bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The presentation and management of mandibular tumors in the pediatric population
Authors: Benoit Margo McKenna , Vargas Sara O. , Bhattacharyya Neil , McGill Trevor A. , Robson Caroline D. , Ferraro Nalton , Didas Amanda E. , Labow Brian I. , Upton Joseph , Taghinia Amir , Meara John G. , Marcus Karen J. , Mack Jennifer , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Rahbar Reza
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To review the presentation and management of malignant tumors of the mandible in children.

Study Design

Case series.

Methods

Children 0 to 21 years old presenting to a tertiary pediatric hospital with a diagnosis of a malignant tumor involving the mandible were included. Comparison groups included children from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database with malignant mandible tumors as well as a group of children with benign mandibular lesions from the same institution. Main outcome measures for the institutional malignant group included presentation, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and clinical outcome.

Results

Sixteen patients with malignant and 183 patients with benign lesions were identified at the primary institution. The most common presentation in both groups was mandibular swelling or mass. Malignant tumors included sarcoma (n = 11), leukemia/lymphoma (n = 2), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1), malignant spindle cell tumor (n = 1), and yolk sac tumor (n = 1). The national database identified 56 malignant cases, of which 71% were sarcomas. Thirteen patients at our institution (81%) underwent mandibulectomy and 12 were reconstructed using free tissue transfer. Eleven of the 13 (85%) were treated with adjuvant therapy. After an average follow‐up of 32.8 months, seven (44%) had no evidence of disease, three (19%) were deceased, three (19%) were alive with disease, and three (19%) were lost to follow‐up.

Conclusions

Malignant mandibular tumors in children are most often sarcomas but can include other rare lesions. Free flap reconstruction is a reasonable option for even very young children requiring extensive mandibular surgery.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 123:2035–2042, 2013
A novel tool in laryngeal surgery: Preliminary results of the picosecond infrared laser
Authors: Böttcher Arne , Clauditz Till S. , Knecht Rainald , Kucher Stanislav , Wöllmer Wolfgang , Wilczak Waldemar , Krötz Peter , Jowett Nathan , Dalchow Carsten V. , Münscher Adrian , Miller R. J. Dwayne
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Conventional lasers ablate tissue through photothermal, photomechanical, and/or photoionizing effects, which may result in collateral tissue damage. The novel nonionizing picosecond infrared laser (PIRL) selectively energizes tissue water molecules using ultrafast pulses to drive ablation on timescales faster than energy transport to minimize collateral damage to adjacent cells.

Study Design

Animal cadaver study.

Methods

Cuts in porcine laryngeal epithelium, lamina propria, and cartilage were made using PIRL and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Lateral damage zones and cutting gaps were histologically compared.

Results

The mean widths of epithelial (8.5 μm), subepithelial (10.9 μm), and cartilage damage zones (8.1 μm) were significantly lower for cuts made by PIRL compared with CO2 laser (p < 0.001). Mean cutting gaps in vocal fold (174.7 μm) and epiglottic cartilage (56.3 μm) were significantly narrower for cuts made by PIRL compared with CO2 laser (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

PIRL ablation demonstrates superiority over CO2 laser in cutting precision with less collateral tissue damage.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:2770–2775, 2013
Comparing nebulized water versus saline after laryngeal desiccation challenge in Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Tanner Kristine , Roy Nelson , Merrill Ray M. , Kendall Katherine , Miller Karla L. , Clegg Daniel O. , Heller Amanda , Houtz Daniel R. , Elstad Mark
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study examined the effects of a laryngeal desiccation challenge and two nebulized hydration treatments on phonation threshold pressure (PTP), vocal effort, and throat dryness in patients with chronic airway dryness.

Study Design

Double‐blind, within‐subjects crossover design.

Methods

Eleven individuals with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome received a 15‐minute laryngeal desiccation challenge (breathing dry air–<1% relative humidity–transorally), followed by nebulized isotonic saline or nebulized water treatments (3 mL) on 2 consecutive weeks. PTP, as well as self‐perceived vocal effort, mouth, and throat dryness were assessed before and after the desiccation challenge, and at 5, 35, and 65 minutes after the nebulized treatment.

Results

The laryngeal desiccation challenge produced statistically significant increases in PTP, vocal effort, and mouth and throat dryness (P < 0.05). Nebulized saline produced greater—but not statistically significant—treatment effects than water. PTP was more correlated with throat dryness than vocal effort.

Conclusion

Patients with chronic airway dryness experienced phonatory changes following dry air exposure. Nebulized isotonic saline may offset this effect. Future research should explore dose‐response relationships among dry air exposure, nebulized treatments, voice change, and self‐perceived throat dryness.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 123:2787–2792, 2013
Abducens palsy after lumbar drain placement
Authors: Cain Rachel B. , Patel Naresh P. , Hoxworth Joseph M. , Lal Devyani
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To study reports of abducens nerve palsy following dural puncture procedures and to discuss possible etiologic theories, treatment, and prognosis.

Study Design

Systematic review of peer‐reviewed literature.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted (PubMed, 1950 to September 2011) for cases of sixth cranial nerve palsy following dural puncture procedures.

Results

We report a case of abducens nerve palsy following lumbar drain placement for endoscopic trans‐sphenoidal pituitary macroadenoma resection. Sixth nerve palsy was noted immediately after surgery. Postoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed no injury to the nerve or surrounding structures. A systematic literature review conducted for cases of abducens nerve palsy following dural puncture procedures found 22 studies (17 case reports and five case series). Twenty‐eight patients with temporary or permanent abducens nerve palsy were reported. Procedures included diagnostic lumbar puncture, spinal anesthesia, intrathecal catheterization, and shunting. Traction and local ischemia due to intracranial hypotension at the petroclival junction were proposed as causes of palsy.

Conclusions

Lumbar puncture procedures carry a rare risk of abducens nerve palsy from ischemic or traction injury. Routine use of lumbar drain during endoscopic skull base surgery is not without risk, and need for its placement should be carefully determined. Knowledge of such rare complications is helpful in risk–benefit analysis as endoscopic skull base techniques gain popularity.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 123:2633–2638, 2013
Recent developments in metathesis of unsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Zerkowski Jonathan A.
Published: May 2013

Spurred by improvements in catalysts as well as new experimental designs, lipid researchers have attained some impressive new outcomes by applying olefin metathesis to fatty acid substrates. Monomers for polyamides, environmentally‐responsive coatings, and blends of biofuels are among the bio‐derived materials obtained. This reaction is a powerful way to reconfigure the C18 skeleton into its component subunits such as alkenes or carboxylates, or to add functionality via a cross‐metathesis partner, thus continuing progress toward realizing the potential of plant oils as feedstocks for the biorefinery.
Ocular tremor in Parkinson's disease: The debate is not over
Authors: Duval Christian
Published: May 2013

Recent evidence tends to suggest that ocular tremor can be present in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This ocular tremor may have frequency characteristics similar to those of PD limb tremor. This fact was recently challenged in an article demonstrating that ocular tremor could simply be the consequence of vestibulo‐ocular reflex activity induced by head movement. Although this hypothesis can be valid in some circumstances, we previously presented evidence that, in fact, these ocular may exist. Here, we address the shortcomings of previous studies describing the possible origins of these ocular tremors and propose solutions to circumvent those shortcomings. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
A new susceptibility‐weighted image reconstruction method for the reduction of background phase artifacts
Authors: Lee Yoojin , Han Yeji , Park HyunWook
Published: May 2013

Purpose

To significantly reduce the background phase effects, especially at the air–tissue interface, and to enhance the desirable local structures of veins in susceptibility‐weighted imaging.

Methods

In the proposed reconstruction method called Magnitude of Complex Filtering, a complex‐valued magnetic resonance image is acquired using a flow‐compensated high‐resolution 3D gradient‐echo sequence and the magnitude of the complex‐valued image is set to 1 so that the phase information, which contains details of the local susceptibility, is emphasized. Then, the nonlinear filter of the Magnitude of Complex Filtering method is applied to the complex‐valued image with a constant magnitude. This filter utilizes the magnitude of the low‐pass and high‐pass filtered complex data to selectively reduce the background phase effects while enhancing the local structures. The filter output is then processed to generate a susceptibility‐weighted image.

Results

Compared with the conventional susceptibility‐weighted images generated by a homodyne high‐pass filter, the susceptibility‐weighted images from the proposed Magnitude of Complex Filtering method show significant improvement; the undesirable artifacts at the air–tissue interface regions and the brain boundaries are significantly reduced, while the contrast of the local structures of veins is enhanced.

Conclusion

The Magnitude of Complex Filtering method successfully reduced most background phase effects without requiring additional processing or scan time. Magn Reson Med 71:1324–1335, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toward real‐time availability of 3D temperature maps created with temporally constrained reconstruction
Authors: Todd Nick , Prakash Jaya , Odéen Henrik , de Bever Josh , Payne Allison , Yalavarthy Phaneendra , Parker Dennis L.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

To extend the previously developed temporally constrained reconstruction (TCR) algorithm to allow for real‐time availability of three‐dimensional (3D) temperature maps capable of monitoring MR‐guided high intensity focused ultrasound applications.

Methods

A real‐time TCR (RT‐TCR) algorithm is developed that only uses current and previously acquired undersampled k‐space data from a 3D segmented EPI pulse sequence, with the image reconstruction done in a graphics processing unit implementation to overcome computation burden. Simulated and experimental data sets of HIFU heating are used to evaluate the performance of the RT‐TCR algorithm.

Results

The simulation studies demonstrate that the RT‐TCR algorithm has subsecond reconstruction time and can accurately measure HIFU‐induced temperature rises of 20°C in 15 s for 3D volumes of 16 slices (RMSE = 0.1°C), 24 slices (RMSE = 0.2°C), and 32 slices (RMSE = 0.3°C). Experimental results in ex vivo porcine muscle demonstrate that the RT‐TCR approach can reconstruct temperature maps with 192 × 162 × 66 mm 3D volume coverage, 1.5 × 1.5 × 3.0 mm resolution, and 1.2‐s scan time with an accuracy of ±0.5°C.

Conclusion

The RT‐TCR algorithm offers an approach to obtaining large coverage 3D temperature maps in real‐time for monitoring MR‐guided high intensity focused ultrasound treatments. Magn Reson Med 71:1394–1404, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metabolic profile and genotoxicity in obese rats exposed to cigarette smoke
Authors: Damasceno Debora C. , Sinzato Yuri K. , Bueno Aline , Dallaqua Bruna , Lima Paula H. , Calderon Iracema M.P. , Rudge Marilza V.C. , Campos Kleber E.
Published: May 2013

Objective

Experimental studies have shown that exposure to cigarette smoke has negative effects on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress status. Cigarette smoke exposure in nonpregnant and pregnant rats causes significant genotoxicity (DNA damage). However, no previous studies have directly evaluated the effects of obesity or the association between obesity and cigarette smoke exposure on genotoxicity. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was to evaluate DNA damage levels, oxidative stress status and lipid profiles in obese Wistar rats exposed to cigarette smoke.

Design and Methods

Female rats subcutaneously (sc) received a monosodium glutamate solution or vehicle (control) during the neonatal period to induce obesity. The rats were randomly distributed into three experimental groups: control, obese exposed to filtered air, and obese exposed to tobacco cigarette smoke. After a 2‐month exposure period, the rats were anesthetized and killed to obtain blood samples for genotoxicity, lipid profile, and oxidative stress status analyses.

Results

The obese rats exposed to tobacco cigarette smoke presented higher DNA damage, triglycerides, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, VLDL‐c, HDL‐c, and LDL‐c levels compared to control and obese rats exposed to filtered air. Both obese groups showed reduced SOD activity. These results showed that cigarette smoke enhanced the effects of obesity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the association between obesity and cigarette smoke exposure exacerbated the genotoxicity, negatively impacted the biochemical profile and antioxidant defenses and caused early glucose intolerance. Thus, the changes caused by cigarette smoke exposure can trigger the earlier onset of metabolic disorders associated with obesity, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Obesity prevention programs and policies: Practitioner and policy‐maker perceptions of feasibility and effectiveness
Authors: Cleland Verity , McNeilly Briohny , Crawford David , Ball Kylie
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The aims of this study were to map obesity prevention activity being implemented by government, non‐government, and community‐based organizations; to determine practitioner and policy‐maker perceptions of the feasibility and effectiveness of a range of evidence‐based obesity prevention strategies; and to determine practitioner and policy‐maker perceptions of preferred settings for obesity prevention strategies.

Design and Methods

This study involved a cross‐sectional survey of 304 public health practitioners and policy‐makers from government, non‐government, and community organizations across Victoria, Australia. Participants reported their organizations' current obesity prevention programs and policies, their own perceptions of the feasibility and effectiveness of strategies to prevent obesity and their preferred settings for obesity prevention.

Results

Thirty‐nine percent had an obesity prevention policy, and 92% were implementing obesity prevention programs. The most common programs focused on education, skill‐building, and increasing access to healthy eating/physical activity opportunities. School curriculum‐based initiatives, social support for physical activity, and family‐based programs were considered the most effective strategies, whereas curriculum‐based initiatives, active after‐school programs, and providing access to and information about physical activity facilities were deemed the most feasible strategies. Schools were generally perceived as the most preferred setting for obesity prevention.

Conclusion

Many organizations had obesity prevention programs, but far fewer had obesity prevention policies. Current strategies and those considered feasible and effective are often mismatched with the empirical literature. Systems to ensure better alignment between researchers, practitioners, and policy‐makers, and identifying effective methods of translating empirical evidence into practice and policy are required.
Increased acylation stimulating protein levels in young obese males is correlated with systemic markers of oxidative stress
Authors: Celik Serkan , Tangi Fatih , Kilicaslan Emrah , Sanisoglu Yavuz S. , Oktenli Cagatay , Top Cihan
Published: May 2013

Objective

As little is known about relationship between acylation stimulating protein (ASP) and oxidative stress, whether there is any link between ASP and oxidative stress in young obese males were investigated.

Design and Methods

Forty‐five obese (median body mass index (BMI) = 36.99 (IQR = 3.65) kg m−2) male subjects (median age = 22 (IQR = 6) years) and 24 age‐matched (median age = 22.5 (IQR = 4.8) years) healthy male volunteers (median body mass index (BMI) = 23.67 (IQR = 2.45) kg m−2) were recruited into the study. All obese subjects have BMI > 30 kg m−2, while all controls have BMI < 25 kg m−2.

Results

Fasting plasma ASP, lipid hydroperoxide, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), fasting insulin, triglyceride, LDL‐cholesterol levels and HOMA‐IR were higher, whereas the mean HDL‐cholesterol levels and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activity were significantly lower in obese subjects than controls. The linear regression analysis showed that lipid hydroperoxide was independently associated with only BMI, while ASP was independently associated with BMI and triglyceride.

Conclusions

The present data support the concept that obesity occurs under condition of compex interactions by adipokines, insulin, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Partial sleep deprivation by environmental noise increases food intake and body weight in obesity‐resistant rats
Authors: Mavanji Vijayakumar , Teske Jennifer A. , Billington Charles J. , Kotz Catherine M.
Published: May 2013

Objective

Sleep restriction in humans increases risk for obesity, but previous rodent studies show weight loss following sleep deprivation, possibly due to stressful methods used to prevent sleep. Obesity‐resistant (OR) rats exhibit consolidated‐sleep and resistance to weight gain. It was hypothesized that sleep disruption by a less‐stressful method would increase body weight, and the effect of partial sleep deprivation (PSD) on body weight in OR and Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats was examined.

Design and Methods

OR and SD rats (n = 12/group) were implanted with transmitters to record sleep/wake. After baseline recording, six SD and six OR rats underwent 8 h PSD during light phase for 9 days. Sleep was reduced using recordings of random noise. Sleep/wake states were scored as wakefulness (W), slow‐wave‐sleep (SWS), and rapid‐eye‐movement‐sleep (REMS). Total number of transitions between stages, SWS‐delta‐power, food intake, and body weight were documented.

Results

Exposure to noise decreased SWS and REMS time, while increasing W time. Sleep‐deprivation increased the number of transitions between stages and SWS‐delta‐power. Further, PSD during the rest phase increased recovery sleep during the active phase. The PSD SD and OR rats had greater food intake and body weight compared to controls

Conclusions

PSD by less‐stressful means increases body weight in rats. Also, PSD during the rest phase increases active period sleep.
Shift‐and‐persist: A protective factor for elevated BMI among low‐socioeconomic‐status children
Authors: Kallem Stacey , Carroll‐Scott Amy , Rosenthal Lisa , Chen Edith , Peters Susan M. , McCaslin Catherine , Ickovics Jeannette R.
Published: May 2013

Objective

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with many adverse health outcomes, including childhood overweight and obesity. However, little is understood about why some children defy this trend by maintaining a healthy weight despite living in obesogenic environments. The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that the psychological strategy of “shift‐and‐persist” protects low‐SES children from overweight and obesity. Shift‐and‐persist involves dealing with stressors by reframing them more positively while at the same time persisting in optimistic thoughts about the future.

Design and Methods

Middle school children (N = 1,523, ages 9‐15) enrolled in a school‐based obesity prevention trial completed health surveys and physical assessments. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the role of SES, shift‐and‐persist strategies, and their interaction on BMI z‐scores, while controlling for student race/ethnicity, gender, and reported diet and physical activity.

Results

Among children reporting engaging in less frequent shift‐and‐persist strategies, lower SES was associated with significantly higher BMI z‐scores (P < 0.05). However, among children reporting engaging in more frequent shift‐and‐persist strategies, there was no association of SES with BMI z‐score (P = 0.16), suggesting that shift‐and‐persist strategies may be protective against the association between SES and BMI.

Conclusions

Interventions aimed at improving psychological resilience among children of low SES may provide a complementary approach to prevent childhood overweight and obesity among at‐risk populations.
Association of dopamine D2 receptor and leptin receptor genes with clinically severe obesity
Authors: Carpenter Catherine L. , Wong Angela M. , Li Zhaoping , Noble Ernest P. , Heber David
Published: May 2013

Objective

The brain reward circuits that promote drug abuse may also be involved in pleasure seeking behavior and food cravings observed in severely obese subjects. Drug addiction polymorphisms such as the TaqI A1 allele of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) are associated with cocaine, alcohol, and opioid use, but few studies have linked DRD2 to food craving. Other genes such as the leptin receptor gene (LEPR) and mu‐opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) that affect appetite and pleasure centers in the brain may also influence food addiction and obesity. The three genes together may function synergistically.

Design and Methods

To evaluate associations between candidate genes, food craving, overeating, and BMI, we administered questionnaires including Power of Food Scale and Food Craving Inventory, conducted anthropometric measures, and collected blood from patients undergoing weight‐loss treatment. Questionnaires and DNA specimens were collected for 80 participants.

Results

Participants were mostly female (74%) and Caucasian (79%), with an average age of 53 years old. Mean BMI for all participants was 43 kg/m2 and was significantly associated in a linear fashion with Food Craving Inventory scores (P=0.0001) and Power of Food (P=0.02). The DRD2 TaqI A1 allele was significantly associated with BMI (P=0.04), while LEPR Lys109Arg and OPRM1 A118G variants were not. We stratified DRD2 by LEPR and OPRM1, and observed a significant interaction (P = 0.04) between DRD2 and LEPR, and a marginally significant interaction (P=0.06) between DRD2 and OPRM1.

Conclusion

Genes associated with addictive behavior and appetite control may therefore, in combination, markedly influence development of clinically severe obesity.
Pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the bending displacement and force generation of ionomer‐based polymer actuators
Authors: Shoji Eiichi , Komoda Yoshimichi
Published: May 2013

This paper discusses results of the pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the bending displacement and force generation of ionomer‐based polymer actuators. The idea of PWM control for polymer actuators is based on the frequency dependence on relaxation processes of the bending motion of the actuator. The actuators were fabricated by electroless plating of platinum on a perfluorinated sulfonated polymer (i.e. Nafion). It was noted that the duty cycles of PWM can smoothly control both the displacement and force generated by the actuator. The performance of the actuator was evaluated under 40%RH and 90%RH conditions because of the moisture sensitivity of the actuators. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS: AN UPDATE FOR SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
Authors: Rappaport Nancy , Kulick Deborah , Phelps LeAdelle
Published: May 2013

This article provides an overview of medications used frequently in the treatment of pediatric depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. The need for a collaborative relationship between the prescribing physician, school personnel, and the family is outlined. School psychologists can play crucial roles by providing the physician with information at the time of referral, developing school‐based psychosocial interventions that augment pharmacological treatment, completing periodic evaluations to assist in symptom monitoring, and alerting the family and physician to any adverse side effects.
Effects of crosslinker density on the polymer network structure in poly‐N,N‐dimethylacrylamide hydrogels
Authors: Ikeda‐Fukazawa Tomoko , Ikeda Naohiro , Tabata Mayu , Hattori Masataka , Aizawa Mamoru , Yunoki Shunji , Sekine Yurina
Published: May 2013

To investigate the effects of crosslinker density on the properties of hydrogels, compression tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Raman measurements were performed on poly‐N,N‐dimethylacrylamide hydrogels. The results of the compression tests showed that the Young's modulus increases as the crosslinker density increases. To understand the mechanism of the change in the mechanical properties, the structures of the polymer networks and water and the molecular vibrations were analyzed using SEM, DSC, and Raman methods. From the SEM images, it was found that the porosity estimated from the mesh size and cell density increases with increasing crosslinker density. In addition, the DSC and Raman results show that the thickness of the bound water increases as the porosity increases, although the density of the polymer chains in the porous wall remains nearly constant. The increase in the number density of polymer chains can be one of the mechanisms contributing to the increase in the mechanical strength of the hydrogels at lower crosslinker density below 5 mol %, as proposed by previous studies. At higher crosslinker density, however, the number density of polymer chains does not increase with increasing crosslinker density. The present results suggest that the bound water plays an important role in strengthening the hydrogel. The water structure may be one of the dominant factors governing the chemical and physical properties of hydrogels. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1017–1027
Glass‐transition temperatures of nanostructured amorphous bulk polymers and their blends
Authors: Joijode Abhay S. , Antony Gerry J. , Tonelli Alan E.
Published: May 2013

Nanostructured amorphous bulk polymer samples were produced by processing them with small molecule hosts. Urea (U) and gamma‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD) were utilized to form crystalline inclusion compounds (ICs) with low and high molecular weight as‐received (asr‐) poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and their blends as included guests. Upon careful removal of the host crystalline U and γ‐CD lattices, nanostructured coalesced (c‐) bulk PVAc, PMMA, and PVAc/PMMA blend samples were obtained, and their glass‐transition temperatures, Tgs, measured. In addition, non‐stoichiometric (n‐s)‐IC samples of each were formed with γ‐CD as the host. The Tgs of the un‐threaded, un‐included portions of their chains were observed as a function of their degree of inclusion. In all the cases, these nanostructured PVAc and PMMA samples exhibited Tgs elevated above those of their as‐received and solution‐cast samples. Based on their comparison, several conclusions were reached concerning how their molecular weights, the organization of chains in their coalesced samples, and the degree of constraint experienced by un‐included portions of their chains in (n‐s)‐γ‐CD‐IC samples with different stoichiometries affect their chain mobilities and resultant Tgs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1041–1050
Variation in susceptibility of laboratory and field strains of three stored‐grain insect species to β‐cyfluthrin and chlorpyrifos‐methyl plus deltamethrin applied to concrete surfaces
Authors: Sehgal Blossom , Subramanyam Bhadriraju , Arthur Frank H. , Gill Bikram S.
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of commercial formulations of β‐cyfluthrin and chlorpyrifos‐methyl plus deltamethrin applied to clean, concrete surfaces similar to that of empty bins against field strains of stored‐grain insects is unknown. We exposed adults of 16 strains of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst); eight strains of the sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.); and two strains of the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), collected mainly from farm‐stored grain in Kansas, USA, to β‐cyfluthrin and chlorpyrifos‐methyl plus deltamethrin applied to concrete surfaces and determined knockdown and mortality.

RESULTS

Knockdown and mortality differences among species and strains to the insecticides tested were significant. Mortality of all species was less than that of knockdown, suggesting recovery when placed on food after insecticide exposure. β‐Cyfluthrin was effective against R. dominica but ineffective against T. castaneum and O. surinamensis field strains. Chlorpyrifos‐methyl plus deltamethrin was only partially effective against field strains of the three species.

CONCLUSION

Reduced susceptibility in field strains may be due to inherent formulation deficiency and low levels of tolerance or resistance to β‐cyfluthrin. No single insecticide provided adequate control of the three species tested. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Reframing the Debate on Migration, Development and Human Rights
Authors: Delgado Wise Raúl , Márquez Covarrubias Humberto , Puentes Ruben
Published: May 2013

The relationship between migration, development, and human rights is a topic of growing interest among international organisations, academics, and civil society organisations. To varying degrees, international organisations such as the World Bank and the International Organization for Migration see remittances as an essential tool in the development of migrant‐sending, underdeveloped countries. They also envisage international migration management as a core element in the design and implementation of migration policies that are apparently beneficial for all parties. We argue that this perspective, which has dominated the academic and policy agendas, is essentially one‐sided, de‐contextualised, reductionist, and misleading. It overlooks the realm of neoliberal globalisation and unequal development in which contemporary migration is embedded. It also disregards human and labour rights as central and intrinsic elements of coherent migration and development policies, as well as the exploitation, social exclusion, human insecurity, and criminalisation suffered by international migrants. In addition, it masks most of the fundamental contributions made by migrants to the destination countries and ignores the costs of migration for the countries of origin; costs that go far beyond the overemphasised ‘positive’ impact of remittances. The purpose of this article is to provide some key elements for reframing the debate on migration, development, and human rights with particular emphasis on the promotion of a comprehensive, inclusive, and human‐centred alternative agenda. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase transition and Raman‐active modes in TlInS2
Authors: Paucar Raul , Harada Kazuki , Matsumoto Ryoya , Wakita Kazuki , Shim YongGu , Alekperov Oktay , Mamedov Nazim
Published: May 2013

Raman spectra of layered ternary thallium chalcogenide TlInS2were studied with the aid of 3D confocal Raman system over the temperature range 77–300K in the frequency region of 120–400 cm–1. The observed lines in the obtained Raman spectra were denconvoluted into Lorentzian peaks and temperature dependence of each peak's parameters (peak position and half width at half maximum) were obtained. An irregular behaviour of the temperature dependence of Loretzian parameters is reported. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preparation of CuInS2 thin films from materials grown by mechanochemical method
Authors: Sugimoto Kanta , Akaki Yoji , Nakamura Shigeyuki , Yoshino Kenji
Published: May 2013

Optical second harmonic generation (SHG) has been studied in TlMeX2 (Me=In,Ga, X=S,Se,Te) compounds with layered and chain crystalline structures. For layered TlInS2 and TlGaSe2, SHG signal has been observed in a range of temperatures below the point of phase transition into ferroelectric phase for which asymmetry is prominent. On the other hand, the chain TlInSe2 and TlGaTe2 have shown SHG signal at a temperature above 270 and 293K, respectively. Both the TlInSe2 and TlGaTe2 have symmetry centre at room temperature and second order optical non‐linearity is an artefact incompatible with their bulk structure. Surface structure is speculated to be responsible for SHG signal observed in these materials for the first time to our knowledge. The details of temperature behaviour of SHG in TlInSe2 and TlGaTe2 lead to a phase‐transition based model for explanation of the observed phenomenon. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Measurement of apo(a) kinetics in human subjects using a microfluidic device with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhou Haihong , Castro‐Perez Jose , Lassman Michael E. , Thomas Tiffany , Li Wenyu , McLaughlin Theresa , Dan Xie , Jumes Patricia , Wagner John A. , Gutstein David E. , Hubbard Brian K. , Rader Daniel J. , Millar John S. , Ginsberg Henry N. , Reyes‐Soffer Gissette , Cleary Michele , Previs Stephen F. , Roddy Thomas P.
Published: May 2013

RATIONALE

Apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] is the defining protein component of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The regulation of Lp(a) levels in blood is poorly understood in part due to technical challenges in measuring Lp(a) kinetics. Improvements in the ability to readily and reliably measure the kinetics of apo(a) using a stable isotope labeled tracer is expected to facilitate studies of the role of Lp(a) in cardiovascular disease. Since investigators typically determine the isotopic labeling of protein‐bound amino acids following acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis of a protein of interest [e.g., apo(a)], studies of protein synthesis require extensive protein purification which limits throughput and often requires large sample volumes. We aimed to develop a rapid and efficient method for studying apo(a) kinetics that is suitable for use in studies involving human subjects.

METHODS

Microfluidic device and tandem mass spectrometry were used to quantify the incorporation of [2H3]‐leucine tracer into protein‐derived peptides.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that it is feasible to quantify the incorporation of [2H3]‐leucine tracer into a proteolytic peptide from the non‐kringle repeat region of apo(a) in human subjects. Specific attention was directed toward optimizing the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions, mass spectrometer settings, and chromatography (i.e., critical parameters that affect the sensitivity and reproducibility of isotopic enrichment measurements). The results demonstrated significant advantages with the use of a microfluidic device technology for studying apo(a) kinetics, including enhanced sensitivity relative to conventional micro‐flow chromatography, a virtually drift‐free elution profile, and a stable and robust electrospray.

CONCLUSIONS

The technological advances described herein enabled the implementation of a novel method for studying the kinetics of apo(a) in human subjects infused with [2H3]‐leucine. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Octacoordinate metal carbonyls of scandium and yttrium: theoretical calculations and experimental observation
Authors: Xing Xiaopeng , Wang Jie , Xie Hua , Liu Zhiling , Qin Zhengbo , Zhao Lijuan , Tang Zichao
Published: May 2013

RATIONALE

The transition metal carbonyls are among the most important complexes in coordination chemistry. The maximum coordination number in these complexes is seven. Because the cations Sc+ and Y+ have empty second outermost d orbital subshells, they can possibly bond eight CO ligands, forming the 18‐electron d10s2p6 noble gas configuration. The aim of this study is to determine whether the octacoordinate metal carbonyls of Sc+ and Y+ exist.

METHODS

The structures and bonding of M(CO)n+ (M = Sc and Y, n = 7–9) were studied using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations with the functionals of B3LYP and BP86. The cationic complexes from laser ablation of Sc and Y in CO gas were analyzed by time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The structures of M(CO)n+ (M = Sc and Y, n = 7–9) and the bond dissociation energies for the last CO ligand in M(CO)n+ (M = Sc and Y, n = 8 and 9) were obtained using DFT calculations. The products in the experiment for both metals include the series MO(CO)n+, MO(H2O)(CO)n+ and M(CO)n+ (M = Sc or Y). The intensities of the MO(CO)n+ and MO(H2O)(CO)n+ ions change gradually with the number of CO ligands, while most M(CO)n+ ions are very weak except for three intense ones, Sc(CO)7+, Sc(CO)8+ and Y(CO)8+.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparisons between the theoretical calculations and the experimental observations indicate that eight CO ligands are chemically bonded on the central atom in the singlet state of Sc(CO)8+ (1A1 state of D4d symmetry) and the singlet and triplet states of Y(CO)8+ (1A1 state of D4d symmetry and 3A1g state of Oh symmetry). The 1A1 states of both Sc(CO)8+ and Y(CO)8+ have the 18‐electron d10s2p6 noble gas configuration. In M(CO)9+ (M = Sc or Y), the ninth CO is weakly adsorbed on the external shell. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative metabolism and stability of andrographolide in liver microsomes from humans, dogs and rats using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple‐quadrupole and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Hai‐Yu , Hu Hao , Wang Yi‐Tao
Published: May 2013

RATIONALE

Andrographolide (AP) is a major active anti‐inflammatory compound extracted from Andrographis paniculata Nees. The metabolism stability of AP is one of the key factors for its further development as a new drug candidate. In order to clarify the biotransformation of AP among species, a comparative investigation of its in vitro metabolic pathways in human, dog and rat liver microsomes was carried out.

METHODS

In the present study, the in vitro metabolic profiles of AP using pooled human (HLMs), dog (DLMs) and rat (RLMs) liver microsomes were studied. The in vitro biotransformation including phase I and phase II incubation systems and metabolic stabilities of AP were studied for the first time. Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was used for identification of metabolites and quantification of AP.

RESULTS

Eight phase I and five phase II metabolites resulted from dehydration, deoxygenation, hydrogenation and glucuronidation were tentatively identified by accurate mass measurement and MS/MS fragmentation behavior. A dehydration reaction was detected in all these incubation systems. Deoxy‐AP and the related glucuronide metabolites were observed in HLMs only. Besides, the metabolic stabilities of AP in the three liver microsomes showed that the in vitro intrinsic clearance (CLint) of RLMs was much higher than that of HLMs and DLMs.

CONCLUSIONS

A qualitative and semi‐quantitative method was developed for the identification and metabolic stabilities of AP. The general metabolic profiles between three species were clarified. Significant species differences indicated a more cautious strategy for further pharmacokinetics research of AP in animal models. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Avoiding zero between‐study variance estimates in random‐effects meta‐analysis
Authors: Chung Yeojin , Rabe‐Hesketh Sophia , Choi In‐Hee
Published: May 2013

Fixed‐effects meta‐analysis has been criticized because the assumption of homogeneity is often unrealistic and can result in underestimation of parameter uncertainty. Random‐effects meta‐analysis and meta‐regression are therefore typically used to accommodate explained and unexplained between‐study variability. However, it is not unusual to obtain a boundary estimate of zero for the (residual) between‐study standard deviation, resulting in fixed‐effects estimates of the other parameters and their standard errors. To avoid such boundary estimates, we suggest using Bayes modal (BM) estimation with a gamma prior on the between‐study standard deviation. When no prior information is available regarding the magnitude of the between‐study standard deviation, a weakly informative default prior can be used (with shape parameter 2 and rate parameter close to 0) that produces positive estimates but does not overrule the data, leading to only a small decrease in the log likelihood from its maximum. We review the most commonly used estimation methods for meta‐analysis and meta‐regression including classical and Bayesian methods and apply these methods, as well as our BM estimator, to real datasets. We then perform simulations to compare BM estimation with the other methods and find that BM estimation performs well by (i) avoiding boundary estimates; (ii) having smaller root mean squared error for the between‐study standard deviation; and (iii) better coverage for the overall effects than the other methods when the true model has at least a small or moderate amount of unexplained heterogeneity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sample size and power for a logrank test and Cox proportional hazards model with multiple groups and strata, or a quantitative covariate with multiple strata
Authors: Lachin John M.
Published: May 2013

I describe general expressions for the evaluation of sample size and power for the K group Mantel‐logrank test or the Cox proportional hazards (PH) model score test. Under an exponential model, the method of Lachin and Foulkes for the 2 group case is extended to the group case using the non‐centrality parameter of the K − 1 df chi‐square test. I also show similar results to apply to the K group score test in a Cox PH model. Lachin and Foulkes employed a truncated exponential distribution to provide for a non‐linear rate of enrollment. I present expressions for the mean time of enrollment and the expected follow‐up time in the presence of exponential losses to follow‐up. When used with the expression for the noncentrality parameter for the test, equations are derived for the evaluation of sample size and power under specific designs with r years of recruitment and T years total duration.

I also describe sample size and power for a stratified‐adjusted K group test and for the assessment of a group by stratum interaction. Similarly, I describe computations for a stratified‐adjusted analysis of a quantitative covariate and a test of a stratum by covariate interaction in the Cox PH model. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural design using cold‐formed hollow sections
Authors: Puthli Ram , Packer Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2013

This paper reviews the differences between the alternative types of structural hollow section products (cold‐formed versus hot‐finished) as they affect structural design in Europe, using the relevant product and design standards, with an emphasis on Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS). Manufacturers of cold‐formed structural hollow sections (CFSHS) are more numerous, so that their products are more widely available. Hot‐finished structural hollow section (HFSHS) products are typically between 24 % and 54 % more expensive in Germany than their cold‐formed counterparts, the lower differences being for large tonnages – a strong inducement in favour of CFSHS. The price difference may also vary within the European Union. The geometric and product properties which are distinctly unique to CFSHS are presented and shown to offer no restrictions in their use when in compliance with the appropriate clauses in the European standards. These are the influence of corner radii, welding in the corner area, material choice to avoid brittle fracture and suitability for welding CFSHS. A comparison of the structural performance of CFSHS and HFSHS shows equally efficient structural designs for both products. The points covered are the design of compression members – unfilled and concrete‐filled, joint resistance – which typically governs selection of member sizes, as well as fatigue design, fire design and the resistance of braced steel frames to severe seismic loading. CFSHS are shown to be adequate under all these situations.
Report of the 1st European consensus meeting on Ponseti clubfoot treatment
Authors: Böhm Stephanie , Sinclair Marc
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Standards for treating idiopathic clubfoot are still under discussion. Over the last 10–15 years the Ponseti method has been widely accepted as the treatment of choice, but the method has been modified very often, and the original protocol is not always properly performed. A consensus group was set up in the UK in 2011 to define standards for Ponseti clubfoot treatment, and the purpose of our meeting is to extend these standards to the European level. Clubfoot experts from 12 countries met at Karolinska University in Stockholm to discuss goals, standards, challenges and treatment outcome, based on literature review and personal experience.

Items discussed

The ambitious agenda included most aspects of clubfoot treatment. Discussion following an intensive literature review was constructive, and the group was able to carry out discussions on defining the goal of clubfoot treatment and the preferred standard of treatment.

Conclusion

In order to establish the Ponseti method as the most effective treatment in the European context a methodological approach and analysis of existing literature remain crucial. Focus should hereby remain on defining outcome measures, the evaluation and comparison of all available methods over the long term and ease of implementation in the different healthcare environments across Europe.
Alterations of the ovarian histomorphometry at pre‐puberty in rat offspring from diabetic mothers
Authors: Khaksar Zabihollah , Jelodar Gholamali , Hematian Hooman , Poorahmadi Mohamad
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Maternal diabetes leads to increased blood glucose concentration in the mother and consequently in the foetus, causing various neonatal problems. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of maternal diabetes on foetal ovarian structure.

Methods

Sixteen adult female rats were allocated into two equal groups. Diabetes was induced in one group by alloxan. Both groups became pregnant by natural mating. Thirty days after birth, the female offspring were terminated, the body weight and blood glucose of the animals measured and their ovaries removed. Various histological and cellular parameters were determined using histological and electron microscopy techniques.

Results

Results revealed a significant increase in body weight and blood glucose in the offspring of the diabetic mothers (ODM) compared to that of the controls. The weight, volume and diameter of the ovary and the ovarian capsule thickness were inclined to decrease in ODM compared to that of controls. The number and diameter of primary, pre‐antral and antral follicles were decreased in ovaries in the ODM. The electro‐micrographs have demonstrated the organelle alterations in oocytes and granulosa cells that suggest the apoptosis progress and oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Maternal hyperglycaemia exhibited deleterious effects on the female reproductive system in the offspring.