bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing personality at risk in personnel selection and development
Authors: De Fruyt Filip , De Clercq Barbara J. , Miller Joshua , Rolland Jean‐Pierre , Jung Sung‐Cheol , Taris Ruben , Furnham Adrian , Van Hiel Alain
Published: January 2009

This paper demonstrates the validity and usefulness of a count technique to screen for potential personality dysfunctioning in NEO‐PI‐R ratings obtained in selection and professional development assessments. The usefulness of this screening technique for Industrial, Work and Organizational (IWO) psychologists is demonstrated in five different samples that were administered the NEO‐PI‐R for selection or development purposes. Three additional samples served as normative data to compute FFM PD count cut‐offs that can be used for selection and career development decisions. Evidence for the construct validity of 6 out of 10 FFM PD counts was provided, and all FFM PD compound scales were significantly related to important criteria, including the final selection decision, the results of a behaviourally oriented selection interview and self‐rated work competencies. The practical utility and limitations of this count technique for personnel selection and development are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aus Staub geboren. Planetenentstehung
Authors: Klahr Hubert , Henning Thomas
Published: January 2009

Die Entdeckung von extrasolaren Planetensystemen hat die Theorie der Planetenentstehung vor neue Herausforderungen gestellt. Das grundlegende Modell zur Entstehung unseres Sonnensystems aus einer Staub und Gasscheibe um die junge Sonne besteht zwar unverändert seit der Mitte des letzen Jahrhunderts, es wurde jedoch im Laufe der Zeit um mehr und mehr Details bereichert. Auch heute sind noch viele Fragen offen, wie unser Sonnensystem oder die Planetensysteme um ferne Sterne entstanden sind.
Zylinder‐ und Kugelkreisel. Spielwiese
Authors: Ucke Christian , Schlichting Hans‐Joachim
Published: January 2009

Ein Zylinder führt bei geschicktem Anschnipsen eine komplizierte Kreiseldrehung aus. Besitzen Länge und Durchmesser ein ganzzahliges Verhältnis n, so erscheint eine Markierung auf dem einen Ende des Zylinders als n‐fach stehendes Muster. Dieser optische Effekt lässt sich mit einfachen Überlegungen an dem kreiselnden Zylinder erklären. In ähnlicher Weise kann man Kreisel aus zwei oder mehr zusammengefügten Kugeln bauen und ihre Bewegung physikalisch interpretieren.
Pseudobeugung
Authors: Müller Andreas
Published: January 2009

Wenn man Daumen und Zeigefinger sehr nahe zusammen bringt und wenige Zentimeter vors Auge hält, so zeigen sich zwischen den Fingern eine oder mehrere feine dunkle Linien. Worauf ist dieses optische Phänomen zurückzuführen?
Rutschen ohne Reibung
Authors: Schirmeisen André
Published: January 2009

Reibung ist allgegenwärtig, doch was passiert eigentlich genau, wenn zwei Oberflächen aneinander reiben? Ein deutsch‐amerikanisches Wissenschaftlerteam der Universität Münster und der Yale Universität untersuchten die grundlegenden Mechanismen der Reibung, indem sie Nanoteilchen über eine Oberfläche schoben. Überraschenderweise verschwand in einigen Fällen die Reibungskraft.
Protein in action gefilmt
Authors: Biehl Ralf , Richter Dieter
Published: January 2009

Physikern des Forschungszentrums Jülich ist es erstmals gelungen, Bewegungen in einem natürlichen, nicht modifizierten Protein räumlich und zeitlich aufgelöst zu messen. Anders als bisherige Methoden ermöglicht ihre Neutronenspinecho‐Spektroskopie die direkte Messung nicht nur der Schnelligkeit von inneren Bewegungen, sondern auch der räumlichen Ausdehnung und der dabei auftretenden inneren Kräfte.
Toughening effect of ethylene‐vinyl acetate rubber on nylon 1010 compatibilized by maleated ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymers
Authors: Yu Haiyang , Zhang Yong , Ren Wentan
Published: January 2009

The toughening effect of ethylene‐vinyl acetate rubbers (EVM) with maleated ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA‐g‐MAH) on the nylon 1010 was investigated. The addition of 5 phr (per hundred nylon 1010) EVM increased the elongation at break of nylon 1010 to a great extent. The notched Izod impact strength of nylon/EVM blends increased with increasing EVM content. Scanning electron microscope showed that the EVM particle size was around 0.5 μm when the EVM content was 5 phr and increased with increasing EVM content. After the addition of EVA‐g‐MAH to nylon/EVM (100/20) blend, the average diameter of EVM particles decreased from more than 1 μm to 0.5–0.6 μm. EVA‐g‐MAH could improve the adhesion between nylon 1010 and EVM. A sharp brittle‐ductile transition (BDT) was observed when the interparticle distance was about 0.2 μm, independent of the addition of EVA‐g‐MAH. The notched Izod impact strength of nylon/EVM blends at low temperatures was measured and the BDT shifted toward low temperatures with increasing EVM or EVA‐g‐MAH content. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 434–444, 2009
Influence of RF Plasma Reactor Setup on Carboxylated Hydrocarbon Coatings
Authors: Körner Enrico , Fortunato Giuseppino , Hegemann Dirk
Published: January 2009

Functional hydrocarbon plasma polymer coatings were investigated using a low pressure RF plasma reactor. The deposition rate was examined for different CO2/C2H4 gas ratios and different power inputs at constant pressure. The CO2/C2H4 ratio can be used to tailor the functionality and the permanence of the plasma polymer coatings which is shown by XPS. The deposition of these plasma polymer coatings was compared in a symmetrical and asymmetrical setup of the reactor and discussed regarding energy input and plasma sheath potential for the varying plasma conditions. Furthermore, the influence of Ar admixture was examined in order to identify sputtering conditions by using an asymmetric Ag electrode. While a drop in the absolute deposition rate can be seen for Ar added in symmetrical conditions, the asymmetrical setup showed no noticeable differences.

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Confidentiality and integrity for data aggregation in WSN using peer monitoring
Authors: Di Pietro Roberto , Michiardi Pietro , Molva Refik
Published: January 2009

Hop‐by‐hop data aggregation is a very important technique used to reduce the communication overhead and energy expenditure of sensor nodes during the process of data collection in a wireless sensor network (WSN). However, the unattended nature of WSNs calls for data aggregation techniques to be secure. Indeed, sensor nodes can be compromised to mislead the base station (BS) by injecting bogus data into the network during both forwarding and aggregation of data. Moreover, data aggregation might increase the risk of confidentiality violations: If sensors close to the BS are corrupted, an adversary could easily access to the results of the ‘in network’ computation performed by the WSN. Further, nodes can also fail due to random and non‐malicious causes (e.g., battery exhaustion), hence availability should be considered as well.

In this paper we tackle the above issues that affect data aggregation techniques by proposing a mechanism that: (i)provides both confidentiality and integrity of the aggregated data so that for any compromised sensor in the WSN the information acquired could only reveal the readings performed by a small, constant number of neighboring sensors of the compromised one; (ii) detects bogus data injection attempts; (iii) provides high resilience to sensor failures. Our protocol is based on the concept of delayed aggregation and peer monitoring and requires local interactions only. Hence, it is highly scalable and introduces small overhead; detailed analysis supports our findings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender differences in experiencing occupational stress: the role of age, education and marital status
Authors: Michael Galanakis , Anastasios Stalikas , Helen Kallia , Catherine Karagianni , Christine Karela
Published: January 2009

Studies investigating gender differences over the past two decades have produced contradictory results, with some to indicate no differences, and some suggesting that either men or women experience more psychological stress. In this study, we examine gender differences in occupational stress, taking into consideration the role of marital status, age and education. Results from a sample of 2775 professionals suggest that women experience higher levels of occupational stress than men. Nevertheless, when marital status, age and education were introduced in the equation, no significant gender differences were identified. Implications and future research directions are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dip‐Pen‐Nanolithographic Patterning of Metallic, Semiconductor, and Metal Oxide Nanostructures on Surfaces
Authors: Basnar Bernhard , Willner Itamar
Published: January 2009

Dip‐pen nanolithography (DPN) is a powerful method to pattern nanostructures on surfaces by the controlled delivery of an “ink” coating the tip of an atomic force microscope upon scanning and contacting with surfaces. The growing interest in the use of nanoparticles as structural and functional elements for the fabrication of nanodevices suggests that the DPN‐stimulated patterning of nanoparticles on surfaces might be a useful technique to assemble hierarchical architectures of nanoparticles that could pave methodologies for functional nanocircuits or nanodevices. This Review presents different methodologies for the nanolithographic patterning of metallic, semiconductor, and metal oxide nanostructures on surfaces. The mechanisms involved in the formation of the nanostructures are discussed and the effects that control the dimensions of the resulting patterns are reviewed. The possible applications of the nanostructures are also addressed.

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Temperature‐Enhanced Solvent Vapor Annealing of a C3 Symmetric Hexa‐peri‐Hexabenzocoronene: Controlling the Self‐Assembly from Nano‐ to Macroscale
Authors: Treossi Emanuele , Liscio Andrea , Feng Xinliang , Palermo Vincenzo , Müllen Klaus , Samorì Paolo
Published: January 2009

Temperature‐enhanced solvent vapor annealing (TESVA) is used to self‐assemble functionalized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules into ordered macroscopic layers and crystals on solid surfaces. A novel C3 symmetric hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene functionalized with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic side chains is used as a model system since its multivalent character can be expected to offer unique self‐assembly properties and behavior in different solvents. TESVA promotes the molecule's long‐range mobility, as proven by their diffusion on a Si/SiOx surface on a scale of hundreds of micrometers. This leads to self‐assembly into large, ordered crystals featuring an edge‐on columnar type of arrangement, which differs from the morphologies obtained using conventional solution‐processing methods such as spin‐coating or drop‐casting. The temperature modulation in the TESVA makes it possible to achieve an additional control over the role of hydrodynamic forces in the self‐assembly at surfaces, leading to a macroscopic self‐healing within the adsorbed film notably improved as compared to conventional solvent vapor annealing. This surface re‐organization can be monitored in real time by optical and atomic force microscopy.
Trends in Nanotechnology 2008
Authors: Partridge Jim G.
Published: January 2009

The 2008 Trends in NanoTechnology conference was recently held in Oviedo, Spain. An overview of the conference highlights and speakers is presented.
Living systems theory and an entity‐systems approach
Authors: Swanson G. A.
Published: January 2009

The process‐structure approach of Living Systems Theory (LST) provides a more robust explanation of life than did the earlier explanations based on the concept of sense‐response. Three aspects of LST, however, provide less robust explanations than those that generally characterize the theory. They are the concept of dispersed critical sub‐systems, the relative neglect of emergence and the neglect of the pervasive influence of conceptual systems on LST defined information systems. This paper suggests an entity‐systems approach that may strengthen those aspects of the theory of life systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Induced coupling: an approach to modeling and managing complex human–landscape interactions
Authors: Magliocca Nicholas R.
Published: January 2009

Population growth and overdevelopment are driving complicated interactions between human and natural systems. A preliminary investigation of human and natural systems as hierarchical, complex systems suggests that problematic, emergent behaviours are the result of ‘induced coupling’ between the two systems. Human manipulations aimed at mitigating natural disasters often change how human and natural systems interact by linking their behaviours in space and time. The dynamics of each separate system are fundamentally altered when they become coupled. This coupling drives unexpected, emergent behaviours through the introduction of strong, nonlinear feedbacks. Human–landscape interactions present a unique challenge because of the mismatch in scales between coupled processes. Induced coupling describes problematic system behaviours (e.g. natural disasters intensified by human actions) as the product of coupling short‐term human activities to long‐term natural processes. As a descriptive model, induced coupling draws upon the conceptualization of human and natural systems as hierarchical complex systems, and it utilizes a systems dynamics approach to identify delays introduced by human manipulations. Induced coupling aides in the description and analysis of coupled human–landscape interactions, and provides a focus for numerical modelling and identification of leverage points for management actions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Searching for effective policies to prevent bird flu pandemic in Bandung city using agent‐based simulation
Authors: Putro Utomo Sarjono , Novani Santi , Siallagan Manahan , Deguchi Hiroshi , Kantani Yasuhiro , Kaneda Toshiyuki , Koyoma Yusuke , Ichikawa Manabu , Tanuma Hideki
Published: January 2009

This paper investigates the case of H5N1 bird flu in Southeast Asia, and develops a basic model of simulation using agent‐based modelling to study the dynamic interaction between human activities in Bandung City, West Java province, Indonesia. It evaluates the effectiveness of several policies for Bandung City based on the infection process model for pandemic, depending on social and culture simulation using Spot Oriented Agent Role Simulator or SOARS. The results of these simulations suggest that the government should take action not only from a medical perspective, but also from the perspective of social interactions and their influences on the spread of H5N1 in Bandung City. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Horizon Serono – Konstruktion des weltweit größten zu öffnenden Glasdaches und der darunterliegenden Forumfassade
Authors: Sobek Werner , Straub Wolfgang , Schmid Angelika
Published: January 2009

Der Neubau eines Verwaltungsgebäudes für das Pharmaunternehmen Merck/Serono in Genf zeichnet sich durch hochtransparente Stahl‐Glas‐Konstruktionen in Fassade und Dach aus. Besonders hervorzuheben sind das zu öffnende Dach über dem sogenannten Forum sowie die darunterliegenden Fassadenkonstruktionen. Das ca. 1000 m2 große Forumdach ebenso wie die ca. 12 m hohen drehbaren Glastore und der außenliegende Sonnenschutz aus profilierten Edelstahlstäben tragen nicht nur wesentlich zur lichten, freundlichen Atmosphäre im Inneren bei, sondern sind auch wichtige Bestandteile des Klimakonzepts des Gebäudes. Der vorliegende Aufsatz beschreibt Forumdach und ‐fassade (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
K‐factor estimation in shadowed Ricean mobile communication channels
Authors: Naimi Alireza , Azemi Ghasem
Published: January 2009

In this paper, a composite model for the received signal at the mobile unit is used to derive new moment‐based estimators for the RiceanK‐factor when shadowing is present. The results are then used to analytically evaluate the performance of the previously proposed moment‐based estimators forK. It is proven that unlike existing moment‐based estimators, the proposed estimators perform well in the presence of shadowing. Using simulations, it is also shown that the mean‐squared error of the proposed estimators is significantly lower than that of the previously proposed estimators. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diet composition, food intake, body condition, and fecal consistency in captive tapirs (Tapirus spp.) in UK collections
Authors: Clauss Marcus , Wilkins Tamsin , Hartley Andy , Hatt Jean‐Michel
Published: January 2009

Intake measurements were carried out in 22 tapirs from seven UK zoological collections. Dry matter intake (DMI) ranged from 48 to 86 g/kg0.75/d. Across collections, the highest proportion of the ingested diet consisted of pelleted feeds (including grains and bread) at 46±17% DMI, followed by commercial produce at 26±12% DMI, roughage (excluding browse) at 17±11% DMI, and browse at 11±11% DMI. The proportion of roughage, crude protein, crude fiber, and neutral detergent fiber levels in the diets investigated were well below levels recommended for domestic horses and other ungulates. Intakes of digestible energy (DE) as estimated from food nutrients using of a standard equation for domestic horses ranged from 0.58 to 0.88 MJ/DE/kg0.75/d, with many individuals exceeding the assumed maintenance requirement of 0.6 MJ/DE/kg0.75/d for hindgut fermenters. At values exceeding this DE intake, animals had higher than ideal body condition scores (BCS). Animals with higher BCS (i.e. more obese animals) generally had higher fecal scores (FS) (i.e. softer feces), and both BCS and FS were positively correlated to DMI and calculated DE intake. This suggests that the population studied was generally overfed, with resulting obesity and softer fecal consistency. The use of highly digestible feeds such as commercial produce and pelleted feeds should be restricted in the diets of these animals and roughage intake promoted in order to attempt to achieve normal BCS and FS in this captive population. Zoo Biol 28:279–291, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Model-checking user behaviour using interacting components
Authors: Basuki Thomas Anung , Cerone Antonio , Griesmayer Andreas , Schlatte Rudolf
Published: January 2009

This article describes a framework to formally model and analyse human behaviour. This is shown by a simple case study of a chocolate vending machine, which represents many aspects of human behaviour. The case study is modelled and analysed using the Maude rewrite system. This work extends a previous work by Basuki which attempts to model interactions between human and machine and analyse the possibility of errors occurring in the interactions. By redesigning the interface, it can be shown that certain kinds of error can be avoided for some users. This article overcomes the limitation of Basuki’s approach by incorporating many aspects of user behaviour into a single user model, and introduces a more natural approach to model human–computer interaction.
Pathogenic cascades in lysosomal disease—Why so complex?
Authors: Walkley S. U.
Published: January 2009

Lysosomal disease represents a large group of more than 50 clinically recognized conditions resulting from inborn errors of metabolism affecting the organelle known as the lysosome. The lysosome is an integral part of the larger endosomal/lysosomal system, and is closely allied with the ubiquitin–proteosomal and autophagosomal systems, which together comprise essential cell machinery for substrate degradation and recycling, homeostatic control, and signalling. More than two‐thirds of lysosomal diseases affect the brain, with neurons appearing particularly vulnerable to lysosomal compromise and showing diverse consequences ranging from specific axonal and dendritic abnormalities to neuron death. While failure of lysosomal function characteristically leads to lysosomal storage, new studies argue that lysosomal diseases may also be appropriately viewed as ‘states of deficiency’ rather than simply overabundance (storage). Interference with signalling events and salvage processing normally controlled by the endosomal/lysosomal system may represent key mechanisms accounting for the inherent complexity of lysosomal disorders. Analysis of lysosomal disease pathogenesis provides a unique window through which to observe the importance of the greater lysosomal system for normal cell health.
Recovering a Probabilistic Knowledge Structure by Constraining its Parameter Space
Authors: Stefanutti Luca , Robusto Egidio
Published: January 2009

In the Basic Local Independence Model (BLIM) of Doignon and Falmagne (Knowledge Spaces, Springer, Berlin, 1999), the probabilistic relationship between the latent knowledge states and the observable response patterns is established by the introduction of a pair of parameters for each of the problems: a lucky guess probability and a careless error probability. In estimating the parameters of the BLIM with an empirical data set, it is desirable that such probabilities remain reasonably small. A special case of the BLIM is proposed where the parameter space of such probabilities is constrained. A simulation study shows that the constrained BLIM is more effective than the unconstrained one, in recovering a probabilistic knowledge structure.
Macrobrachium borellii Hepatopancreas Contains a Mitochondrial Glycerol‐3‐Phosphate Acyltransferase Which Initiates Triacylglycerol Biosynthesis
Authors: Pellon‐Maison M. , Garcia C. F. , Cattaneo E. R. , Coleman R. A. , Gonzalez‐Baro M. R.
Published: January 2009

Mammals express four isoforms of glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT). The mitochondrial isoform GPAT1 may have been the acyltransferase that appeared first in evolution. The hepatopancreas of the crustacean Macrobrachium borellii has a high capacity for triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis and storage. In order to understand the mechanism of glycerolipid biosynthesis in M. borellii, we investigated its hepatopancreas GPAT activity. In hepatopancreas mitochondria, we identified a GPAT activity with characteristics similar to those of mammalian GPAT1. The activity was resistant to inactivation by SH‐reactive N‐ethylmaleimide, it was activated by polymyxin‐B, and its preferred substrate was palmitoyl‐CoA. The reaction products were similar to those of mammalian GPAT1. A 70‐kDa protein band immunoreacted with an anti‐rat liver GPAT1 antibody. Surprisingly, we did not detect high GPAT specific activity in hepatopancreas microsomes. GPAT activity in microsomes was consistent with mitochondrial contamination, and its properties were similar to those of the mitochondrial activity. In microsomes, TAG synthesis was not dependent on the presence of glycerol‐3 phosphate as a substrate, and the addition of monoacylglycerol as a substrate increased TAG synthesis 2‐fold. We conclude that in M. borellii the de novo triacylglycerol biosynthetic pathway can be completed in the mitochondria. In contrast, TAG synthesis in the ER may function via the monoacylglycerol pathway.
Droit et théologie dans la pensée scolastique
Authors: Boureau Alain , Rosier-Catach Irène
Published: January 2009

Quelle place est faite au droit des hommes dans une société chrétienne? On étudiera d'abord l'entrée du droit dans l'exégèse, avec Hugues de Saint-Cher, puis le cas, privilégié, du serment et du mensonge, ici analysé dans l'oeuvre de Pierre de Jean Olivi (ca 1280). On verra émerger les notions d'engagement et d'obligation - envers le prochain et envers Dieu. L'obligation est réalisée par la prononciation de paroles, qui prime sur tout autre circonstance de l'acte. Elle repose sur la reconnaissance d'une norme qui renvoie non seulement à des propositions exprimées, mais aussi à des implicites tacitement admis dans une communauté.
Histological Upgrading and Upstaging in the UK Population following Radical Prostatectomy and Their Implications for Active Surveillance
Authors: Page T. , Sahadevan K. , Harding C. , Wong S. , Greene D.
Published: January 2009

Background:

Upgrading of Gleason score at radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) is a recognised event; however there are few large, national, multicentre studies of upgrading. With the increasing utilisation of active surveillance as an option in the treatment of prostate cancer upgrading is an increasing concern to urologists.

Objective:

To analyse the discordance between the biopsy Gleason score and the RRP Gleason score using the BAUS database from a non-screened UK population.

Methods and subjects:

Data were obtained from the BAUS cancer registry which holds data on national complex operations. All patients who underwent RRP with pre and post-operative Gleason score were included in the study.

Results:

1420 men were included in the study, mean age 62. Comparing Gleason score between the biopsy and the RRP specimen, 30% men were found to upgraded and 9% downgraded. Clinically significant upgrading was seen in 28%. Age and PSA were found to be higher in the upgraded cohort ( p< 0.02). Positive margins and seminal vesicle invasion were significantly higher in the upgraded group ( p < 0.02). Univariate analysis revealed PSA and age as significant predictors of upgrading at RRP ( p<0.05).

Conclusions:

This large study provides novel data from a non-screened UK population, nearly one-third of whom had clinically significant upgrading. We have also shown that adverse pathological events, positive margin and seminal vesicle invasion, are more common in the upgraded cohort. This evidence needs to be considered when managing men with localised prostate cancer especially when considering active surveillance.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: An evaluation of treatment and management approaches by referring physicians
Authors: Shemirani Nima L. , Schmidt Madeline , Friedland David R.
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

To assess and compare the current management of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) between primary care physicians and general otolaryngologists.

STUDY DESIGN

Written survey of physician practice patterns.

METHODS

A multiple choice and Likert scale survey was mailed to 1306 otolaryngologists and primary care physicians in the upper midwest with respect to management of SSHL.

RESULTS

A significant number of general practitioners treat SSHL independent of an otolaryngologist. General practitioners are significantly less impressed than otolaryngologists that steroids are an effective treatment (P < 0.0001). Over 98 percent of otolaryngologists use oral steroids as compared with 73 percent of general practitioners treating on their own. The vast majority of otolaryngologists start therapy with at least 60 mg of prednisone whereas lower doses and medrol dosepaks are more commonly used by general practitioners. Otolaryngologists are more likely to treat with steroids beyond one week of onset of hearing loss whereas general practitioners overwhelmingly will only treat within the first week. Approximately 50 percent of otolaryngologists add antiviral medications in contrast to 16 percent of generalists.

CONCLUSION

The approach to SSHL differs between otolaryngologists and general practitioners. The lack of strong evidence‐based guidelines for the treatment of SSHL may underlie the variability in management by first line providers.
Ocular outcomes after gold weight placement and facial nerve resection
Authors: Razfar Ali , Afifi Ahmed M. , Manders Ernest K. , Myers Eugene N. , Johnson Jonas T. , Ferris Robert L. , Deleyiannis Frederic W.‐B.
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of acute gold weight placement after facial nerve resection and to determine the role of concomitant lower eyelid procedures.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Twenty‐two patients who received an upper eyelid gold weight at the time of parotidectomy and facial nerve resection were reviewed to assess ocular outcomes.

RESULTS

After gold weight placement, twelve patients (12 of 22, 54.5%) subsequently presented with symptomatic ectropion (n = 9) and/or lagophthalmos (n = 5). Nine patients received a lower eyelid procedure (7 tarsal strips only, 1 tarsal strip combined with a lateral tarsorrhaphy, and 1 lateral tarsorrhaphy only). Six patients, in addition to a gold weight, also underwent a static sling to the midface at the time of facial nerve resection. None of these 6 received a subsequent lower eyelid procedure. Two patients required gold weight upsizing. Two patients required weight removal.

CONCLUSIONS

Insertion of 1.2 gm upper eyelid weight with placement of midface sling is recommended at the time of facial nerve resection. Due to the need to tighten the lower eyelid in many of these patients, we now also consider performing a tarsal strip procedure at the time of facial nerve resection in any patient with pre‐existing lower lid laxity.
Modified lateral neck lymphadenectomy: Prospective randomized study comparing harmonic scalpel with clamp‐and‐tie technique
Authors: Miccoli Paolo , Materazzi Gabriele , Fregoli Lorenzo , Panicucci Erica , Kunz‐Martinez Walter , Berti Piero
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

To compare the use of harmonic scalpel (HS) with clamp‐and‐tie technique to evaluate their comparative merits in modified lateral lymphadenectomy (LL).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective and randomized.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Thirty‐seven patients were recruited and divided into Group A (conventional; n = 20) and Group B (HS; n = 17). Thyroid volume, neck circumference, operative time, diameter of the tumor and lymph node, drainage volume, pain, and complications were compared. Operation consisted of thyroidectomy and LL.

RESULTS

Groups were homogeneous for thyroid volume, diameter of thyroid nodule and lymph node, and neck circumference. Operative time was shorter in Group B than in Group A. The fluid collection in the vacuum between 24 and 48 hours and the increase of neck circumference were lower in Group B. Pain was significantly lower in Group B after 12 hours and decrease was faster in Group B.

CONCLUSION

The use of HS during LL is as safe as conventional technique and may allow shorter operative time, lower lymphatic spillage, and faster decrease of pain.
Levodopa does not enhance the effect of low‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in tinnitus treatment
Authors: Kleinjung Tobias , Steffens Thomas , Landgrebe Michael , Vielsmeier Veronika , Frank Elmar , Hajak Göran , Strutz Juergen , Langguth Berthold
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

Low‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown promise for the treatment of tinnitus. Experimental data from motor cortex stimulation in healthy subjects indicate that the suppressing effect of low‐frequency rTMS can be enhanced by dopaminergic receptor activation. Here we investigated whether administration of the dopamine precursor levodopa before low‐frequency rTMS enhances its efficacy in tinnitus treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

Sixteen patients with chronic tinnitus received 100 mg of levodopa before each session of low‐frequency rTMS. Results were compared with a matched control group of 16 patients who received the same treatment, but without levodopa. Treatment outcome was assessed with a standardized tinnitus questionnaire.

RESULTS

Both stimulation protocols resulted in a significant reduction of tinnitus scores after 10 days of stimulation; however, there was no significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that 100 mg of levodopa does not enhance the effect of rTMS in the treatment of tinnitus.
Perineural invasion of the major and minor nerves in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Chirilă Magdalena , Bolboacă Sorana D. , Cosgarea Marcel , Tomescu Ermil , Mureşan Mihaela
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the perineural invasion in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective study of patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent total or partial laryngectomy.

METHODS

Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and pyriform sinus who underwent laryngectomy between 2002 and 2006 in the ENT Clinic of Cluj‐Napoca were investigated for histopathological identification of perineural invasion.

RESULTS

The present study included 256 patients. Perineural invasion was present in 86 cases out of the 256. Perineural invasion was detected in the major nerves of only one case out of 219 patients who had undergone total laryngectomy. The difference between the mean disease‐free survival of patients with or without perineural invasion of the minor nerves was statistically significant (Mann‐Whitney U test, P = 0.000102). The local recurrence rates in the cases with or without perineural invasion were significantly different (log‐rank test, P = 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

Major nerves do not constitute a way of spreading in the squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx, whereas minor nerves remain a potential one.
The efficacy of preoperative screening and the treatment of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an otolaryngology surgical practice
Authors: Richer Sara L. , Wenig Barry L.
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

To examine the efficacy of preoperative Staphy‐lococcus aureus screening on postoperative methicillin‐resistant S aureus (MRSA) infection rates in otolaryngology.

STUDY DESIGN

Chart review.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Postoperative MRSA infection rates in unscreened patients during a 1‐year period were compared with infection rates in patients after preoperative S aureus screening was initiated. Colonized patients were treated with mupirocin and chlorhexidine preoperatively.

RESULTS

Records of 420 patients were reviewed. In the 241 patients without screening, nine patients had S aureus infections, and there were two (0.8%) postoperative MRSA surgical‐site infections. Of 179 patients after screening was initiated, 24 patients (13.4%) were colonized with S aureus and underwent preoperative treatment. There were no MRSA infections in the postoperative period.

CONCLUSION

Early results show the potential benefit of preoperative S aureus screening in MRSA infection rate reduction. Although larger studies are needed, screening and treatment of MRSA colonized patients preoperatively may reduce infectious complications in otolaryngology.
Can plastic tracheotomy tubes harm baby boys?
Authors: Mair Asa A. , Mair Eric A.
Published: January 2009

Pediatric tracheotomy tubes are often made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common additive to PVC to increase tracheotomy tube flexibility and strength. Unfortunately, DEHP is a reproductive toxicant that alters the male reproductive system in animals, in vitro tests, and limited human data. DEHP leaches from PVC tracheotomy tubes in children. The FDA and multiple international health agencies urge health care professionals to use DEHP‐free medical materials for vulnerable patients, especially the male infant. The observed toxicity of DEHP and the readily available alternative materials to PVC tracheotomy tubes present a compelling argument to use pediatric tracheotomy tubes made from non‐PVC materials such as polyurethane or silicone. More clinical research is needed.
OK‐432 Sclerotherapy in Head and Neck Lymphangiomas: Long‐term follow‐up Result
Authors: Yoo Jae Chul , Ahn Youngjin , Lim Yune Syung , Hun Hah J. , Kwon Tack‐Kyun , Sung Myung‐Whun , Kim Kwang Hyun
Published: January 2009

INTRODUCTION

Nonsurgical treatments, such as sclerotherapy have been attempted for head and neck lymphagiomas. Of the available sclerosing agents, picibanil has shown satisfactory short‐term treatment results in many studies, but no study has presented long‐term treatment results. Accordingly, in the present study, the authors retrospectively reviewed the long‐term treatment results of picibanil sclerotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty‐five lymphangioma patients who underwent picibanil sclerotherapy were enrolled. Data about initial and long‐term response, recurrence, and excision rate were collected.

RESULTS

Initial response rates were 83.5 percent and long‐term response rates were 76.3 percent.

CONCLUSION

Initial and the long‐term response rate were equally good for lymphangioma.
Dosage changes in patients with long‐term botulinum toxin use for laryngeal dystonia
Authors: Birkent Hakan , Maronian Nicole , Waugh Patricia , Merati Albert L. , Perkel David , Hillel Allen D.
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the dosage consistency of botulinum toxin injections in patients with long‐term treatment for laryngeal dystonia.

STUDY DESIGN

Chart review.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Patients with laryngeal dystonia who had received at least 20 injections to the thyroarytenoid muscle were selected. Change of botulinum toxin dose, patient‐reported effective weeks, and intervals between injections were investigated; data from the first five injections were excluded to eliminate initial dose titration.

RESULTS

Fifty‐five patients with an average follow‐up of 12.5 years were identified. Mean dose of botulinum toxin was 2.37 ± 1.6 U at the sixth injection; there was a decrease in mean dose over time, which became statistically significant at the 13th injection with a mean dose of 2.02 ± 1.16 U. Mean duration of good effect and treatment intervals showed no significant change over time.

CONCLUSION

Botulinum toxin dose needed for a constant response in treatment of laryngeal dystonia decreases over time, without any accompanying change in effective weeks and intervals.
Microsatellite instability analysis of sinonasal carcinomas
Authors: Martínez Jorge García , Pérez‐Escuredo Jhudit , López Fernando , Suárez Carlos , Álvarez‐Marcos César , Llorente José Luis , Hermsen Mario A.
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES

Intestinal‐type sinonasal adenocarcinoma (ITAC) and squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity (SCCNC) are histopathologically but not etiologically similar to colorectal adenocarcinoma or to laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, respectively. Microsatellite instability (MSI) is involved in both tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible role for MSI in the pathogenesis of two types of nasal carcinoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

DNA obtained from frozen tumor samples of 41 ITACs and 24 SCCNCs was analyzed for shifts in five mononucleotide microsatellite loci by multiplex PCR.

RESULTS

The allelic patterns of one ITAC (2%) and five SCCNCs (21%) revealed an allelic shift for at least one of the five loci, indicating microsatellite instability.

CONCLUSION

MSI may be involved in squamous cell carcinoma, but not in adenocarcinoma of the nasal cavities.
Extracts from The Cochrane Library: Tonsillectomy for chronic/recurrent acute tonsillitis
Authors: Burton Martin J. , Isaacson Glenn , Rosenfeld Richard M.
Published: January 2009

The “Cochrane Corner” is a quarterly section in the Journal that highlights systematic reviews relevant to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, with invited commentary to highlight implications for clinical decision making. This installment features a Cochrane Review entitled “Tonsillectomy or adeno‐tonsillectomy versus non‐surgical treatment for chronic/recurrent acute tonsillitis,” which concludes modest efficacy in children for sore throat days and episodes, with greater benefit for those with more severe illness.
The Politics of Buddhist identity in Thailand's deep south: The Demise of civil religion?
Authors: McCargo Duncan
Published: January 2009

This article sets out to criticise arguments by scholars such as Charles Keyes and Donald Swearer, who have framed their readings of Thai Buddhism through a lens of ‘civic’ or ‘civil’ religion. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in the southern border provinces, the paper argues that religious tolerance is declining in Thailand, and that anti-Muslim fears and sentiments are widespread among Buddhists. Some southern Buddhists are now arming themselves, and are creating militia groups in the face of growing communal violence. In the rest of Thailand, hostility towards Muslims, coupled with growing Buddhist chauvinism, is being fuelled by developments in the south.
Appropriating a space for violence: State Buddhism in southern Thailand
Authors: Jerryson Michael
Published: January 2009

In southern Thailand, monasteries once served as focal points for different communal identities to negotiate shared space and, with it, shared identities. However, since martial law was declared in 2004, Muslims in southern Thailand do not frequent monasteries. Instead, soldiers and police occupy monastery buildings and protect the perimeters from attacks. In addition, there are now military monks, soldiers who are simultaneously ordained monks, who work to protect the monasteries. This article argues that the Thai State's militarisation of monasteries and the role of Buddhist monks fuel a religious dimension to the ongoing civil war in southern Thailand.
Making new space in the Thai literary canon
Authors: Chaloemtiarana Thak
Published: January 2009

The Thai literary canon identifies three novels published around 1929 as the first authentic Thai novels. This pronouncement elides the importance of novels published before that date. Because literary scholars focus their teaching, writing and research on novels defined by the canon, lesser-known works have been overlooked or ignored. The current Thai canon obfuscates literary transmission, in particular, the significance of pre-1929 compositions. In this essay, three novels – Mae Wan'sKhwam phayabat(1902), Khru Liam'sKhwam mai phayabat(1915) andNang neramid(1916) – are selected to show that these early compositions represent important genres of novels that should be considered for the canon, even though they are seen as less than ‘authentic’ Thai. This paper examines the three novels through the lens of critical, translation and postcolonial theories. It is a study of vernacularisation, authenticity, hybridity, mimesis, and bi-culturalism.
Erythrocyte invasion profiles are associated with a common invasion ligand polymorphism in Senegalese isolates ofPlasmodium falciparum
Authors: LANTOS P. M. , AHOUIDI A. D. , BEI A. K. , JENNINGS C. V. , SARR O. , NDIR O. , WIRTH D. F. , MBOUP S. , DURAISINGH M. T.
Published: January 2009

Plasmodium falciparumparasites use multiple ligand-receptor interactions to invade human erythrocytes. Variant expression levels of members of the PfRh and PfEBA ligand families are associated with the use of different erythrocyte receptors, defining invasion pathways. Here we analyse a major polymorphism, a large sequence deletion in the PfRh2b ligand, and erythrocyte invasion profiles in uncultured Senegalese isolates. Parasites vary considerably in their use of sialic acid-containing and protease-sensitive erythrocyte receptors for invasion. The erythrocyte selectivity index was not related to invasion pathway usage, while parasite multiplication rate was associated with enhanced use of a trypsin-resistant invasion pathway. PfRh2b protein was expressed in all parasite isolates, although the PfRh2b deletion was present in a subset (~68%). Parasites with the PfRh2b deletion were found to preferentially utilize protease-resistant pathways for erythrocyte invasion. Sialic acid-independent invasion is reduced in parasites with the PfRh2b deletion, but only in isolates derived from blood group O patients. Our results suggest a significant role for PfRh2b sequence polymorphism in discriminating between alternative erythrocyte receptors for invasion and as a possible determinant of virulence.
Morphological diversification in different trematode lineages: body size, host type, or time?
Authors: POULIN R.
Published: January 2009

Different lineages experience different rates of phenotypic diversification, resulting in greater or lower variance in the expression of phenotypic traits among the species within a lineage. Here, morphological diversification is investigated in 14 different trematode families, based on a dataset comprising morphometric data on body size and 4 anatomical structures (oral sucker, ventral sucker, pharynx, cirrus sac) from 386 species. Three hypotheses are tested and subsequently rejected based on the empirical evidence. First, the degree of morphological variation in all traits within a trematode family, measured as the coefficient of variation among species, appears independent of the average body size of species belonging to that family. Second, patterns of morphological diversification appear similar whether endothermic or ectothermic vertebrates are used as definitive hosts. Third, phylogenetically older trematode lineages did not display greater morphological variation than younger, more derived ones, ruling out evolutionary time as an explanation. The results are consistent with developmental constraints acting on morphological diversification, since for some pairs of traits, variation in one trait is not independent of variation in another trait. More importantly, across most families, variation in body size was significantly more pronounced than variation in the relative sizes of the other morphological features. Trematode body size therefore varies widely while the general body architecture of the family is maintained. The fact that the evolution of the body plan is more conservative than that of body size suggests that the range of morphologies that can evolve in trematodes is constrained.
Unique biological rhythm in the reproductive behaviour of female ticks of reptiles
Authors: CHILTON N. B. , BULL C. M. , ANDREWS R. H.
Published: January 2009

We report the discovery of a biological rhythm in the reproductive behaviour of the tick Bothriocroton hydrosauri that was absent in Amblyomma limbatum, a species that occurs on the same species of reptile host. Female B. hydrosauri mated in autumn or winter delayed oviposition until the following spring, while there was no diapause in conspecific females mated in spring or early summer. Initiation of ovipositional diapause in ticks is usually related to photoperiodic stimuli, but this was not the case for B. hydrosauri. The sinusoidal pattern in pre-oviposition times of B. hydrosauri females mated in different months in the laboratory suggests an internal seasonal time-keeping mechanism. We hypothesize that hormones imbibed by females during their bloodmeal may provide environmental cues associated with the induction of diapause. Irrespective of the mechanism underlying the rhythm, diapause by B. hydrosauri females mated during autumn or winter is of adaptive advantage because it synchronizes oviposition with favourable environmental conditions for egg hatching and increases the chance of larvae finding a host. The lack of a similar biological rhythm in A. limbatum may be a reflection of the different environmental conditions this species experiences throughout most of its range as compared with B. hydrosauri.