bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A laboratory and in situ postexposure feeding assay with a freshwater snail
Authors: Correia Vânia , Ribeiro Rui , Moreira-Santos Matilde
Published: June 2013

Contaminant-driven feeding inhibition has direct and immediate consequences at higher levels of biological organization, by depressing the population consumption and thus hampering ecosystem functioning (e.g., grazing, organic matter decomposition). The present study aimed at developing a short-term laboratory and in situ assay based on the postexposure feeding of the freshwater snail Theodoxus fluviatilis. A method to precisely quantify feeding rates was first developed, consisting of a 3-h feeding period, in darkness, on 150 defrosted nauplii of the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana. Postexposure feeding after a 48-h exposure to cadmium was approximately as sensitive as survival, with the median effective concentration (EC50) and median lethal concentration (LC50) being 85 µg/L and 102 µg/L, respectively, and the 20% effective concentration (EC20) and 20% lethal concentration (LC20) being 41 µg/L and 77 µg/L, respectively. Together, both effects at the LC20 reduced population consumption by 56%. In situ experiments at reference sites covering broad ranges of current velocity, hardness, conductivity, sediment organic matter content, and sediment particle size distribution revealed the influence of these abiotic conditions on postexposure feeding, in the absence of contamination, to be negligible. The effectiveness of the in situ assay was evaluated at 5 sites contaminated with acid mine drainage. Surviving organisms at the single partially lethal site (37% mortality) presented a 54% feeding inhibition relative to the reference, whereas the population consumption would be inhibited by 71%, confirming the integration of survival and feeding to be pertinent for estimating contaminant effects at higher levels of biological organization. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2144–2152. © 2013 SETAC
Phototoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles to zebrafish (Danio rerio) is dependent on life stage
Authors: Ma Hongbo , Diamond Stephen A.
Published: June 2013

Zebrafish embryos have been used increasingly to evaluate nanomaterial toxicity. The present study compared phototoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles with zebrafish at 4 life stages (embryos, yolk-sac larvae, free-swimming larvae, and juvenile) under simulated sunlight using the 96-h standard toxicity assay. Yolk-sac larvae were found to be the most sensitive to TiO2 phototoxicity, suggesting that the widely used zebrafish embryo test may not fully or accurately predict hazard and risk of these nanoparticles to small fish. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2139–2143. © 2013 SETAC
Robustness and sensitivities of central U.S. summer convection in the super‐parameterized CAM: Multi‐model intercomparison with a new regional EOF index
Authors: Kooperman Gabriel J. , Pritchard Michael S. , Somerville Richard C. J.
Published: June 2013

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) can bring up to 60% of summer rainfall to the central United States but are not simulated by most global climate models. In this study, a new empirical orthogonal function based index is developed to isolate the MCS activity, similar to that developed by Wheeler and Hendon (2004) for the Madden‐Julian Oscillation. The index is applied to compactly compare three conventional‐ and super‐parameterized (SP) versions (3.0, 3.5, and 5.0) of the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Atmosphere Model (CAM). Results show that nocturnal, eastward propagating convection is a robust effect of super‐parameterization but is sensitive to its specific implementation. MCS composites based on the index show that in SP‐CAM3.5, convective MCS anomalies are unrealistically large scale and concentrated, while surface precipitation is too weak. These aspects of the MCS signal are improved in the latest version (SP‐CAM5.0), which uses high‐order microphysics.
Coseismic offsets due to the 11 April 2012 Indian Ocean earthquakes (Mw 8.6 and 8.2) derived from GPS measurements
Authors: Yadav Rajeev Kumar , Kundu Bhaskar , Gahalaut Kalpna , Catherine Joshi , Gahalaut Vineet K. , Ambikapthy A. , Naidu M. S.
Published: June 2013

The 11 April 2012 earthquake (Mw 8.6) in the Indian Ocean, about 100 km west off the Sumatra subduction zone, is the largest intraplate strike‐slip earthquake in the known history. Two hours later, it triggered another great earthquake of Mw 8.2 in its vicinity. The earthquakes reflect the internal deformation of the diffused plate boundary between India and Australia caused by the differential plate motion between them. The slip occurred on conjugate planes, and the presence of some of them has been reported from the swath bathymetry and satellite magnetic anomalies. We estimate coseismic offsets due to these earthquakes at continuous GPS sites in the Andaman‐Nicobar region and at other International GNSS Service (IGS) sites around the earthquakes source region. The sites on the Andaman Islands, which are about 900–1200 km to the north of the earthquake epicenters, experienced predominantly southward coseismic offset of up to 3 cm. The nearest site, Campbell Bay, on Great Nicobar Island, about 500 km to the north of the earthquake, documented an ESE offset of about 4 cm. The coseismic offsets are consistent with the finite‐fault slip models derived from back projection of the seismic waves recorded by the global networks.
High‐precision location and yield of North Korea's 2013 nuclear test
Authors: Zhang Miao , Wen Lianxing
Published: June 2013

Using North Korea's 2009 nuclear test as reference and satellite imagery, we show that the location and yield of North Korea's 2013 nuclear test can be quickly and accurately determined based on seismic data. North Korea's 2013 nuclear test site is pinpointed by deriving relative location of North Korea's 2009 and 2013 nuclear tests and using the previously determined location of the 2009 nuclear test, while its yield is estimated based on the relative amplitude ratios of the Lg waves recorded for both events, the previously determined Lg‐magnitude of 2009 nuclear test and burial depth inferred from satellite imagery. North Korea's 2013 test site is determined to be located at (41°17′26.88″N, 129°4′34.68″E), about 345 m south and 453 m west of its 2009 nuclear test site, with a geographic precision of 94 m. Its yield is estimated to be 12.2 ± 3.8 kt.
Presence of human papillomaviruses and p16 expression in hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Wendt Malin , Romanitan Mircea , Näsman Anders , Dalianis Tina , Hammarstedt Lalle , Marklund Linda , Ramqvist Torbjörn , Munck–Wikland Eva
Published: June 2013

Background

Patients with hypopharyngeal cancer have a 5‐year survival of only 15% to 30%. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a risk factor and a favorable prognostic factor for oropharyngeal carcinoma and p16 has been suggested as a surrogate marker for HPV‐induced cancer. However, few studies have been performed on HPV and p16 in hypopharyngeal cancer.

Methods

One hundred nine pretreatment hypopharyngeal cancer biopsies were analyzed for presence of HPV and p16 overexpression, and the results were correlated to patient survival.

Results

Of 109 tumors, 7 were HPV‐positive (4 HPV16) and 18 overexpressed p16. There was some correlation between survival and HPV status, but not with regard to p16 expression. Notably, all patients with HPV16‐positive tumors, also overexpressing p16, lived tumor free for more than 3 years.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that HPV‐induced hypopharyngeal cancer is rare and that p16 is not a suitable biomarker for presence of HPV in this tumor type. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 107–112, 2014
Primary orbital eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis with intranasal extension
Authors: Karligkiotis Apostolos , Volpi Luca , Ferreli Fabio , Cerati Michele , Kagkelari Effrosyni , Meloni Francesco , Castelnuovo Paolo
Published: June 2013

Background

Eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis is a chronic, idiopathic disorder that usually involves the upper respiratory tract and features progressive submucosal perivascular fibrosis of unknown etiology. To our knowledge, only 5 cases of eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis with primary orbital involvement have been reported.

Methods and Results

We report the case of a 46‐year‐old man with right proptosis and lateral globe displacement caused by a primary eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis extending from the orbit into the anterior ethmoid. The nasal extension of the lesion helped in establishing the correct diagnosis.

Conclusion

Physicians involved in the treatment of orbital pathologies should be familiar with this entity, because it may manifest as an intraorbital mass growing primarily or secondly into the orbit. The clinical manifestations of eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis with orbital involvement often mimic other more common ophthalmological diseases. Biopsies are necessary for diagnosis and treatment planning, although cures are usually of palliative effect. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: E8–E11, 2014
Pretreatment circulating monocyte count associated with poor prognosis in patients with oral cavity cancer
Authors: Tsai Yu‐Duan , Wang Chao‐Ping , Chen Chih‐Yu , Lin Li‐Wen , Hwang Tzer‐Zen , Lu Li‐Fen , Hsu Hsia‐Fen , Chung Fu‐Mei , Lee Yau‐Jiunn , Houng Jer‐Yiing
Published: June 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the pretreatment total and differential leukocyte counts can predict the prognosis of patients with oral cavity cancer.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis of patients treated between 2004 and 2011, medical records of 202 patients with oral cavity cancer were evaluated.

Results

Patients with oral cavity cancer, the peripheral total white blood cell (WBC) count, monocyte, and neutrophil counts and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio increased with the advancement of clinical stage. In contrast, the lymphocyte count decreased. Further, total WBC, monocyte, and neutrophil counts were increased in those with pathologic stage T4 and poor tumor differentiation, and the monocyte count was also increased in those with lymph node metastasis. Moreover, the pretreatment circulating monocyte count was an independent prognostic factor for cancer‐specific survival.

Conclusion

A higher pretreatment circulating monocyte count can be considered as a useful prognostic marker in patients with oral cavity cancer. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 947–953, 2014
Estimation of submarine groundwater discharge in the Il‐Gwang watershed using water budget analysis and 222Rn mass balance
Authors: Gwak Yong‐Seok , Kim Sang‐Hyun , Lee Yong‐Woo , Khim Boo‐Keun , Hamm Se‐Yeong , Kim Sung‐Wok
Published: June 2013

Submarine groundwater discharges (SGD) were investigated in a marine watershed in south‐eastern Korea using water budget analysis and a 222Rn mass balance model. Multi‐layered TOPMODEL added hydrological assumption was used to estimate groundwater components in the water budget analysis. Field observations of soil moisture, rainfall, runoff and groundwater fluctuations were used for calibration and validation of the hydrologic model. Based on observed hydrological data and terrain analyses, parameters for the hydrologic model were delineated and used to describe several hydrologic responses in the watershed. SGD estimations by 222Rn mass balance method were also performed at Il‐Gwang bay in July, 2010, and May, June, July and Nov. 2011. The estimated groundwater through hydrologic modeling and water balance analysis was 1.3x106 m3/year, which rapidly increased during typhoon season due to heavy rainfall and permeable geologic structure. The estimated groundwater was approximately 3.7–27.1% of SGD as evaluated by 222Rn mass balance method ranges 3.44 and 17.45 m3m−2year−1. Even though SGD is predominantly influenced by tide fluctuation, the head gradient (difference) from hydrologic processes associated with heavy rainfalls can also have extra significant influences. Comprehensive understanding of SGD evaluation can be improved through a simultaneous application of both these approaches. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energization of O+ ions in the Earth's inner magnetosphere and the effects on ring current buildup: A review of previous observations and possible mechanisms
Authors: Keika Kunihiro , Kistler Lynn M. , Brandt Pontus C.
Published: June 2013

In situ observations and modeling work have confirmed that singly charged oxygen ions, O+, which are of Earth's ionospheric origin, are heated/accelerated up to >100 keV in the magnetosphere. The energetic O+ population makes a significant contribution to the plasma pressure in the Earth's inner magnetosphere during magnetic storms, although under quiet conditions, H+ dominates the plasma pressure. The pressure enhancements, which we term energization, are caused by adiabatic heating through earthward transport of source population in the plasma sheet, local acceleration in the inner magnetosphere and near‐Earth plasma sheet, and enhanced ion supply from the topside ionosphere. The key issues regarding stronger O+ energization than H+ are nonadiabatic local acceleration, responsible for increase in O+ temperature, and more significant O+ supply than H+, responsible for the increase in O+ density. Although several acceleration mechanisms and O+ supply processes have been proposed, it remains an open question what mechanism(s)/process(es) play the dominant role in stronger O+ energization. This review paper summarizes important previous spacecraft observations, introduces the proposed mechanisms/processes that generate O+‐rich energetic plasma population, and outlines possible scenarios of O+ pressure abundance in the Earth's inner magnetosphere.
Revision of empirical electric field modeling in the inner magnetosphere using Cluster data
Authors: Matsui H. , Torbert R. B. , Spence H. E. , Khotyaintsev Yu. V. , Lindqvist P.‐A.
Published: June 2013

Using Cluster data from the Electron Drift (EDI) and the Electric Field and Wave (EFW) instruments, we revise our empirically‐based, inner‐magnetospheric electric field (UNH‐IMEF) model at 2<L<10. We pick more EFW data during large activities when wake effects are expected to be small. The model is organized by either the interplanetary electric field (IEF) merging with the magnetosphere or the Kp index. IEF and Kp ranges for which we get potential patterns are, respectively: IEF<0.282 mV/m, 0.282<IEF<0.575 mV/m, 0.575<IEF<0.872 mV/m, 0.898<IEF<1.308 mV/m, 1.308<IEF<1.834 mV/m, 1.834<IEF<2.662 mV/m, and IEF>2.662 mV/m; Kp<1, 1≤Kp<2, 2≤Kp<3, 3≤Kp<4, 4≤Kp<5, and Kp≥4+. Patterns consist of one set of data and processing for smaller activities, and another for higher activities. As activity increases, the skewed potential contour related to the partial ring current appears on the nightside. With the revised analysis, we find that the skewed potential contours get clearer and potential contours get denser on the nightside and morningside. Since the fluctuating components are not negligible, standard deviations from the modeled values are included in the model. In this study, we perform validation of the derived model more extensively. We find experimentally that the skewed contours are located close to the last closed equipotential, consistent with previous theories. This gives physical context to our model and serves as one validation effort. As another validation effort, the derived results are compared with other models/measurements. From these comparisons, we conclude that our model has some clear advantages over the others.
Physical drivers of interannual chlorophyll variability in the eastern subtropical North Atlantic
Authors: Pastor M. V. , Palter J. B. , Pelegrí J. L. , Dunne J. P.
Published: June 2013

Interannual chlorophyll variability and its driving mechanisms are evaluated in the eastern subtropical North Atlantic, where elevated surface chlorophyll concentrations regularly extend more than 1500 km into the central subtropical North Atlantic and modulate the areal extent of the North Atlantic's lowest chlorophyll waters. We first characterize the considerable interannual variability in the size of the high chlorophyll region using SeaWiFS satellite data. We then evaluate the relationship between satellite chlorophyll and sea surface height (SSH), which are anticorrelated in the study region, most likely as a result of the inverse relationship between SSH and nutricline depth. To put these results in a longer temporal context, we study a hindcast simulation of a global ocean model with biogeochemistry (GFDL's MOM4.1 with TOPAZ biogeochemistry), after evaluating the model's skill at simulating chlorophyll and SSH relative to observations. In the simulation, the variability seen during the satellite era appears to be imbedded in a much larger multidecadal modulation. The drivers of such variability are assessed by evaluating all the terms in the nutrient budget of the euphotic zone. Because diffusive processes are not a dominant control on nutrient supply, stratification is not a good indicator of nutrient supply. Rather, vertical advection of nutrients, strongly tied to Ekman pumping, is the leading driver of variability in the size of the high chlorophyll region and the productivity within the study area.
QBO‐dependent relation between electron precipitation and wintertime surface temperature
Authors: Maliniemi V. , Asikainen T. , Mursula K. , Seppälä A.
Published: June 2013

Recent research has shown that energetic particle precipitation into the upper atmosphere can change ion and neutral chemistry, e.g., by enhancing NOxconcentration in the mesosphere, which, in turn, can affect stratospheric ozone balance under appropriate conditions. It has been suggested that this may affect the surface temperatures at high latitudes by modulating tropospheric circulation. Motivated by such results, we compare here the wintertime energetic electron precipitation (EEP) with North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and surface air temperature (SAT) in the Northern Hemisphere. We use the recently recalibrated energetic electron data from the Medium Energy Proton and Electron Detector instrument of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/Polar Orbiting Environment Satellites in two energy ranges (30–100 keV and 100–300 keV), the NAO index from NOAA, and the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies surface temperature analysis for years 1980–2010. We find a statistically significant correlation between EEP and the NAO index and also between EEP and SAT in certain geographic regions. The strongest negative correlation is found in Northeast Canada/Greenland, while the strongest positive correlation is found in North Siberia/Barents Sea, in agreement with similar studies using global geomagnetic activity as a proxy for particle precipitation. We find higher correlation when the two winters (1984/1985 and 2003/2004) of unprecedentedly strong sudden stratospheric warmings are excluded. We also find that the different phases of quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO; observed at 30 hPa) lead to dramatically different correlation patterns, with easterly QBO producing considerably stronger and spatially wider correlation and larger temperature response than westerly QBO.
Effect of the strengthened western Pacific subtropical high on summer visibility decrease over eastern China since 1973
Authors: Qu Wenjun , Wang Jun , Gao Shanhong , Wu Tongwen
Published: June 2013

Daily visibility (Vis) data from 354 meteorological stations are used to evaluate the seasonal Vis trends over China from 1973 to 2009, which show that Vis decline is most distinct over eastern China in summer, with a trend of −1.4 km per decade or −34% in the 37 years. This rapid decline of summertime Vis is found to be partially associated with the intensification and westward extension of the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) that has occurred in recent years. Such a change in the strength and breadth of WPSH has resulted in more days with stable, hot, and humid weather, which is favorable for Vis decrease. Analysis through decomposing the trend of Vis into contributions respectively from days with and without WPSH‐type meteorological conditions further shows that the intensification of WPSH leads to more episodes of Vis impairment and amplifies the effect of increased aerosol and precursor emissions on the summertime Vis decline in eastern China. Consequently, the difference of Vis between summer and winter follows a declining trend, although the Vis level in winter is still lower than that in summer. The result of this study underscores the importance of considering not only the variation of anthropogenic emissions, but also the change of climate and synoptic systems in the prediction and regulation of air quality and visibility.
Enhancement in a brain glioma model: A comparison of half‐dose gadobenate dimeglumine versus full‐dose gadopentetate dimeglumine at 1.5 and 3 T
Authors: Morelli John N. , Gerdes Clint M. , Zhang Wei , Williams Jonathon M. , Saettele Megan R. , Ai Fei
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To examine dose reduction comparing enhancement with full‐dose gadopentetate dimeglumine (0.1 mmol/kg) to half‐dose gadobenate dimeglumine in a rat brain glioma model.

Materials and Methods

Intra‐axial parenchymal brain tumors were implanted in 17 experimental animals. The 13 surviving animals were imaged at 1.5 or 3 T. Either gadopentetate dimeglumine or gadobenate dimeglumine was injected in random order on consecutive days. Tumor signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and contrast enhancement (CE) for each agent were obtained with region of interest analyses and compared. Lesions were confirmed histopathologically.

Results

Statistically significantly lower SNR, CNR, and CE parameters were found at both 1.5 and 3 T with half‐dose gadobenate dimeglumine relative to full‐dose gadopentetate dimeglumine (P < 0.05). SNR on average at 3 T was 70.0 ± 14.4 for gadopentetate dimeglumine and 57.0 0 ± 4.8 for gadobenate dimeglumine (P < 0.02).

Conclusion

Improved r1 relaxivity with gadobenate dimeglumine does not produce adequate half‐dose contrast‐enhancement relative to full‐dose gadopentetate dimeglumine. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:306–311. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of 99mTc 2‐methoxyisobutyl isonitrile in minimally invasive radioguided surgery in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: A narrative review of the current literature
Authors: Denmeade Kristie A. , Constable Chris , Reed Warren M.
Published: June 2013

The use of technetium‐99m 2‐methoxyisobutyl isonitrile (99mTc MIBI) for assistance in minimally invasive radioguided surgery (MIRS) is growing in popularity as a safe, effective, and proficient technique used for parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) treatment. Previously, the preferred treatment for PHPT was bilateral neck exploration (BNE), a very invasive, costly, and lengthy procedure. However, as a large majority (80–85% of cases of PHPT) are attributed to a single parathyroid adenoma (PA), a simpler more direct technique such as MIRS is a far better option. The following article is an exploration of the current literature concerning varied protocols utilizing 99mTc MIBI for assistance in MIRS for patients undergoing treatment of PHPT. This technique boasts many advantageous outcomes for patients suffering from PHPT. These include a reduction in cost, operating time, and patient recovery; less evidence of post‐surgical hypocalcaemia, less pain, and complications; superior cosmetic results; same‐day discharge; and the possibility of local anaesthesia which is particularly beneficial in elderly patients. Better outcomes for patients with deep or ectopic PAs, reduced intra‐operative complications, and improved cosmetic outcomes for patients who have previously undergone thyroid and/or parathyroid surgery are also advantageous. Of the literature reviewed it was also found that no patients suffered any major surgical complications such as laryngeal nerve palsy or permanent hypoparathyroidism using 99mTc MIBI for assistance in MIRS.
Development and validation of the cough severity index: A severity index for chronic cough related to the upper airway
Authors: Shembel Adrianna C. , Rosen Clark A. , Zullo Thomas G. , Gartner‐Schmidt Jackie L.
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To develop and validate a cough severity index (CSI) which quantifies patients' symptoms associated with upper airway chronic cough and to provide a tool for treatment outcome measures.

Methods

Two hundred patients who had a complaint of chronic cough and/or dyspnea were given a 49‐ item questionnaire developed through a clinical consensus of the most common symptoms of chronic cough of upper airway origin. The instrument was reduced to 10 questions using statistical methodology. Fifty subsequent patients were given the CSI to measure test‐retest reliability at two different moments in time. Twenty healthy controls (HC) were given the instrument to obtain validity. An additional 95 participants provided pre‐ and posttreatment outcomes using the CSI.

Results

Principle Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a single factor with the original 49 questions. A combination of PCA, rank‐ordering item‐total correlation and communality, as well as clinical consensus further reduced the questionnaire to 10 items. Internal consistency of the CSI was 0.97. Test‐retest reliability was r = 0.83. An r = 0.60 for divergent validity between the CSI and the Cough‐Specific Quality‐of‐Life Questionnaire (CQLQ) demonstrated two fairly separate instruments, although both measured cough. Mann‐Whitney test was significant between symptomatic patients and healthy controls (P < 0.0004). The results of 20 HC showed a mean of 0.45 (standard deviation = 1.39). Results for treatment outcomes revealed significance with the Wilcoxon test (P < 0.0001) and paired samples t test showed significantly different correlations between pre‐ and postmeasures.

Conclusion

The CSI is a short, simple instrument that can be used in the clinical setting to quantify a patient's symptoms of chronic cough of upper airway origin. It represents a statistically reliable, valid, and clinically relevant instrument that can be used to measure treatment outcomes for chronic cough.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 123:1931–1936, 2013
National trends in thyroid surgery and the effect of volume on short‐term outcomes
Authors: Loyo Myriam , Tufano Ralph P. , Gourin Christine G.
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To characterize contemporary patterns of thyroid surgical care and the effect of volume status on surgical care and short‐term outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 871,644 patients who underwent surgery for thyroid disease in 1993 through 2008 were analyzed using cross‐tabulations and multivariate regression modeling.

Results

Surgical cases increased from 364,288 in 1993 through 2000 to 507,356 in 2001 through 2008, with an increase in thyroid cancer surgical cases from 28% to 34%. Cases performed by high‐volume surgeons increased from 12% in 1993 through 2000 to 25% in 2001 through 2008, whereas cases performed by very‐low volume surgeons decreased from 51% to 34% (P < .001). Cases performed at high‐volume hospitals increased from 14% in 1993 through 2000 to 29% in 2001 through 2008, whereas cases performed at very‐low volume hospitals decreased from 46% to 33% (P < .001). High‐volume surgeons were significantly more likely to perform total thyroidectomy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4, P < .001) and had a lower incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (OR = 0.7, P = .024), hypocalcemia (OR = 0.7, P = .002), and in‐hospital death (OR = 0.3, P = .004). High‐volume hospital care was not associated with extent of surgery, postoperative morbidity, or mortality after adjusting for surgeon volume. After controlling for other variables, thyroid surgery in 2001 through 2008 was associated with an increase in cases performed by low‐volume (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.5, P < .001), intermediate‐volume (RRR = 1.7, P < .001), and high‐volume surgeons (RRR = 2.1, P < .001), high‐volume hospitals (RRR = 2.0, P = .008), total thyroidectomy (RRR = 2.1, P < .001), and neck dissection (RRR = 1.3, P = .016).

Conclusions

These data reflect changing trends in the surgical management of thyroid disease, with meaningful differences in the type of surgical care provided by high‐volume surgeons.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 123:2056–2063, 2013
Progressive cognitive dysfunction in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3
Authors: Roeske Sandra , Filla Ina , Heim Stefan , Amunts Katrin , Helmstaedter Christoph , Wüllner Ullrich , Wagner Michael , Klockgether Thomas , Minnerop Martina
Published: June 2013

Background

Although it is well established that there is cognitive dysfunction in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), it is unknown whether cognition deteriorates with disease progression. We therefore prospectively studied cognitive function in patients with SCA3.

Methods

Eleven patients with SCA3 were assessed using an extensive neuropsychological test battery and retested after 3.5 ± 0.4 years.

Results

In addition to ataxia and motor control, verbal learning and verbal and figural memory deteriorated significantly during the follow‐up period. An increase in depressive symptoms was not observed.

Conclusions

The observation that memory and learning abilities deteriorated with disease progression suggests that cognitive dysfunction is an integral part of SCA3. Because the applied tests for memory function did not require motor responses, cognitive decline cannot be attributed to progressive cerebellar ataxia. The deterioration of verbal and figural memory can be explained either by extracerebellar pathology or by disruption of cerebellar‐cerebral circuitries. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Effect of glucose concentration on peripheral nerve and its response to anoxia
Authors: Stecker Mark M. , Stevenson Matthew
Published: June 2013

Introduction: Glucose has a significant effect on nerve function. Methods: The effects of glucose on the nerve action potential (NAP) were investigated for concentrations between 0 and 55.5 mmol/L in an in vitro system using rat sciatic nerve. The effects of glucose were investigated in nerves exposed to oxygenated perfusate and those subjected to anoxia. Multiple aspects of the NAP were analyzed. Results: Hypoglycemia produces immediate reductions in NAP amplitude and velocity, whereas hyperglycemia has the opposite effect in the short term. Over a 12‐hour experiment, the amplitude of the NAP remained stable for glucose concentrations in the range 2.8–5.6 mmol/L, but, when the glucose concentration was <2.8 mmol/L or >27.8 mmol/L, the amplitude of the NAP declined. The deleterious effects of hyperglycemia (≥27.8 mmol/L) or hypoglycemia (<4.2 mmol/L) were more pronounced in nerves exposed to intermittent anoxia. Conclusions: This findings confirm the importance of glucose concentration for nerve function especially during anoxia. Muscle Nerve 49:370–377, 2014
Incidence and outcomes of patients with late recurrence of Wilms' tumor
Authors: Malogolowkin M. , Spreafico F. , Dome J.S. , van Tinteren H. , Pritchard‐Jones K. , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink M.M. , Bergeron C. , de Kraker J. , Graf N. ,   On behalf of the COG Renal Tumors Committee and the SIOP Renal Tumor Study Group
Published: June 2013

Background

Most relapses from Wilms' tumor occur within 2 years from diagnosis. This study aims to describe the incidence and outcome of patients who experienced a late recurrence (LR) more than 5 years after diagnosis across several clinical trials, and to develop evidence‐based recommendations for follow‐up surveillance.

Methods

Available records on children with Wilms' tumor enrolled onto 10 national or international cooperative clinical trials were reviewed to identify patients who experienced a LR.

Results

Seventy of 13,330 (0.5%) patients with Wilms' tumor experienced a LR. No gender bias was observed. Median time elapsing between initial Wilms' tumor diagnosis and first recurrence was 13.2 years (range: 5.1–17.3 years). Initial tumor stage was: stage I (15); stage II (19); stage III (14); stage IV (8); bilateral disease stage V (14). The most frequent sites of relapse were—abdomen: 21, lungs: 20, and contralateral kidney: 15. Thirty‐five children died of disease progression. Recurrence in the contralateral kidney was associated with a better outcome (13/15 patients alive), while initial tumor stage did not seem to influence the post‐recurrence outcome. Therapies administered at recurrence varied between centers, preventing any conclusion about the best salvage treatment.

Conclusions

LR of Wilms' tumor is rare and associated with similar outcome to those experiencing earlier recurrence. The low rate of LR does not justify prolonged monitoring. Further study of the biology of these tumors may give us some insights in regards to mechanisms on tumor cell dormancy or cancer stem cell maintenance. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:1612–1615. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resolving bony abnormality evolves to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Croteau Stacy E. , Henderson Eric R. , Billett Amy L. , Gebhardt Mark C. , Voss Stephan D.
Published: June 2013

Primary lymphoma of bone is a rare malignancy that can mimic infection and benign bone lesions radiographically. Malignant conversion of osseous lesions has been reported; evolution to lymphoma has not. We describe an adolescent male diagnosed with atypical osteoid osteoma who, despite near resolution of bony changes involving the anterior tibia, was diagnosed with monostotic diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma four years later. Indolent lymphoma of the initial lesion is unlikely. This case highlights the importance of clinical suspicion of malignancy even with recurrence of similar clinical presentation and hints at possible osseous microenvironment abnormalities predisposing to the development of lymphoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:E113–E115. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determinants of patient satisfaction with care in a Spanish oncology Day Hospital and its relationship with quality of life
Authors: Arraras Juan Ignacio , Illarramendi Jose Juan , Viudez Antonio , Ibáñez Berta , Lecumberri Maria Jose , de la Cruz Susana , Hernandez Berta , Zarandona Uxue , Cambra Koldo , Martinez Maite , Salgado Esteban , Lainez Nuria , Vera Ruth
Published: June 2013

Objective

This study evaluates satisfaction with care (SC) in cancer patients treated at a Spanish day hospital to identify SC determinants and assess the relationship between SC and quality of life.

Methods

One hundred seventy‐six patients with different tumour sites and disease stages completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30), the Cancer Outpatient Satisfaction with Care questionnaire for chemotherapy (OUT‐PATSAT35 CT), the Oberst patients' perception of care quality and satisfaction scales, and an item on intention to recommend the hospital. Frequencies in the SC instruments, Spearman correlations between each scale of the OUT‐PATSAT35 CT and overall satisfaction and between the subscales of OUT‐PATSAT35 CT and of QLQ‐C30 were calculated, and the determinants of patients' SC were calculated through multivariate regression models.

Results

Satisfaction with care was high: mean scores were >70 in all OUT‐PATSAT35 CT areas except doctor availability and environment. These scores were in line with the other SC instruments. Correlation with overall satisfaction was high and statistically significant (p < 0.01) for all subscales, especially for the nurses domain, which also had higher SC scores. Correlations between the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and the OUT‐PATSAT35 CT were low (≤0.35). Younger patients and those with breast cancer showed significantly lower satisfaction in most subscales. Unmarried patients and patients that had undergone surgery reported lower satisfaction only in specific subscales.

Conclusions

Satisfaction with care among cancer patients treated at the day hospital is high. Nurses play a key and successful role. Age and tumour location revealed stronger relationships with SC. Correlations between SC and quality of life indicate that these concepts are complementary. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Major turnaround in an olefins plant: A process safety point of view
Authors: Ohlweiler Davi Roberto , Gré Luis Inácio Camargo , Barrera Pablo Ricardo
Published: June 2013

This work aims to present, in a practical approach, the application of Process Safety basic principles and management elements to the major turnaround of an Olefins Plant in the year 2011. This application can be understood and emphasized in the various stages of a turnaround: planning, pre‐turnaround, shutdown and decontamination, maintenance itself, commissioning, and startup of the plant. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 264–267, 2013
Systems Theory and the Role of Synergy in the Evolution of Living Systems
Authors: Corning Peter A.
Published: June 2013

Living systems theory and other theory and research in the systems sciences and complexity science has illuminated many aspects of how living systems work—their mechanisms, processes and relationships. The Synergism Hypothesis, originally proposed in 1983, addresses the evolution of cooperative phenomena in nature and why there has been a secular trend over time toward increased complexity in living systems. This theory highlights the role of functional synergy—adaptively significant combined effects that are interdependent and otherwise unattainable—in shaping the ‘progressive’ emergence of complex living systems. This approach is entirely consistent with modern evolutionary biology and natural selection theory and is thus radically opposed to various orthogenetic/deterministic theories of complexity that have been proposed over the years. The Synergism Hypothesis has recently gained scientific support, and there is growing appreciation for the role of various kinds of synergy as an influence in the evolutionary process. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Critical Systems Heuristics to Guide Second‐Order Critique of Systemic Practice: Exploring the Environmental Impact of Mining Operations in Southern Peru
Authors: Hart Diane , Paucar‐Caceres Alberto
Published: June 2013

A framework based on Ulrich's critical systems heuristics (CSH) is presented to organize second‐order critical inquiry in systems practice and action research. It is argued that such an approach not only improves the rigour of systems methodologies in action in a specific ‘situation of interest’ but also brings rigour to research aimed at improving systems practice. The paper draws on critical systems heuristics and illustrates its application in the context of an intervention using Checkland's soft systems methodology to discuss the environmental impact of mining operations in southern Peru. We sketch the context in which the systemic intervention was carried out, reporting on the initial soft systems methodology stages (relevant systems, root definitions and CATWOE analysis) produced in workshops with stakeholders. The paper illustrates how learning about improvement in systems practice can be guided with the use of second‐order boundary critique. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
C-Kit+ Cells Isolated from Developing Kidneys Are a Novel Population of Stem Cells with Regenerative Potential
Authors: Rangel Erika B. , Gomes Samirah A. , Dulce Raul A. , Premer Courtney , Rodrigues Claudia O. , Kanashiro-Takeuchi Rosemeire M. , Oskouei Behzad , Carvalho Decio A. , Ruiz Phillip , Reiser Jochen , Hare Joshua M.
Published: June 2013

The presence of tissue specific precursor cells is an emerging concept in organ formation and tissue homeostasis. Several progenitors are described in the kidneys. However, their identity as a true stem cell remains elusive. Here, we identify a neonatal kidney-derived c-kit+ cell population that fulfills all of the criteria as a stem cell. These cells were found in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop and exhibited clonogenicity, self-renewal, and multipotentiality with differentiation capacity into mesoderm and ectoderm progeny. Additionally, c-kit+ cells formed spheres in nonadherent conditions when plated at clonal density and expressed markers of stem cells, progenitors, and differentiated cells. Ex vivo expanded c-kit+ cells integrated into several compartments of the kidney, including tubules, vessels, and glomeruli, and contributed to functional and morphological improvement of the kidney following acute ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Together, these findings document a novel neonatal rat kidney c-kit+ stem cell population that can be isolated, expanded, cloned, differentiated, and used for kidney repair following acute kidney injury. These cells have important biological and therapeutic implications.
Quaternary volcano‐tectonic activity in the Soddo region, western margin of the Southern Main Ethiopian Rift
Authors: Corti Giacomo , Sani Federico , Philippon Melody , Sokoutis Dimitrios , Willingshofer Ernst , Molin Paola
Published: June 2013

We present an analysis of the distribution, timing, and characteristics of the volcano‐tectonic activity on the western margin of the Southern Main Ethiopian Rift in the Soddo area (latitudes between ~7°10'N and ~6°30'N). The margin is characterized by the presence of numerous normal faults, with limited vertical offset and often sigmoidal in shape, which accommodate a gentle transition from the rift floor to the Ethiopian plateau. New radiocarbon dating indicates post‐30 ka fault activity, pointing to a significant Late Pleistocene‐Holocene tectonic activity of the Soddo margin. Comparison of the fault architecture with analog models suggests that deformation has been controlled by a sub‐E‐W (roughly N100°E) extension direction, resulting in an oblique extension with respect to the roughly NE‐SW‐trending rift. This well accords with inversion of fault slip data collected on faults with Pleistocene‐Holocene activity and is also in good agreement with recent GPS data from the Southern Main Ethiopian Rift. Our data support a close correlation between the recent volcanic activity and deformation in the study area, with eruptive vents located along the recent border faults; the axial tectono‐magmatic activity is subordinate in the area. These findings support a transition from axial tectono‐magmatic deformation in the Northern Main Ethiopian Rift to marginal deformation in the Central and Southern Main Ethiopian Rift, in turn indicating an along‐axis, north to south decrease in rift maturity.
Miocene initiation and acceleration of extension in the South Lunggar rift, western Tibet: Evolution of an active detachment system from structural mapping and (U‐Th)/He thermochronology
Authors: Styron Richard H. , Taylor Michael H. , Sundell Kurt E. , Stockli Daniel F. , Oalmann Jeffrey A. G. , Möller Andreas , McCallister Andrew T. , Liu Deliang , Ding Lin
Published: June 2013

Ongoing extension in Tibet may have begun in the middle to late Miocene, but there are few robust estimates of the rates, timing, or magnitude of Neogene deformation within the Tibetan plateau. We present a comprehensive study of the seismically active South Lunggar rift in southwestern Tibet incorporating mapping, U‐Pb geochronology and zircon (U‐Th)/He thermochronology. The South Lunggar rift is the southern continuation of the North Lunggar rift and comprises a ~50 km N‐S central horst bound by two major normal faults, the west‐dipping South Lunggar detachment and the east‐dipping Palung Co fault. The SLD dips at the rangefront ~20°W and exhumes a well‐developed mylonite zone in its footwall displaying fabrics indicative of normal‐sense shear. The range is composed of felsic orthogneiss, mafic amphibolite, and leucogranite intrusions dated at ~16 and 63 Ma. Zircon (U‐Th)/He cooling ages are Oligocene through late Pliocene, with the youngest ages observed in the footwall of the SLD. We tested ~25,000 unique thermokinematic forward models in Pecube against the structural and (U‐Th)/He data to fully bracket the allowable ranges in fault initiations, accelerations, and slip rates. We find that normal faulting in the SLR began in the middle Miocene with horizontal extension rates of ~1 mm a−1, and in the north accelerated at 8 Ma to 2.5–3.0 mm a−1 as faulting commenced on the SLD. Cumulative horizontal extension across the SLR ranges from <10 km in the south to 19–21 km in the north.
Azide Chemistry – An Inorganic Perspective, Part I Metal ­Azides: Overview, General Trends and Recent Developments
Authors: Fehlhammer Wolf Peter , Beck Wolfgang
Published: June 2013

With Sharpless' and Meldal's discovery of the immensely supportive effect that metal catalysis has on Huisgen's classical 1, 3‐dipolar cycloaddition, azides (RN3) – long underappreciated in organic synthesis – suddenly got in the focus of attention as most crucial players in sensational ‘click chemistry'. Less noisy though with the same commitment and even a much broader scope of scientific topics and objectives, the inorganic azide chemistry has made just as great strides in the last few decades. This review (Part I) gives an introductory survey of the most important results, and informs about modern developments and general trends. Particular emphasis is placed on the recent successful approaches to highly unstable homoleptic azido metal complexes of the main group and early transition elements, as well as on the enormous structural versatility caused by the ‘flexidentate' N3–ligand with its unsurpassed bridging capacities. The presentation in this paper of selected compounds and reactions is meant, in a way, as a prelude to the [3+2]‐cycloadditions of metal azides and related species which will be covered in‐depths in Part II. A large part of the comments finally deals with applications in fields such as catalysis, high explosive performance or magnetism of metal compounds containing azide, today certainly one of the most attractive research areas world‐wide.
Job search motivation of part-time or unemployed Japanese college graduates
Authors: Shirai Toshiaki , Shimomura Hideo , Kawasaki Tomotsugu , Adachi Tomoko , Wakamatsu Yosuke
Published: June 2013

We clarify how individuals actively interact with socio-cultural contexts to attain regular employment in Japan. Based on a large sample (N = 3,512) of part-time employed and unemployed college graduates (23–39 years old), we found that: Career decision making self-efficacy predicted job search; a lack of both hope and fulfillment motivated job search, while having hope promoted it; wishing for perfect vocation and being free from both inclination towards personal interests and passivity motivated job search. Clients’ desire for “a perfect vocation,” should not necessarily be considered as a career barrier but, perhaps, rather as an asset for motivating job search. Counselors should seek to better understand the influence of clients’ socio-cultural contexts on their career attitudes.
Religion and Military Policy Attitudes in America
Authors: Brown Ronald E. , Brown R. Khari , Blase Aaron W.
Published: June 2013

The present study assesses the relationship between religious faith, worship discourse, and military policy attitudes among White Americans. Our work suggests that religious congregations are important spaces for Whites to potentially engage in dissenting political talk. We find that the degree to which congregations inform military policy attitudes, laity must be involved in political discussions. However, this study also suggests that religious faith plays a role in the degree to which political discussions had within worship spaces associates with anti-war attitudes. White Evangelical Protestants tend to be less opposed to aggressive military policy than others. These differences become particularly pronounced among Evangelical and Mainline Protestants as members of these religious faiths become involved in and/or exposed to social-political discussions within worship spaces.