bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological and physical properties of a thermoplastic polyurethane reinforced with functionalized graphene sheet
Authors: Nguyen Duc Anh , Lee Yu Rok , Raghu Anjanapura V , Jeong Han Mo , Shin Cheol Min , Kim Byung Kyu
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND: Functionalized graphene sheet (FGS) was recently introduced as a new nano‐sized conductive filler, but little work has yet examined the possibility of using FGS as a nanofiller in the preparation of polymer nanocomposites. In particular, there are currently no published papers that evaluate polyurethane/FGS nanocomposites. The purpose of this study was to prepare a polyurethane/FGS nanocomposite and examine the morphological and physical properties of the material.

RESULTS: A cast nanocomposite film was prepared from a mixture of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) solution and FGS suspended in methyl ethyl ketone. The FGS dispersed on the nanoscale throughout the TPU matrix and effectively enhanced the conductivity. A nanocomposite containing 2 parts of FGS per 100 parts of TPU had an electrical conductivity of 10−4 S cm−1, a 107 times increase over that of pristine TPU. The dynamic mechanical properties showed that the FGS efficiently reinforced the TPU matrix, particularly in the temperature region above the soft segment melt.

CONCLUSION: Our results show that FGS has a high affinity for TPU, and it could therefore be used effectively in the preparation of TPU/FGS nanocomposites without any further chemical surface treatment. This indicates that FGS is an effective and convenient new material that could be used for the modification of polyurethane. It could also be used in place of other nano‐sized conductive fillers, such as carbon nanotubes. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of silanized silica nanofiller on tack and green strength of selected filled rubbers
Authors: Movahed Saeed Ostad , Ansarifar Ali , Song Mo
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND: Tack and green strength of filled and gum (unfilled) natural rubber (NR), poly(styrene‐co‐butadiene) rubber (SBR), polybutadiene rubber (BR) and (SBR‐BR) blend with different loadings of reinforcement agent, silanized silica nanofiller (Coupsil 8113), were studied and the results compared and discussed.

RESULTS: It was found that silica was fully dispersed in rubber matrix after 13 min of mixing. In addition, with some exceptions for NR and (SBR‐BR) blend, filler loading decreased the tack strength of the studied filled rubbers. Green strength and Mooney viscosity increased with filler loading for all studied filled rubbers but with different rates and amounts. The optimum filler loadings for NR and (SBR‐BR) filled blend were 30 and 10 phr, respectively. Tacks of NR filled rubbers were much higher than those of synthetic filled rubbers.

CONCLUSION: It was concluded that filler loading alters substantially the tack and green strength of the rubbers under investigation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Determine SIS and SIL using HAZOPS
Authors: Cruz‐Campa Héctor Javier , Cruz‐Gómez M. Javier
Published: February 2009

A simplified quantitative analysis methodology for the determination of required Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and the associated target Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) is presented. As prerequisites, the company policy for risk acceptability and a hazard and operability (HAZOP) study are needed. A risk acceptability criterion for large commodity chemical, petrochemical, or refining companies is discussed. The methodology starts with the selection of high potential risk scenarios from the HAZOP study. Then the effectiveness of the relevant process safeguards is evaluated based on layers of protection analysis, to assess if there are adequate and sufficient safety protection layers in the chemical process, so that the actual risk of the process is at an acceptable level. The method allows the user to determine first if a SIS is required and then, what SIL is required for each function it performs. If a SIS already exists in the process, the methodology can be used to verify the required SIL for each safety instrumented function. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2010
Modernization of an ammonia plant safety shutdown system
Authors: Mason John , Gluckie Joe
Published: February 2009

The Agrium Redwater Nitrogen Operations Ammonia 2 plant underwent a phased project to upgrade and modernize its automatic safety shutdown system. Agrium incorporated the use of safety integrity levels in the functional design and detailed design of the safety shutdown system to ensure that all required protections were implemented in a safe and cost‐effective manner.

This article discusses the methodology used to determine the scope of the system, the methodology used to define the functional design, the implementation strategy chosen and the key lessons learned from the execution of this project. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 28:282–292, 2009
History of AIChE's Center for Chemical Process Safety
Authors: Berger Scott
Published: February 2009

On December 3, 1984, water contamination of a tank of methyl isocyanate in Bhopal, India initiated a series of events that led to a catastrophic toxic release, killing more than 3,000 residents and injuring over 100,000. Immediately after, leaders from the chemical industry asked AIChE to lead a collaborative effort to eliminate catastrophic process incidents by advancing state of the art technology and management practices, serving as the premier resource for information on process safety, supporting process safety in engineering, and promoting process safety as a key industry value. In the spring of 1985, CCPS was founded. Since that time, CCPS has incorporated experience‐based learning from major and minor accidents and near‐misses into a world‐class collection of guideline documents, resource books, and on‐line content. This paper will reflect on the history of CCPS, highlight some recent accomplishments, and present a glimpse at the future of process safety. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2009
How to improve compliance with antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Packham Bruce
Published: February 2009

Noncompliance with treatment is a significant problem in patients with epilepsy. Dr Packham describes how compliance can be improved by taking a concordant approach to medicine taking and by considering the use of once‐daily formulations of sodium valproate. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Crystallographic plane dependent Fe and Si dopant incorporation and activation in InP
Authors: Reynolds C. Lewis , Grenko Judith A.
Published: February 2009

Various crystallographic planes are exposed when growing along mesa sidewalls during metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. Dopant incorporation and activation on these higher index surfaces can be quite different from that observed on (001) surfaces. Incorporation and activation of Si and Fe in MOVPE grown InP on (001), (110), and (311)A and B surfaces are reported. The Si donor concentration is higher on the P‐terminated B surface than the A surface while the opposite behavior is observed for Fe incorporation. In the fabrication of optoelectronic devices, it must be remembered that it is the carrier concentration, that is, activated atomic species, that is relevant for device performance and not the incorporation of atomic species alone. Activation of Si is >1 on all surfaces; however, Fe is shown to be an effective compensating species only on the (001) and (311)A crystallographic surfaces. Data for the presence of oscillations in the iron concentration on (001) surfaces are also reported. The active Fe concentration is shown to be related to the Fe atomic concentration relative to the donor density on the different crystallographic surfaces, suggesting that Fermi level position sets a limit to the fraction of Fe centers which are electrically active as a deep trap. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Green light‐emitting diodes with p‐InGaN:Mg grown on c ‐plane sapphire and GaN substrates
Authors: Liu J. P. , Limb Jae , Lochner Zachary , Yoo Dongwon , Ryou Jae‐Hyun , Dupuis Russell D.
Published: February 2009

We report the structural, electrical, and optical characteristics of green light emitting diodes (LEDs) using InGaN:Mg as a p‐type layer grown on a (0001) bulk GaN substrate in comparison to the LEDs grown on a sapphire substrate. The density of nano‐pits of LEDs on the bulk substrates is significantly lower than that on the sapphire substrate by 2 orders of magnitude, resulting from the reduced dislocation density in bulk GaN substrates. As a result, the reverse current of LEDs grown on the bulk GaN substrates is significantly reduced as compared to that on the sapphire substrate. In contrast to the substantial improvement in electrical properties, the emission intensity of the LEDs on the bulk GaN substrate is similar to that of the LEDs on the sapphire substrate. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect of Gd(Ni1–xFex)3 crystalline compound and powder
Authors: Chrobak Artur , Bajorek Anna , Chełkowska Grażyna , Haneczok Grzegorz , Kwiecień Marzena
Published: February 2009

In the paper we present and discuss magnetic properties of the Gd(Ni1–x Fex)3 crystalline compounds and their ball‐milled powders in a context of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE). Moreover, based on the obtained results, powders and composites with non‐magnetic (Cu) and magnetic (Fe) additions were prepared. Magnetic quantities such as the Curie temperature, the saturation magnetization and the MCE (as a magnetic entropy change) were determined for all examined samples. In the case of the bulk crystalline compounds a partial substitution of Ni by Fe atoms causes a decrease of the saturation magnetization as well as the MCE and an increase of the Curie temperature. Samples with x ranging from 0.1 to 0.15 show the best potential for room‐temperature refrigeration. Pulverization of the tested compounds leads to formation of flake‐like grains with thickness less than 1 μm. Such grinding causes a decrease of the Curie temperature (by about 10 K) as well as the MCE (by about 50%) in a comparison with the crystalline samples. In the case of the composite with magnetic addition an enhancement of the MCE was observed. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cu in In2S3: interdiffusion phenomena analysed by high kinetic energy X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Pistor P. , Allsop N. , Braun W. , Caballero R. , Camus C. , Fischer Ch.‐H. , Gorgoi M. , Grimm A. , Johnson B. , Kropp T. , Lauermann I. , Lehmann S. , Mönig H. , Schorr S. , Weber A. , Klenk R.
Published: February 2009

Chalcopyrite thin film solar cells with an In2S3 buffer showed high efficiencies above 15%, but only after annealing at 200 °C. One possible explanation is a Cu interdiffusion at the absorber/buffer interface. We were able to directly measure a Cu interdiffusion with a new tool at the BESSY synchrotron facility: HIKE (high kinetic energy X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy). Due to its increased information depth of up to 10–20 nm HIKE is able to provide chemical information even through thin closed overlayers. The HIKE endstation also allows in‐situ heating. A layer stack of In2S3/ Cu(In,Ga)Se2 was prepared and heated in‐situ up to a temperature of 300 °C while continuously measuring HIKE spectra. A strong increase of the Cu signal above temperatures around 200 °C was found. With this setup we were able to directly monitor the Cu diffusion from the absorber into the buffer layer. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quality assurance within the scope of Good Clinical Practice (GCP)—what is the cost of GCP‐related activities? A survey within the Swedish Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (LIF)'s members
Authors: Funning Sandra , Grahnén Anders , Eriksson Karin , Kettis‐Linblad Åsa
Published: February 2009

The bureaucracy that the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) system generates, due to industry over‐interpretation of documentation requirements, clinical monitoring, data verifications etc. is substantial. The aim of this study was to estimate the percentage cost of all such GCP‐related activities within phase III clinical trials performed in Sweden in 2005.

Method: An electronic questionnaire on ICH GCP‐activities and their related costs was sent to 47 of the 60 member companies of the Swedish Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (LIF).

Results: The number of respondents was 29, giving a response rate of 62% and covering 97% (n=250) of phase III trials performed in Sweden in 2005. Approximately 50% of the total budget for a phase III study was reported to be GCP‐related. 50% of the GCP‐related cost was related to Source Data Verification (SDV). A vast majority (71%) of respondents did not support the notion that these GCP‐related activities increase the scientific reliability of clinical trials. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The journey of Indian GLP programme–looking back and forward
Authors: Stanley V. Amalan
Published: February 2009

The Indian GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) compliance monitoring programme has successfully brought the task of implementing the programme to the foreground where full OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) membership is about to happen. It has been a long journey, more than five years for the programme to arrive at this juncture, succeeding through sheer commitment and will of the Science and Technology initiatives under which the programme has been implemented. Considering the spontaneous and natural challenges that are bound to make the effort of implementing the GLP compliance programme tougher for any country, the progress made by the Indian GLP programme can be considered very rapid. Though the dawn of full OECD membership for the Indian GLP programme is imminent the paper deals with the details of the journey it has traveled so far and the challenges ahead, commending the commitment of the efforts of the GLP MA (Monitoring Authority) as well as the preparedness of the test facilities.

This paper discusses the GLP policy aspects that favoured the growth of the programme among non‐member adherents, such as the allowance for getting GLP certification by GLP MA abroad. It also deals with the challenge of harmonizing the policies of the internal agencies that have direct influence on the implementation of the GLP programme, other than legalizing the GLP aspects as there are various government departments in India dealing with the regulatory aspects of specific drug products for human use or that are of chemical in origin. There are data requirements made mandatory by these institutions on pre‐clinical or non‐clinical safety evaluation of those products, which invariably necessitate studies conducted in compliance with the principles of GLP. The paper concludes with the emphasis that there is a primary need for harmony as well as legal or judicial underpinnings under the umbrella of a national GLP Monitoring Authority, a gray area to be essentially tackled with foresight, to earn credibility on the international front. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tailor‐made surgical guide based on rapid prototyping technique for cup insertion in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Hananouchi Takehito , Saito Masanobu , Koyama Tsuyoshi , Hagio Keisuke , Murase Tsuyoshi , Sugano Nobuhiko , Yoshikawa Hideki
Published: February 2009

Background

A surgical guide made by the rapid prototyping (RP) technique for cup insertion in total hip arthroplasty might be useful to avoid malalignment of the cup, which indicates postoperative complications.

Methods

To address this research question, we applied a RP‐based guide to 24 patients with their CT images. We designed it to fit onto the acetabular edge and to insert a Kirschner wire (K‐wire) which indicated a planned cup direction. We intraoperatively placed it on the acetabular edge, inserted the K‐wire through the guide on the superior acetabulum and implanted the cup while observing the alignment of the K‐wire. We also recorded the additional time needed to use the guide.

Results

The mean cup accuracy between planned and postoperative alignments was 2.8° (SD = 2.1° ) for abduction and 3.7° (SD = 2.7° ) for anteversion. The mean additional time was 3.5 (range 2–6) min.

Conclusion

We can use this guide with acceptable accuracy and without consuming an excessive amount of time. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association Rules Network: Definition and Applications
Authors: Pandey Gaurav , Chawla Sanjay , Poon Simon , Arunasalam Bavani , Davis Joseph G.
Published: February 2009

The role of data mining is to search “the space of candidate hypotheses” to offer solutions, whereas the role of statistics is to validate the hypotheses offered by the data‐mining process. In this paper we propose Association Rules Networks (ARNs) as a structure for synthesizing, pruning, and analyzing a collection of association rules to construct candidate hypotheses. From a knowledge discovery perspective, ARNs allow for a goal‐centric, context‐driven analysis of the output of association rules algorithms. From a mathematical perspective, ARNs are instances of backward‐directed hypergraphs. Using two extensive case studies, we show how ARNs and statistical theory can be combined to generate and test hypotheses. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 1: 260‐279, 2009
A comparison of binary models dealing with an extraneous effect relating to the main risk factor, but not relating to the outcome variable
Authors: Fu Chong Yau , Yang Ya‐Wen
Published: February 2009

In a binary model relating a response variable Y to a risk factor X, account may need to take of an extraneous effect Z that is related to X, but not Y. This is known as the association pattern Y−X−Z. The extraneous variable Z is commonly included in models as a covariate. This paper concerns binary models, and investigates the use of deviation from the group mean (D‐GM) and deviation from the fitted fractional polynomial value (D‐FP) for removing the extraneous effect of Z.

In a simulation study, D‐FP performed excellently, while the performance of D‐GM was slightly worse than the traditional method of treating Z as a covariate. In addition, estimators with excessive mean square errors or standard errors cannot occur when D‐GM or D‐FP is employed, even in small or sparse data sets.

The Y−X−Z association pattern studied here often occurs in fetal studies, where the fetal measurement (X) varies with the gestation age (Z), but gestation age does not relate to the outcome variable (Y; e.g. Down's syndrome). D‐GM and D‐FP perform well with illustrative data from fetal studies, although there is a weak association between X and Z with a lower proportion of case subjects (e.g. 11:1, control to case).

It is not necessary to add a new covariate when a model deals with the extraneous effect. The D‐FP or D‐GM methods perform well with the real data studied here, and moreover, D‐FP demonstrated excellent performance in simulations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of an amphiphilic resin‐dispersion of nanopalladium and nanoplatinum catalysts: Design, preparation, and their use in green organic transformations
Authors: Uozumi Yasuhiro , Yamada Yoichi M. A.
Published: February 2009

An amphiphilic polymer resin‐dispersion of nanoparticles of palladium was designed and prepared with a view toward use for catalysis in water. The amphiphilic polystyrene‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PS‐PEG) resin‐dispersion of nanoparticles of palladium exhibited high catalytic performance in the hydrodechlorination of chloroarenes under aqueous conditions. The amphiphilic resin‐supported nanopalladium and nanoplatinum particles also catalyzed aerobic oxidation of various alcohols including nonactivated aliphatic and alicyclic alcohols, which is one of the most fundamental and important yet immature processes in organic chemistry, in water under an atmospheric pressure of oxygen gas to form aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids to meet green chemical requirements. Viologen polymer‐supported nanopalladium catalyst realized α‐alkylation of ketones with primary alcohols as the alkylating agents. © 2009 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 9: 51–65; 2009: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20165
Value of endometrial thickness measurement for diagnosing focal intrauterine pathology in women without abnormal uterine bleeding
Authors: Dreisler E. , Sorensen S. Stampe , Ibsen P. H. , Lose G.
Published: February 2009

Objective

To assess the diagnostic value of transvaginal sonographic (TVS) measurement of endometrial thickness for diagnosing focal intrauterine pathology in women without abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).

Methods

A random selection from the Danish Civil Registration System was made: 1660 women aged 20–74 years were invited to participate and 686 women were eligible and accepted inclusion (429 pre‐ and 257 postmenopausal). The women underwent TVS measurement of endometrial thickness and saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH). Hysteroscopic resection with histopathology (gold standard) was performed when focal intrauterine pathology was suspected at SCSH. We excluded women with AUB (n = 237), failure of SCSH (n = 50), a scan that was not in the follicular phase (n = 11), hysteroscopy contraindicated (n = 2), and users of sequential hormone therapy (n = 9) or selective estrogen receptor modulators (n = 2). Thus, 375 women without AUB were included (217 pre‐ and 158 postmenopausal). Receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves for endometrial thickness and focal lesion were analyzed.

Results

Focal intrauterine pathology was confirmed in 41 women (35 with polyps, five with submucosal myomas and one with polypoidal growing cancer). For premenopausal women, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.68–0.89) and for postmenopausal women it was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.76–0.92). For premenopausal women, the best negative likelihood ratio (LR− = 0.11) was obtained at an endometrial thickness of 5.2 mm, with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 10%. For postmenopausal women the best LR− (0.08) was obtained at an endometrial thickness of 2.8 mm, with a NPV of 99% and a PPV of 26%.

Conclusions

In women without AUB, TVS measurement of endometrial thickness is a poor diagnostic test, but is apparently efficacious in excluding focal intrauterine pathology, especially in postmenopausal women. The 4–5‐mm threshold conventionally used to exclude endometrial malignancy in women with postmenopausal bleeding is not transferable to women without AUB for excluding focal intrauterine pathology. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Jugular lymphatic sacs in first‐trimester fetuses with normal nuchal translucency
Authors: de Mooij Y. M. , Bekker M. N. , Spreeuwenberg M. D. , van Vugt J. M. G.
Published: February 2009

Objective

To assess the ultrasonographic appearance of the jugular lymphatic sacs (JLS) in first‐trimester fetuses with a normal nuchal translucency (NT).

Methods

Seventy‐five fetuses with a normal NT thickness (< 95th percentile) were examined weekly between 11 and 17 weeks of gestation. After measurement of the NT thickness, the neck region was examined using both transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasonography for the presence of JLS. If present, their dimensions were measured in three directions and the volume was calculated using the formula for a spheroid. Data were analyzed using multilevel analysis.

Results

Seventy‐five fetuses were evaluated and a total of 243 ultrasound examinations of the neck region were performed. In 25 (33%) of the 75 fetuses, the JLS could be observed once or more than once. In 19 fetuses JLS were visualized once, in five fetuses twice and in one fetus three times. In total, the JLS were visualized 32 times (n = 15 bilaterally, n = 15 only the left JLS and n = 2 only the right JLS). Relatively greater NT thickness was associated with a higher probability of the presence of JLS, although this was not statistically significant (NT < 1 mm, probability 0.07; NT 1–2 mm, probability 0.15, P = 0.10; NT > 2 mm, probability 0.20, P = 0.08). Gestational age was predictive for the presence of JLS, with the highest probability between 13 and 15 weeks of gestation (P < 0.01). No relationship was found between gestational age and the volumes of the left and right JLS.

Conclusion

The JLS can be visualized on ultrasound examination in a significant proportion of fetuses with normal NT, most often between 13 and 15 weeks of gestation, and this does not seem to be associated with any abnormality in these fetuses. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal nasal bone in screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 and Turner syndrome at 11–13 weeks of gestation
Authors: Kagan K. O. , Cicero S. , Staboulidou I. , Wright D. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: February 2009

Objective

To investigate the performance of first‐trimester screening for aneuploidies by including assessment of the fetal nasal bone in the combined test of maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness, fetal heart rate (FHR) and serum free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A).

Methods

Screening by the combined test was performed in singleton pregnancies, including 19 614 with euploid fetuses, 122 with trisomy 21, 36 with trisomy 18, 20 with trisomy 13 and eight with Turner syndrome. In all cases the fetal nasal bone was assessed and classified as present or absent. We examined the performance of two screening strategies: firstly, assessment of the nasal bone in all patients and secondly, first‐stage screening using the combined test in all patients followed by second‐stage assessment of the nasal bone only in those with an intermediate risk of 1 in 51 to 1 in 1000 after the first stage. To validate the new risk algorithm we used a second independent dataset of 19 651 fetuses, including 139 with trisomy 21.

Results

The nasal bone was absent in 2.6% of the euploid fetuses, 59.8% with trisomy 21, 52.8% with trisomy 18, 45.0% with trisomy 13 and in none of the fetuses with Turner syndrome. Respective figures for an absent nasal bone in the validation population, which contained fewer Black women, were 0.6%, 62.6%, 55.3%, 35.3% and 41.7%. In a screening policy based on maternal age, fetal NT, FHR, serum free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A, for a fixed risk cut‐off of 1 : 100, the false‐positive rate was 3.0%. The standardized detection rates were 91% for trisomy 21 and 100% for trisomy 18, trisomy 13 and Turner syndrome, respectively. Assessment of the nasal bone in all pregnancies reduced the false‐positive rate to 2.5% without changing the detection rate. A detection rate of 93% was achieved with the two‐stage strategy at a false‐positive rate of 2.4% in which it was necessary to assess the nasal bone in only 15% of the total population. In the validation dataset, screening by the combined test and using a risk cut‐off of 1 : 100 detected 90% of the cases with trisomy 21 for a false‐positive rate of 4%. Inclusion of the nasal bone increased the detection rate to 92% for a false‐positive rate of 2.9%. Contingent screening detected 92% of cases for a false‐positive rate of 2.9%.

Conclusions

Assessment of the fetal nasal bone improves the performance of first‐trimester screening for trisomy 21. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The habitat‐creation potential of offshore wind farms
Authors: Wilson Jennifer C. , Elliott Michael
Published: February 2009

Offshore wind farms are the subject of environmental impact assessments in which potential adverse effects are identified and quantified. Those impacts will then require to be mitigated through appropriate design, construction and operation methods. Where environmental impacts cannot be mitigated, operators would be required to compensate the environment or its users for any actual or potential damage. The present study shows that the placement of offshore wind turbines gives the potential for habitat creation, which may thus be regarded as compensation for habitat lost. Using current design criteria and construction methods, the analysis here indicates that the net amount of habitat created by the most common design of offshore wind turbine, the monopile, is up to 2.5 times the amount of area lost through the placement, thus providing a net gain even though the gained habitat may be of a different character to the one that lost. Hence, the study raises important issues for marine nature conservation managers. The study also provides suggestions for further work in order to increase the empirical evidence for the value of mitigation, compensation and habitat creation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression profiling of the bottom fermenting yeast Saccharomyces pastorianus orthologous genes using oligonucleotide microarrays
Authors: Minato Toshiko , Yoshida Satoshi , Ishiguro Tatsuji , Shimada Emiko , Mizutani Satoru , Kobayashi Osamu , Yoshimoto Hiroyuki
Published: February 2009

The bottom fermenting yeast Saccharomyces pastorianus is reported to have arisen as a natural hybrid of two yeast strains, S. cerevisiae and S. bayanus. The S. pastorianus genome includes S. cerevisiae‐type (Sc‐type) genes and orthologous lager‐fermenting‐yeast specific‐type (Lg‐type) genes derived from S. cerevisiae and S. bayanus, respectively. To gain insights into the physiological properties of S. pastorianus, we developed an in situ synthesized 60‐mer oligonucleotide microarray for gene expression monitoring of these orthologous genes, consisting of approximately 6600 Sc‐type genes and 3200 Lg‐type genes. A comparison of the transcriptional profile of orthologous genes (e.g. Sc‐type and Lg‐type genes) in S. cerevisiae or S. bayanus demonstrated the feasibility of performing gene expression studies with this microarray. Genome‐wide analysis of S. pastorianus with this microarray could clearly distinguish more than 67% of the expressed orthologous genes. Furthermore, it was shown that the gene expression of particular Lg‐type genes differed from that of the orthologous Sc‐type genes, suggesting that some Lg‐type and Sc‐type genes may have different functional roles. We conclude that the oligonucleotide microarray that we constructed is a powerful tool for the monitoring of gene expression of the orthologous genes of S. pastorianus. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Small epitope‐linker modules for PCR‐based C‐terminal tagging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Funakoshi Minoru , Hochstrasser Mark
Published: February 2009

PCR‐mediated gene modification is a powerful approach to the functional analysis of genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. One application of this method is epitope‐tagging of a gene to analyse the corresponding protein by immunological methods. However, the number of epitope tags available in a convenient format is still low, and interference with protein function by the epitope, particularly if it is large, is not uncommon. To address these limitations and broaden the utility of the method, we constructed a set of convenient template plasmids designed for PCR‐based C‐terminal tagging with 10 different, relatively short peptide sequences that are recognized by commercially available monoclonal antibodies. The encoded tags are FLAG, 3 × FLAG, T7, His‐tag, Strep‐tag II, S‐tag, Myc, HSV, VSV‐G and V5. The same pair of primers can be used to construct tagged alleles of a gene of interest with any of the 10 tags. In addition, a six‐glycine linker sequence is inserted upstream of these tags to minimize the influence of the tag on the target protein and maximize its accessibility for antibody binding. Three marker genes, HIS3MX6, kanMX6 and hphMX4, are available for each epitope. We demonstrate the utility of the new tags for both immunoblotting and one‐step affinity purification of the regulatory particle of the 26S proteasome. The set of plasmids has been deposited in the non‐profit plasmid repository Addgene (http://www.addgene.org). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of polyunsaturated fatty acids in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its relation to alkaline pH tolerance
Authors: Yazawa Hisashi , Iwahashi Hitoshi , Kamisaka Yasushi , Kimura Kazuyoshi , Uemura Hiroshi
Published: February 2009

Saccharomyces cerevisiae produces saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids of 16‐ and 18‐carbon atoms and no polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with more than two double bonds. To study the biological significance of PUFAs in yeast, we introduced Kluyveromyces lactis Δ12 fatty acid desaturase (KlFAD2) and ω3 fatty acid desaturase (KlFAD3) genes into S. cerevisiae to produce linoleic and α‐linolenic acids in S. cerevisiae. The strain producing linoleic and α‐linolenic acids showed an alkaline pH‐tolerant phenotype. DNA microarray analyses showed that the transcription of a set of genes whose expressions are under the repression of Rim101p were downregulated in this strain, suggesting that Rim101p, a transcriptional repressor which governs the ion tolerance, was activated. In line with this activation, the strain also showed elevated resistance to Li+ and Na+ ions and to zymolyase, a yeast lytic enzyme preparation containing mainly β‐1,3‐glucanase, indicating that the cell wall integrity was also strengthened in this strain. Our findings demonstrate a novel influence of PUFA production on transcriptional control that is likely to play an important role in the early stage of alkaline stress response. The Accession No. for microarray data in the Center for Information Biology Gene Expression database is CBX68. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical and Pathologic Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy in Advanced Esophageal Cancer Patients
Authors: Akutsu Yasunori , Matsubara Hisahiro , Shuto Kiyohiko , Uesato Masaya , Mori Mikito , Hoshino Isamu , Shiratori Toru , Miyazawa Yukimasa , Ito Hisao , Uno Takashi
Published: February 2009

Background

Chemoradiation therapy (CRT) has the strongest antitumor effect against local tumors of esophageal cancer; however, no standard strategy has yet been established to achieve a clinical complete response (CR) after CRT. The aim of this study was to clarify when a decision can be made to perform further treatment for a clinical CR.

Methods

We evaluated 78 patients that underwent an esophagectomy after neoadjuvant CRT in our department between 1998 and 2007. The study investigated the clinical and pathologic results of neoadjuvant CRT.

Results

Of the 78 cases, 19 (24.3%) were a pathologic CR (Grade 3). Pathologic CR could be estimated in only 3 of 8 clinical CR cases (37.5%). On the other hand, 12 (20.7%) of the 58 clinical partial response (PR) cases achieved pathologic CR. Likewise, 4 cases (36.4%) achieved pathologic CR among the clinical no change/progressive disease (NC/PD) patients.

Conclusions

The clinical evaluation for CRT does not reflect the pathologic effectiveness and, even if clinical CR was achieved, viable cancer cells were still present at the primary site in the majority of the population.
Genetic Library: Grief and Bereavement
Authors: Sebold Courtney , Koil Christine
Published: February 2009

As genetic counselors, we frequently encounter families that have experienced a significant loss, be it a pregnancy, a child, or a parent. The purpose of this Genetic Library is to introduce genetic counselors to some of the research that is currently being conducted in the areas of grief and bereavement support, as well as end‐of‐life care. Of course, it is impossible to capture the richness of these articles in one or two paragraphs. We therefore encourage interested genetic counselors to request and review the full version of these papers.
Self-Assembled 3D Flower-Like Hierarchical β-Ni(OH)2Hollow Architectures and their In Situ Thermal Conversion to NiO
Authors: Zhu Lu-Ping , Liao Gui-Hong , Yang Yang , Xiao Hong-Mei , Wang Ji-Fen , Fu Shao-Yun
Published: February 2009

Three-dimensional (3D) flower-like hierarchicalβ-Ni(OH)2hollow architectures were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal route. The as-obtained products were well characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM (HRTEM), SAED, and DSC-TGA. It was shown that the 3D flower-like hierarchicalβ-Ni(OH)2hollow architectures with a diameter of several micrometers are assembled from nanosheets with a thickness of 10–20 nm and a width of 0.5–2.5 μm. A rational mechanism of formation was proposed on the basis of a range of contrasting experiments. 3D flower-like hierarchical NiO hollow architectures with porous structure were obtained after thermal decomposition at appropriate temperatures. UV–Vis spectra reveal that the band gap of the as-synthesized NiO samples was about 3.57 eV, exhibiting obviously red shift compared with the bulk counterpart.
Thyroid gland management in total laryngectomy: Meta‐analysis and surgical recommendations
Authors: Mendelson Asher A. , Al‐Khatib Talal A. , Julien Marilyse , Payne Richard J. , Black Martin J. , Hier Michael P.
Published: February 2009

Objectives

1) Review the incidence of thyroid gland invasion by squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma reported in the literature. 2) Assess the association between thyroid gland invasion and anatomical characteristics of the laryngeal tumor.

Data Sources

MEDLINE (1967‐2007) and EMBASE (1980‐2007). These databases were supplemented with 61 patients from McGill University who underwent total laryngectomy with hemi‐ or total thyroidectomy from 2001‐2006.

Review Methods

Systematic review for series of laryngeal carcinoma that commented on thyroid gland invasion according to tumor subsite and pathological characteristics. Total laryngectomy specimens for primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma with concomitant thyroid resection were included in the analysis.

Results

In total, eight series (n = 399) were included in the meta‐analysis. Thyroid gland invasion was present in 33 laryngectomy specimens (8%); the principal method of invasion of the gland was by direct extralaryngeal extension. Subglottic extension > 10 mm (OR 7.22 [2.05 to 25.46]; P = 0.002), transglottic tumors (OR 3.23 [1.16 to 9.00]; P = 0.025), and subglottic subsite (OR 5.66 [1.34 to 23.87]; P = 0.018) were all significantly associated with thyroid gland invasion. Cartilaginous invasion by tumor was not a significant predictor of thyroid gland invasion (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Thyroid gland invasion is not a general feature of squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma. When present, it is strongly associated with anteroinferior spread of advanced laryngeal tumors. Thyroidectomy may only be required during total laryngectomy for transglottic tumors, subglottic tumors, and tumors with subglottic extension >10 mm.
Medially originated inverted papilloma
Authors: Lee Ta‐Jen , Huang Chi‐Che , Chen Yi‐Wei , Chang Kai‐Ping , Fu Chia‐Hsiang , Chang Po‐Hung
Published: February 2009

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of medially originated inverted papilloma (MOIP) and compare them with laterally originated inverted papilloma (LOIP).

Methods

A retrospective review of the charts for a total of 83 patients with sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) was conducted. Tumors originating from the nasal septum or the turbinates were categorized as MOIP, whereas tumors originating from the four sinuses were categorized as LOIP.

Results

Twenty‐eight (34%) and 55 (66%) cases were categorized as MOIP and LOIP. MOIP from the middle turbinate behaved more aggressively than LOIP from the ethmoid sinus (P = 0.009), but less aggressively than LOIP from the maxillary medial wall (P < 0.05). Radical procedures were implemented in 14 patients with LOIP, but not in any patients with MOIP (P = 0.002). The recurrence rates were comparable in both groups (P = 0.472).

Conclusions

The categorization of IP on the basis of tumor origin enabled a better surgical design and more accurate excision of the tumor. Although in some cases MOIP may behave more aggressively, radical procedures were indicated in only the late Krouse stage LOIP without compromising the recurrence rate.
The evolution of management for inverted papilloma: An analysis of 200 cases
Authors: Lawson William , Patel Zara M.
Published: February 2009

Objectives

To assess the evolution of management within one institution with the largest case series and longest clinical follow‐up of IP to date in the literature and to compare this management with what has been recently presented in publication.

Method

A case series was performed assessing sex, age, presenting symptoms, origin of lesion, staging, primary versus recurrence, radiographic findings, method of treatment, rate of recurrence, and associated malignancy.

Results

Two hundred patients (average age, 57) underwent endoscopic or endoscopic‐assisted resection of IP. The mean follow‐up was 4.3 years (range, 9 months‐19 years). Eighty percent of cases over the last decade had prior surgery before presentation. Sixty‐three percent were Krouse stage T3, and 25 percent were T4. Combined approaches were used for 57 percent of the most recent 40 cases, including Caldwell‐Luc, lateral rhinotomy, medial maxillectomy, trephine, or osteoplastic flap.

Conclusion

Inverted papilloma can be addressed endoscopically when possible, with data from this study and the current literature suggesting this is feasible in 43 percent to 66 percent of cases. This decision should be made for each individual case, and variables that will likely affect the decision to use adjuvant external approaches include significant scarring and anatomic distortion from previous surgery, high Krouse stage, and associated malignancy.
Effect of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty on endothelial function in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Lee Mei‐Yu , Lin Ching‐Chi , Lee Kuo‐Sheng , Wang Ying‐Piao , Liaw Shwu‐Fang , Chiu Chung‐Hsin , Wu Kun‐Ming
Published: February 2009

Objectives

This study evaluates the effects of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) on serum levels of nitric oxide derivatives (NOx) and endothelial function by endothelium dependent flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Study Design

Prospective study.

Subjects and Methods

Fifteen healthy subjects and 30 subjects with moderately severe to severe OSAS who desired UPPP were prospectively enrolled. FMD was measured by high‐resolution B‐mode ultrasonography; serum level of NOx from peripheral blood samples was also measured. All subjects participated in sleep studies. These studies were repeated 3 months after UPPP in OSAS patients.

Results

For healthy patients, there was no difference in serum level of NOx and FMD between baseline and 3 months later. The serum levels of NOx in 14 of 30 patients with OSAS – designated surgical responders – increased from 13.9 ± 5.5 μM preoperation to 28.9 ± 8.2 μM postoperatively. FMD increased from 5.2 ± 5.0 preoperatively to 10.0 ± 4.7 postoperatively. For the 16 unresponsive patients, serum NOx and FMD remained impaired after UPPP.

Conclusion

Successful treatment of OSAS with UPPP leads to restoration of FMD and normal serum levels of NOx.
Laryngotracheal reconstruction with posterior costal cartilage grafts: Outcomes at a single institution
Authors: Rizzi Mark D. , Thorne Marc C. , Zur Karen B. , Jacobs Ian N.
Published: February 2009

Objective

To describe our outcomes after laryngotracheal reconstruction that required posterior costal cartilage grafting focused on decannulation rates and complications.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Subjects and Methods

Charts were reviewed on 58 patients. Operation specific and overall decannulation rates were determined. Complications were reviewed and correlated with technique of graft placement. Available voice outcomes were reviewed.

Results

Forty‐eight patients were included. There was no statistically significant correlation between degree of stenosis and rate of decannulation. The overall decannulation rate, regardless of number of surgeries performed, was 96 percent. The relative risk for complications was higher among children who had a sutured versus a sutureless flanged posterior graft (RR = 2.5, P < 0.01). The most common voice anomaly was supraglottic compression.

Conclusions

Operation‐specific decannulation rates are not significantly different with increasing disease severity, although the power to detect small differences in this study is low. Sutureless graft placement is associated with a lower complication rate. Supraglottic compression is a common postoperative compensatory vocal behavior and may correlate with disease severity.
Drainage post‐thyroglossal duct remnant surgery: Possible source and analysis
Authors: Bakar Saraiza Abu , Martinez‐Alvernia Efrain A. , Mankarious Leila A.
Published: February 2009

Objective

To establish the distance between tongue base salivary tissue and hyoid. Also, to identify protein differences between thyroglossal duct (TGD) remnants and salivary tissue in order to distinguish drainage source post Sistrunk surgery.

Methods/Setting

The anterior neck block was obtained from 10 adult cadavers with no known neck pathology. The distance between the normal salivary tissue and hyoid was measured histologically. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was then performed on 20 archived tissue blocks from pediatric patients post Sistrunk surgery to identify the presence of amylase, MUC5AC (tracheobronchial mucin), and MUC7 (salivary mucin) within the excised specimen.

Results

Average distance between salivary tissue and the hyoid within adult human cadavers was 3.3 mm (range, 1.0‐4.2 mm). IHC revealed all excised TGD remnants contained amylase and MUC5AC but none contained MUC7. Both amylase and MUC7 were present within adjacent salivary tissues.

Conclusions

Salivary tissue of the tongue base normally resides an average of 3.3 mm from the hyoid within the adult population. Biochemical analysis showed MUC5AC was specific for TGD remnants while MUC7 was specific for salivary tissue. Amylase does not distinguish between the two tissues.
Validation of the pharyngeal squeeze maneuver
Authors: Fuller Scott C. , Leonard Rebecca , Aminpour Shervin , Belafsky Peter C.
Published: February 2009

Objective

The pharyngeal squeeze maneuver (PSM) is a surrogate measure of pharyngeal strength on endoscopy. The validity of this measure has not been reported. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the validity of the PSM.

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Subjects and Methods

Simultaneous endoscopic and fluoroscopic swallow evaluations were performed on a cohort of individuals with dysphagia. The PSM was compared to a validated measure of pharyngeal strength, the pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR). An elevated PCR indicates a weakened pharynx.

Results

The mean PCR for subjects with an intact PSM was 0.06 (± 0.08), compared to a mean PCR of 0.31 (± 0.20) for individuals with an absent PSM. The PCR was significantly higher, indicating a weaker pharynx, in persons with an absent PSM (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The PCR is elevated in persons with a diminished pharyngeal squeeze. These data suggest the pharyngeal squeeze maneuver is a valid surrogate measure of pharyngeal motor integrity.