bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of outcome measures for children and adolescents with brachial plexus birth palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Bialocerkowski Andrea , O'shea Kate , Pin Tamis W 
Published: June 2013

AimThe aim of this review was to evaluate the psychometric properties of outcome measures used to quantify upper limb function in children and adolescents with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP).MethodEleven electronic databases were searched to identify studies on the effects of conservative management to improve upper limb function in young people with BPBP. Outcome measures used in these studies were extracted and used in a subsequent search to identify studies that evaluated the psychometric properties of these measures. The methodological quality of these studies was rated using a standardized critical appraisal tool.ResultsThirty‐three outcome measures and 12 psychometric studies were identified. Nine outcome measures had some psychometric evidence, which was variable in quality. The outcome measures which seem to have the most robust psychometric properties include the Active Movement Scale, Assisting Hand Assessment, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Index, and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument.InterpretationFurther research is required to determine the psychometric properties of outcome measures used for children and adolescents with BPBP. Caution is required when interpreting the results of commonly used outcome measures in this population owing to their relatively unknown psychometric properties.
Type I phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase γ is required for neuronal migration in the mouse developing cerebral cortex
Authors: Hara Yoshinobu , Fukaya Masahiro , Tamaki Hideaki , Sakagami Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2013

AbstractType I phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase (PIP5KI)γ is one of the phosphoinositide kinases that produce phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate, which is a critical regulator of cell adhesion formation, actin dynamics and membrane trafficking. Here, we examined the functional roles of PIP5KIγ in radial neuronal migration during cortical formation. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that PIP5KIγ_v2/v6 and PIP5KIγ_v3 were expressed throughout cortical development with distinct expression patterns. In situ hybridisation analysis showed that PIP5KIγ mRNA was expressed throughout the cortical layers. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that PIP5KIγ was localised in a punctate manner in the radial glia and migrating neuroblasts. Knockdown of PIP5KIγ using in utero electroporation disturbed the radial neuronal migration and recruitment of talin and focal adhesion kinase to puncta beneath the plasma membrane. The same inhibitory effect on neuronal migration was observed by overexpression of a catalytically inactive mutant of PIP5KIγ_v2 but not PIP5KIγ_v1 or PIP5KIγ_v3. These findings suggest an essential role of PIP5KIγ, particularly PIP5KIγ_i2, in neuronal migration, possibly through recruitment of adhesion components to the plasma membrane.
Consideration of the residual stress distributions in fatigue crack growth calculations for assessing welded steel joints
Authors: Al‐Mukhtar A. M. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTTo better understand the crack closure and propagation, an analytical model is established. The residual stress effect on fatigue crack growth equations has been considered using the residual stress intensity factor (SIF) (Kres). The joint geometries, residual stress distributions (σres) and residual stress ratio (Rres) were considered also. Kres are calculated using the analytical weight function (WF) method and different residual stress distributions. It is to be emphasized that the current approach is little investigated. This is because the WF has already been developed to calculate SIF for an existing crack. The current approach calculates Kres for the crack that initiates and propagates until failure. Different stress distributions have been used, and Rres is defined. The validity of using the WF has been shown. SIF due to applied load (Kapp) and applied stress ratio (Rapp) have been considered. Fatigue crack growth rate was investigated in accordance with the current approach. The results have been verified and benchmarked.
Plant response to climate change along the forest‐tundra ecotone in northeastern Siberia
Authors: Berner Logan T. , Beck Pieter S. A. , Bunn Andrew G. , Goetz Scott J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractRussia's boreal (taiga) biome will likely contract sharply and shift northward in response to 21st century climatic change, yet few studies have examined plant response to climatic variability along the northern margin. We quantified climate dynamics, trends in plant growth, and growth–climate relationships across the tundra shrublands and Cajander larch (Larix cajanderi Mayr.) woodlands of the Kolyma river basin (657 000 km2) in northeastern Siberia using satellite‐derived normalized difference vegetation indices (NDVI), tree ring‐width measurements, and climate data. Mean summer temperatures (Ts) increased 1.0 °C from 1938 to 2009, though there was no trend (P > 0.05) in growing year precipitation or climate moisture index (CMIgy). Mean summer NDVI (NDVIs) increased significantly from 1982 to 2010 across 20% of the watershed, primarily in cold, shrub‐dominated areas. NDVIs positively correlated (P < 0.05) with Ts across 56% of the watershed (r = 0.52 ± 0.09, mean ± SD), principally in cold areas, and with CMIgy across 9% of the watershed (r = 0.45 ± 0.06), largely in warm areas. Larch ring‐width measurements from nine sites revealed that year‐to‐year (i.e., high‐frequency) variation in growth positively correlated (P < 0.05) with June temperature (r = 0.40) and prior summer CMI (r = 0.40) from 1938 to 2007. An unexplained multi‐decadal (i.e., low‐frequency) decline in annual basal area increment (BAI) occurred following the mid‐20th century, but over the NDVI record there was no trend in mean BAI (P > 0.05), which significantly correlated with NDVIs (r = 0.44, P < 0.05, 1982–2007). Both satellite and tree‐ring analyses indicated that plant growth was constrained by both low temperatures and limited moisture availability and, furthermore, that warming enhanced growth. Impacts of future climatic change on forests near treeline in Arctic Russia will likely be influenced by shifts in both temperature and moisture, which implies that projections of future forest distribution and productivity in this area should take into account the interactions of energy and moisture limitations.
Redox proteomic evaluation of bleaching and alkali damage in human hair
Authors: Dyer J. M. , Bell F. , Koehn H. , Vernon J. A. , Cornellison C. D. , Clerens S. , Harland D. P. 
Published: June 2013

SynopsisObjectiveProtein modification and damage in human hair, resulting from environmental, cosmetic and grooming stresses, create changes to visual and tactile characteristics and correlates with consumer perception of quality. This study outlines molecular‐level evaluation of modification resulting from peroxide (bleaching) and alkaline straightening (relaxing) treatments.MethodsRedox proteomic profiling of virgin, bleached and relaxed hair tresses was performed, with comprehensive qualitative characterization of modification and semi‐quantitative evaluation of damage through adaptation of a new damage scoring system. Modifications were mapped to specific locations in the hair proteome and a range of potential damage marker peptides identified.ResultsVirgin hair contained a baseline level of modification, consistent with environmental oxidative insult during hair growth. Hydrogen peroxide bleaching resulted in significantly increased levels of oxidative damage observable at the molecular level. This treatment also resulted in enhanced levels of dehydroalanine and dehydration products; modifications typically associated with alkali or thermal treatment and not previously been reported as a product of hair bleaching. Relaxation treatment with sodium hydroxide increased the formation of dehydroalanine and dehydration products and moderately enhanced the levels of oxidation. Cysteine was the predominant modification site for both bleaching and alkali damage.ConclusionThis study validates the utility and power of redox proteomic–based approaches to characterizing hair modification. This offers potential application to a wide range of damage types, as well as evaluation of new damage mitigation and repair technologies.
Flexible 0–3 Ceramic‐Polymer Composites of Barium Titanate and Epoxidized Natural Rubber
Authors: Salaeh Subhan , Boiteux Gisèle , Cassagnau Philippe , Nakason Charoen 
Published: June 2013

Flexible composites with a high electrical permittivity are pursued in materials research, due to their potential applications in electrical devices. We synthesized such ceramic‐polymer composites from BaTiO3 and epoxidized natural rubber. The influence of BaTiO3 concentration on cure characteristics, mechanical (static & dynamic), dielectric, and morphological properties of the composites was investigated. The tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with BaTiO3 loading, while the storage modulus and permittivity of composites increased. As for dynamic electrical properties, the dielectric loss factor and tan δ of the composites showed a maximum peak within the frequency range extending up to 105 Hz, reflecting the relaxation process of the polymer matrix. All of the composites showed two peaks in the frequency dependence of electric modulus, due to conductivity and molecular relaxation. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs confirmed the 0–3 structure of composites, with isolated BaTiO3 particles.
Potential of Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound for Intracranial Hemorrhage: An in Vitro Feasibility Study
Authors: Harnof Sagi , Hananel Arik , Zilby Zion , Kulbatski Iris , Hadani Moshe , Kassell Neal 
Published: June 2013

Background Intracranial hemorrhage has a mortality rate of up to 40–60% due to the lack of effective treatment. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound may offer a breakthrough noninvasive technology, by allowing accurate delivery of focused ultrasound, under the guidance of real-time magnetic resonance imaging. Aim The purpose of the current study was to optimize the acoustic parameters of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound for effective clot liquefaction, in order to evaluate the feasibility of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound for thrombolysis. Methods Body (1.1 MHz) and brain (220 kHz) magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound systems (InSightec Ltd, Tirat Carmel, Israel) were used to treat tube-like (4 cc), round (10 cc), and bulk (300 cc) porcine blood clots in vitro, using burst sonications of one-second to five-seconds, a duty cycle of 5–50%, and peak acoustic powers between 600 and 1200 W. Liquefied volumes were measured as hyperintense regions on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images for body unit sonications (duration of one-second, duty cycle of 10%, and power of 500–1200 W). Liquefaction efficiency was calculated for brain unit sonications (duration of one-second, duty cycle of 10%, power of 600 W, and burst length between 0.1 ms and 100 ms). Results Liquified lesion volume increased as power was raised, without a thermal rise. For brain unit sonications, a power setting of 600 W and ultrashort sonications (burst length between 0.1 and 1.0 ms) resulted in liquefaction efficacy above 50%, while longer burst duration yielded lower efficacy. Conclusions These results demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining reproducible, rapid, efficient, and accurate blood clot lysis using the magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound system. Further in vivo studies are needed to validate the feasibility of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound as a treatment modality for intracranial hemorrhage.
Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Threshold for Delineation of Ischemic Core
Authors: Purushotham Archana , Campbell Bruce C. V. , Straka Matus , Mlynash Michael , Olivot Jean-Marc , Bammer Roland , Kemp Stephanie M. , Albers Gregory W. , Lansberg Maarten G. 
Published: June 2013

Background MRI-based selection of patients for acute stroke interventions requires rapid accurate estimation of the infarct core on diffusion-weighted MRI. Typically used manual methods to delineate restricted diffusion lesions are subjective and time consuming. These limitations would be overcome by a fully automated method that can rapidly and objectively delineate the ischemic core. An automated method would require predefined criteria to identify the ischemic core. Aim The aim of this study is to determine apparent diffusion coefficient-based criteria that can be implemented in a fully automated software solution for identification of the ischemic core. Methods Imaging data from patients enrolled in the Diffusion and Perfusion Imaging Evaluation for Understanding Stroke Evolution (DEFUSE) study who had early revascularization following intravenous thrombolysis were included. The patients' baseline restricted diffusion and 30–day T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery lesions were manually delineated after coregistration. Parts of the restricted diffusion lesion that corresponded with 30-day infarct were considered ischemic core, whereas parts that corresponded with normal brain parenchyma at 30 days were considered noncore. The optimal apparent diffusion coefficient threshold to discriminate core from noncore voxels was determined by voxel-based receiver operating characteristics analysis using the Youden index. Results 51 045 diffusion positive voxels from 14 patients who met eligibility criteria were analyzed. The mean DWI lesion volume was 24 (± 23) ml. Of this, 18 (± 22) ml was ischemic core and 3 (± 5) ml was noncore. The remainder corresponded to preexisting gliosis, cerebrospinal fluid, or was lost to postinfarct atrophy. The apparent diffusion coefficient of core was lower than that of noncore voxels ( P < 0·0001). The optimal threshold for identification of ischemic core was an apparent diffusion coefficient ≤620 × 10−6mm2/s (sensitivity 69% and specificity 78%). Conclusions Our data suggest that the ischemic core can be identified with an absolute apparent diffusion coefficient threshold. This threshold can be implemented in image analysis software for fully automated segmentation of the ischemic core.
An improved best‐fit heuristic for the orthogonal strip packing problem
Authors: Verstichel Jannes , De Causmaecker Patrick , Berghe Greet Vanden 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe best‐fit heuristic is a simple and powerful tool for solving the two‐dimensional orthogonal strip packing problem. It is the most efficient constructive heuristic on a wide range of rectangular strip packing benchmark problems. In this paper, the results of the original best‐fit heuristic are further improved by adding new item orderings and item placement strategies, resulting in the three‐way best‐fit heuristic. By applying these steps, significantly better results are obtained in comparable computation time. Furthermore, some data structures are implemented, which increase the scalability of the heuristic for large problem instances and a slightly altered heuristic with an optimal time complexity is proposed. Both heuristics produce similar results, but the optimal time heuristic is significantly faster than the three‐way best‐fit heuristic on all but the smallest instances.
Learning from the past: functional ecology of marine benthos during eight million years of aperiodic hypoxia, lessons from the Late Jurassic
Authors: Caswell B. A. , Frid C. L. J. 
Published: June 2013

Deoxygenation has profound effects on marine biota and delivery of ecological functions in benthic systems. Globally, coastal and oceanic hypoxia is rapidly increasing due to anthropogenic activities including climate change and eutrophication. Little is known about the response of marine ecosystems to deoxygenation over long timescales and the consequences this will have for functioning. This study presents results from biological traits analysis (BTA) of 21 time averaged benthic palaeocommunities from the Wessex Basin, Dorset, UK representing ˜8 million years of fluctuating regional hypoxia during the Kimmeridgian (˜ 148–155 Ma). BTA assesses ecosystem functioning using biological traits expressed by species and has not previously been applied to palaeocommunity data.The preserved remains of the palaeocommunities contained gastropods, brachiopods, scaphopods, bryozoans, serpulids, hydroids and crustaceans, but were dominated by bivalves. Significant changes in species composition are shown within periods of less intense hypoxia, but during these periods trait composition did not significantly differ implying conservation of ecological function. However, significant changes in functioning occurred between periods of extremely different palaeoredox state. Proportionally more surface living or shallow burrowing species with traits suggestive of opportunists occurred during periods of low oxygen availability. Morphological differences of hypoxic communities included higher relative abundance of organisms with thinner skeletons (< 0.5 mm) composed of less soluble forms of calcite that may be linked to acidity. These changes are similar to those for modern benthos exposed to hypoxia.Investigation of functional changes that occurred during ancient hypoxic events can be used to infer the magnitude, thresholds, and rates of long‐term functional change in modern communities. Results from this study suggest that during de‐oxygenation delivery of normal benthic functioning will initially be maintained, but will collapse once thresholds are reached. This is consistent with the patterns emerging for contemporary systems where functional collapse is associated with hysteresis and threshold effects.
MiR‐492 impairs the angiogenic potential of endothelial cells
Authors: Patella Francesca , Leucci Eleonora , Evangelista Monica , Parker Brian , Wen Jiayu , Mercatanti Alberto , Rizzo Milena , Chiavacci Elena , Lund Anders H. , Rainaldi Giuseppe 
Published: June 2013

AbstractEndothelial cells growing in high glucose‐containing medium show reduced cell proliferation and in vitro angiogenesis. Evidence suggests that the molecular pathways leading to these cellular responses are controlled by microRNAs, endogenous post‐transcriptional regulators of gene expression. To identify the microRNAs and their targeted genes involved in the glucose responses, we performed the miRNA signature of Human Umbelical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) exposed and unexposed to high glucose. Among differentially expressed microRNAs, we analysed miR‐492 and showed that its overexpression was able to reduce proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVEC. These effects were accompanied by the down‐regulation of eNOS, a key regulator of the endothelial cell function. We showed that eNOS was indirectly down‐regulated by miR‐492 and we discovered that miR‐492 was able to bind mRNAs involved in proliferation, migration, tube formation and regulation of eNOS activity and expression. Moreover, we found that miR‐492 decreased VEGF expression in HUVEC and impaired in vivo angiogenesis in a tumour xenograft model, suggesting a role also in modulating the secretion of pro‐angiogenic factors. Taken together, the data indicate that miR‐492 exerts a potent anti‐angiogenic activity in endothelial cells and therefore miR‐492 seems a promising tool for anti‐angiogenic therapy.
Timing of energy intake during the day is associated with the risk of obesity in adults
Authors: Wang J. B. , Patterson R. E. , Ang A. , Emond J. A. , Shetty N. , Arab L. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe timing of energy intake is a modifiable behaviour that may influence energy regulation and the risk of obesity. We examined the associations of energy intake in the morning, midday and evening with body mass index (BMI) (n = 239).MethodsCross‐sectional analyses were performed using data from the University of California, Los Angeles Energetics Study. Energy intake was assessed using three 24‐h dietary recalls and stratified by time‐of‐day: morning (00.00 h to 11.00 h), midday (11.00 h to 17.00 h) and evening (17.00 h to 00.00 h). Sensitivity analysis was conducted among ‘true‐reporters’, whose self‐reported energy intake was ±25% of total energy expenditure measured by doubly‐labelled water (n = 99). Logistic regression models were performed adjusting for age, sex, race, education, total daily energy intake and physical activity.ResultsEnergy intake in the morning was not associated with BMI. Participants who consumed ≥33% (versus <33%) of their daily energy intake at 12.00 h were (nonsignificantly) less likely to be overweight/obese [odds ratio (OR) = 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.37–1.24] and this association was stronger and statistically significant among true‐reporters (OR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.12–0.95). Those who consumed ≥33% of daily energy intake in the evening were two‐fold more likely overweight/obese (OR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.03–3.89), although this association was not significant among true‐reporters (OR = 2.10; 95% CI = 0.60–7.29).ConclusionsThese data indicate that eating more of the day's total energy intake at midday is associated with a lower risk of being overweight/obese, whereas consuming more in the evening is associated with a higher risk. Randomised trials are needed to test whether shifting energy intake earlier in the day could have a regulatory effect with respect to reducing intake in the evening, thereby promoting weight loss and maintenance.
High levels of circulating CD34+/VEGFR3+ lymphatic/vascular endothelial progenitor cells is correlated with lymph node metastasis in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Qiu Huiling , Cao Lili , Wang Dan , Xu Huicheng , Liang Zhiqing 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimLymph node metastasis is one of the predictive factors associated with poor prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer. To clarify the role of CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐3‐positive (CD34+/VEGFR3+) lymphatic/vascular endothelial progenitor cells (LVEPC) in patients with lymph node metastasis and epithelial ovarian cancer progression, the levels of circulating CD34+/VEGFR3+ LVEPC in epithelial ovarian cancer patients were detected. We also tested the plasma protein levels of VEGF and stromal cell‐derived factor to find out their possible relationships with lymph node metastasis in our epithelial ovarian cancer cohort.Material and MethodsPeripheral blood samples were collected from 54 patients diagnosed as epithelial ovarian cancer, and 31 normal samples as control. The circulating levels of LVEPC were carried out by flow cytometry, and blood protein levels of biomarkers were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThe level of circulating LVEPC was significantly higher in patients with ovarian cancer compared with that of healthy controls. There was also a statistically significant correlation between LVEPC levels and surgical staging of epithelial ovarian cancer (P < 0.01).ConclusionThe circulating levels of bone marrow‐derived LVEPC are significantly increased in epithelial ovarian cancer patients and these levels correlate with lymph node metastasis too.