bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Placental perfusion in uterine ischemia model as evaluated by dynamic contrast enhanced MRI
Authors: Drobyshevsky Alexander , Prasad P.V. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundTo validate DCE MRI method of placental perfusion estimation and to demonstrate application of the method in a rabbit model of fetal antenatal hypoxia‐ischemia.MethodsPlacental perfusion was estimated by dynamic contrast imaging with bolus injection of Gd‐DTPA in 3 Tesla GE magnet in a rabbit model of placental ischemia–reperfusion in rabbit dams at embryonic day 25 gestation age. Placental perfusion was measured using steepest slope method on DCE MRI before and after intermittent 40 min uterine ischemia. Antioxidants (n = 2 dams, 9 placentas imaged) or vehicle (n = 5 dams, 23 placenta imaged) were given systemically in a separate group of dams during reperfusion–reoxygenation. Placental perfusion was also measured in two dams from the antioxidant group (10 placentas) and two dams from the control group (12 placentas) by fluorescent microspheres method.ResultsWhile placental perfusion estimates between fluorescent microspheres and DCE MRI were significantly correlated (R2 = 0.85; P < 0.01), there was approximately 33% systematic underestimation by the latter technique. DCE MRI showed a significant decrease in maternal placental perfusion in reperfusion–reoxygenation phase in the saline, 0.44 ± 0.06 mL/min/g (P = 0.012, t‐test), but not in the antioxidant group, 0.62 ± 0.06 mL/min/g, relative to pre‐occlusion values (0.77 ± 0.07 and 0.84 ± 0.12 mL/min/g, correspondingly).ConclusionUnderestimation of true perfusion in placenta by steepest slope DCE MRI is significant and the error appears to be systematic. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:666–672.
Patient adaptive maximal resolution magnetic resonance myocardial stress perfusion imaging
Authors: Ripley David P. , McDiarmid Adam K. , Kidambi Ananth , Uddin Akhlaque , Swoboda Peter P. , Musa Tarique A. , Erhayiem Bara , Bainbridge Gavin J. , Greenwood John P. , Plein Sven , Higgins David M. 
Published: April 2015

PurposeTo demonstrate the feasibility of an automatic adaptive acquisition sequence. Magnetic resonance perfusion pulse sequences often leave potential acquisition time unused in patients with lower heart‐rates (HR) and smaller body size.Materials and MethodsA perfusion technique was developed that automatically adapts to HR and field‐of‐view by maximizing in‐plane spatial resolution while maintaining temporal resolution every cardiac cycle. Patients (n = 10) and volunteers (n = 10) were scanned with both a standard resolution and adaptive method. Image quality was scored, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) calculated, and width of dark‐rim artifact (DRA) measured.ResultsThe acquired spatial resolution of the adaptive sequence (1.92 × 1.92 mm2 ± 0.34) was higher than the standard resolution (2.42 × 2.42 mm2) (P < 0.0001). Mean DRA width was reduced using the adaptive pulse sequence (1.94 ± 0.60 mm vs. 2.82 ± 0.65 mm, P < 0.0001). The signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) was higher with the standard pulse sequence (6.7 ± 2.2 vs. 3.8 ± 1.8, P < 0.0001). There was no difference in image quality score between sequences in either volunteers (1.1 ± 0.31 vs. 1.0 ± 0.0, P = 0.34) or patients (1.3 ± 0.48 vs. 1.3 ± 0.48, P = 1.0).ConclusionOptimizing the use of available imaging time during first‐pass perfusion with a magnetic resonance imaging pulse sequence that adapts image acquisition duration to HR and patient size is feasible. Acquired in‐plane spatial resolution is improved, the DRA is reduced, and while SNR is reduced with the adaptive sequence consistent with the lower voxel size used, image quality is maintained. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:946–953.
Feasibility of ASL spinal bone marrow perfusion imaging with optimized inversion time
Authors: Xing Dong , Zha Yunfei , Yan Liyong , Wang Kejun , Gong Wei , Lin Hui 
Published: April 2015

PurposeTo assess the correlation between flow‐sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) in the measurement of spinal bone marrow (SBM) perfusion; in addition, to assess for an optimized inversion time (TI) as well as the reproducibility of SBM FAIR perfusion.Materials and MethodsThe optimized TI of a FAIR SBM perfusion experiment was carried out on 14 volunteers; two adjacent vertebral bodies were selected from each volunteer to measure the change of signal intensity (ΔM) and the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of FAIR perfusion MRI with five different TIs. Then, reproducibility of FAIR data from 10 volunteers was assessed by the reposition SBM FAIR experiments. Finally, FAIR and DCE‐MRI were performed on 27 subjects. The correlation between the blood flow on FAIR (BFASL) and perfusion‐related parameters on DCE‐MRI was evaluated.ResultsThe maximum value of ΔM and SNR were 36.39 ± 12.53 and 2.38 ± 0.97, respectively; both were obtained when TI was near 1200 msec. There were no significant difference between the two successive measurements of SBM BFASL perfusion (P = 0.879), and the within‐subject coefficients of variation (wCV) of the measurements was 3.28%. The BFASL showed a close correlation with Ktrans (P < 0.001) and Kep (P = 0.004), and no correlation with Ve (P = 0.082) was found.Conclusion1200 msec was the optimal TI for the SBM ASL perfusion image, which led to the maximum ΔM and a good quality perfusion image. The SBM FAIR perfusion scan protocol has good reproducibility, and as blood flow measurement on FAIR is reliable and closely related with the parameters on DCE‐MRI, FAIR is feasible for measuring SBM blood flow. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1314–1320.
Investigation of local flow features in Istanbul. Part II: high‐resolution real case simulations
Authors: Ezber Yasemin , Sen Omer Lutfi , Boybeyi Zafer , Karaca Mehmet 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper reports the second part of a study that aims to understand the thermally driven local flows and their interaction with each other over the province of Istanbul. The first part of the research evaluates a series of sensitivity simulations involving perturbations to the landscape. The present one includes an analysis of the real case simulations with an evaluation of the model performance. The second part also uses the same meso‐scale model (OMEGA) with the same model configuration as in the first part. The model is able to reproduce the large‐scale fields. Comparison of model‐estimated fields with the radiosonde measurements over Istanbul also yields satisfactory results. The model is also able to capture the diurnal change of surface meteorological parameters such as temperature and wind speed, but there are over‐ and underestimations. The real case simulations indicate a clear cycle of land and sea breeze circulations in both summer and winter. In agreement with the sensitivity cases, a convergence zone occurs over the province due to the merge of two sea breezes in both seasons. In summer case, the convergence takes place at 1100 LST, and in winter case, it occurs at 1500 LST. Development of a channeled flow along the Bosphorus is also observed in the real case simulations. Return flows are observed above 1 km height during the summer case and above 300 m height during the winter case. The northerly flow induced by the urban heat island effect prevents the inland penetration of the southerly sea breeze over the province. Thus, the northerly sea breeze moves faster, surmounts the southerly one over the south of the province, where the urban area is located, and dominates the airflow over Istanbul, especially in the afternoon.
Numerical analysis of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells with high defect density layer at back side of absorber
Authors: Ashida Naoki , Murata Masashi , Hironiwa Daisuke , Chantana Jakapan , Uegaki Hikaru , Minemoto Takashi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe 2‐µm‐thick Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber is divided into two areas, low defect density layer (front side) and high defect density layer (back side). In this paper, the optimized thickness of the low defect density layer and the high defect density layer is estimated for high cell performance. The optimization is performed by using device simulator. As a result, the high defect density layer (back side) has no influence on cell performance in the case of CIGS with high optical‐absorption coefficient owing to almost no photocarriers, which are generated in the high defect density layer. In addition, the necessary thickness for absorbing all light to obtain high conversion efficiency is considered. CIGS with graded band profile can be thinner than that with flat band profile for high cell performance owing to the aid of back surface field. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
GnRH agonist during luteal phase in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques: systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Martins W. P. , Ferriani R. A. , Navarro P. A. , Nastri C. O. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo identify, evaluate and summarize the available evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of administering a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist during the luteal phase in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.MethodsIn this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the addition of a GnRH agonist during the luteal phase, compared with standard luteal‐phase support. We searched seven electronic databases and hand‐searched the reference lists of included studies and related reviews. Our primary outcome was live birth or ongoing pregnancy per randomized woman. Our secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy per randomized woman, miscarriage per clinical pregnancy, adverse perinatal outcome and congenital malformations.ResultsThe evidence from eight studies examining 2776 women showed a relative risk (RR) for live birth or ongoing pregnancy of 1.26 (95% CI, 1.04–1.53; I2 = 58%). Sensitivity analysis when excluding the studies that did not report live birth and those at high risk of bias resulted in one study examining 181 women with an RR of 1.07 (95% CI, 0.73–1.58). Subgroup analysis separating the studies by single/multiple doses of GnRH agonists or by ovarian stimulation with GnRH agonist/antagonist was unable to explain the observed heterogeneity. The quality of the evidence was deemed to be very low: it was downgraded because of the limitation of the included studies, imprecision, inconsistency across the studies' results, and suspicion of publication bias. None of the included studies reported adverse perinatal outcomes or congenital malformations.ConclusionsThere is evidence that adding GnRH agonist during the luteal phase improves the likelihood of ongoing pregnancy. However, this evidence is of very low quality and there is no evidence for adverse perinatal outcome and congenital malformations. We therefore believe that including this intervention in clinical practice would be premature. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Evaluating the Oil‐Gelling Properties of Natural Waxes in Rice Bran Oil: Rheological, Thermal, and Microstructural Study
Authors: Doan Chi Diem , Van de Walle Davy , Dewettinck Koen , Patel Ashok R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe main objective of this research was to enhance the understanding of the oil‐structuring properties of natural waxes. A number of natural food‐grade waxes were evaluated for their oil‐gelling properties using a combination of techniques, including rheology, differential scanning calorimetry, and polarized light microscopy. Based on the rheological measurements (oscillatory, flow, and thixotropic behavior), we found that rice bran wax, carnauba Brazilian wax and fruit wax showed weak gelling behavior in rice bran oil (prepared at concentrations as high as 5 % w/w), exhibiting relative low elastic moduli that displayed a high frequency dependency. On the contrary, carnauba wild wax, berry wax, candelilla wax, beeswax, and sunflower wax were efficient oleogelators forming strong gels at concentration of <2 % w/w. We attempt to explain these observed differences in gelling behavior by crystal morphology, network formation, and the final amount of crystalline phase.
Performance of the CogState computerized battery in the Mayo Clinic Study on Aging
Authors: Mielke Michelle M. , Machulda Mary M. , Hagen Clinton E. , Edwards Kelly K. , Roberts Rosebud O. , Pankratz V. Shane , Knopman David S. , Jack Clifford R. , Petersen Ronald C. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe feasibility and validity of brief computerized cognitive batteries at the population‐level are unknown.MethodsNondemented participants (n = 1660, age 50–97 years) in the Mayo Clinic Study on Aging completed the computerized CogState battery and standard neuropsychological battery. The correlation between tests was examined and comparisons between CogState performance on the personal computer (PC) and iPad (n = 331), and in the clinic vs. at home (n = 194), were assessed.ResultsWe obtained valid data on greater than 97% of participants on each test. Correlations between the CogState and neuropsychological tests ranged from −0.462 to 0.531. Although absolute differences between the PC and iPad were small and participants preferred the iPad, performance on the PC was faster. Participants performed faster on Detection, One Card Learning, and One Back at home compared with the clinic.DiscussionThe computerized CogState battery, especially the iPad, was feasible, acceptable, and valid in the population.
Successful Rehabilitation of a Young Adult With Total Hip Arthroplasty a Decade After a Girdlestone Procedure: A Case Presentation
Authors: Marinko Lee N. , Christie Renee E. , Lewis Cara L. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis is a case presentation of a female patient who underwent a Girdlestone arthroplasty at age 10 years and a total hip arthroplasty at age 21. Despite early postoperative rehabilitation, the patient experienced increasing pain, progressive gait deviations, and functional limitations during the year after surgery. This course of care was initiated 1 year after surgery and focused on motor retraining to address pain and gait deviations. This case demonstrates that positive outcomes can be achieved after longstanding musculoskeletal dysfunction is corrected, but that prolonged rehabilitation may be necessary to produce changes in movement patterns at both the local (joint and muscle) and central (cortical) levels. Correction of both the structural problem and the learned movement patterns is necessary for a successful outcome.
PHRF1 promotes genome integrity by modulating non-homologous end-joining
Authors: Chang C-F , Chu P-C , Wu P-Y , Yu M-Y , Lee J-Y , Tsai M-D , Chang M-S 
Published: April 2015

AbstractMethylated histone readers are critical for chromatin dynamics, transcription, and DNA repair. Human PHRF1 contains a plant homeodomain (PHD) that recognizes methylated histones and a RING domain, which ubiquitinates substrates. A recent study reveals that PHRF1 is a tumor suppressor that promotes TGF-β cytostatic signaling through TGIF ubiquitination. Also, PHRF1 is a putative phosphorylation substrate of ataxia telangiectasia-mutated/ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinases; however, the role of PHRF1 in DNA damage response is unclear. Here we report a novel function of PHRF1 in modulating non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). PHRF1 quickly localizes to DNA damage lesions upon genotoxic insults. Ablation of PHRF1 decreases the efficiency of plasmid-based end-joining, whereas PHRF1 overexpression leads to an elevated NHEJ in H1299 reporter cells. Immunoprecipitation and peptide pull-down assays verify that PHRF1 constitutively binds to di- and trimethylated histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36) (H3K36me2 and H3K36me3) via its PHD domain. Substitution of S915DT917E to ADAE in PHRF1 decreases its affinity for NBS1. Both PHD domain and SDTE motif are required for its NHEJ-promoting activity. Furthermore, PHRF1 mediates PARP1 polyubiquitination for proteasomal degradation. These results suggest that PHRF1 may combine with H3K36 methylation and NBS1 to promote NHEJ and stabilize genomic integrity upon DNA damage insults.
Processing of visually evoked innate fear by a non-canonical thalamic pathway
Authors: Wei Pengfei , Liu Nan , Zhang Zhijian , Liu Xuemei , Tang Yongqiang , He Xiaobin , Wu Bifeng , Zhou Zheng , Liu Yaohan , Li Juan , Zhang Yi , Zhou Xuanyi , Xu Lin , Chen Lin , Bi Guoqiang , Hu Xintian , Xu Fuqiang , Wang Liping 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe ability of animals to respond to life-threatening stimuli is essential for survival. Although vision provides one of the major sensory inputs for detecting threats across animal species, the circuitry underlying defensive responses to visual stimuli remains poorly defined. Here, we investigate the circuitry underlying innate defensive behaviours elicited by predator-like visual stimuli in mice. Our results demonstrate that neurons in the superior colliculus (SC) are essential for a variety of acute and persistent defensive responses to overhead looming stimuli. Optogenetic mapping revealed that SC projections to the lateral posterior nucleus (LP) of the thalamus, a non-canonical polymodal sensory relay, are sufficient to mimic visually evoked fear responses. In vivo electrophysiology experiments identified a di-synaptic circuit from SC through LP to the lateral amygdale (Amg), and lesions of the Amg blocked the full range of visually evoked defensive responses. Our results reveal a novel collicular–thalamic–Amg circuit important for innate defensive responses to visual threats.
Effectiveness of community-based integrated care in frail COPD patients: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hernández Carme , Alonso Albert , Garcia-Aymerich Judith , Serra Ignasi , Marti Dolors , Rodriguez-Roisin Robert , Narsavage Georgia , Carmen Gomez Maria , Roca Josep ,   NEXES consortium
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Background:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) generates a high burden on health care, and hospital admissions represent a substantial proportion of the overall costs of the disease. Integrated care (IC) has shown efficacy to reduce hospitalisations in COPD patients at a pilot level. Deployment strategies for IC services require assessment of effectiveness at the health care system level.

Aims:
The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a community-based IC service in preventing hospitalisations and emergency department (ED) visits in stable frail COPD patients.

Methods:
From April to December 2005, 155 frail community-dwelling COPD patients were randomly allocated either to IC (n=76, age 73 (8) years, forced expiratory volume during the first second, FEV1 41(19) % predicted) or usual care (n=84, age 75(9) years, FEV1 44 (20) % predicted) and followed up for 12 months. The IC intervention consisted of the following: (a) patient’s empowerment for self-management; (b) an individualised care plan; (c) access to a call centre; and (d) coordination between the levels of care. Thereafter, hospital admissions, ED visits and mortality were monitored for 6 years.

Results:
IC enhanced self-management (P=0.02), reduced anxiety–depression (P=0.001) and improved health-related quality of life (P=0.02). IC reduced both ED visits (P=0.02) and mortality (P=0.03) but not hospital admission. No differences between the two groups were seen after 6 years.

Conclusion:
The intervention improved clinical outcomes including survival and decreased the ED visits, but it did not reduce hospital admissions. The study facilitated the identification of two key requirements for adoption of IC services in the community: appropriate risk stratification of patients, and preparation of the community-based work force.
Near-shore Antarctic pH variability has implications for the design of oceanacidification experiments
Authors: Kapsenberg Lydia , Kelley Amanda L. , Shaw Emily C. , Martz Todd R. , Hofmann Gretchen E. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractUnderstanding how declining seawater pH caused by anthropogenic carbon emissions, or oceanacidification, impacts Southern Ocean biota is limited by a paucity of pH time-series. Here,we present the first high-frequency in-situ pH time-series in near-shore Antarctica fromspring to winter under annual sea ice. Observations from autonomous pH sensors revealed aseasonal increase of 0.3 pH units. The summer season was marked by an increase in temporalpH variability relative to spring and early winter, matching coastal pH variability observedat lower latitudes. Using our data, simulations of ocean acidification show a future periodof deleterious wintertime pH levels potentially expanding to 7–11 months annually by 2100.Given the presence of (sub)seasonal pH variability, Antarctica marine species have anexisting physiological tolerance of temporal pH change that may influence adaptation tofuture acidification. Yet, pH-induced ecosystem changes remain difficult to characterize inthe absence of sufficient physiological data on present-day tolerances. It is thereforeessential to incorporate natural and projected temporal pH variability in the design ofexperiments intended to study ocean acidification biology.
Employee factors associated with interest in improving sun protection in an Australian mining workforce
Authors: Street Tamara D. , Thomas Drew Leighton 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundAs Australia experiences moderate to extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, high participation in sun protection behaviour is required to minimise the risk of developing skin cancer. Understanding factors associated with interest in improving sun protection will enable employers to increase enrolment in sun protection programs.MethodA cross‐sectional survey was conducted at mining sites in rural Australia. The survey assessed employee demographics, stages of change and health‐belief model variables, sun protection behaviour, and preferences for improving sun protection.ResultsOverall, 897 employees participated: 73% were male and 47% were classed as being at high risk of ultraviolet‐related illnesses. Although 24% of high‐risk participants wanted to increase their sun protection practices, only 6% wanted employerprovided sun protection assistance. Marital status and recent experience of sunburn were associated with desire to improve sun protection. Over 50% of the high‐risk participants who did not want to increase their sun protection and did not want assistance were in the pre‐contemplative stage of change. Self‐efficacy was associated with desire to improve sun protection while susceptibility was associated with desire for assistance.ConclusionThe use of sun protection behaviours among this sample was low. Many employees at high risk of ultraviolet radiation exposure do not believe their approach to sun protection needs changing.