l−1). Following convective mixing, the entire water column returned to a community typical of oxygenated waters, with Euryarcheota only averaging 5% of cells, and Chlorobiales and Thaumarcheota absent.
Maternal obesity and excess of fetal growth in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Rasmussen S , Irgens LM , Espinoza J 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo assess whether the reported excess of large for gestational age (LGA) neonates in pre‐eclamptic women delivering at term is attributable to maternal obesity.Design, setting and populationPopulation‐based observational study including 77 294 singleton pregnancies registered in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway between 2007 and 2010.MethodsComparison of birthweight percentiles and z‐scores between women with and without pre‐eclampsia.Main outcome measuresOdds ratio (OR) of LGA and z‐scores of birthweight in relation to pre‐eclampsia.ResultsPre‐eclamptic women delivering at term had increased risk of having LGA neonates. Unadjusted ORs with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of LGA above the 90th and 95th birthweight centiles were 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.6 and 1.6, 95% CI 1.3–1.9, respectively. The excess of LGA persisted after including gestational diabetes and diabetes types 1 and 2 in a multivariate analysis (corresponding ORs 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5 and 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.7), but disappeared after adjusting for maternal prepregnant body mass index (ORs 1.1, 95% CI 0.9–1.2 and 1.1, 95% CI 0.9–1.3).ConclusionsThis study suggests accelerated fetal growth in a subset of pre‐eclamptic women delivering at term. The excess of LGA neonates is attributable to maternal obesity among pre‐eclamptic women delivering at term. The maternal obesity epidemic may lead to an increased prevalence of both pre‐eclampsia and LGA neonates among women delivering at term.
The impact of stillbirth on consultant obstetrician gynaecologists: a qualitative study
Authors: Nuzum D , Meaney S , O'Donoghue K 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo explore the personal and professional impact of stillbirth on consultant obstetrician gynaecologists.DesignSemi‐structured in‐depth qualitative interviews.SettingA tertiary university maternity hospital in Ireland with a birth rate of c. 9000 per annum and a stillbirth rate of 4.6/1000.SamplePurposive sample of eight consultant obstetrician gynaecologists (50% of consultant obstetrician gynaecologists in the hospital).MethodsSemi‐structured in‐depth interviews analysed by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. (IPA) IPA is a methodology for exploring human experience and its meaning for the individual.Main outcome measuresThe lived experiences, personal feelings and professional impact of stillbirth on consultant obstetrician gynaecologists.ResultsStillbirth was identified as amongst the most difficult experiences for consultants. Two superordinate themes emerged: the human response to stillbirth and the weight of responsibility. The human response to stillbirth was characterised by the personal impact of stillbirth for consultants and, in turn, how that shapes the care they provide. The weight of professional responsibility was characterised by the sense of professional burden and the possibility of a medico‐legal challenge—mostly for those who are primarily gynaecologists resulting in the question ‘what have I missed?’.ConclusionsDespite the impact of stillbirth, no consultant has received formal training in perinatal bereavement care. This study highlights a gap in training and the significant impact of stillbirth on obstetricians, professionally and personally. The provision of support, ongoing education, bereavement training and self‐care is recommended. Medico‐legal concerns following stillbirth potentially impact on care, warranting further research.
256‐MDCT for evaluation of urolithiasis: Iterative reconstruction allows for a significant reduction of the applied radiation dose while maintaining high subjective and objective image quality
Authors: Veldhoen Simon , Laqmani Azien , Derlin Thorsten , Karul Murat , Hammerle Diego , Buhk Jan‐Hendrik , Sehner Susanne , Nagel Hans D. , Chun Felix , Adam Gerhard , Regier Marc 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPurposeMultidetector CT (MDCT) is the established imaging modality in diagnostics of urolithiasis. The aim of iterative reconstruction (IR) is to allow for a radiation dose reduction while maintaining high image quality. This study evaluates its performance in MDCT for assessment of urolithiasis.Materials and MethodsFifty‐two patients underwent non‐contrast abdominal MDCT. Twenty‐six patients were referred to MDCT under suspicion of urolithiasis, and examined using a dose‐reduced scan protocol (RDCT). Twenty‐six patients, who had undergone standard‐dose MDCT, served as reference for radiation dose comparison. RDCT images were reconstructed using an IR system (iDose4™, Philips Healthcare, Cleveland, OH, USA). Objective image noise (OIN) was recorded and five radiologists rated the subjective image quality independently. Radiation parameters were derived from the scan protocols.ResultsThe CTDIvol could be reduced by 50% to 5.8 mGy (P < 0.0001). The same reduction was achieved for DLP and effective dose to 253 ± 27 mGy*cm (P < 0.0001) and 3.9 ± 0.4 mSv (P < 0.0001). IR led to a reduction of the OIN of up to 61% compared with classic filtered back projection (FBP) (P < 0.0001). The OIN declined with increasing IR levels. RDCT with FBP showed the lowest scores of subjective image quality (2.32 ± 0.04). Mean scores improved with increasing IR levels. iDose6 was rated with the best mean score (3.66 ± 0.04).ConclusionThe evaluated IR‐tool and protocol may be applied to achieve a considerable radiation dose reduction in MDCT for diagnostics of urolithiasis while maintaining a confident image quality. Best image quality, suitable for evaluation of the entire abdomen concerning differential diagnoses, was achieved with iDose6.
4D CT and lung cancer surgical resectability: A technical innovation
Authors: Troupis John M , Pasricha Sundeep S , Narayanan Harish , Rybicki Frank J , Pick Adrian W 
Published: March 2014

SummaryA 74‐year‐old man presents with a left upper lobe lung adenocarcinoma, which demonstrated a wide base intimately with the aortic arch. We utilised 4D CT technique with a wide field of view CT unit to preoperatively determine likely surgical resectability. We propose that 4D CT may be of use in further investigating lung cancer with likely invasion of adjacent structures.
Micro‐bubble transcranial Doppler ultrasound for exclusion of right‐to‐left circulatory shunts: Why should we provide the service?
Authors: Chiu Albert H. , Haluszkiewicz Elvie , McAuliffe William 
Published: March 2014

SummaryMicro‐bubble transcranial Doppler ultrasound is a study used for the identification and quantification of a right‐to‐left circulatory shunt which can be implicated in stroke. It is an underused technique in many centres. Micro‐bubble transcranial Doppler ultrasound is non‐invasive, innocuous, quick and requires no fasting or sedation. Published literature also suggests almost perfect concordance with transoesophageal echocardiography and potentially greater sensitivity. We believe there is a great potential for neuroradiologists to provide this service as part of the diagnostic workup in patients with cryptogenic stroke.
Transarterial chemoembolisation and radioembolisation for the treatment of primary liver cancer and secondary liver cancer: A review of the literature
Authors: Bester Lourens , Meteling Baerbel , Boshell David , Chua Terence C. , Morris David L. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryLiver‐directed therapies are continuing to evolve in the field of interventional oncology and are gaining increasing use in the treatment of unresectable primary and secondary liver cancers. In this article, we review two liver‐directed therapies that are currently used for the palliative treatment of primary and secondary hepatic tumours: transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation (TACE), including a new type of TACE with drug‐eluting beads (DEB‐TACE), and radioembolisation. The concept of these transcatheter intraarterial therapies is to selectively deliver high doses of anticancer treatment to the tumour. While TACE delivers one or more chemotherapeutic drugs into the hepatic arteries supplying the tumour, radioembolisation uses non‐embolic microspheres incorporating the radioactive isotope 90Y. In this article, we discuss some technical aspects, patient selection, current clinical evidence, and future directions of TACE, TACE with drug‐eluting beads (DEB‐TACE) and radioembolisation for primary and secondary liver cancer.