bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Northern Hemisphere spring snow cover variability and change over 1922–2010 including an assessment of uncertainty
Authors: Brown R. D. , Robinson D. A.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. An update is provided of Northern Hemisphere (NH) spring (March, April) snow cover extent (SCE) over the 1922–2010 period incorporating the new climate data record (CDR) version of the NOAA weekly SCE dataset, with annual 95% confidence intervals estimated from regression analysis and intercomparison of multiple datasets. The uncertainty analysis indicates a 95% confidence interval in NH spring SCE of ±5–10% over the pre-satellite period and ±3–5% over the satellite era. The multi-dataset analysis shows larger uncertainties monitoring spring SCE over Eurasia (EUR) than North America (NA) due to the more complex regional character of the snow cover variability and larger between-dataset variability over northern Europe and north-central Russia. Trend analysis of the updated SCE series provides evidence that NH spring snow cover extent has undergone significant reductions over the past ~90 yr and that the rate of decrease has accelerated over the past 40 yr. The rate of decrease in March and April NH SCE over the 1970–2010 period is ~0.8 million km2 per decade corresponding to a 7% and 11% decrease in NH March and April SCE respectively from pre-1970 values. In March, most of the change is being driven by Eurasia (NA trends are not significant) but both continents exhibit significant SCE reductions in April. The observed trends in SCE are being mainly driven by warmer air temperatures, with NH mid-latitude air temperatures explaining ~50% of the variance in NH spring snow cover over the 89-yr period analyzed. However, there is also evidence that changes in atmospheric circulation around 1980 involving the North Atlantic Oscillation and Scandinavian pattern have contributed to reductions in March SCE over Eurasia.
A spatial framework for assessing current conditions and monitoring future change in the chemistry of the Antarctic atmosphere
Authors: Dixon D. A. , Mayewski P. A. , Korotkikh E. , Sneed S. B. , Handley M. J. , Introne D. S. , Scambos T. A.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. This is the first study to measure more than 25 chemical constituents in the surface snow and firn across extensive regions of Antarctica. It is also the first to report total-Cs concentrations. We present major ion, trace element, heavy metal, rare earth element and oxygen isotope data from a series of surface snow samples and shallow firn sections collected along four US ITASE traverses across East and West Antarctica. In each sample we measure dissolved concentrations of Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, and MS− using ion chromatography and total concentrations of Sr, Cd, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Pb, Bi, U, As, Al, S, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Na, Mg, Li, and K using inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry. We also measure δ18O by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The 2002/2003 traverse began at Byrd Surface Camp, West Antarctica, and ended close to South Pole, East Antarctica. The 2003/2004 traverse began at South Pole, passed through AGO4 in central East Antarctica before turning north and finishing at Taylor Dome. The combined 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 traverses started out at Taylor Dome and headed south, passing through the Byrd Glacier drainage basin and ending at South Pole. In this study, we utilize satellite remote sensing measurements of microwave backscatter and grain size to assist in the identification of glaze/dune areas across Antarctica and show how chemical concentrations are higher in these areas, precluding them from containing useful high-resolution chemical climate records. The majority of the non-glaze/dune samples in this study exhibit similar, or lower, concentrations to those from previous studies. Consequently, the results presented here comprise a conservative baseline for Antarctic surface snow chemical concentrations. The elements Cd, Pb, Bi, As, and Li are enriched across Antarctica relative to both ocean and upper crust elemental ratios. Global volcanic outgassing accounts for the majority of the Bi measured in East and West Antarctica and for a significant fraction of the Cd in East Antarctica. Nonetheless, global volcanic outgassing cannot account for the enriched values of Pb or As. Local volcanic outgassing from Mount Erebus may account for a significant fraction of the As and Cd in West Antarctica and for a significant fraction in East Antarctic glaze/dune areas. However, despite potential contributions from local and global volcanic sources, significant concentrations of Pb, Cd, and As remain across much of Antarctica. Most importantly, this study provides a baseline from which changes in the chemistry of the atmosphere over Antarctica can be monitored under expected warming scenarios and continued intensification of industrial activities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Human Trafficking in Mongolia
Authors: Metz Alec E
Published: March 2011

DOI: 10.5564/mjia.v0i13.12Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.13 2006 pp.95-108
Research on Mongolia in Canada
Authors: Dierkes Julian
Published: March 2011

DOI: 10.5564/mjia.v0i13.16Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.13 2006 pp.147-149
India's New Role in East Asia: Implications for Mongolia
Authors: Soni Sharad K
Published: March 2011

DOI: 10.5564/mjia.v0i13.6Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.13 2006 pp.32-41
Domino Sonogashira Coupling/Cyclization Reaction Catalyzed by Copper and ppb Levels of Palladium: A Concise Route to Indoles and Benzo[b]furans
Authors: Wang Ruiping , Mo Song , Lu Yongzhong , Shen Zengming
Published: March 2011

Both indoles and benzo[b]furans can be obtained in high yield by the reactions of 2‐iodoaniline derivatives and 2‐iodophenols with terminal alkynes under mild conditions, namely in the presence of cuprous iodide (10 mol%) and a base in ethanol or 1,4‐dioxane. Further investigation reveals that palladium contaminants as low as 100 ppb are responsible for these successful couplings. It is worth noting that simple aliphatic substituted terminal alkynes could be tolerated to smoothly produce indole and benzo[b]furan derivatives.
Catalysis with Doped Sol‐Gel Silicates
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Carà Piera Demma , Sciortino Marzia , Pagliaro Mario
Published: March 2011

Silicates doped with catalytic species have only been slowly adopted by the fine chemicals and pharmaceutical industries, in spite of their remarkable and unique properties such as pronounced physical and chemical stability; high (enantio)selective activity and ease of materials production and application. This is now changing thanks to stricter safety regulations and to concomitant success of the first commercial catalysts. In this account we tell the story of these materials and identify some deficiencies in the innovation process that may serve as lesson in guiding the future management of innovation in these relevant industries.
Suzuki Coupling Reactions in Pure Water Catalyzed by Supported Palladium – Relevance of the Surface Polarity of the Support
Authors: Soomro Saeeda S. , Röhlich Christoph , Köhler Klaus
Published: March 2011

Heterogeneous (supported) palladium catalysts like palladium on carbon and a variety of metal oxides have been shown to be highly active for Suzuki coupling reactions in neat water under mild reaction conditions (T=65 °C). It has been demonstrated for the first time that hydrophobic effects of the catalyst surface play an important role for the catalyst activity in water. Catalysts possessing hydrophobic surfaces (e.g., palladium on carbon) show higher activity for Suzuki coupling reactions in water than their hydrophilic counterparts (palladium on metal oxides). Tuning of the surface polarity of metal oxide supports (by silylation) results in higher activity under these conditions. Stronger alkaline conditions (three‐fold excess of base) compensate the effect of hydrophobic supports and result in high activity of the catalysts also with hydrophilic supports. The addition of tetrabutylammonium bromide to generate, activate and stabilize the catalytic species (dissolved palladium complexes) is necessary for the conversion of more demanding substrates. The reaction is considered to be homogeneous taking place near the catalyst surface inside a droplet or layer of the reactant.
SINGLE MATERIAL SOLAR CELLS: Single Material Solar Cells: the Next Frontier for Organic Photovoltaics? (Adv. Energy Mater. 2/2011)
Authors: Roncali Jean
Published: March 2011

An overview of various approaches for the realization of single‐material organic solar cells (SMOCs) is presented. Fullerene‐conjugated systems dyads, di‐block copolymers, and self‐organized donor‐acceptor molecules all represent different possible approaches towards SMOCs. Although each of them presents specific advantages and poses specific problems of design and synthesis, these different routes have witnessed significant progress in the past few years and SMOCs with efficiencies in the range of 1.50% have been realized. These performances are already higher than those of bi‐component bulk heterojunction solar cells some ten years ago, demonstrating that SMOCs can represent a credible approach towards efficient and simple organic solar cells. Possible directions for future research are discussed with the aim of stimulating further research on this exciting topic.
On dental wear, dental work, and oral health in the type specimen (LB1) of Homo floresiensis
Authors: Jungers William L. , Kaifu Yousuke
Published: March 2011

The claim that the lower left first mandibular molar of LB1, the type specimen of Homo floresiensis, displays endodontic work, and a filling is assessed by digital radiography and micro‐CT scanning. The M1 tooth crown is heavily worn and exhibits extensive dentine exposure that is stained white, but there is no trace of endodontic treatment or a dental filling in this Indonesian fossil dated to 17.1‐19.0 kya. Dental calculus (commonly observed in foragers) is present on the teeth of LB1, but there are no observable caries. The pattern of dental attrition in the mandibles of both LB1/2 and LB6/1 (moderate to extensive flat wear across the entire arch) is consistent with that seen in Plio‐Pleistocene Homo fossils and in modern hunter‐gatherers, and is not typical of most agriculturalists. We conclude that the dental‐work and farming hypotheses are falsified and therefore irrelevant to the debate over the taxonomy and phylogeny of H. floresiensis. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different competitive potential in two coexisting mouse lemur species in northwestern Madagascar
Authors: Thorén Sandra , Linnenbrink Miriam , Radespiel Ute
Published: March 2011

Interspecific competition has been suggested to influence the biogeographic distribution patterns of species. A high competitive potential could entail species‐specific advantages during resource acquisition that could translate into a higher potential for range expansion. We investigated whether differences in the competitive potential of the morphologically similar and partially sympatric gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) and golden‐brown mouse lemur (Microcebus ravelobensis) may help to explain differences in their geographic range sizes. We carried out encounter experiments with 14 pairs of captured female mouse lemurs of both species. The experimental dyads were tested in a two‐cage arrangement, with individuals being separated from each other outside the experiments. Two days of habituation and four subsequent days of 1‐h encounter experiments were conducted, before releasing the animals again in the wild. In general, the M. murinus individuals won significantly more conflicts than their partners. In eight of 14 tested pairs, there was a significant species bias in winning conflicts, and in 87.5% of these dyads, M. murinus was the “dyad winner”. A high competitive potential did not depend on body mass. Furthermore, “dyad winners” spent more time feeding (P < 0.05) and were less spatially restricted than “dyad losers”. To conclude, our results suggest that the widely distributed M. murinus may indeed have a higher competitive potential than the regional endemic M. ravelobensis, which may, among other possible factors, have enabled this species to expand geographically, despite the presence of other competing congeners. Am J Phys Anthropol 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is chronic rhinosinusitis caused by persistent respiratory virus infection?
Authors: Wood Andrew James , Antoszewska Hanna , Fraser John , Douglas Richard George
Published: March 2011

Background

Many chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients recall an upper respiratory tract infection as the inciting event of their chronic illness. Viral infections have been shown to cause obstruction of the osteomeatal complex, which is likely to be a critical step in the development of CRS. There is clear overlap between the pathogenesis of CRS and asthma. Infections with respiratory viruses in childhood increase the risk of subsequently developing asthma. Viral infections in established asthmatics are associated with acute exacerbations. We sought to determine whether respiratory viruses could be detected within the sinonasal mucosa of CRS patients using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques.

Methods

Sinus mucosa was sampled from 13 patients with CRS and 2 patients with normal sinuses. PCR was used to look for common respiratory viruses (parainfluenza 1, 2, and 3; respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]; human metapneumovirus [hMPV]; adenovirus [ADV]; rhinovirus; coronavirus; bocavirus [BoV]; cytomegalovirus [CMV]; and influenza A and B).

Results

No respiratory viruses were detected in any of the samples.

Conclusion

Persistence of respiratory viruses within the sinonasal mucosa is unlikely to be a cause of ongoing inflammation in CRS. The possibility remains that a transient viral infection provides the initial inflammatory stimulus. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Therapies for dopaminergic‐induced dyskinesias in parkinson disease
Authors: Gottwald Mildred D. , Aminoff Michael J.
Published: March 2011

Existing and emerging strategies for managing L‐dopa–induced dyskinesias (LIDs) in patients with Parkinson disease have involved either delaying the introduction of L‐dopa therapy, treatment with an antidyskinetic agent, using a therapy or delivery system that can provide continuous dopaminergic stimulation, or using novel agents that target receptors implicated in the mechanisms underlying LIDs. Treatment with dopamine agonists such as pramipexole or ropinirole allows levodopa to be delayed, but once levodopa is added to the drug regimen the usual course of onset of dyskinesias is observed. Amantadine, an N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate antagonist, is so far the only approved compound with evidence of providing a sustained antidyskinetic benefit in the absence of unacceptable side effects. These findings support the hypothesis of glutamate overactivity in the development of dyskinesias. More continuous delivery of dopaminergic medication, such as through intraintestinal or subcutaneous routes, is promising but invasive and associated with injection site reactions. As a result of molecular research and elucidation of the role of a variety of neurotransmitters in the mechanism of LIDs, new compounds have been identified, including those that modulate the direct and indirect striatal output pathways; some of these new agents are in the early stages of development or undergoing proof‐of‐concept evaluation as antidyskinetic agents. Ann Neurol 2011;69:919–927
Preparation and characterization of asymmetric polysulfone membrane for separation of oxygen and nitrogen gases
Authors: Madaeni S. S. , Moradi P.
Published: March 2011

Defect‐free skinned asymmetric gas separation membranes were prepared by a dual bath coagulation method using a wet phase inversion technique. The membranes were cast from polysulfone solution in different solvents such as: dimethyl‐formamid, 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, N‐N‐dimethyl‐acetamide (DMAC), and tetrahydrofuran. The mixtures of water/iso‐propanol (IPA), water/propanol, water/ethanol (EtOH), and water/methanol (MeOH) with volume ratio of 80/20 were used as the first coagulation bath. This led to the formation of a dense skin top layer. Distillated water was used as the second coagulation bath. The influences of several experimental variables, such as thickness of the membrane, polymer concentration, type of solvent and nonsolvent, immersion time in IPA 20%, and second coagulation bath temperature on skin layer and sublayer were elucidated. For preparing membrane with higher permeance, the influence of internal nonsolvents and addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as additive were investigated. The membrane performance was tested in terms of gas permeance and selectivity for O2/N2 separation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
A method for determination of time‐ and temperature‐dependences of stress threshold of linear–nonlinear viscoelastic transition: Energy‐Based Approach
Authors: Starkova O. , Papanicolaou G. C. , Xepapadaki A. G. , Aniskevich A.
Published: March 2011

A methodology for determination of time‐ and temperature‐dependences of stress threshold of linear–nonlinear viscoelastic transition is proposed and validated by example of uniaxial creep of epoxy resin. Energy approach is applied for characterization of the region of linear viscoelasticity (LVE) and the threshold of LVE is given in the stress–strain representation as the master curve independent of time and temperature. Time‐ and temperature‐dependences of the stress threshold are calculated by extending LVE theory and time–temperature superposition principles (TTSP) to the energy relations. Reasonable agreement between experimental data and calculations is obtained. It is shown that number of tests required for characterization of LVE region in a wide range of test time and temperatures can be considerably reduced by applying the proposed methodology. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Study on the modification of epoxy resin by a phosphorus‐ and silica‐containing hybrid
Authors: Wang Zhengfang , Liu Weiqu , Hu Chaohui , Ma Songqi
Published: March 2011

A novel phosphorus‐ and silica‐containing hybrid (DPS) was synthesized by the reaction between diethyl phosphate (DEP) and polyhedral oligomeric siloxanes (POS) formed by hydrolysis condensation of 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). The novel phosphorus‐ and silica‐containing hybrid was characterized by the flourier transform infrared spectroscope (FT‐IR), silicon nuclear magnetic resonance, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Then, the determination of the activation of the reaction between epoxy resin and phosphorus‐, and silica‐containing hybrids was studied by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). In the presence of catalyst, the activation energies of the curing reaction were 63.3 and 66.7 kJ/mol calculated by Kissinger model and Ozawa model respectively. The thermal and flame retardant properties of the cured epoxy modified by DPS were determined by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and limited oxygen index (LOI). The results revealed that those properties were improved in comparison with unmodified epoxy resin. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphology of the cured epoxy resin modified by DPS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and characterization of temperature‐responsive chromatographic column containing poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) and poly([2‐(methacryloyloxy)‐ ethyl]trimetylammonium chloride)
Authors: Dai Rongji , Chen Lei , Liu Zongjian , Wang Haihui , Hu Dingyu , Deng Yulin
Published: March 2011

This article described the preparation of temperature‐responsive chromatographic column containing poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) and poly quaternary ammonium salt. Poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide) and poly ([2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimetylammonium chloride) were synthesized and grafted to amino modified silica gel. The temperature responsive polymer grafted silica gel was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermoweight loss, and elemental analysis. The temperature responsive chromatographic column was used to analyze lactic acid and creatine phosphate disodium salt by controlling of the column temperature from 10 to 50°C. The mixture of lactic acid and creatine phosphate disodium salt was baseline separated at pH 6.93. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
N,N‐dichloro poly(styrene‐co‐divinyl benzene) sulfonamide polymeric beads: An efficient and recyclable decontaminating reagent for O,S‐diethyl methyl phosphonothiolate, a simulant of VX
Authors: Gutch P. K. , Singh Ravindra , Acharya J.
Published: March 2011

An efficient and operationally simple method is developed for chemical decontamination of simulant of VX. A new chlorine bearing reagent N,N‐dichloro poly(styrene‐co‐divinyl benzene) sulfonamide was developed to deactivate the simulant of VX in aqueous medium. This decontamination reaction was monitored by gas chromatography (GC), and the products were analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). This reagent has advantage over earlier reported reagents in terms of effectiveness, stability, nontoxicity, cost, ease of synthesis, recyclablity (collected after filtration, rechlorinated, and used for further reaction), and decontamination of simulant of VX to give single nontoxic product at room temperature. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synergic effect of N‐benzylimine aminothioformamide secondary accelerator during sulfur vulcanization of a styrene‐butadiene‐natural rubber blend
Authors: Thomas Shaji. P. , Mathew E. J. , Marykkutty C. V.
Published: March 2011

In this study we reported synergic activity of a novel secondary accelerator N‐Benzylimine aminothioformamide (BIAT) along with tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD) in improving cure and mechanical properties of gum and filled mixes of Styrene‐Butadiene Rubber (SBR). The feasibility of application of BIAT in sulfur vulcanization of an ideal blend of SBR and natural rubber (NR) has also been investigated. The mechanical properties like tensile strength, tear resistance, hardness, compression set, and abrasion loss were measured. Swelling values were also determined as a measure of crosslink densities of the vulcanizates. The binary accelerator system BIAT‐TMTD was found very effective in improving cure properties of the mixes of pure SBR and a 50/50 blend of SBR and NR.There was also found simultaneous improvement in mechanical properties of vulcanizates of both pure and blend. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Rheological behavior of lubricating systems in polypropylene/seaweed composites
Authors: Luan Lixing , Wu Wei , Wagner Manfred H.
Published: March 2011

The present article summarizes an experimental study on the effects of two additives on polypropylene/seaweed (PP/SW) biocomposites by dynamic rheological characterization. Storage and loss moduli as a function of frequency were obtained by small‐amplitude shear oscillation tests in parallel‐plate mode. Maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was found to provide good external lubrication, while CNT masterbatch (CESA) promoted fiber–fiber interaction. Han plot and Cole‐Cole plot visibly present the difference between the two interaction mechanisms. A synergistic effect was also observed when MAPP and CESA were simultaneously used in biocomposites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Investigation of the properties of epoxy resin‐modified asphalt mixtures for application to orthotropic bridge decks
Authors: Cong Peiliang , Chen Shanfa , Yu Jianying
Published: March 2011

Compared with the general pavement, the steel bridge deck pavement endure much larger deform and higher temperature. Epoxy asphalts were used to prepare modified asphalt concrete for steel bridge deck paving. The effects of epoxy resin contents on the fatigue life and creep properties of epoxy asphalt mixture were investigated in this study. The fatigue properties of epoxy asphalt mixtures were studied by the indirect tension fatigue test at different stress. A static creep test with a loading and recovery period was conducted on the asphalt mixture. The results showed that the fatigue life and recovery elasticity of asphalt mixtures with epoxy resins was large, which indicated that the fatigue property could be improved by epoxy resin. Compared with control asphalt, epoxy asphalt showed better resistance to deformation and recovery performance. Epoxy resin has caused a dramatic ascent in the creep stiffness modulus of asphalt mixture. And Burgers model can describe the creep performance of epoxy asphalt. Based on the obtained results, epoxy asphalt mixtures had decrease in permanent deformation and increase in fatigue life. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
A new mammalian host cell with enhanced survival enables completely serum‐free development of high‐level protein production cell lines
Authors: Rossi Diane L. , Rossi Edmund A. , Goldenberg David M. , Chang Chien‐Hsing
Published: March 2011

With over 25 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) currently approved and many more in development, there is considerable interest in gaining improved productivity by increasing cell density and enhancing cell survival of production cell lines. In addition, high costs and growing safety concerns with use of animal products have made the availability of serum‐free cell lines more appealing. We elected to transfect the myeloma cell line Sp2/0‐Ag14 with Bcl2‐EEE, the constitutively active phosphomimetic mutant of Bcl2, for extended cell survival. After adaptation of the initial transfectants to serum‐independent growth, a clone with superior growth properties, referred to as SpESF, was isolated and further subjected to iterative rounds of stressful growth over a period of 4 months. The effort resulted in the selection of a promising clone, designated SpESFX‐10, which was shown to exhibit robust growth and resist apoptosis induced by sodium butyrate or glutamine deprivation. The advantage of SpESFX‐10 as a host for generating mAb‐production cell lines was demonstrated by its increased transfection efficiency, culture longevity, and mAb productivity, as well as by the feasibility of accomplishing the entire cell line development process, including transfection, subcloning, and cryopreservation, in the complete absence of serum. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Two‐step approach of percutaneous closure of a paravalvular leak and atrial septal defect after mitral valve reoperation
Authors: Sriratanaviriyakul Narin , Hart Chari , Spies Christian
Published: March 2011

Severe paravalvular leakage following mitral valve replacement, a rare but potentially serious complication, may result in heart failure and significant hemolysis. Reoperation is considered standard of care. However, in selected patients, re‐do sternotomy carries excessively high surgical risk. Percutaneous closure of paravalvular leaks has become a viable option for these patients. We present a case of a highly symptomatic 42‐year‐old male who underwent successful percutaneous closure of two paravalvular leaks and a post‐operative atrial septal defect after re‐do mitral valve replacement surgery. As access to the left atrium was expected to be difficult following percutaneous atrial septal defect closure, a two‐step approach of paravalvular leak closure followed by atrial septal defect closure was chosen. Difficulties of atrial septal defect closure following closure of a paravalvular leak next to the inter‐atrial septum will be discussed. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The confluent balloon technique for retrograde therapy of chronic total occlusion
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wong Aaron
Published: March 2011

Coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO) remain one of the most challenging lesions in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Retrograde approach is an advanced PCI technique and can improve success rate in CTO intervention. Although success rate of this technique is high in experienced hands, there are still limitations in this approach, e.g., failure of wire to cross lesions. We report an easy and reliable new method of wire crossing in CTO lesions. In this technique, when both the antegrade and retrograde wires are in the subintimal space, balloons catheters are delivered in both directions to the site of the CTO. The balloons are then inflated simultaneously to create a common subintimal space (the confluent of subintimal space) which will allow crossing of wire to true lumen, either antegradely or retrogradely. This technique may improve the success rate of wire crossing and successful CTO intervention. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of penetration device (Tornus) for percutaneous coronary intervention in balloon uncrossable chronic total occlusion—procedure outcomes, complications, and predictors of device success
Authors: Fang Hsiu‐Yu , Lee Chien‐Ho , Fang Chih‐Yuan , Lin Cheng‐Jui , Wu Cheng‐Ching , Yang Cheng‐Hsu , Chen Chien‐Jen , Hsieh Yuan‐Kai , Yip Hon‐Kan , Wu Chiung‐Jen
Published: March 2011

Objective: To evaluate procedure outcomes, complications, and the predictors of device success while using the Tornus in CTO revascularization. Background: The success of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) may be limited by the presence of severe calcified CTO lesions, especially in the smallest balloon uncrossable arteries. A penetrating device (Tornus) could improve the success rate. Methods: Device and angiographic success rates as well as procedural complications were assessed in 56 patients, who were consecutively and retrospectively enrolled into this study. Device success was defined as successful passage of the Tornus catheter through a CTO lesion. Procedure success was defined by a final TIMI 3 flow and <30% residual stenosis. Results: The device success rate was 71.4% in 40 patients and failure rate was 28.6% in 16 patients. The final procedure success was significantly higher in the Tornus success group compared with the Tornus failure group (87.5% vs. 37.5%, P < 0.001). One patient in the Tornus success group (1.8%) had wire perforation resulting in cardiac tamponade and cardiac death. Another patient (1.8%) in the Tornus success group had acute in‐stent thrombosis and non‐Q MI in 24 hr and was resuscitated by emergent PCI. The only independent predictor of device success was a calcium score < 2 (odds ratio (OR): 3.86 (95% CI: 1.14–13.1, P = 0.03). Conclusion: The Tornus catheter can be used in severe calcified CTO PCI when the calcium score <2 and not be used in patients with a calcium score ≥2. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sequential CoreValve implantation for a mal‐positioned prosthesis during transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Ong Sea Hing , Mueller Ralf , Gerckens Ulrich
Published: March 2011

Transcatheter aortic‐valve implantation is rapidly emerging as an effective, safe, and sustainable alternative for a specific subset of high‐surgical risk and/or inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, technical challenges remain for this relatively new procedure, not the least mal‐positioning of the transcatheter prosthesis resulting in acute aortic regurgitation. We report a case of deep implantation of a CoreValve prosthesis that was inadvertently pulled out of the aortic annulus during repositioning. The patient received a second sequential CoreValve successfully.© 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Drug eluting versus bare metal stents in cardiac allograft vasculopathy
Authors: Dasari Tarun W. , Hennebry Thomas A. , Hanna Elias B. , Saucedo Jorge F.
Published: March 2011

Background: Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a distinct pathological condition characterized by diffuse and progressive arteriopathy and it is an important determinant of long‐term graft survival. Definitive CAV treatment is retransplantation but palliation with stenting might temporarily alleviate it. The benefit of drug eluting stents (DES) over bare metal stents (BMS) in the treatment of such lesions is debatable. We therefore sought to do a literature search to review the available evidence comparing DES to BMS. Methods: We conducted Pub Med, EMBASE, Cochrane database review, Web of Science search of studies comparing DES with BMS in CAV. Available studies were retrospective in nature with either direct comparison groups (n = 5) or historical controls (n = 1). The main outcomes analyzed were in stent restenosis (ISR) during follow‐up and clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 312 patients from six studies were included in the review (1995–2007). Most commonly used DES were sirolimus eluting stent. DES appeared to reduce the long‐term risk of ISR compared with BMS. Three of the five studies showed a statistically significant reduction in ISR at 12 months while the one study assessing ISR at 6 months showed no significant difference. Clinical endpoints such as death and major adverse cardiac events were not statistically different. Conclusion: DES appear to reduce the incidence of ISR in CAV as compared with BMS. Prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the clinical benefit of DES beyond a reduction in ISR. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Papillary muscle rupture
Authors: de la Torre Hernandez Jose M. , Gorria Gonzalo Martin , Vazquez de Prada Jose A. , Zueco Javier
Published: March 2011

We report a not previously described complication in a retrograde transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure: A fatal rupture of a papillary muscle producing massive regurgitation. We found papillary muscle head calcification as an anatomical substrate that could facilitate this complication.© 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three‐dimensional external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer increases the risk of hip fracture
Authors: Elliott Sean P. , Jarosek Stephanie L. , Alanee Shaheen R. , Konety Badrinath R. , Dusenbery Kathryn E. , Virnig Beth A.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

Hip fracture is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Pelvic external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is known to increase the risk of hip fractures in women, but the effect in men is unknown.

METHODS:

From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database, 45,662 men who were aged ≥66 years and diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1992‐2004 were identified. By using Kaplan‐Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards models, the primary outcome of hip fracture risk was compared among men who received radical prostatectomy (RP), EBRT, EBRT plus androgen suppression therapy (AST), or AST alone. Age, osteoporosis, race, and other comorbidities were statistically controlled. A secondary outcome was distal forearm fracture as an indicator of the risk of fall‐related fracture outside the radiation field.

RESULTS:

After covariates were statistically controlled, the findings showed that EBRT increased the risk of hip fractures by 76% (hazards ratio [HR], 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38‐2.40) without increasing the risk of distal forearm fractures (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.56‐1.14). Combination therapy with EBRT plus AST increased the risk of hip fracture 145% relative to RP alone (HR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.88‐3.19) and by 40% relative to EBRT alone (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.17‐1.68). EBRT plus AST increased the risk of distal forearm fracture by 43% relative to RP alone (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.97‐2.10). The number needed to treat to result in 1 hip fracture during a 10‐year period was 51 patients (95% CI, 31‐103).

CONCLUSIONS:

In men with prostate cancer, pelvic 3‐D conformal EBRT was associated with a 76% increased risk of hip fracture. This risk was slightly increased further by the addition of short‐course AST to EBRT. This risk associated with EBRT must be site‐specific as there was no increase in the risk of fall‐related fractures in bones that were outside the radiation field. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Association of area sociodemographic characteristics and capacity for treatment with disparities in colorectal cancer care and mortality
Authors: Haas Jennifer S. , Brawarsky Phyllis , Iyer Aarthi , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Neville Bridget A. , Earle Craig
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:

Disparities in treatment and mortality for colorectal cancer (CRC) may reflect differences in access to specialized care or other characteristics of the area where an individual lives.

METHODS:

Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program–Medicare data for seniors diagnosed with CRC were linked to area measures of the sociodemographic characteristics and the capacity of surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. Outcomes included receipt of stage‐appropriate CRC care and mortality.

RESULTS:

After adjustment, blacks and Hispanics were less likely than whites to undergo surgery (odds ratio [OR] 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52‐0.63 and OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70‐0.95, respectively). Individuals who lived in areas with the highest tertile of surgeon capacity were more likely to undergo resection than those in the lowest, and use of surgery declined as the percentage of blacks in the area increased. Adjustment for the area measures resulted in a modest decline in disparities in care relative to whites (5.3% for black). Blacks also experienced greater all‐cause and cancer‐specific mortality than whites. Further adjustment for area sociodemographics and surgeon capacity reduced the disparity in mortality between blacks and whites. Although there was a similar black/white disparity in the use of adjuvant chemotherapy, the disparity remained after adjustment for area characteristics, although use of chemotherapy was greater in areas with the greatest capacity of medical oncologists.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sociodemographic characteristics and measures of the availability of specialized cancer providers in the area in which an individual resides modestly mediated disparities in the receipt of CRC care and mortality, suggesting that other factors may also be important. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Practical management of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Cervantes Francisco , Mauro Michael
Published: March 2011

Although imatinib has been used as frontline therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) for nearly a decade, current debate is focused on the incorporation of newer tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) at diagnosis in light of recent US Food and Drug Administration approval of nilotinib and dasatinib for initial therapy in chronic‐phase CML. Articles were identified through a PubMed search and a review of abstracts from relevant hematology congresses. Additional information was provided from the authors' libraries and expertise. With several therapies now available, it is crucial to carefully define and monitor response in patients with CML to determine whether their treatment is appropriate and is providing an optimal outcome. Different patterns of response to TKI treatment have been recognized, ranging from best‐case scenarios of rapid and unwavering response to difficult situations of intolerance and resistance, either primary or secondary. Patients who develop resistance to imatinib are advised to switch to second‐generation TKIs. Although specific mutations in the breakpoint cluster region–v‐abl Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene (BCR‐ABL) kinase domain may guide treatment selection in such scenarios, the choice is driven by other factors in the majority of patients, including the toxicity profiles of the newer TKIs as well as a patient's comorbidities. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Assigning Predissociation Infrared Spectra of Microsolvated Hydronium Cations H3O+⋅(H2)n (n=0, 1, 2, 3) by Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Baer Marcel , Marx Dominik , Mathias Gerald
Published: March 2011

Messenger predissociation spectroscopy is an important experimental method to obtain vibrational spectra of molecular ions or complexes such as protonated water clusters H+⋅(H2O)n in the gas phase. However, the molecular properties and thus the linear infrared spectra may be modified upon microsolvation with typical messengers such as H2 molecules or noble gas atoms. Employing ab initio molecular dynamics for the H2‐microsolvated hydronium ion, we investigate these effects explicitly as a function of an increasing number of messengers up to filling the first microsolvation shell, that is, for H3O+⋅(H2)n (n=0, 1, 2, 3). We find that microsolvation with H2 lowers the inversion barrier of the hydronium core, which governs the inversion tunnel splitting due to umbrella motion, and thus accelerates the inversion dynamics. By comparison to experiment a comprehensive band assignment for the OH stretching region is given, and thereby the observed blueshift of stretching bands with increasing n is explained. Furthermore, detailed analyses reveal intricate intra‐ and intermolecular anharmonic mode couplings induced by the messengers, which yield a rich vibrational dynamics in these, at first glance, simple systems. Finally, the virtues but also the shortcomings of the ab initio molecular dynamics approach to vibrational spectroscopy are discussed.
Image Manipulation for High Temperature Plasmas
Authors: Murari A. , Vega J. , Mazon D. , Delmond J.F. , Gelfusa M. , Szappanos A. , JET‐EFDA Contributors
Published: March 2011

In magnetic confinement Nuclear Fusion video cameras have become routine diagnostics, which can produce gigabytes of data per discharge. New tools and methods are required to manipulate the frames of these videos to obtain the required information. New algorithms have been developed, which implement pattern recognition methods to search the repositories of videos on the basis of their content and not on their address. Real time automatic analysis of videos has motivated the development of machine learning tools to classify objects in images. The identification and tracking of objects in the videos of Tokamak diagnostics requires the computation of image descriptors, which are insensitive to rotation, translation and rescaling. The Hu moments have proved to be quite effective in performing this image analysis task (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Diagnostics of Low Temperature Plasmas by Optical Means
Authors: Pawelec E.
Published: March 2011

In this paper a short overview of the diagnostics of low temperature plasmas by optical means is presented. It is described how the results of the optical measurements, namely the intensities and profiles of the spectral lines can be used for measuring the low temperature plasma parameters ‐ temperatures, electron density, plasma velocity, magnetic and electric field in the plasma etc. Discussed are the strengths and limitations of these methods (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the Optical Characterisation of Nanoparticle and their Aggregates in Plasma Systems
Authors: Onofri F.R.A. , Wozniak M. , Barbosa S.
Published: March 2011

This paper outline and discuss basic considerations for the optical characterization of nanoparticles and their aggregates: particle models, light scattering theories and main experimental setups, regarding their interest for the study of plasma flows. It emphasizes that there are now powerful alternatives to the Lorenz‐Mie theory and its simple homogeneous sphere model, which allow accurate calculations of the optical properties of particles with complex sub‐structures and shapes (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Collective Light Scattering for the Study of Fluctuations in Magnetized Plasmas: The Hall Thruster Case Study
Authors: Tsikata S. , Honoré C. , Grésilon D. , Lemoine N.
Published: March 2011

Collective light scattering (CLS) has been recently extended to the observation of Hall effect thruster plasmas. A better understanding of the physics of Hall thrusters is key to improving thruster operation and lifetimes. In particular, the origins of thruster phenomena such as anomalous electron transport need to be determined. A high‐performance CLS diagnostic has therefore been developed for identifying and measuring electron density fluctuations in the thruster, at millimetric length scales and MHz frequencies. Such modes are believed to play a role in anomalous transport, and experiments so far performed have provided information on their dispersion relations, amplitude and directivity. This work describes the technical aspects of the optical bench and the range of accessible experiments (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Time‐Resolved Diagnostics of Dual High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering With Pulse Delays of 15 µs and 500 µs
Authors: Stranak V. , Drache S. , Cada M. , Hubicka Z. , Tichy M. , Hippler R.
Published: March 2011

Time‐resolved measurements have been performed during dual High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (dual‐HiPIMS) with two cathodes in a closed magnetic field configuration. The effect of a delay between subsequent pulses on electron density, mean electron energy, and ion flux to the substrate was investigated by time‐resolved diagnostic methods. Two different delays of 15 µs and 500 µs between subsequent pulses were investigated. The dual‐HiPIMS system, operated at a repetition frequency f = 100 Hz and duty cycle of 1 %, was equipped with different metallic targets (Ti, Cu). It is shown that a delay between subsequent pulses influences the plasma parameters and can be used to control deposition processes. It was noted that target surfaces (alternately serving as a cathode/anode) are contaminated by sputtered material from the previous pulse which influences the time‐evolution of the discharge parameters (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Oxidation of NO Into NO2 by Surface Adsorbed O Atoms
Authors: Guaitella O. , Hübner M. , Marinov D. , Guerra V. , Pintassilgo C.D. , Welzel S. , Röpcke J. , Rousseau A.
Published: March 2011

Plasma‐surface interactions are increasingly recognised as a key factor in explaining molecule production and conversion processes. In order to scrutinise such effects well‐defined surface and gas phase conditions are required. Hence, the inner surface of a Pyrex tube was treated by a capacitively coupled RF plasma at low pressure. The post‐plasma oxidation of gas mixtures containing 1 % NO into NO2 has been studied by means of quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy in the mid‐infrared spectral range. The plasma pre‐treatment experiments with oxygen containing precursors suggest O atom adsorption on the Pyrex tube with a surface density of 2.7 x 1014 cm–2. A simple kinetic model was developed and shows good agreement with the measured NO and NO2 gas phase concentrations. In the model a fraction of the surface is considered to be covered with chemisorption sites where atoms and molecules can be adsorbed, whereas they can be removed only by recombination (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)